Stampin' Celebration Challenge #54

Hi Stamping Friends!
It's the first of the month and that means it's time for another Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge!!! This month we have a rainbow of colorful inspiration to get your stamping groove going!

Isn't this so fun?!! That rainbow jello dessert just makes me drool. And all those yummy, colorful fruits. I can't wait for summer!!

OVAL ALL

Stamps: Oval All (soon to be retired!)

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Summer Smooches DSP (available June 1)

Accessories:  Tasteful Trim die, Daisy die, Scallop Oval Punch, Oval Punch

For this card I got my inspiration from the picture of the cute daisy centerpieces. How fun would those be for a summer party? If you didn't order your Summer Smooches DSP during the month of April... why not?! Now you will have to wait until the new catalog comes out to get it. But I just couldn't resist using it for this challenge, since the colors are just perfect!!

WORD PLAY

Stamps: Word Play
Paper:  Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Summer Smooches DSP
Accessories:  Label Framelits, Tasteful Trim die, Round Tab Punch (soon to be retired)


This is an 8x8 scrapbook page of my daughter, who will be graduating from 8th grade soon. I think this sentiment from Word Play is perfect for graduation projects. I love the flag/pennant trend. It's a fun, simple way to decorate a scrap page. I just use the corner of my square punch to trim the little "v" into the tail of the flags. Super easy!


Now that you have seen my colorful projects, it's time to visit the other Stampin' Celebration Design Team members blogs and see what amazing stamp projects they have created!

Allison Ohran -Not participating in May

Candace Lawlor - cj lawlor designs

Cori Kozak - Creative Chat

Erica Cerwin - Pink Buckaroo Designs

Erin Gonzales -Hand Stamped Style

Krystal De Leeuw - Krystal's Cards

Marlene Peters - Hands On

Rochelle Gould - Not participating in May

Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge

Be sure to visit the Stampin' Celebration Blog so you can play along with us!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Stampin' Addicts Retiring Stamps Blog Hop!!

Hi Stamping Friends!!
I'm so excited today to be participating in another Stampin' Addicts blog hop! They are they best!! So many talented stampers always participate. Speaking of talent, if you've been hopping already, then you just came from Betty's blog: Kitty Stamp, where she wowed you with her creativity using Nature's Nest. If you've just joined us, then welcome! Glad to have you hopping with us! If at anytime along the hop you get lost, you can check out the official blog roll list HERE at Stampin' Addicts.


When Yapha started looking for people to participate in the Retiring Stamps Blog Hop, I knew exactly what stamp set I just HAD to use... 

EXTREME ELEMENTS

Stamps:  Extreme Elements, Grunge Rock

Paper:  Soft Suede, Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Beau Chateau DSP

Accessories:  Top Note Die, Elegant Lines EF, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Pinking Hearts Border, Pool Party Seam Binding, Chantilly Crochet Trim, Saffron Button, Linen Thread, Basic Pearls

I had so much fun making this card!! Typically Extreme Elements is my "go-to" boy set. But I wanted to broaden its use, so I decided to create a teen girl card. And I like it!! It really is a very fun set to use, with all the layering of stamp images and colors. Extreme Elements has been a favorite of mine for many years. It may be retiring from the SU! catalog, but it is going to stay on my shelf for a very long time!!

Stamps:  Extreme Elements, Smarty Pants

Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, First Edition DSP, Pacific Point, PP Patterns DSP, Summer Smooches DSP, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White

Accessories:  Circle Punch, Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon, Rich Razzleberry Satin Ribbon, Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon, Decorative Label Punch, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Oval Punch, Buttons, Basic Rhinestones, Baker's Twine, Clip

I haven't scrapped in forever! And if you can't tell, I like to put LOTS of "stuff" on my scrap pages. This page is 8x8. My DD will be graduating from 8th grade in June, so we had her picture taken by my very dear high school friend. I love matching my scrap pages to the pictures, so I got the color inspiration for this page from my daughters shirt. And I loved the combo so much, I used it on my next card too!

Stamps:  Extreme Elements, Grunge Rock

Paper:  Pacific Point, First Edition DSP, Summer Smooches DSP, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White

Accessories:  Circle Punch, Timeless Type Junior Alphabet dies, Black Brads, Twill Tape

My 16yo DS loves bright colors, so I think this will be a great card for him. Plus, he plays bass, so he really does rock. :)  I hope you enjoyed my "extreme" projects. I sure enjoyed having you visit! The next blog you get to hop to is: STAMPIN' WITH PAULA where she is going to feature the Borderlines stamp set. Enjoy!!

STAMPIN' WITH PAULA

KITTY STAMP

Vanilla Sweet Cake

Hi Stamping Friends!
Have you ordered everything you want from the Occasions Mini Catalog? If not, you better do it soon! The last day to order from the catalog is April 30th. Here is a yummy little something using goodies from the Occasions Mini...

SWEET CAKE

Stamps:  Sweet Cake

Paper:  Pool Party, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Sweet Shop DSP

Accessories:  Label Framelits, Poppy Poly Twill Ribbon, Heart to Heart Punch, Versamarker, Vanilla Scented EP, SAB Brad

This card doesn't just look cute, it smells delicious enough to eat!! I'm lovin' the Vanilla Scented Emboss Powder. It smells soooooo good!!! We made this card this past Sunday at my monthly Hostess Club.

I have some fun stampin' news to share today. First off, tomorrow I will be in another Stampin' Addicts blog hop. This hop will feature stamps that are on the Stampin' Up! Retirement List. I will be featuring one of my all time favorite sets, Extreme Elements. And I've used it in a whole you way. You must come check it out! Stampin' Addicts hops are the BEST!

Second, besides the stamp Retirement List, Stampin' Up! has also released it's accessories Retirement List. Items on the accessories list are available only while supplies last. So if there is something you see on the list that you want, you will want to visit my online store ASAP!! KRYSTAL'S CARDS. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

More Extreme

Hi Stamping Friends!!


I have one more Extreme Elements card to share with you...

Stamps: Extreme Elements, Extreme Guitar (retired), the "You Rock" sentiment comes from a retired set that I forget the name of
Paper: Riding Hood Red. Basic Black, Sahara Sand
Accessories: Star Punches< Circle Die, Texturz Plate


I have a cousin who is apparently a famous guitar player in a band called The Queen's of the Stone Age. I've never seen his band play. I'm pretty sure it is for the younger types. :) To me he is just my cousin. This stamp always reminds me of him when he was in high school. Sort of one of those 80's head banger rockers. I call this my "Troy" stamp.


Remember to check out the Clearance Rack and the Retirement List at my online Stampin' Up! website: KRYSTAL'S CARDS

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Extreme Dirt Bike

Hi Stamping Friends!!


Here's another card made with Extreme Elements...

Stamps: Extreme Elements, Extreme Dirt Bike (retired)
Paper: Basic Gray, Basic Black, Going Gray (retired) and some retired bluish-turquoise paper I can't remember the name of and I'm too lazy to go look up!  :)
Accessories: Top Note Die, Star Punch, Texturz Plate, Extra Large Eyelet (retired)


Love how the Extreme Elements adds so much interest to the background. To get the different shades of color, I sometimes "stamp off" before stamping onto my card stock. This gives a lighter image and thus the multi-layer look. I also like to use Versamark ink. It is a clear ink and dries just a shade darker than the card stock color.


Don't forget to visit my online store and check out the retirement list (the link is in my sidebar). You wouldn't want to miss those stamps you've been wanting!  :)


Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Going, going... GONE!!!

Hi Stamping Friends!!


Yesterday Stampin' Up! announced it's 2012 stamp set retirement list. I'm only sad about a couple of the sets that are going away. As for the rest, I say... SEE YA!! Give me something NEW!! I LOVE new stamp sets!!! One set that I will miss (and I will NOT get rid of!) is Extreme Elements. It is my go-to guy stamp set. Back in January I made a bunch of "extreme" boy cards. So in honor of the loss of one of my faves, I thought I would share them with you this week.

EXTREME SKATER

Stamps:  Extreme Elements, Grunge Rock, Extreme Skateboard (retired)

Paper: Basic Gray, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Retired DSP (like retired years and years ago!!)

Accessories: Circle Punch, Star Punch, Silver Brad, Texturz Plate

I just love all the stamp images in Extreme Elements. I think I used every one on this card!! I even chose Extreme Elements as the set I want to use in the Stampin' Addicts Retirement Blog Hop happening the last weekend of April. I love it that much!! The "happy birthday" sentiment comes from the Grunge Rock set, which is also on the chopping block.

If you want to check out which sets are on the retirement list, go to my online store: KRYSTAL'S CARDS and click the "shop now" button. Then you can see which sets you "need" to add to your collection before June 1!!

And don't forget to "like" my Facebook page so you can get up to the minute ideas and announcements. The button is on the right sidebar.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

SCIC #53 Take 2

Hi Stamping Friends!!
I can't believe it's been two weeks since I posted last! Time sure flies when you're busy hauling kids around!!  :)  It's swim season right now which means lots of practices and lots of meets. And this has been one of the coldest swim seasons. There is nothing worse than having to be a "timer" at a swim meet when it is cold and rainy and kids are splashing you when they dive in the water!!!

Just want to remind you that there is still 10 days left to participate in the Stampin' Inspiration Challenge.  We hope you will play along with us!!  If you missed the Design Team blog hop for this challenge, then you are going to want to check out all this Stampin' Up! goodness!

Allison Ohran -Sweet Impressions

Candace Lawlor -cj lawlor designs

Cori Kozak - Creative Chat

Erica Cerwin - Pink Buckaroo Designs

Erin Gonzales -Hand Stamped Style

Krystal De Leeuw - Krystal's Cards

Marlene Peters - Hands On

Rochelle Gould - I stamp, I create, I have fun!

Stampin Celebration Inspiration Challenge

I was so excited to get a new recruit during Sale-A-Bration. Lori called me out of the blue after finding me on the SU! demo finder. We finally had her first workshop yesterday. I haven't done a workshop at someone else's house in quite a while. It was nice to let someone else clean and get the snacks together!! Here are two of the cards I demoed for Lori and her friends.

OVAL ALL

Stamps: Oval All

Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Lucky Limeade, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Summer Smooches DSP

Accessories: Beautiful Butterflies die, Tulip Frame EF, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Razzleberry Grosgrain, Scallop Oval Punch, Oval Punch, Basic Pearls

I've used this layout before and love it, so I thought I would use it again. Actually, it is a great card to showcase the Big Shot, since it uses dies and embossing folders. And Lori was interested to see how the Big Shot worked. I love the Summer Smooches DSP. It's so colorful and cheerful. Perfect way to brighten up a rainy day! So glad it will be in the new catalog in June. You can order it now, through April 30th.

MIXED BUNCH

Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Bring On The Cake

Paper: Daffodil Delight, Whisper White

Accessories: Blossom Punch, Circle Punch, Button, Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon, Dimensionals

This is very similar to a card I posted previously. I just changed the sentiment, added the ribbon, and used Lucky Limeade instead of Basic Black. I love the Mixed Bunch stamp set and wanted to show it off. Actually, I love any stamp set that has a matching punch. I'm a sucker for all things matchy-matchy. Must be why I love Stampin' Up! products so much!!

I'm hoping I will post again before 2 weeks flies by. Funny thing is I have plenty of card pics on my computer just waiting to share with you. Now if someone would just post them to my blog!! :)  Also looking forward to stamping with my club gals in the very near future. Can't wait to show them the new purse die!!!

Remember, you can also find me on Facebook. I post more updates and reminders on Facebook than I do here. It's just faster and easier!! :) So be sure to "like" my page: Krystal's Cards - Stampin' Up (there is a link in my sidebar). And if you are a Pinterest fan like myself, you can also "follow" me there. I have over 3,000 "pins". Most of which are Stampin' Up! related ideas.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge #53

Hi Stamping Friends!!
I'm so excited for today!!! It's been almost a year since we've done a Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge, but we are back!!

EASTER DOVE

Stamps:  Easter Dove

Paper:  Lucky Limeade, Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Cheerful Treat DSP

Accessories:  Daisy die, Decorative Label Punch, Big Button (retired), Concord Crush Twill Ribbon, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Basic Pearls, Baker's Twine

TRIPLE TREAT

Stamps:  Triple Treat, Blessing From Heaven

Paper:  Whisper White, Concord Crush, Lucky Limeade, Cheerful Treat DSP

Accessories:  Two Tag die, Fancy Flower Punch, 5-Petal Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Magnet Sheets

I really loved the picture with the "grass" place mats and the Gerbera daisies. So I went with a little bit of a brighter color palette. And I just love the Cheerful Treat DSP that is available as a hostess benefit. It has such cute patterns!! I really wanted to make a "SPRING" banner for this challenge, but time just was not on my side. The Triple Treat card is actually a bookmark. There are two magnets on the Tag and you can "clip" it over the page in your book. Just won't be able to keep your place on any E-reader!!

The fun, new part about the Stampin' Celebration Challenge is that we are going "Blog Hop" status. Each month you can hop along and visit each Design Team Members blog and see what fabulous stamping creations they have made!! And don't forget to stop by the Stampin' Celebration Challenge blog and post a link to your own Inspiration Challenge project. We would love to see what our challenge pictures have inspired you to create.

Here is a list of the SCIC Design Team. Make sure and visit their blogs!!

Allison Ohran -Sweet Impressions

Candace Lawlor - No Post Yet...

Cori Kozak - Creative Chat

Erica Cerwin - Pink Buckaroo Designs

Erin Gonzales -Hand Stamped Style

Krystal De Leeuw... that's me! - Krystal's Cards

Marlene Peters - Hands On

Rochelle Gould - I stamp, I create, I have fun!

Stampin Celebration Inspiration Challenge

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Easter Dove

Hi Stamping Friends!!


Sorry I've been MIA for awhile. It's so hard to find the balance between all my regular wife and mom responsibilities and still make room for some stamping fun. Lately I've been trying to focus on being a good homeschool mom. I've got an 8th grader still at home who is ready to spread her wings and head to high school in the fall. And I have my 6yo DS at home who is struggling his way through reading. Can I tell you how frustrating the English language can be?!!


I did have some fun this weekend with my Spring Hostess Stamp Club. I just love getting together with these ladies!!! We always have a good time.

EASTER DOVE

Stamps:  Easter Dove

Paper:  Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant, Certainly Celery

Accessories:  Vintage Wallpaper EF, Sweet Stems Embosslit, Decorative Label Punch, Lattice Die, Basic Pearls

I've seen lots of cards on the net using the Lattice die to make a cross. This is my version of it. Instead of the traditional "brown" cross, I wanted to make mine white. Trying to keep things simple and elegant. I think I accomplished that.

I'm excited to announce that the Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge has returned!! We will be offering a once-a-month challenge on the 1st of each month. I hope you will stop by this Sunday, April 1st and see what we are celebrating!!

Can you believe there is only one day left of Sale-A-Bration?!!! If you want to get exclusive FREE Sale-A-Bration products, make sure you visit my online store and place your order by March 31st: KRYSTAL'S CARDS

Stop back by on Sunday and celebrate the return of the Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Psalm 9 For Real Friday

Hi Friends!

"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart;

I will tell of all your wonders.

I will be glad and rejoice in you;

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High."

Psalm 9:1-2

KINDNESS MATTERS

Stamps: Kindness Matters

Paper: Poppy Parade, Crumb Cake, Certainly Celery, Everyday Enchantment DSP, First Edition DSP

Accessories: Fun Flowers die, Elegant Bouquet EF, Vanilla Seam Binding, Vintage Brads, Spritzer Tool

This week's Psalms Bible Study with Wendy Pope looks at Psalms 9. Here is what my NIV Life Application Study Bible says about verse 1:

"Praise is expressing to God our appreciation and understanding of His worth. It is saying "thank you" for each aspect of His divine nature. Our inward attitude becomes outward expression. When we praise God, we help ourselves by expanding our awareness of who He is. In each Psalm you read, look for an attribute or characteristic of God for which you can thank Him."

Wendy pointed out how, in this Psalm, David modeled prayer with praise first, thankfulness second, and finally with the "asking". So often our prayers are all about the asking, that we forget about the praise and thanksgiving (why I created a "thank you" card for today). "Praise lifts up the name of God for who He is, thanks celebrates what He has done." 

Right now I am reading Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts. I highly recommend it. Such a beautiful read. Her writing is so poetic. In it Ann talk about how before many miracles that Jesus performed, he thanked God FIRST and then the miracle happened. Like with the loaves and the fish. "And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves." Matt. 14:19 First the thanks, then the joy of the miracle. Ann's premise is if we can live in thanksgiving, we will live in joy.

Here is what Matthew Henry has to say about Psalm 9:1...

"Holy joy is the life of thankful praise, as thankful praise is the language of holy joy: I will be glad and rejoice in thee. Whatever occurs to make us glad, our joy must pass through it, and terminate in God only: I will be glad and rejoice in thee, not in the gift so much as in the giver."

With praise and thanksgiving to God, we will find joy. "Our inward attitude becomes our outward expression."

This past Tuesday I had the privilege of participating in Challenge Day at our local high school. Challenge Day is a secular workshop that focuses on having every child feel safe, loved, and celebrated. What a powerful experience! It broke my heart to see all the "ugly" that kids face everyday. Many do not receive any love or encouragement at home. The stories I heard were heart breaking. They have no hope. I never realized just how blessed I was to live in a caring home, where I knew that someone would always love me no matter what. I wanted to hug each and every student and tell them that they do have hope. Hope in Jesus Christ who came to take away their brokenness. I did get to tell my "family group" of five students how very special they were. That they were created in God's very own image and that He created them for a purpose. I only had two minutes to talk, but I tried my hardest to share from my heart. If you think of it, would you please pray for Bardo, Francisco, Anna, Aurora, and Rosie this week. They could sure use your prayers.

Had to make a few "guy" cards for my 40 Days of Lent challenge. I need to send out a few more cards this weekend. What about you? When is the last time you sent a smile through the mail? :)

Thanks for stopping by today!

I pray you've been blessed!

February Hostess Club Take 2

Hi Stamping Friends!


Happy Leap Day!! Sorry, no frog card from me today. I thought about somehow "celebrating" Leap Day today, since it only comes around once every four years. But most ideas I saw were geared toward pre-schoolers, including lots of frog stuff. Not thinking my 15yo Man-child would appreciate having to play leap frog with his 40-something mother. :)

ELEMENTARY ELEGANCE

Stamps: Elementary Elegance (Sale-A-Bration)

Paper: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Beau Chateau DSP

Accessories: Labels Framelits, Crocheted Lace, Crumb Cake Seam Binding, Pleated Satin Ribbon, Vintage Wallpaper EF, Twitterepated Buttons

Elementary Elegance is one of my favorite stamp sets from the Sale-A-Bration catalog. 5 out of 6 of my hostess club members chose it for their SAB freebie this month. This card was inspired by Kimberly Van Diepen, whom I consider the "Queen of Shabby Chic". I just love all the layers and accessories she adds to her cards.

Today is the last day to participate in my February Prize Spectacular!! Don't forget to place your online order today!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

February Hostess Club

Hi Stamping Friends!


Check out what we made last week at our monthly Stampin' Up! Hostess Club...

APOTHECARY ART

Stamps: Apothecary Art

Paper: Sahara Sand, Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla, Everyday Enchantment DSP

Accessories: Label Framelits, Pool Party Seam Binding, Basic Pearls, Tulip Frame EF, Markers

Finally had a chance to show off the new Framelits to my hostess club. I didn't have them yet in January. Everyone loved them! I can't wait until July to see what new shapes we will get in the new catalog! I used markers to color the center of the flowers.

If you are interested in being a part of a monthly hostess club, contact me. I need of a total of six member to start a club, so call up all your stampin' friends and ask them to join you! Monthly hostess clubs are simple and fun. Each month the club meets together to stamp and laugh and learn something new. Each member places a $25 order each month during the six months. One club member each month is the designated "hostess" and receives all the hostess benefits. It's great because you get the benefits of being a hostess, without actually having to host anything!  :)

I've also considered doing a "Stamp of the Month" club. Would anyone be interested in that? Leave me a comment and let me know if you would.

There is still a couple days to take advantage of my 

FEBRUARY PRIZE SPECTACULAR!!

THREE EASY WAYS TO WIN!!
 1. For every $50 order placed during the month of February, your name will be entered into a drawing to win a tote full of fabulous Stampin’ Up! products. Place a $100 order and your name will be entered twice. A $150 order equals three chances!! This adorable Stampin’ Up! tote contains:
Fresh Vintage Stamp Set (SAB)

Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper (SAB)

Everyday Enchantment Ribbon and Brad Pack (SAB)

In Color Card Stock

Designer Frames Embossing Folders

 2. Can’t spend $50? You still have a chance to win! For every $25 order placed during February, your name will be entered into a second drawing. This prize package contains:Everyday Elegance Simply Sent Kit

Kindness Matters Stamp Set

Designer Frames Embossing Folders

(You can not be entered into both drawings. Online orders do apply.)

3. Don’t spend any $ at all and still win!! Everyone who becomes my “fan” on Facebook before February 29th has a chance to win the Elementary Elegance Stamp Set on page 15 of the SAB catalog. Like me: Krystal’s Cards – Stampin’ Up

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!