The last 2 samples this week of the Bright Blossoms stamp set feature quick and easy cards.  I love these - they make perfect cards when you only have a few minutes or you can make a bunch quickly for a gift set.  Both cards use Island Indigo for the base, but then venture off to other colors.

This card was made by Tamra Needles.  Although it's quick and easy, see the photo below for more detail on the flowers.  The "thanks" is from the Fabulous Phrases stamp set 120501.

She used 2 colors of marker (Real Red and Tangerine Tango) on the circle flowers to add some beautiful detail in this streamlined design.  

This final card is from Caroline Urian.

It's hard to see, but the Whisper White card stock on the card base is embossed using the Big Shot and the Stripes Embossing Folder.  She adds a bit of fun detail with multiple colors on the flowers and a Rhinestone Basic Jewel for a little pop.  Our 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon coordinates beautifully with our 2011-2013 In Colors.  

Island Indigo 3/8 Inch Ruffled Ribbon	122974
Price: $9.95
Small ruffled edges on this grosgrain ribbon add a flirty, feminine look to your creations—available in the new 2011-2013 In Colors. 3/8” wide, approx. 10 yds

Today's post includes a couple samples from the Bright Blossoms stamp set using the Floral District DSP.  This first project is an adorable bookmark made by Stacy McCain.

The ends of the 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon are sandwiched between 2 layers of DSP on either end.  The flat, plain circle of  DSP goes inside the book, then the ribbon hangs over the front or side of the book with the stamped image showing.  

Punches used were the 1-1/4" Circle, 1-3/8" Circle, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle and Boho Blossoms Punch.  

The second card today was made by Andrea Drollinger.  She used some of the same punches for this card.

The words are from the My Friend stamp set and heat embossd on the DSP with Versamark ink and White Embossing Powder.  

For the image, she stamped the vase with Tangerine Tango Ink, leaves with Lucky Limeade, then added punched flowers with the Itty Bitty Punch Pack.  She inserted Old Olive brads from the Brights Brads pack for the centers.  

1-3/4 Inch Scallop Circle Punch	119854
Price: $16.95
Punches are a quick and easy way to add interest, dimension, and color to your cards, tags, and scrapbook pages. You can glue punched shapes directly onto your projects or layer a sheet of card stock that has been punched over a coordinating card stock for a reverse effect. ■ New, sleeker body style ■ Larger surface area offers precise cutting and leverage ■ Locks to store 2-3/8 Inch Scallop Circle Punch 118874 Price: $16.95 Punches are a quick and easy way to add interest, dimension, and color to your cards, tags, and scrapbook pages. You can glue punched shapes directly onto your projects or layer a sheet of card stock that has been punched over a coordinating card stock for a reverse effect. ■ New, sleeker body style ■ Larger surface area offers precise cutting and leverage ■ Locks to store

Here are a couple quick and easy cards to make using the Bright Blossoms stamp set.  These samples use other Designer Series Paper to show how versatile this stamp set can be.

The first is a swap I received from Deborah Wayne.

I don't know what the deal is with the color on this photo but the ribbon is Wild Wasabi 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon and she used Comfort Cafe DSP.  Colors are Pool Party, Wild Wasabi, Primrose Petals, Summer Starfruit and Raspberry Ripple.

I added 3 Rhinestone Basic Jewels to give it a little "bling".  The "Thank you" is from the Itty Bitty Banners stamp set and die cut using the Big Shot and Bitty Banner Framelits Dies.  

The second card today was designed by Mary McNeely.  This card uses the Floral District DSP and the 2-1/2" Circle Punch.

She uses a Silver 1/8" Mini Brad on the card, but you could also add some Rhinestone Jewels to these flowers as well.  This would make a great note card set.  

Comfort Café Designer Series Paper	126898
Price: $10.95
12 sheets: 2 ea. of 6 double-sided designs. 12" x 12". Acid- and lignin- free. Coordinates with the Comfort Café Suite. Cajun Craze, Midnight Muse, Pool Party, Soft Suede, Summer Starfruit, Very Vanilla. Floral District Designer Series Paper 126919 Price: $10.95 12 sheets: 2 ea. of 6 double-sided designs. 12" x 12". Acid- and lignin- free. Coordinates with the Floral District suite. Baja Breeze, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade, Rich Razzleberry, Rose Red, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White.

Okay, so I'm a nerd.  One of my favorite shows finally comes back on tonight - Supernatural.  My kids made fun of me for watching it, but I talked them into watching a few episodes and now they're hooked too - LOL!  No one call me tonight!  I've called TV privileges, and will be hunkering down to watch the season premier - I'm so excited!  Don't laugh ...... too much.....

Today I have a fun window card to show you.  This was a swap card I received from an organized group I'm in at Convention.  It was designed by Loretta Ingerman.

To make the window accent at the top of the card, cut Tempting Turquoise card stock 4-1/4" x 1-3/4".  Measure and mark 3 dots lengthwise at 7/8", 2-1/8", 3-3/8" (these should be centered from top at 7/8").  Use the 1" Square Punch upside down, center the dots in the punch and punch the 3 windows. Stamp images on Whisper White card stock and attach behind the windows.  

She used Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Brights Designer Buttons and punches to embellish the stamped images.  

The second card today was made by Jo Ann Freant.

She used the Big Shot and Labels Collection Framelits to layer her image.  

She added a flower using the Summer Smooches DSP and a double layer of the Boho Blossoms Punch largest flower.  A silver mini brad makes a cute center for the flower.  Notice the sponging detail?  I love sponging!!!  

Boho Blossoms Punch	119858
Price: $16.95
Punches are a quick and easy way to add interest, dimension, and color to your cards, tags, and scrapbook pages. You can glue punched shapes directly onto your projects or layer a sheet of card stock that has been punched over a coordinating card stock for a reverse effect. ■ New, sleeker body style ■ Larger surface area offers precise cutting and leverage ■ Locks to store Designer Buttons - Brights Collection 119747 Price: $8.95 These fun and whimsical buttons are a sweet 3-D accent for tags, cards, and scrapbook pages. Available in many of Stampin' Up!'s exclusive colors. Get these Designer Buttons FREE with a $50 purchase during Sale-A-Bration, January 24-March 31, 2012! ■ 72 buttons per container; 4 each of 3 designs in 6 colors ■ Designs include large marbled button, double circle button, and small flower button

One of my favorite things about attending the annual Stampin'Up! Convention or Regional Seminars is getting swaps!  It's a wonderful way to get samples of stamp sets or products I don't have or aren't really familiar with.  I have My Digital Studio and am learning more about it, but have definitely not mastered the program.  Today's samples are made using MDS and the Bright Blossoms Kit.  I'm going to show you these 3 projects in progression.   

This first card is a perfect beginner card starting out on MDS.  It was designed by Gina Wold and is printed on Shimmery White card stock.  It has just the one layer, but is run through the Big Shot using the Designer Frames Embossing Folder to highlight the focal point.  The verse is from the MDS Thank You Kindly set.  

You can see a little of the shimmer in this photo along with the embossed highlight.

This second sample has the image printed on Whisper White card stock, then layered on a piece of Pumpkin Pie card stock.  The image also uses the Garden Whimsy set and Scallop Edge Punch from MDS.  It is run through the Big Shot with the Stripes Embossing Folder.  

This card was also designed by Gina Wold.

The last sample today goes all out with a mixture of MDS and traditional styles.  Both the center flower image and DSP were printed with the Bright Blossoms Kit from MDS on Whisper White card stock.  The words were printed from MDS with the Teeny Tiny Wishes set.  She used a variety of punches to punch and layer the images, Old Olive 1/2" Scallop Dots ribbon and a Rhinestone Basic Jewel.  With MDS, you have the option to enlarge your stamp images which allows for greater versatility on your projects.  

This card was designed by Tamra Davis.

She used our Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets over the flower image and coated with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.  

 

Summer Smooches Kit - Digital Download	129601
Price: $9.95
Download includes: * 8-piece stamp brush set * 12 Designer Series Papers * 3 embellishments * 2 greeting card designer templates (4-1/4" x 5-1/2" and 5-1/2" x 4-1/4") Features: * Bright, bold artwork perfect for any occasion * Summer Smooches Fabric patterns used in Designer Series Papers for more versatility Coordinating colors: Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Real Red, Rich Razzleberry, Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White

Summer Smooches Photobook Template - Digital Download	129919
Price: $17.95
This download was added on 4/1/2012 Download includes: * 24-page 8" x 8" photobook designer template * 16-piece stamp brush set * 15 Designer Series Papers * 39 embellishments Features: * Versatile template perfect for vacations or everyday moments * Pair stamps brushes and embellishments for additional coordinating projects Coordinating colors: Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Real Red, Rich Razzleberry, Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White

The first card today is a gift card holder by Pat Militello.  

This is a match book style gift card holder.  Bottom flap is held together with 2 gold mini brads.  The flowers were stamped on Whisper White, then punched with the 3/4" Circle Punch and popped up.  

The card base is cut 4-1/4" x 10-1/2".  Score at 4-1/4" and 9-1/4", then fold up the smallest flap.  Put in 2 brads about 1/2 down  on the flap as shown to hold the big flap in when closed.  

To make the gift card holder inside, cut a piece of double sided DSP at 3-3/4" x 3".  Score along 3" side at 2-1/2" , then crease to make a 1/2" pocket.  Use a little Sticky Strip or Tombo glue to hold the pocket closed at either end.  

Supplies used:

Bright Blossoms stamp set 125497, Bring on the Cake stamp set  121958
Whisper White and Summer Starfruit card stock, Summer Smooches DSP 125409
3/4" Circle Punch 119873, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch  119275
Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine 125572
Rich Razzleberry, Summer Starfruit, Primrose Petals, Gumball Green, Midnight Muse ink pads

Here are a couple more samples:

This card was designed by Andrea Drollinger.  I love how she used Real Red & a Rhinestone to accent the flowers.

 This card was a make and take we made for our demonstrator meeting.  It was designed by JoAnn Graham to give us a sneak peek at the Bright Blossoms stamp set, Summer Smooches DSP and the new Diagonal Score Plate to make a matching envelope.

Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper	125409
Price: $10.95
Perfect for all your sassy summer projects! Includes 12 sheets: 2 ea. of 6 double-sided designs. 12" x 12". Acid- and lignin-free. * Daffodil Delight * Island Indigo * Lucky Limeade * Real Red * Rich Razzleberry * Tangerine Tango * Tempting Turquoise Available now only for a limited time!

This week I'm going to showcase the Bright Blossoms stamp set.  Next week, stay tuned for some punched bird tutorials, but in the mean time, this is a stamp set I LOVE!!!!

This was a card we had made as part of the new catalog sneak peek event.  The card base was cut at 4-1/4" x 9-3/4" and scored at 4-1/4".  This gave a little room for the inside of the card and ribbon to show.  

The flowers were punched with the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, then smooshed in the center using a stylus on a piercing pad to give them a little dimension.  Our Basic Jewels (either Pearls or Rhinestones) always add a little something extra to your projects. 

Here is another similar card that I received as a swap.

This card was made by Carol Taggart and features the same colors and the same Summer Smooches DSP.

Carol used the same punch pack, but a different flower, layered 2 of them and added a tag with some White Baker's Twine.  

Supplies:

Bright Blossoms stamp set 125497, Teeny Tiny Wishes 127802 or Tiny Tags 118592
Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack 118309, Scallop Edge Border Punch 119882, Large Oval Punch 119855, Jewelry Tag Punch 117190
Summer Smooches DSP 125409, Whisper White, Island Indigo, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade CS
Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade stamp pads
Pearls Basic Jewels  119247
Daffodil Delight Seam Binding Ribbon  125583 or White Baker's Twine  124262, Daffodil 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon

Bright Blossoms - Clear-Mount Stamp	125497
Price: $12.95
This sassy set is perfect for spring and summer projects. Create young and fun cards, scrapbook pages, tags, and more! Available now only for a limited time in both wood- and clear-mount. Wood-Mount set  125495   $16.95

Tonight starts our Mid-Year Meeting for the NEA District Garden Clubs.  I'm a member, and current President, of the Trillium Garden Club here in Jonesboro.  Our part in the meeting is to host the Creative Evening tonight - what else would we do????   Several of the members stamp with me and we've even had a meeting where we made handmade cards to give to our guest speakers.  Here are a few things that we'll me making tonight.

Handmade name tags for the Trillium Garden Club (Everything Eleanor stamp set). 

Note card featuring Betsy's Blooms

Personalized bookmarks using French Foliage & the Lovely Letters Alphabet set. 

3x3 note card using Bright Blossoms and the Occasions Alphabet sets. 

Fabulous Florets card.

Here is a sneak peek at the amazing Box of Awesomeness.....

I will be taking the Box of Awesomeness with me to every workshop, private class and stamp camp that I have this year.  It's filled with my best handmade cards.   If a current stamping customer brings a "new" friend to try out stamping at a workshop, stamp camp or class, they each get to draw 2 cards from the Box of Awesomeness!  A limit of 4 cards per current customer, but feel free to bring all the new friends you can find (they will still each get to draw 2 cards)!!!!

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and their "new" stamping friends this month!