Trying out new Stamps and Colors

I have been stamping for my sample basket and for inspiration for workshops the last few days. I had fun with one of the new In Colors for 2010: Poppy Parade. It's such a great, bright red. Take a look at these two cards and let me know which you like best. I may just demo one at an upcoming workshop.

This card was inspired by a card in the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog. It uses the french version of the set: Elements of Style -so chic! The hummingbird just makes me happy and I love the way it pops stamped in Poppy Parade. The ribbon is also in Poppy Parade. Card stocks used are Chocolate Chip and River Rock and Poppy Parade. Inks are Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla and Poppy Parade.

This card uses the Level 1 Hostess Set: Because I Care. Hydrangeas are one of my favorite flowers and this one is fantastic! I water colored the flower using ink and blender pens in Poppy Parade and Pear Pizzazz. The patterned paper is from the Designer Paper Pattern Stack of in Colors. The card base is Whisper White. And lastly, I added glitter to the center of the flowers.

I will likely have more to share soon. Leave a comment, please, I need the encouragement!

One more thing: Check out my new Stampin' Up! Website.

Card Swap!!

For August's Card Swap we decided on Get Well Cards or Sympathy Cards. We had a nice big group this month too! And I have even put a get well card in the mail from the swap. It's off to my sil who just just had gallbladder surgery. I like having get well cards on hand because usually when I hear of someone who could use a get well card, I don't have the time to sit and make one. Then by the time I get around to it, the need is no longer there. So I love that I have some on hand! And as for sympathy cards, it's nice to not have to think too hard about that one when they are needed.

I hope you enjoy this month's offering. Next month the theme is Holiday-Any Holiday. Oh, the possibilities! Shall I make a Christmas card? and gear up for that? Or there is always Valentine's Day. Oh, and I have those cute Halloween stamps. And I love the soft colors of an Easter card. Well, I guess you will have to be surprised next month!

Chilly Willy Get Well, by Christine Fouts

Paisley Sympathy, by DeeAnn Haworth

Thinking of You, by DeeAnn Haworth

Patterned Prints Get Well, by Michelle Tweedy

Rhinestone Sympanthy, by Nickie Kenyon

With Sympathy, by Kristy Yapp

Shimmery Butterfly, by Lisa Jones

Flowery Get Well, by Michelle Hansen

Froggy Get Well, by Nickie Kenyon

Under Weather Chick, by Julie Broderick