A New Experience

I have heard about Stamp-a-Stacks, Super Saturdays, and Stamp Cramps for a while, but I have never attended one before. I attended my inaugural event and made thirty different cards (five each of six cards); it was an experience…for sure.

First of all, I went with two ladies who are absolutely hilarious and between the three of us, there may have been five minutes of silence (maybe it was when were eating lunch). We laughed, stamped, joked, and joshed each other the entire time. Then there were all of the stampers in attendance; it was fun to see everyone around and all working on the same projects. Finally, the hosting SU demonstrators created idea boards using the various stamps and supplies which were used on the cards we made; while some were similar, others were over the top beautiful.

Overall, it was a nice and enjoyable way to spend the good part of a Saturday.

In need of inspiration...

This month’s swap challenge for Card Club was to create something using punches. I have been collecting various punches over the past several months (ok, years), but have not integrated them into my day-to-day crafting. All I knew was that I wanted to make a card which would “wow” at the swap. I put the thought from my mind and got on with life.

I was looking through a magazine and came across a section where a simple mask was altered to create different looks: a chick, an eagle, and…an owl. As I looked at the picture I thought, “That would make a great card.” My mind started picking out shapes which coordinated with punches I owned; voila…the birth of my owl card. I made one and after much contemplation, was happy with the result. Then I realized that I needed to make nine more.... After many punches, a lot of sponging, and several glue sticks later, they were complete.

Recipe: Soft Suede classic ink, Soft Suede, Sahara Sand, Basic Black, Green Galore, Really Rust, Summer Sunflower, and Pumpkin Pie cardstock, Scallop Edge punch, 1” 1¼” 1¾” 2¼” circle punches, medium oval punch, and sponges (yes, every edge is sponged in the classic ink).