MAY06VSN MASTER CHALLENGE THREAD

[studbo]

This is the Master challenge thread for May VSN. Here you will find all of the challenges posted for both the Cinco de Mayo party on Friday (starting at 7:30pm EDT) and the regular VSN on Saturday (starting at 2pm EDT).


Subscribe to this thread so you will get updates when the challenges are posted. To do so, go under "Thread Tools" at the top of this post and choose "Subscribe to Thread".


There will be an individual "chat" thread for each challenge, posted by the host or hostess. There you can ask questions about the challenge. It is not necessary to post a link to your creation, however you can if you want.


This thread is ONLY for the challenges during VSN! Please DO NOT post to this thread!!! It will remain open so everyone can subscribe, however, it is to be used for challenge wordings and nothing else. Please post all questions regarding a challenge on the chat thread where the host and hostesses will gladly answer them.


Now let's get ready to party!!!

[studbo]

MAY06VSNA 7:30 PM ET� �SUMMER FUN� (KIDS ONLY)
(anything and everything to do with summer).
Senorita: raduse

Hey kids, what's the best thing about the last day of school (besides no school for a couple of months)? Summer Time!!! Sarah (9 y/o DD) and I are excited to be hosting this challenge. For the next 45 min we'll need you to stamp something that reminds you about summer fun. There will be 4 age groups, so make sure you use the right keyword.

MAY06VSNA04 (Ages 0 � 4)
MAY06VSNA58 (Ages 5 � 8 )
MAY06VSNA913 (Ages 9 � 13)
MAY06VSNA1417 (Ages 14 � 17)

Remember only one submission per child. The only supplies you'll need are your imagination, ink, paper, and something to color with (colored pencils, crayons, markers). On Sarah's Time For Fun sample, she trimmed the bottom of the card with Cotton Candy decorative scissors; same with the carnival/fair card. Both the beach and fish cards have areas highlighted with glitter.

Post any and all questions in the summer fun chat thread.
And please remember to put MAY06VSNA and your respective age group in your keywords.

[clmcdm1996]

MAY06VSNA1: 7:30 PM EST � �CUT IT OUT!�
Senorita: Rox71

Cinco de Mayo is a party that celebrates freedom and liberty. So to anyone who wants to take freedom and liberty away from us we just want to say "CUT IT OUT"!

One or more stamped images on your card must be cut out with SCISSORS! Stamp it, cut it out and add it to your card!
No punches, die cuts, Coluzzle or purchased printed images are allowed.

This is a good way to use a partial image, for example the butterfly on my yellow card is from Garden Collage.
Both of my cards were 35 to 45 minutes including clean up!

Don't forget to put "MAY06VSNA1" in the keywords line so I can find your creation in the gallery for judging! Upper or lower case does not matter just get it in there.

[studbo]

MAY06VSNB: 8:15 ET � �Dazzle Me with your Diamonds�
Senorita: BasketMom

Who doesn't love diamonds??? Tonight I'd like you to dazzle me with your diamond stamps and accessories! This challenge requires you to use DIAMONDS anywhere and everywhere on your cards.

There are numerous ways you could make your creations into �a girl's best friend�. Here are a few examples but don't limit yourself to these suggestions:
� Print Pattern or Harlequin BG stamps
� Dazzling Diamonds glitter
� Diamond Ring stamps
� Diamond brads or eyelets
� Diamond-like stick-on jewels
� Diamond patterned paper
� Diamond shapes or die-cuts
� Diamond punches

When you upload your photo, please be sure to include all the different types of DIAMOND stamps and accessories you used, in case it�s not obvious.

In addition to the three winners, I'm giving out a special prize that my husband will select from the entries.

Don�t forget to put MAY06VSNB in all caps in the keywords section when you upload!

The following cards were made to dazzle your inspiration! The diamond-like jewels on the first card are hard to see in a scan � so that's why I need everyone to put what diamond items they used in their description so I don't over look anyone's efforts.

[clmcdm1996]

MAY06VSNC: 9:00 ET � "Bubble, Bubble, Paper Trouble!"
Senor: krabearkub

Hello fellow stampers,

I hope you enjoy participating in this challenge as much as I enjoyed writing it out! You get to use the Bubble Background Technique to create a striking piece of paper to use on a card, scrapbook page or anything you want to stamp. If you don't have re-inkers you can use food coloring as a substitute.

Instructions:

In a shallow container, (like the plastic containers SU stamps come in) mix a small amount of water and dishwashing liquid. Add several drops of ink to the mixture. Note: the color will be richest from bubbles closest to the surface of the water. If you produce too many bubbles, the ones at the top may transfer little or no color.

Place the end of a drinking straw in the water and blow out until the water is covered with a layer of bubbles. Note: for more bubbles, add more dishwashing liquid.

Press a piece of cardstock into the bubbles. The bubbles will pop and tint the cardstock. Note: if the color isn't transferring to the cardstock, or the color is too light, add more food coloring and repeat the technique.

Place wet bubbly cardstock between two paper towels and let it dry for 3-4 minutes. Note: while the paper is drying you can work on the layout of your card, the colors, which stamps to use, etc.

If you have enough time and/or you desire to, you can repeat steps 1-4 with different color(s) of ink.

You have 45 minutes to complete this challenge.

Don't forget to put MAY06VSNC in your photo's keywords so I can find it for judging purposes.

[studbo]

MAY06VSND: 9:45 ET � �You can�t RESIST VSN!�
Senorita: GuarinoMom

Hola Amigo�s. Are you ready to party?!?!

My challenge to you is the Resist Resist technique. Basically it is combining the emboss resist and the versamark resist.

Here's two examples already in my gallery:
Gallery at Splitcoaststampers
Gallery at Splitcoaststampers

And 2 examples from the fabulous gal who inspired this challenge for me.
Forums at Splitcoaststampers
Forums at Splitcoaststampers


Basic directions for the two techniques:
Emboss resist: stamp with versamark on glossy paper. emboss with clear embossing powder. When you apply the ink with a sponge or brayer, the embossed images with resist the ink. You might have to use a tissue to sop up any extra ink that remains on the images.

versamark resist: stamp with versamark on glossy paper. using a sponge or brayer, apply ink to the paper. the versamarked images will resist the ink and leave a faint image.

To combine the two techniques:
Stamp the images you want to bold and white with versamark , sprinkle with clear emboss and emboss. Don't smear on the ink yet. Stamp the images you want to be 'softer' in versamark. Then smear/brayer on the inks.

And, you MUST do the clear embossed images FIRST. If you try to do the other images first (the ones for versamark resist), when you sprinkle on the EP for the emboss resist images, your EP will stick to ALL the images. Might be a cool effect, but not what we are going for today.


As always, if you have questions, please ask. If you have suggestions, please share!
When you upload, please put May06VSND in the keyword section when you upload.
You do not have to post to the chat thread for your card to be seen for voting. Just make sure you have May06VSND in the keyword section.

A special thanks to Beth/showmestamper for the inspiration for this challenge.

If you need help with uploading your card to the gallery or posting a link, click here!

[clmcdm1996]

MAY06VSNE: 10:30 ET � �It's a Ribbon Fiesta!�
Senorita: jen 70

I'm REALLY into ribbon right now.
I love plain and patterned, wide and narrow.
Show me how you use ribbon on a card.
And upload it by (2:00 ET) tomorrow.

You may use more embellishments with your ribbon.
Or using ribbons alone could be a win.
Less is more... and sometimes it's not!
Be creative! Show me what you've got!

Don�t forget to put MAY06VSNE in your keywords for judging purposes.

[studbo]

MAY06VSNF: 11:15 ET � �Cinco y Cinco de Mayo�
Senorita: MoreStamps!


Pull out your Mucho Grande ones and get ready to use them.
Let�s use your not quite Cinco (5) by more than Cinco (5) backgrounds

Use only the big (grande) ones 4 � by 5 � inch.
It�s a background only challenge!

You may use any and all big background stamps plus alphabets, words, and/or quotes.
Now that we�re all loaded up on backgrounds from the Stampin� Up March special, let�s put them to use.

Don�t forget to put MAY06VSNF in your keywords for judging purposes.

[clmcdm1996]

That's the last challenge of the night.
Be here tomorrow at 2:00 ET for the fun to start again.
Just a reminder to double check that you have the correct keywords in your submissions for judging.

[clmcdm1996]

MAY06VSNG: 2:00 ET – “April Showers, Bring May Flowers” (KIDS ONLY!)
Senorita: stamphappy6805

Hey kids, ready to have some fun with flowers? Our challenge is called April Showers, Bring May Flowers. We have lived through the rain and are more than ready to se some lovely May flowers. Your challenge is to use flowers in as many creative ways as you can on your card.

You will need flower stamps, punches, and embellishments. Use your creativity.

The age groups are as follows:
MAY06VSNG04 (Ages 0 – 4)
MAY06VSNG58 (Ages 5 – 8 )
MAY06VSNG913 (Ages 9 – 13)
MAY06VSNG1417 (Ages 14 – 17)

Please use these codes in the keyword section so that we can find your wonderful creation for judging.

If an adult did the card, please just use MAY06VSNG and put a note in the comments section that is was done by an adult.
Go forth, create and mostly have fun. You have 45 minutes

Colleen (age 11) and stamphappy6805

[clmcdm1996]

MAY06VSNG1: 2:00 ET � �Color Fiesta!"
Senorita: jmecker

Your challenge is to make a card with at least four different colors of cardstock. The catch is that those colors have to come from different Stampin' Up color families- at least one color from each! If you do not have SU cardstock, close your eyes, choose four (or more) colors, and work with it!

Below are two examples of working with these random colors. With the Loads of Love card, I chose the colors without looking. (Does it show? LOL).

Creativity in coming up with outrageous colors that you make work together will be taken into consideration when awarding prizes!

Be sure to put MAY06VSNG1 in your keyword line so I can find your fun creations! Now, go play with color!!

Don�t forget to put MAY06VSNG1 in your keywords for judging purposes.

[clmcdm1996]

MAY06VSNH: 2:45 ET � �Grab your Grapas and Margaraitas!�
Senorita: nasmith1701

Staples make a great accent on cards!

Staples can be used in place of adhesive, or as a great embellishment. Get creative!

Don�t have any colored staples? Get out your sharpies!! You can color your staples with sharpies to coordinate with any project you are doing. The silver (regular) staples also work great!

How you incorporate the staples into your card is totally up to you.


**VERY IMPORTANT! Don�t forget to put �MAY06VSNH� all in CAPS in the keywords so I can find your creation for judging!**

Questions? Post away! I'll be here!

[studbo]

MAY06VSNI: 3:30 ET � "I Get the Message�.The Hidden Message!"
Senorita: Winnie_555

Greetings! Here is your next challenge:

Hide a secret message somewhere on your card! Whether it's a secret tag slid behind an image, or an image that flips up, hide a secret message somewhere. The message should not be immediately visible, but with a little work, the recipient will be able to find it!

Please post a photo of your card with the message hidden and also one with it visible. If it isn't immediately obvious how the message is hidden, please include details in the photo description!

So grab that margarita and start stamping!

Don't forget to put MAY06VSNI in all caps in the keywords section when you upload!

[studbo]

MAY06VSNJ: 4:15 ET � �It's a Small World: Celebrating Diversity �
Senorita: stampingdenise
So many cultures on this rock of ours! Let's celebrate our diversity! This challenge asks you to use some international inspiration to create a card or scrapbook page. It's pretty easy, actually. Try to use a nationality or ethnic or culture element that is different from your own� However, if you want to celebrate your own, that's OK, too! I just ask that if you do your own nation/language/ethnic group that it's done in a patriotic way and celebrates it.
Here's some sources of inspiration:
Flag colors
Words in another language
Cultural icons
Color schemes typical of a culture or nationality
If your theme is a bit more obscure, please include it in your description. Have fun with this one.
I'm using the following samples I created myself.
Here are some additional samples in the gallery that fit the theme.
Under the Tuscan Sun
Gallery at Splitcoaststampers
Italy Scrapbook Page
Gallery at Splitcoaststampers
Chinese Wedding
Gallery at Splitcoaststampers
Swedish Card
Gallery at Splitcoaststampers
Paris
Gallery at Splitcoaststampers
Merci
Gallery at Splitcoaststampers

Be sure to use MAY06VSNJ in the keyword when you upload to include your card in judging. You do not need to include a link in this thread for your card to be judged.

[clmcdm1996]

MAY06VSNK: 5:00 ET ��Keep an Abierto (Open) Mind�
Senorita: Jus Colorado

Challenge Description: We are all used to making your standard issue cards that open from the side or the bottom. But, lately I have noticed some really cool samples in the gallery of cards that look a little different than your everyday card.

Your challenge is to make a card that uses special folds, tabs, cuts, or cardstock pieces to make an interesting opening or other clever way to display the images and sentiments. I know you have seen some of these around. There are tri-fold cards, buckle cards, magic slider cards, waterfall cards, pull-tab cards, and many more. Take an idea you�ve seen before or do some fancy footwork and come up with your own design.

Have fun, be creative, and make sure that you don�t focus so much on the design that you run out of time to add your fantastic stamped images. After all, what�s a handmade, hand-stamped card without the stamping?

When you upload, it might be a good idea to upload two photos of your creation if one photo doesn�t really showcase the card�s technical merits and complete and utter brilliance! J

Don�t forget to put MAY06VSNK in your keywords! I can�t wait to see what you come up with.

[clmcdm1996]

Second sample.

[clmcdm1996]

MAY06VSNL: 5:45 pm ET � �Tag Tango�
Se�orita: BettyBoop032004


�Hola mis amigos!
�Goza usted la Fiesta todav�a? ~~ Are you enjoying the Fiesta yet?

Well what is a Fiesta without some dancing�.Let�s do the Tag Tango!!!

You know those really cute 3-D tags you see in the stores, the ones that are pre-made and ready to go on your scrapbook pages, cards etc.? You know the ones with different layers of paper, ribbon, images and embellishments?

These tags are sold at Wal-Mart: 3 tags for $4.00 (I can buy 4 pounds of card stock at Hollos (a paper warehouse) for that!)

Your challenge is to create one of those fancy little 3-D tags!
They are simple and easy and no one should spend that much money on simple little tags.

Get Creative!
Get out your 3-D dots, ribbon, embellishments, threads anything you can think of to create a fabulous tag!

Rules:
This is to be a tag that you create using layers of paper and your creative uses of embellishments to make a 3-D tag. This tag can take on any shape and size (within reason) that you wish. Remember this tag can then be an embellishment itself for your card or scrapbook page so please do not submit something the size of a card front. Create a tag that will go on your card front. Please if you have any questions let me know! Also, this is VSN so please stamp something on this tag!


You do not have to post a link to your creation or a thumbnail in the chat thread to be judged, I will be looking at each entry through the gallery.

Don�t forget to put MAY06VSNL in all caps in the keywords so I can find your creations! �Gracias!

[studbo]

MAY06VSNM: 6:30 ET � �Don't Forget the Balloons!�
Hostess: StampinDeedee

What's a fiesta without balloons? Only at this fiesta, we won't be blowing them up, we'll be filling them up, then stamping with them! Here's the challenge:

Fill a deflated latex balloon with about 1/2 cup of small textured objects, such as grains of rice, macaroni, jelly beans, or a mix thereof. Tie off the balloon tightly close to the lump of textured material. Press the balloon into an ink pad, then stamp on cardstock. The texture from whatever you filled the balloon with will create a really interesting background for a card or scrapbook page! So pull out those balloons, and show me where your creativity takes you!

I will be hanging around the "MAY06VSNM: Don't Forget the Balloons!" chat thread to answer any questions you might have. Please remember that you do NOT need to attach a link in the chat thread in order for your entry to be judged, but you DO need to enter MAY06VSNM in the keywords of your entry when you upload. Happy stamping!

[studbo]

MAY06VSNN 7:15PM EDT - FUNKY FAUX CLAY
Senora-Skyesmom

What does every fiesta need? Some funk!! This technique is sure to add some funk to any project.

This is what you'll need:
Fun Foam by Darice
Heat Gun
Stamps
markers (optional)

Your challenge: Create the illusion of polymer clay

The steps are easy and it will only take a few minutes
Take a sheet of colored foam and zap with your heat gun until the foam starts to sparkle. The foam will buckle a little but that is okay this is a sign that the foam is almost hot enough. Be careful not to burn it!!!! Then take your stamp and press firmly until the clay has cooled off. Voila!! You have faux clay in minutes. You can use some markers to highlight your impressions. Have fun!!!

Don't forget to type in the keyword section MAY06VSNN

[clmcdm1996]

MAY06VSNO: 8:00 ET � �Love your curves!/Gusta sus curvas!�
Senorita: tashers


For this challenge, you must make a card that incorporates curves or rounded edges. Try to think up ideas of interesting curvy shapes. A few ideas to get you going�hearts, flowers, circles, ovals. You may have straight edges on your card, but the point is to make a card that goes beyond the normal square or rectangle shape. I want to see some really unique, curvalicious shapes!
Some tips�

• Sketch a shape on a pre-folded card to ensure that it will fit in the standard envelopes
• If you're not comfortable with drawing a curvy shape, trace something or print off some clip art
• Hero Arts provided an excellent tutorial on fun-shaped cards a few weeks ago: http://www.heroarts.com/learning/tec....cfm?techID=73

Don�t forget to put MAY06VSNO in your keyword for judging purposes.

[clmcdm1996]

MAY06VSNP � 8:45 EST � �Acapulco Bound with Less than a String Bikini�
Senorita: dpierstamper


Dyed string art
Challenge description: I don�t have the figure for that string bikini anyhow. So our challenge tonight will be dyed string art on cardstock to create a fantastic background.

Here's what you do. Select some reinkers that would you like to use. You will need a corresponding number of cups. I use those little Dixie cups that only hold a couple of ounces. You will also need some string, recycled from packaging or just a cheap piece of cotton craft string.

You may want to wear rubber gloves if you don�t like the pretty color reinker will leave on your fingers. Put several drops of reinker in your small cup. Cut pieces of string about 12 to 18 inches long. Drop a piece of string into the ink. Press the string into the ink and let it set while you get the rest ready. Cover your workspace with newspaper or other protection as this gets messy during the process.

Use a piece of light cardstock. Either fold the cardstock in half expecting to get two pieces of usable backgrounds from one piece of paper or have a piece of scrap paper handy and cut your cardstock to a size slightly larger than what you need for a card front. Place your cardstock on the newspaper and loop and swirl the dyed string over the top. Place the folded half of the cardstock on top so you have a sandwich of paper, string, and paper. You will leave a small end of the string hanging out of the sandwich. Now place the flat of you hand on the top layer, spread your fingers apart, and apply firm pressure to hold the sandwich together. I usually stand up while I do this to keep the pressure on the top piece of paper. As you press with one hand, pull the string end with the other. Continue to apply pressure with the flat of you hand while you pull the string loose. Use one color, two colors, three or more. Use a new piece of string with each color. The CS should dry quickly and then you can either stamp on top or layer on top of it to create your card. BE CAREFUL! As you pull this out there will be some splattering and the string will dye anything it touches such as countertops. Paper towels come in handy.

Don�t forget to put MAY06VSNP in all caps in the keyword section when you upload!

[studbo]

MAY06VSNQ: 9:30 ET � �Feast at Fiesta!�
Senorita -- peggysue


All that stamping make you hungry? What's a fiesta without food? Rummage through your kitchen cupboards, or if you're on the road, reach into your pocket for a fuzzy old mint. Your challenge is to make a card that somewhere in the design incorporate real food -- beans, pasta, candy, burritos -- whatever you want to use for your design.

You'll find my samples attached as thumbnails. Don�t forget to put MAY06VSNQ in the keywords.Hope this helps spark your appetite . . . er, creativity. Say ole! and start creating!

Feast at Fiesta!

[studbo]

MAY06VSNR: 10:15 ET � �Wipe Those Stripes�
Senorita: scrown8301

I recently went to the Stampin� Up Regional Seminar in Kansas City and I saw this technique done. As soon as I saw it I knew it would make an excellent VSN challenge. Shortly after Regionals the call was put out for hostesses for May VSN so I put up this idea. And I was so excited when I got the job as hostess! So what is this great technique you ask?
Why it�s Wipe Those Stripes!!! This is a variation of the baby wipe technique. Here is what you do.
1. Take out your baby wipe and place it on your scratch pad.
2. Then use your reinkers to make a varying striped pattern on the baby wipe.
(*Note- this will soak through so be sure to have extra scratch paper underneath to prevent staining)
3. Now cut your cardstock to just slightly bigger then the desired size, this is so you have a part to hold on to that won't get inky. (I just used the regular Whisper White-it gives the desired look and takes less time to dry then glossy).
4. Drag your cardstock over the stripes you just made.
5. You should now have a fun striped pattern on your cardstock.
6. Cut off the excess cardstock.
7. Now use what you just made on a card. Either as a cool background or as part of the card as I have done in my samples.

It�s that easy! Have fun with this one. Your pattern needs to be striped but other then that you can do whatever your stamping heart desires! (I had to do this a couple of times before I got the look I wanted so don�t get frustrated if you don�t get it on the first shot.)

****VERY IMPORTANT**** Please remember to put MAY06VSNR in the keyword section when you upload your card. This code is what I will use when it comes time to judge.

[clmcdm1996]

MAY06VSNS: 11:00 ET � "Cards con Que-SEW"
Senorita: SweetHeidiJo

Hola amigos and amigas! I hope you aren't too tired for my challenge! My challenge is to make a card with sewing/stitching somewhere on it. Don't worry if you don't have a machine, get out your marker and do some faux stitches or just use a good 'ole needle and thread. I'm not looking for anything specific so go LOCO!!!

My first example below is faux stitching and my second example is real stitching using white embroidery floss and a bigger needle.

Please remember to put "MAY06VSNS" in the keyword so I can find it to judge.
Good luck and most of all, have fun! Can't wait to see what you guys come up with!

[studbo]

This is the last challenge of MAY06VSN! Thanks everyone for playing!! Be sure and have your creations posted by 2pm EDT tomorrow (Sunday) to be eligible for judging.

[clmcdm1996]

And don't forget to comment, comment, comment, on all of the amazing cards.