Lots of Layers Swaps

I'm a swap-a-holic. How do I know? I keep checking for new swaps more times than I eat meals (at least 5 times a day), I managed to join a mega swap (48 + 2 = 50 card fronts) and 5 spots in a "Lots of Layers" swap (5 designs x 8 cards = 40) with due dates all within a couple of weeks, and when I finish one set of swaps I sign up for another. On one hand, swaps compel me to use my stamps as much as possible. I tend to collect stamps, embellishments and ribbon and store them neatly away. They would only come out when I get new stuff and need to reorganize... or when the Stampin' Up! retiring list is posted and I separate the current stamps from retired ones. On the other hand, I am quite addicted! The post office people will expect my visits to be on a regular basis.

Here are some recent cards I made for the 2009-2010 SU Catalog Lots of Layers swap:


(Thanks to Sandra Hanedanian for taking the photo of the Halloween card above... I was in such a hurry and didn't get to make another copy to scan/photograph.)

Happy Together

I loved the "Happy Together" stamp set as soon as I saw the Stampin' Up! 2009-2010 Catalog! Besides the fact that I love birds, I thought it was cute how there were 3 little birds to follow a mama or papa bird. The set would not be complete without some leaves and a little flower, of course.

Here is one of my 8 layer swaps:




Ink: Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay

Paper: Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery, Bermuda Bay,
Soft Suede, Whisper White

Accessories: Thoroughly Modern DSP, Little Leaves Sizzlit, Certainly
Celery 1/4” Grosgrain, Small & Large Oval Punches, 1” Circle Punch,
Curly Label Punch, Rhinestone Brads, Dimensionals

Serene Thoughts

Here's a card I made for my great-aunt, who is not doing so well. I love the sketchy look of Stampin' Up!'s Serene Spring, which is a hostess set from Fall-Winter. I just colored in the image with prismacolors and found a patterned paper to match. I have a tendency not to stamp sentiments on the outside of cards.... I like having messages inside.

Glitter Crazy

I've been thinking of different ways to use glitter on a card. (It helps to be motivated by swap rules.) First, I decided to completely cover a piece with dazzling diamonds glitter. Then, I tried embellishing some embellishments! I added glitter to brads and prima flowers to make them sparkly. I also tried making a glitter "shaker" card.

Swap Samples

Here are two simple A2-size cards that I mailed recently for a swap. One uses the giraffe from "Wild About You" and the other has the heart stamp from "Always." These can be used as make-and-takes or quick workshop projects. The giraffe pocket holds a tangerine tango tag for a message. The heart card opens with a gate-fold. I used a clear button and a boho blossom punched flower to add a little accent.

Lots of Layers - Big Shot Dies

I recently joined a swap on SCS called "Lots of Layers." Every swapper had to incorporate a Stampin' Up! Big Shot die in their card. Here's the design I made with the Top Note die and Always stamp set.