Sunday, April 26, 2009

BLOG Tour, STOP 1 Soft Summer


Happy Monday, April 27th! Blog Tour Day! I thought it would never arrive :-) I'm so glad you have joined us, you are in for a very scenic tour, one full of beautiful handmade cards and projects and you are hopefully going to be inspired beyond your wildest dreams.....LOL. How's that for an exciting lead in? Seriously though I hope you will be inspired as you travel the destinations we've laid out for you. Grab you a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage and relax and enjoy the tour. And thanks so much for coming!!



All three of the cards I'm showcasing today use the great new set from the Occasions Mini called SOFT SUMMER. It's a great two-step stamping set and the images are just beautiful. On this card I also used some of the new Walk in the Park DSP from the Mini. On another of the stops ahead you will get lots of ideas for this paper.

But for now here are the details for this card:

Stamp Set: Soft Summer, Three Little Words
Paper: Basic Gray, Baja Breeze,Cameo Coral,Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White and Walk in the Park DSP
Ink & Markers: Kiwi Kiss, Cameo Coral, Ruby Red, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: White Grosgrain Ribbon, Crafter's Tool Kit, Styled Silver Hodgepodge, Stamp-a-ma-jig


This next card uses the other set of stamps from this set, also 2-step stamping stamps. At first I was drawn to the stamp images in the previous sample the most but after working with this image I have to say it would be difficult for me to choose a favorite now.

I love Pink and Gray together so that is the route I went on this card. The 2-step stamping with this image really makes it jump off the page. It really gives the image dimension that looks almost real. I liked how the graduating circles really drew your eyes to the image too. The scallop circle frame for this was made using the 1/2" Circle Punch! You can have a scallop frame for any size circle or oval shape that you happen to be making by using this method!

Here are the details for this card:



  • Card Base: 4-1/4 Square Card

  • Stamp Set: Soft Summer

  • Card Stock: Pink Pirouette, Basic Gray, Riding Hood Red, Watercolor Paper

  • Ink & Markers: Creamy Carmel, Close to Cocoa, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red

  • Accessories: Riding Hood Red w/Very Vanilla Trim Taffeta Ribbon, Double Rectangle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch Stamp, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Vintage Brads, Crafter's Tool Kit


And finally last but not least is another card made using the same Soft Summer set and the same images used in the first card. Remember this is a 2-step stamping set so you get lots of added dimension for your card without really even trying!

I love the Pacific Point color, boy am I going to miss this years InColor choices. If you don't already have the papers and inks with these shades you better grab them quick because they will be gone in July :( sorry I digressed there. I was talking about the card! Back to our regularly scheduled tour. As I said I love the Pacific Point color so used it as the main focal color for this card. The Kiwi Kiss color really compliments the Pacific Point well too.


Here are the details for this card but don't forget to read on down for your next tour stop link and for details about my BLOG CANDY!!



  • Stamp Set: Soft Summer

  • Card Stock: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White

  • Ink & Markers: Kiwi Kiss, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Tempting Turquoise, Pacific Point, Old Olive

  • Accessories: Circle Ice Rhinestone Brads, Kiwi Kiss Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Large Oval Punch, Crafter's Tool Kit, Stampin Dimensionals and Glue Dots

I want to thank you so much for stopping by today and now for some exciting Blog Candy NEWS! Leave a comment on my blog letting me know which of the cards you like best and why and I will be choosing one lucky winner from all that answer using Random.org. Please only residents of the USA are eligible for the blog candy....sorry :( And the prize you ask?? You will be winning a $25 gift certificate from me for Stampin Up merchandise, shipped direct to your home from SU! I know, I know that's exciting!! Some of the profiles are not listing emails, so please leave me a way to contact you to let you know if you win! I'll also post the results on my blog tomorrow.

And don't be a stranger come back soon!




140 comments:

Rachel Bleich said...

That is a tough one to just pick one! These are all great! I like different things about all three, but I think my favorite is the Pacific Point. I just love the color combo and I really like the punched layers. Thanks for sharing! This will be fun!

Jamie A. said...

They are all beautiful but I really, really LOVE the third one. The Pacific Point really makes it pop!

Julie Bohannon said...

Since I can only pick one I really liked the second one. It looks very classy to me.
It has layers, ribbon simple sentiment.
Very nice.
Julie Bohannon
(CardSwapping4Fun member)

Cate J said...

I love all three of them but my favorite is the third one. My Upline got me sold on that color combo at her last stamp camp and it works very well with this set. Nice job and thanks for sharing!

Audrey said...

What great cards you made! They are all nice! But my favorite one would be the 3rd one. I really love the blue!! Have a blessed day! Audrey

Deb said...

What lovely cards - so hard to choose, but I would have to pick the third one...love that color!

Jaycene Morgan said...

I LOVE the second one. I really like the scallop circle and all the other circles. Thanks for sharing your wonderful talent!!! I am very proud of you!!!

Marie said...

I love them ALL. I'm just stopping by to make sure that my link to you works! Diane, truly awesome job on EVERYTHING. I'm so proud to be introducing you. Lots of Love & success!!!!

Jackie said...

All of your creations are beautiful, but I just love the colors of the first one. This is a great stamp set and is perfect for so many mediums as well as occassions. Oops, the tour is leaving bye for now!

Tammy Q Howell said...

We have to choose one? LOL They are all beautiful, but my eye was drawn to the Pacific Point and Kiwi Kiss one. That color combo is a favorite of mine at the moment! Love all your cards.

Anonymous said...

I like the third one. I love the colors and I like how you used the oval punch with the circle punches.

Cari
caritzak@aol.com

Connie Babbert said...

Beautiful samples! The second one is my favorite! Great job!

Lucia Kaiser said...

Diane: Every one of these samples are beautiful. You have done such a great job, not only on your cards, but with helping me organize this tour. You are such a great friend!

Denise said...

My fav is #3, because of the colors you chose. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

My favorite is no. 1. I love the softness of it. They are all great however. Thanks for putting this tour together. It is much easier than the quilt shop hop that I know I won't be able to complete! It requires driving lots and lots of miles. Your theme could be leave the driving to us. Wait--that is Greyhound's theme. Oh well. TSF! Sandy in MT

Nicole said...

HEY GIRL, I am in love with the last one. Pacific Pointe is just beautiful and that Kiwi ribbon is resembling leaves to me! SUPAH WORK on all of them though!! Hoosier Hugs, nicole (Stop #15)

Beverly Kissler said...

I love the #1 card. You have an awesome style o your work.

ann Leek (jnaleek@netzero.com) said...

I love #3 best. I am a Pacific Pointe kinda girl! Thanks for the inspiration!

Darla Edwards said...

Tough to decide as they are all beautiful! If I have to pick... I love the pink/gray one using the scallop circle punch. It is so delicate and makes such a sweet card. Great job on all of them! Thanks for the tour! Darla

Cheryl Walker said...

they are all soooo pretty, and I love them all, I guess I could say #3

lisa808 said...

Choosing a favorite is always so hard! I would have to say the first one. I like the colors you used. Also, the card looks so soft and pretty. Thanks for sharing, for the fun blog hop, and for the chance to win a great prize! I'm off to my next stop...

Brenda Myers said...

These are all beautiful cards!! I love this set and since using it at Regionals I may have to order it. The Mini by itself didn't sell me on this set. I like the third card the best, the colors are great together!!

Heather Arsenault said...

All the cards are great. My fave is the first one though. I guess that I am excluded from the draw but thought that I should leave a comment anyway. TFS.

Pam said...

Outstanding job! Love it all! Thanks for sharing.

Jane said...

I like the gray and pink card. Mostly because I like two step stamping.
Jane Mykleby
janemykleby@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

What beautiful cards you've created! My favorite is card #2 with all the layered circles. I love the simplicity of this card, and Riding Hood Red/Basic Gray is one of my favorite color combos.

Joyce

Mastiff Mom said...

i love the thrid card, great job!

Teri C said...

All the cards are great, but I like #1 the best. Thanks for the chance to win.

Kathy W said...

they are all beautiful, but like the 3rd the best- because I have such a hard time with pacific point and love what you came up with!

Tami Black said...

I don't own this set yet, but I am thinking it has to be added to the list. Love the ways you used it!

KellyRae said...

My fav is also the third card with Pacific Point. I love the color combo and how that little bit of Choc Chip really makes everything else POP. And I LOVE LOVE the layered tag look where you changed shapes. Awesome idea.

Zoe said...

Loved all the cards, but I really like the the first one. By the way CUTE puppy!!

Jeannie said...

I love the first card too -- mainly because it reminds me of my favorite designer paper of all time, Afternoon Tea! All of your samples are beautiful though! TFS!

Jenn D said...

All of your cards are fabulous and I can't pick a favorite because they all have such great layouts and color combos.

Dawn said...

Wonderful cards! My fave is the last one - love that blue!

Brenda Cook said...

I like them all! LOL

Would love to know more about how to utilize your card formats with other stamp sets.

Brenda Cook
brenda@cardscraps.com

Mom-Mom Gail said...

The Pacific POint card is my favorite. The color is beautiful!

pookiepea said...

These are all great but I am drwn to the second one. I love the grey and pink combo.

Dawn

Mom-Mom Gail said...

All od the cards are great, the last card caught my eye!

spncezoo@erols.com

Kate Cecil said...

Your cards are so pretty! I'll have to pull out my set and play with it today! thanks for sharing in the blog tour fun.

Anita said...

My favorite would be the first. I love how you paper pierced the corners and the colors are so beautiful together.

Anonymous said...

I like the frist card the best. It looks like it is very intircate but the paper piercing template probably made it a breeze! It is a card that I consider doable.

Unknown said...

They are all truly wonderful, butI love the pink and grey one. I love all the layers of circles, the color combo and the stamping.

kjbirrell@netsurfusa.net

Jennifer Scull said...

beautiful cards! my fave is probably the middle one as I really like the layering of the circles. That image is my fave of the ones in the set.

this has been such a fun blog tour! :) thanks!

Anonymous said...

I like the second card because of the color combination. I have been wanting to use a similar one and have not gotten the chance. Maybe today!
blwaganer@gmail.com

Carrie said...

I love the last card. Turquoise is one of my favorites, and I love that with green! :) What great blog candy!

Carrie Atkinson carrieatkinson@hotmail.com

Rachel B said...

Wow, this is an amazing tour. You are almost my last stop today since I started with Tiffany! Your cards are beautiful, and my favorite is the 2nd card that says thanks so much. Though they are all beautiful.
Rachel B
rabogner@cableone.net

breezeg said...

I love the third card it is truly a beautiful color combo. I will also be sad when these incolors are gone. They have been so pretty and versatile. TFS your awesome work.

Nancy l :^) said...

Great Job! Love your samples. Don't put me in the drawing as I am part of this Tour #1. Woo-Hoo! Love it!

Julie A. said...

Hello Diane-

Thank you so much for all of the beautiful samples. I think all of them are beautiful, but I would have to say that I like the one done is Pacific Point the most. I agree with you about the current in-colors. They will be very hard to top!

Thank you for the chance to win your blog candy. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Julie A.
thearvins@verizon.net

Stacy Bennett said...

I love the pacific point and kiwi kiss colors in your last card! So cute! Thanks for the great blog candy!

Nicole Tugrul said...

I loved all your cards, just beautiful! My favorite is the last card, I like the way you used three different punches to make your greeting stand out.

Diana said...

I really like the last card you posted, I think it's the color combinations I liked best.
akadi14@aol.com

Stampin' With Angie said...

I like the 1st card because it reminds me of my grandmother. It's just so elegant looking and she would really like the blossoms. Very pretty!

Angie
adp_1023(at)yahoo(dot)com

Nicki S said...

I like the first one, So Very Sorry, the best. The colors are beautiful, and I like the added touch of the paper piercings in the corners.
Email: designer_purple(at)yahoo(dot)com

Elaine said...

I love the last card, kiwi kiss and pacific point, lovely

Carpenters' said...

Thanks for a chance to win. My fav card is your last one with the blues... so bright and beautiful.
LaRene
carp81067(at)gmail(dot)com

Janice said...

I love this set and the samples you've made are beautiful...I'm only seeing 2 samples. But my favorite is the Blue one. Love the layout.

Suzanne said...

I love the color combo of the Pacific Point & Kiwi. It just seems to stand out.

Unknown said...

Great job showcasing this stamp set!!! Love all your cards!!

RockerJewlz said...

Love the soft tones of color, very nice

RockerJewlz said...

The first card is my favorite due to the softness of the colors.

Sunflower Stamper said...

Great projects, great idea this tour. Cutting into my productivity today-but that's OK! I needed inspiration. Thanks for sharing!

Sally HP said...

i love, love, love the middle card. The berries are so simple, and I love simple. It still has enough embellishment to say "I've put some time and thought into this" without being over the top. What a great card!

Jane said...

Your cards are all beautiful but I think I prefer the 3rd one ( colors got me)
Jane B

Wendy Hawkinson said...

I love them all, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be the third card. I love the colors and I like that you used the oval punch w/ the circles for the sentiment. I just like the way that looks. :)

Thanks for participating in the tour. I'm lovin' it!

Paula said...

I like the pink card #2, just because it is different.

Unknown said...

Love the Soft Summer one! Gorgeous!

carolm said...

the third card is my favorite. i love the kiwi with the pacific point.

cheers ~ carol marbach

Anonymous said...

Fabulous Color Choices!!!!!!! I am going to have to case these cards! Thank you for sharing.

sheree.harris@yahoo.com

Margaret Raburn said...

Sheeh, I love all three but I guess I'd choose the first one. They are all beautiful. Thanks for all your work on the tour!

Stampin'Kat said...

While all of the cards are fantastic! love this set! the round card has a pizzazz that i love. not sure how you got such great coloron the buds m but its my fav. thanks.

Judy Lucas said...

I love the first card. It is absolutely beautiful. Nice work!

Judy Lucas

Anonymous said...

I like the third cad best. I just might have to case it!

Rita Couillard

rcouil2001@yahoo.com

Denise Foor Studio PA said...

I really like your Pink Soft Summer "Tahnks So Much" card. Thanks for the samples.

denise_in_pa@embarqmail.com

Going with the Flow By Renee said...

I love all of your cards. The first one is so soft and lovely - it is my favorite! Renee

Shelly Schmidt said...

Not an easy choice....I love blue, so would pick number one, but number two is lovely as well..... I think with me, in the end, blue always wins....... TFS

Denise T. said...

Great cards and I love them all but the second one stands out for me with the scallop and circles. TFS.

Paul Barber said...

#3 is my favorite because of the colors. I like all of them tho!
Thanks for sharing with us!

Melinda said...

all of the cards are great. I think my favorite is the first one. All very inspirational!!
Melinda Whorton

BoxerBrats said...

I love both cards. I really can't pick a favorite. I love your site name, too. I am a dog lover!

Great work, thank you for sharing. This has been a fun tour!

Anonymous said...

Hey Diane,
I guess I can take good directions! I am not too bad.
I already told you how I thought they are all so beautiful,but if I have to choose it would be the 3rd one. I love the color combo, that blue just pops!
Very nice work~ so professional looking.

Anonymous said...

Oh I forgot my email address! shockie1@verizon.net

Patti C. said...

I liked the Thanks so Much card - such bright cheerful colors. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us.
nym1fan@earthlink.net

Tammy said...

I loved all three cards! I loved the paper piecing in the first one. I absolutely loved the colors and the flower in the circle. I liked the third one because of the color, I love bright colors, and also the rhinestones. I would have to say #2 is my favorite but love all 2. Thank you so much for your efforts, time, and talent in doing this blog tour. I had never heard of it or seen one until today! I loved following everyones blogs and seeing all the talent.
Tammy Glaser
tammy029@centurytel.net

Janis Fox said...

I LOVE the 3rd one best--I, too, love Pacific Point, and it looks so bright and yet so cool (it's hot here). Great job on all of them! My email is janis@stampdreams.com

Unknown said...

They are awesome, but Like a lot of others, I pick number 3.
Great job!!

Karen said...

Thanks for sharing. Love the second card. It is set up so nicely with good color choices.

Unknown said...

I have to say that I like the first one best! It is very pretty with its many colors and yet remains soft and easy on the eyes!

angi
http://scrappinoutloud.blogspot.com

Barbara said...

Do I really have to choose just one?!!! They are all so wonderful....but since I must, I'd have to pick the first. I'm a pastel gal and that one is truly lovely.
barbaradondero@yahoo.com

Sarah said...

I love the thrid one, mainly because of the colors, but your technique is wonderful on all of them.
Sarah
sarah@stetlerarts.com

Linda said...

Love your second card! So beautiful!

Alicia said...

I loved the pink and grey with a touch of red. I'm glad you looped the tour because I started in the middle. awilhelmatcomcastdotnet

sue said...

my fav would be the 3rd one
the dog is in a very tight race though
both are adorable
sue m

Nancy L. said...

I love your second card, the one with the circles!! It looks so real! Thanks for sharing your cards!

rush8888 said...

i am partial to #1...light and airy...like spring...

Kimberly Johnson said...

My fav is the final one....just love that color combo on almost anything! Plus the use of bling!

Kim's Life said...

The Blue card is my favorite and I like the sentiment. Sometimes, I think people need to get back to being Kind!

Thank you for sharing your cards! Very inspiring!

Anonymous said...

I like the 3rd card the best. I love the colors.

Janis Miller
janstamps@frontiernet.net

Tricia T said...

I love the colors on the 3rd one!! Beautiful!

Tricia
tjtrax@yahoo.com

Sharon Canter said...

I love this set and I love all of your cards! My favorite is the first one because of all the detail you added...paper piercing, the colors, the hodgepodge........just beautiful.
Sharon
sharon_canter@bellsouth.net

Suzanne said...

If I have to choose I choose card number 1. I really like the detail of paper piercing in the corners of the image card stock.
suzannedotbrown17atverizondotnet

Anonymous said...

I like the second card. I love the color combo. Thanks for sharing...on to the next stop! :)
Jenn R.

Karen said...

Wow Susan! These are all lovely and so hard to choose just one. I think the 1st one is it for me. I like the delicacy of it.

Catherine said...

This blog tour is just great. I love what you did with this set and the color combos. Just Great!!

Catherine
Irishcpa@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

I love them all! I guess if I have to choose one, it would have to be the 3rd one. I, too love the Pacific Point color! Thanks for sharing!
mz.teri@sbcglobal.net

Gary and Kelli said...

The first card you made is precious!!! I am loving this ride!!! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Loving the 2nd card. Simple yet lovely!

davilaam@msu.edu

Mary Davis said...

I can't choose which is my favorite card. I love them all. If I absolutely had to choose I would pick #3 for the color. I haven't seen many cards done in this color so I am loving it even more. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I would pick the square card (#2)it's a great color combo!
Regina
busyworkn@att.net

vickiw said...

This has been fun, thanks
I like the 3rd one best but all of them are great
vickiw84@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I like the card with Pacific Point best. Love that color!

thestampinglady said...

I too love the Pacific Point card--anything in blue--that's for me! All your projects were very nice. Thanks for being a part of this blog hop!
djstamper2003 at yahoo dot com

Taylor Chase Graham said...

I love all your cards, but my favorite is the last one. I agree, this year's in colors are going to be sorely missed!
Alicia
alicia.graham@comcast.net

Kay said...

Hi- I love all your cards but the middle pink one is my choice. I love pink and I like the center image! Hugs Kay Mespelt (petking@vcn.com)

MJ said...

Hmmm, I swear I left a comment here already but I don't see it. You did a fabulous job with the chosen set. Great cards.

Karen B. said...

I like the last card the best, especially because of the colors. Pacific Point is one of my favorite colors and I will be sad to see it go!
kbroen[at]cox[dot]net

Joyce Spear said...

All of these cards are lovely, but I'm most drawn to the last one, probably because Pacific Point is my favorite of the current In Colors.
I just subscribed for updates to your blog, so I look forward to seeing more of your work!
Joyce Spear
stamperjoyce at AOL dot com
www.stamperjoyce.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

My fav card is the one with the pacific point I love that color wish they would keep it forever
bethbuzz@live.com

Gayle said...

Spring and flowers go together. I love your flowers. Thanks for sharing with us.

Gayle Taylor
gaylememories@sbcglobal.net
Abilene, TX

Chas said...

Hello there! I love your cards-they are simple, but elegant! Thanks for taking part in the tour!

Chas said...

Chastity Broeker
clbroeker@insightbb.com

Lisa Goates said...

I think the 3rd card is the one I like the best, because pastels immediately come to mind when I see that set, but the pacific point and kiwi kiss work really well too! Much more vibrant! Hoping I win the blog candy! Lisa Goates @ goates4@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I love the last one due to the colors you used. That Blue is so beautiful.

Alessandra Reyes
alita@aol.com

Jenna Cotton said...

# 3 is my favorite, although they all are fabulous. Pacific point always just grabs me!! I'm so excited to be beginning the blog tour! What a wonderful start!
Jenna
cottonfamilyfive@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Diane,
All three are wonderful but the 1st is my fav, I really like how the paper piercing frames the flowers.
Cindy
randcgarner@msn.com

Charlotte Cook said...

I like the 2nd card best but very hard to pick. All of them are great! Love the balance w/ the circles and the color combo
TFS.
Charlotte Cook
cacook10@bellsouth.net

Sharon said...

They are all beautiful but the first one is my favorite!

http://inkiefinger.blogspot.com/

KatiecraftyMom said...

I liked the second card with scallop circle. I guess I like the organization of it and the layers.
stampitwithkate@gmail.com

Unknown said...

They're all wonderful, but the last one is my favorite.

Cheryl
lovetostampandscrap@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I like your first one the best. I love that stamp set (mine gets here Thursday) and the coloring and the DSP look so good together.

Nancy (smithr66@yahoo.com)

EValeen said...

I got hooked on this set at Regionals in January and just had to have it. Like you I was drawn more to the larger flowers, but the more I use the smaller ones I adore them also. All the cards are so beautiful it is hard to choose - but since you're making me I will go with #2. I love the circle and scallop layers and seem drawn to square cards lately. Thanks so much for inviting me to tour!

Anonymous said...

I love the third one as well. The colors remind me of spring. All of them are great--can't beat SU. See you along the way...
Debbie G

Anonymous said...

There all are very pretty but I will say #2 is my favorite. Love the colors.
Carol H.
clh3630@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Very very beautiful creations! Now I want to get this set too!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

Pat S. said...

Hi Diane! This blog tour is such a clever idea...thanks for allowing us to view so many beautiful projects!
My favorite is card #1. I am all about pastels. That card is so soothing to me.
Thanks for a chance to win!

scrappinsarah said...

I LOVE these cards!!! Now I want this set! Great job! I love the idea of the blog tour!

Kristy Lounder said...

I love the colors in the third one!

scrappingnana said...

I like all of them, but the first one is my favorite. I like the soft colors and the pierced corners. I love this stamp set also.

loyaz said...

I am loving them all but if I had to pick, I'd probably maybe go for the Coral. You did a great job
DianeL
loyaz1@wbhsi.net