quick n easy birthday cards

These past few months, since returning to college, my stamping time has been very limited so I've returned to a very quick and simple style for the most part. I found an old favorite SU set on my shelf, Think Happy Thoughts that's really helped me with fast,easy birthday, friendship and thank you cards. It's one of those "stamp", "punch" and "you're done" sets.

As much as I LOVE to color with my Copics, sometimes there's just not time, and for those times, this type of set is perfect. Plus, its can be used for masculine or feminine cards depending on the colors and accessories you chose. Skip the scallop circle and pop a brad or star in the center and you've got a great guy card.

I used the new Cottage Wall DP as my color inspiration and used Rich Razzleberry, Orchid Opulence and Old Olive. I just stamped the birthday greeting, punched it out with a 1 1/4" circle punch, layered it with 1 3/8" and scallop circle punch, then punched out a 3/4" center to give the button (from the button bouquet collection) a little contrast. I layered up the cardstock and DP and had these cards completed in no time at all. Here's another variation ~

and for the inside...I used the Heard from the Heart set ~ That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by :) !!

Loads of Anniversary Love

Hello and Happy Wednesday! It's been a busy summer but my classes are over and I finally have a little time to do some stamping so I thought I'd show you one of my cards! I've got several birthdays and anniversaries coming up on the calendar, so I thought I should start with those cards. Plus my goal is to start and finish my Christmas cards before fall term begins on Sept 26th...so I've got a lot of cards to make in the next 4 weeks.

This card is for my parent's 54th wedding anniversary coming up later this week! I used yesterday's color challenge at SCS for some inspiration (CC223) which I really needed after not stamping much for the past 8 weeks. I borrowed this Loads of Love SU set from a friend thinking I'd make a few Christmas cards, but it works great for a variety of occasions, including anniversaries :) ! I added the sentiment (Happy Anniversary) from the retired set, Hugs & Wishes.

I used Copic Marker E25, E31, E34, N1, N3, N5, R46 & R43 and Spica Glitter Pens in Silver and Red. Crystal Effects gives the Hearts, Wheels and Glass some shine and dimension. You can double-click on the photo to see some of those details.

Thanks for stopping by ~ hope you have an awesome week!

Supplies for the card (4 1/4 x 5 1/2) ~ Stamps: Loads of Love & Hugs & Wishes Paper: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Real Red & Paper Tray White Ink: Ranger Distressed Black Soot & Chocolate Chip Accessories: Copics, Spica Glitter Pens, Retired Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware, 1" & 1 1/4" Circle punches, Heart to Heart punch, Pepr piercing tool & Mat Pack, Crystal Effects, Small Deckled Rectangle Nestabilities, Big Shot.