Inspiring Inkin' Challenges

Challenge #34 - A Sketch Challenge

2010-08-23T05:10:00.000-07:00

Apologies for this fortnight's challenge being a little late but I was crazily busy this weekend and was out all day yesterday so I didn't get chance to upload until today.

Anyway this fortnight's challenge is to make a card using the sketch below. The side twist is that you cannot use any flower stamps at all! So dig out all those other stamps you have and get creating!

This is Elaine's pretty card using patterned paper to make her flowers.

Recipe:

Stamps: Live Your Dream, Framed with Love, A Bit of Birthday Cheer

Papers: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Sweet Pea Paper stack

Inks: Rose Red

Accessories: Large Heart punch, Scallop Circle punch, 1" double stitched Rose Red grosgrain ribbon, 1/4" Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon, Flower Designer brads, Square Ice brads, platinum shimmer paint

And here's mine.

Recipe:

Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts, Live Your Dream

Papers: Chocolate Chip, kraft, real Red, Whisper White

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Real Red

Accessories: Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, Small Heart Punch

Don't forget to leave us a link to your card in the comments box below.

Challenge #33 - Colour Challenge

2010-08-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

This fortnight's colour challenge is an easy one - you can only use retiring colours but you can use Whisper White or Very Vanilla as your neutral colour. The side twist is to use a patterned paper that will also be retiring because of the colours in it or because Stampin' Up have already stated that it will be retired at the end of the catalogue.

Up first is Amy's beautiful ode to the pale purples that are going in October. It's such a shame that these ones are going as they really are pretty shades of purple.

Recipe:

Stamps: Mr & Mrs, Trendy Trees

Ink: Lovely Lilac, Lavender Lace

Paper: Tea Party DSP, Lovely Lilac, Lavender Lace, Almost Amethyst, Whisper White

Accessories: Markers, Mellow Moss button, whisper white satin ribbon, purple glitter, white signo gel pen, word window punch.

Next is Elaine's beautiful card using the same DSP as Amy but with different colours of cardstock this time. The first photo shows the front of the card.

This second photo shows the card partially opened.

And the last of Elaine's photos shows the inside in more detail. What a fabulous design huh?

Recipe:

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly, Greenhouse Garden, Oval All

Ink: Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac, Barely Banana, Apricot Appeal

Papers: Tea Party, Almost Amythest, Barely Banana, Whisper White

Accessories: Fine cosmo glitter, Dazzling Diamonds, Butterfly punch,Large oval, oval scallop, So Saffron striped grosgrain, Pretties Kit

And finally here's mine. I didn't use any Tea Party DSP, but chose the NIght & Day pack which will also be retiring in October and teamed it with a bright pink and purple to make a folder for my nestabilities. Amy told me how to do this when I visited her this week and there are more details on my blog.

Recipe:

Stamps: Sweet Stitches wheel, Flight of the Butterfly, Just Perfect Alphabet

Inks: Pixie Pink, Orchid Opulence

Papers: Pixie Pink, Orchid Opulence, Whisper White, Night & Day DSP

Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Butterfly Punch, Whisper White Satin ribbon

So which colours are you sad to see going? Leave us a link below to show us what you've made!

Challenge #32 - An Inspiration Challenge

2010-07-24T05:36:00.000-07:00

This fortnight's challenge is an easy one - just use the picture below as inspiration for your project. You might want to choose the theme, the colours or just certain parts of the picture. How you interpret it is totally up to you! The side twist is to use 3 different stamp sets or more!

This is Amy's gorgeous card. I love that hummingbird in the bright Summer Sun - such a great contrast against the blue background.

Recipe:

Stamps: Garden Dream, Baroque Motifs, Loads of Love Accessories

Paper: Whisper White, Night of Navy, Watercolour crayons

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Wild Wasabi, Summer Sun, More Mustard, Baja Breeze, Night of Navy, Pacific Point, Stazon

Accessories: Hodgepodge Hardware, brayer

This is the outside of Elaine's trifold with a twist card. So much detail has gone into this card - it's just amazing!

And this is the inside...How cute is that little boat scene?!

Recipe:

Stamps: Studio Sketches, Autumn Splendour, Life's a Breeze, Greenhouse Garden

Papers: Confetti White, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Vellum

Ink: Garden Green, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun

Accessories: Watercolour crayons

And this is my card. I went for summery colours with the tropical flowers.

Recipe:

Stamps: Greenhouse Garden, Dot Dot Dot, Circle of Friendship

Papers: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Pink Flamingo DSP

Inks: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Summer Sun

Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Ribbon

Don't forget to leave us a link below so we can come and check out your lovely creations!

Challenge #31 - A Theme Challenge

2010-07-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

This fortnight's challenge is a theme challenge - to honour July being my birthday month, we challenge you to make a birthday card or project with a simple side twist of using any shade of pink (my favourite colour along with black!)

Here's Amy's cute hot air balloon card. I love all the stitching she has done.

Recipe:

Stamps: All for Friends, Baroque, Framed with Love, Sweet Birthday

Paper: Melon Mambo, Basic Black, Noueveu Chic DSP, Whisper White

Ink: Melon Mambo, Sage Shadow, Basic Grey, Stazon black

Accessories: black brads, black marker, blender pen

Up next is a cute gatefold with a twist card from Elaine. I love the interlocking squares! The first photo shows the card closed.

This next photo shows the interlocking squares much better.

And this is the pretty inside too.

Recipe:

Stamps: Out of the Box (Level 1 Hostess set), Queue Up (Level 3 Hostess set), Happy Moments, Best Wishes & More, Hello Again

Papers: Ballet Blue, Whisper White, Pixie Pink, Petal Party Simply Scrappin' Kit

Ink: Pixie Pink, Black Stazon, markers: Yoyo Yellow, Pixie Pink, Watercolour crayons: Pretty in Pink, Ballet Blue, Versamark

Accessories: Latte buttons, 1 3/8" circle punch, 1 3/4" circle punch, trimmer, adhesive stickers from Simply Scrappin Petal Party, Heat & Stick powder, Dazzling Diamonds, Crystal Effects, Whisper White Taffeta ribbon, Cosmo Glitter, White Embossing Powder

And finally here's mine using the middle step card technique. This first photo shows the front view.

And this photo shows the side so you can see the steps a bit better.

Recipe:

Stamps: My Sweet Pea, Wonderful Words

Papers: Pretty in PInk, Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Sweet Pea DSP

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery ink and marker

Accessories: Sweet Pea Felt pieces

Please leave us a link to your card, scrapbook page or project so we can come and visit.

Challenge #30 - A Theme Challenge

2010-06-27T06:29:00.000-07:00

This fortnight's challenge is a little different to our usual challenges. We challenge you to CASE (copy and share everything) a card from one of the design team members. Please link to the original card on your blogpost so we can see which card you CASEd. The side twist is to use a technique, layout or colour combo you have never used before.

Amy CASEd this card of Elaine's and came up with this. I love the spinner idea for the greeting, don't you?

And the other side of the spinner...

Recipe:

Stamps: Blooming With Besauty, Hello Again

Papers: Whisper White, So Saffron, Sweet Pea DSP

Inks: Stazon, Rose Red, Chocolate Chip, SU Markers

Accessories: Circle Punches, thread

This is Elaine's card, using the 3D roses technique I did on the second card in this post. It looks beautiful in the fabby Melon Mambo don't you think?

A close up of the flowers...

And the inside of the card...

Recipe:

Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Bella Toile, Wonderful Words

Papers: Melon Mambo, Very Vanilla, Gable Green, Certainly Celery

Inks: Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery

Accessories: 2 step bird punch, Melon Mambo Polka Dot ribbon, 1/2" circle punch

And finally I CASEd Amy's flower idea from this card for mine. I just love the "shimmeri-ness" that the shimmer paints add.

Recipe:

Stamps: Circle Circus

Papers: Taken With Teal, Close To Cocoa, Certainly Celery, Sweet Pea DSP

Inks: Taken With Teal, Close To Cocoa, Certainly Celery, Frost White Shimmer Paint

Accessories: Pretties Kit, Certainly Celery brad and ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch

We would love to see what you come up with so don't forget to leave a link to your projects in the inlinkz box below.

Challenge #29 - Technique Challenge

2010-06-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

This fortnight's challenge is a technique one, using the emboss resist technique. this technique is so simple, yet so effective. All you need to do is heat emboss a stamped image with clear or white embossing powder and then colour over it with ink, by using either a brayer, daubers or even some sponges. Wipe off any excess ink from your stamped image with a tissue and voila! So very quick and is a perfect way of making your own background paper in whatever colour you need.

The side twist is to use at least one punch, whether it's a shape, border or an image punch.

This stunning first card from Amy also uses two of the gorgeous new colours, Melon Mambo and Soft Suede.

Recipe:

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, All a Flutter, Friendly, Oval All

Paper: Melon Mambo, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla

Ink: Melon Mambo, Soft Suede, Creamy Caramel, Versamark

Accessories: Very Vanilla ribbon, Choc Chip button, thread, clear EP, sponge daubers, crystal effects, eyelet border punch, oval punch, scallop oval punch.

Elaine's beautiful card uses a frame on the front which makes the main image stand out so wonderfully - a great technique!

And the inside look like this...

Recipe:

Stamps: My Sweet Pea, Pocket Silhouettes, Curvy Verses, Occasional Greetings

Paper: Whisper White, Barely Banana, Pumpkin Pie, Sweet Pea Stack, Old Olive

Ink: Bashful Blue, Barely Banana, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Eyelet border punch, two-step bird punch, Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon, sponge daubers, white embossing powder

And finally here's mine using a set I very rarely use, Bella's Bloom to make a pretty little background paper design.

Recipe:

Stamps: Hello Again, Bella's Bloom

Papers: Cameo Coral, Ruby Red, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Mellow Moss

Inks: Cameo Coral, Versamark, Tempting Turquoise

Accessories: Tempting Turquoise grosgrain ribbon, Eyelet Border Punch, Extra Large Bird Punch

Don't forget to leave us a link below so we can come and see what you've created! Happy Stampin'!

Challenge #28 - A Sketch Challenge

2010-05-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

This fortnight's challenge is to make a project, card or scrapbook page or anything else you might like to do, using the sketch below. The side twist is to use retiring colours. You don't have to use the side twist, but they just give something else you can include.

Here's Amy's gorgeous card using the retiring Orchid Opulence. This is such a beautiful colour when paired with the gorgeous new Rich Razzleberry.

Recipe:

Stamps: A Flower for All Seasons, Fresh Cuts

Paper: Cottage Wall DSP, Orchid Opulence, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Whisper White

Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Rich Razzleberry polka dot ribbon, Old Olive button, linen thread, 1 3/4" circle punch, corner rounder, Word Window punch

This is Elaine's beautiful card, using 3 different retiring colours, Sage Shadow, Blush Blossom and Almost Amethyst.

Recipe:

Stamps: Tiny Tags, French Filligree

Papers: Blush Blossom, Sage Shadow, Almost Amethyst, Whisper White, scraps of Wintergreen DSP (retired)

Ink: Cameo Coral, Sage Shadow, Versamark

Accessories: Scallop circle punch, 1", 1 1/4", 1 3/8", 1 3/4" circle punches, square scallop punch, word window punch, heat & stick powder, Dazzling Diamonds, Champagne Mist shimmer paint

And finally here's my card, using Not Quite Navy, Pretty in Pink and Basic Gray. I actually thought Not Quite Navy was retiring and forgot to check the list before making it, so I didn't actually do the side twist! Oops!

Recipe:

Stamps: Vintage Vogue

Papers: Basic Gray, Not Quite Navy, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Bella Bleu DSP

Inks: Basic Gray, Not Quite Navy, Pretty in Pink ink and marker

Accessories: Whisper White and Basic Gray Tafetta ribbons, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Clear Rhinestone Brads

Don't forget to use the inlinkz link below to show us what you've come up with.

Challenge #27 - A Colour Challenge

2010-05-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

This fortnight's challenge is one with a difference. rather than us choosing the colours for you, we thought we'd let you choose from a selection generated by this colour selector here: http://thescrapmaster.blogspot.com/2010/04/color-combo-testing.html All you need to do is choose either 3, 4 or 5 colours and tick the box, depending on how many you want and then click the submit button. It will then take you to a page of 10 different colour combos - choose one you like and off you go! Simple.

The side twist is to also use one of the satin ribbons that Stampin' Up has.

This is Amy's fab card using Only Orange, Regal Rose, Garden Green and Perfect Plum.

Recipe:

Stamps: Circle Circus, Wow Flowers, Playful Petals

Paper: Perfect Plum DSP, Bride DSP, Perfect Plum, Only Orange, Garden Green, Regal Rose, Whisper White

Ink: Regal Rose, Garden Green

Accessories: 1 3/4", 1", 3/4" circle punches, oval punch, scallop oval punch, white satin ribbon

Elaine used Very Vanilla, Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Barely Banana on her beautiful card.

Recipe:

Stamps: En Francais, Occasional Greetings, All in a Flutter

Paper: Very Vanilla, Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Barely Banana

Ink: Melon Mambo

Accessories: 1 3/4" circle punch, eyelet border punch, Old Olive satin ribbon

And finally here's mine using Rich Razzleberry, Rose Red and Yoyo Yellow - not too sure about this one!

Recipe:

Stamps: Bird On A Branch

Paper: Yoyo Yellow, Rose Red, Whisper White, Cottage Wall DSP

Inks: Soft Suede, Rose Red, Rich Razzleberry, Yoyo Yellow

Accessories: White satin ribbon (dyed with Yoyo Yellow ink pad), White grosgrain ribbon (dyed with Rose Red ink pad)

So go on have a go and choose a colour combo that you like! Don't forget to link back here so we can come and see it!

Challenge #26 - A Theme Challenge

2010-05-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

Wow can you believe that this post makes it the 1 year anniversary of Inspiring Inkin' Challenges?! This fortnight's challenge is an easy one: Buttons, Bows and Butterflies. Choose one, two or all three to use on your card or project. Our side twist is to use a stamp set from the new mini catalogue.

Here's Amy's gorgeous card, using the new All A Flutter butterfly stamp. I love this colour combo too.

Recipe:

Stamps: All a Flutter, Wow Flowers

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Sweet Pea DSP, Bride DSP

Ink: Taken with Teal, Real Red, Chocolate Chip. SU markers

Accessories: Latte buttons, Real Red satin ribbon, Real Red brads, clear EP, linen thread

And this beautiful flower is from Elaine. I love this colour combo too.

Recipe:

Stamps: Something Sweet, My Sweet Pea, Flight of the Butterfly

Paper: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive, Vellum

Ink: Perfect Plum, Pretty in Pink

Accessories: 1 3/4" circle punch, butterfly punch, Old Olive satin ribbon, 1/4" Certainly Celery ribbon, Soft Subtles buttons, Frost White shimmer paint

And finally here's mine. I like this colour combo as well!

Recipe:

Stamps: Fine Flourish, Flight of the Butterfly

Paper: Certainly Celery, Pumpkin Piecs & DSP, Vellum, Rose Red cs & DSP

Inks: Rose Red

Accessories: 3/4" circle punch, Crystal Effects, Butterfly Punch, Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon

If you join in this challenge, please leave us a link in the inlinkz box so we can come and see it!

Challenge #25 - A Colour Challenge

2010-04-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

This fortnight's challenge is a bit of an open-ended colour challenge. The only requirement is that you use 3 different colours from the same Stampin' Up colour family, e.g. Soft Subtles. The optional side twist is to use checks or gingham.

This is Amy's card showing off some of the gorgeous designs in the new Sweet Pea Paper Stack. The large tree image is actually one of the sheets and makes a great focal point, don't you think? Amy used the Earth Elements colour family.

Recipe:

Stamps: Basic Phrases, Wow Flowers, Framed with Love

Paper: Sweet Pea DSP, Not Quite Navy, Sahara Sand, Whisper White

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Not Quite Navy

Accessories: silver brads

Next is Elaine's purple card, using the weaving technique to create a beautiful, unique beackground. Note the shimmer on the birdie as well - this is one of 3 new shimmer paints available in the new Stampin' Up mini catalogue. Elaine used the Soft Subtles colour family.

Recipe:

Stamps: Framed with Love, Tiny Tags

Papers: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Blush Blossom. Whisper White

Ink: Perfect Plum, Platinum shimmer paint

Accessories: Two Step Extra large bird punch, 1/4" Elegant Eggplant grosgrain ribbon, Pink gingham ribbon

And finally here's mine. I did forget to use checks and gingham though, so apologies there. I used the Rich Regals colour family. Funny how we all chose a different family - I guess we go with our favourites when given the choice.

Recipe:

Stamps: A Beautiful Thing, It's Beautiful wheel

Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Very Vanilla

Inks: Bravo Burgundy, Rose Red, Regal Rose

Accessories: Bravo Burgundy grosgrain ribbon, Crop-a-dile (to punch the little circles as SU don't have Bravo Burgundy brads), Crsytal Effects

So what's your favourite colour family? Which colours will you choose?

Challenge #24 - Inspiration Challenge

2010-04-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to another challenge here on Inspiring Inkin' Challenges and do we have a great one for you as well today! This week's challenge is to use the picture below as inspiration for your projects - you might want to use the colours, the sparkle or the actual birdie, or even all three together!

The side twist is to create your own DSP - no pre-printed DSP allowed at all! A great chance to make use of those background stamps, wheels or other smaller stamps in a set. Anyway here's the picture:

What do you think of this bag then? It's a great inspiration piece but at the whopping price of £3430, probably a little bit out of my price range!!!

And here's what the Inspiring Inkin' design team have come up with! First up is Amy with her gorgeous sparkly birdy card. Amy used 3 different stamps to create all her DSP - looks just like "real" DSP, doesn't it?

Recipe:

Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Dot dot dot, Framed with Love

Paper: Tempting Turqouise, Garden Green, So Saffron, Kraft, Whisper White

Ink: Garden Green, Tempting Turqouise, So Saffron, Whisper White

Accessories: Bird punch, corner rounder punch, eyelet border punch, so saffron ribbon, cosmos glitter

Next is Elaine's cute baby card. I love how she's used all the animal stamps from the new Fox & Friends for the DSP. And can you see the new little Tiny Tags greetings - another new set and a matching punch too.

Recipe:

Stamps: Fox & Friends, Framed with Love, Tiny Tags

Paper: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Brilliant Blue, Basic Black

Ink: Versamark, Platinum Shimmer Paint, Ballet Blue, Brilliant Blue

Accessories: Extra Large Two Step Bird Punch, Jewelry tag punch, scallop edge punch, pricking mat and tool, heat and stick powder, Dazzling Diamonds, silver elastic cord, black gingham ribbon

And here's mine. I'm the only one of us whose new Bird Punch has yet to arrive. It's currently sitting in a depot in Barking!

Recipe:

Stamps: Good Friend, Tiny Tags

Paper: Bashful Blue, Ballet Blue, Night of Navy, Whisper White

Inks: Bashful Blue, Ballet Blue, Night of Navy

Accessories: Heat 'n' Stick Powder, Dazzlin Diamonds, Night of Navy grosgrain ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch

We would love to see how this bag has inspired you, so leave us a link in the inlinkz box below and don't forget to choose your picture so we get a sneak a peek of your project too!

Challenge #23 - A Theme Challenge

2010-03-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to another challenge from the Inspiring Inkin' Stampin' Up team! Apologies for being a day late but all three of us from the design team were on the Stampin' Up training event in Reading yesterday and by the time I got home at 8:40pm I just didn't have the energy to upload the new challenge.

Anyways...the theme challenge for today is to make an Easter card or gift (or both if you so wish) with a side twist of using flowers in some form, with rub ons, punches, stamps, felt fusion, die cut blooms and so on.

Here's Amy's gorgeous Easter card using a great flower-making technique that was demonstrated by the lovely Jane also from the Inspiring Inkin' team at the Reading training day. Aren't those flowers just beautiful?!

Recipe:

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, A Rose is a Rose, Occasional Greetings

Paper: Bride DSP, Mellow Moss, Pretty in Pink, Blush Blossom, Apricot Appeal, Whisper White

Ink: Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke

Accessories: Oval punches, Eyelet Border Punch, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Silver Brads

Here's Elaine's wonderful card and gift bag, all full of Easter goodies. Don't those chicks look so cute peeking out from behind the DSP panel?!

Recipe:

Stamps: A Good Egg

Papers: Kaleidoscope DSP, Certainly Celery, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White

Ink: Black Stazon, Old Olive, Watercolour crayons

Accessories: Eyelet border punch, round tab punch, brads, felt flowers, 5/8" Regal Rose grosgrain ribbon, two way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Crystal Effects

And finally here's mine - a little mini Easter basket. This photo shows both sides of each basket with a chick on one side and the sentiment on the other. Just need to buy some mini eggs to fill them with now!

Recipe:

Stamps: It's Beautiful wheel, Occasional Greetings, A Good Egg

Papers: Perfect Plum, Certainly Celery, Barely Banana, Whisper White

Inks: Basic Black, Perfect Plum ink, wheel cartridge and marker, Barely Banana ink and marker, Apricot Appeal marker

Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbon, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch

Leave us a link using the inlinkz button (it will also show a little thumbnail of your photo too) so we can come and have a look at what gorgeous things you've created too.

Challenge #22 - A Technique Challenge

2010-03-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to another great challenge from the Inspiring Inkin' Stampin' Up team. This fortnight our challenge is to make a Magic “Proscenium” Card. The side twist is to use white ink to create a stamped background.

The lovely Elaine made one of these cards for the Inspiring Inkin' quarterly team meeting so I asked if we could do one for this challenge blog as they look gorgeous and she very kindly agreed and has put instructions on her blog on this post. The card looks quite complicated but it was actually really easy to do and Elaine's instructions are very easy to follow too.

Here's Elaine's card using this technique. Isn't that colour scheme just stunning?! The first photo shows the card when it is closed.

And this is the card when open - what a fabulous scene inside!

Recipe:

Stamps: Garden Whimsy

Paper: Basic Black, Real Red, Gable Green, Whisper white, Vellum

Ink: Whisper White Craft, Real Red, Versamark; SU Markers in Pink Passion, Gable Green, Yoyo Yellow, Real Red

Accessories: 1 3/8" and 1 3/4" circle punches, scallop circle punch, dazzling diamonds, 5/8" Real Red grosgrain ribbon

And here's my card, closed. I just love the effect of Whisper White ink on the Close To Cocoa.

And here's mine open. I went for a simple inside as this was the first time I had made one of these cards.

Recipe:

Stamps: Playful Petals, A Flower for All Seasons, Curvy Verses.

Papers: Close To Cocoa, Sage Shadow, Pale Plum, Whisper White

Inks: Whisper White craft ink, Basic Black, SU Markers in Close to Cocoa, Sage Shadow, Pale Plum, Bashful Blue, So Saffron

Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Whisper White Satin Ribbon

We would love for you to try out this technique, so leave us a link below when you have uploaded it so we can come and have a peek at your gorgeous creations too.

Challenge #21 - 3D Project

2010-02-20T12:22:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to another round of Inspiring Inkin' Challenges. We've been loving all the entries so far - thank you to all the ladies who have joined us. We hope to inspire you to create a fantastic gift this fortnight. Our challenge is for you to make a box for a set of cards and the side twist is to make those cards to go inside the box. Which box and style you choose is totally up to you. We have 3 different style boxes and as you will see, all three will make fabulous gift sets for someone special.

First up is Amy with her gorgeous Sale-A-Bration set of cards and matching box. I love all the circles on the front cover of her box.

This is the box open to reveal two pockets full of the matching cards.

The following photos are the gorgeous cards Amy made to go inside. Check out her fabulous DSP! She used the Sahara Sand DSP from the hostess pack, randomly stamped some trees from the Good Neighbors SAB set and the swirl from Baroque Motifs, which was also embossed. She then inked the edges with Creamy Caramel ink. This paper is absolutely gorgeous!

Recipe:

Stamps: Good Neighbors, Vintage Labels, Whimsical Words, Happy Moments, Live Your Dream, Baroque Motifs

Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Really Rust, Old Olive, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand DSP

Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Really Rust, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Versamark

Accessories: Vintage brads, Very Vanilla 5/8" ribbon, clear embossing powder, 1 3/4" circle punch, Old Olive striped grosgrain ribbon, mat pack, piercing tool, Bravo Burgundy 5/8" ribbon, die-cut blooms

Next up is Elaine with a gorgeous Sage Shadow and Chocolate Chip combo. I love her box too and the silver elastic cord just sets it off perfectly.

And these are pictures of her gorgeous cards inside.

Recipe:

Stamps: Oval All, Sincere Salutations, Wonderful Words, Say it witth Scallops

Papers: Sage Shadow, Whisper White, To the Nines DSP, Kraft

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow

Accessories: Hidden Garden Blossoms rub ons, Large oval, Scallop oval punches,eyelet border punch, Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon, Whisper White taffetta ribbon, Chocolate Chip 1" wide double straight edge stitched ribbon, Very Vanilla ribbon, Silver elastic cord, Designer flower brad, Whisper White satin ribbon, Square Scallop punch

And finally here's mine using my Greenhouse Garden stamp set again - I can't get enough of this set at the minute! This is a very bright set for one of my closest friends whose favourites colours are turquoise and hot pink!

And this is the criss-cross box without its lid.

And these are the cards inside. I did 2 in each colour scheme, one with Thinking of You on and the other with Birthday Wishes on.

Recipe:

Stamps: Medallion, En Francais, Sincere Salutations, Greenhouse Garden

Papers: Tempting Turquoise, Taken With Teal, Pink Flamingo DSP, Pumpkin Pie cs and DSP, Apricot Appeal, Rose Red cs & DSP, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White

Inks: Tempting Turquoise, Taken With Teal, Pumpkin Pie, Apricot Appeal, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive

Accessories: Tempting Turquoise grosgrain ribbon, Apricot Appeal grosgrain ribbon, Pretty in Pink grosgrain ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds, Scallop Edge Punch

We hope you can join in our challenge this week and would love to see your projects, so leave us a link in the McLinky link below.

Happy Stamping!

Challenge #20 - A Colour Challenge

2010-02-07T09:44:00.000-08:00

This fortnight's challenge is an easy one - a colour challenge using the colours Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Basic Gray and Very Vanilla. The side twist is to make a Valentine's card as these colours are just perfect for this occasion.

Amy's card is gorgeous - so perfect for the man in her life! I love how she used some so-called Christmas designer paper on this card - doesn't look Christmassy at all - it's great!

Recipe:

Stamps: Loads of Love, Love You Much, Spot On wheel

Paper: Nouveau Chic & Merry Moments DSP, Basic Grey, Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla, Naturals Ivory

Ink: Basic Grey, SU Markers

Accessories: Circle punches, scallop circle punch, crystal effects, jumbo eyelets, versamarker, silver embossing powder, blender pen, tiny hole punch, sponge dauber

Next up is Elaine's cute heart filled card. I love the glittery one right in the centre of the row of hearts.

And the inside is just as pretty as the outside.

Recipe:

Stamps: Love You Much, Just Perfect Alphabet, Bella Toile

Paper: Basic Grey, Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Very Vanilla

Inks: Real Red, Versamark

Accessories: Heart to Heart punch, Heat & Stick powder, Fine Cosmo glitter, heat tool, 5/8" and 1/4" Real Red grosgrain ribbon, 1/2" circle punch

And finally here's mine, using that gorgeous Bride DSP again.

Recipe:

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, En Francais, Circle of Friendship, Retro Remix wheel

Papers: Basic Gray, Real Red, Very Vanilla, Bride DSP

Inks: Basic Gray, Real Red, Pretty in Pink

Accessories: Basic Gray Tafetta ribbon

Have a go at this colour challenge and leave us a link in the McKlinky box at the end. I thought I'd try a new linking system as Mr. Linky is being quite tempermental at the minute (must be a man thing!)

Challenge #19 - A Sketch Challenge

2010-01-23T12:10:00.000-08:00

We had a fantastic amount of entries last week and we all thoroughly loved looking at all of them. They were gorgeous. We hope to tempt your creativity again this week with a sketch challenge and a side twist of using one of the fabulous Sale-A-Bration stamp sets available from Stampin' Up only until the end of February.

The colours are by no means a guide to colour combinations, but to show you the layers in the sketch.

Here's Amy's gorgeous card, which she called Passionpie Flowers. What a great name for a card! I love all the sparkly flowers on this one.

Recipe:

Stamps: Happy Moments

Papers: Kaleidoscope DSP, Pumpkin Pie, Pink Passion, Whisper White, Basic Black

Inks: Stazon black, Basic Black marker, Blender pen, SU markers

Accessories: White satin ribbon, white taffeta ribbon, piercing tool, scallop edge punch

Here's Elaine's beautiful card using another of the stamps in the same Happy Moments stamp set. I just love that cute little bow on the top of the birdcage, don't you?

Recipe:

Stamps: Bella Toile, Happy Moments

Paper: Sage Green, Basic Black Textured

Ink: Sage Green, Versamark

Accessories: 3/4" circle punch, Pricking mat and tool, Black gingham ribbon, Silver embossing powder

And finally here's mine, using the same stamp set, Happy Moments too.

Recipe:

Stamps: Happy Moments

Papers: Kraft, Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink, Bride DSP

Inks: Pretty in Pink, Basic Black

Accessories: 3/4" circle punch, Kraft Tafetta ribbon, Paper piercer

We would love to see your cards/projects made with this sketch so leave us a link in the comments section or in the Mr. Linky box below so we can see.

Challenge #18 - A Technique Challenge

2010-01-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

Hello and A Happy New Year to you all. We hope you had a fantastic Christmas and a relaxing holiday. We hope you're ready for another round of Inspiring Inkin' Challenges and we kick off the new year with a great technique challenge. We want you to use the chalkboard technique on your project.

To do the chalkboard technique, you need to stamp a solid image in either Versamark or White ink onto dark cardstock. We have all used Stampin' Up's Whisper White craft ink and it is perfect for this technique as it is a slow-drying ink. Next you use chalks or pastels to colour in your image and the colour really does pop against the dark background.

A really easy technique, but yet oh so effective.

This is Amy's card, using her favourite DSP of the moment - Nouveau Chic. That flower really does look gorgeous on the black blackground.

Recipe:

Stamps: True Friend, Trendy Trees

Paper: Nouveau Chic DSP, Apricot Appeal, Whisper White, Basic Black

Ink: Whisper White craft, Basic Black

Accessories: white satin ribbon (dyed with Apricot Appeal ink!), black brads, Stampin pastels, mat pack and piercing tool, word window punch, white gel pen

Next is Elaine's gorgeous vase of flowers, using the new 2-step stamping set Greenhouse Garden.

Recipe:

Stamps: Greenhouse Garden, Whimsical Words (a free Sale-A-Bration set)

Papers: Barely Banana A4 and Barely Banana Textured, Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Old Olive DSP

Ink: Whisper White Craft, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Creamy Caramel, Stampin' Pastels

Accessories: Large Oval Punch, hodgepodge label and brads, crystal effects, snips, Very Vanilla 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, mat pack and pricking tool

And finally here's mine, using the Hostess stamp set, Whimsical Wings.

Recipe:

Stamps: Whimsical Wings

Papers: Only Orange, Pink Passion, Basic Black, Kaleidoscope DSP

Inks: Whisper White craft, Stampin' Pastels in Pink Passion, Green Galore, Only Orange, Summer Sun

Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, Orange Embroidery Thread

We would love to see what you create with this technique, so leave us a link in the comments section or in the Mr Linky box.

Challenge #17 - Last Challenge of the Year

2009-12-20T10:46:00.001-08:00

I'm sad to say this is the last challenge of 2009 and everyone here at Inspiring Inkin' Challenges have had a great time doing all these challenges and we hope you have to. This fortnight's challenge is to make a matching Christmas gift set, conprising of a card, gift tag and a Box in a Bag. The instructions for the Box in a Bag can be found here on Splitcoast Stampers. The side twist is to use one of the new ribbons in the 2009-10 Stampin' Up catalogue.

This is Elaine's set, using stars as her focus - a perfect image for this time of year.

This is a close up of her card...

And what the inside of the card looks like. It's just great how the star on the inside fits perfectly through the hole.

Recipe:

Stamps: Spotlight on Christmas, Winter Post

Papers: Christmas Jingle, Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White

Ink: Old Olive

Accessories: Square scallop punch, Scallop circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, large star punch, eyelet border punch, white gel pen, Dazzling Diamonds, 1 1/4" Old Olive striped grosgrain ribbon, silver elastic cord

Here's my set using up some scraps from my left over Christmas Jingle scrapping kit.

Recipe:

Stamps: None

Papers: Merry Moments DSP, Real Real, Very Vanilla, Garden Green, Christmas Jingle Scrapping Kit

Inks: None

Accessories: Round Tab Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Real Red Striped Grosgrain ribbon, Labels 4 Nestabilities

So what are you going to create today? Leave us a comment in the comments section or in the Mr Linky link.

From everyone here at Inspiring Inkin', Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We'll be back in January with some more inspiring challenges for you!

Challenge #16 - Inspiration Challenge

2009-12-05T08:34:00.000-08:00

This fortnight's challenge is another inspiration one using this picture of this gorgeous looking Christmas cake. The side twist is to use some patterned paper on your design.

Here's Amy's lovely Christmas card using some of the new gorgeous extra wide Old Olive ribbon.

Recipe:

Stamps: Season of Joy, Winter Post

Paper: Kraft, Whisper White, Garden Green

Ink: Garden Green, Old Olive, Whisper White
Accessories: Striped Old Olive ribbon, crystal effects, dazzling diamonds glitter

This is Elaine's gorgeous snowman scene. I love how she has used the Bashful Blue paper as a snowy sky. The first photo shows the first layer open.

The second photo show both sides open.

The last photo shows the card closed.

Recipe:

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Occasional Greetings, Window Dressing (Hostess Level 3 - Retired)

Papers: Whisper White, Bashful Blue DSP

Ink: Not Quite Navy, Versamark, Black Stazon, Markers - Pumpkin Pie, Bordering Blue, Ballet Blue

Accessories: Silver Embossing Powder, Dazzling Diamonds

And finally here's mine.

Recipe:

Stamps: A Holly Jolly Christmas, Snow Flurries

Papers: Kraft, Whisper White, Merry Moments DSP, Acetate

Inks: Whisper White craft ink, Real Red, Basic Black, Garden Green

Accessories: Real Red striped grosgrain ribbon, clear EP, Silver glitter from the Fine Galaxy pack

We would love to see what you come up with using the cake as inspiration. Leave us a link in the Mr. Linky box or in the comments section so we can see!

Challenge #15 - a 3D challenge

2009-11-22T11:40:00.000-08:00

This fortnight's challenge to is make anything at all, but not a card. The side twist is to make a Christmas gift for someone.

Amy made a gorgeous origami box using the absolutely fabulous Bella Bleu papers - these are just so elegant and beautiful. And look at the pretty cornrs using the new eyelet border punch as a corner punch - how clever!

Recipe:

Stamps: A Rose is a Rose, Oval All

Paper: Bella Bleu DSP, Kraft, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla

Ink: Bordering Blue, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Always Artichoke

Accessories: Oval punches, Eyelet Border Punch, Very Vanilla 5/8" grosgrain ribbon

Elaine made this gorgeous box tied with the new 1 1/4" striped grograin ribbon, here in Old Olive. This ribbon is so fab to tie is these great big bows.

And inside are a lovely collection of sentiments using the wonderful Oval All set with the matching punches.

Recipe:

Stamps: Oval All, Sparkly & Bright

Papers: Old Olive, Whisper White, Ruby Red, Not Quite Navy, Garden Green, Really Rust

Inks: Whisper White Craft, Ruby Red, Not Quite Navy, Garden Green, Really Rust

Accessories: Thick Window Sheet, 1 1/4" Old Olive striped grosgrain, Large Oval Punch, Scalloped Oval Punch, Crystal Effects

And I made a birdhouse...

And inside are a set of 4 matching cards.

Here's the whole collection.

Recipe:

Stamps: Good Friend, Hello Again, Oval All

Papers: Close To Cocoa, Pink Passion, Yoyo Yellow, Green Galore, Whisper White

Inks: Close To Cocoa, Pink Passion, Yoyo Yellow, Green Galore

Accessories: Whisper White and Very Vanilla grosgrain ribbons (coloured with markers), Oval punch, Oval Scallop punch, Vintage brads, Scallop Edge Punch, 3/4" circle punch

We would love to see what Christmas gift ideas you come up with so leave us a link below.

Challenge #14 - An Inspiration!

2009-11-07T09:07:00.000-08:00

This fortnight's challenge is a yummy inspiration one, using this picture of a gorgeous chocolate wedding cake. The side twist is to add some glitter on your card or creation.

Here's Amy's card using a lovely combination of designer papers and gorgeous stamps.

Recipe:

Stamps: A Rose is a Rose, One of a Kind, A Touch of Nature

Paper: Spiced Cider DSP, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive

Accessories: Crystal Effects, Glitter, Vintage brads, piercing mat & template

And here's Elaine's gorgeous tree surrounding by a spiralling ring of butterflies. What a beautiful decoration this will make at Christmas time.

This is a close up view of the Noel.

Recipe:

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly, Schoolbook Serif Alphabet

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Papers: To the Nines SpecialityDP, Close to Cocoa and Whisper White cardstock and Ski Slope (Retired) DP

Accessories: Fine Galaxy Glitter, Butterfly punch, thread

And here's mine, using the new Flight of the Butterfly and A Rose Is A Rose.

Recipe:

Stamps: A Rose Is A Rose, Flight of the Butterfly

Papers: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, So Saffron, Very Vanilla

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, So Saffron

Accessories: Gold glitter from the Fine Galaxy Glitters pack, Butterfly punch

We would love to see how this photo inspires you so leave us a link in the comments section or the Mr Linky box.

Challenge #13 - A Colour Challenge

2009-10-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

This fortnight's challenge is a colour one - Close To Cocoa, Ruby Red and Old Olive with a side twist of using a new stamp set.

Here's Amy's cute christmas card using the new A Flower for All Seasons - the follow up set to A Tree for All Seasons.

Recipe:

Stamps: Flower for all Seasons, Season of Joy

Paper: Merry Moments DSP, Ruby Red, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Very Vanilla

Ink: Close to Cocoa, SU markers

Accessories: 1 3/4" circle punch, oval punch

This is Elaine's card using the gorgeous new Good Friends stamp set and some of the fabby new glitter and ribbon from Stampin' Up.

And the inside is just as beautiful as the outside.

Recipe:

Stamps: Good Friend

Papers: Close to Cocoa, Ruby Red, Old Olive, Whisper White

Inks: Close to Cocoa, Ruby Red, Old Olive, Whisper White Craft Ink

Accessories: On Board So Tweet, Fine Galaxy Glitter, Stampin' Up! markers in Old Olive and Ruby Red, pricking mat and tool, 1 1/4" Old Olive grosgrain ribbon

And here's mine using the fantastic Circle Circus. This set is ideal for just creating pretty patterns.

Recipe:

Stamps: Circle Circus, Oval All

Papers: Ruby Red, Close To Cocoa, Old Olive, Whisper White

Inks: Ruby Red, Close To Cocoa, Old Olive

Accessories: Old Olive striped grosgrain ribbon, eyelet border punch, oval punch, scalloped oval punch

So what new stamp set are you going to use? Leave us a comment or a link in Mr Linky.

Challenge #12 - A Technique Challenge

2009-10-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

This fortnight's challenge is to use the Split Negative technique with a side twist of using 3 different embellishments. You can find the instrcutions for this technique here on Splitcoast Stampers.

Here are Elaine's 2 cards using both halves of the original images. She used the new gorgeous stamp set, Flight of the Butterfly and don't they just look so pretty in purple?!

Recipe:

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly

Papers: Elegant Eggplant, Pale Plum, Very Vanilla

Inks: Elegant Eggplant, Versamark

Accessories: Circle Ice Rhinestone brads, Eyelet Border punch, Elegant Eggplant 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, White embossing powder, Scallop edge punch, Word window punch, Uni signo white pen, linen thread.

I also went for a purple colour scheme (completely by accident). I wanted to show how wonderful the new white craft ink looks on dark card without it being black. I used the new fabulous background stamp, Medallion as a main image. Isn't it just so beautiful?!

Recipe:

Stamps: Medallion and Occasional Greetings

Papers: Lovely Lilac, Whipser White, Elegant Eggplant

Inks: Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White craft ink

Accessories: Circle Ice Rhinestone Brads, Whisper White Satin ribbon, Elegant Eggplant Grosgrain ribbon

So leave us a link to your card so we can see your Split Negative card.

Challenge #11 - An Inspiration Challenge

2009-09-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

This fortnight's challenge is an inspiration one using the photo below of a gorgeous handmade necklace, which I found whilst browsing on the internet for some summer time images. The side twist is to use background or wheel stamps on your card.

Here's Amy's card. I love how she interpretted this photo and went for an ocean inspiration. These colours are gorgeous and her "brayering" is fabulous!

Recipe:
Stamps: Autumn Days, Sense of Time, Sanded
Papers: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Love Stories DSP
Inks: Bashful Blue, Brocade Blue, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Brayer, Choc Chip ribbon

And here's Elaine's card. I love how she used the circle beads and pearls on her card. The colours are gorgeous together too.

Recipe:
Stamps: So Swirly wheel, Oval All
Papers: Tempting Turquoise, Pixie Pink, Basic Grey
Inks: Tempting Turquoise, Versamark
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Scallop oval punch, Tempting Turquoise grosgrain ribbon, faux pearls from Pretties Kit, 3/4" circle punch, sponge dauber, rhinestone brad, sizzix fringe flower die

And finally here's mine. I didn't have any matching patterned paper so I made my own using the small flower from the Garden Dream stamp set.

Recipe:
Stamps: Whimsy Wheel, Garden Dream, Sincere Salutations
Papers: Cameo Coral, Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Inks: Cameo Coral, Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Silver Brads

Leave us a link your card and let us see how this picture inspired you!

Challenge #10 - A Theme Challenge

2009-09-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

I'm back at school now and my how those summer holidays just flew by! With that thought in mind, this fortnight's challenge is to create a children's card. It can be for any occasion and the side twist is to use animals on your card.

Here's Amy's cute baby card, using the gorgeous Forest Friends set. I love the colour combo she has used and the torn paper layer adds great dimension to it.

Recipe:
Stamps: Forest Friends, Basic Phrases
Paper: Creamy Caramel, Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White, Wintergreen DSP
Ink: Creamy Caramel, Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Circle punches, Bashful Blue taffeta ribbon, Creamy Caramel button, Linen Thread, White Signo Gel Pen, Paper piercing template

Next is Elaine's cute card, perfect for a little girl's birthday, using the soon to be retired Wild About You. I'm sure going to miss this set. I love how the Canvas background looks like gingham when inked in pink too.

Recipe:
Stamps: Wild About You, A Bit of Birthday Cheer, Canvas (Background stamp)
Papers: Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink
Inks: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Versamark
Accessories: Old Olive, Taken with Teal and Rose Red Markers, Embossing Powder, Brads, Linen thread, Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon

And here's mine. I used Wild About You as well with Choo Choo to make a Circus train.

Recipe:

Stamps: Wild ABout You, Choo Choo, On Track wheel, Starring You

Paper: Real Red, Brilliant Blue, Yoyo Yellow, Whisper White,

Inks: Bashful Blue, Green Galore, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Yoyo Yellow, Glorious Green, Brilliant Blue, More Mustard, Really Rust, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Gray (I don't think I've ever used so many colours on one card before!)

We would love to see what you create so either leave us a comment in the comments section or in the Mr. Linky link

Challenge #9 - A Sketch Challenge

2009-08-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

It's that time again already - where has the time gone? This fortnight's challenge is an easy one - a sketch challenge, with a side twist of using colours all from the same colour family plus one neutral. Here's the sketch that inspired our cards:

Here's Amy's beautiful card - I love all the white embossing. It gives such a different look to a card and works so effectively with flowers, especially on a darker background. Amy used colours from the Earth Elements family and they look stunning, don't you think?

Recipe:
Stamps: Soft Summer, Canvas
Paper: Creamy Caramel, Choc Chip, WW, Fall Flowers DSP
Ink: Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip, Versamark
Accessories: White taffeta ribbon, paper piercing tool & template, distressing tool, scallop circle punch, watercolour wonder crayons (EE & neutrals), white EP, aquapainter

Next up is Elaine's gorgeous pink card. I absolutely love pink and these two shades from the Rich Regals family coordinate so well. I love how Elaine has made circles from the ribbon and the little splash of Teal for the butterfly is perfect.

Recipe:
Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes, Live your Dream
Papers: Rose Red DSP, Regal Rose, Whisper White
Inks: Regal Rose, Rose Red, Taken with Teal, Versamark
Accessories: Rose Red 1" Double Stitched Grosgrain ribbon, Whisper White grosgrain ribbon, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, dimensionals

And finally here's mine. I also used colours from the Rich Regals family, but opted for a blue them today. I also used a new set that I've had for ages but never used. I didn't have any matching DSP either so made my own using one of the stamps and the coordinating ink pads.

Recipe:
Stamps: Starring You and In The Stars
Papers: Bordering Blue, Ballet Blue, Night of Navy, Whisper White
Inks: Bordering Blue, Ballet Blue, Night of Navy
Accessories: Night of Navy grosgrain ribbon, circle punches

So there's our three different cards using the same sketch. We can't wait to see what you do with the sketch so leave us a link in the comments section to your card or use the new mister linky link at the bottom.

Challenge #8 - A Colour Challenge

2009-08-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

This fortnight's challenge is a colour challenge using Kraft, Orchid Opulence, Taken With Teal and Regal Rose. The side twist is to use punches somewhere on your card.

Here's Amy's lovely card, using some of the patterned paper from the Hostess Level 1 pack (this will very likely be retired at the end of September so host a workshop before then to qualify for ones of the packs). I love all the piercing and faux stitching - it just looks so real.

Recipe:
Stamps: True Friend, Soft Summer
Paper: Kraft DSP (hostess pack), Orchid Opulence, Taken with Teal, Whisper White
Ink: Regal Rose, Orchid Opulence marker, Taken with Teal marker
Accessories: Paper piercing tool & template, Oval punches, white Signo gel pen.

And here's Elaine's card using the Baroque background stamp. I just love all the glitter. It really makes for an eye-catching card.

Recipe:
Stamps: Background Baroque, Ovals All
Paper: Orchid Opulence, Regal Rose, Taken with Teal, Kraft
Ink: Versamark, Orchid Opulence marker, Taken with Teal
Accessories: Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch, Heat & Stick powder, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Regal Rose grosgrain ribbon

And finally here's mine. Although you can't tell in the photo I cut about an inch off the front of a Kraft base to add the scalloped border on the side.

Recipe:
Stamps: Fresh Cuts and Live Your Dream
Paper: Kraft, Taken With Teal, Orchid Opulence, Regal Rose, Confetti White
Ink: Taken With Teal, Orchid Opulence, Regal Rose
Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Pretties Kit, Paper Piercer

We would love to see what you create using this colour combo, so leave us a link in the comments section to your card.

Challenge #7 - A Technique Challenge

2009-08-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

This fortnight's challenge was a new one for all of the design team, but we all came up with some gorgeous cards using the Surprise Pop Up card technique. The instructions for making one can be found here on Splitcoast Stampers. The added twist is to use flowers on your cards and as you can see we've all used different flowered stamp sets and all of them are lovely.

Here's Amy's card using the Live Your Dream set, which I have now just ordered because Amy made it look so pretty on her card. I love the soft colours she has used - just perfect! This is the picture of the closed card.

This second picture shows the card partially opened. You can see the mechanism here.

And Amy's final photo shows the card completely open to reveal the secret message inside.

Recipe

Stamps: Live Your Dream, Sense of Time

Paper: Old Olive, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White

Ink: Old Olive, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories: SU markers, 1 3/8" circle punch

Here is Elaine's very pretty card using the new matching papers and stamp set which you can find in the mini catalogue. These will still be available until September 30th so make sure you place your order soon if you want them!

A side view of the partially opened card reveals part of the hidden message inside.

And Elaine's final photo shows the detail on the flowers in the main image panel. I love the glittery dots on the flowers.

Recipe:

Stamps: Playful Petals, Best Yet (Hostess Level 1)

Papers: Confetti White, Pretty in Pink, Almost Amethyst, Tea Party DSP

Inks: Almost Amethyst, Black Stazon, Markers - Green Galore, Almost Amethyst, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Yoyo Yellow

Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, Tombow glue, 1/2" circle punch, 1/8" circle punch, Pretty in Pink Taffeta ribbon

And here's my card using the Petal Pizzazz set, which is also in the mini catalogue. I love the block colours with these flowers and the layering you can do with the different ones in the set. This is the card fully closed.

This is a side view of the partially opened card.

And this is the fully opened view showing the hidden message.

Recipe:

Stamps: Petal Pizzazz and Curvy Verses

Papers: Pink Passion, Lovely Lilac, Barely Banana, Whisper White

Inks: Pink Passion, Lovely Lilac, Barely Banana, Green Galore

Accessories: Clear gem brads from the Pretties Kit, Whisper White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon

So what do you think of this card technique? We'd love to see what you create using this one, so leave us a link in the comments section to your card for us to come and look at.

Challenge #6 - Christmas in July

2009-07-20T00:09:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the delay on updating the new challenge but Amy has been poorly and I didn't want to update without her lovely creation. This fortnight's challenge has been set by the lovely head of our team, Amanda. We all went to Elaine's house for a Stampin' Up team get together last Saturday and so I thought we'd get Amanda to set the next challenge. The added twist is not to use any red or green on your card, difficult I know with a Christmas theme.

This is Amy's card, and yes I know she has used red and green, but bless her she's not been very well, so she used a card that she had made already. I think we can let her off this time! I love the framed reindeer with just a little of the DP peeking through.

Recipe:
Stamps: Winter Post, Best Yet
Paper: Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Old Olive, Ski Slope DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Chocolate Chip double-stitched grosgrain ribbon, scallop circle punch, white signo gel pen, SU oval punches

This is Elaine's card using the same stamp set as Amy's but using a different stamp. Don't the couple look so happy skating around on the ice? I love the trees in the background and the moon and sky are fantastic.

Recipe:

Stamps: Winter Post, Best Yet, Lovely as a Tree

Inks: Versamark, Not Quite Navy

Card Stock: Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, Bashful Blue

Accessories: White Taffeta ribon, Silver Embossing Powder, scallop oval punch, large oval punch, Dazzling Diamonds

And here's mine. I went for a completely different idea and used Versamark embossing resist to create the background.

Recipe:

Stamps: Best Yet, Season of Joy, Bold Snowflakes jumbo wheel

Papers: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Orchid Opulence

Inks: Bashful Blue, Orchid Opulence, Versamark

Accessories: Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, White and Bashful Blue grosgrain ribbons, Clear and white embossing powders

So what are you going to create for our Christmas in July challenge? Leave us a link in the comments box for us to have a lookie.

Challenge #5 - Threesome

2009-07-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

Can you believe we're on Challenge #5 already? Where has the time gone? This fortnight's challenge is called Threesome. The idea is that whatever you use on your card must be done in threes, so 3 stamps, 3 buttons, 3 colours, 3 brads and so on. Sounds easy doesn't it? So give it a go and leave us a link to your card in the comments box below.

Here's Amy's lovely entry using 3 colours, 3 layers, 3 rows and 3 columns with 3 buttons, 3 pieces of ribbon and twine, 3 flowers and 3 dragonflies and using 3 different stamps. I love the colour combination on her card and the shimmer of the dragonflies.

Recipe:
Stamps: Organic Grace, Live Your Dream
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Not Quite Navy, Stazon
Paper: Apricot Appeal, Not Quite Navy, Tempting Turquoise, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Very Vanilla buttons, Tempting Turqouise ribbon, linen thread, circle punches, glitter

Here's Elaine's 3 panelled card, using 3 colours, 3 different designer papers, 3 buttons, 3 pieces of ribbon and 3 stamps. I love the colours on this card too.

And from the side view.

Recipe:

Stamps: Scene In A Garden, Ovals All
Paper: Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Ruby Red, DSP - Haiku
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Ruby Red
Accessories: Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive and Very Vanilla grosgrain ribbons, Ruby Red buttons

And finally here's my card using 3 stamps, 3 colours, 3 layers on each flower and 3 brads.

Recipe:

Stamps: Petal Pizzazz, Occasional Greetings
Paper: Whisper White, Rose Red, Elegant Eggplant and So Saffron
Ink: Rose Red, Elegant Eggplant and So Saffron
Accessories: Pretties Kit

Challenge #4 - A Theme

2009-06-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

Hello stampers! This fortnight's challenge is a card we probably all dread to make the most - a man's card! I know I always find these difficult unless the man in question has a particular hobby. The twist is to use an embellishment of some kind - punches, ribbon, brads, linen thread, eyelets, buttons and so on. Stampin' Up has just so many gorgeous embellishments it will be hard to choose just one!

Here's Amy's gorgeous card using the fabulous Summer by the Sea stamp set. This is such a classic set and will be one of my faves for years to come. Don't you just love all the detail she has added with the brads and piercing?! Her colouring is fantastic too - I love the sky.

Recipe

Stamps: Summer by the Sea, Best Yet

Ink: Basic Grey, Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, Certainly Celery

Paper: Le Jardin DSP, Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla, Whisper White

Accessories: Twill Tape, Linen Thread, Vintage Brads, Circle Punches, White Signo gel pen, Brayer, Aqua Painter, Bashful Blue Button

Next is Elaine's ingenious creation. When I first saw this card I thought how clever she was to make a shirt shaped card and then, when I received the second picture and realised that the insert came out and was decorated too, it really blew me away. I love the stitching on the shirt pockets.

Recipe

Stamps: Occasional Greetings, Nursery Necessities

Paper: Real Red, Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Ski Slope DSP, Whisper White

Ink: SU Markers - Real Red, Bashful Blue, Old Olive

Accessories: Punches: Round Tab, Small Tag; Soft Subtles buttons and brads, linen thread, white gel pen, pricking mat and tool

And finally here's my beer themed card. Unfortunately my dad isn't much of a hobby person anymore (not since my brother got him a Wii anyway!) but I think he will always love his beer.

Recipe

Stamps: Occasional Greetings, Cheers to You

Paper: More Mustard, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White

Ink: Chocolate Chip, More Mustard ink pad and marker, Creamy Caramel marker

Accessories: Chocolate Chip Taffeta ribbon, More Mustard brads

So with it being Father's Day this weekend, what a perfect excuse to do some crafting. Leave us a comment with a link to your card. We can't wait to see what you make!

P.S. We would like to say a huge CONGRATULATIONS to Amanda, the leader of the Inspiring Inkin' Stampin' Up team. She has managed to earn herself a FREE all expenses trip to Monaco next year with Stampin' Up. Well done Amanda this is a fantastic acheivement, one which you definately deserve!

Challenge #3 - A Colour Challenge

2009-06-06T05:37:00.000-07:00

This fortnight's challenge is a colour one, using Basic Black, Whisper White and a colour of your choice from the Bold Brights family. These colours are just fabulous and work so well with black and white. The added twist is to use your favourite stamp set.

Here's Amy's gorgeous black, white and red card. Don't you just love the dotty borders round all the edges?!

Recipe:

Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes, Wow Flowers

Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Real Red DP from the hostess Level 1 pack

Ink: Basic Black, Real Red

Accessories: Hodgepodge Hardware, Real Red 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, white signo gel pen, Stampin' Pastels

This is Elaine's gorgeous waterfall card. I love how she has taken a simple image and made it look like the butterfly is actually moving!

Recipe:

Stamps: Garden Whimsy

Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise

Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Versamark, StazOn Black

Accessories: Tempting Turquoise brads, Scallop Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Black Gingham ribbon, white embossing powder

And finally here's mine, using Baroque Motifs. This has got to be one of the prettiest sets Stampin' Up have ever made!

And the inside is decorated too...

Recipe:

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Sincere Saluations

Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Pink Passion

Ink: Basic Black, Pink Passion

Accessories: Heat n Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Black Brad, Black Gingham Ribbon

The Inspiring Inkin' team would like to say a sad goodbye to Hayley, our fellow team designer and we dedicate this challenge to her. Good luck Hayley!

So what are you going to create using these colours today? Leave us a link to your card in the comments section. Happy Stampin'

A New Challenge and A New Design Team

2009-05-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

Our new challenge this fortnight is an inspiration one. I saw this photo of a gorgeous Pottery Barn bedroom and knew I had to use it. The colours are wonderful and the design is so beautiful.

The added twist to this challenge is to use something that is new or something that you have not yet used.

And now to introduce the new Inspiring Inkin' Design Team....

First up is Amy with her gorgeous cupcakes card. I just love the bow on the side! The patterned paper really captures the design of the bedspread too!

Recipe:

Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes

Papers: Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Ski Slope DSP

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red

Accessories: Choc Chip double-stitched grosgrain ribbon, old olive button, linen thread, SU markers, glitter, ruby red brads, 1/4" circle punch, SU toolkit (paper piercing template).

Next up is Elaine with her gorgeous grid card. Don't you just love that flower in the centre?! I also love the white embossing on the ruby red squares.

Recipe:

Stamps: Doodle That, Wow Flowers

Papers: Textured cardstock, Ruby Red, Bashful Blue, Sage Green

Ink: Versamark, Ruby Red

Accessories: Punches: 3 flower, tag, scallop circle, 1", 1 3/8", red gingham ribbon, silver elastic cord, white embossing powder, heat tool, pricking tool and mat, white gel pen, cutter, Earth Element rose red brads, snips, dimensionals, snail

Next up is Hayley with her gorgeous grid card using a selection of the fantastic Designer Papers from Stampin' Up.

And just look how pretty the inside of Hayley's card is too. This just adds that extra special little something to a card.

Recipe:

Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes, Curvy Verses

Papers: Always Artichoke, Bordering Blue, Mellow Moss & Rose Red, DSP - Rose Red, Always Artichoke

Ink: Versamark, Rose Red

Accessories: Square scallop punch, Embossing powder clear & white, Scoring blade, Latte button

And finally here's my card...

Recipe:

Stamps: Oval All, Canvas

Papers: Bashful Blue Cardstock and Patterns Designer Series Papers, Rose Red Cardstock and Patterns Designer Series Papers,Whisper White

Inks: Rose Red ink pad, Bashful Blue marker

Accessories: Oval punch, Scalloped Oval Punch (this was my new item), Bashful Blue taffeta ribbon

For more details on how to purchase any of these Stampin' Up products contact an Inspiring Inkin' demonstrator from the team list on the side.

So why not join in our latest challenge and leave a link in the comments section (Mr Linky is being funny at the minute and won't create a box for you to link in). We can't wait to see what you create.

Inspiring Inkin' Challenge #1

2009-05-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

Hello Stampers and welcome to the very first Inspiring Inkin' Challenge. This challenge is a sketch challenge with a side twist. We want you to use a colour on your card that you do not usually use, so step out of your comfort zone and try something slightly new.

Because we are a Stampin' Up team, we would like you to use Stampin' Up products where possible. To purchase any of these contact one of the team from the list on the side or use the demo finder on the SU website.

This is my card for this challenge, using kraft for the side twist. I don't dislike Kraft - I just like other colours more, but I really do like this colour combo and I think I'm going to give Kraft a little bit more of a chance.

So wanna join in? Just leave us a link to your card in the Mr Linky box below.

Recipe:

Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes

Papers: Kraft, Orhid Opulence, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Designer Paper in Kraft from Hostess Level 1 pack

Ink: Orchid Opulence , Bashful Blue

Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Silver Hodgepodge Hardware Kit, Bashful Blue Brads from the Soft Subtles pack