Christmas Cards.....

Our fearless leader Mary says she never gets to send her Christmas cards before Christmas, so she has us do a challenge now to get ideas.  I went with a super simple card again:

I used Serendipity Stamps: Holly from the Christmas Whimsey set (411M) and Simple Merry Christmas Small (1036B).  Some how I had managed to miss the whimsey set before but I just love it... right up my alley.  First I randomly stamped the holly on white cardstock, then I colored in the holly with Copic markers.  I then mounted it all on a red cardstock base.  I put diamond glaze on the berries, and stamped Merry Christmas on a small slip of red cardstock.  I added white brads to the ends and adhered it with pop dots.

Simple and quick to get done at the last minute.  I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Stop by the other designer's blogs for a bit of Christmas cheer with them:

Anya's Blog

Lynda's Blog

Kathie's Blog

Jenny's Blog

Miriam's Blog

And for info on Serendipity stamps visit www.serendipitystamps.com

And starting in January look for Serendipity's all new Design Team!

Tea Time

This months challenge was Tea Time.  We selected stamps with a tea theme and ran with it.  I chose the Japanese Teapot with the side handle (636D).  I stamped it multiple times on kraft cardstock, and matted it on black cardstock.  I wrapped the card with black twine.  Finally I stamped the teapot one more time and colored it red, and finished it off with liquid glass.  When I attached it to the card I bent it a little so it cracked and gave it an older look.

Here is a  close up of the teapot.  I love how it turned out, and I see myself using this stamp a lot more.

Stop by the other designer's blogs for a spot of tea with them:

Anya's Blog

Lynda's Blog

Kathie's Blog

Jenny's Blog

Miriam's Blog

And for info on Serendipity stamps visit www.serendipitystamps.com

Country Gals!

This month's challenge was to use watercolors in a country theme.  Not country as in homespun, geese with ribbons no their necks, but country as in out in the country.  Which just happens to be where I live.  And the one thing that always makes me think of home is John Deere tractors.  So I took Serendipity's large tractor cling set (208QCL)

I stamped it in black and used my water color crayons to add the John Deere effect to it!  Then I mounted it on a piece of checked fabric that I distressed.  Put a piece of ribbon around it, mounted the tractor with pop dots.  Then I took my black ink and stamped the sentiment on the top!

Go and see how the other gals have gone country with this challenge:

Anya's Blog

Lynda's Blog

Kathie's Blog

Jenny's Blog

Miriam's Blog

And for info on Serendipity stamps visit www.serendipitystamps.com

Shape up!

First Challenge up for November is shaped cards.  I was going to just use the Turkey stamp (800K) But in every way I worked it it just seemed to plain.  So I decided to add a background to it.  I used the Darice wood grain embossing folder, and tore across the top for a rough cut look.  Added green cardstock to the background.

The final touches I tied some multicolored twine around the card and then using pop dots to add the turkey to the front.  I used letters on cork to add a name to the place card.  I love how this turned out and think the turkey being uncolored really makes it pop!

Check out what the other designers are up to:

Anya's Blog

Lynda's Blog

Kathie's Blog

Jenny's Blog

Miriam's Blog

And for info on Serendipity stamps visit www.serendipitystamps.com

Thankful for Serendipity

 So I'm a day late, but here is my second Serendipity project for October.  This time we were challenged to use Thanksgiving stamps and I love, love, love this kitty and puppy pilgrim set (1125 & 1126).  I decided that they would make great wine glass charms.  So I stamped them on to shrink plastic with staz-on ink, and then colored them in with colored pencils.  I then punched my holes (remember the holes shrink too), and hit it with the heat gun.  After that I made loops from copper wire and hung them on my glasses!

I think they turned out super cute!













Imagine using Serendipity stamps to make charms for every Holiday or Occasion.  Simple, easy, and inexpensive!

And check out the projects that everyone else posted yesterday on their blogs:

Anya's Blog

Lynda's Blog

Kathie's Blog

Jenny's Blog

Miriam's Blog

And for info on Serendipity stamps visit www.serendipitystamps.com

Some random bits....

Here are some odds and ends from the last couple days.  First off here is a yummy chicken lasagna I made... This is the second try the first time the flavor was a little bland, but I kicked it up with hot sauce this time and it was much better.  It will certainly be making more repeat performances here.

 

Here are two little anteaters I created for a swap at Craftster.org one in traditional colors and one in fun purples.  Hope my partner likes them....

Jac has been working on a totem pole for a project in school.  Here it is all finished, I think he did a great job!

And I got a new camera... Loving it so far, very easy to use and it takes a great macro shots... here is a picture of the mum on my porch!

A photo challenge...

For Serendipity's first October challenge we were given this photo to use as inspiration.  The photo comes from the blog: 3191 Miles Apart.  When I first looked at the image there were lots of things that jumped out at me.  The bright oranges, the way the oranges and nuts are arranged in a row.  But in the end I took my inspiration from a more subtle part of the photo.  The tablecloth.

  I used one of the new stamps just released Snowman Trio (1251H).  I stamped the image with versa mark ink and then used white embossing powder.  Then layered up several colors of cardstock.  Added snowflakes to the corners, some glitter pen, and finally topped the whole thing with a large white bow.  I intend to set this on my entertainment center come winter.  It will make a nice winter accent between all the photos I have there.

Check out what the other design team members created on their blogs:

Anya's Blog

Lynda's Blog

Kathie's Blog

Jenny's Blog

Miriam's Blog

And for info on Serendipity stamps visit www.serendipitystamps.com

Don't forget to floss

after all that Halloween candy.  My second design team challenge for Serendipity Stamps was two fold for September.  Use Halloween stamps and use embroidery floss.  Well my favorite stamp for Halloween is the Spider (1226E).  Yes I know, normally I hate spiders, but well cute cartoony ones make me smile.  So once I had decided to use that stamp, I knew he would need a place to live, so I created the floss spider web.  I think it super cute and didn't take long at all.

Here is a closer look at the web and spider.  So for directions this month I'm going to tell you how I made the web.  I used a large need and embroidery floss.  I lightly drew out where i wanted the base to go in the double x style.  Then used my needle to poke holes at each end and in the middle.  Then I sewed the lines on.  Next with a new piece of thread I came up through the center hole.  I then wrapped the floss around the first line.  Then headed to the next and wrapped again.  Pretty easy, and super cute.

Check out what the other design team members created on their blogs:

Anya's Blog

Lynda's Blog

Kathie's Blog

Jenny's Blog

Miriam's Blog

And for info on Serendipity stamps visit www.serendipitystamps.com

Christmas card in September...

 Here is my Christmas in September card I used Serendipity Stamp 943GUMC Nativity!  It's such a serene stamp, and I just love it!

 Here is a close up of the image!  I cut out several parts of the stamp and layered them on top of each other for depth.  The whole image is colored with copic markers.  And I added some stickles for star and halo shine! 

Her is sort of a side shot to see the depth.  I also coated the image with a pearl spray it makes it look even more peaceful to me! 

Check out what the other design team members created on their blogs:

Anya's Blog

Lynda's Blog

Kathie's Blog

Jenny's Blog

Miriam's Blog

And for info on Serendipity stamps visit www.serendipitystamps.com

Exterminate....

Seems like that is what happened to summer.  My son went back to school today, and I miss having him around the house already!  On another note a new season of Dr. Who started last Saturday!  Yeah!  And one day I came home to find that my husband had created for me this tiny army of Lego Daleks!

 Exterminate... Exterminate... Exterminate....Exterminate....

Aren't they cute... I know I know Daleks aren't supposed to be cute!

 Orange here is my favorite!

And a close up of a few others... they are sooooo awesome!  Also starting in September I'll be back on my Serendipity Stamps Design Team gig, and hoping to post more now that things are slower!

Welcome to Yakutat...

Good Morning all, well morning here anyway. We've had and amazing few days here so far. And thought I'd share some pictures with you.

here are a few photos from the first two days!

Jac's creations...

While I was busy Jac was really busy, and really creative.  He started out simple but then branched out, he's super proud of his Picachu...

 And Pichachu's pokeball everyone knows that Pichachu never stays in his pokeball....

And a happy smiley face... which got me to thinking about the old Have a day posters I used to have... need to craft something on those lines.  And starting tomorrow look for awesome Alaska posts.  My trip begins nice and early!

Blast from the past...

 Perler beads... you know little plastic beads you put on a little pegged grid, then hit them with the iron, and wala they stick together!

I decided to create some projects for my hubby!  And he loves the transformers.  I started with the Decepticon  symbol, the angles are a bit off but I think overall it came out great!  Who is your favorite Decepticon?  Mine is Starscream, the original.

Then the Autobot symbol.  I'm not super happy with this one, it is quite wonky looking to me.  But anyway, who is your favorite Autobot?  Mine is Bumblebee also the classic, cute little car, and he talked... no radio squealing like the new one.

And here they are together!  The Decepticon is my favorite for sure!  Be sure to check back for more summer craft fun, I'll show of Jac's creations later.  And be sure to check back for Alaska updates starting next week!

Feeling Crafty Tuesday...

 I made up some of these cool plastic shapes for a Disney swap and had to make some for myself... it was as easy as melting pony beads in the oven.... which is really easy.  Then some holes were drilled and chain to hang the pieces together, and a pretty bow, and new Disney decor!  I can see myself making these up in a whole bunch of different colors and patterns!

 

And as a general rule I haven't done a lot of sewing in the past, but my son has fallen in love with Domo.  And I found this piece of fuzzy brown fur at a garage sale and inspiration hit.  I turned it into a Domo ipod case, and he's pretty happy with it!  I just hope it doesn't fall apart!

Next month I'll be heading off to our Nations great 48th state Alaska for a mission trip.  Be sure to check back here to see how the trip is going!

A Quiet Get Away.

Serendipity Stamps owner Mary dreams of living in a little house, that is close to shops and especially the post office someday.  So this month she challenged us to use one of the Provence stamps or the cottage stamp.  I chose the Spring in Provence Stamp (601H).

Supplies: Cardstock, copic markers, flower soft, momento black ink, glue, and lace
Directions: I just stamped the image colored it in, matted it and attached it to the card, topped it off with some lace, then finally added random drops of glue to the greenery and topped with flower soft.

Now check out the other designers creations on their blogs, links below:

Anya's Blog

Lynda's Blog

Kathie's Blog

Jenny's Blog

And welcome the newest Design Team member Miriam!
Welcome Miriam, so glad to have you on the team!

Miriam's Blog

And for info on Serendipity stamps visit www.serendipitystamps.com

Package it up!

Happy Wednesday morning! 

Our first challenge this month was to create a wrapping, or package.  

I chose to use this little bag template that I love so much, and have had forever.  It is the perfect size for a gift card or even jewelry, and looks so much more fancy to me than a card!  I created this one with a graduate in mind, but how great would this be for Father's Day or any occasion.  Use any paper, and then pick the Serendipity Stamp that compliments it, or you could use a stamp and customize the whole bag.

I used Serendipity Stamp Believe from the Believe cube (278K).  Used a bright summer paper and a tiny bag template (surf the net they are out there).  I stamped the believe on the tag, and then added a pretty tissue paper ruffle.  Tied on some ribbon handles and tada instant gift bag!

Now hurry off to see what other great projects our Design Team has created!

Anya's Blog

Lynda's Blog

Kathie's Blog

Jenny's Blog

And welcome the newest Design Team member Miriam!
Welcome Miriam, so glad to have you on the team!

Miriam's Blog

And for info on Serendipity stamps visit www.serendipitystamps.com

Doodle all the way...

This month we were asked to choose a stamp from the line of doodle stamps that Serendipity carries. I completely fell in love with this cat. And we were also asked to use felt in the design some how!

 

Supplies:

Serendipity Stamp Cat (923B)

Cardstock in black and gray

White opaque ink

pink felt

hole punch

pink colored pencil

oval dies

oval scalloped dies

rhinestones

masking tape

Directions:

1. Stamp cat on black cardstock and cut out with oval die, mat with larger oval in gray. Color over cat with colored pencil.

2. Cover the back of the felt with masking tape and cut out with scalloped oval.  Use hole punch to punch a hole in each scallop.  The tape isn't required but I find it gives the felt some stability so it doesn't fray.  Attach cat ovals to felt.

3. Stamp cats on black cardstock and mat with gray.  Draw a light black line in gray border.  Attach rhinestones to corners.  Attach oval to bottom right corner!

Great looking card, simple easy steps.  Check out the other great doodle and felt combos the design team came up with here:

Anya's Blog

Lynda's Blog

Kathie's Blog

Jenny's Blog

And for info on Serendipity stamps visit www.serendipitystamps.com

A Beautiful Day for a Wedding...

 The first Serendipity May challenge was to create a Wedding Card using the sketch below.

This is the card I created...

 

Supplies:

Serendipity Stamps Wedding cake (425E) and Bouquet (899B)            

Black, white, and purple cardstock

Embossing Ink

Black embossing powder

Black ribbon
Two purple hearts

Directions:
1. Stamp images in embossing ink, and emboss.
2. Cut out images and mat on black cardstock.
3. Tie ribbon around bottom of cake and add hearts.
4. Adhere images to purple cardstock and mat in black.
5. Adhere to card front.

I love how easy this card was to put together and yet it still has an elegant enough look for a wedding card.

Be sure to check out the other design team projects:

Anya's Blog

Lynda's Blog

Kathie's Blog

Jenny's Blog

And for info on Serendipity stamps visit www.serendipitystamps.com

Have a Care!

Our second Serendipity Challenge for April was to use one of the stamps from the Have a Care line.. I chose the Reuse it or Lose it in honor of Earth Day!






I made this hanger for our garbage can cupboard.  We have been trying to be more earth friendly, and recently our garbage company picks up the garbage as well as recycling.  I'm hoping that this little hanger will remind us to not throw out things that are recyclable!

Supplies:
*Reuse it or Lose it Serendipity Stamp (1064D)
*Basic Grey Origins Papers
*Used cardboard coaster (another way to recycle)
*Coordinating ribbon
*Hole punch
*Black ink
*Corner rounder

Directions:
1. Cover coaster with adhesive and then cover with paper and trim around it.
2. Stamp image on paper and mat twice inking edges in black.  Ink edges of coaster as well.
3. Attach matted image to front of coaster, and punch holes to put ribbon through.

Now please visit the other design team members blogs.... chocked full of inspiration!

Anya's Blog

Lynda's Blog

Kathie's Blog



And visit Serendipity Stamps to see what's on sale and the current customer contest!

Copy cat...

 For Serendipity Stamps first April Challenge we were given this photo and told to use it as inspiration for creating our project.  Below is the photo... I loved the natural feel of the photo and wanted my piece to have the same feel.

 

Here is the tag I created from the inspiration. Another vintage feel project guess that is where my creativity is at lately.

 

Supplies:

~Dragonfly North Serendipity Stamp (111B)

~Dragon Fly Dreams Serendipity Stamp (110B)

~Tiny graph patterned paper in white and brown

~Circle punches or circle cutter

~Brown Ink

~Black and brown pen

~Brown ribbon

~Brown embroidery floss

~One Brass brad

~Hole punch

Directions:

1. First cut tag from white grid paper (I free handed it).  Ink the edges in brown and punch a hole at the top.

2. Cut five circles out of light grid and five slightly bigger from brown.  Stamp dragonfly on light, and mat with brown.

3.  Use a second generation stamping technique with the dragonflies on tag base.  Stamp Dragonfly dreams towards bottom of tag.  Adhere circles randomly on tag.

4.Tie floss around bottom of tag, and put brad over where all the strands cross. Tie ribbon through hole. 

5. Use black and brown pen to add doodles all over the tag.  For the black dots I used the negative of the circle punch to add the dotted circles to the background.

Now please visit the other design team members blogs.... chocked full of inspiration!

Anya's Blog

Lynda's Blog

Kathie's Blog

Jenny's Blog

A favor...

for a baby shower.

I just love the way these turned out, they are so adorable! It was perfect that pastel M&M's were available this time of year. I also adore how these look all standing in the little galvanized bucket. I usually keep my colored pencils in them, but if I can find some more I'll be using them at the shower.
Thanks for looking!

Take your place...

Serendipity had a new release of stamps for the spring... so I decided to make up some place cards for Easter Dinner using the adorable bunny (1244E).
I used copics to color and added a tiny bit of white flocking for his tale so it's all fluffy! Thanks for looking!

Quotable Quotes...

Serendipity Stamps second March challenge was to use one of the quotes from the line... and wow are there a few to choose from...yes! Made it hard but I finally narrowed it down to this one.

I took this side shot to get a better picture of the small rectangle, so you could see the pearly shimmer better, but it was not to be.


Supplies:
~More things stamp (027D)
~Dark green cardstock (card base is 4 3/4" x 4 3/4" other square is 3 1/4" x 3 1/4")
~Green gingham cardstock
~White cardstock
~Brown Ink
~Antique Linen Distress Stain from Tim Holtz, brand new product, get some quick.
~Perfect Pearl mist
~Brown Thread
~Green Ribbon
~Sewing machine

Directions:
1. Cut gingham smaller than green base. Use stain to age the gingham, then adhere to base. Stitch around gingham in brown.
2. Use stain to color white cardstock and stamp sentiment on top, adhere to green and stitch a border. Then attach the whole thing to the card front.
3. Tie ribbon around front in a pretty bow.

This card went together so quickly but has a real put together feel to it. And again I have tried at making and antique look, this is really becoming a habit for me, but a good one of course.

And so after looking at my email one more time I realized I was supposed to use the following sketch to make my card this month... so I started creating again, this challenge is a two for one.


So I used all the same supplies since they were all out, and came up with the following card... enjoy!

Now check out all the other wonderful quote creations from the design team.

Anya's Blog

Lynda's Blog

Kathie's Blog

Jenny's Blog

Now for a special treat:
Serendipity has a new website the address is the same serendipitystamps.com but it has a whole new look, and that look is fab. And don't forget to sign up for the newsletter, because of the new site there will be some great deals available!