Dream in Color...

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--Sheer

2012-01-21T18:00:00.006+05:00

Welcome to Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--Sheer! Our focus is on translucent, beautiful, May Art's Sheer Ribbon today.

I needed a masculine birthday card, and I wondered, "Can I use sheer ribbon on a MAN CARD?" Well, I found out that "YES I CAN!"

Since this is a winter birthday card, I felt that Bo Bunny's "Snowfall Collection" would be perfect with the blue/brown colorway and fabulous patterns. There's also a Bo Bunny "Clear Snowfall Collection" stamp set available HERE.

I used Spellbinder's Nested Pennants and Nested Scalloped Pennant dies to cut the little flags for my design. JustRite's "Happy Everything Tag Making Kit" provided the sentiment, stamped with Versafine Sepia ink.

Can you can see the sheer ribbon? I didn't use a lot of it, just enough to be layered behind some of the flags...and, you can still see the pattern through the ribbon accent. A trio of brown brads adds a little extra to finish the design.

All of the linked supplies are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

AND... Once again Sharon is offering up some sweetness: "This is a Mystery Blog Candy, meaning the winner will be drawn from comments on one of today’s participating blogs, so leaving a comment on each blog will greatly increase your chances of winning, but only one comment per blog, please. The winner will be selected at 6 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, January 24 and will be posted here on my (Sharon's) blog on Wednesday."

"You must check back to claim your prize if you are the lucky winner! Good luck!"

Here's the hop lineup for today:

Sharon Johnson - The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store

Barb Schram
Holly McMillen
Deb Saaranen (you're here!)

Thanks so much for stopping by...hope you were inspired to try some sheer ribbon today!

Valentine's Day LOVE Banner

2012-01-20T17:20:00.001+05:00

Hello! I've been wanting to make up a Valentine's Day banner, and decided that today was the day! The Free 4 All Challenge over at Splitcoaststampers really was the impetus for it all...check it out!

Not a super great picture, but you can get the idea...

I grabbed Bo Bunny's "Crazy Love Collection" paper (marked down now!)...check out the Bo Bunny papers HERE.

Spellbinder Classic Hearts and Classic Scalloped Hearts (also marked down...!) were used to die cut the banner pieces...I also cut a piece of notebook cardboard in the shape of the hearts to glue onto the back of each to make it more stable.

Stampin' Up Chipboard letter panels (ages old...from my stash), painted with Ivory acrylic paint, then stamped with Itty Bitty Background speckles made up the LOVE. I glued decorator paper pieces to the back of the open letters to give a touch more patterned interest. My "O" is a Webster's Pages Holiday Pink Floral Silhouette, found HERE.

Following are the closeups of each letter:

Extras: May Art's pink Striped Ribbon, May Art's Burlap String, Webster's Pages Traditional Tinsel Card, Melissa Frances Rhinestones, Bow Easy, and pink chunky glitter (I think from Stampin' Up...no label on the container).

All linked items are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check back on Saturday for Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style!

Our Daily Bread For the Love of Custom Dies Hop!

2012-01-19T19:00:00.086+05:00

I'm so EXCITED to be back at Our Daily Bread Designs as a part of their new Alumni Team! I've always loved Our Daily Bread Design's sets...deeply etched rubber stamps that feature and celebrate Christian themes and our Heavenly Father! ODBD fills that special niche in the stamping world. So...

Welcome to Our Daily Bread Design's first Alumni Team bi-monthly For the Love Blog Hop. This week the Alumni team along with some of the ODBD designer's are featuring for the Love of ODBD Custom Dies! Check out each link and leave a comment. If you get lost along the way, head to the ODBD blog for a full link list. One of the posts is a hot spot and a name will be drawn from that list of comments to win a $15 ODBD store gift certificate. So, all you have to do is hop along and see all the creations and leave a little love! You have until February 1st at 6 pm. Winner will be announced February 2nd! So, get hopping and enjoy all the inspiration using for the Love of ODBD Custom Dies!

As mentioned above, we're putting our focus on Our Daily Bread Design's Custom Dies...this one: "Crocheted Circle Die." It matches up with this lovely ODBD set, "Serve the Lord."

Did you notice the lace border? Well, it isn't lace at all, but a border that is stamped and heat embossed, included in the "Serve the Lord" set. Although I did not use it in this case, the lace border stamp also has a Custom Die that matches it: "Crocheted Border Die."

What a fun image to color...love the lacy details as well! I used Copic Sketch Markers to color the image, then the Crocheted Circle Custom Die to cut it out.

Vellum, pink paper and bow, along with a crystal button, finish this design.

Hop details: If you came here from Betty's blog you are in the right place. Next on the hop is Fran! Remember if you get lost, just head back to Our Daily Bread Design's blog for the full link list.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style Thank You, Thank You!

2012-01-14T18:00:00.005+05:00

Welcome to Ribbon Inspiration Saturday...Stamp Simply Style! This week we were to design a "dressed up" Thank You card, then take it down a notch or two to make it a CAS (Clean and Simple) design! Fun!

Here are my designs. I started out with My Mind's Eye "Everyday Flair" decorator paper. Some of my all time favorite prints include both polka dots and gingham, so this pad really suits my taste!

I also had a bit of fun with Spellbinder's "Fanciful Flight" butterfly die. I die cut the butterfly from the decorator paper, then traced the actual metal die onto vellum. I then cut on the trace lines, glued it to the die cut decorator paper butterfly, and trimmed the excess vellum from the edges.

I also took some of the vellum, ran it through the Cuttlebug with a folder, then used that as a textured background for my design.

The dressed up card features additions of May Art's 5/8" white lace, Melissa Frances White Pearls, and the JustRite "Fancy Frames" sentiment (marked down!) stamped onto a JustRite Spellbinder "Nested Frames" die.

All of today's highlighted supplies are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Also, This is a Mystery Blog Candy, meaning the winner will be drawn from comments on one of today’s participating blogs, so leaving a comment on each blog will greatly increase your chances of winning, but only one comment per blog, please. The winner will be selected at 6 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, January 17 and will be posted on Sharon's blog on Wednesday.

You must check back to claim your prize if you are the lucky winner!

Here's the hop order for today:

Sharon Johnson - The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store
Deb Saaranen (You're here! Thanks for stopping by!)
Holly McMillen
Michelle Woerner
Barb Schram

Be sure to check back for Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style next Saturday!

ETA: there was a question in the comments if there is yellow polka dots/gingham in the paper pad? Yes, there are two sizes of a golden yellow polka dot, a solid golden yellow, and a graph type print in yellow. Sorry...no gingham in yellow. But, there is red in gingham.

Scrappy Valentine & Winner News

2012-01-11T19:35:00.000+05:00

Here's a quick and easy scrappy looking Valentine!

The scrappy background panel comes from the decorator paper...

Prima's "Madeline," no piecing necessary! You can see the entire Madeline Collection HERE.

The layered heart was die cut with Spellbinders "Classic Hearts" (on sale!). What a quick way to add a special touch to a design!

I stamped the JustRite "Just Because" sentiment with Memento Rich Cocoa ink, then die cut it with a JustRite's Spellbinders "Nested Sentiments" die (on sale!). The heart layers and sentiment panel were all attached using dimensional tape, and Kaisercraft Light Pink Rhinestones added a bit of bling.

All supplies used today are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

I also wanted to announce that last Saturday's Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style mystery blog candy winner was chosen from my blog! Head over to Sharon's blog to see if it was YOU!

Be sure to check back on Saturday for another Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style! Thanks for stopping by!

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--Valentines

2012-01-07T18:00:00.013+05:00

We're back with Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style! This week we're featuring Valentines...

I used to {LOVE} Valentine's Day as a girl...do you remember decorating shoe boxes for Valentine's Day mailboxes at school? Attaching snippets of construction paper hearts, lacy paper doilies, and silver glitter...the start of a fabulous hobby for years to come!

I used Bo Bunny's "Crush Collection" Valentine paper...it's on sale now at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store! Bo Bunny's "Crazy Love" is also marked down. A couple other Bo Bunny Valentine papers available: "Smoochable" and "Enchanted." These adorable Valentine papers really "make" the card...and make life so easy as the pads contain prints that are designed to coordinate.

I used Spellbinder Classic Hearts (both the Classic Hearts and Classic Scalloped Hearts are marked down!) to create the feature for this design. I cut five hearts, scored them down the center with a Score It All Board, then handstitched down the center score lines with May Art's Metallic String. A bitty metallic cord bow, along with a Kaisercraft black Rhinestone, finishes this design.

All supplies used today are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

This is a Mystery Blog Candy, meaning the winner will be drawn from comments on one of today’s participating blogs, so leaving a comment on each blog will greatly increase your chances of winning, but only one comment per blog, please. The winner will be selected at 6 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, January 10 and will be posted here on Sharon's blog on Wednesday.Be certain to check out the rest of the team's designs:

You must check back to claim your prize if you are the lucky winner! Good luck!

Sharon Johnson - The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store

Barb Schram
Deb Saaranen (you're here!)
Michelle Woerner

Thanks so very much for stopping by today! We hope you join us once again for Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style next Saturday. Have a great week!

Splitcoaststampers Color Challenge

2012-01-03T14:12:00.000+05:00

This is a design for today's Splitcoaststampers Color Challenge (CC356)...see it HERE. I do realize that my card is quite monochromatic...yes, I believe it still fits the color challenge with the bit of color that is present, as well as the bulk of the card fitting the gray color call.

I began by pulling sheets of dp in the colors called for, but wanted to use this image (JustRite Musical Notes Labels Twenty), and felt that a muted, toned down colorway fit it better. I decided upon decorator paper from Kaisercraft's "After Five Collection."

A Spellbinders Labels Twenty die was used to cut the image panel, with Copic Sketch and Spica markers added for color. Final touch: Kaisercraft Silver Rhinestones.

All supplies (minus the Copics) can be found at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. SCS's Color Challenge Gallery can be found HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!

Splitcoaststampers CAS!

2012-01-02T18:18:00.000+05:00

Today's Splitcoaststampers challenge: Clean and Simple...to use some type of refreshment (CAS151) in your design...I immediately thought of Kanban's Cafe Set (from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store). I know that I've used this quite a bit lately, but it is one fabulous set! My drink of choice these days is tea...green tea is one of the most popular beverages in Tajikistan. Healthy!

The image is stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa ink, then tinted with Copic Sketch markers. Spellbinder Petite Ovals and Petite Scalloped Ovals were used to cut the image panel and layer (check with Sharon for availability).

Kaisercraft 6" "Homemade Collection" decorator paper was used, with the sentiment (from the Kanban Cafe Set) accented with a Prima Fairytale blossom and Divine Twine Baker's Twine.

Pretty simple! All of the supplies (minus the Copics) used today are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Today's SCS CAS gallery can be seen here. Thanks for stopping by!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T16:40:00.000+05:00

Happy 2012 to all of my dear stamping and blogging friends!

I so appreciate the time that you take to stop by

and peek at my projects!

We spent a quiet evening at home, seeing in the New Year. Today, we took a ride north of Dushanbe, towards Varzob and the mountains. We will be joining friends for a New Year's dinner this evening.

I hope that your New Year's Day is truly blessed, as well as the upcoming 2012.

Splitcoaststampers and Vintage Vogue

2011-12-30T17:09:00.000+05:00

It's been quite a long while since I've participated in one of Splitcoaststampers challenges, and I want to get back into the action. If you are not familiar with splitcoaststampers.com, you should be...it is one of the very top spots for fantastic inspiration, fun times, and it's FREE!

I've made up a card for today's Friday challenge: Free for All (F4A97 challenge and gallery).

Today's challenge is: "Break Out the Party Dress!" to use a dress in your design...Although I am not dressing up during the holidays, I did have occasion to do so this past November for the Marine's Ball here in Dushanbe. My dress had a similar shape, but was lacking the volume in the skirt area, due to my lack of fluffy petticoat to wear beneath. This gal has the perfect fluff factor and shape!

Love this 6 X 6" paper pad and Chipboard Pops pack by Pink Paislee, "Vintage Vogue." The prints in the dp pad bring me back to days past (this print is very similar to one that I had a one piece shorts jumpsuit in) and the chipboard pack is filled with fun pieces.

Here's a closeup of the dressed up vintage gal, along with a floral swag of chipboard pieced over the skirt. I've added a couple of Kaisercraft Rhinestones, a paper pleated border (made with a Score It All Board), and tiny May Art's Silk Ribbon Bow.

All the supplies for this design are available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. Sharon has quite a few items marked down now, please check it out!

I hope that you check out today's challenge at Splitcoast, and maybe participate yourself!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2011-12-23T17:04:00.001+05:00

This is my last planned post before Christmas, and I wanted to wish you all PEACE, a Blessed Christmas
and a Happy New Year!

A quick project to add a bit of decor to my home for the holidays...Kaisercraft's "Beyond the Page--Peace." All Kaisercraft Beyond the Page words and alterables are on sale right now at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. Now's a good time to stock up for next year!

Here's a closer look at my project:

I began by covering my project with K and Company's "Visions of Christmas" 12" X 12" decorator paper (also marked down!). Though the covered word was quite appealing in itself, it needed something! It sat for days on my craft table until I figured if I was going to use it NOW, I had better get hopping!

I wanted to have the phrase "Peace on Earth" for the finished product, so I made a banner with Spellbinder's Nested Pennants (check with Sharon for availability) and Tim Holtz Type Set Letter dies. The banner was attached to the word with May Art's Burlap String and Kaisercraft "Lippy Red" Rhinestones.

All supplies used today are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Enjoy your family and friends over the weekend! We do miss our loved ones back home...LOVE YOU ALL!...and have come to realize EVEN MORE SO how much you all mean to us!

Merry Christmas!

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--Notecards

2011-12-17T18:01:00.000+05:00

It's Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style time once again...this time we're coming up with notecard designs for you!

My set doesn't require envelopes for delivery...the top decorative flap opens to unfold a notecard that reveals the message or letter written within the card. If you are mailing them, you may want to use a different mechanism of closure, or mail them in an envelope for privacy.

All the decorator paper used here is Kaisercraft's "Nan's Favourites Collection." Kaisercraft papers are so fun to play with...and now they're coming in a larger 6 1/2 inch size! They often have foiled or flocked details, as well as prepunched borders, tags, and accents. You can see all of the Kaisercraft paper pads HERE.

All notecards also have the top flap made with the largest Spellbinders "Labels Twenty" and are fastened closed with a Velcro Sticky Back Coin. I added an extra layer here with a smaller Labels Twenty die cut panel.

They are all also trimmed with Webster's Pages "Sparklers." You can see a bow of May Art's Silk tied with a Bow Easy on this design.

The above two designs measure 4" X 5.5" closed (all measurements minus flaps), 5.5" X 8" when fully opened.
This red design is smaller and measures 3.25" X 5.5" closed and 5.5" X 6.5" when opened fully.

The purpose of the smaller size is that it is meant to fit a full sheet of Kaisercraft 6.5" paper for the background, without having to piece an extra strip on the back as for the larger design.

All of today's supplies are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store!

This is a Mystery Blog Candy, meaning the winner will be drawn from comments on one of today’s participating blogs, so leaving a comment on each blog will greatly increase your chances of winning, but only one comment per blog, please. The winner will be selected at 6 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, December 20 and will be posted here on Sharon's blog on Wednesday.You must check back to claim your prize if you are the lucky winner! Good luck!

Inspiration awaits:

Sharon Johnson - The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store
Deb Saaranen (you're here!)
Holly McMillen
Barb Schram

Hope you enjoyed our hop for today. We will be taking a little break for the Christmas season, and will be back for Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style hops January 7th. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Quick and Easy Gift!

2011-12-14T15:25:00.001+05:00

In the days of downloadable books, there are still many who prefer to read the "old fashioned way" with book in hand. This is a quick and easy little gift specifically for those folks...think of how pleased Grandma would be to slip one of these pretty bookmarks into her Bible...or your child's classroom teacher marking her daily reading to the class.

I began with some May Art's ribbon from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. When choosing your ribbon type, you should be sure to pick something sturdier, such as this twill or gingham ribbon. Other types for possible use: velvet, double side satin, stripes, or grosgrain. I felt that a more casual type of ribbon would match up with the Prima "Trinket Collection" blossoms the best.

I was excited the first time that I saw the Prima Trinket Collection. It's a group of very pretty blossoms with a covered button mounted in the center of the blossom. The netted "petals" are a bit different than usual Prima blossoms, but very appealing!

Cut a ribbon strip 12-15 inches long, depending on how long or if you want a tail that hangs out of the end of the book.

Fold over the end of the ribbon, and adhere with hot glue so that you have a finished end.

You can trim the other end of the ribbon with a fish tail cut if you wish.

Make a bow with another strip of ribbon with the largest size of bow on the Original Bow Easy. Adhere the bow with hot glue to the strip of ribbon onto the finished end, covering the folded, glued seam. Hot glue the Prima Trinket on top of the bow. You're finished! Here's a view of the back of the bookmark.

I hope that you try this quick gift idea...all supplies are available from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. Sharon has numerous items marked down now, so it's a great time to shop.

Please come back for Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style on Saturday! Hope to see you then!

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--Holiday Decor

2011-12-10T18:00:00.004+05:00

It's time for Holiday Decor...Stamp Simply Style! Our Ribbon Inspiration is featuring items to dress up your home for Christmas...

My holiday decor project is Kaisercraft's "Beyond the Page Standing Word--Joy." This is one quick way to add a decorative touch to your home for the holidays...just cover it up with some pretty paper, and add a few special details! I also have the "Noel" and "Peace" that I am currently working on. You can see all of the "Kaisercraft Beyond the Page" alterables HERE.

K and Company's 12 X 12" "Visions of Christmas" paper pad (marked down NOW!)was used, along with the shiny gold "Mirror Cardstock" that Sharon stocks for the store. Spellbinder "Stars Five," decorated with Webster's Pages "Trim Card Traditional Tinsel" and jingle bell, become the bling for this design.

Here are a couple of other Kaisercraft ornaments that I made last year using the "Bauble Album."

ALL supplies used today are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

AND...This is a Mystery Blog Candy (pictured above), meaning the winner will be drawn from comments on one of today’s participating blogs, so leaving a comment on each blog will greatly increase your chances of winning, but only one comment per blog, please. The winner will be selected at 6 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, December 13 and will be posted on Sharon's blog on Wednesday. You must check back to claim your prize if you are the lucky winner! Good luck!

Sharon Johnson-- The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store
Barb Schram
Deb Saaranen (you're here...thanks so much for stopping by!)
Holly McMillen

Hope we inspired you in YOUR holiday decorating! See you back next week!

Edited to Add:

You know, I'm sorry to say that I just realized I could and should have mentioned how to actually cover the JOY...one gal commented that it must have taken some fussy cutting getting it covered, but that was not really the case.

I traced the JOY onto the decorator paper, then cut it out carefully. Then I ModgePodged it onto the JOY word with a small brush, rubbing it with my fingers to be certain that it adhered nicely.

I used a emery board fingernail file to file the edges of the paper smooth to the letters. Then I sponged some Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink to all of the edges of the letters. Voila! That's it!
My apologies for not including this earlier!

Another Kanban Cafe and a WINNER

2011-12-07T14:11:00.000+05:00

I'm having tons of fun with this new Kanban "Cafe" set! Today I paper pieced the coffee mug rather than coloring it. I did Copic color the coffee and cream, and added a few shadows on the mug image. There's a few sparkly Spica Glitter pen swirls in the coffee as well...you'll have to believe me on that one...they're hard to see in the photo.

This paper pad is just great too...My Mind's Eye "A Beautiful Life." I really appreciate MME papers...they seem to have a depth of texture and dimension that sometimes seems to be missing in other papers...maybe because they have a distressed appeal about them. All of the My Minds Eye goodies at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store can be seen HERE.

Here's a closeup of the mug and sentiment that is included in the stamp set. You can also see a bit of the Prima "Trinket Collection" blossom, this one from the "Botanical" set. I'm working on a little gift project featuring these Prima Trinket blossoms...perfect for a last minute gift for a teacher or stocking stuffer...coming soon!

A tab of May Art's Striped Twill and die cut Spellbinder's "Nested Pennant" sentiment flag finish this run design.

All supplies (minus the Copics) from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

And...a winner! My blog chose the winning comment for last Saturday's Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--Packaged and Ready to Go...

Rebecca Ednie said...

Your cards are gorgeously elegant. I often use clear boxes too. They look so professional!

December 5, 2011 1:43 AM

Congratulations Rebecca, please contact Sharon to claim your prize!

Thanks for stopping by!

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--Packaged to Go!

2011-12-03T18:00:00.009+05:00

Welcome to this week's Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style...this week we're featuring quick and easy gift packaging!

My notecard gift set, shown above, is all packed up and ready to go in a fabulous "Crystal Clear box"...no need to gift wrap...the gift inside adds all of the decor. A "Bow Easy" was used to tie the May Art's Silk Ribbon bow, and JustRite's "Winter Words" make up the gift tag.

Here are some pictures of the notecards that make up the gift. More gift cards would have fit into the box along with the envelopes, but I just made up three...

All of the supplies (minus the Copic Sketch Markers) are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store, and all of the designs are made up of Kaisercraft "After Five Collection" decorator paper. You can see the entire collection of "After Five" HERE.

This card uses two different JustRite sets: "Butterfly Botanicals" for the bee, and "Fleur De Lis Labels Twenty." The die used is Spellbinders "Labels Twenty." May Art's Black 5/8" lace, threaded through with May Art's 1/8" Ivory Silk makes for a border.

I used JustRite's "Botanical Butterflies" for this design. I paper pieced the butterfly, then added touches of Spica Glitter pen. It was die cut with Spellbinder Circle dies (check with Sharon for availability), and finished off with May Art's 5/8" Ivory Lace, threaded through with Silver Cord, and Kaisercraft silver Rhinestones. These are pretty simple designs--the flocking, foiling, and pretty prints make it all work.

This lovely image is JustRite's "Musical Notes Labels Twenty." The Spellbinders "Labels Twenty" die adds that extra special touch, along with Copic and Spica coloring, and Kaisercraft Rhinestones. May Art's Ringlet Trim adds a creamy touch to match the ribbon in the image.

This is a Mystery Blog Candy (pictured above), meaning the winner will be drawn from comments on one of today’s participating blogs, so leaving a comment on each blog will greatly increase your chances of winning, but only one comment per blog, please. The winner will be selected at 6 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, December 6 and will be posted here on my blog on Wednesday.You must check back to claim your prize if you are the lucky winner! Good luck!

Here are the participating designers in today's hop:

Sharon Johnson - The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store

Holly McMillen
Deb Saaranen (you're here!)
Barb Schram

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope you gained some ideas for your gifts!

You are Just My Cup of Tea...

2011-12-01T14:50:00.001+05:00

Here's a fun design featuring Kanban's "Cafe" stamps...Kanban are new to me...I really love the large size and pretty definition that these clear stamps display.

Another pretty for this design: Kaisercraft's "Blae and Ivy." I've been into gray tones for my winter wardrobe, and really find these blue/gray tones appealing.

Here's a closeup of the tea cup image. The set also includes a coffee mug, cupcake, slice of cake, along with sentiments, steam, candle and whipped topping. I stamped the cup with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, then colored it with Copic Sketch markers.

Other supplies used: Spellbinders Petite Oval and Petite Scalloped Oval dies (check with Sharon for availability); Spellbinders Nested Pennant dies; May Art's Ivory Silk Ribbon; and Webster's Pages Vintage Sparklers Buttons.

All linked supplies are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Reminders: Today is the last day of the Three Day Sale at Stamp Simply...Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--Saturday!

Botanical Butterflies

2011-11-29T16:20:00.001+05:00

Here's a quick non-Christmas design. Do you ever need a bit of relief from red, green, and snowflakes? Well, that is one of the type of days I'm having!

Have you seen JustRite's "Botanical Butterflies?" What a lovely set. See all of the JustRite stamps HERE.

I colored the image today with Copic Sketch markers, then hand trimmed it. It's layered over a Spellbinder Classic Circle die, Labels Four panel, and Classic Rectangle panel. Dimensional tape pops it all up, and Kaisercraft Rhinestones add a bit of bling.

I really am taken with My Mind's Eye "A Beautiful Life" decorator paper. Gorgeous, muted tones and pretty prints. I used SU's Whisper White Craft ink for smudge up the edges.

All of today's supplies are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Thanks for stopping by...be sure to come back for

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style on Saturday!

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--Tags

2011-11-26T18:00:00.116+05:00

Welcome to this week's Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--Tags. We were to come up with tags: tags for home or tree decor, tags for Christmas packages and gifts, tags for just about anything! My tag for today is for gift packaging:

My tag features Stampavie's "Winter Birdhouse." You can see the entire collection of Stampavie stamps here...such sweet images! The tag is meant to be attached directly to the gift, with the image panel that swings open to reveal the sentiment and the recipient's name.

Spellbinder's "Small Deckled Rectangles" (check with Sharon for availability) were used for cut the image panel.

Here you can see the tag opened. I used JustRite's "Winter Words" set to create the greeting. You can also see the Velcro Sticky Back Coin that holds the door of the tag closed. A brad helps secure the velcro for a sure fit.

Decorator paper used today is Prima's "North Country." You can see the entire North Country collection HERE. May Art's Striped red ribbon adds a festive border touch, and tab to the tag opening.

All linked products are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

And...This is a Mystery Blog Candy, meaning the winner will be drawn from comments on one of today’s participating blogs, so leaving a comment on each blog will greatly increase your chances of winning, but only one comment per blog, please. The winner will be selected at 6 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, November 29 and will be posted on Sharon's blog on Wednesday, so please check back to claim your prize if you are the lucky winner! Good luck!

Please check out the rest of the Stamp Simply tags:

Sharon Johnson - The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store
Deb Saaranen (you're here)
Barb Schram
Holly McMillen

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Hope your holiday plans are coming together!

LaBlanche Sunflower

2011-11-25T11:08:00.000+05:00

Here's a design with products from my stash...featuring LaBlanche's "Sunflower," stamped onto kraft paper and colored with Copic Sketch markers. The "Sunflower" silicone stamp is no longer available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store, but there is an abundant collection of other images to chose from. See them HERE.

The sentiment,"Celebrate Your Day," is JustRite's "Just Because Set" (The Stamp Simply Store).

Products used: brown print dp is Stampin' Up, the brown paisley is Bo Bunny's "Welcome Home." The trim is Prima "Wave" (both linked items available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store). The butterfly sticker is Pink Paislee, (no longer available) layered over a Chatterbox brad.

Just a reminder: Tomorrow is Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style. Please check back!

Have a great Friday!

Give Thanks Banner

2011-11-23T19:19:00.003+05:00

Thankful in Tajikistan. Yes, we're so very thankful for all the Lord has provided for us this past year: family, health, friends, most of all, Grace. It's quite different for my husband and I, being away from our family for the holidays...I can name the times that we have been apart on one hand (our entire lives...). We're celebrating Thanksgiving with some friends, hopefully pictures to come, and on Skype, of course!

Here's a little banner that I've put together for Thanksgiving. Kind of difficult to get a picture, but here it is. It's hanging on my mirrored back china cabinet in my dining room...you can see the reflection of the persimmons hanging in the trees, and the white ironwork that protects our home from any funny business.

I used a mix of papers from my stash, mostly Stampin' Up, along with Stampin' Up Chipboard letters. I cut triangles and layered the decorator paper over thin cardboard of the same size and shape for durability.

Other products used: May Art's Striped Ribbon and Burlap String (The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store); Spellbinder Nested Maple Leaf, Postage Stamp, and Labels 20 dies (The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store); Tim Holtz Typeset Die; Stampin' Up Scallop Border Punch; Gold Stickles; and vintage buttons and bling. Sharon's 3 Day Sale is running through today, Wednesday.

Thank you readers and friends, for all of the support you have provided to my blog and myself this past year. I truly appreciate it!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Kitschy Kitchen on Sale!

2011-11-21T12:30:00.001+05:00

Hello, welcome to the brand new week! Sharon is running a BIG sale over at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store...Prima flowers and papers, Webster's Pages, all sorts of wonderful stuff...including Melissa Frances "Kitschy Kitchen."

Since I've been in Tajikistan, I've been holding onto all sorts of items...not tossing them, never knowing when you might need something. I was getting ready to toss a kleenex box when I thought that I might do something with it. A hostess gift came to mind, using it to dress up a homemade loaf of some type of yummy or savory bread.

I cut the kleenex box down and covered it with the 12 X 12" Kitschy Kitchen paper. I pleated a cardstock border with my Score It All Board for the rim, then added a checkered Kitschy border over that.

JustRite's "Charmed" and Spellbinder "Charm" dies seemed to "fit this project to a T!" A big May Art's Gingham bow tied around the entire loaf adds a festive, fun touch.

My bread is somewhat lacking. I had to prop it up a bit in the box, as it turned out so flat. Next time I will make a bigger loaf to fit better.

You may remember this project that I made with Melissa Frances Kitschy Kitchen papers...you can read more about it at this post.

Be sure to check out the sale! Thanks for stopping by! Have a great week!

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--The Tin Can

2011-11-19T18:00:00.071+05:00

Yes, I said tin can! Here's Sharon's challenge: "Welcome! Today we are working with recycling the tin can -- whether you call it altering, decorating, recycling, repurposing or upscaling -- it's all about reusing some of those very versatile tin cans that are all around us. Remember the pencil cups we made from tin cans in grade school? Same idea -- just a little more grown up!"

Well, this was one fun challenge...since I had been in the Christmas mode of creating, I immediately thought of using a tuna can as a shadow box of sorts. Highlighted and linked items are all from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

I began by taping a strip of "Bo Bunny Blitzen Collection" 12 X 12" decorator paper onto the inner walls of the tuna can. I was hoping that a Spellbinder Circle die (check with Sharon for availability) would fit the opening of the can for the background, and one did.

I cut the background circle from the Blitzen pad then used a Spellbinder's "Snowflake One" die (no longer available, but you can find other cute Spellbinder snowflake dies here) to create a layered snowflake, also from the "Blitzen" pad. Glitter dresses up the edges of the flake, then it is mounted onto the background circle.

I cut a 1/2" circular piece from a paper towel roll to use in the can to pop up the background panel so that it would be mounted higher in the can. The panel was then glue gunned to the paper towel circle within the can's opening.

May Art's Pleated Satin ribbon was a perfect fit to cover the outside of the can. TONS of chunky glitter, added both to the inside and on the lip of the can, hide the metal lip. Decorative touches include a May Art's Ivory Silk bow tied with a Bow Easy, and a 1/4" May Art's silk loop attached to the back for hanging. The design can also sit on a shelf as well.

ETA: Some of the ladies have asked what type of chunky glitter that I used. I didn't list it, because the container has no markings on it. I fairly certain that it is Stampin' Up...it has been in my stash for a year or two. Sorry that I couldn't be more helpful!

And..."this is a Mystery Blog Candy (pictured to the left--the card of ribbon and pincushion--not the spool), meaning the winner will be drawn from comments on one of today’s participating blogs, so leaving a comment on each blog will greatly increase your chances of winning, but only one comment per blog, please.

The winner will be selected at 6 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, November 22 and will be posted on Sharon's blog on Wednesday, so please check back to claim your prize if you are the lucky winner! Good luck!"

Check out the rest of the team's designs:

Sharon Johnson - The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store

Barb Schram

Holly McMillen

Deb Saaranen (you're here!)

Thanks so much for stopping by today! The Stamp Simply Team will be back next Saturday for Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style!

The Heart Defined

2011-11-13T21:05:00.002+05:00

Here's a fun little design using discarded, old dictionary pages as designer paper. If you look at the panel behind the layered heart, you will see different definitions for "heart..."

I used Spellbinder's "Classic Heart" dies to cut the layers of hearts. After cutting, I folded each heart in half, then stitched them together with my sewing machine. I placed pop dots between the layers to keep them up, adding dimension. The layered heart was then attached to a Spellbinder "Classic Scalloped Heart."

Graphic 45's 8 X 8" "Curtain Call" was used along with the "vintage" dictionary.

The sentiment is Verve's "Blessings" stamped with Versafine Black Onyx ink, and die cut with a Spellbinders "Pennant" die. Kaisercraft Rhinestones add a finishing touch.

All supplies are available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Be sure to keep your eyes open for old atlas or dictionaries. They can add a definite shabby appeal to your designs!

Have a great week!

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--White on White

2011-11-12T17:08:00.006+05:00

Sharon presented us with a new challenge this week:

"Today the Stamp Simply Designers were challenged to create a White on White project -- LOVE that look! But they were given some options -- their projects could be Ivory on Ivory or ANY super pastel shade as long as they kept the scheme monochromatic and light within the shade they chose. Personally, I can't WAIT to see what they came up with!!!"

As you know, I love a monochromatic look, so not as much of a challenge for me (wait until next week...hehe...it's a REAL challenge...shhh...).

As you can see, it's a little sign that I can hang from my china cabinet in my dining room. It was a bit difficult to get a good picture, so please bear with me.

I began with a piece of cardboard, similar to a spiral notebook backing. K and Company "Visions of Christmas" 12 X 12" pad worked perfectly for this project...the pad is mostly filled with wonderful, double-sided, traditional Christmas colored sheets, but I found one gorgeous creamy print with the word "Noel" running along the lower portion.

I layered my single sheet of creamy dp over the cardboard, making sure that my "sentiment" was correctly placed. I used a Copic marker to darken the sentiment a bit; then added chunky glitter to the sentiment and edges of the sign.

Then May Art's 5/8" lace, threaded through with May Art's Silk, was placed over a border of May Art's Pleated Satin Ribbon.

I picked up the idea for this "rosette" from a pin on Pinterest. I took strips of 5/8" x 8.5" cream cardstock, cut them in half to make them 4.25" long, glued the tips together to make single teardrop shapes, then glued the teardrops together to make the "rosette." I used a hot glue gun for quick gluing.

To finish the rosette, I added chunky glitter, and two layers snowflakes (Spellbinders Snowflake One, no longer available, but other Spellbinders Snowflake dies are HERE) and a vintage mother of pearl button to finish. Fun!

I really love how it turned out, and wish that I could have done it justice with a better picture. Anyhow... I have a quick and easy CAS white on white to show you as well...

Just one of those "husband needs a thank you card NOW please" designs...just a bit of CuttleBug embossing on shimmery cardstock, Spellbinder Petite Oval die layers (check with Sharon for availability), dimensional tape, and a JustRite "Thank You" sentiment from "Fancy Frames" (on sale!). Quick and easy!

All highlighted and linked products are available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Here's the list of ladies ready to inspire you with their white on white:

Sharon Johnson - The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store
Barb Schram
Deb Saaranen (you're here!)
Holly McMillen
Michelle Woerner

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope you were inspired!

Paper Piecing...Gotta Love It!

2011-11-10T12:15:00.001+05:00

Hello once again! I {{{LOVE}}} paper piecing! I'm not much of a "technique" type of stamping gal, but paper piecing appeals and makes sooo much sense to me! Paper piecing can really pull together an image and background, plus, for those of you who do not enjoy coloring, it eliminates one less item to do so!

This design is perfect for paper piecing...there is an amount of open space (bib overalls) ready to be pieced. You can paper piece any size item within an image, but the larger the better for these aging eyes!

Once you have paper pieced a portion of your image, don't be afraid to add some detail to it...as you can see here, I've added some smudges for dirty knees, bottom, and elbows. You can also add a bit of shading, such as along the seam of the overalls.

I've also paper pieced two border strips, mounted to the background beneath the image. I really like the "quilted" feel it gives to the design.

The image used for today's design is MFT's Pure Innocence "Tree Swing" (retired? I couldn't find it to link it...). The cute designer paper shown is October Afternoon's "Seaside," (marked down!) from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store...May Art's Burlap String, also from Stamp Simply; and Foof a La buttons from my stash.

Here's another paper pieced piece:

As you can see, I paper pieced the school gal's sweater and also pieced the hand trimmed apple into the background design.

Products: MFT Pure Innocence stamp; October Afternoon Report Card designer paper (no longer available, but can be substituted with a more muted colored Graphic 45 "An ABC Primer.")

Why don't you try paper piecing in your next design? Hope you do!

Have a great day!

LaBlanche Muted Vintage Peony & ETA: Winner!

2011-11-09T12:15:00.004+05:00

Here's another recent design using the same Basic Grey "Cappella" papers as yesterday...my last one with this pad! I really want to focus on this beautiful LaBlanche "Framed Peony Silicone Stamp" image...it has such a lovely, vintage, botanical appeal.

Easy to color too...you've read my opinion on the LaBlanche stamps before...the built in shadow and highlighting into the image makes for easy color placement. You can see all of the LaBlanche stamps HERE.

My tip for you today: don't be afraid or stress over your markers or coloring...play with them...layer colors. Look at nature, take your cue from colors around you...add them onto your stamped image. Multiple colors are blended to make that beautiful petal in your garden or the wild.

After all, it is only paper and ink...many images may see the trash in the beginning, just give yourself a chance and have fun!

Take a look at the pretty May Art's Pleated Satin Ribbon, layered with May Art's 5/8" Lace and 1/4" Silk ribbon. A vintage shell button from my mother's button box was used with the silk to tie the bow.

All of the links for today's project are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Sharon at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store is having a BIG sale on Kaisercraft MDF Alterables...check them out HERE.

Here are a couple of projects that I made last year using the Kaisercraft "Stocking Garland," and Kaisercraft "Beyond the Page Bauble Album."

Thanks for stopping by to see my Muted Vintage Peony design! Have a great midweek!

EDITED TO ADD: the winner for last Saturday's Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--Twill was chosen from my blog, and the winner is:

Carla S. said...

Beautiful card, Deb! I love the warm colors and the fall image!

November 5, 2011 7:21 PM

Congratulations, Carla! Be sure to contact Sharon to claim your prize!

LaBlanche Framed Blue Iris

2011-11-08T12:50:00.003+05:00

Here's another design using items that I have been hoarding in my little craft room...namely Basic Grey's "Cappella" papers. I also love LaBlanche's "Framed Iris Silicone Stamp," fun to color with the frame and background script. You can see all LaBlanche stamps HERE.

The LaBlanche image was stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa ink, then colored it with numerous Copic Sketch Markers. Next, the image was hand trimmed and mounted with dimensional tape on a layered design paper background.

A Melissa Frances Lace border, plus May Art's Silk ribbon/Webster's Pages "Vintage Sparklers Buttons" adds sparkle and glam to finish this design.

All linked supplies are available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Thanks so much for stopping by...have a Tuesday!

My persimmons covered in snow...woke up to snow this morning, had earthquake tremors yesterday, and back to 50 degrees next week...it's an adventure!

A Sunny Hello!

2011-11-07T14:03:00.003+05:00

I've been using up some of my "stash" lately, so I wanted to show you a card that I recently came up with using papers that I have been hoarding. The paper pieced borders are a combination of both "Fly a Kite," and "Thrift Shop" October Afternoon papers.
I'm drawn to the happy colors and prints, plus vintage feel...reminiscent of antique flour sacks. Sharon at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store still has some October Afternoon papers in stock on sale.

Spellbinder "Daisy Head" dies (I believe retired, but a new Spellbinder die, "Daisy Flower Topper" would be a great stand in...) were used to create the flowers, along with Foof a La Buttons, and May Art's Burlap String. The sentiment is PaperTrey Ink's Mega Messages, stamped with Versafine Black Onyx ink. The photocorner punch is by Stampin' Up.

Hope you've enjoyed this design using products from my "stash."

Thanks for stopping by!

EDITED TO ADD: The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store is now on Facebook!--way to go Sharon! I'm heading over to "like" it right now! Just wanted to let you know! thanks!

...I love Paris in the Fall...

2011-11-06T13:02:00.001+05:00

Actually, I have never been to Paris...just loving the recent JustRite sets that feature the noted Eiffel tower and other items with a french theme.

This lovely image of the Eiffel Tower is from JustRite's "Bon Voyage" Cling stamp set. You can view all of the JustRite stamps HERE...and just a note: Sharon is running a fabulous sale (25%, 50%+) on a passel of in stock JustRite NOW!

I stamped the image directly onto decorator paper with Versafine Black Onyx ink, then heat embossed it with detail embossing powder. Spellbinder Petite Oval dies (check with Sharon for availability) were used to cut the image panel and layer beneath.

What better to match up with the Bon Voyage set than Graphic 45's "Curtain Call" (marked down, as well as a bunch more Graphic 45!). "Curtain Call" is filled with neutral tones, prints that celebrate Paris (note the cute stamps) and the theatre stage. Graphic 45 papers are some of my very favorites-- I love the vintage prints and 8 X 8" size, perfect for long and narrow designs. You can the entire collection here!

The "Paris" banner was created using Spellbinders "Nested Pennants" and Tim Holtz' "Typeset" alphabet die from Amazon.

Last up, a May Art's Striped Ribbon makes for a border and bow tied with a Bow Easy.

All of the highlighted links are products available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

If you didn't visit yesterday, for Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--Twill, you will want to do that...it involves something SWEET! See the previous post below...

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--Twill

2011-11-05T17:00:00.008+05:00

This week's Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style focuses on twill.

Twill makes for such a crisp, clean finish...bows are so easily tied with it...you can even dye it for custom colors! Check out the entire twill collection HERE.

JustRite's "Autumn Labels Twenty Two" stamp set was used for this design. I stamped the image with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, then Copic colored it. This set coordinates with Spellbinders "Labels Twenty Two," which I do not have yet, so I hand trimmed the label. I really do like the die cut for this as it leaves a crisp border around the actual image, and have ordered it from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Kaisercraft "Devonshire Collection" (marked down now!) is the designer paper, stitched together for the background. A bit of Kaisercraft Rhinestone "sparkle" finishes it up!

All supplies, minus the Copics, are available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Sharon has a fabulous sale running on many instock JustRite products--25%, 50%, and more! Plus other reduced items throughout the store, such as the DP that I mentioned earlier...Here's Sharon's blog post telling all about it!

This is a Mystery Blog Candy, meaning the winner will be drawn from comments on one of today’s participating blogs, so leaving a comment on each blog will greatly increase your chances of winning, but only one comment per blog, please. The winner will be selected at 6 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, November 8 and will be posted on Sharon's blog on Wednesday, so please check back to claim your prize if you are the lucky winner!

The winner will receive 3 yards each of all eleven of the striped twills, pictured above! Best Wishes!

Sharon Johnson--The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store
Michelle Woerner
Deb Saaranen (you're here!)

Thanks for stopping by!

French Fleur de Lis, JustRite!

2011-11-04T15:18:00.001+05:00

Here's the third card of the set (other two shown on post below) that I promised you...JustRite's "Bon Voyage," paper pieced with Prima's Madeline decorator paper. The Madeline Collection certainly has some fresh and pretty prints...I especially like the mini floral on the chocolatey brown background!

I stamped the fleur de lis with Memento Rich Cocoa ink, then colored it with Copic Sketch markers. Spellbinder's Label Twenty dies were used to cut out the image, and Kaisercraft Rhinestones were added for bling.

A Melissa Frances Cream Lace border, threaded through with May Art's Velvet, finishes this set.

All supplies are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store...which has a marvelous sale running NOW!

Thanks for taking a look today, and remember tomorrow is Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style...hope to see you back then!

Eau de French Cologne...

2011-11-03T23:43:00.000+05:00

...from JustRite! I'm enamored with JustRite's "Shabby Chic Labels Four," as well as their other "Paris" themed stamp sets. I love the direction that JustRite is heading with their beautiful stamp sets so wonderfully made for coloring! Bliss! LOL!

I also love the fact that the sets are designed specifically to work with Spellbinders Labels Four...what a crisp, clean outcome you can achieve with the die cuts!

I designed this card to be one of a set of three. You've already seen the first of the set, designed to Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--Velvet:

You can read about the details of this design HERE.

Back to "Eau de French Cologne":

I stamped the image with Memento Rich Cocoa ink, then colored it with Copic Sketch Markers. Die cut the image panel, attach to designer paper background, and add roses, ribbon bow, and rhinestones.

Materials used:
JustRite "Shabby Chic Labels Four"
Spellbinders "Labels Four"
Prima Fairytale Roses
May Art's Silk Ribbon
Kaisercraft Rhinestones
Prima's "Madeline" decorator paper

All linked supplies are available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. Sharon's having a sale right now, so be sure to stop by!

I'll be back in a day or two with design number three for my set of Paris inspired cards...and a reminder...Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style continues on Saturday...hope that you can join us!

JustRite Christmas Linky Party!!!

2011-11-02T09:01:00.007+05:00

JustRite is having a Christmas Linky Party, beginning today! You can upload your JustRite projects at the party on the JustRite Blog through November 8. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with!

My project features JustRite's "Mini Christmas Sentiments" and "Happy Everything Tag Making Kit." The decorator paper used is from My Mind's Eye "Lost and Found Christmas." Both stamps and paper are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

I handcut the mittens, but if you are not feeling so adventurous, there are adorable Spellbinder "Nested Mitten" dies marked down and available now at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Other touches include Basic Grey buttons (which look black in the picture, but are actually brown IRL...), May Art's Silk ribbon (from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store), snowflake punch (Martha Stewart), scallop punch (Stampin' Up), and a good ole cotton ball (for fluff)!

Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to check out the Christmas inspiration over at the JustRite Blog!

The 12 Days of a Clean and Simple Christmas-Stamp Simply Style-Day Twelve!

2011-11-01T17:00:00.004+05:00

The final day of The 12 Days of a Clean and Simply Christmas--Stamp Simply Style has arrived! I hold today's design close to my heart...because it's the real reason that I celebrate Christmas!

My design today features JustRite's "Rejoice" stamp set, stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. A bit of Copic Sketch coloring, along with a couple of red Kaisercraft Rhinestones, dress up the sentiment that was die cut with Spellbinder Classic Oval dies (check with Sharon for availability).

Gorgeous May Art's red "Mettalic Velvet" ribbon, and texture from a Cuttlebug folder, make simple a bit more elegant.

All highlighted products are available from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Check out the rest of the CAS Christmas designs for today:

Sharon Johnson--The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store
Deb Saaranen (you're here)
Barb Schram

I hope that you've enjoyed these 12 Days of a Clean and Simply Christmas--Stamp Simply Style! I certainly have, and now have a great head start on my Christmas card list!

Please stop by again tomorrow, as our team will be participating in a fun event...come and see what it is!

The 12 Days of a Clean and Simple Christmas-Stamp Simply Style-Day Eleven

2011-10-31T17:00:00.005+05:00

It's day eleven of The 12 Days of a Clean and Simply Christmas--Stamp Simply Style!

My card today features Bo Bunny's "Father Christmas" 6 X 6" pad, Spellbinders Label 20 dies, Wordsworth "Holiday Stylized" wreath stamp, Kaisercraft red rhinestones, and May Art's red gingham ribbon.

Points of interest:

1. Grab your nested dies for a CAS design...it automatically looks like "more" when it really is "less"!

2. When you make a monochromatic print design, line up the layers to match, then add dimensional tape between the layers. This makes for a clean and concise look.

3. Use a light colored Prismacolor pencil or sponge ink onto the edges of the dark paper layers for additional interest.

And...a pretty bow always makes for a delightful finish!

All supplies used for today's CAS design are available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Check out the rest of the CAS designs today:

Sharon Johnson--The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store
Deb Saaranen (you're here...thanks for stopping!)

Hope you return for the final day...day 12...of The 12 Days of a Clean and Simply Christmas--Stamp Simply Style!

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--Stripes

2011-10-29T17:00:00.022+05:00

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--Stripes...I love May Art's stripe ribbons...there are a variety of sizes, stripe widths and colors at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Products used today: Bo Bunny "Gabrielle" paper; Webster's Pages "Cameo Silhouettes"; May Arts "Crochet Lace," and 3/8" "Grosgrain Stripe" ribbons.

EDITED TO ADD: The Webster's Pages "Cameo Silhouettes" that I used are from the variety pack; the "Mother and Child" is still available as part of the variety pack.

If you would like to see a mini tutorial on making the lace flower beneath the cameo, check it out here.

All products used today are available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

This is a Mystery Blog Candy, meaning the winner will be drawn from comments on one of today’s participating blogs, so leaving a comment on each blog will greatly increase your chances of winning, but only one comment per blog, please. The winner will be selected at 6 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, November 1 and will be posted on Sharon's blog on Wednesday, so please check back to claim your prize if you are the lucky winner! Good luck!

Sharon Johnson - The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store

Barb Schram
Holly McMillen
Deb Saaranen (and you're here!)

Please check back here on Monday...we will be continuing with day ten of The 12 Days of a Clean and Simply Christmas--Stamp Simply Style.

The 12 Days of a Clean and Simple Christmas-Stamp Simply Style-Day Ten

2011-10-28T17:00:00.005+05:00

Day 10 of The 12 Days of a CAS Christmas--Stamp Simply Style! Today I'm using Wordsworth's "Snowmen" stamp set, along with K and Company's "Glad Tidings Diecut Pad" (marked down now!). Love the shaped edges of the die cut pad!

I stamped, then paper pieced the snowmen from white cardstock onto the tan decorator paper panel. Glitter, shading, curved corners, a Bow Easy shaped May Art's Wrinkled Ribbon bow, and glittery button from Bo Bunny's "Father Christmas Buttons," finishes this quick design.

All named supplies today are available from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Please check out the rest of the team participating today:

Sharon Johnson--The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store

Deb Saaranen (you're here! Thanks for stopping by!)

Holly McMillen

Be sure to visit back tomorrow for Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style! Also, we will be finishing The 12 Days of CAS--Stamp Simply Style Monday and Tuesday.

BONUS...LOL! I just had to show you a few more cards that I made with Wordsworth's "Snowmen" set when I first got it--it's been a favorite for me for some time!

Have a great weekend!

The 12 Days of a Clean and Simple Christmas-Stamp Simply Style-Day Nine

2011-10-27T17:00:00.006+05:00

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...for day NINE of The 12 Days of a Clean and Simple Christmas--Stamp Simply Style!

A really "clean" design for you today...featuring paper piecing with some texture and bling.

This little sock is JustRite's "Christmas Trimmings," paper pieced with Bo Bunny's "Blitzen" 6 X 6" designer paper. I also have the 12 X 12" Blitzen paper for upcoming larger Christmas projects, but the 6 X 6" pad is perfect as it has tinier prints which work wonderfully for card making.

If you like Christmas stockings, there's another JustRite set called "Warmest Wishes" that features stockings, full of goodies. It's pretty cute, fits the large oval stamper, and has four different borders included.

Kaisercraft rhinestones in "Lippy Red" add a touch of bling. The image is framed out with Spellbinders "Postage Stamps" and "Classic Square" (Check with Sharon for availability) dies, then set with dimensional tape onto a textured, pure white base.

The named and listed items are all available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

If you haven't done so yet, be sure to check out Sharon Johnson's CAS design for today!

Reminder: tomorrow is day 10 of The 12 Days of a CAS Christmas-Stamp Simply Style; Saturday, we're back to Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style!

Thanks for stopping by!

The 12 Days of a Clean and Simple Christmas-Stamp Simply Style-Day Eight

2011-10-26T17:00:00.002+05:00

Day eight! Yes, we are on day eight of The 12 Days of a CAS Christmas-Stamp Simply Style!

My design is very easy today, all designed around the fabulous Prima "North Country" decorator paper.

My image is Wordsworth's "Holiday Stylized" (marked down now!), stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa ink. This set has a slightly more modern feel, but I especially love the sentiment, "joy, love, peace" that is included.

A bit of "Divine Twine" decorates this very CAS design. All product used today are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Be sure to check out:

Sharon Johnson- The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store
Deb Saaranen (you're here!)
Holly McMillen

Hope you can make it back tomorrow for day nine! Thanks for stopping by!

The 12 Days of a Clean and Simple Christmas-Stamp Simply Style-Day Seven

2011-10-25T17:00:00.002+05:00

Day seven of The 12 Days of a Clean and Simply Christmas--Stamp Simply Style!

My post is going to be quick and sweet as...my SHIPMENT has finally arrived and is due to be delivered at any moment!!! Yay!

Designer paper used today is KaiserCraft's "Be Merry" Collection. Sharon has "Be Merry" marked down, so get it quick! Love this pad...has glittered, flocked (stripes above are lightly flocked) and all sorts of tags, borders (see above) and fun designs.

This was quick...I just grabbed the white sheet from the pad, die cut it with Spellbinders "Create a Flake One" (no longer available, but there are new Spellbinder snowflakes....see here) and popped on a Webster's Pages "Vintage Button Assortment."

Layer it all up, and you're done! All supplies used today are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Be sure to check out Sharon Johnson's CAS design!

Tomorrow's day eight...hope to see you back! Thanks for stopping by!

The 12 Days of a Clean and Simple Christmas-Stamp Simply Style-Day Six

2011-10-24T17:00:00.005+05:00

Hello, and welcome to day six of The 12 Days of a Clean and Simple Christmas-Stamp Simply Style!

Brand new items, first time out of the pack for my design today...beginning with Prima's "North Country" designer paper and "Prima North Country Art Tiles." You can see all of the "North Country" goodies here.

This also is a first time use for Penny Black's "Snow Dust" rubber and wood stamp. I stamped the image with Versafine Sepia ink, then blinged it up with Kaisercraft rhinestones in "Lippy" and "Silver."

The bow today is May Art's Grosgrain with Satin Edged Ribbon, formed with a Bow Easy.

All supplies for today's design are available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

If you haven't checked Sharon Johnson's CAS yet, be sure to take a look!

On a personal note: Thanks to everyone at Splitcoaststampers--I was chosen as this week's Featured Stamper...what an honor! I appreciate everyone playing along, casing designs from my SCS gallery!

Thanks for stopping by during our halfway point...we will continue The 12 Days of a CAS Christmas--Stamp Simply Style tomorrow, day seven! Please join us again!

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style-Wrinkled and Crushed

2011-10-22T19:00:00.004+05:00

It's Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style, and today we're featuring both Wrinkled and Crushed ribbons from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Today was a very busy and exciting day for me, so I went with some of my tried and true elements for this design:

...Monochromatic, Copic coloring, and typical "Deb" layout.

Today's decorator papers are Webster's Pages "Spring Market/Yacht Club/Country Estate."

I colored up LaBlanche's "Two Rabbits" silicone stamp, then framed it out with Spellbinder's "Postage Stamp" and "Classic Square" dies.

A May Art's Crushed Silk bow...tied with a Bow Easy... then accented with a wooden Bo Bunny "Welcome Home" button, adds the finishing touch.

Supplies for today's design are available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

This is a Mystery Blog Candy, meaning the winner will be drawn from comments on one of today’s participating blogs, so leaving a comment on each blog will greatly increase your chances of winning, but only one comment per blog, please. The winner will be selected at 6 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, October 25 and will be posted on Sharon's blog on Tuesday night or Wednesday, so please check back to claim your prize if you are the lucky winner! Good luck!

Here's the list of participants today:

Sharon Johnson - The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store
Deb Saaranen (and you are here!)
Holly McMillen

Just a note: We will be continuing with day 6 of The 12 Days of a Clean and Simply Christmas-Stamp Simply Style on Monday! Please join us then!

Like I said, it was an exciting day! We had a special visitor arrive in Dushanbe, and I must say that it was an honor to meet the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. It was a quick trip for Secretary Clinton, and I'm certain she is already on her way to another destination.

The 12 Days of a Clean and Simple Christmas-Stamp Simple Style-Day Five

2011-10-21T17:00:00.003+05:00

Welcome to The 12 Days of a CAS Christmas-Stamp Simply Style! Yes, we are on day 5...last day for this week. We will continue the 12 Days of CAS this upcoming Monday. But, be sure to come back tomorrow for our Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style Saturday...you won't want to miss it!

My CAS design for today is a simple gift tag. Warning, there are multiple layers, but it is still very easy to create.

Easy, as there is very little stamping...letting the decorator paper scene shine as the focal point. Webster's Pages "Botanical Christmas/Winter Fairy Tales" has multiple back to back prints/scenes, this tree being my favorite.

JustRite's "Christmas Mini Sentiments" is stamped directly onto the image panel with Versafine Black Onyx ink, then layered over cream cardstock and another of the Webster's Pages prints.

A bit of glowing bling...Kaisercraft Rhinestones in Champagne, and May Art's Wrinkled Ribbon and bow of ivory 1/4" silk tie this one up.

All supplies used today are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Be sure to check Sharon's CAS for today out:

Sharon Johnson - The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store

On a personal note: if you have a chance to check out the Oct/Nov 2011 issue of Stamper's Sampler, you'll see that I have three cards published there! Just wanted to let you know!!! :)

Thanks for stopping by, and please come back for tomorrow's Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style!

The 12 Days of a Clean and Simple Christmas-Stamp Simply Style-Day Four

2011-10-20T17:00:00.021+05:00

We're back for day four of the 12 Days of a Clean and Simply Christmas-Stamp Simply Style!

My design for today features one of my favorite styles: vintage. Even though I wanted to do a vintage card, I still strove to keep it CAS. It truly can be done, once you have the correct supplies.

My Mind's Eye "Lost And Found Christmas" 6 X 6" decorator paper adds the muted, rich colors and wonderful prints leaning toward a vintage look. With this type coloration and print, you already have achieved a bit of time worn appeal. This pad is actually quite versatile, as Sharon used it on day three of the 12 Days of CAS, lending a more modern and elegant feel.

If you have followed my designs from the past, you will recognize this poinsettia blossom, Spellbinder's "Nested Poinsettia." This is one of my favorite ways to add a festive focal point to my Christmas designs. Easy, too, as you can cut all three layers of the poinsettia out of a 6 X 6" pad at once. Exciting news: Spellbinder has come out with a brand new "Layered Poinsettia"!

A punched snowflake and a Webster's Pages "Vintage Button Assortment" round out the poinsettia, while Melissa Frances cream "Lace Trim" borders the design.

Just a note: Sharon has gotten a passel of gorgeous buttons and embellishments...I'm drooling!...check them out here!

Quite often I design cards without a greeting on the front panel. This way, I can use the card in any manner for any event during the holiday. Just add your sentiment to the inside, and you're ready to go!

You can find the above named supplies at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Be certain to check out Sharon's design for today as well:

Sharon Johnson- The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store

Thanks for stopping by, hope you can come back tomorrow for day five of a CAS Christmas-Stamp Simply Style!

Edited to add to answer Traci's question: there is dimensional tape between each of the poinsettia flower's three layers. The layers are die cut from the same decorator paper pad (Lost and Found Christmas) with the edges slightly bent up for dimension.

The 12 Days of a Clean and Simple Christmas-Stamp Simply Style-Day Three

2011-10-19T17:00:00.007+05:00

Hello, and welcome to day three of 12 Days of Clean and Simple (CAS) Christmas...Stamp Simply Style!

I must say it's been fun throwing together quick and easy cards, with nary a thought to as what I'm doing...LOL! Actually, with all of the gorgeous decorator paper and embellishments available, it really doesn't take a lot of thought to putting together a quick card that can thrill the recipient.

Enough of that...here's my design for today:

I began with a simple layout using Cosmo Cricket's "Mitten Weather" 6x6" decorator paper pad (on sale now for only $3.00 a pad!). You can view all of Cosmo Cricket papers here.

This pad has traditional Christmasy colors, as well as lavender tones, with some of the prints usable for all year round...such as this card here.

The highlight of this CAS design has to be the beautiful cream Prima "Wave" trim and Webster's Pages "Assorted Holiday Silhouette" cameo. You can purchase the Silhouettes in single styles or as the assorted pack.

A bit of ivory 1/4" May Arts Silk ribbon, JustRite "Mini Christmas Sentiment" and die from JustRite's "Happy Everything" Kit join in to finish this design.

All supplies used today are available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

More CAS inspiration (and the winner for last Saturday's blog candy):

Sharon Johnson - The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store
Deb Saaranen (you're here!)

Check back tomorrow for Day Four in The 12 Days of Clean and Simple Christmas-Stamp Simply Style!

The 12 Days of a Clean and Simple Christmas-Stamp Simply Style-Day Two

2011-10-18T17:00:00.003+05:00

Day Two of the 12 Days of CAS...Stamp Simply Style! Well, how about no stamping at all? Here's a quick, five minute design using some of the fabulous new K and Company "Visions of Christmas" products.

What a pretty collection of holiday themed papers. It's joined by some gorgeous Grand Adhesion Stickers...I've chosen the "Visions of Christmas Christmas Tree" stickers, but there are other packs featuring angels and beautifully decorated words.

Take a closeup look at the sticker I've used today. The glitter and gems are part of the sticker...

Isn't this scene simply charming?

My card is very mailable...and oh so easy like I mentioned before. It's an A2 size, layered with one of the double sided designer prints for the holly berries and red, plus the green border taken from a different sheet from the same pad.

All products today are available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Sharon Johnson - The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store

Holly McMillen

Deb Saaranen (You're here, thanks for stopping!)

Please come back tomorrow to see Day 3 of the 12 Days of Clean and Simple Christmas Stamp Simply Style!

The 12 Days of Clean and Simple Christmas--Stamp Simply Style

2011-10-17T17:00:00.003+05:00

Hi there! Sharon and The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store has an exciting 12 days of CAS inspiration planned, beginning today...

"Welcome to Day 1 of The 12 Days of a Clean and Simple Christmas - Stamp Simply Style. This ongoing series will feature cards that are CAS (clean and simple), making it quick and easy to recreate them or even mass produce them for the Christmas season. Likewise, our posts will be short and sweet as well -- nothing to bore you or take up a lot of time -- just sharing some ideas for CAS Christmas creations! Hope you'll join us for this 12 days series."

Well, I'm going to go for it in the next 12 days to see how much CAS I can come up with! Hmmm....it's definitely a challenge for me. My cards are usually pretty simple, but don't know how clean I can get them?!?

I began with regular cardstock...NO decorator paper for me today! In fact, white cardstock rarely makes an appearance in any of my typical designs! I do love, love, LOVE decorator paper though, and will be right back with it for tomorrow's design.

The stamp set that I've used for today is JustRite's new "Christmas Trimmings." I really fell for the wreath and swag when I first laid eyes upon it. I must admit that I would not mass produce any design that took a lot of time with coloring, but this went fairly quickly, with hardly any shading involved.

I stamped the images out with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, stamping the swag directly onto the white background panel. After coloring with my Copic Sketch markers, I die cut the wreath and cherry layer with Spellbinder Classic Circle dies (check with Sharon for availability).

A May Art's Wrinkled Ribbon bow adds the final touch to this CAS design.

Here's a link for the entire Christmas section over at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Check out the other gal's CAS designs:

Sharon Johnson - The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store
Deb Saaranen (you're here!)
Michelle Woerner

Be sure to check back tomorrow for our new CAS designs! Thanks for stopping!

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style-Silk

2011-10-15T17:00:00.072+05:00

Welcome to today's Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style Silk! As indicated by the title, we're celebrating SILK Ribbon! One of my favorites--lush, soft, pliable silk!

We're also all playing along with the Hope You Can Cling To challenge over at Splitcoaststampers, a month long effort to increase breast cancer awareness and add cards to their card drive. There is a LOT going on -- daily challenges, prizes galore and a card drive. You can read about it here.

The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store is pleased to be a sponsor of the 2011 Hope You Can Cling To event. Please check it out, play along, donate some cards and in the process have an opportunity to win some of the fabulous prizes being offered.

I've made two different looking cards for today, both using Prima's "Melody" decorator paper pad and JustRite's Clear Stamp Set, "Be Strong." I am also posting both cards over at today's Splitcoaststampers Hope You Can Cling To challenge Think P-I-N-K.

I've used the sentiment, "Hope" from the JustRite set, along with some punched out butterflies studded with KaiserCraft rhinestones for my first design.

One of the prettiest additions to this design is the May Art's Silk Ribbon bow, fashioned with a Bow Easy. A narrow strip of 1/8" ribbon stands in as a border between prints.

My second design features the same JustRite clear "Be Strong" set and Prima "Melody" DP as mentioned earlier (you can see the entire Melody collection here). I've paper pieced the pink ribbon on the image panel, then die cut and layered it with Spellbinder Petite Oval dies (check with Sharon for availability). Sorry, no silk on this one!

Just a touch of bling, and this card is finished.

All supplies used today are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Once again, this is a Mystery Blog Candy(pictured above), meaning the winner will be drawn from comments on one of today’s participating blogs, so leaving a comment on each blog will greatly increase your chances of winning, but only one comment per blog, please. The winner will be selected at 6 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, October 18 and will be posted on Sharon's blog on Tuesday night or Wednesday, so please check back to claim your prize if you are the lucky winner! Good luck!

Designers participating today:

Sharon Johnson – The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store

Michelle Woerner
Deb Saaranen (you're here--thanks for stopping by!)

NOTICE: The Stamp Simply 12 Days of a Clean and Simple Christmas is beginning on Sharon's Blog on Monday, 10/17.

Lots of info and links today...have fun checking them out! We really appreciate your stopping by and hope that we've inspired you!

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--Pleats/Ruffles

2011-10-08T17:00:00.078+05:00

Today's Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style

features pleats and ruffles. You can find all sorts of beautiful pleated, ruffled...even jeweled...ribbon and trim accents at

The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

I've chosen to use Prima's Valenciennes for my project today. The color that I've used is no longer available, but there are other colors available. I really love the added vintage bling on the Valencienne trim.

This image is by LaBlanche..."Foxglove." I stamped the image with Memento Rich Cocoa ink, then colored it with Copic markers. After coloring it, I framed it out by cutting a rectangle out of DP, then used a Spellbinder Rectangle die to pop out the center. You can just barely see the dimension on this photo, it presents quite nicely IRL.

The decorator paper used today is Prima's "Botanical Collection" 6 X 6" pad. The key embellishment is from Prima's "Vintage Trinkets-Locks and Key." A bit of May Art's 1/4" Ivory Silk "attaches" the key to the card.

All supplies used today (minue the Copic Markers) are from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

AND:

This is a Mystery Blog Candy (pictured above), meaning the winner will be drawn from comments on one of today’s participating blogs, so leaving a comment on each blog will greatly increase your chances of winning, but only one comment per blog, please. The winner will be selected at 6 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, October 11 and will be posted here on Sharon's blog on Tuesday night or Wednesday, so please check back to claim your prize if you are the lucky winner!

Designers providing today's inspiration:

Sharon Johnson – The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store

Deb Saaranen (you're here!)
Holly McMillen
Michelle Woerner

Thanks so much for joining us today, remember to check to see if you are the blog candy winner, and come back and see us next Saturday!

How about a blooper? Or what I would call a blooper anyhow...I fiddled with this card and was not happy with the way it looked in the photo...here's my first design, check it out.

I love this cameo from Bo Bunny's "Gabrielle Trinkets" but just was not happy with the final results. So, it was edited out...a day in the life!

LaBlanche Times Birthday

2011-10-07T09:05:00.001+05:00

Here's fairly flat design that I put together last night for my Dad's birthday...trying to get a head start since it takes mail a couple of weeks to make it to addresses in the States.

Don'tcha just love when your parents keep your cards forever?

It makes me smile to think that this card will sit out

for MONTHS on their entertainment center!

I received LaBlanche's "Times" silicone stamp and Bo Bunny's "Timepiece Collection" from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store and was so pleased at the perfect match of vintage style. It was so fun and easy to put this card together...I didn't have to think too hard...LOL!

You can see the entire collection of LaBlanche Stamps at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store here, and items from the Bo Bunny Timepiece Collection here.

Since this is a "manly man" design for my Dad, I went with May Art's Burlap String for a bit of added interest.

The sheet of cork and photo corners were pulled from my stash.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, and remember to check back on Saturday for the Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style Hop!

Green Bazaar in Dushanbe

2011-10-03T11:14:00.000+05:00

Hi! I just wanted to share some pictures from the Green Bazaar (outdoor market) near our home in Dushanbe. It is the largest market in the city, filled with all sorts of items for living...and with people!

Just a note...these photos are posted on Facebook, so you may have seen them...just wanted to give my non-Facebook user family and friends a chance to see some of our surroundings.

One of the entry points to the Green Bazaar.

It is extremely busy here, hard to cross the street with the traffic.

Some of the fresh and delicious bread, you can often find it still warm from the oven. It is called Lepyoshka. The Tajik people revere their bread, they do not throw it away or waste it.

It is "bad" to allow it to sit or be served upside down on the platter or plate.

This gal is cutting carrots to sell for the national dish, "Plov." It consists of rice, meat, and carrots. You cannot even see her knife as she is cutting very fast. I've often watched the ladies cutting and they are not even looking at what they're doing...this lady was a bit shy of the camera, so she looked down.

These are handmade brooms. There often is someone actually sitting and making them on site, but not today. These brooms are used to sweep the sidewalks, courtyards, parks, public areas, and homes. I have seen elderly women sweeping on the sides of the streets at 4 a.m.with these same brooms.

Handmade watering cans.

Mounds of spices...they're measured by the glasses sitting atop the piles.

Dried beans, lentils, grains, and rices.

Bakery of all sorts.

Closeup of the filled goodies. I think they're filled with chocolate, but not entirely sure. It also may be Nutella, which is popular here. There is no peanut butter here.

Vegetable vendors. The young man was especially friendly, and wanted me to take their pictures.

Marvelous fresh vegetables.

We soak all vegetables and fruits that are not peeled in a mild bleach solution before eating.

The Green Bazaar is open everyday of the year, and they will be selling some types of foods,

even in the winter months.

Melons.

Pastas. The pasta seems to be quite a bit more starchy than what we have at home.

The cooked texture becomes quite soft.

Soaps and toilet paper, some of the necessities of life.

My husband Paul walking the market.

We shop for all of our fruits and vegetables at the Green Bazaar, and buy most of the rest of our groceries from small indoor markets nearby.

We have been told that food is a bit more difficult to get during the winter months, even though the markets are open, so we have been preparing by freezing fruits and fruit juice. We also have a shipment of groceries coming from the United States to supplement our food store.

Thanks so much for stopping by and taking a peek into our adventure!

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style-Velvet Hop

2011-10-01T17:00:00.099+05:00

Hello, and welcome to our Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style hop this week...featuring VELVET.

I started my design for today using Prima's decorator paper "Melody." Melody is filled with rich tones, sized 6 X 6," and has 48 pieces in it's stack (2 pages per print or solid). Sharon has a range of Prima "Melody" products in the store, seen here.

The stamped image is JustRite's "Greetings from Paris." It's stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa Ink and Copic colored, then cut out with a Spellbinder's Nestabilities "Labels Four" die. I just love that JustRite is designing some of their new stamps around Spellbinder's dies...it really makes for a crisp and clean image panel!

Did you notice the little aqua colored Melissa Frances "Trinket and Baubles" gem mounted on the panel?

Here's a closeup of the image panel and a Prima "Trinket Collection" blossom, layered over a May Art's Ivory Silk ribbon bow, with accents of May Art's 1/8" velvet.

All of the products used today (minus the Copic Sketch Markers) are available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

And...something YUMMY, pictured above:

"This is a Mystery Blog Candy, meaning the winner will be drawn from comments on one of today’s participating blogs, so leaving a comment on each blog will greatly increase your chances of winning, but only one comment per blog, please. The winner will be selected at 6 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, October 4 and will be posted on Sharon's blog on Tuesday night or Wednesday, so please check back to claim your prize if you are the lucky winner! Good luck!"

Here's a lineup of today's designers:

Sharon Johnson – The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store

Barb Schram
Deb Saaranen (you're here!)
Holly McMillen

Are you enjoying this Saturday feature? We certainly hope so! Please mark your calendar for next Saturday's Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style hop, we look forward to seeing you once again. Have a great week!

International Cooking Class

2011-09-26T11:46:00.003+05:00

I just wanted to share some pictures from an enjoyable international cooking class that I attended a couple of Saturdays ago. The demonstration focused primarily upon Armenian foods...my first taste of such, and so very delicious!

Marina (in the red apron) was our hostess for the day, as well as our teacher. This picture shows the filling for the main dish of Armenian Tolma (stuffed grape leaves). We also stuffed cabbage leaves and vegetables to create Armenian Summer Tolma.

Some of the wonderful, fresh, summer vegetables in Tajikistan.

Marina's nimble fingers rolling the blanched grape

leaves freshly picked from her yard.

We all had a hand in rolling the leaves...

it was similar to rolling a tiny burrito.

The pot of Tolma before cooking.

Stuffing the fresh eggplant, peppers, tomatoes with the same stuffing: ground beef (hand ground), rice and spices.

Summer Tolma, ready to enter the pot to be cooked.

Final product of stuffed grape leaves, cabbage leaves, and eggplant. My mouth just waters looking at this photo,

remembering the flavor!

Marina also demonstrated some appetizers:

Cottage Cheese Balls "Ala Marina," her own recipe,

also stuffed into peppers...

A larger, party size cottage cheese ball,

with a lovely carrot crudite garnish...

and hummus, my favorite, made right from scratch

from dried chickpeas, served with pita bread or Armenian Lavash.

After all of the cooking, we were delighted to eat it!

We also were served a yummy American Oatmeal Sheet Cake, which of course we ate before any of the cooking began.

Thanks so much to Marina for opening her home and teaching us these delicious dishes. Her attention to detail in the dish presentation was so very inspiring as well. I do plan to attempt all of the new recipes presented.

It was a wonderful time of new friends,

flavors (especially on my part!),

and life as an expat in Dushanbe!

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--Lace

2011-09-24T17:00:00.009+05:00

Lace is the subject of today's Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style post! Lace can be so versatile...borders, bows, even blossoms...plus it can add a much needed texture to papercraft design.

My design for today primarily uses Melissa Frances products. Take a look, and I'll tell you all about it...

I wanted to create a tag with vintage appeal...Melissa Frances "Vintage Attic Treasures" decorator paper was just what I had in mind, and was used for the base and layers of the design.

The fleur de lis stamped on the right side of the tag is from JustRite's new "Bon Voyage" set. I stamped off once, using Versafine Sepia Ink, before stamping onto the tag. I was hoping to achieve a faded look, and was happy with the results.

Did you notice the Melissa Frances "Neutral Vintage Crepe Paper" peeking out from behind the Prima "Oatmeal Millinery Collection" blossom? I made it by pleating the crepe paper into a fan, threaded a needle and twine through the base, then tied the twine tight after connecting the ends, fashioning the blossom. It looked like an accordian blossom at this point, so I simply flattened it out in my palm. Antique linen distressing ink on the edges adds a bit of interest and highlights the folds of the crepe paper.

May Art's 1/4" Ivory Silk Ribbon, touched up with some of the antique ink, makes a base for a Melissa Frances vintage "Small Lockbox" key embellishment. The resin key comes in a white color, so I dabbed a bit of linen paint on it to tone it down to match the rest of the design.

The "inspirational" portion for today is the Melissa Frances cream colored "Lace Trim." You can purchase it in either cream or white colorway.

More of the May Art's Ivory Silk, as well as May Art's natural "Burlap String," tie off the top of the tag. This was a fun project, and came together fairly quickly.

All of the supplies used today are available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

If you're looking for lacey love, be certain to check out the rest of the blog lineup:

Sharon Johnson - The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store

Holly McMillen
Barb Schram
Michelle Woerner
Deb Saaranen (you're here!)
Tammy Hershberger

Once again we have Mystery Blog Candy (see first photo of post), meaning the winner will be drawn from comments on one of today’s participating blogs, so leaving a comment on each blog will greatly increase your chances of winning, but only one comment per blog, please. The winner will be selected at 6 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, September 27 and will be posted on Sharon’s blog on Tuesday night or Wednesday, so please check back to claim your prize if you are the lucky winner!

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Please be sure to check back next Saturday, when we will be featuring another type of ribbon inspiration!

File Folder Melissa Frances Recipe Keeper

2011-09-22T17:00:00.010+05:00

If you're anything like me you have recipes...gleaned from your friends, copied from the magazine at the doctor's office (you get the idea) scratched onto backs of envelopes littering the depths of your purse. Half the time I go to look for that yummy dessert recipe, it's gone!

Well, I've designed a little go-between for those recipe scraps...a place to stash them until you properly copy them onto recipe cards or enter them into your computer. My sample shows actual recipes written on index cards or printed from the internet...I couldn't find any of the ones currently trashing my bag...they're gone...? LOL!

This project makes use of four office file folders, and the oh-so-fun Melissa Frances 12 X 12" decorator paper, "Kitschy Kitchen."

The album measures 9" X 9.75." To make it easy, I just cut two inches off of the bottoms of the file folders. I fashioned the booklet by layering three folders into each other--just like a book--adhering the "page" backs with double sided, strong tape. All of the pockets and envelope in the design are layered upon file folder stock as well, with the intent to provide extra strength.

I decorated the front with paper pieced borders and heart, all papers from the "Kitschy Kitchen" pad. The heart base was die cut with a Spellbinders Classic Heart die. Chipboard letters from my stash received a dressing of DP and distressing before being adhered.

The first two pages feature slide in pockets for index cards or scraps of paper. The tag reading "quality ingredients" is also by Melissa Frances, "Kitschy Kitchen Tag Collection."

Here's a closeup of the delightful image on the tag...I stamped the "healthy" on for good measure.

Here are the next pages. There is a flapped envelope fashioned onto the left page. The right side has a full length pocket to slide in bigger sized pieces of paper.

The closure is simply two brads, circles cut by a Spellbinder Classic Circle die, and string.

A CHEERY cherry red button tab accent.

Tabs running up the sides also up the "cute" factor...

I intentionally kept the embellishments fairly flat and to a minimum. I intend to store this sidled up to my cookbooks on the shelf.

Another idea: this would make a lovely shower gift for the new daughter-in-law or daughter filled with family favorites The Melissa Frances "Kitschy Kitchen" decorator paper and tag collection are both from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

If you don't feel up to creating an entire album from scratch, there are also Melissa Frances Recipe Kits for sale at Stamp Simply as well.

Thanks for stopping by today. Remember to check to see if you were the winner from last Saturday's Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style hop over at Sharon's blog. The winner was chosen from comments on my post...so, just tellin ya!

Be sure to check back here this upcoming Saturday for a new Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style lineup!

Hope to see you then!

Quick Card Using Die Cuts

2011-09-20T13:53:00.002+05:00

I just wanted to pop in to show you a quick and easy all occasion card using die cuts...no stamping necessary...with a couple of additional products thrown in.

This lovely floral die cut is from K and Company..."Spring Blossom Seed Packet." The images are designed by Susan Winget, and are simply beautiful. You get 44 pieces per packet with a variety of sizes. Perfect for adding a pretty touch to a quick design.

NOTE: You can barely see the entire sentiment as it is photographed. It reads "All things grow with love." So sorry!

I've chosen decorator paper from K and Company's "Botanical Specialty" 12 X 12" pad for the printed panels. "Botanical Specialty" is also designed by Susan Winget, and includes lovely garden prints, with some that are glittered and foiled.

The May Art's Gingham bow is tied with a "Bow Easy," and the panels are popped up with dimensional tape. Did you know that there is a larger "Bow Easy" available for larger bow making? It's perfect for wreaths, swags, holiday decorations, and gift packaging!

All of these supplies can be purchased from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Here's a last closeup as I say goodbye for today--have a wonderful remainder to your week!

ETA: News flash...Sharon has just listed all in stock K and Company product on a special sale...be sure to check it out!

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style--Metallic

2011-09-17T17:00:00.006+05:00

It's time once again for Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style Saturday! This week, we're focusing on metallics: ribbon from the Metallic or Wired sections of The Stamp Simply store, reflective or shiny accented decorator papers, or embellishments.

There is "Mystery Blog Candy" once again, pictured to the left. One fortunate person will walk away with these metallic goodies...if you would like a chance to win, you must leave a comment on each of the participating designer's blogs. One comment per person, please!

My choice of metallic for today is

KaiserCraft's "Lullaby Collection" decorator paper.

KaiserCraft paper usually has some wonderful textural elements included in their decorator pads. There are often foiled, metallic accents, as well as flocked sheets, as part of the pad. This is certainly a case of "Lullaby Collection." This pad is 6.5 X 6.5" and includes both a pink and blue colorway.

Since I wanted to make my card long and narrow, I had to paper piece the background sheet. You can typically hide the seam in patterned papers doing so. An accent away from the seam (in this case my bow to the very right), or covering the actual seam, will help if it appears to be outstanding.

Aren't these tiny, foiled sentiment panels sweet?
There are two pages for each boy and girl
sentiments included in the pad,
as well as precut labels, tags and
borders to mix and match the printed papers.

A border of scalloped white cardstock, May Art's Wrinkled Ribbon, and a Webster's Pages "Sparklers" gem, add the final touches to this simple, yet pretty in pink, design.

Designers for today:

Sharon Johnson - The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store

Barb Schram
Deb Saaranen (you're here!)

Reminder for the blog candy: the winner will be selected at 6 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, September 20 and will be posted on Sharon’s blog on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, so please check back there to claim your prize if you are the lucky winner! Best wishes!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Pictures of Dushanbe

2011-09-14T09:29:00.001+05:00

Hello! I've promised some pictures of our new country, and will continue to share them from time to time. I'll keep the descriptions brief, hopefully you will enjoy seeing what we see in our day to day lives.

Our home and courtyard. We have persimmon trees, cherry trees,

and grapevines growing here.

The wall surrounding our courtyard. Most homes are surrounded by walls...good for security, but difficult to meet neighbors who maybe enjoying the out of doors.

Some of our persimmons ripening. I have to google to see what to do with them. They ripen fully in the Fall months.

Not our grapevines...our grapes were picked before we arrived. These are just hanging over the sidewalk right down the

street from us. Paul has made some grape juice from

the grapes from our local market.

One sidestreet not far from us. Apartments above storefronts, one displaying the Tajikistan flag. The sidewalks are wide, and

most streets are lined with mature trees.

The Dushanbe Opera and Ballet Theatre. We attended a performance featuring a trio of Russian Folk singers.

It was very enjoyable!

Outdoor fountains and restaurants across from Opera house.

The Opera House stage and curtain.

The gorgeous ceiling and chandelier in the Opera House.

Beautiful upper tier of seating at the Opera House.

Intricately carved gate at our neighbor's house.

Well, I'll close for now. I'll be back next time with pictures of the open market, shops, and people around town!

Hope you've enjoyed getting a peek at what we're experiencing! Thanks for stopping by!