$1.00 shipping to any US address through Sunday, 4/19

I am here today wrapping up our week of Mother’s Day inspiration. I made two similar cards to share. One I’ll use as a Mother’s Day card for my farm wife/mom daughter-in-law and the other I’ll just keep on hand as a good anytime card. I created some stacked farm animals on each. It’s just the background that is different on each card. Let’s start with the general purpose card:

I created this as an all purpose card – just a little pick-me-up to send to someone sometime.

The background is a sheet from the Recycled Hymnal Pages we stock. I thought it made a nice quick and easy backdrop for the farm animals.

This card is 4 x 5.5″ and is a very soft ivory (hard to tell) as it just blended better with the recycled paper than a pure white.

The die cut farm animals are from our Farmhouse Signage set. I used just the dies, not the stamps.

The swash mark is a stamp in the coordinating stamp set that I like to use to ground the stacked animals.

The sentiment is from our Farmhouse Simple Sentiments set.

_____

I created this one as a Mother’s Day card for my farm daughter-in-law.

I created a faux shiplap background for these stacked farm animals.

I’ve wanted to try this shiplap for a long time, and yesterday was the day!

Jill from our team made this card with shiplap – and I fell in love!

Jill followed this video to make her shiplap.

Well, I tried. I failed. I made a mess with my ink pad. I think I didn’t use a light enough color. I was trying with a gray which was clearly too dark.

So I tried again, trying to simplify it (lazy stamper that I am!). The end result may not be quite as nice, but it sure was quick and easy. Here’s what I did:

• Score white paper every 1/2″. The right side of the shiplap is the “valley fold” side.
• Taking one score line at a time, fold it backwards (so valley is “out”).
• Hold that exposed inside-out valley in one hand.
• With other hand, run the smaller tip of a very light gray Copic marker quickly along the fold.
• Move on to next. In seconds, your small piece is done with no inky mess!

So that’s how I got my super quick shiplap in seconds with no inky mess!

Give it a try, either way – it sure is fun!!!

_____

Here’s my supply list for these 2 cards:

Stamps: Farmhouse Signage by Stamp Simply Clear Stamps (swash mark)

Farmhouse Simple Sentiments by Stamp Simply Clear Stamps (sentiment on card front)

All Occasion Sentiments SET 1 by Stamp Simply Clear Stamps (Mother’s Day greeting)

Dies:  Farmhouse Signage by Stamp Simply Clear Stamps (die cut animals)

Spellbinders Classic Rectangles – Large & Small

Paper: Recycled Hymnal Pages

Ink: VersaFine – Onyx Black (sentiments)

Light Gray Copic Marker (to create shiplap)

Adhesives:  3D Foam Squares, EZ Runner, Liquid Glue

Farmhouse Signage by Stamp Simply Clear Stamps

With the animals facing both ways it gives you a ton of fun options!

Available individually or bundled.

Farmhouse Simple Sentiments by Stamp Simply Clear Stamps

This is but one of many sentiment sets in this series.

Find ALL sets in our Farmhouse Series here.

All Occasion Sentiments SET 1 by Stamp Simply Clear Stamps

This is one of two coordinated all occasion sentiment sets and with both of these versatile stamp sets in hand, you’ll be covered for all the yearly holidays and occasions that could possibly arise!

Available individually or bundled.

All items available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store, as linked.

_____

SPECIALS

We are cleaning up, thinning out and reorganizing so we have MUCH on sale right now.

Coupled with the $1.00 US shipping it’s a great time to shop!

Based out of our rural Upper Michigan home we are open and SHIPPING DAILY.

_____

Here are some products to check out:

25% OFF our 5 most popular Easter sets

Easter – He Has Risen!

Grace – Crosses – Mercy

_____

Shop our SALE BINS here for some unbelievable deals.

Find ALL Graphic 45 paper in stock here – 40% OFF!

MOST Kaisercraft papers  – 25% – 50%+ OFF!

Find ALL CHRISTMAS PAPER in stock here – 30%+ OFF!

Find ALL Tim Holtz DISTRESS Products in stock here – 25% – 50% OFF!

Find ALL Closeout Stamps here 50% OFF – including Altenew.

Find Spellbinders Die D-Lites here – 50% OFF – many as low as $5.00.

  All Spellbinders Products always reduced — find all Spellbinders dies here.

_____

We are pleased to offer our line of Stamp Simply Clear Stamps and Steel Dies,

many containing scripture and encouraging, uplifting Christian themes.

Find ALL Stamp Simply Clear Stamps/Dies here.

Find Christian/Scripture themed products here.

View items in our Love/Wedding category here.

View items in our Masculine category here.

View items in our Graduation category here.

View items in our Patriotic category here.

_____

If you are new to us, WELCOME! Here are some ways to keep in touch:

FIND US HERE

Follow us on PINTEREST for tons of inspiration!

Like us on FACEBOOK for the latest news!

Check us out on INSTAGRAM.

View our YouTube Channel here.

Sign up for our email NEWSLETTER published once or twice a month.

Subscribe to this blog using the Feedly, Bloglovin or Feedblitz links at the top left sidebar.

_____

Thanks so much for stopping in!

We’d LOVE to have you scroll down to see all the beautiful work by our very talented Design Team.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

A CAS Sketch – Today I prepared a Clean and Simple Sketch for you to follow.  I love to see the different looks achieved by using the same basic sketch — and that said, you can go CAS if you prefer OR you can dress up this basic sketch as much as you like!  It’ll be fun to see the variances! Have fun with it!!!

Anyone is welcome and invited to play!  SCS Keyword is ssnotime148 for those who upload at SCS.  There is no time limit. You can play this challenge  anytime at all.  The point is to keep it simple, quick and have fun!!!

And be sure to Link to Mr. Linky below.

Check out the fab samples on the blogs of the Stamp Simply Challenge DT:

 Clare Buswell:  Clare’s Creations - July Guest Designer 

Simplify.  That’s what it’s all about — to make things more simple. 

Life gets crazy, time is at a premium — I know most of you experience the same thing.  And in my effort to simplify I’ve decided to add a line of stamps to The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store that will help me, and you, make creating simple cards an absolute breeze.  I’d like to introduce you to the Rubber Soul/Wordsworth line of stamps that I’ve specifically selected with *Stamping Simply* in mind. 

Here’s a few cards that I whipped up in just a couple minutes, all made using the set called Rose Border – take a look:

These are all standard A-2 sized cards, using just black and white cardstock and my favorite black ink for crisp images, VersaFine Onyx Black.

The only embellishment on these cards are the 2 Kaiser Pearls in the rose centers.  It is amazing how those two tiny pearls just brought that black and white bouquet to life!

The last 2 cards have the focal image popped up with a dimensional foam product.  So that’s it — 3 simply stamped cards.  I didn’t have to invest an afternoon or evening to make these — just a few minutes — and you know, sometimes that’s just what we need!

______________________________

These are all the new sets I’ve added to my store.  They aren’t on the store pages yet, just here, but they’ll get there soon.  And if you click on the images, some of them will get bigger for you and easier to read – I’m working on it — LOL!  If interested in any, just email me at [email protected].

I’ll start with 2  clear sets that I was able to get at a special price, and I’m happy to pass that savings on to you:

                                 Messiah (4 x 4) – $7.95      Wedding (4 x 6) – $6.95

__________

The remaining clear sets all measure 4 x 6 and sell for $11.95.

                                                Rose Border                           I’m So Glad

                                           Life’s Embrace                Women’s Collection

                                         Men’s Collection    Snowman Collection

                                          Life Affirming                 Everyday Greetings

                                      Poetry of the Earth                        Comfort

                                      Emerson Collection              Hugo Collection

                                       Twain Collection    Dickinson Collection

Lincoln Collection          Friends Collection

Heart Sing                       Classic Christmas

Holiday Whimsical             Holiday Stylized

__________

And I also have a few favorite wood mount stamps for you:

Script Merry Christmas – 1.25 x 3.25″ – $8.50 ON SALE – $5.00

Please note:  I have reduced the price of the above stamp.  It stamps beautifully, but the stamp is mounted crooked on the wood block.  Things like that bother me, so I could not in all clear conscience pass it on to you at full price.  SO SORRY, but that’s how it came — it’s a lovely Christmas stamp and I hope you enjoy the reduced pricing!

That same Merry Christmas is available in a CLEAR version.  It is included in the set (scroll up) called Classic Christmas for $11.95.  There are no *issues* with the CLEAR version.

__________

Merry Christmas 2 – 1 x 3.75″ – $7.50

__________

Birthday Blessings – Wood Mount – 2.75 x 3.5″ – $11.50

See samples here and here.

__________

GRADUATION – 2 X 3.25″ – $10.50

__________

TO ACCOMPLISH – 3 X 3.5″ – $11.50

__________

If you are interested in ordering, just email me at [email protected].  Include your state/zip OR country.

______________________________

Thanks for popping in again!  I truly LOVE your visits!  Thank you SO much.  Next is our weekly Stamp Simply Challenge that will be up late Thursday evening — so we’ll see you then!!!  Have a wonderful day everyone!

I thought it would be fun to do a quick Year in Review, showcasing some of my favorite projects from 2008. I was inspired to do this when I saw Stef’s post on her 10 Favorites from 2008. What a fun post to view!!! As I reflect back on 2008 and my stamping style, in general not too much has changed, but I will say right now I am of the mind to keep things ultra, ultra simple. I am enjoying looks that are clean, crisp and fresh. I love sharply contrasting colors and simple designs. And I have been limiting my use of embellishments a bit more. Simplifying. I guess that’s where it’s at for me right now. And I’m perfectly happy being there! Care to take a look at some of my personal favorites over this past year?

This is a series of3 cards that truly are simple. I made them using a tulip image and sentiments I love from Thank You by Flourishes, colored with Copics. Details can be found here and here.

The next project is a card I made to coordinate with a set of towels and hot pads. The only stamped portion of the card is the actual cup from a Flourishes set and the steam. I hand drew in the saucer, counter and tiles and colored it with Copics. Details here.

Next is a Journal I made from scratch, using my Scor-It to create the binding and the bend in the pages near the spine. The main image is by JustRite. Complete tutorial here.

Following is a tag I made for a basket of fresh veggies using a Papertrey Ink set. It has a loop on top through which the ribbon runs to tie the tag to the basket handle. Love making these fun little projects!!! More details and photos here.

These are simple little table favors I did just for fun. LOVE this dress die boxby AccuCut and this fun Bella Rose DP by SU. Monogram tags are with JustRite stamps. Details here.

Next is a One Sheet Wonder I created using a leaf stamp from a set byPapertrey Ink and a spectrum pad. I found it totally relaxing to sit and make this sheet and I love the simple cards I created with it. More details here.

Next is a card I did for twin preemiebaby girls in need of prayer. I used a SU set and Heart Nestabilities by Spellbinders for my focal image. This card was a joy to make for those precious baby girls. Details here.

Another project right at the top of my list is the Scripture Box and the Scripture Memory Cards I did for the Bible Verse Challenge at SCS. I fell far short of reaching my goal of 12 cards, but I will continue to work on it this year.This index cardshown is my very favorite and uses a stamp set from Our Daily Bread. More details here.

Monogrammed Gift Sets are probably my absolute FAVORITE thing of all time to make. Using JustRite monogram stamps makes it so easy, and using my Scor-It to create beautiful boxes to present the cards in just tops it off perfectly. A gift that is always a hit. I especially love these 2 sets that I did for Christmas gifts. These are each sets of 6 cards in a box. Tutorials can be seen here and here.

And as far as Christmas projects this year, I have 2 favorites. The first are these vintage Christmas tags/packages I made using JustRite stamps and vintagelooking designerpaper and embellishments. Full details here.

And the next Christmas project I really enjoyed was the 15 panel Merry Christmas Accordion Card easily made using my Scor-It and a variety of stamps by SU and JustRite. I also made a box to keep it in/and or present it in using my Scor-It. Accordion details here and box details here.

And that pretty well rounds out my favorite projects for 2008. I hope you enjoyed them as well. And, as I said above, I am starting 2009 off with ultra simple creations, trying to balance stamp time with family life. I’d just like to take this opportunity to let you all know how truly blessed I feel to have you stopping in here so often. Your visits are the highlight of my day and I love knowing that you were here. THANK YOU SO MUCH for your continued friendship as we all venture into 2009!!! Wishing you all a Wonderful New Year!!!

Challenge #14 – Keyword ssnotime14-There is no time limit. You can play this challenge and upload yourproject at Splitcoastand/or your Blog, anytime at all! You can play as many times as you like!!! The point is to keep it simple, quick and have fun!!! Please link back here.

Todays challenge is to do a QUICK CASE.There are times when we are all rushed, need something quickly, so what do we do — scan the galleries at SCS. Sometimes we are just looking for inspiration, but sometimes we want to CASE, and that’s what we’re going to do today, with a little twist — it’ll be a QUICK CASE.

ETA: PLEASE NOTE: You DO NOT have to do a set — one card is fine!!! I think I’m freaking some people out with my large sample!!! I needed a set, so that’s what I did, that’s all!!

Here’s what I mean — the gift set pictured above is entirely cased, very quickly. I needed a western themed set for another Christmas gift, with no time left to think, much less design. So here’s what I did, and what I mean by a QUICK CASE. I knew which sets I wanted to use (Wanted and Bronc Buster) so I went to those galleries. I knew I wanted cards I could do quickly, so I very quickly scanned the gallery pages in search of something simple and attractive. The first few things I ran across that were what I had in mind, I printed — no hours in the gallery here — I’m talking a couple minutes. I went down to my stamp room with my printed pictures. I planned to make 6 cards, so I had 3printed pictures — I was going to do 2 of each. I pulled outmy supplies, pretty much going with the colors in thepictures. Then I started, making doubles of each card as it doesn’t take much longerto make 2 than it takes to make 1. I also altered theCASES to make them easier and quicker, using the pictures as mybasic guide. Working like this it is amazing how much you can accomplish in a short time.

For today’s challenge I want you to chose a stamp set, run through that gallery very quickly, make your selection, print it out (if your computer isn’t right in your stamp room), and make your card based on your printed picture — bearing in mind you may make adjustments to make it even easier and quicker if you need to. If you’ll read the descriptions to each of my photos below, you’ll see what little things I did to make each of these CASES easierand quicker than the original.

When you upload your challenge card,REMEMBER to tell us who youCASED and link their card — NO.1) because when youCASE that is the right thing to do; and, NO 2) so we can compare your QUICK CASE to the original. If anyone has trouble linking, just PM or email me and I can help.

Remember when you upload to use the keyword above, followed by a comma.Please come back here to post (as a comment) that youve played, and provide a linkso I can check out your card right away. You can find all cards uploaded for this challenge by clicking Gallery Submissions Here.

Some wanting to play said they have never uploaded before. If thats you and you need help uploading, just go to my Challenge No. 1 here.

I did 2 of this card, which is a CASE of Laurie Schmidlin (Lauraly). Here isher SCS upload. This is pretty close to a direct case, but I used the Jumbo Brads rather than the punched circles and brads Laurie used, because it was quicker. Also, I did not want a sentiment on this as I wanted all these cards to be general purpose cards, so I omitted the sentiment but added the punched stars. Also, I omitted all sponging and distressing, as that takes time, which I did not have.Instead, I stamped the main image (on all these cards) with the Sandedbackground to lend some of that distressed feel. I used all the same colors Laurie used, and this really is Artichoke, though it is looking rather bright in this photo.

These cards started as a case of Shannan Teubner (steubner), but I ended up making some major changes for the sake of saving time, but you will certainly see the similarities. Here is her SCS upload that I printed. I went with the embossed DP as that is what drew me to her card, but I only used 1 piece for the sake of time, where she used 2. I kept a similiar main image panel and ribbon (on one), but simplified. And the card on top with the lasso — well, that was a mistake — I ran the DP through the Cuttlebug upside down, so Ijust used the other side ofthepaperand went with a super simple design, using the same main image panel. The brown ribbon didn’t show up on the brown DP, so that’s why I went with the lasso — always making adjustments — LOL!!!

These last 2 cards are cases of Vicki Garrett (summerthyme64). Here is her SCS upload. Vicki’s card used Versa Mark Resist and Heat Embossing, neither of which I fussed with. I used a sheet of DP instead. She also had a torn edge — I went straight. She had a lot of distressing and sponging — again, I omitted that — QUICK was my goal, so I had to cut corners. She had a cute dangling little star – I just stuck one on with a dimensional. I did add piercing to this one that I don’t believe was in the original.

A little hint: If you’re going to skimp on technique, add a little hardware instead. It’s amazing how a bit of hardware instantly dresses up a card — LOVE my Hodgepodge boxes!!!

OK, so can you see how quickly you can CASE a card, but still make it your own, to suit your purposes and time constraints? Admittedly, my cards don’t have the attention to detail that each of those I cased has — I omitted all that detail work which makes a card stand out — but, there are times we MUST omit some things, and that’s OK — even though we do things to simplify, we can still produce a nice product.

• Stamps: Wanted, Bronc Buster, Sanded
• Paper: Natural Ivory, Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Really Rust, River Rock, Outlaw DP
• Ink: Timber Brown Stazon, Creamy Caramel
• Accessories: Jumbo Brads, Cropadile, Vintage Brads, Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware, Large and Small Star Punch, Crafter’s Tool Kit, Dimensionals, Ribbon, Hemp, Cuttlebug, Textile Embossing Folder

And all these cards will be put into the clear box shown in the top photo to make a quick little gift. If you are interested in those clear boxes, you can read more about them here and here.

Well, sorry this post was so long — if you need something quickly, hope you try out a Quick Case!!! Thanks much for stopping in — I still have more things I should do and get posted — I’m trying — LOL!!!