The Friday Mashup punch art challenge!

Welcome friends! It's time to mash things up with The Friday Mashup again! This week I had a big "oops" moment. 

There are so many Leo's in our family (hubby, son, FIL, SIL, Step-dad, step-brother... on and on!). Here I was thinking that my nephew was a Leo as well, and I made this card for his 2nd birthday and I was so happy with it! Turns out, he's a week shy of being a Leo, and is in fact a Cancer (which is a crab, I think?). For the record, I had his birthday right in my head, just didn't realize the cut-off for Leo was a week after that date :P

Regardless, he's still going to get it, because I think it's cute. I'm sure he's not going to mind!! Maybe next year I'll try a punch-art crab. :)

Happy 2nd Birthday

Colours: Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Lucky Limeade

Punches: 1-3/4, 1-3/8", 3/4" 1/2" circles, Large oval, Boho Blossoms, Scallop Circle, Fancy Flower

Lili has a fantastic mashup challenge for this week. Take a look:

1. Make a project with " Punch Art ".
2. Or Make a project featuring your " Favorite Animal ".
3. Or "Mash it Up" and create a project " with an Animal made from Punches ".

I do hope you play along - punch art is SO much fun. There are a lot of fabulous tutorials online, and don't worry if you don't have all the right punches - in my little lion I followed a tutorial that had his head, cheeks, and ears much smaller... but I didn't have the right punches so upgraded him ;)

-Tara

xox

Craft Project Central - June #9

This little gift set is perfect for the sewers and crafters in your life!  In addition, non-sewers/crafters will love this gift too!  The pin cushion frame can be used as a mini bulletin board and all readers love pretty bookmarks!  Pair these items with the matching card and your recipient is going to love this gift and be very impressed!  Try this one for a fun class or camp project too!

Project designed by Heidi of Stampin' King

To get the instructions for this project and 9 others, be sure to subscribe to Craft Project Central for the month of June for only $10!

-Tara

xox

Sunday Stamps!

If Sunday isn't the perfect day to stamp, I don't know what is :) The wonderful Holly Endress has created a brand new challenge blog that switches between sketch and colour challenge every other week, and I have the immense pleasure of being on the design team with a bunch fabulous ladies!

Sympathy and Prayers

I kept my card fairly simple today, as I needed a sympathy card for a very sudden and tragic death in my extended family.

Pop on over to Sunday Stamps and see the fantastic colour combination Holly has this week, as well as the great inspiration from the rest of the design team:

Holly Endress

Lisa Johansen

Monica Hornof

Hayley Kew

Joan Jeffery

Look forward to seeing you there! :)

-Tara
xox

Craft Project Central #8

Give something sweet to someone special!  This trio of bumblebee inspired boxes will delight young and old.  Fill them with a Bit-o-Honey or caramel candies for that extra special touch!  These cute boxes made great party favors and can be modified for other occasions by changing up the colors!  Makes for fun class or camp projects too!

Designed by Kim Score of Paper Punch Addiction 

To get the instructions for this project, simply subscribe to June at Craft Project Central for $10! You will get instructions to make this and 9 other fantastic projects.

-Tara

xox

Friday Mashup & SUPER exciting news!

Glorious Friday morning! The sun is shining, and I anticipate a lot of water play and park fun in the next few hours :)

The fabulous Amanda has a really fun Friday Mashup challenge for us this week - but before I get to that, I have some really exciting news!

Last night I got a call from Stampin' Up! to tell me that I was chosen as one of the 20 finalists for the Artisan Design Team!! I was tickled pink! Since I won't be going to convention, I won't find out if I was one of the winners until afterwards... But nonetheless, I'm ecstatic! :)

OK, now on to today's challenge!

 Stamps: Flock Together, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Tiny Tags

Paper: Birds of a Feather DSP, Crumb Cake, Primrose Petals

Ink: Crumb Cake, Island Indigo, Primrose Petals

Extras: Stitched ribbon, Baker's twine

Toos: Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch, Jewelry Tag punch, Oval punch

Here's the mashup challenge for you this week:

1. Make a project using the " Party Time " theme.
2. Or Make a project using the " Box in a Bag " tutorial.
3. Or "Mash it Up" and create a "Box in a Bag with a Party Time theme."

If you have never made a Box in a Bag before, Amanda has a great tutorial over on her blog, here.


So, head on over to The Friday Mashup and lets get the party started! :)

-Tara
xox

Freshly Made Flip!

I've been wanting to try the flip card for so long now, and just never found the 'get up and go' to get it done. Well, the day has come, my friends! The sketch at Freshly Made Sketches finally gave me the push to do it :)

Happy Birthday

(closed)

 (open)

Colours: Midnight Muse, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Stamps: Petite Pairs

Ink: Midnight Muse

Paper: Comfort Cafe

Extras: Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Naturals buttons, Linen Thread

Tools: Labels collection framelits

Here's the awesome sketch I was working with today from Freshly Made Sketches:

Thanks for stopping by :)

-Tara

xox

Craft Project Central - June #7

Wondering all the wonderful things you can do with Stampin' Up! product besides paper-crafting? Check out this wonderful jewellery gift set created by Debbie from Unfrogettable Stamping!

Designed by Debbie Naylor

If you want the instruction to this fantastic project, please visit Craft Project Central and subscribe to June. For $10, you will get access to 10 great project tutorials! 

If you place an order with me in the month of June, you will be entered into a draw for the chance to win a subscription to June for free!

Best. Dad. Ever.

A very simple Father's Day card for my husband from his little boys this year - but it says it all. Who knew that the For the Birds set could be so versatile? :) I used the "thanks for your support" stacked birds as the focal image for this card because it just seemed so appropriate... Daddy on the bottom, (little) boy on the his back, and (baby) boy hanging out on the top :)

Best Dad Ever

 Stamps: For the Birds, Best Dad Ever

Colours: Midnight Muse, Baja Breeze, Raspberry Ripple

Embellishments: Baker's Twine

The colours are from Play Date Cafe this week - and I haven't played with them in so long! I was just dying to get back into it.

I could spend hours talking about how amazing Derek is, as a father and as a husband, but I'll spare you all. It all sums up like this: he's an outstanding father, a supportive and nurturing husband, and a kind friend to all (Love you, Derek).

Derek and Hunter (last summer)

"cheeeeese"

Derek and Jack (last week)

- Tara
xox

Edit to add: So excited that Derek's Father's Day card got a "Fab4" nod from The Play Date Cafe! :)

House gift box and card!!

Hello everyone,

Today I come to you with my June project for Craft Project Central!

This box is perfect for that friend that is moving into a new home, or for a neighbour who has just moved in near you. The finished size is 4" x 4" so it's perfect for a small gift (like a nice candle!) or some treats (like some Super Duper Chocolate Kisses)

Please visit Craft Project Central for all the other wonderful projects this month - and don't forget; everyone who places an order with me in the month of June will be entered into a draw to receive a free subscription to June at Craft Project Central! If you have any questions, please feel free to email me! tarabourgoin at yahoo dot com.

Visit my website to shop now!

Tara

Merry Monday and Freshly Made Sketches

When I saw the Happy Hour stamp set in the new catalogue, I fell in love! I was open to all the possibilities, but I knew the first time I used it would be for a Christmas Card.

Christmas Cheer

Previously, I had only owned one Christmas set and I didn't want to keep making the same card, so I didn't participate with the Merry Monday challenge created by Lesley. Alas, now that the new catty is out (and I've had a sneak peek at the Holiday catalogue coming out in August) I know that I will have a surplus of holiday cheer to choose from :)

Here's this week's Merry Monday sketch.

I also played along with Freshly Made Sketches to make this pretty little birthday card for my sister-in-law who turns 30 today. I LOVE the Stippled Blossoms set SO much. I knew it was pretty... but I didn't know how pretty it was until I actually used it. For this one, I used Primrose Petals on the bottom layer of the flower and Raspberry Ripple on the top. For the leaves I used Lucky Limeade on the bottom and Gumball Green on the top.

Birthday Wishes

Here's the sketch from Freshly Made Sketches.

I have some cute Father's Day cards to share as well, but I'll wait for tomorrow for those :) 

Edit to add: So excited that my SIL's birthday card got a "Perfect Princess" nod at the Freshly Made Sketches - Thank you! :)

Get out your snips!

Hello friends!

Here it is; my first time hosting the challenge at The Friday Mashup! as a designer. I'm really excited about this one, not only because it features some bright, fun colours, but also because it showcases one of my favourite techniques - paper-piecing.

Support

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

1. Make a project using the " Paper Piecing " technique.
2. Or Make a project using " Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight & Pool Party ".
3. Or "Mash it Up" and create a " Paper Piecing Project using the above colors."

If you've never tried paper-piecing before, do give it a go! A tutorial can be found on The Friday Mashup! "Mashup Tutorials" page along the top header. Each time there is a technique as part of the mashup challenge, one of the design team members will create a Friday Mashup tutorial for you to follow along!

Can't wait to see the fun, patterned-filled project you come up with this week! :)

Craft Project Central - June #6

Time for another treat from Craft Project Central! This great little set is designed by Rose of Rose's World

Need a quick gift for a friend or a teacher gift for the end of the school year?  Look no further!  This sweet little Flora District mini purse will bring a smile to the recipient!  Open it up and you have a set of four 3" x 3" note cards and cute matching envelopes created using Floral District Designer Series Paper!   This project is also a great class project!

Designed by Rose 

Please go visit Rose and leave her some love on her wonderful project :) 

Craft Project Central - June #5

Well folks, it doesn't get much cuter than this project designed by Heidi of Stampin King.

This cute cupcake box is the perfect way to bring someone a cupcake on their special day!  It makes a great gift with the set of matching cards and 3" x 3" gift card!  This project is also a fun class, club, or camp project!

Project Designed by Heidi 

Be sure to stop by Craft Project Central to get the instructions for this sweet set! :)

A quick card

Hello!

I'm sneaking in quickly before we head out on this beautiful day/ I've made a card for two challenges today - Dynamic Duos and RetroSketches. I just can't get enough of the Bitty Banners framelits from the new catalogue!

Thank You

The colours from Dynamic Duos

The sketch from Retrosketches

We're off for some park/picnic fun, and then who knows after that!

-Tara
xox


Edit to add: So excited that this little banner card got a "RockStar" nod from RetroSketches!! Thank you :)

Craft Project Central #4

Hello!

For my friends south of the border, Carrie from Carrie Stamps has this wonderfully festive 4th of July project for you this month! Have a look at:

Designed by Carrie

You'll be seeing my project a little late this month - until then, head on over to Craft Project Central and participate in their monthly sketch challenge Creating Pretty Card - Challenge #12.

See you a bit later on with some cards using even more new goodies!! :)

For the birds!

The Friday Mashup! has a challenge for you this week that's for the birds!

There couldn't be a more perfect opportunity to showcase some of the new goods from the 2012-2013 catalogue!

Friends

Here's the challenge for you this week:

1. Make a project using " the Sketch ".
2. Or Make a project featuring " Birds ".
3. Or "Mash it Up" and create a " project using the Sketch featuring Birds ".

 

It's no secret, really, that I love birds. I'm not a bird enthusiast outside of my little craft room, but I certainly love them in stamp form - and now paper too! The paper is the new "Birds of a Feather" DSP and the stamp set is "Flock Together". The Friends sentiment came from the new Storybook Friends set (can't wait to use that one too!)

There are a few new colours in there (Summer Starfruit and Primrose Petals), as well as the new Chevron embossing folder... aaaaand the new stitched grograin ribbon, which is quite obviously going to be a staple in my crafting projects :)

So, head on over to The Friday Mashup and link up your sketchy-bird projects! See you there.

Craft Project Central - June #3

This pretty note cards, box, and matching pen set are the perfect gift for any busy lady!  The box has stamped note paper, four cards with stamped envelopes, and a handy matching pen.  When the paper is gone and the note cards are sent, the front rosette can easily be removed to use as a decoration for a card, a gift bag, or even a scrapbook page!

Designed by Chris Galbraith of Creations by Chris

 

If you love Chris' set, be sure to hop on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to June! You will receive access to all 10 projects (plus a bonus project) with beautiful step-by-step tutorials.

Digital Tuesday - New Catty Goodies!

Hello!

This is a very special Tuesday for a couple of reasons:

1. I get to show you the latest digital downloads.
2. You're going to see TONS of new catalogue product popping up this week!
3. This is my 100th post on Can't Stamp the Rain! :)

Our Little Reader

This week I used the sketch from Creative Scrappers again. Have a look:  

Digital material used to make this page:

• Colours = Midnight Muse (a new 2012-2014 In Colour!) Riding Hood Red, Wild Wasabi
• Large Arrow punch
• Mis-Stitched
• Circle punch
• Scallop Edge punch
• Grosgrain Ribbon & knot
• Bunch of Backgrounds
• Story Book Friends stamp brush set
• Storytime DSP
• 2012-2014 In Colour DSP
• 2012-2014 In Colour cardstock

This week I have three featured downloads!

Story Book Friends stamp brush set

Storytime Designer Series Paper

2012-2014 In Colour Designer Series Paper

Other downloads available today include:
(Click to see images for June 5th releases and here to see images for June 1st new catty releases)

• Betsy's Blossoms Stamp brush set
• Birds of a Feather DSP
• Birds of a Feather ensemble
• Comfort Cafe DSP
• Comfort Cafe Designer Templates Pages
• Fan Fair DSP
• Fan Fair Photobook template
• Flock Together Stamp brush set
• Floral District DSP
• Floral District Photobook template
• Forever With You Stamp brush set
• Make a Cake Stamp brush set
• Patio Party DSP
• Patio Party ensemble
• Postage Due stamp brush set
• Storybook Friends stamp brush set
• Storytime DSP
• Storytime ensemble
• 2012-2014 In Colour Patterns DSP
• BBQ Blitz ensemble
• Here for You greeting card template
• Internatioanl Bazaar Photobook template
• The Great Outdoors stamp brush set

Phewf!! That's a long one :) Have fun browsing through all the fantastic new digital downloads this week. One of my personal favourites is the International Bazaar Photobook template. It's so clean and fresh looking.

Visit my website today to download some of these awesome new catalogue goodies! Don't have My Digital Studio yet? Download a free 30 day trial and get started today :) 

Thanks for stopping by!

Craft Porject Central - June Edition!

Hello everyone!

I'm thrilled to announce that I have been invited back to the Craft Project Central for the month of June!

I've got two projects to show you today - both are using product from the new catalogue, and both are fabulous!!

The first project of the month is an amazing photo book designed by the talented Amanda of Krafting Kreations. This project uses the fantastic Comfort Cafe Designer Series Paper from the new catalogue!!

Designed by Amanda Corbet

The second project is a wonderful card collection and card holder using the Betsy's Blossoms set and the Floral District Designer Series Paper - again, from the new catalogue! This lovely project comes to you from Laurie at Laurie's Stampin Spot

Designed by Laurie Zoellmer

Thanks for stopping by!

Playing with Scraps at The Friday Mashup!

Hello!

This week at The Friday Mashup, Heidi has a wonderful 'little' challenge for you using up your scraps! If you're anything like me, you save every scrap, no matter how small and seemingly unnecessary it might be! I save everything... I have a jar on my workstation of strips I have cut off from Whisper White and Very Vanilla, none are thicker than 1/2"... My hubby once asked me why I kept those scraps, and I told him I reach for them almost every time I craft! They are great for little flags and sentiments - or using with the Jewelry Tag or Dotted Scallop Ribbon punches!

Hello, Baby

Here's the challenge this week:

1. Make a project using " Scraps of Pattern Paper or Ribbons ".
2. Or Make a " Scrapling ".
3. Or "Mash it Up" and create a " Scrapling using Scraps or Pattern Paper or Ribbons. ".

I had never heard of a "scrapling" before, but it certainly was fun to do! Think I'll be making a lot more of these. Seems like they would make the perfect addition to a gift bag, instead of that little folded card that is often attached to the handle when you buy them at the store.

I also got the chance to finally use that last little bit of Daffodil Delight seam binding ribbon that I had left over from the Summer Smooches promotion! 

I look forward to seeing the cute little scraplings you create this week as well :)