#TGIFC158 Color Challenge

This week I am participating in the TGIF Color Challenge. I love these colors together!

For this card, I went to my shelf of retiring stamp sets and picked out one that I am going to miss, Tranquil Tulips. This is a host set, so it can only be purchased using host dollars. Host an online party with me during May, or place a $150 order yourself, and it can be yours!

I stamped off for the back layer of the tulips. The sentiment is from the stamp set You're Inspiring, which is sticking around! And that black and white paper is from the Petal Passion DSP, which I'm surprised hasn't sold out yet. It is so pretty, and there are so many different ways to add color to it! See a full list of supplies used below, and don't hesitate to buy the products that are retiring because they won't be around for much longer!

Stamps: Tranquil Tulips (host), You're Inspiring
Ink: Basic Black, Berry Burst, Lemon Lime Twist
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Berry Burst, Petal Passion DSP
Accessories & Tools: Petals & More Thinlits, Big Shot, Glitter Enamel Dots

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Always Here for You

I'm back today with a fun color combo for you - Rich Razzleberry, Bermuda Bay, and Lemon Lime Twist, with a little Basic Gray thrown in. Almost all of the products used on today's card are retiring.

I used the Heart Happiness stamp set for all of the hearts. You might think of this set as being for Valentine's Day, and while it's great for that, it can be used for so much more! This is one of my favorite stamp sets in the Occasions Catalog, and it will be staying on my shelf. Right along with it are the coordinating Sweet & Sassy Framelits. Out of all the products retiring, this is the one I can't believe! I am so sad that they are getting rid of these dies!

The Lemon Lime Twist Mini Striped Ribbon is another favorite. I was on the fence about this color for a long time, but now that it's been around for a year I'm starting to like it. This ribbon is retiring too, but watch for some new colors in a slightly different size in the new catalog!

Finally, the sentiment comes from the Ronald McDonald House Charity stamp set, Sharing Sweet Thoughts. I've had this set for almost a year and this was the first time I inked it up. Oops! It is punched out with the Classic Label Punch, which is sticking around.


Stay tuned later this week for a post about this month's Christmas cards!


Stamps: Heart Happiness, Sharing Sweet Thoughts
Ink: Basic Gray, Bermuda Bay, Lemon Lime Twist, Rich Razzleberry
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Gray
Accessories & Tools: Sweet & Sassy Framelits, Big Shot, Classic Label Punch, Lemon Lime Twist 3/8" Mini Striped Ribbon, Tutti Frutti Sequins

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Stamp 'n' Hop April: Message in a Bottle

Welcome to April's Stamp 'n' Hop blog hop! We are a group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators from around the world, coming together to share our creativity with you. I am coming to you from Gilbert, Arizona, USA. This month we are featuring some of our favorite products from the 2017-2018 Annual Catalog.


If you are a fan of Stampin' Up!, you know that at this time of year, Stampin' Up! announces which products will not be returning in the new Annual Catalog that's coming in June. I decided to use a mixture of retiring and returning favorites. And really, I loved so much in this catalog that it was hard to pick a favorite! Here's what I came up with:

Now let me tell you, this card did not come about easily. Pregnancy hormones have been making me crazy this time around, and the last few weeks have been kind of rough. If you are a regular follower of my blog, you may have noticed an absence of posts this week. I just had to let something go, and this was it. But I really wanted to participate in the blog hop, and so I picked a favorite stamp set that I hadn't used yet: Message in a Bottle. I've had this set for almost a YEAR, and it has been sitting on my shelf. I do have a project in mind for it, but I've been procrastinating on that.


So first I tried notecards. I liked how they turned out, but they seemed too simple for a blog hop. I think this is a great stamp set for easy notecards, so I'll share them anyways. :)

Next, I think I colored that little mermaid 5 times before I found a color combination that I was ok with. I can't wait until we have more colors of Stampin' Blends to play with! (They're coming!!!)


Long story short, this card was a struggle. But in the end, I like how it turned out. I used one of my other favorite stamp sets, Happy Birthday, Gorgeous, for the greeting, along with Pool Party Shimmer Ribbon and Silver Mini Sequin Trim, plus the Stitched Shapes Framelits, which are all sticking around. The background for the mermaid is colored with the Light Pool Party Stampin' Blend Marker, and I used Stampin' Write Markers in Bermuda Bay, Calypso Coral, and So Saffron to color the mermaid herself. The greeting is punched with the Classic Label Punch (also returning), which is a staple to have in your craft room. A little sprinkling of Rhinestones, and the card is complete!


Please leave a comment and let me know what you think, and make sure to hop along to see what the rest of these talented demonstrators have to share with you!

Kayla Adams

Amy Grendel

Tracie Evans Langley

Cheryl Taylor

Linda Handford

Susan Simpson

Laurie Meier

Christina Walker

Britney Vander Laan

Lisa Kmiec

Melissa Kerman

Kirsten Aitchison

Tracey Gouraud

Rachel Traudt - you are here! 

Ilka Teschke

Danielle Kassing

Mo Rootes

Kim Smith

Courtenay Heuston

Jenn Charles

Idonna Miller

Terry Montgomery

Joanne Hodge

Sandra Roberts

Laura Mackie

Mikaela Titheridge

Karen Pearmain

Tracy Lewis

Stamps: Message in a Bottle, Happy Birthday Gorgeous
Ink: Bermuda Bay, Calypso Coral, So Saffron, Night of Navy, Basic Black, Pool Party
Paper: Whisper White, Myths & Magic Specialty DSP, Whisper White Note Cards & Envelopes
Accessories & Tools: Pool Party Shimmer Ribbon, Silver Mini Sequin Trim, Classic Label Punch, Rhinestones, Stitched Shapes Framelits, Big Shot

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

More Myths & Magic!

I have more Myths & Magic for you today, but this time I just used the washi tape. I love washi tape, but I find myself hoarding it and not using it! The Myths & Magic Specialty Washi Tape is so sparkly, it needed to be used on a special card. One of our nephews turned 10 this year, so I used the washi to create the numbers for the card.

This is a really easy technique that can be used with any die. Just line up your washi on cardstock, and then cut with the die. Easy peasy!

Stamps: Number of Years
Ink: Dapper Denim
Paper: Dapper Denim, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper
Accessories & Tools: Lots of Labels Framelits, Stitched Shapes Framelits, Large Numbers Framelits, Big Shot, Myths & Magic Specialty Washi Tape, Glitter Enamel Dots, Metallic Sequin Assortment

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Sweet Soiree Memories & More Baby Card

Happy Friday! I almost didn't get a second blog post up this week because I have been feeling absolutely terrible since Tuesday. I thought the first trimester sickness was over with, but apparently this is going to be a whole pregnancy thing. The good news is that I'm feeling better today, for now. And it's Friday! We usually go out to dinner on Fridays, so I always look forward to it because I don't have to cook. Don't get me wrong, I love to cook, but not so much when I'm feeling nauseous. The less meals I have to cook these days, the better!


Enough about me. My sister had a beautiful baby girl on Sunday, and I wanted to make a special card to congratulate her. It sadly hasn't been put in the mail yet, but soon!

I used the Sweet Soiree Memories & More card pack that you can get for FREE from the Sale-a-bration Catalog. I love the colors and florals in this suite - so springy and pretty! These cards can be used for memory keeping, but I think they make great cards too. And I love them with the Wood Textures DSP Stack! I will be using most of mine this way, I think.


Time to get back to catching up on household chores from the week. Have a great weekend!


Stamps: Layering Love, Petal Palette
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Wood Textures DSP Stack
Accessories & Tools: Sweet Soiree Memories & More Cards (SAB), Whisper White 1/4" Organza Ribbon, Rhinestones, Sweet Soiree Embellishment Kit

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

2018 Word of the Year: Bloom

Wow, it has been since November that I last blogged! Well, it is a new year, and time for a new start.


I thought a good place to start this year would be a post about some of my goals for the year, and the "word of the year" I've chosen. For the last couple of years, I've had a word in mind, but I've never shared publicly. That word was THRIVE. Then 2017 happened. We moved - kind of unexpectedly, we lost a baby to miscarriage, my oldest started kindergarten, and I experienced a hard first trimester of a thankfully healthy pregnancy. And those are just the big things. It was a year of big changes, adjustment, and the word of the year kind of turned into SURVIVE.


So this year I wanted to choose a different word. Maybe some of you have heard the phrase "bloom where you are planted." I thought this was fitting especially because I have not always been content with where I have been "planted." It is a reminder that God puts you in the place where you are for a reason, and with His help, you can do great things! So my word for this year is BLOOM.


I am still using the Love Today Planner, and I wanted to make a page to go in the front with the word BLOOM.

I used the Brushwork Alphabet stamp set, the flowers from the Wood Words stamp set, plus a few accessories from the brand new Sweet Soiree Embellishment Kit. I colored the flowers with Watercolor Pencils and a Blender Pen.


I hope this reminder helps me focus on my goals for this year: first and foremost to take care of my family. God has placed me in a season of life where my husband, children, and home need the majority of my attention, and I want to do my best to fulfill that role. Second, I have long hoped to be chosen for Stampin' Up!'s Artisan Design Team. Instead of focusing on building a business this year, I will focus on making cards and projects to share on my blog. That's it. Two major goals for the year. I have loved reading the goals of my family and friends on social media over the last few days, and I'd love to know what your goals for the new year are, too!


Stamps: Brushwork Alphabet, Wood Words
Ink: Basic Black
Paper: Shimmery White cardstock
Accessories & Tools: Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pens, Sweet Soiree Embellishment Kit

Happy 2018, and happy stamping!

Rachel

Fall Notecard for #TGIF129 Challenge

Have you ever had one of those days where you are just a step behind on everything? We had friends visiting for the past week, and it was so great! But I am low on sleep, and my brain is taking the brunt of it. I forgot to brush my daughter's hair this morning. I went to the store for milk and bread, and forgot the milk. I created an awesome card for the TGIF Challenge this afternoon, and then went to load it only to discover I was a day late. Oops. I think going to bed early tonight is a must!


Since I am kind of in love with this card, I'm going to share it with you anyways. Here is the sketch that inspired it:

And here is the card:

I am still loving all things fall, even though the temps here are continuing to creep towards 100 every day. So I'll have a few more fall projects to share with you, and then I promise we'll get to Christmas!


Stamps: Tabs for Everything
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Soft Sky, Whisper White, Wood Textures DSP, Painted Autumn DSP
Accessories & Tools: Burlap Ribbon, Copper Trim, Stitched Shapes Framelits, Big Shot

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Quick & Easy Thank You Cards

I've got a clean and simple card for you today, and this layout can be used with any Designer Series Paper and ribbon that you'd like!

I think my favorite is the one with the Wood Textures DSP and Copper Trim. I used the 'Thank You' from the Daisy Delight stamp set, but any greeting would work. All of these Designer Series Papers (and more!) are on sale Buy Three Get One Free this month! Shop here and pick out your favorites!


These cards are stamped on a standard size card base, 5 1/2" by 8 1/2". The Whisper White mat is 3 3/8" by 4 5/8", the Designer Series Paper is 3 1/4" by 4 1/2", and the greeting is stamped on a 1" by 3" piece. The little banner underneath the ribbon is 1" by 3/4". I used my Paper Snips to trim the banner end.


Stamps: Daisy Delight
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy, Rich Razzleberry, Early Espresso
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy, Pool Party, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Be Merry DSP, Delightful Daisy DSP, Birthday Memories DSP, Wood Textures DSP Stack
Accessories & Tools: Cherry Cobbler 1/4" Double Stitched Ribbon, Night of Navy 1/2" Gingham Ribbon, Gold 1/8" Ribbon, Copper Trim

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

A Whole Lot of Lovely Hugs

Happy Thursday! This Thursday, I am happy this week is almost over. Anyone else have that type of week? I am looking forward to the fresh start of a new month tomorrow, and a long holiday weekend.


I thought I would share one of the cards from this month's Lovely Inside & Out Class to Go. I don't typically share all of the cards from these classes, but I got a new background paper for taking photos, and I loved how it made this card really pop!

Tomorrow I'll be back with details on my Christmas Card Club, and watch for another Class to Go around the 8th of the month.

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Love Today Planner: Daily Schedule Add-On

My oldest started Kindergarten yesterday. Let's just say day two is going much smoother for everyone! She loved it; the rest of us are having a hard time. Her little brothers kept asking when we could go get her, and I kind of agreed! We are all starting to settle into the routine today though, and it feels good.


Last week, I realized that it would probably help me to have a new routine written down for school days. Having it written down helps me to stay accountable and productive during the day. Anyone else have trouble figuring out what you're supposed to be doing during the day sometimes? No, just me? My mommy brain needs help! So I created this add-on page for my Love Today Planner.

This 6 x 8 plastic sleeve is from the Variety Pack of 6 x 8 photo pocket pages (this specific one is a retired Project Life sleeve, but the same ones are still available without the Project Life name). These sleeves fit perfectly into the planner binder. They are a slightly larger size than the pages of the planner, but still fit in when it is closed. You may just see a tiny bit of the edge.

I used stickers from the planner kit and Stampin' Write markers in coordinating colors to make my daily schedule. I also used the Bundle of Love Specialty DSP and Very Vanilla cardstock. You could use any style of paper and colors that you like.

I'd love to know what additions you've made to your planner! Comment below and tell me!

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Lovely Inside & Out Class to Go

The Lovely Inside & Out stamp set pairs perfectly with the A Whole Lot of Lovely DSP! I think you'll love the class I've designed for you this month!

This stamp set is available in wood mount or clear mount, so make sure to specify which one you want when you order this class. The cost is $42 plus $7 shipping for wood mount, and $33 plus $7 shipping for clear mount. Your class fee includes the Lovely Inside & Out stamp set, plus the supplies and instructions for the 4 cards pictured above. You must purchase the class by August 24, and classes will ship by August 31. If you make an additional $25+ purchase by August 24 using hostess code NDTMT3JA, I will send you a second set of supplies for the cards.


Please email me for a link to purchase this class.

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Berry Burst Congratulations

Today is the final day to purchase this month's class to go featuring the Happy Birthday, Gorgeous stamp set, so I thought I would highlight one of the cards. This is my favorite out of the four cards, and it just might have to do with the main color of the card - Berry Burst! I go back and forth between favorite new In Colors, but this one is currently at the top of my list.

If you are interested in purchasing this class to go, or this month's other offering, the Soft Sayings Card Class, please contact me today. I'll have another class to go ready for you on August 8!

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Christmas in July!

I have a beautiful card to share with you today! I get my inspiration from a lot of places, but this card was copied directly from our demonstrator magazine, Stampin' Success. It's a quarterly magazine, and it's packed full of project ideas and business tips. I love when it shows up in my mailbox!

Pretty, right? I love the new In Colors this year, and those little bow embellishments are adorable. And the best part was I didn't have to design it myself!


There are SO many perks to being a demonstrator, and I thought I would share some with you today, because the Starter Kit special this month is amazing! I made a short video to tell you about the Christmas in July promotion, and it includes a sneak peek of the new Carols of Christmas stamp set and Card Front Builder Thinlits from our upcoming Holiday Catalog. Thanks for taking a look!

If purchasing the Starter Kit is something you are interested in, you can contact me for more information, or sign up here. I would love to have you join my team, Rachel's Naptime Stampers!


Stamps: Happy Birthday, Gorgeous
Ink: Berry Burst
Paper: Berry Burst, Whisper White, Lemon Lime Twist, Fresh Florals DSP Stack
Accessories & Tools: Triple Banner Punch, Metallic Foil Doilies, 2017-2019 In Color Bitty Bows, Silver Metallic Thread

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Delightful Daisies

Every month I try to participate in my team's swap. We each send 4 of the same cards that we've designed, and then we get 4 different ones back. It's a fun way to get samples using products we may not have purchased ourselves, and I always enjoy a little fun mail!


When I started working on this month's swap, I pulled out the Daisy Delight Bundle. It's been on backorder since the new catalog period started, but it's back in stock! I was not truly in love with this bundle until I saw it used for gerbera daisies, and then I knew I had to have it. So that's the direction I went with for my cards. I started with Flirty Flamingo, and then kept going with even more fun colors!

Which one is your favorite? The Daisy Punch is a great one to add to your collection - make sure to add it to your shopping list!

Stamps: Daisy Delight
Ink: Basic Black, Flirty Flamingo, Berry Burst, Lemon Lime Twist, Tempting Turquoise
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Flirty Flamingo, Berry Burst, Lemon Lime Twist, Tempting Turquoise, Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper
Accessories & Tools: Daisy Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Polka Dot Basics EF, Big Shot

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Life is Beautiful

Today I am highlighting one of the cards from this month's class to go featuring the stamp set Colorful Seasons. Did you know that I offer at least one class to go every month? Watch for a new class on the 8th of every month, and have your class shipped to you by the last day of the month. Here's a spoiler: next month's class to go will feature the stamp set Happy Birthday, Gorgeous!


It's nowhere close to fall, but I love the delicate leaf in the Seasonal Layers Thinlits, and I had to use it on a card!

Two Designer Series Papers are featured on this card as well - you can probably tell that one is the Wood Textures DSP Stack, but do you know where the other one comes from? If you guessed the Delightful Daisy DSP, you are right!


I love how this card turned out, and I know that little leaf will be making more appearances in my cards once fall gets here!


Stamps: Colorful Seasons
Ink: Soft Suede
Paper: Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Delightful Daisy DSP, Wood Textures DSP Stack
Accessories & Tools: Seasonal Layers Thinlits, Big Shot, Stitched Shapes Framelits, Linen Thread, Glitter Enamel Dots

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Birthday Memories Gift Bag

My oldest recently turned 5, and she'll be starting kindergarten this fall. I am definitely not ready for that yet! Along with school comes invitations to birthday parties. She's not even in school yet, and we are invited to one tomorrow evening. Thank goodness Stampin' Up! has the perfect suite of products for kids' birthdays - the Birthday Memories Suite.

I used a few of the products from this suite to create a cute gift bag and a matching card.

I love this piece of the Designer Series Paper, and I used both pieces from the package to create the gift bag. I am planning to do a tutorial video next week, so stay tuned for that!

I used a second tag on my matching card, and added in some more of the DSP. Love those polka dots!

This suite of products is one of my favorites in the catalog. I hope you like it too!


Stamps: Birthday Delivery
Ink: Sweet Sugarplum
Paper: Pacific Point, Whisper White, Birthday Memories DSP
Accessories & Tools: Layering Circles Framelits, Big Shot, Crushed Curry Mini Chevron Ribbon, 2017-2019 In Color Bitty Bows, Gift Bag Punch Board

Happy Stamping!

Rachel