Birthday World Treasures

I love the peacock in the World Treasures stamp set. It's really cute and I can use it on thank you cards, birthday cards, really *any* kind of card. But how did I come by the stamp set? I didn't actually buy it yet! I borrowed it from one of my downline who's super creative but just couldn't figure out what to do with it. I wanted to prove to her that it really is easy to use ;)

Today's card is brought to you care of the Sunday Stamps Challenge. Our Lead Design Team Member Holly provided us with this week's color challenge:

What a funky color combo - definitely not my norm, but so much fun! That's what I love about challenges, they definitely push me out of my comfort zone most of the time. I made this card for my oldest friend for her birthday. We've known each other for over 20 years and she definitely is a treasure!

Tips & Tricks:
*I decided to play around with my embossing powders for this card. I embossed the peacock in Melon Mambo and the greeting in Black. I love how the Melon Mambo EP gives the peacock some shine and dimension.

*Do you like my black rhinestones? I simply used a black Sharpie marker to color the Basic Jewels - Rhinestones black. They still sparkle, too!
*I love the new Designer Labels Framelits. They coordinate with many stamps in the catalogue and I love how I can easily cut out images and greetings.
*The peacock is a big image, which is what my friend had trouble with. But I love how I just need the one stamp to make my card.

I hope my friend enjoys her birthday card. I still have to find her a gift though... 'Til next time, keep letting stamps bring out your creativity! And don't forget to join us at Sunday Stamps this week!

Card Recipe:
Stamps: World Treasures
Paper: Pool Party, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Ink: VersaMark
Accessories: Basic Jewels - Rhinestones, Heat Tool, Melon Mambo & Black Embossing Powder, Big Shot, Fancy Fan Embossing Folder, Designer Labels Framelits, Stampin' Dimensionals, Black Sharpie (not SU!)

Back with Sunday Stamps

It's been much too long since I last posted. I've been super busy with this new house. Setting everything up has definitely been much more work than I or my husband ever expected! Why didn't anyone warn us??? lol! But it's all good. We're settling in and the kids are loving it. My daughter met some girls on our new street that are her age and she was pretty excited when they asked her to play scooters right away. It was everything I'd hoped for :)

Today I'm back with the Sunday Stamps Challenge. We took a two-week summer break, but now we're back with a gorgeous sketch from Hayley Kew:

I wasn't sure what direction I wanted to take this sketch in. The more I thought about it, the more I thought that the In Color Ruffled Ribbon wold look good layered. So I came up with this:

Tips & Tricks:

*I embossed the Whisper White Background with the Floral Bouquet Embossing Folder. I love how delicate the little flowers look without taking over the card.
*I felt so bad leaving Island Indigo and Pool Party out of this card ~ I had a really hard time deciding which of the five In Colors to use! But I love how this turned out. Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade and Calypso Coral look so fresh together.
*How can you not love the Itty Bitty Banners stamp set and coordinating Framelits? They make creating fun greeting for your card so easy!
*Rhinestones to the rescue again! My blooms from Betsy's Blossoms looked a little plain. Something was missing. So I added some rhinestones and voila! Problem solved ;)

Hope you're still hanging in there with me with my lack of posts. As of today, my studio is functional (see my Facebook Page and don't forget to 'like' it :) ), I should be a bit more productive ;) 'Til next time, keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Betsy's Blossoms, Itty Bitty Banners
Paper: Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White
Ink: Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder
Accessories: Calypso Coral/Wisteria Wonder/Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon, Adhesive Jewels - Rhinestones, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Big Shot, Floral Bouquet Embossing Folder, Bitty Banners Framelits, Stampin' Dimensionals

Antiqued Eiffel Tower

This was the last card I made in my current stampin' studio. Then I packed up all my stamps and accessories, getting ready for the move on Saturday. Today I packed up the rest of my things and my hubby took down all my wall-mounted cabinets and Bygel rods. It looks so empty now! I was a little sad but I have to keep reminding myself that bigger and better things are coming. TOMORROW! I can't believe we get the keys to the new house tomorrow. Feels like I've been waiting for this day for 9 months. Oh wait, I have ;)

For this card, I used the color challenge provided by The Paper Players Challenge. We were challenged to use Crumb Cake, Not Quite Navy and Cherry Cobbler on our card. And I happily obliged because that is just a most fantastic color combination. This color combination screamed vintage to me, so I decided to go in that direction with my card.

Tips & Tricks:

*Scared of vintage? Don't be! I've used the Artistic Etchings stamp set for both modern AND vintage cards. It's all in the accessories and techniques you use. Paper tearing and sponging with Crumb Cake or Soft Suede is a good start.
*I love using the little medallion stamp as a lighter background for the Eiffel Tower. It's as though the sun is setting behind it.
*Even though I used Not Quite Navy on this card, the Island Indigo Baker's Twine coordinates perfectly, too. Sometimes we 'cheat' a bit with the accessories ;)
*As you can imagine, the Antique Brads were the obvious choice for a little something extra on my card ;)
*Although this card would be a perfect masculine card, I think a woman would enjoy it, too :)

I hope you've enjoyed this card! Next time I'll be back with a little project I made using the NEW version of My Digital Studio ~ MDS2. It's awesome! And then, the project after that will be made in my new studio :)

Wish me luck for the move for Saturday! I think we'll need it. 'Til next time, keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Artistic Etchings, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede (for sponging)
Accessories: Word Window Punch, Island Indigo Baker's Twine, Antique Brads, Stampin' Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals, Big Shot, Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder

Vintage Postage

Before I start on today's card, I just wanted to let all my blog readers know that you may see a few less posts from me in the next two weeks or so. Next Friday, we take possession of our new home. This means a lot of packing, including all my stampin' stuff! EEEK! I'm doing it in phases. I've already packed all the things I know I won't use (retired DSP, extra ribbon, some stamps). But my inks, punches, accessories, card stock... they're all accessible. So I can stamp a bit longer. But I'm slowly running out of time and will have to pack soon. So I ask you to be patient with me, I'll be back to posting regularly soon. From my NEW STAMPIN' STUDIO :)

Now, onwards and upwards to today's card. This week, I was very excited to partake in the Friday Mashup Challenge. Their challenge for us this week was to
1) Make a project with a 'stick pin on it';
2) Make a 'vintage' project; or
3) Mash it up and make a 'vintage project with a stick pin on it'.

Vintage? FUN! I love vintage. With a pin? Even more FUN! Mainly because I've never done that before ;) And I do like to sew, so I have lots of pretty pins, perfect for a card.

My card base in this card is Pink Pirouette. But as usual, the color didn't photograph well. So frustrating, but I hope you get the idea. I've tried playing with all the functions in Photoshop and it clearly didn't work. :p

Tips & Tricks:

*Postage Due is such a fantastic vintage stamp set. I love the stamp images and the main image (even though I didn't use it here) as well. So many options with this set!
*The Fan Fair DSP is also great for any vintage project. Best of all it has some very feminine doily patterns, as well as more masculine patterns.

*Doesn't the Fancy Fan Embossing Folder look lovely with the Scallop Trim Punch and Fan Fair DSP? It's almost like they were made for each other!
*What do you think of my pin? It's not SU! because I pulled it out of my sewing kit ;) I just poked two holes in my card stock and threaded it through. It looked a bit plain though so I put a white Designer Button with Linen Thread on top of it.
*I contemplated tearing my card stock for a vintage feel, but I decided to tear it apart instead. I love how SU! card stock is solid right through and thick enough to do this.
*The Victoria Trim Crochet Ribbon is the perfect addition *any* vintage card :)

Hope you've enjoyed this card. I think I'll have to use the pin again! 'Til next time, keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Postage Due, Tea Shoppe
Ink: Soft Suede
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Fan Fair DSP
Accessories: Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Postage Stamp Punch, Scallop Trim Punch, Big Shot, Fancy Fan Embossing Folder, Neutrals Designer Buttons, Victoria Trim Crochet Ribbon, Linen Thread, Stampin' Dimensionals, Glue Dots,

Medallions and Banners

Another HOT week-end in Ottawa ON. It was 35C here today, 35C! And that's without the humidex. For my American friends, that's 95F. Which for Ottawa is pretty extraordinary. Especially because it has been so hot all summer. I spent the day at an outdoor festival and then in my in-law's pool, so I'm pretty spent ;) But not too spent to share this bright, summery card with you :)

Sunday is almost upon us and this week at Sunday Stamps we have a color challenge. Our designer Lisa Johansen at Snow Moose Creations came up with the challenge of Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight and Old Olive. This is a color combination I don't think I've used before but I loved it. This is why I love challenges so much, they force me to think outside the box. My little Baja Breeze and Wisteria Wonder box :)

Although I was inspired by a card I'd made at a demo meeting, I did tweak the sketch and made it my own :) I'm so excited to be finally coming up with my own sketches. Especially because I have something up my sleeve for the fall. And I'll need some sketches ;)

Tips & Tricks:

*It took a few tries to get my large floral medallion lined up properly on the Daffodil card stock. But that's because I forgot to use my Grid Paper. I think this heat is getting to me ;)
*I'm seriously loving the Floral Frames Framelits. It is soooo easy to create fantastic die-cut stamped images :) I made three different floral frames and love how easy it is to layer them!
*Isn't the button in the middle the perfect finishing touch? I especially love the Pacific Point paper thread through the middle. Add that little 'pop' of color!
*Although I wanted to include a sentiment on my card, I still wanted the flowers to remain front row and center. So I stamped the 'Happiest Birthday' sentiment tone-on-tone on the Daffodil card stock. I love how it turned out.

I hope this card inspired you to craft something bright and sunny and that you'll join us at Sunday Stamps this week for this fab color challenge. 'Til next time, keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Daydream Medallions, Loving Thoughts
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Old Olive
Paper: Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Whisper White
Accessories: Designer Buttons - Brights, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Floral Frames Framelits, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Early Espresso & Crumb Cake - YUM!

When I saw the monochromatic Dynamic Duos Challenge, all I could think was YUMMY. And I love that color combination - it's one of my favorites! So I was pretty excited to 'attack' it. I also saw a card on Pinterest that piqued my interest. My card is quite different, but it was the starting point for my idea: it had squares folded back with a monster (from Make a Monster) jumping out. Here we just have a sweet little coffee cup and greeting popping out.

This card could easily be made into a masculine card, simply by using a different image from the A Fitting Occasion stamp set. My petal 'frame' is made from four 1-3/4" Circles folded in half.

Tips & Tricks:

*I used the Comfort Cafe DSP for my card. It has a lot of floral and feminine patterns, but it has a few monochromatic and masculine patterns, too.
*I'm still loving the Fancy Fan Embossing Folder. It's so pretty and just adds so much to my cards.
*Yeah, I guess I cheated. I made the heart over my coffee cup pink deviating from the monochromatic theme. But you have to admit, it's pretty cute ;)
*Even though I make bows with my Seam Binding Ribbon (here in Crumb Cake), my favorite way to use it on cards is to tie a simple know in it. This ribbon is perfect for that.

I hope this card inspires you and shows you that monochromatic doesn't have to be boring. And don't forget to check out and 'like' my Facebook Page. I'm doing a giveaway at 225 likes :) 'Til next time, keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Card Recipe
Stamps: A Fitting Occasion
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Comfort Cafe DSP
Accessories: 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Big Shot, Fancy Fan Embossing Folder, Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon, Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write Marker

A Fun Sketch for Birthday and Christmas

This is going to be a double post. Try Stampin' on a Tuesday had a fantastic sketch for us this week and when I saw it, I saw two types of cards. A birthday card using Papaya Collage and a Christmas card using Christmas Lodge.

I also made sure to use some super fun DSP's: Fan Fair for the birthday card and Candlelight Christmas for the Christmas card. The Fan Fair DSP coordinates well with the Postage Due stamp set, but I love it with Papaya Collage, too. It has a nice, vintage feel to it and I love the colors.

I really love the rose in that stamp set. It's so pretty, classic and vintage-looking. I thought it looked fantastic in the frame and I especially love the layered roses. What do you think of the button? It's one of the new Natural Buttons. I threaded a bit of Hemp Twine through it to complete the look.

I was inspired to do another Christmas card by the Friday Mashup. The challenge this week was to create a Christmas card and/or decorate the inside of the card. I did both. I chose the Candlelight Christmas DSP (a sneak peek from the Holiday Mini) and I love how it has a sparkly feel to it. A shimmer, just like candlelight. I also finally used my favorite Christmas stamp set this year - Christmas Lodge.

I just love how classic this stamp set is. For this card, something was missing on the 'banner' pieces of DSP. So I added a few Adhesive Pearls at the bottom of them. I love how easy they are to use. This DSP works perfectly with the Christmas Lodge set, too. Classic Christmas. I used my Paper Snips to free-hand the notches in my DSP.

I decorated the inside of my card with the same DSP that I used on the inside of my card. Then I used some of the stamps I hadn't used on the front of the card to make sure the person who received the card knew I wanted them to have a Merry Christmas. :)

I hope you like my two-in one card. I think I'll have to use this sketch a few more times. 'Til next time, keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Fun with a Thaumatrope

I first saw a thaumatrope on my friend and downline Tara's blog. I have been wanting to make one ever since, but never got around to it. I have a FREE 'Try Out a Stamping Technique Club' class on Sunday and this is one of the cards and techniques that we'll be doing. I still have room if you'd like to come :) I think the thaumatrope is such a fun element and I love the way it 'floats' in the card :)

The butterfly in the center of the Floral Framelits is a removable thaumatrope. I'd give you a tutorial, but the link I've given you is much better than any tutorial I could give you. That said, here are some pictures of what my thaumatrope looks like.

I tied Early Espresso Baker's Twine on both ends of the scallop circle. I pierced holes through the base of the card and ran the twine through the two holes. If I can give any advice (and Tara gave me this advice too) cut the Baker's Twine longer rather than shorter. You'll need it!

Here's what my thaumatrope looks like when untied. When you spin it around the two colors and butterfly styles blend together. Stunning really.

Tips & Tricks:

*I used the sketch at the Friday Mashup Challenge for this card. I really love the simplicity of it and how versatile it is.
*I used the new Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder for the background on my card. I absolutely LOVE this folder. It will be available in the Holiday Mini on August 1st.
*When using two different-sized framelits to make a frame (like the Cajun Craze Flower) cut your large die-cut shape first. Then put your smaller framelit over the larger die-cut and cut out the smaller image to make your frame. To ensure your framelit doesn't move, put a Post-It note over the framelit/card stock to hold it in place.
*I am absolutely loving the Comfort Cafe DSP. Some patterns are fresh and modern, others are more vintage. I can't believe I wasn't sure about this paper when I first saw it ;)

I'm excited to show this card off to the ladies at my class on Sunday. I still have a few spots available and I'd love for you to join us.

'Til next time, keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

A Little Papillon with International Bazaar

I've used a lot of my new stampin' supplies but some, such as the Vintage Faceted Buttons, have gone unused up 'til now.  Not because I don't like them. It's more of a time issue. I can only craft so much ;) And then there are some supplies, like the Papillon Potpourri stamp set and the International Bazaar DSP, that I would like to use even more. So on this card, I did just that. Lots of different elements, but I think they work well together.

My inspiration for this card was this week's Pals Paper Arts Challenge. I had originally wanted to make two of the DSP flowers (bottom right corner) but it was too busy for the card. So instead I put a Vintage Faceted Button in the corner. The button still draws some attention, but doesn't take over the card.

Tips & Tricks:

*For the DSP flower, I used the new 1-1/4" Scallop Circle Punch. It is in the Holiday Mini and will be available August 1st. I punched 6 scallop circles from the International Bazaar DSP, crumpled them (I know! It seems so wrong to crumple up DSP, but it looks so great) and put them together with a Brights Brad.
*Did you notice the piercing around the Framelit Labels? I used the Festive Paper Piercing Pack, also available in the Holiday Mini. I'm loving how Stampin' Up! is making paper piercing so easy for us with these lovely templates.
*The Papillon Potpourri stamp set has several different styles of butterflies - from a realistic looking one, to a flowery one and then to a more mod one. I thought this more realistic looking butterfly was perfect for this card.
*I've always loved the Word Window punch but I kept waiting on buying it because I was worried it would retire. It works so well with Teeny Tiny Wishes, Fabulous Phrases and other stamps. When I put in my huge order a few weeks back I took the plunge and finally ordered it. I can't believe I didn't have it before ;)

*Not sure how to adhere your buttons? I use the Mini Glue Dots. They're clear so they work with the clear buttons. I used them to adhere my DSP flower on the card, as well.

It's one of my friend's birthday this week so I'll be giving her this card. She loves anything colorful and with a funky pattern. I think this card fits the bill. 'Til next time, keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Papillon Potpourri, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Pacific Point, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, International Bazaar DSP
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Elegant Butterfly Punch, Word Window Punch, 1-1/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Big Shot, Labels Framelits, Paper Piercing Mat, Paper Piercer, Festive Piercing Pack, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals, 1/4" Stitched Rich Razzleberry Grosgrain Ribbon, Basic Jewels - Rhinestones, Brights Brads

Sunday Stamps with Postage Due

Another Sunday means another Sunday Stamps Challenge, for which I'm fortunate enough to be a Designer. This week we had a color challenge: So Saffron, Ridinghood Red and Soft Suede. I have to admit, Ridinghood Red is not my favorite red. And since Daffodil Delight came to the Stampin' Up! family, that's really the only yellow I've used. But I absolutely LOVE this color combination and it's so perfect for a vintage-y card.

Even though I still have a few stamp sets I haven't played with, I just *knew* that the Postage Due stamps were perfect for this color combo. It's such a fantastic background stamp and it makes a good focal point, too. I had some 3/8" Ridinghood Red Taffeta Ribbon and it was perfect to add a little something to this card.

Tips & Tricks:

*To age my card a bit, I used my Craft and Rubber Scissors to distress the edges. I also used my Stampin' Sponges and Soft Suede Ink on all of the layers.
*I just love the Eiffel Tower postage stamp image. Even though the postmark on the large background stamp says Manila, I couldn't resist using the Eiffel Tower on my card. It just seems to work so well with the script as well as the bicycle.
 *Tearing the edges of your card stock is another simple way to add a vintage flair to your card. I tear randomly. Most times it works... sometimes I have to re-stamp my image ;)
*Even though this card appears to have a lot of 'elements' to it, because of the large stamp I used and the randomness of the sponging, tearing and distressing, it didn't take too long to put together. It's actually a pretty simple card :)

I hope you'll join us at Sunday Stamps for this wonderful color challenge. I can't wait to see what you come up with! 'Til next time, keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Postage Due
Paper: Ridinghood Red, So Saffron, Very Vanilla
Ink: Ridinghood Red and Soft Suede
Accessories: Stampin' Sponges, Craft & Rubber Scissors, Postage Stamp Punch, Ridinghood Red 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Blast Off Birthday

I finally got my hands on the new Blast Off stamp set in the SU! cattie. I absolutely love this set, it's perfect for boys and even girls who love anything to do with space. The two-step stampin' possibilities as well as the coordination with punches is simply fantastic too. I did get this stamp set in wood because I anticipated that the kids will want to use it ~ I was right. I always get stamps for the kids in wood because it's much more user-friendly for wee hands and I don't have to worry about them putting stamps on clear blocks and losing them.

A good friend's son turned 9 yesterday and I really wanted to use this set. I worried that it may be a bit 'young' for him, but he seemed to like the card just fine ;) I was going to use the #9 from Memorable Moments for inside the space ship. but settled on the alien instead. I used this week's Try Stampin' on a Tuesday sketch but I have to admit that I did find this sketch a bit challenging. It was definitely outside my box. ;)

Tips & Tricks:

*I wanted the alien inside my space ship so I stamped him on the Whisper White card stock and stamped the space ship on a separate piece of card stock. Cutting the space ship out was really easy and I punched out the window with the 1-inch Circle Punch. I mounted the whole thing on Stampin' Dimensionals.
*The Polka Dot Parade DSP is perfect for fun, kids cards. The colors are bright and what kid doesn't love polka dots?
*Although the sketch doesn't have the ribbon on it, when I put my card together something was missing. So I wrapped some Daffodil Delight 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon and suddenly it came together!
*I added the Basic Jewels - Rhinestones to the space ship to give it a bit of a metallic feel.

I'm glad my friend's son liked this card - I still can't believe he's 9! 'Til next time, keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Blast Off
Paper: Basic Grey, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Polka Dot Parade DSP
Ink: Basic Grey, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango
Accessories: Modern Label Punch, 1-inch Circle Punch, Paper Snips, Stampin' Dimensionals, Basic Jewels - Rhinestones, 1/4-inch Circle Punch, Daffodil Delight 1/4" Stitched Ribbon

A Bit of Papillon Potpourri

I have to admit, when I first saw the new Elegant Butterfly Punch and coordinating Papillon Potpourri stamp set I was underwhelmed. I liked the old one better. But once I used it, saw some samples with it, played with it a bit more, it slowly grew on me. And now there's no going back! I got both items in my huge order last week and was itching to play with them. My Mother-in-Law's birthday is today and I made her a sweet card with the stamp set as well as the Twitterpated DSP.

My inspiration for this card came from this week's Friday Mashup Challenge. Our challenge was to make a card using a banner or flag, make a project with matching envelope, or mash it up and do both. Without realizing it, I did both! I meant to make just the matching envie, but I ended up using the Bitty Banners Framelits and coordinating stamp set.

Tips & Tricks:

*Do you like the embossing? It's a sneak peek from the Holiday Mini - Holiday Frame Embossing Folder. But I think it works just fine for a birthday ;) Stay tuned for cards using this embossing folder and the coordinating stamp set, Joyous Celebrations.
*I still love the Itty Bitty Banners. I use them in coordination with the Framelits or on their own. Either way, I use them a lot!
*With Papillon Potpourri, creating a coordinating envelope was easy! I did some 2-Step Stampin' with a smaller butterfly and then put a few butterflies on the back flap. This adds so much to the card you're giving!
*To give my butterfly a little bit of extra dimension, I punched out two pieces of Twitterpated DSP. I love how it makes my butterfly look like it is 'taking flight'.
*I loved this card so much I wanted to include it in my Fast & Fabulous Monthly Card Class. I simplified it a bit and I hope the class goers will love it!

My Mother-in-Law loved her card (how could she not?!?!?) and I'm so glad! I love the colors and my new house and studio must have been on my mind because those are the colors we painted the kids' rooms, lol! I tend to incorporate SU! into everything I do ;)

'Til next time, keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Sunday Lollipops

Before doing today's post, I wanted to update a bit on my 'Papaya Collages' mystery. It's the stamp set I used in my last post. It was bugging me, because no one seemed to know. Then I got a comment on my post from karmi84 saying "i really like the papaya and the colours you have used, it is a really lovely card". And that got me thinking... is the papaya a type of bird? It wasn't easy but I came up with this on Google. The papaya refers to the 'papaya bird'. In Suriname, the Black Spotted Barbet is known as the Papaya Bird. In Hawaii, the House Finch is known as the Papaya Bird. I'm not bird expert, but to me they look like the same bird :) Below are some references. If I'm wrong, feel free to call me on it ;) In the meantime, thanks to karmi84 for help figuring this mystery out!

http://www1.nhl.nl/~ribot/english/canig_ng.htm
http://www.bird-friends.com/BirdPage.php?name=House%20Finch

Onwards and upwards to this week's Sunday Stamps Challenge. We had a lovely sketch to work with today. I really love butterflies, but I wanted to change it up a bit. I've seen these layered circle lollipops done on a few cards now ~ various blogs, Pinterest and other places. I loved them so much, they're so fun and I thought I could use them with this sketch.

 

Ususally I use colors from colour challenges or I use DSP as my inspiration. For this card, I wanted to do BRIGHT :) And I think I've achieved that with the Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight and Old Olive.

Tips & Tricks: 

*This card is easy-peasy, even though there are quite a elements/layers. But it's all punch art! I just punched out a whole pile of different-sized, different-colored circles and put them together with colors I thought looked good.

*Something was missing on the lollipops, they were just too plain. So I used Glue Dots to adhere a flower Brights Designer Button to the middle of each. Problem solved :)

*I wanted to use Baker's Twine for the 'stick' of the lolli. But it was a pain to stick on properly. So I just trimmed little strips of Whisper White Card Stock and used those as sticks.

*For the scalloped layer, I didn't want to take away from the lollipops and ribbon with another layer. So I used my scalloped embossing strip. I like the way it kind of looks like grass.

Even though this card has pink in it, I think it would make a perfect birthday card for any young girl and young boy. What child can resist lollipops? I hope you'll find time to play with us and this great sketch at the Sunday Stamps Challenge.

'Til next time, keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!