GDP406 You Warm My Heart

 Hello there! Today's card is for the Global Design Project challenge #406. 

I played with this sketch so long it started to feel like work. Ugh!! Some days that happens, right? In the end, I'm happy with the result. But, man, it was a hard-fought battle. Here's my final card...

Part of my original struggle was that I wanted to use a specific sheet of DSP from the fabulous Delightfully Eclectic pack. The striped design is very 70's to me and I felt like that would go great with the adorable thermoses in Warmest Heart from the new September-December mini catalog. Well, what I discovered (not for the first time!) was that forcing something never works!! After four other cards, trying to make the DSP work, I tried Night of Navy card stock for the back piece and VOILA! It all came together and I love the end result. I guess that's why they're called challenges, huh? 

This photopolymer set is adorable and is also offered as a bundle with dies. They will be available on September 6th. One of the many benefits of being an SU! Demonstrator is that we get to pre-order new products typically a month ahead of customers. This gives us time to make samples and play with the products. Have I mentioned how much I love being an SU! Demonstrator!?! 

If you are interested in joining my team, shoot me an email (smostamps@gmail.com). I'd love to help you get started! You can join as a side hustle or just for the discount. We call those hobby demonstrators. That's what I've been for the past 19+ years. Now's a great time to join because you can order from the September-December mini catalog as part of your starter kit!! It's full of fabulous fall and holiday products!!

I'm off to my in-laws to celebrate my sister-in-law's and my youngest son's birthdays. At my son's request, I made a chocolate cake with chocolate icing. YUM! Now I just need to get it to their house in one piece. Haha!

Have a great rest of your weekend! Thanks for popping by!

~Shawn

FMS597 On My Mind

Hello there! My name is Shawn Marie O'Connell and I'm an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Welcome!

What a week! Finally got into my stamp room today and worked on the Freshly Made Sketches challenge. 

This challenge was, well ... challenging! haha! I made two cards and, honestly, I'm not thrilled with either. Oh well, sometimes that happens! I used the Delightfully Eclectic DSP as the background for both cards. I am absolutely LOVING this stack of DSP. It's a HUGE stack and full of super fun prints. 

For this card, I wish I would've placed the Pretty Peacock strip along the far right side instead of along the bottom. This print is one of my favorites in the pack of DSP.

Here's a version with less contrast. A softer version of the first.

I send a lot of "thinking of you" cards. One of these will be going to my Aunt Sandy. She asked me to make some cards for her to send to several friends who were recently diagnosed with cancer. As I mentioned in one of my first posts, my Aunt Sandy is the person who inspired my love of cards and sending happy mail. One of these cards will be sent to her, along with the ones she requested.

How about you? What's the type of card you send most often? I'd love to hear in the comments.

I have Stamp Class at my house tomorrow night. It's a fun night hanging out with the ladies! Cards, friendship, laughter, snacks ...what more could you ask for? If you're in the Southern Lancaster County area and want to join us sometime, please email me at smostamps@gmail.com.

Wishing you all a great weekend! Thanks for popping by!

~Shawn

Project Details - All Products Stampin’ Up! Unless Otherwise Noted
Stamps	Good Feelings
Cardstock & Papers	Crushed Curry, Petal Pink, Pretty Peacock, Whisper White, Delightfully Eclectic DSP
Ink	Pretty Peacock
Accessories	Iridescent Pearls
Tools	Nested Essentials dies, Stampin’ Dimensionals