I’ve hosted several One-for-One swaps over the past year. The response has always been really great, but wait until you see the responses we received from the Summertime Swap. Boy, oh, boy! My mailbox was filled with beautiful, flower-filled cards all through June and July, and I was really excited to mail them back out to you. Now that you’ve started to receive them, I’m going to start sharing them. Woo hoo!
In a series of several posts over the next week, I will share your cards with everyone. Please look them over, admire their beauty and then let the creators know how beautiful their cards are (I already know you’ll be kind with your comments, but I am going to request it, anyway). If you participated in the swap and don’t see the card you received here, please wait to comment on the card when it debuts here. That way, your card creator will be sure to see your comments.
The collection of cards I’ll be sharing might not all have current Stampin’ Up! products (although that was requested), but every card gives good ideas for color combinations, layouts, techniques. WIthout any further ado, here is the first batch of your beautiful cards:
Now, let these artists know how much you appreciate their cards. Which ones stand out to you? Did you receive one of these? If so, please share your thoughts here.
More of these gorgeous cards to come as the week unfolds.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Brian
Still a chance to win some blog candy! Yesterday, I offered some really great products as a blog candy giveaway. All you have to do is leave a comment on yesterday’s post – I’ll select a winner tomorrow. Click here to check out the blog candy post and to leave your comment for a chance to win! You can’t comment too many times. 🙂
As an admirer from afar here in Australia all these cards are truly beautiful – vibrant summery colours that brighten up our Australian winter. Thank you for sharing these creations with us 🙂 and thanks to all the creators.
I was lucky enough to get that beautiful card by Valerie Martin that says Thinking of You . It is really so vibrant with color and the layout is just stunning with all of the individual flowers . The inside of the card is just as pretty . I have it on display so I can enjoy looking at it through the day .Thank you Valerie !!
Hi Sonny!
I am SO relieved that you are not disappointed with your card! This is the first time I have ever participated in anything like this before so I was not sure what to expect. Thank you for your kind words. It was Maria Rodriguez who “gently persuaded” me to participate and I SO glad that she did! She is the BEST!
Valerie
Oh my goodness!!!!! all of this cards are gorgeous, heart felt thanks to all of the creators of this amazing beauties and thank you Brian, for hosting this swaps, I’m happy to see that there are new participants, like my friend Valerie Martin.
Thank you for your sweet friendship and for “gently persuading” me to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. I am SO GLAD that you did!
Valerie
I was the lucky recipient of the Popsicle card by Tracy….it is a great card! I love the layering that she did. Thank you, Tracy…NICE job.
Thank you, Janie!! I was hoping the recipient would like it. This is my first time participating in a card swap and sharing my card publicly!! I appreciate your kind words! Thank you!
And…thank you Brian for managing the swap and for posting the cards….it will be great to see them all.
Yes! And thank you, Brian for hosting the swap! I love your blog!
Many beautiful cards, and I’m sure more to come. Lisa, I received your “Hello Sweet Friend” card and love it! Brian, thanks for organizing the swap, and thanks too for adding the “Pinterest” connection to your blog making it so easy to “pin”.
Wow Lynn’s Heart Card is amazing! I’ve never seen that done, quite unique! We’re off to such a beautiful start with the Swap!
Thank you so much. The technique is called iris folding. Much easier than it looks.
Hoping to win the blog candy. Brian all of your cards are so beautiful. Thanks for sharing your talent with all of us. Happy weekend.
Oh My Goodness!! Each one of these are just GORGEOUS. Traci’s popsicle card is adorable – how DID you do that???? …and the first card by Lynn K – truly a “show stopper”!! Love the others that follow – flowers, butterflies, sunbursts, strawberries – what a collection of talent!!!
Thank you so much Barb
Hi Barb! Thank you for your kind words!! I really appreciate it! I “clear embossed” the popsicles and attached them to a rosette with hot glue. Thank you!
So glad I don’t have to pick a favorite, they are all so colorful and summer like.
My mouth dropped open with the first card as I scrolled down and then I smiled through the whole display. These are fabulous, gorgeous and so creative. Thanks, Brian, for organizing, and thanks everyone for sending such beauties!
Wow! Is all I can say!!
We’re off to an great start on our journey of swap cards! Lynn’s card is lovely with the precise placement of heart layers. Tracy…who doesn’t love popsicles on a hot summer day…cute! Valerie…she shows us how changing he focal point on the same layout gives her card a totally different look, wonderful. Georgina, strawberries are a true summer treat, yummy card. Amy, always fun to watch butterflies flutter around our summer flowers, nice. Traci, such bright vibrant colors, happy. All the cards are true winners. I will be looking forward to seeing my card I received. Another successful swap Brian!
Thank you, Lisa!! I appreciate your nice comment!
They are all such a delight! What a talented and creative bunch. Thank you to all the artists and much thanks to Brian for organizing this swap- I am inspiried to join next go around!
Ladies, this is a GORGEOUS bunch of cards! So much inspiration! Lynn’s card is soft and beautiful. Valerie- thanks for making me “need” a stamp set I didn’t think I needed (Everything Eleanor) LOL! Those flowers are amazing. And Lisa, now I’m searching the catty for that sentiment so I can CASE your card….. THANK YOU ALL!
Cindie, hopefully you check back to read comments. The stamp set is Six-Sided Sampler. It’s great!
Thank you , LIsa!
Hi Cindie!
Yes, I think you DO NEED that stamp set! 🙂 Actually, I think everyone NEEDS that stamp set! 🙂 Thanks for your kind words…but I ended up with Lynn’s gorgeous Iris Folded beauty! That is the ONE that is AMAZING! Lucky me! 🙂
Valerie
Valerie, so so glad you liked it. I loved yours in return, so cute. Can’t wait to see it on Brian’s post so I can comment. I really love that we have people from all over the world connected through Brian.
Every one of these cards is a knockout! Absolutely gorgeous. I do some Iris folding so I super duper appreciate Lynn’s card and Tracy’s ice cream card hit the spot on these 90+ degree days. I must say though that every single one of these cards is “show” worthy. Hmmmmm, I wonder why they don’t have card shows like they have quilt shows??????
Thank you so much, Grace! I appreciate your comment!
Wow! This group is gorgeous! I haven’t done iris folding for many years but this heart one has inspired me to do it again! I love the strawberry one. It is so timely and makes my mouth water! Thanks for hosting, Brian.
Great group of card…have fun at Convention!!! LOVE your blog!
This is going to be a GREAT DAY! How can it not be when the first thing I open when I sit down at my computer is this!
I am the lucky recipient of Lynn’s stunning Iris Folding card! Thank You Brian for sending my this particular card because it is my most favorite of techniques however I do not have the skill or patience for it! I simply adore everything about it…the colors and the my most favorite of flourishes from “Everything Eleanore!” Thank You Lynn for your gorgeous card, I have it on display for all to see!
I had to laugh when I saw Tracy’s card b/c I was nearly in tears yesterday because at 105 degrees HOT and not allowed to have sugar…I was CRAVING a Dreamsicicle in the worst way possible. So Tracy’s card totally sit the spot!
A fresh cool plate of Strawberries at Gerogina’s would be great too! What time shall be come over Gerogina? What a great a cheerful card she made, who would not want to receive that in the mail?
Amy! I am totally addicted to butterflies and you paired them up with my favorite colors…we must be related some how! SWOON!.
Lisa! I have VERY LITTLE current stuff…You must let me know what stamp set(s) you used because that will be on my must have list! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your card. I try not to CASE b/c I feel like I am cheating but I admire this so much…I’d hope you would consider it to be the sincerest form of flattery and not be offended! 😉
I simply adore how Traci used such bright and cheerful colors on this Sun Ray card! I have gotta learn how to do that technique!
Brian, Thank you for hosting this fun swap and for allowing me to participate and to venture out of my comfort zone and spread my wings just a bit. Have fun at convention! 😉
Valerie
Valerie….Please case away! It’s makes me feel good when someone want’s to case my cards. Stamp sets are: Six-Sided Sampler, Flower Shop (both sets are brand new in the 2013-2014 catalog), Summer Silhouettes (this is an oldie and goodie). Also, I used the Pansy Punch and Framelits Labels Collection #4 die ( I count the smallest framelit as #1 and count up to the largest). Hope this helps and Happy Stamping!
Valerie, I’m so happy you decided to participate, your cards are stunning. Ain’t it awesome to see your cards displayed here? I told you it would be fun, I hope you will keep participating in Brian’s future swaps, they are loads of fun.
Oh no!! No sugar on a hot day? That’s terrible! Lol! I glad my card hit the spot! Thank you, Valerie!!
All of these cards are beyond beautiful!
Thanks everyone for the lovely comments on my heart iris fold card. I created it for our summer theme because my husband and I have been invited to 5 weddings this summer ANSI neede something stunning for all the newlyweds. While not probably the style of card you might anticipate for a summer theme, it rang true for me!!
Brian. This group of cards is a bumper summer crop. All of them are stunning. You’re swaps are getting quite a reputation for high quality and amazing creativity. Just like you. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to participate. I can’t wait to see the card I received on a future post.
Lynn
Lynn, when I came here this morning and after reading Brian’s explanation of today’s post, I scrolled down and my eyes stopped and lingered on your card, it’s beautiful and so stylish. I went to U-tube to see the technique and I must say it’s a bit complicated but, I’m sure that with enough practice, it can be accomplished. Thank you for participating, is this your first time? If it is, I hope you continue participating in Brian’s swaps, I think the next one will be for the Holidays and that one is simply amazing.
Hi Maria. This was my second swap with Brian and I will definitely be in all his future ones. I was a little daunted by iris folding when I first saw it in finished form, then I participated in a short little demo class and realized it just looks complicated. I downloaded a free iris folding template from the Internet that can be used for any size opening. There are several templates, depending on your shape. I used the three sided for my heart. With the template underneath and working from the backside of your card you just lay them out in the order indicated. The toughest part of this card was getting the 25th anniversary paper to stick as I needed to attach the shiny side. Opted for glue dots which worked best.
So glad you liked it! I’m a big fan of your water coloring too.
Hi Lynn!
I received your card yesterday and I actually gasped when I opened it! Lynn, it is simple gorgeous! I have 3 daughters and my youngest is 6 and she said ,”Ohhh Momma, You made a pretty card!” and I said, “Oh NO Baby, I did not make this one!” and she said, “Did an angel in Heaven made it for you?” LOL
Isn’t that adorable?
I said, “I don’t think so, this was made by Lynn.” and she said, “She must be an angel!”
Just thought you would enjoy that! 😉
Oh Valerie thank you so much for sharing. And I’m so happy you and your daughter like your card. I love these swaps.
I love all the wonderful cards featured above! I especially like the iris folded card and the one with the cute strawberry made from a heart punch,
I was so fortunate to receive Georgina Haynes’ Strawberry “Thank You” card just as we are in the midst of our own strawberry harvest!! It is sooooooo stinkin’ cute Georgina!! I love the colors that just pop off the page. That little bit of sunshine behind the berry just makes my day. The embossing on the berry looks just like seeds-in-abundance. Great card and such a fun one to receive! Thanks Brian for all the work you’ve done to make this swap possible.
Thank you Colleen ,I am glad you enjoyed it.I had so much fun making this strawberry. I teach a community card class,and I love stampin up.Thanks BK ,our mentor.
Thanks for the awesome display of talent that our wonderful world has. I believe that there are people out there who have as much and even more talent than any o fthe well-known artists have, and this parade of creativity proves it.I love these card swap blogs you arrange, Brian. It is something I look forward to as soon as I hear of your swap. Maybe someday I’ll get up enough nerve to participate. Lois
Lois, I encourage you to participate, this is not a contest, it’s just a chance to show your creativity and all of us here appreciate each other for making and receiving all of this wonderful creations. I hope you give yourself a chance to participate on Brian’s next swap, I think it will be a Holiday swap and that is loads of fun.
Lois,
Maria is right! She encourage me to participate and I did! I saw one of her stunning creations and commented on it and she replied to me and we have become “friends” ever since. Her gentle persuasion got me to crawl out of my box and try something that I though I would NEVER do! I was so shocked to see my cards on here today! I got my swap cards in the mail yesterday and one of the ones that I received was the gorgeous iris folding beauty featured at the top here today by Lynn! What a treasure to behold just to participate! I don’t know who ended up with mine but I feel like I ended up the winner! Come on Lois, the next time Brian hosts another swap…Please consider participating. He is SO NICE and it is a LOT of fun. I am SO glad that I did! 😉
Valerie
This was my first time participating and I’m really glad I did. I always look for to viewing the swaps. It is pretty exciting seeing your work on-line. You should participate in the next one! It’s lots of fun!
The pieced heart card is awesome! Love the design and colors….thanks for sharing all of them.
Julie
These cards are fantastic – thanks for posting
Stunning, Gorgeous, Creative-words are hard to describe these lovely cards. Thank you
Brian for having the share and the awesome job of posting them. Traci-Love the Sunshine
technique as I just learned the “how-to” of it this week. Lynn-love the iris folding, haven’t done it this year yet(my brother lives in Pickerington too!) Lisa-love the embossing, cut out idea Amy-butterflies are one of my favorites. All were beautiful. Thank you for adding
so much beauty to the world. Johanna
Thanks Johanna!
Johanna. Please contact me if you are ever here to visit your brother. Would love to meet fellow Brian Devotee stampers.
Great cards stampers. I love them all.
All of these cards are amazing. I love the brilliant colors and the creative techniques that were used. I am in awe of Lynn’s card. The paper folding technique is difficult and Lynn did a masterful job.
Love the cards everyone! I’m a bit sad I decided against participating this time. 🙁 Brian – leave more time please!!! Post from Australia takes a long time!
I’ve got to case a few of these cards for sure – so inspiring!
Thank you so much, Brian, for hosting the swaps. I always look forward to viewing them and it was really exciting participating this time! I appreciate all of your work hosting them.
All of these cards are beautiful! Thank you, everyone, for sharing.
wow lovely!! I didn’t get to enter this time as I just didn’t have enough hours in the day 🙁 But will do next time & loving what I see here 🙂
How excited was I to find Amy Gehman’s uber cute butterfly card in my mailbox Friday afternoon. Her color combo says summer even before the butterflies were stamped. And it sure cheered up the end of a long and rainy week here in the northeast. Brian…thanks again for taking your time to organize this swap…it’s so much fun!
Kim, so glad you liked the card! I received yours and it’s gorgeous! I don’t think I’m allowed to say more until it’s posted on Brian’s blog, but I want to say that I keep looking at it and love all of the details 🙂 Thank you!
I really like all the cards in this day 1 post. If I wasn’t busy moving, I would have loved to participate. I got in on the previous swap and enjoyed that. Looking forward to next season, Brian.