Time to Reuse

Have you ever been at the grocery store picking out tissues when you have an "ah ha" moment.  Well, when I saw this box of tissues, my first thought was that it looks just like a current Stampin'Up! stamp set and colors.  I'm always amazed with how Stampin'Up! stays up with the current trends, even on tissue boxes!  Anyway, when the box was empty, I set right to work making a card.  Here is what I came up with:

Created by Stacey Cogswell
Copyright Stampin'Up!

What do you think?  If I hadn't told you the secret you might think I stamped the background, right?  Pretty cool, if I do say so myself and if I had to guess, you'll never look at a tissue box the same again!

Smiles,
Stacey

Water Stamping Card

Created by Stacey Cogswell
Copyright Stampin'Up!

Do you see the technique called Water Stamping on Splitcoaststampers on August 8th?  I did and I just had to try it with my stamp set called Flowering Flourishes.  The tutorial on Splitcoaststampers used a wet paper towel as the ink pad, but I found that if I misted the stamp with water before stamping that the image came through better.  As always, the card looks so much better in person.  Someday I hope to have a photo booth in my craft room, until then I'll keep trying to get a better pictures.  For this card used the stamp sets Lacy & Lovely (large flower) and Pursuit of Happiness (greeting)   I even stamped the inside of the card.   Check out the tutorial on Splitcoaststampers and then give it a try......I'd love to see what you create!



Created by Stacey Cogswell
Copyright Stampin'Up!

Happy Stamping!
Stacey



Very Special Birthday Card

I was asked to make a very special birthday card for a young women that is turning 18.  It turned out so beautifully that I just had to share it with all of you. I love having the chance to create a one-of-kind masterpiece and this time was no exception.  It all began with choosing the color palette: purples and a splash of green.  One of my all time favorite color combinations when it comes to purples is Elegant Eggplant and Lavender Lace.  I was so bummed when they retired the Lavender Lace color last year, so this was a great chance to pull out some of old supplies and walk down memory lane.  A picture of this young lady when she was small is to be included on the inside of the card, so I wanted the outside of the card to have a very "grown up", but yet girly feel.  I used Wild Wasabi paper, pearl/rhinestone accents, punches, a texture folder, die cuts and some other retired stamps to come up with the finished card. 

Isn't it pretty!  It's hard to tell in the picture, but all the flowers are sponged and popped up. The little butterfly looks like its "flying" off the letters!  The polka-dots were sponged as well to make then stand out a little more.

And of course you can't have a special card like this in just an ordinary envelope, so I made one to match!

I think the envelope turned out to be just as pretty as the card!  The little cord on the back closure even has a little flower hanging from it.  What a blessing it is to be able to be creative and let your imagination go!  Everyone needs a little break from the hustle and bustle of life and I can't think of a better way to do it than to create something special for someone special with your own two hands.  Hope you'll find time enjoy a little creating yourself. 



Enjoy!

Smiles,

Stacey