Libby Fens, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Libby Fens offering original and creative paper crafting projects. I host monthly Card Buffets, specialty classes and weekly inspiration for card making.

Freshly Made Sketches

Furry & Bright

· 4 Comments

Happy Sunday!

Whipped up this cute card today –

libbystamps, Stampin Up, Christmas Scottie Bundle, Christmas Scottie, Scottie Dog Punch, Celebrate Everything DSP, Freshly Made Sketches, Christmas In July

I am in love with this cute little Scottie dog! We have now have a Scottie Dog Punch!

libbystamps, Stampin Up, Christmas Scottie Bundle, Christmas Scottie, Scottie Dog Punch, Celebrate Everything DSP, Freshly Made Sketches, Christmas In July

I combined it with this sweet Celebrate Everything Designer Series Paper. It seems to be my go-to these days! It is a hostess only item.

I have not joined any challenges lately, but I was inspired by Freshly Made Sketches –

This sweet little card just fit the challenge wonderfully!

libbystamps, Stampin Up, Christmas Scottie Bundle, Christmas Scottie, Scottie Dog Punch, Celebrate Everything DSP, Freshly Made Sketches, Christmas In July

Shop any of the products for this fabulous card by clicking on any of the icons below. I appreciate your support of my small, home based business. Thank you in advance!


Hello

· 5 Comments

Happy Friday!

I managed to create a card just because! Well, actually I was inspired by a challenge at Freshly Made Sketches –

I have been playing around with these adorable ladybugs lately –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, Hello Ladybug, Hello Ladybug Bundle, Layering Circles Dies, Daffodil Delight DSP, Pattern Party DSP, Ladybug Builder Punch, Freshly Made Sketches, SAB, Sale-A-Bration, Sale-a-bration 2022

And when opened –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, Hello Ladybug, Hello Ladybug Bundle, Layering Circles Dies, Daffodil Delight DSP, Pattern Party DSP, Ladybug Builder Punch, Freshly Made Sketches, SAB, Sale-A-Bration, Sale-a-bration 2022

The ladybug is in the window on a piece of acetate!

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, Hello Ladybug, Hello Ladybug Bundle, Layering Circles Dies, Daffodil Delight DSP, Pattern Party DSP, Ladybug Builder Punch, Freshly Made Sketches, SAB, Sale-A-Bration, Sale-a-bration 2022How cute is this?!?!

This front, brightly patterned yellow is from the free Sale-a-bration Daffodil Afternoon Designer Series Paper. The strip is from the Pattern Party Designer Series paper.

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, Hello Ladybug, Hello Ladybug Bundle, Layering Circles Dies, Daffodil Delight DSP, Pattern Party DSP, Ladybug Builder Punch, Freshly Made Sketches, SAB, Sale-A-Bration, Sale-a-bration 2022

I stamped the leaf and fussy cut it for easy placement in the window. The ladybugs could have also been stamped, but I made them the easy way with the punch and card stock stamping the dots on the wings.

Just as sweet as can be!

Thanks for the inspiration Freshly Made Sketches!

You’re So Fancy Now

· 4 Comments

Happy Sunday!

I’ve been playing with the Paper Blooms Designer Series Paper a lot lately!

PAPER BLOOMS 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER

It has really became a favorite! And, it’s an option for Sale-a-bration.

I was inspired by Freshly Made Sketches latest sketch –

Combining the two, here is what I came up with –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up!, In Bloom, Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Paper Blooms DSP, Well Suited Twine Combo Pack, Freshly Made Sketches, #FMS473, SAB, Sale-A-Bration, Sale-a-bration 2021, Saleabration, Saleabration 2021

It is a double fold too!

libbystamps, Stampin' Up!, In Bloom, Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Paper Blooms DSP, Well Suited Twine Combo Pack, Freshly Made Sketches, #FMS473, SAB, Sale-A-Bration, Sale-a-bration 2021, Saleabration, Saleabration 2021

The flower in the center is fussy cut from one of the patterns in the pack.

I used the Stitched So Sweetly Dies for the scallop border and base for the mini card the flower sits on.

libbystamps, Stampin' Up!, In Bloom, Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Paper Blooms DSP, Well Suited Twine Combo Pack, Freshly Made Sketches, #FMS473, SAB, Sale-A-Bration, Sale-a-bration 2021, Saleabration, Saleabration 2021

This is just a sweet card! Thanks for the inspiration this week Freshly Made!

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – In Bloom
  • Dies / Embossing – Stitched So Sweetly Dies
  • Card Stock – Rococo Rose, Basic White, Night of Navy
  • Ink – Rococo Rose
  • DSP – Paper Blooms
  • Other – Well Suited Twine Combo Pack

Simple Things

· 2 Comments

Happy Wednesday!

I am working on random stampy things and I needed a bit of a break!

The sketch over at Freshly Made Sketches caught my eye today –

Conveniently, I have new stamps sitting on my desk!

This gem took (believe it or not,) several attempts!

libbystamps, Stampin' Up!, Enjoy The Moment, Stamps Ink Paper, Freshly Made Sketches, #FMS462

Sometimes, simple, elegant cards are harder than they look! This card is literally, stamps, ink, and paper!

I started with the Enjoy The Moment stamp set. It has several natural looking plant images and some lovely sentiments. Hence my serene color choices.

I stamped the images on the ‘wrong’ side of the paper so the cut edges would be more visible.

I’m thinking I’m going to love this new stamp set! How about you? 

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Enjoy The Moment
  • Card Stock – Sahara Sand, Whisper White
  • Ink – Sahara Sand, Soft Suede, Merry Merlot

Stocking Up On The Love

· 2 Comments

Happy Sunday!

I decided to play around with the Tag Buffet stamp set today. I was inspired by this sketch at Freshly Made Sketches –

I just love this layout! I went with a cutesy Christmas card –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up!, Tag Buffet, 'Tis The Season 6 x 6 DSP, Blends, Freshly Made Sketches, #FMS458

I stamped the five stocking in Basic Gray and colored each with Blends. Then the fun began with cutting each one out! These were quite easy I must say!

I liked this sort of retro-modern pattern from the ‘Tis The Season 6 x 6  Designer Series Paper. I placed my panel on that, along with a Shaded Spruce base. Love it! It just pops!

Red and shades of green are my favorite Christmas colors. What are yours?

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Tag Buffet
  • Card Stock – Shaded Spruce, Whisper White
  • Ink – Basic Gray
  • DSP – ‘Tis The Season 6 x 6
  • Other – Blends in Real Red, Shaded Spruce

Curvy Christmas

· 2 Comments

Hello Wednesday!

Hello playing with new stuff today! 

This is a perk of being a demonstrator – you can do this just as a hobby you know – getting to order stuff before everyone else does!

The Curvy Celebrations product line consists of two stamps, one set of dies, and Designer Series Paper. Here, I used the Curvy Christmas stamp set, along with the Classic Christmas 6 x 6 Designer Series Paper –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up!, Curvy Christmas, Curvy Dies, Quite Curvy Variety Bundle, Classic Christmas 6 x 6  DSP, Freshly Made Sketches, #FMS457

Both of these patterns are in the pack of paper, I colored the ‘berries’ on the paper with Blends to tie in the colors. The sentiment is curvy as the name implies and so are the dies! Pretty cool and excited about this!

I just could not wait to play with new stuff! As a starting point, Freshly Made Sketches sparked my creativity with their layout. It was perfect for this –

Wouldn’t you agree?

These new products will be available November 3, 2020 until January 4, 2021. Please let me know if you’d like more information on them!

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Curvy Christmas
  • Dies / Embossing – Curvy Dies
  • Bundle – Quite Curvy Variety
  • Card Stock – Soft Sea Foam, Whisper White
  • Ink – Cherry Cobbler
  • DSP – Classic Christmas 6 x 6
  • Other – Cherry Cobbler Blends

Thanks

· 4 Comments

Happy last day of September!

Wait, what? Last. Day. Of. September. Shaking my head as the time is just flying by!

Tuesday, September 29 was National Coffee Day, yes, apparently that is a thing! So, this week I’m featuring coffee.

Today, I liked the sketch from Freshly Made Sketches –

I went with a bit of a Halloween theme –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up!, Press On, Magic in This Night DSP, Black Rhinestone Jewels, #FMS455, Freshly Made Sketches

Simple. Sweet. Thankful.

I started with a square base of 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″. I added the panels of the Magic in This Night Designer Series Paper.

I stamped the coffee cup from press on three times and fussy cut each of them to create the parts of a to-go cup. The center is also from the same pattern paper.

For the sentiment, I just used the word thanks.

So sweet! What do you think?

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Press On
  • Card Stock – Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie
  • Ink – Black Memento
  • DSP – Magic in This Night
  • Other – retired Black Rhinestone Jewels

Paper Pumpkin Trio

· 4 Comments

Happy Friday, happy Freshly Made Friday! 

I have a sweet Paper Pumpkin card inspired by Freshly Made Sketches  today!

The latest Paper Pumpkin kit is just filled with wonderful things to create with!

Here is the kit contents –

I don’t really need treat holders, but, I can create cards using them!

Look at this adorable fall card –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up!, Hello Pumpkin Paper Pumpkin kit, September 2020 Paper Pumpkin Kit Hello Pumpkin, Apple Builder Punch, #FMS454, Freshly Made Sketches, Nature's Thoughts Dies

I punched three pumpkins using the Apple Builder Punch from the treat containers. Nice that they are reversible with a pattern on both sides! One of the patterns is diagonal, but I punched it out to where the lines are straight up and down.

I stacked the pumpkins on a die cut from Nature’s Thoughts Dies.

I added the swirls (stems) and leaves from the kit.

I only added the Whisper White card base and layer. See, the kit has soo much to create with! 

You can get the next Paper Pumpkin kit by subscribing here. It is a fun filled surprise each month! Usually cards, but as you can see, you can get creative with whatever you get in the kit!

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Hello Pumpkin Paper Pumpkin kit
  • Dies / Embossing – Nature’s Thoughts
  • Card Stock – Whisper White
  • Ink – Early Espresso
  • Punches – Apple Builder
  • Other – September 2020 Paper Pumpkin kit Hello Pumpkin

Enjoy

· 6 Comments

Hello! I hope today finds you in a creative mood!

Perhaps you need a little inspiration?

I got mine today from Freshly Made Sketches –

 

Simply a lovely sketch!

How about creating with a persnickety cat? I managed to do just that!

libbystamps, Stampin' Up!, Pampered Pets, Pet Dies, Layering Circles Dies, Stitched Leaves Dies, Pampered Pets Bundle, Playful Pets DSP, Playful Pets Trinkets, #FMS453, Freshly Made Sketches

I initially fussy cut the cat and die cut the circle of random cat things from the Playful Pets Designer Series Paper. I was going to do with just those two elements and decided to get a little fancier.

I added the stitched element along the side of the card using the Stitched Leaves Dies. It resembled cat scratches in my mind.

To go just a little further, I added a heart from the Playful Pets Trinkets tied with a piece of retired twine.

Soooo cute! I have two cats and this is SO them!

What do you think? Perfect card for your discerning friends, lol! 

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Pampered Pets
  • Dies / Embossing – Pet Dies, Layering Circles Dies, Stitched Leaves Dies
  • Bundle – Pampered Pets
  • Card Stock – Sahara Sand
  • Ink – Black Memento
  • DSP – Playful Pets
  • Other – Playful Pets Trinkets

 

Faith

· 14 Comments

Hello Friday!

What a week it has been.

I created this card on Wednesday, but had trouble posting it.

libbystamps, Stampin' Up!, Freshly Made Sketches, #FMS452, Ridiculously Awesome, Forever Fern Dies, In Good Taste DSP

Simple. Serene. Mood invoking.

Wednesday was the funeral for my brother.

I planned his memorial. I spoke at his service. I needed the courage to speak. So I created a card for myself, yes, me. 

And, it helped give me the strength to get through the day.

Ironically, I had already made the card before I had found the sketch from Freshly Made Sketches that was the same as my design! How interesting was that??

I just saw this sentiment and it was soo fitting! That was my starting point for my card. Shades of 70’s style brown reminded me of him as well. I added the Vellum die cut leaves from the Forever Fern Dies as they added just the right amount of softness.

Now I look at this card and really see the beauty in the phrase.

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Ridiculously Awesome
  • Dies / Embossing – Forever Fern Dies
  • Card Stock – Cinnamon Cider, Vellum
  • Ink – Misty Moonlight
  • DSP – In Good Taste

 

Hi, Dinoroar

· 3 Comments

Oh, todays post sort of takes me back! I used to have Freshly Made Fridays!

In my early days of card making and card challenges, Freshly Made Sketches was always a go-to for me. This week, their challenge is this, a retro challenge from back in the day –

I looked to see if I made something with this particular sketch, but I had not. That would have been cool to share.

I did make this for this retro challenge –

#libbystamps, #Stampin' Up!, #Dino Dies, #Hand Lettered Prose Dies, #Eyelet Lace EF, #Dinoroar DSP, #2" Circle Punch, #Starburst Punch, #Freshly Made Sketches, #FMS#1, #FMS#400

Love these little dino-guys!

As you can see, there are no stamped images on the card! Even the dino is from the Designer Series Paper! It’s the exact size for the dies! Easy, peasy!

Sentiment is also a die, the Hand Lettered Prose.

The background is the new Eyelet Lace that is just too cute. It is perfect on this card!

What do you think? Wouldn’t you love to receive this card????

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

  • Dies / Embossing – Dino Dies, Hand Lettered Prose Dies, Eyelet Lace EF
  • Card Stock – Lovely Lipstick, Flirty Flamingo
  • DSP – Dinoroar
  • Punches – 2″ Circle, Starburst

Hello, My Peeps

· 6 Comments

Happy Sunday!

I decided to play around with this Basket Bunch Bundle from the Occasion Mini catalog.

I didn’t get too far in playing because I stopped with these little cuties! You’ll understand…..

I get weekly updates from Freshly Made Sketches. It was my first sketch challenge to follow and play around with. I still love their style, but haven’t played around with then in forever!

This week, this is their challenge –

I struck me as I was looking at the pieces from this bundle. I quickly came up with this sweet little card –

libbystamps, stampin up, Basket Bunch, Basket Builder, Labeler Alphabet, Peeps, Freshly Made Sketches, FSM273, hello

AhDOORable, right?? Because who doesn’t love Peeps??

libbystamps, stampin up, Basket Bunch, Basket Builder, Labeler Alphabet, Peeps, Freshly Made Sketches, FSM273, hello

I stamped each one and framelit cut them out. Yes. there IS a coordinating framelit for these little cuties! 

libbystamps, stampin up, Basket Bunch, Basket Builder, Labeler Alphabet, Peeps, Freshly Made Sketches, FSM273, hello

I stamped the greeting after eyeballing the placement of the Peeps. I popped each one up on a partial Dimensional. The inside of the card says ‘Peeps’ using the same Labeler Alphabet.

In looking at the sketch, the solid color lines reminded me of the long narrow boxes Peeps come in. Sometimes, the larger packs have 9 peeps if I recall…..Anyway, this sketch just spoke to me with these Peeps!!

I’d love to hear what you think of the card! I can’t wait to make a few more and send them out!!!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Easter Joy

· 2 Comments

Simple. Serene. That is my post for today. One last Easter share.

I made this cards for Freshly Made Sketches challenge this week. The photograph after several attempts turned out not so good. I’m thinking it’s because the card is predominately Barely Banana, which is sort of a washed out color. Perfect Easter color though. The size is a note card, 3 1/2 x 5 size as well. So, smaller than our average card. It just seemed to help balance my focal point of the cross from Crosses of Hope.

Still not feeling up to par, but I’m trudging along with my card making and posting. It has been my goal to keep up with blogging.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful day, however you celebrate it.

Happy Easter
Libby

20130331-111526.jpg

Good Luck

· 8 Comments

Need a little luck? This sweet little number was made to send to one of my daughters who could always use a ‘good luck’ wish during these college midterms and finals.

To get my creativity going, I combined two challenges this week. I used Nacho Average Challenge for the colors and Freshly Made Sketches for the layout. They both turned out pretty good I think.

I must say, I read the color combination wrong the first time and had a similar card all designed. It just looked, washed out to me. So I debated about even submitting it using both challenges and decided against it because I just didn’t like the results. For some reason I read the colors again. Whew, saved me. These are much better. So, back to work again. And, I’m happy with the results! Gumball Green, Whisper White and Certainly Celery.

I made a similar shamrock before using the (retired) Blossom Triple Layer Punch. I loved it then and I love it now! Although that punch was a bit cumbersome to use – I kept mine and still pull it out every once in a while.

Hope you like my combination of challenges for today. You are here, this far, so go ahead and leave a comment. Comments are always nice to read.

Happy Stampin
Libby

 

20130307-075321.jpg

Freshly Made Fridays, #26

· 3 Comments

Ah, getting into some more card designing. I have my Card Buffet next weekend, so I am still creating cards.

Will this one make the buffet?

I wanted to incorporate either Sale-A-Bration products or the Occasions Mini Catalog. The Occasions Mini won out. I went with the Twitterpated DSP, Mixed Bunch, and Blossom Punch.

My design inspiration came from Freshly Made Sketches, of course, it’s Friday. Sometimes as stampers, we need the nudge. Here was what I worked from –

Well, what do you think? I love to read your comments!

Supplies. Mixed Bunch Stamp Set. Fabulous Phrases Stamp Set. Island Indigo Ink. Pool Party, Riding Hood Red, and Whisper White Card Stocks. Vellum Paper. Twitterpated DSP. Blossom Punch. Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch. 2 1/2″ Circle Punch. Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack. 3/8″ Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon.

To make my flower, I stamped once in Island Indigo onto Whisper White, then inked up my stamp again and stamped onto Vellum Paper. All the layers are popped up with lots of Dimensionals!

Happy Stampin’

Libby

shoppin’

Freshly Made Fridays, #24

· 6 Comments

Finally. After lots of interruptions.

I decided to make playing along with this weeks Freshly Made Sketch challenge a priority.

Last week, I was busy preparing and cutting and cutting and more cutting for my card buffet. It, literally, was not in the cards for me to participate. Although, last week was a really cool sketch

…….anyway, here is what I came up with for this week –

Not too bad, eh? I just LOVE this stamp set. I got it last week and have been trying to decide how to use it. So, here we go. My finished card was a bit tricky to photograph as it kept curling. Totally the Lattice’s fault!

Supplies. I Dig You Stamp Set. Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White Card Stocks. Brights Collection DSP Paper Stack. Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade and Basic Black Stampin’ Write Markers (yes, I know these are different colors than the card stock – card took a different direction and the markered image worked). Lattice Embossing Folder.

This was the actual sketch, in case it was not obvious –

Hope you enjoyed my take on it this week. I love to read your comments. You’ve got this far, so now, leave a comment! :  )

Happy Stampin’

Libby

shoppin’

Freshly Made Fridays, #22

· 12 Comments

So it’s Friday and I have a card to share. See –

I just pulled a card base, and looked through my drawers of paper to find just the right size to go with my DSP. Love this punch, so I had to try that too. And, YES, it cut/punched through the preprinted window sheet! Yay! So, end result is a cute layered flower.

My inspiration came from none other than Freshly Made Sketches –

Now this one was a challenge for me. But, I turned my card long ways and it just came together. What do you think?

Supplies. Loving Thoughts Stamp Set. StazOn Ink. Whisper White and Melon Mambo Card Stocks. Night & Day Specialty DSP (so sad, it’s retired). Blossom Punch. Boho Blossoms Punch. Modern Label Punch. Basic Black 1/2″ Scallop Dots Ribbon.

I liked the way I completed this challenge. After all, this was exactly that for me.

And. looking at these pictures, I need a new paper trimmer…..ugh.

Happy Stampin’

Libby

shoppin’

Freshly Made, Mondays

· 7 Comments

I was really excited when I saw this weeks challenge on Freshly Made Sketches –

I went through all my scraps because I knew I wanted to use this retired DSP. I just did not know what I wanted to pair it with. This is what I came up with –

A birthday card, a late birthday card that is. There are lots of December birthdays that go by the way because of Christmas. It is sad I know. So, this card is appropriate for birthdays during this month.

It uses a Christmas DSP from a Southern Living Mega kit some years ago. It was a favorite of mine, but never came out in anything else. The crocheted flowers are a retired item too, Accents & Elements Fleurettes. The card base is Pink Pirouette accented with the Silver Glimmer Paper.

Hope you enjoyed my take on this weeks sketch. I really enjoy reading all your comments about my participation. They make me smile! So, thanks!

Happy Stampin’

Libby

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