Subtle EF

Ink. Stamp. Share. Special Hop.

September 12, 2020 · 13 Comments

Happy Saturday! Welcome to my second hop for the day. This time with –

We have no theme, just what we are working on!

I was working on a few Christmas card ideas!

This is a gorgeous beauty I’d say!

I started with this lovely, large, die cut Poinsettia using the Poinsettia Dies. Notice the inside detailing! I cut three sets of petals and stacked them with a Dimensional in between.

I placed them atop a piece of Heartwarming Hugs Designer Series Paper. This is a really cool, funky shaped pattern.

I added a strip of embossed Mossy Meadow to ground the flower.

Added a sentiment from the coordinating Poinsettia Petals and I felt the card was complete!

What do you think? Pretty festive card I’d say!

Check out the others on the hop. Comments are always wonderful to read.

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

Stamp Set – Poinsettia Petals
Dies / Embossing – Poinsettia Dies, Subtle Embossing Folder
Bundle – Poinsettia Petals
Card Stock – Soft Sea Foam, Real Red, Mossy Meadow, So Saffron
Ink – Mossy Meadow
DSP – Heartwarming Hugs

You Make Me Smile

May 4, 2020 · Leave a Comment

I have a cute little card share today!

I was inspired by Inspire. Create. challenges today with this sketch –

I was thinking about my teacher friends for this one –

A really cute, quick and easy card!

I started with stamping the apple in Poppy Parade from the Harvest Hellos stamp set. Punched it with the coordinating Apple Builder Punch. I knew that is what I wanted my focal point to be.

I pulled put various Designer Series Papers until I found just the right one from Follow Your Art. It looked great a top this Subtle embossed Call Me Clover Panel.

Lastly, I added a die cut ribbon strip from the Arts & Crafts Dies.

Just a great, simple card you think?

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

Stamp Set – Harvest Hellos
Dies / Embossing – Subtle Embossing Folder, Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Arts & Crafts Dies
Card Stock – Whisper White, Call Me Clover, Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Soft Suede
Ink – Poppy Parade, Call Me Clover, Black Memento
DSP – Follow Your Art
Punches – Apple Builder
Other – Whisper White Baker’s Twine

Our Sincerest Condolences

September 20, 2019 · 4 Comments

Hello Friday!

I’m getting ready for a Card Buffet this weekend so I am designing lots of cards in preparation for it.

Sadly, I had to create a condolence card for a good friend who lost her mother earlier in the week.

These are never an easy card to create. And, how did I not have one just in case I needed one????

I came up with one. I kept it simple and to the point.

I decided to use serene colors. And, this stamp set, Kindness & Compassion, was perfect. Wording is key for these type cards.

I’ll admit, I was stumped. Yes, me, the avid card maker.

I had to get inspiration from two sources :

Color Throwdown –

And, Freshly Made Sketches –

Luckily, the colors and the sketch were just what I needed for this type card. Wouldn’t you agree?

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

Stamp Set – Kindness & Compassion
Dies / Embossing – Subtle Embossing Folder
Card Stock – Very Vanilla, Rich Razzleberry, Shaded Spruce, Soft Seafoam,
Ink – Shaded Spruce
Other – Pressed Petals Specialty Washi Tape

Happy Retirement

September 9, 2019 · 1 Comment

Happy Monday!

I was very honored last week. I was asked to create a card for the retiring son of the company founder for the other company I work for, James Avery Artisan Jewelry. Yes, I have another passion, jewelry!

I went with something that related to our store (location) and the company.

And, I used almost all Stampin’ Up! products! The flag piece was the only non-Stampin’ Up! paper.

We are located in a city named Pearland, hence the (retired) pears from Fresh Fruit, that personable touch! Yes, they were fussy cut! The orangish, red banner is part of the gift bag we give out for purchases.

The sentiments are from Itty Bitty Wishes. They were perfect as everyone in our store signed the card. I used the Stamparatus to line them up inside the pears.

I added the Subtle and Beads & Baubles embossed panels for some simple interest in the card.

I was very flattered that everyone loved the card. It was simple, yet masculine. And , very personable.

As with any retirement, on to the next chapter in life. Enjoy, Mr. Avery! You’ll be missed.

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

Stamp Set – Itty Bitty Wishes, Fresh Fruit (retired)
Dies / Embossing – Subtle EF, Beads & Baubles EF
Card Stock – Very Vanilla, Pear Pizzaz, Old Olive, Early Espresso
Ink – Old Olive, Pear Pizzaz, Early Espresso
Punches – Banner Triple
Other – Stamparatus

Create with Connie and Mary Saturday Blog Hop – Back to School

September 7, 2019 · Leave a Comment

Welcome to our Create with Connie and Mary Saturday blog hop!

Our theme this week features back to school.

I created a card for encouragement –

This is one of my favorite sentiments from the Strong & Beautiful stamp set! Yes, I use it quite a bit! I combined it with the Harvest Hellos bundle, also a favorite of mine too!

I stamped the apples in Basic Gray, the sentiment in Black Memento to stand out more since it is soo close to the apple edge.

For a fun ‘back to school’ appeal, I used Real Red, Granny Apple Green and Daffodil Delight colors here.

Go forward to check out Debbie Henderson, and back to Mary Brown. I know they’ll have some great back to school ideas to inspire us!

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

Stamp Set – Harvest Hellos, Strong & Beautiful
Dies / Embossing – Subtle EF
Bundle – Harvest Hellos bundle
Card Stock – Real Red, Whisper White, Granny Apple Green, Early Espresso
Ink – Basic Gray, Black Memento, Granny Apple Green, Early Espresso
DSP – Brights 6×6
Punches – Apple Builder

Wishing You Well

August 27, 2019 · Leave a Comment

Happy Try Stampin’ on Tuesday!

We have another great sketch to inspire you for the next two weeks –

Optional Theme : Plaid / Checks

I’m feeling the fall feels for this challenge!

And, playing with new stuff!

I started with a Cajun Craze card base. When is the last time you pulled out Cajun Craze?? Think about it!

Layered with the Subtle Embossing Panel in Very Vanilla next.

The two Designer Paper strips are from the 2019-2021 6×6 In Color Designer Series Paper in Terracotta Tile. Same pattern, just used both sides!

The leave are stamped in Cajun Craze on both Cajun Craze and Terracotta Tile card stock. I cut them out using the Gathered Leaves Dies.

Sentiment is photopolymer and curved a bit before stamping in Cajun Craze again. I used the curved banner die in the Doily Wishes to cut it out.

This card really does have the fall feels! Wouldn’t you agree??

Check out out the other Design Team cards on our Try Stampin’ on Tuesday blog or Facebook page. You can also play along with our challenge and show us your cards on either site. We’d love to see your creations!

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

Stamp Set – Gather Together
Dies /Embossing – Gathered Leaves Dies, Subtle EF, Doily Wishes, Layering Squares Dies
Bundles – Gather Together
Card Stock – Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla, Terracotta Tile
Ink – Cajun Craze
DSP – 2019-2021 6×6 In Color DSP

Ride with the Windows Down

August 25, 2019 · 3 Comments

Happy Sunday my stampin’ friends!

I’m sharing another card from my August Card Buffet!

I just loved Freshly Made Sketches newest challenge –

Since it is a 400th sketch challenge for them, they are using previous sketches as the challenges!

I actually made a card for the original posting of this challenge! You can see it here! How cool is that????

Here is my take on it a couple years (or so) later –

I did change the orientation of the card because of the truck image. This is the Ride with Me Bundle along with the Bird Ballard Designer Series Paper.

I stamped the truck and colored the wheels with a Sharpie. Of course, it was fussy cut! I added the ‘window’ using Gray Granite.

Simply a great card! I’ll feature it as one of the choices on the Card Buffet today.

Looking forward to nexts weeks challenge from Freshly Made Sketches!

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

Stamp Set – Ride with Me
Dies / Embossing – Subtle EF
Bundle – Ride with Me
Card Stock – Pool Party, Whisper White, Real Red, Gray Granite
Ink – Black Memento
DSP – Bird Ballard

Blogging Friends Blog Hop – Back to School Bash

August 2, 2019 · 3 Comments

Happy Friday!

Welcome to our blog hop!

Our theme this month is Back to School bash!

Awesome, as most schools start this month! We will have lots of ideas for those sweet handmade items you will want to create!

Of course, I was literal with the theme, creating a card of encouragement –

I used a variety of punches to create the apple, starting with the Hot Air Balloon Punch! The indents were made using the Tailored Tag Punch and the points were softened using the round area on the Hot Air Balloon again.

The stem is from the Leaf Punch. Looks pretty good I’d say!

I stamped part of the sentiment from the Here’s To Strong Women. This way, the card is great for a boy or a girl!

I stamped on Basic Black using an old retired White Craft pad. Since the image wasn’t too clear, I went over it with a Chalk Marker. Looks like a real chalkboard now! Especially with the Early Espresso border and rail.

What do you think? Simply cute? Perfect for a kiddo who needs a little encouragement as they start school or are moving on to the next grade!

Please check out the others on the hop! Comments are always appreciated too!

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

Stamp Set – Here’s To Strong Women
Dies / Embossing – Subtle EF
Card Stock – Daffodil Delight, Basic Black, Real Red, Call Me Clover, Pumpkin Pie, Pacific Point, Granny Apple Green, Early Espresso
Ink – retired White Craft, Daffodil Delight
Punches – Hot Air Balloon, Tailored Tag, Leaf

Mr. & Mrs.

July 28, 2019 · 1 Comment

Hello my friends!

Still making one card a day for the month of July!!

I needed to create a wedding card. I needed some inspiration.

I really liked this sketch at CAS Colours & Sketches this time around!

Wonderful inspiration for this –

I stamped the two cakes in Early Espresso on Very Vanilla. I used both Soft Sea Foam and Bermuda Bay Blends, light /dark to color the cakes before punching them out.

Sadly, I lost one as I was adhering the card together and had to make it all over again!

I added the cakes and stands to Vellum rectangles for a foundation.

I wasn’t sure what sentiment to use, so I just repeatedly stamped the MR&MRS from the same stamp set. Being that it is photopolymer, it was easy to stamp it straight next to one another!

I think they will love this card! Simple sweet!

I’d love to hear what you think of it!

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

Stamp Set – Piece of Cake
Dies / Embossing – Subtle EF
Card Stock – Bermuda Bay, Very Vanilla, Soft Sea Foam, Vellum
Ink – Early Espresso, Bermuda Bay
Punches – Cake Builder
Other – Soft Sea Foam Blends, Bermuda Bay Blends, Share What You Love Pearls (retired)

Sailing Dreams

July 23, 2019 · 2 Comments

Happy Try Stampin’ on Tuesday!

We have a new two-week sketch today –

Optional Theme : Nautical

Love this new Sailing Home Bundle! Just the perfect set for this challenge! Such beautiful cards you can create with it –

This is fun, bright, and cheery!

My base is Sahara Sand, followed with a Subtle textured layer, then my stamped images.

Just a great masculine card!

Check out out the other Design Team cards on our Try Stampin’ on Tuesday blog or Facebook page. You can also play along with our challenge and show us your cards on either site.

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

Stamp Set – Sailing Home
Dies / Embossing – Smooth Sailing Dies, Subtle EF
Bundles – Sailing Home
Card Stock – Sahara Sand, Poppy Parade, Whisper White
Ink – Night of Navy
DSP – Come Sail Away
Punches – various circle

Birthday Shares

May 28, 2019 · Leave a Comment

Happy Try Stampin’ on Tuesday!

Here is our newest two week challenge –

Optional Theme : Pastels

I got this! I paired this soon to retire Share What You Love Designer Series Paper with the Cake Builder punch to create this quick and easy elegant birthday card –

I was running wayyy late last week for my May Card Buffet and created this card, start to finish, literally as my friends were arriving to stamp!

It was a total hit! Although there were lots of great cards to choose from, almost everyone made this card and the even bought this paper. Heck, I even broke down and bought another pack!

It was quite simple to create, embossed Smokey Slate panel, added a strip of Designer Series Paper (DSP), stamped a greeting, punched the cake out of the same DSP and put that on a layered punched circle. Done!

Easy. Quick. Elegant.

Check out out the other Design Team cards on our Try Stampin’ on Tuesday blog or Facebook page. You can also play along with our challenge and show us your cards on either site.

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

Stamp Set – Piece of Cake
Dies / Embossing – Subtle EF
Bundles – Piece of Cake
Card Stock – Very Vanilla, Smokey Slate
Ink – Basic Gray
DSP – Share What You Love
Punches – Cake Builder, Starburst, 2″ Circle

Incredibly Proud

March 7, 2019 · 2 Comments

Welcome to our weekly Thursday Create with Connie and Mary challenge!

Here is our newest color challenge –

I just had to pull out this fabulous Painted Seasons Sale-a-bration stamp set and the coordinating Four Seasons framelits. Perfect combination for these colors!

Directions –

Petal Pink card base, 4 1/4 x 11, scored at 5 1/2
Whisper White layer, 3 3/4 x 4 3/4
ink flower in Petal Pink, color center in Fresh Fig marker before stamping
repeat previous flower step
ink up leaf stamp using Mossy Meadow, stamp once on scrap, then on Whisper White (this will give a softer look)
create at many leaves as you want (I did 3 on each side)
framelit cut flowers and leaves
stamp sentiment in Fresh Fig
emboss panel using the Subtle folder
adhere panel to card front
arrange flowers and leaves and adhere to panel
tie twine in a bow and adhere
done!

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Take a look at our other Design Team inspirations on our blog. Post your take on our color challenge on our on Facebook page.

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

Stamp Set – Painted Seasons (Sale-a-bration)
Framelits – Four Seasons
Card Stock – Petal Pink, Whisper White
Ink – Petal Pink, Mossy Meadow, Fresh Fig
Other – Silver & Petal Pink Baker’s Twine, Subtle Embossing Folder

Beautiful Destination

February 21, 2019 · Leave a Comment

Welcome to our Create with Connie and Mary Thursday challenge!

Here is our newest color challenge –

Nice colors this week! Perfect for this –

I was inspired to create this type of card after one of my customers had a nasty fall. I figured she could use a little ‘pick me up’. Especially, after her surgery.

The Beautiful Promenade bundle is a wonderful choice for sending someone a some encouragement when they need it!

The card base is Balmy Blue, layered with Lemon Lime Twist embossed with the Subtle folder.

A strip of Gingham Gala Designer Series Paper makes a nice, soft addition to the card. The stamping is all from the colors in the sketch and work so well together.

I’ll have this card on my February Card Buffet coming up this weekend. I think it will be a hit!

We all created a different take on the colors this week. Check them out on our blog. Want to create a card and show it off? You can do that on our Facebook page.

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

Stamp Set – Beautiful Promenade
Framelits – Beautiful Layers
Bundle – Beautiful Promenade
Card Stock – Balmy Blue, Lemon Lime Twist, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White
Ink – Balmy Blue, Lemon Lime Twist, Daffodil Delight
DSP – Gingham Gala 6×6
Other – Subtle EF

Grateful Leaf

October 11, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Welcome to the Create with Connie and Mary Thursday challenge!

Here is our newest color challenge –

Great colors to create this –

I was so excited to play around with the tree looking stamp from Winter Woods stamps set. I repeated the inking and stamping of this set to create the background. Very simple! But, very pretty.

The leaves were framelit cut and layered on one another.

The tied twine was the finishing touch to this!

The other Design Team members at Create with Connie and Mary created some really nice designs using these colors. Check them out!

Create a card and show it off on our Facebook page!

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

Stamp Set – Winter Woods (background), Falling for Leaves (sentiment)
Framelits – Detailed Leaves
Bundles – Falling for Leaves
Card Stock – Crumb Cake, Mint Macaron, Blackberry Bliss
Ink – Crumb Cake, Blackberry Bliss
Other – Nature’s Twine, Subtle EF

We Create – Halloween Blog Hop

October 1, 2018 · 17 Comments

Happy October 1!!!!

Got a lot of creatin’ going on today! This post is for a group of us known as We Create.

Theme this month is : Halloween

I loved the September Frights & Delights Paper Pumpkin! Here is the kit assembled as the instructions indicate –

Awesome treat holders. But, we don’t always need treat holders.

I decided to create three cards based on the treat bags. All soo cute!

The pumpkins eyes, mouth and nose are silver, just like the treat bags.

Hard to tell, but the ‘Boo’ is silver!

The ‘Spooky’ is purple here.

In all three of the cards, the pattern background was created by wrapping the clear patterned treat bags around Whisper White card stock, then trimming.

I also embossed the layer on the base with the Subtle Embossing Folder for a little added touch.

With the exception of the card bases, all supplies were from the kit! Minimal extra supplies were needed to create these cards!

Paper Pumpkin is a monthly surprise subscription that includes everything needed to complete the projects for one low price. If you are interested, please contact me! I’d love to talk to you about it. I’ll have another Paper Pumpkin project later today!

Head to see the next Halloween project on the hop –

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

Stamp Set – none
Card Stock – Basic Grey, Granny Apple Green, Basic Black, Whisper White
Other – Frights & Delights Paper Pumpkin, Subtle EF

“Sweet Dreams are Made of This” – Create with Connie and Mary Saturday Blog Hop

July 14, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Let’s get movin’ and groovin’ today with our Create with Connie and Mary Saturday blog hop!

For the next month, we are going with an 80’s theme in our designs! Using song titles as our inspiration! I’m sure you can hear the song Sweet Dreams are made of this in your head now! I was singing it as I was writing this! Lol!

Our theme this week features baby cards!

Perfect because I needed to have a baby card on the Card Buffet this weekend!

I thought this was a really sweet set of animals and makes for a perfect baby card –

The colors are soft and great for either gender! Although, this is Petal Pink, it resembles a peach color to me! The Subtle embossing adds such a soft texture this card needed.

The stamp set was a carryover from the last catalog, A Little Wild. It’s great because you can make tags or toppers as it stamps front and back.

I finished it off with a little Baker’s Twine bow. It’s just perfect!

Go forward to check out Debbie Henderson, and back to Mary Brown. I know they’ll have some great

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

Stamp Set – A little Wild
Framelits – Little Loves
Card Stock – Whisper White, Petal Pink, Smokey Slate
Ink – Grey Granite
DSP – 6×6 Neutral DSP Stack
Punches – Starburst, 2″ Circle, Tailored Tag
Other – Subtle EF, Whisper White Baker’s Twine