How about a little giveaway?

                                                                                                                                                         

I'm having a little giveaway over on my ShareCroppers Facebook page!  Have you been over there to "Like" it yet?  If not, head on over so you can have a chance to win this little prize!  It includes 5 kraft polka dot gift bags, 1 yard of each of the 2014-2016 In Color stitched ribbons, 5 In Color printed clothespins, and 5 coordinating tags.  Here's what you need to do:

1.  "Like" Stampin' with ShareCroppers on Facebook

2.  Like this photo on Facebook. 

3.  Comment on this photo on Facebook and tag a friend.

I will choose one random comment. The commenter AND the friend who is tagged will each win this little goodie bag, as well as a copy of the NEW Stampin' Up! Catalog and Idea Book!  Thanks for popping by today!

The NEW Catalog is Live!

                                

                                            www.sherrithompson.stampinup.net

Today is the day when you can see ALL of the new items in my online store!  If you would like a FREE paper copy of the catalog, please email me at sherrithompson2@yahoo.com. I will send you a catalog, wish list, and monthly coupon sheet 

The June coupon is for a FREE package of Natural Elements veneer words when you buy the new In Color cardstock and ink pad collection for only $32.50!

Thanks for popping by today!

Sprinkles of Life cards

Tomorrow is the debut of the new Stampin' Up! catalog and some adorable new stamp sets, including one called Sprinkles of Life. This set is SO versatile!  I know it's going to be one of my favorites. Here I used it to make two similar thank you cards.  I also used my Aqua Painter for the very first time. I loved it!  So easy-Much easier than coloring with Copics! I don't know why I waited so long to try it!

        

All supplies from Stampin' Up!

Cardstock: Baked Brown Sugar, Bermuda Bay, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: NEW BOHEMIAN, NEW CHERRY ON TOP 

Stamps: NEW SPRINKLES OF LIFE SET

Ink: Always Artichoke, Baked Brown Sugar, Bermuda Bay, Blackberry Bliss, NEW DELIGHTFUL DIJON, Island Indigo, Rich Razzleberry

Other: Apothecary Accents Framelets (RETIRING), Scallop Border Punch (RETIRING), Essentials Paper Piercing Template (RETIRING), NEW TREE PUNCH , Brights Candy Dots, Very Vanilla 1/8" Ribbon (RETIRING), Blackberry Bliss Thick Baker's Twine (SAB)

Happy Mother's Day!

                               

All supplies from Stampin' Up!

Cardstock: Daffodil Delight, Strawberry Slush (RETIRING), Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: All Abloom (RETIRING)

Stamps: A Round Array (RETIRING), Crazy About You, Petal Potpourri (RETIRING)

Ink: Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Strawberry Slush

Punches: 1/2" Circle, 7/8" Scallop Circle, Flower Medallion, Ornate Tag Topper, Sweetheart (to make banner tails)

Other: Blushing Bride Baker's Twine

Thanks for popping by!

$5 Paper Pumpkin Kits!

Stampin' Up! offers a super cute monthly kit called My Paper Pumpkin. Each month's kit includes an adorable and exclusive stamp set, ink(s), and everything you need to create that month's projects.  You just need scissors!

For the next 24 hours (until 8:50 PM EST on Saturday, May 9th), you can order the May kit for ONLY $5!  (Reg. $19.95). Just use promo code 24HOURS at this link => https://mypaperpumpkin.com?demoid=2144887

        

Here are some sneak peeks of this month's kit:

        

        

Thanks for popping by!  Don't let this deal get away!

Sending Wishes Your Way

Today's share is a birthday card that I made for a special lady who's turning 80 soon. I kept the design very simple and used some of my favorite colors and my new favorite stamp set (thank you for letting me borrow this, Kathy!)

Alas, though, this card features more RETIRING supplies that I'm so sad to see leave: the 2013-2015 In Colors and the Painted Petals stamp set. All of these supplies are available through May 31 (or while supplies last) through my online store:www.sherrithompson.stampinup.net. 

                              

All supplies from Stampin' Up!

Cardstock: Coastal Cabana (RETIRING), Whisper White, Wild Wasabi

Stamps: Butterfly Basics, Painted Petals (RETIRING)

Ink: Basic Black (RETIRING), Wild Wasabi

Markers: Coastal Cabana and Strawberry Slush from the 2013-2015 In Color Collection (RETIRING)

Other: Strawberry Slush Thick Baker's Twine (RETIRING), 2013-2015 In Color Sequins (RETIRING)

Thanks for popping by today!

Spring Notecards

Just a quick share today to show a set of blank note cards that I made last night. I rarely make cards without sentiments, but they are a great for keeping in touch with friends or stamping a quick sentiment inside without having to re-think your card design. Sadly, this pretty little doily stamp is soon to be retired as part of the Petal Potpourri stamp set.  You can still get yours through May 31 (or while supplies last) by visiting my Stampin' Up online store at www.sherrithompson.stampinup.net. 

Don't you just LOVE that butterfly stamp?  It is from Nature's Perfection, one of the exclusive Sale-a-Bration stamp sets that was available only as a reward during the 2015 SAB promotion. Even though this is not available for purchase, it is available for you to use if you attend my monthly ShareCrops!  These are open crop times, where you are free to create any project using my stamps, inks, punches, and dies.  My next ShareCrop is scheduled for Sunday, May 31 from 1:00-3:00. The fee for ShareCrops is $10, and includes a $10 credit to be used that day. That's also the last day to order all of your favorite retiring supplies!

        

All supplies from Stampin' Up!

Cardstock: Crushed Curry, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Flowerpot (RETIRING)

Ink: Crushed Curry, Garden Green, Lost Lagoon, Night of Navy

Stamps: Beautiful Bunch, Crazy About You, Nature's Perfection (SAB), Petal Potpourri (RETIRING)

Punches: Elegant Butterfly, Flower Medallion, Petite Petals

Other: Crushed Curry 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (RETIRING), Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Thanks for popping by today!

   

Spring Birthday Card

Today's share is a card that we made in my recent Mother's Day card workshop. It uses some of my favorite retiring products. While I'm very excited about the new products coming out, it makes me sad to see such pretty stamps and papers retiring!  The upside is that there are some amazing sales on retiring products right now. You can see them all here: www.sherrithompson.stampinup.net. 

                        

All supplies from Stampin' Up!

Cardstock: Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: All Abloom Stack (RETIRING)

Stamps: Crazy About You, Petal Potpourri (RETIRING)

Ink: Basic Black (RETIRING), Daffodil Delight, Lost Lagoon, Mossy Meadow

Punches: Flower Medallion, 7/8" Scallop Circle, Ornate Tag Topper, Scallop Edge Border

Other: Blushing Bride Baker's Twine (RETIRING), Frosted Sequins (CLEARANCE)

Thanks for popping by today!

     

Sneak Peeks and More!

Yesterday I was able to order new items from the soon-to-be-released SU! catalog. Today, I get to share with you how you can get them, too...early and at an amazing discount!  Below are items that are available to demonstrators (including demo club members.). Interested in becoming a demo club member? Keep reading!  But first, here are some fun products to get you drooling this morning.  😉

Totally drool-worthy, right? Join my demo club today and you can order $125 worth of these fun items (before they're  for only $99 AND get free shipping!  Email me at sherrithompson2@yahoo.com if you'd like more info on my demo club!  Thanks for popping by!

A Change in Direction...

I've been MIA here on the blog for a long time. I miss it. I miss sharing my projects and "talking" to my crafty friends. I miss visiting your blogs and commenting on everyone's pretty things. I've been "lurking", but not showing my appreciation for everything you share. My blog and I need a crafty re-boot!

It's hard to jump back in. I felt like I was in a stamping rut. I couldn't be creative, and everything took SO LONG to make, because I was feeling overwhelmed with supplies. I *might* have a few. Hee hee.  

So I'm focusing my crafty attention on supplies that make it super easy to be efficient AND creative.  Enter Stampin' Up!, a company that makes it easy to do that by offering "no-brainer" coordinating. I became a demonstrator for the discount, and I sometimes offer workshops or make-and-takes. However, what I love most is that I can create without spending forever trying to choose stamps, coordinate products, or designing a layout. 

Now for the sharing-my favorite part!  This card is one that I made "just because".  I needed some thank you cards and I had just received this new stamp set as a reward. Love that all of the coordinating was done for me, and I was able to mix-and-match patterns so effortlessly!

                                 

All supplies from Stampin' Up!:

Stamps: Beautiful Bunch, Lotus Blossom

Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Whisper White

Ink: Blushing Bride, Crushed Curry, Early Espresso

Designer Series Paper: Confetti Celebration, Flowerpot

Punches: Fun Flower, Petite Petals, Ornate Tag Topper

Other: Blushing Bride/Gold baker's twine from Filled with Love kit

Please visit my Facebook page, Stampin' with ShareCroppers, and my Stampin' Up! Online store at www.sherrithompson.stampinup.net. Thanks for popping by today!

Counterfeit Kit Mini Challenge #3: Inspired by Food

Our mini challenge was to create a project inspired by our favorite foods. My favorite food is ice cream-hands down! I knew that I wanted to scrap these photos from our trip to the Ben & Jerry's factory last fall. As I looked through my kit, I noticed my cloud papers and chipboard shapes, the scalloped borders, and the blues and greens. My mind instantly thought of the B&J's containers. I thought it would be fun to recreate the background from the packaging. Although it's not exact, it's definitely inspired by the packaging. I am so proud of myself for getting these photos scrapped and on a 2-page spread, to boot! :)
We would love to see your take on this challenge! You can see the original post HERE on the Counterfeit Kit blog.

Nesting Doll Thank You

One final share tonight-this Nesting Doll Thank You card. I loved this stamp set when I bought it last year, but I have to admit that I have really struggled to use it. I've tried lots of different color schemes and mediums (ink, markers, colored pencils) and it just never comes out right. Today I decided to just use dark brown ink and stamp the doll on kraft cardstock. I loved it! Then I just distressed the edge of the kraft cardstock with Creamy Brown chalk ink.

I created this card for three different online challenges. First, I used this month's sketch from Sketch For You To Try. I chose this image for the Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge, which was to make a card based on a childhood memory. My memory was my trip to the Soviet Union (back when it WAS the Soviet Union!) I went as part of a school trip when I was 13. I spent two weeks there. One of the souvenirs that I brought home was a set of nesting dolls. This stamp was perfect, and I paired it with a floral patterned paper from Stampin' Up! that reminded me of the design on my nesting dolls. Finally, because I used my favorite kraft cardstock, I am entering it in Kraft Journal's Anything Goes challenge. Speaking of The Kraft Journal, my Vintage Thinking of You card won a Top 3 in their Flourish challenge!

Thanks for stopping by again tonight-I'll be back tomorrow with more shares!

Birthday Butterfly

This is a card I made for my friend, Connie. Her birthday was yesterday, but I didn't want to post the card until I knew she had it. I didn't want her to see it on the blog first!

I used this sketch from Stepping Stones Design. The colors were inspired by EAD Designs' Turtle Love Color challenge. All of the stamps used on this card are from {ippity}. This week's Unity Addicts Challenge (UAC34) was to pick one of your oldest Unity stamps and pair it with one of your newest. I just started using Unity stamps last summer, so they are all pretty new to me! I decided to take a stamp from {ippity}'s first release in Fall 2009 and use it with one from the most recent release. The butterfly is from Devoted and the sentiment is from the new Party Hat Wishes set. I love this butterfly stamp. It is perfect for layering. The bottom layer is pink marbled cardstock and the top layer is pink patterned paper. All of the patterned paper on this card is from Stampin' Up! Finally, I knew that the sketch included 5 little accents under the sentiment. I have been using a ton of gems lately, and I was all out of pink and brown rhinestones. So, I pulled out one of my cases of brads and found these rich chocolate brown brads that matched perfectly. This week's challenge over at 4 Crafty Chicks was to use metal on your card, so this fit the bill perfectly!

So, Happy Birthday, Connie! I hope you have a great day and got lots of scrappy birthday goodies! ;)

Bohemian Flower Card

Today's share is a quick card made from the sketch I found on the Repeat Impressions blog. I am also entering it in the "Stamp It Out" challenge on the City Crafter Challenge blog. The stamp is from Ippity (you can get it HERE) and the papers and ink are from Stampin' Up! I stamped the flower image once on white cardstock with Crushed Curry ink, then I stamped it again with black ink on two different patterned papers and Crushed Curry cardstock. Then I paper-pieced the flower and added some Glossy Accents to the center. Yellow and purple pearls and a bit of purple ribbon finish this super-easy card. I think that I will keep this card in my stash and add a sentiment inside when I need a quick birthday or thinking of you card. Thanks for stopping by!

Butterfly Thinking of You

Hey, everyone! It's been a busy week here, to say the least. I am so happy that today is the last day of classes before having a week of vacation. If I wasn't so completely exhausted, I might just do a happy dance. :)

Today I am sharing my card made from this week's sketch at Get Sketchy. I didn't adhere to the sketch, but instead I used the sketch as a springboard. It's OK to do that! Just because you're using a sketch doesn't mean you can't modify it however you want. Here's what I mean:

The sketch shows two hearts, each being "cut off" on the sides of the card. I decided to use butterfly shapes instead of hearts. (These butterflies were actually traced using a retired Stampin' Up template.) I chose to angle my butterflies slightly and have them overlap in the middle. Instead of cutting the edges off the butterflies, I folded them under and adhered them behind the green paper on my card front. In the center of the card, however, I wanted a little more dimension, so I adhere the butterflies wings to the card front with pop-dots. This gives them a slightly layered look.

For the butterfly bodies, I cut a piece of double-sided patterned paper to 2" X 4". (I used the same paper that I used for my butterflies, but you could use anything that coordinates. Tip: Use thin paper. Cardstock is difficult to roll and may crack.) I then cut my scrap of paper on the diagonal, so I had two triangles. I rolled each of these triangles into a tube-shape and adhered the ends with a glue stick. Finally, I used Glue Dots to attach them to my butterflies. I also "squished" a Glue Dot around a piece of folded/curled wire and inserted it into the top of the butterfly bodies for antennae.

All of the supplies for this card (paper, ribbon, die-cut, pearls) are from the Club SEI.

Also, just wanted to let everyone know that I am currently looking for card submissions for my July article for Scrap Street. The call is for "Summertime Cards." Please send your submissions (max. size 600 X 600) to submissions@scrapstreet.com. Deadline for submissions is April 29th. Thanks!

Bountiful Thanksgiving Card

I have to admit-I've never made Thanksgiving cards before. Finding the time to make them is really tricky, with school, family, COOKING, etc.

My little guy is home sick today (I should point out that my "little guy" is now 1/2" taller than me!) and I only have to bring the pies for Thanksgiving dinner, so I actually had some time to play along with some online challenges and create some Thanksgiving cards. Some of you had asked for some Thanksgiving card ideas, so here are a few. (They will be in separate posts, however, because I'm still learning all the little details about blogging!) :)

This first card is my absolute favorite. I'm going to give it to my mom and dad. It is based on this sketch at the new challenge blog called Everything But the Kitchen Sink. The stamp is from a retired set by Stampin' Up and all of the patterned paper is by Heidi Grace. I cheated-it looks like it is all separate pieces quilted together, but really it is 1"X 4" strips of "strip" paper. I just alternated the patterns and zigzagged between. The stitching took a little while, but I really like the result. If you're in a pinch (or don't have a sewing machine) you could also use rub-on stitches or use a pen and a paper piercer to create faux-stitching.

I have a few more Thanksgiving cards to post, plus I will be sharing some more holiday cards this week.

Thanks for looking!