Blooming Hello!

Here is the last card in the Spring blogger swap series! This one is by blogger Fairle Beaman Carroll and shows off Stampin' Up! flower punches and Soft Subtles.



Fairle's recipe:

Stamps: Polka Dots & Petals, Alphabits
Cardstock: Almost Amethyst, Basic Black, Glossy White, Pretty in Pink, Barely Banana
Ink: Almost Amethyst, Pretty in Pink, Barely Banana, Certainly Celery, Basic Black
Accessories: Celery grosgrain ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Crystal Effects, Dimensionals
Tools: Daisy Punch, Spring Bouquet flower punch, 1/4 inch circle punch

Notice how the placement of the 5 flowers along the ribbon adds depth to a simple classy card. I'm in awe with Fairle's choice to use Basic Black along with soft subtles. Daring... yet it works to frame the piece out very well.

Thanks Fairle!

Pastel Paper Joy

These rain boots would be perfect for me to wear tonight if they were my size. We just had a soft spring rain storm a short while ago.



Robin Desko's Blogger swap is perfect for a rainy day.

Thanks Robin!

Here is the recipe:

Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Amethyst, Shimmery White
Ink: SU Classic Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Amethyst, Apricot Appeal
Stamp sets: Print Pattern, Aida Cloth, Small Script, Flower Filled
Accessories: Large/Small SU Oval punches, Coluzzle, Paper Piercing Tool, White gel pen, Ticket Corner punch Glassy Glaze, Dimensionals, Soft Subtles brads

Pattern Perfect

Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise and Basic Black - this swap features colors I would have never thought of putting together, yet it works.




Blogger Amy Porter got her inspiration from Stampin' Up!'s Spring designer series paper!

Here is her recipe:

Recipe:

Cardstock: Old Olive, Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise
Set: Polka Dots and Paisley
Accessories: Ticket Corner Punch, Petals and Paisleys Designer Paper, Black grosgrain, brads, clip, Dimensionals

Thanks for the great swap, Amber!

Paper Pierced Posies!

Now if this isn't most clever! Polka Dots & Petals is the featured stamp set on this Blogger swap card.



The stems on the pink flowers are paper pierced! What a clever alternative to stamped or drawn stems! I simply must remember this little technique for future workshops. Blogger Tracy Harp over at Inky Doodles created this card.

Stamps: Polka Dots & Petals, Petals Stampin' Around Wheel
Cardstock: Regal Rose, Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery and Shimmery White
Ink: Regal Rose, Rose Red, Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery
Accessories: SU brads, paper piercing tool, celery grosgrain ribbon, hand held rectangle punch, dimensionals, ticket corner punch, 1/8 hole punch

Thanks Tracy!

A little Doodle Swap

Here is Debbie Seyer's contribution to the Spring Blogger swap. The flower is cut out and adhered with dimensionals. I love the patterned paper!



Debbie's recipe:

Stamps: Doodle This stamp set
Paper: Taken with Teal, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White and Petals & Paisley Designer Series paper.
Accessories: Slit punch, rose grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals
Inks: Jet Black Staz-on, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Apricot Appeal

And now, for something completely different!

Today's Spring Blogger swap card is by Chris Smith... and how adorable it is! This cute little card would be perfect for a Seafood BBQ! Check out some great Seafood BBQ recipes here to play your own feast for this summer!



Chris says this card was inspired by some linen products she saw when she was at the Shedd Aquarium Gift Shop a few weeks ago. I've been to the Shedd Aquarium... very cool... but I haven't been there in several years. Perhaps it is time for me to make a return trip.

Chris says that although she designed this as an invitation, it would also be a good birthday or Father's Day card.

Chris' card recipe is:

Stamps: Crab & Company, Flannel Plaid, All Year Cheer 2 by Stampin' Up!
Paper: Ivory Naturals, Ruby Red
Inks: Buckaroo Blue, Black Stazon, Ruby Red, True Thyme, Night of Navy marker and inkpad
Accessories: Twill Tape, Ruby Red brads, 1/16' punch, Aquapainter.

I love your watercoloring on this card, Chris. Very professional.

Pocket Swap is a sensation!

Here is the Spring Blogger swap by Leslie Brown over at Continuing to Create...

She used the new Spiral punch in the Stampin' Up! Spring mini catalog on the flap of the pocket. What a cute idea! Her positioning of the ribbon as well as the paper piercing at the top gives just a subtle touch of delicious detail!

Recipe--

Stamps: Paisley and Polka Dots, Amazing to Zany
Cardstock: Cool Caribbean, Regal Rose
Inks: Cool Caribbean, Cranberry Crisp
Accessories: Paper Piercing tools, Spiral round and Tab punches, ribbons, Designer papers

Spazz creates a little fun!

Hey all, it's time for a little more Blogger Swap mania today with the help from Spazzgirl!

No day is a good day without my Daily Dose of Spazz! Simone Collins dishes up the spazz with style!

Colors, Patterns, Polka Dots... check it her swap!



Recipe:
Stamps: Big Blooms, Polka Dots & Paisley, Jumbo Petals Wheel
Ink: VersaMark, Pretty in Pink, Tempting Turquoise, Regal Rose
Paper: Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, White, Ruby Red, Petals & Paisleys PP
Accessories: SS Brad, White grosgrain ribbon, Circle punches, White Signo pen, Dimensionals

Colorful country elegance by Ana

Welcome to the "Spring Blogger Swap!" Here is the swap made by talented Ana Wohlfahrt to start you off today!

Can you just imagine what it would be like to have Ana's hands and produce a gaaawwwwgeous jaw-dropping creation like this? I would just die to have even an ounce of Ana's talent.

Ana writes over at Ink A Stamp

Here is Ana's recipe:

Stamps: Stampin' Up! Sassy Stems, French Flair, On the Spot
Punches: Designer Label Punch Box, Spring Bouquet Flowers, Word Window
Cardstock: Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Bravo Burgundy, Chocolate Chip, Marigold Morning, Very Vanilla
Inks: Basic Black, More Mustard, Pixie Pink
Accessories: Stampin' Up! grosgrain in Rose, Taupe, Mustard, markers in Coral, More Mustard, Bravo Burgundy, Old Olive and Bashful Blue - Crystal Effects, Hodgepodge pewter brads, 3D Glue Dots
Techniques: Sponging, Paper Piercing, Faux Stitching

It looks like Ana has a little bit of glitter in the flower centers too!

Bravo Ana, you've created a masterpiece.

Blogger Swap Card made by me!

Recently I participated in a Blogger only swap at SCS. Here is my card:




Stamp Sets: Polka Dots & Paisley, Everyday Flexible Phrases, and Expressive Flexible Phrases
Paper: Very Vanilla, Night of Navy, Certainly Celery
Ink: Regal Rose, Night of Navy, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Word Window punch, Certainly Celery brad, Navy and Celery organdy ribbon, Celery grosgrain ribbon, Hardware, Dazzling Diamonds glitter

In the next week and a half, I will be posting each Blogger Swap card I received in this swap! Stop by again to see!

And lastly...

Here is my own swap for the Blogger's Valentine's Swap:




I used the Stampin' Up! stamp set called "Much Love". I got that set free at convention last year as my Recruiting prize and I never mounted it... until now. This is the first card I made with that set. It isn't really my style, but after playing with it while making this card, I'm kinda liking it now.

Recipe:
Stamps: all SU, Much Love, Print Pattern, Simply Said
Ink: VersaMark, White craft, Pixie Pink, Orchid Opulence, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Pixie Pink, Whisper White
Accessories: both SU tag punches, hemp, antique glass beads, 1/8 circle punch, gold eyelets, dimensionals

Did you know cats wear pajamas?

Bravo to Sarah Moore! The swap from our Valentine Blogger swap queen Sarah Moore is the cat's pajamas! A cute little feline creation was all that was needed to brighten my day!

Here is the front of her swap:



And pages 1&2:


And pages 3&4:


It's a kitty!



Sarah's recipe:
Paper: "Loves Me" Designer papers, Pretty in Pink, Shimmery White
Ink: Staz-on, VersaMark, Pretty in Pink
Stamps:Circle/Heart on envelope is from Target, All other images Hampton Arts
Accessories: Metal Edged Tag by SU, Silver Cord, Pretty in Pink Pocket Notes, Creative Candy Pink "bling" by A Muse, Cuttlebug, Silver ep

Layered Bliss

Soft and sparkly, Lynn Mercurio's card is rich in texture and pattern. Not only did she add 2 types of ribbon, but also embossed the word love in the frame and added glitter. The soft pink background was done with the Polished Stone technique.



Here is Lynn's recipe:

Paper: Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Glossy white, Tempting Turquoise, Designer series patterned paper "Loves Me"
Ink: Craft white, Pretty in Pink, Real Red reinker, Pink Passion reinker, Rose reinker
Misc. Rubbing alcohol, Winter White ep, Blue Stickles, Turquoise grosgrain ribbon, Flirty velvet turquoise ribbon, dimensionals
Stamps: Noteworthy, Double Line Doodle, Floral

Because cupid told me so....

How do you know I love you... because cupid told me so! Anne Marie Zimmerer created this lovely little cupid card! She did the Magic Colored Pencil technique here. I love her patterned paper on this one. She added a little bit of glitter bling too!



Anne Marie's recipe:

Products: Denami stamps, prismacolor pencils, gamsol, glitter glue, staples by Making Memories, foam squares, Staz-on black ink, Clear Snap fluid chalk ink, KI/American Craft patterned paper, Duck brand adhesive

Thanks Anne Marie!

Cute little love bug

This cute and simple little valentine is Amy Rysavy's swap. Cute Cute, Amy! Thanks!



Amy's recipe:

STAMPS: Olive You, Linen, Lots of Hearts Jumbo Wheel, a*muse small oval.
CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pretty in Pink. INK: Basic Black, Pretty in Pink.
ACCESSORIES: Marvy Mega Circle and Giga Scalloped Circle Punches, Prima Flowers, Rhinestones, Romantic Red Glitter, Google Eyes, Prismacolors and Gamsol, Red Grosgrain and Black Gingham Ribbon, Word Window Punch, Paper Piercer, White Gel Pen.

Now THIS is a Valentine we all DREAM about getting ... or "Suitable for Framing"

Wow. Chipboard, ribbons, silver cord, embossing, vintage brads, layers, brushed silver paper, pop-dots, faux sewing, microbeads... what is not to love here?

This swap card is not just a valentine, it is suitable for the wall. Terri Digness, aka "Buglady" went all out and created a dreamy valentine that at least in this household will live on through the years. I plan on framing this one and displaying it in my home EVERY Valentine's season for years to come.



Terri's recipe:
Stamps: Fancy Flexible Phrases, Wild Hearts, Loving Hearts
Paper: Shimmery white, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, "Loves Me" Double sided Designer Series Paper, Brushed Silver
Ink: White craft, Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, Taken with Teal, Uniball white gel pen
Accessories: Silver Metallic Brads, Silver Cord, Rose Grosgrain Ribbon, Winter White ep, Silver ep, Micro beads, Chipboard hearts
Tools: Sanding block, Crop-o-dile, 1/16th handheld punch, paper piercing mat and poking tool, pop dots

Thanks Terri, for an incredible work of art. You are very talented.

Ain't She Sweet! (see her comin' down the street...) la la la la la

What can be sweeter than a Valentine made by a Sweetser? Alora Sweetser, that is.

Alora's card is a superb example of the proper use of color, balance, and texture. It is such a simple card, yet look at all the details! Paper piercing, expert watercoloring, decorative ribbon, and brads in just the right place! Brilliant, I say. Just Brilliant. Lots of elements, but not overdone.



Alora's recipe:
Stamps: Love Matters, Canvas, Everyday Flexible Phrases
Paper: Almost Amethyst, Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery, Rose Red, Shimmery White
Ink: Black Staz-on, Almost Amethyst
Accessories: Dimensionals, Righ Regals brads, Sweet Shoppe ribbon, Crafter's Tool Kit, Aquapainters, Watercolor Crayons, Stamp-a-ma-jig

Double your love...

Erika Martin's card is today's Valentine swap of the day. She used the Stampin' Up! Loving Hearts stamp set on this card. Her Double Resist technique along with her use of chipboard, gives this card dimension.



Erika's recipe:
Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Cameo Coral, Glossy white
Ink: Sahara Sand, Cameo Coral, Rose Red, VersaMark
Accessories: black gingham ribbon, clear ep, stamping sponges, chipboard, glue dots, dimensionals

Soft and Sweet...

Denise Foxworthy's creation shows that it is possible to pair up paper and felt effectively. Here she used the Stampin' Up! Paisley background, Cuttlebug Swirls, and a beautiful white felt heart that she created with a Sizzix Die. (Did you know you can cut felt with a Sizzix? I didn't, I don't own a Sizzix. Very cool!)



Denise's recipe:

Cardstock: Rose Romance, Mellow Moss, Pretty in Pink, Basic Black
Stamps: Paisley BG, Darcie's
Accessories: Ticket Corner Punch by SU, Cuttlebug Emboss Swirls, Black Gingham, Making Memories heart brad, Felt, Sizzix, pearl stickpin

A little bit of puppy love...

Who can resist this cute little face? Keri Sereika shows us her canine cleverness with that Cuttlebug background. Here is Valentine swap number 3:



Keri's recipe:

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Pixie Pink, Certainly Celery
Stamps by Inky Antics
Tools: Cuttlebug Hearts Folder, SU Ticket Corner Punch, SU small corner rounder
Ink: Staz-on Black
Accessories: Prisma Color Pencils, Baby oil and blending stump, Cream ribbon


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