Heart's Delight Cards

So, What is YOUR Favorite in the Mini?

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

That's the theme of this week's challenge at SUO Challenges! Create something using your favorite stamp set or item from the new Occasions Mini. Well, as much as I love nearly EVERYTHING in that catalog (except the gnomes....I just don't get the appeal), I was head-over-heels ecstatic when I saw the Framelits and Edgelits. I've been longing for thin metal dies, made by our very own company, for like, EVAH!

And, apparently, so has much of the rest of our Design Team, because most of us used them, one way or another, in our cards this week, tee-hee! Hey, we know a good thing when we see it. I was really tempted to use the Bordering on Romance stamp set, too.....so glad I didn't, now that I see what my peeps designed! Long-time followers know that I have to gear up for all the February birthdays coming up, so I went with Crazy for Cupcakes instead.

Thanks for stopping by, and I can't wait to see what YOU choose as a fave from the mini. Maybe one of you can convince me that gnomes are awesome.

Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes, Bring on the Cake
Cardstock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Pear Pizzazz, Chocolate Chip, White Cardstock Vellum
Ink: Cotton White Staz-On, Pink Pirouette, Soft Suede, and Basic Black Classic Pads, plus Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker
Accessories: Big Shot, Labels Collection Framelits, Little Leaves Sizzlits die, Perfect Polka-Dots embossing folder, Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details, Boho Blossoms Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon, Circle Rhinestone Brads, Blender Pens

CASEing Rosalie's Swaps

2012-01-20T12:08:00.000-08:00

My upline, Rosalie, is at the Stampin' Up! Leadership Conference as I write this, and I am sooooo bummed I didn't go. This is the first year I've qualified, but I had to choose between Leadership or Convention in July. So I'm sitting here at home, feeling sorry for myself, when I see all the fabulous fun they are having in San Antonio.

This card is pretty much a direct CASE of the swaps Rosalie made to take to Leadership. She made 100 of them! The only thing I did differently was the greeting, and instead of the Small Heart Punch, I used the smaller heart from the Owl Builder Punch. Isn't it fab?!

Oh! And the SU roving reporters have been posting pictures on Facebook, and in one of them a demo is holding up one of Rosalie's swaps! They're famous!

Stamps: You're My Type
Cardstock: Basic Black,Whisper White, Basic Gray DSP (Neutrals Collection Pack)
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, Real Red Classic
Accessories: Real Red 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Gold Brad, Owl Builder Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Faux Tile, Real Love

2012-01-18T23:21:00.000-08:00

The theme this week at SUO Challenges is to try a new technique, or one you haven't done in a while. My friend Jennifer Timko's Faux Tile card inspired me to try this technique. It was easy-peasy with the Simply Scored scoring tool, and most of the elements are things you can get for free when Sale-A-Bration starts!!! How cool is that?!

Using the small end of the stylus, score each "grout" line several times - you want a deep impression. Then stamp your image over it, being careful not to press too hard or you'll get ink in the grout (and we all know what a pain it is to clean grout, lol).

Poppy Parade was used first, then Crumb Cake was ever-so-lightly burnished on the edges of the tiles to really make 'em pop. Not that you'd want tiles popping in real life, but you get the picture.

This also qualifies for Shelli Gardner's Simply Stunning Challenge. Simple? Yes, definitely! Stunning? I think the color combo is stunning, so yes to that, too!

Stamps: Fresh Vintage (SAB), Outlined Occasions (SAB)
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Everyday Enchantment DSP (SAB)
Ink: Poppy Parade and Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pads, plus Poppy Parade Stampin' Write Marker
Accessories: Simply Scored Scoring Tool, Decorative Label Punch, Basic Black 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Rhinestones Basic Jewels, Sponge Dauber, Stampin' Dimensionals

The "Practice" Stamp

2012-01-17T03:00:00.000-08:00

The image used on this card was the practice image that was stamped for this card. It turned out so well (they frequently don't the first time), that I couldn't just throw it away so it, combined with another practice scrap (the frame), turned into a birthday card. Birthday cards are another item I need to stock up on, so this will be a good start!

Stamps: Fresh Vintage (SAB), On Your Birthday
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Pool Party, Soft Suede, Basic Black
Ink: Basic Black Classic, plus Pool Party, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz and Soft Suede Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Big Shot, Square Lattice embossing folder, Holiday Windows Movers & Shapers dies, Basic Black Striped 1-1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Pearls Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Simply Thanks

2012-01-16T10:28:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, simple packs a more powerful message than elaborate, and that's what I really hope this card conveys. This card on Pinterest was the inspiration when I sat down to make a bunch of Thank You cards. One of my (many) goals this year is to send more cards, especially ones that express my gratitude. I really must stock up on them so they will be handy when I need them, since I am blessed with so many people in my life to which I know I'll owe a debt of gratitude, in one way or another, this year.

Shelli Gardner's theme for this month's So Shelli Challenge is a "Simply Stunning" Creative Challenge, so I think this qualifies. Well, it's simple, anyway......don't know about the stunning part. Maybe if it whacked you on the head you'd be stunned. ;-)

The name of the card is "Simply Thanks" because I used my Simply Scored Scoring Tool to highlight the embossed hearts from the Adorning Accents embossing folders set. Zip, zip and done!

I LOVE creating cards (no surprise there, right?) but the problem in the past has been actually sending them, once they were made. Operation Write Home has helped find good homes for many of them, but I want to spread more RAK around.

So don't be surprised if, out of the blue, you find a little something in your mailbox (that is, if I know your address, lol)!

Stamp: Pocket Silhouettes (inked just the 'thanks' on the sentiment)
Cardstock: Whisper White Textured, Rose Red, Melon Mambo, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette
Ink: Rose Red Stampin' Write Marker
Accessories: Simply Scored Scoring Tool, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folders, Heart to Heart Punch, Tombow Mono Multi Adhesive

Fresh Vintage Birthday

2012-01-13T18:20:00.000-08:00

One of the new stamp sets from Sale-A-Bration (starts Jan. 24th!), is called Fresh Vintage, and is an absolutely lovely little set, all by itself. The fact that you can get it for FREE is icing on the cake! This card was inspired by another card I saw on Pinterest. I liked the way the frames were die cut into the layers, and knew it would be perfect for this birthday card.

Coloring is so much fun, whether it's coloring in a stamped image, or coloring on the stamp itself with markers, as was done here. The butterfly is made from Very Vanilla cardstock sprayed with Gold Smooch Spritz and cardstock weight vellum. The layer of vellum between the Very Vanilla layers gives it a somewhat ethereal look, but you can't really see it in the photo.

When using the Labels Collection Framelits dies, I cut both the DSP and the cardstock at the same time with the smaller frame (using Dotto to keep the layers from shifting). That made it easier to center the larger frame on just the DSP layer to make everything line up nicely. Both layers are popped up on dimensionals for extra depth.

Stamps: Fresh Vintage (SAB item), Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Pool Party, Very Vanilla, White Vellum Cardstock, Attic Boutique DSP
Ink: Soft Suede Classic plus Pool Party, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz and Soft Suede Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Gold Smooch Spritz, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Big Shot, Pool Party 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon, Pearls Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

And yes, I know the DSP is upside down. Shhhhh, maybe no one will notice!

SUOC36 - Try a New Technique!

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

The theme at SUO Challenges this week it to try a new, or fairly new, technique (or one you haven't done in a while). Emboss resist has been around for quite some time but, for some reason, I've only tried it a couple times. So I think this falls under the "fairly new" (to me) category.

The tea cups were heat embossed on the DSP with VersaMark and white EP, then lightly sponged over with Rose Red Classic ink. It really makes the cups pop! If the color sticks too much to the embossed image, lightly buff with a dry tissue, or do what I did - barely moisten a cotton swab and carefully remove the excess ink.

It's funny, when I got to preview the new Occasions Mini catalog, the Tea Shoppe set didn't really appeal to me. I thought "Meh, take it or leave it." But the more I saw it, and saw things made with it, the more I grew to love it. Now I think it's my favorite new set! Same with the Attic Boutique DSP.

Does that ever happen to you? Maybe one or two of the new In Colors don't make you swoon, but after a sort while, all of a sudden, those are the only ones you're grabbing for nearly every project? Or you see a stamp set and think, 'Gah! What were they thinking?!' and it ends up being a "must have"? Well, let me tell ya.....it happens to me ALL. THE. TIME.

Stamps: Tea Shoppe
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Rose Red, Attic Boutique DSP
Ink: VersaMark, Rose Red Classic
Accessories: White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Big Shot, Labels Collection Framelits, Stampin' Sponges, Rose Red 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, Pearls Basic Jewels, Mini Glue Dots

Tea Party

2012-01-09T08:23:00.000-08:00

Did you ever play tea party when you were little? I know I did, probably under the same tree where I played house at my great-grandmother's. Which, I've since learned, was not a willow, but a weeping mulberry. Interest in botany didn't come until much later, lol.

But when I grew up, coffee became my hot beverage of choice. Guess I needed the extra caffeine kick. Anyhoo, the stamps in the new Tea Shoppe set remind me so much of tea sets I played with as a child. And the Attic Boutique Designer Series Paper is a perfect match. The combination transports me back to a more innocent, genteel time.

Stamps: Tea Shoppe
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla, Attic Boutique DSP
Ink: Soft Suede Classic
Accessories: Big Shot, Adorning Accents Edgelits Dies, Adorning Accents embossing folders, Baja Breeze 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, Pearls Basic Jewels, Scallop Oval Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Just My Type...

2012-01-08T11:49:00.000-08:00

...of card; quick and easy!! This was the card we make at yesterday's Occasions Mini Open House. It was inspired by Adriana's card here, and was the perfect make 'n' take, because it went together very quickly!

Stamp: You're My Type
Cardstock: Naturals Ivory, Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Real Red, Attic Boutique DSP, First Edition DSP
Ink: Basic Black Classic
Accessories, Boho Blossoms Punch, Real Red Brad (Brights Collection)

The Other Baby

2012-01-07T01:21:00.000-08:00

Here's the other card I made for baby baby. The Daffodil Delight really pops on the Marina Mist Background! Same layout as before, so it went together really quickly.

Stamps: Packed for Baby, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Marina Mist DSP
Ink: Marina Mist, Pink Pirouette, Daffodil Delight, Soft Suede, Poppy Parade, Pacific Point, Peach Parfait, and Basic Black Classic
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka-Dots folder, Square Lattice folder, Marina Mist 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Mini Brads, Decorative Label Punch, Blender Pens, Crystal Effects

I {Heart} Hearts

2012-01-06T10:35:00.000-08:00

This card on Pinterest (so many great ideas, so little time to do them all!) inspired me to make something similar. The way the Heart-to-Heart punch was used was so clever.

Not having red cardstock with white polka-dots wasn't a problem - I simply used the Dot-Dot-Dot stamp and made my own!

Stamp: Sweetheart, Dot-Dot-Dot
Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
Ink: Cherry Cobbler Classic, Whisper White Craft
Accessories: White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Big Shot, Stripes embossing folder, Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon, Heart-to-Heart Punch, Oval Punch (retired), Large Oval Punch

Baby, Baby!

2012-01-05T00:58:00.000-08:00

Two people that I know had babies recently, and since I just got the Packed for Baby stamp, it was the perfect time to ink it up and play! I love that you could pick out any of the elements, and just cut them out if you wanted to. But I didn't. No time for fussy cutting right now!

The baby bottle has a layer of Crystal Effects over it to make it look glassy, as you can see in the close-up!

Well, gotta go plan the make 'n takes for this Saturday's Occasions Mini Open House! Looks like the turn out will be good.

Stamps: Packed for Baby, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Pretty In Pink, Whisper White, Pretty In Pink DSP
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, Daffodil Delight, Soft Suede, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Poppy Parade, Pacific Point, Peach Parfait, and Basic Black Classic, plus Whisper White Craft
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka-Dots folder, Square Lattice folder, Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Silver Mini Brads, Decorative Label Punch, Pearls Basic Jewels, Blender Pens, Crystal Effects

Organizing!

2012-01-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

Here's a super-easy card using the Sweet Moments Simply Sent kit. I needed a quick card to tuck into a customer's bag, and this went together in less than ten minutes, including the embossing and bow-tying!

You may not hear from me much this week, because I'm trying to make my craft room organized and more efficient. You have no idea what a monumental task that is going to be! If you don't hear from me within a week, send in a search party, okay?

Stamp: Workshop Words (available to 2011 Convention attendees only)
Cardstock: Sweet Moments Simply Sent
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic
Accessories: Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Chocolate Chip 5/8" Satin Ribbon (included in kit), Pearls Basic Jewels (included in kit), Mini Glue Dots

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T00:42:00.000-08:00

And the winner is..... The Random.org random number generator came up with lucky number 8. Apparently I don't have a snipping tool on my laptop (which will be remedied soon), so you'll just have to trust me on that! Anyhoo, the eighth comment was:

Charlene said...
Love it all! Everything is so creative!

December 30, 2011 10:43 AM

Congratulations, Charlene! Please contact me with your mailing address so I can send your 3x3 cards and Scallop Envelope Box.

Stampin' Addicts 2012 Occasions Mini Blog Hop

2011-12-30T03:45:00.000-08:00

Hello, and welcome to the latest Stampin' Addicts blog hop! We are featuring items from the new Occasions Mini catalog that starts January 4th, and boy oh boy are there some fabulous new goodies to showcase! If you started at the beginning, you just hopped here from Rhonda's blog, where she showed the Bordering on Romance stamp set. That hinged card was cute, wasn't it? I am stop # 5 on the hop. You can find a complete hop list here, in case you need it.

I chose the Mixed Bunch stamp set, which has a lovely Blossom Punch to match! The first card has a 3-D blossom made by stamping and punching the flower image three times, then moistening them with water and "scrunching". I think red, black, and white look so sophisticated together, don't you?

Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Thank You Kindly
Cardstock: Whisper White, Poppy Parade
Ink: Basic Black Classic
Accessories: Blossom Punch, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper folder, Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details, Basic Black 5/8" Satin Ribbon

The next card is kind of a cute, funky little thing, using one of the smaller stamps in the set. These flowers were punched using the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch.

Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Bring On The Cake
Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, and Lucky Limeade, Berry Blossoms DSP, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, and Lucky Limeade In Color DSP
Ink: Basic Black, Poppy Parade, Concord Crush, and Old Olive Classic
Accessories: Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, and Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine, In Color Designer Printed Brads, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, lollipop sticks (non-SU)

And the last project is a gift set of 3x3 cards (and envelopes) in a Scallop Envelope box. The butterfly was made by trimming down the punched flower and adding pearls for the body. Cute, huh? Glad you think so, because that gift set is blog candy! Just leave a comment and you're entered to win (US addresses only, please). Winner will be announced Monday.

Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Petite Pairs
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Island Indigo, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Twitterpated DSP
Ink: Island Indigo
Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Envelope Die, 1" Square Punch, Postage Stamp Punch, Pool Party Baker's Twine, Pearls Basic Jewels, Island Indigo 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon, Calypso Coral 1/8" Organdy Ribbon, Modern Label Punch, Decorative Label Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Blossom Punch

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you were inspired. :) Your next stop is Heidi's tea-riffic blog. (Teehee!)

When you have a chance, be sure to check out Stampin' Addicts, where the motto is "Positively creative! Positively Stampin' Up!" Positive attitudes AND creativity abound there, and all Stampin' Up! fans are welcome, whether you're a stampin' newbie or a seasoned demo.

"Occasion"ally, I Get an Idea

2011-12-29T14:50:00.000-08:00

The 2012 Occasions Mini is chock-full of new products in addition to new stamp sets. One of those new items is the Hat Pins on page 18. Hat pins have been showing up a lot lately on vintage projects, mostly with pearls and beads threaded on, or trinkets hanging off. I wanted to see if I could make an easy ribbon blossom that could be used not only on a card or decorated box, but as a brooch or even *gasp* on a hat! (Imagine that!)

These little gems couldn't be much easier to make, and would definitely add some WOW to any project. Start with a length of ribbon - how long depends on the type of ribbon. The heavier or wider it is, the longer you should start out with. For the light weight Seam Binding Ribbon, I used a 6" length. The Satin Ribbon was about 8-9", and the Striped Grosgrain about 14". You can play around with it and see what works best for you.

Fold the ribbon in half to find the mid point and insert the hat pin there, very close to the edge. Now you will move down the ribbon and pierce with the pin, alternating sides. How far apart the piercings are again depend on the weight and width of the ribbon. The Seam Binding was about 3/8"-1/2" apart, The Satin a bit more, and the Striped Grosgrain about 1" apart.

Pierce from the top of the ribbon on one side, wrap the pin up and over opposite side and pierce from the top, and so on. Keep alternating sides until you get near the ends.

Near the bottom, pierce from the top, then bring the pin back up from the bottom about 1/4" away. When you scrunch up the ribbon to form the rosette, it will tuck the raw ends under. Do the same for the other end, too.

At this point you can add ribbon "leaves" if you want. To hold it all together, thread a bead on the pin and push it up to make the rosette. Add a drop of Crystal Effects between the bead and the ribbon, then poke the pin (all the way up to the bead) into something sturdy to hold it all in place until the C.E. dries. (I use the scrap rubber from a stamp set.)

After it has hardened, manipulate the "petals" into a pleasing shape and you're finished!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the Stampin' Addicts Occasions Mini Blog Hop, featuring more new products and fun ways to use them!

The Punch is the Thing - SUO Challenge #35

2011-12-27T14:12:00.000-08:00

Hello, Stampers! This week's challenge at SUO Challenges is another fun one.....make a punch the star of the show on your creation! At first I was a bit baffled, but then I remembered how many wonderful punches Stampin' Up!® has, and then it came easy.

With Christmas over, now my thoughts are turning to Valentine's Day, so naturally a Valentine's-themed card was necessary. It was hard just letting the punches be the focus, and not adding a stamped image or ribbon and embellishments! Three different punches were used on this card, as well as two items from the 2012 Occasions Mini.

This card is going to Operation Write Home!

Stamps: Take It to Heart (avail. 1/4), Curly Cute
Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Riding Hood Red, Basic Gray, Whisper White, Twitterpated DSP (avail. 1/4)
Ink: Basic Gray Classic, Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker
Accessories: Bird Builder Punch, Owl Builder punch (tiny heart), Full Heart Punch, Rhinestones Basic Jewels, Square Lattice embossing folder, Big Shot

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T23:23:00.000-08:00

This weekend I am spending time getting caught up on holiday baking, and preparing for the family feast for tomorrow's supper (prime rib, or "roast beast" as we call it). This card is for YOU, my blog followers! Thank you so much for taking time out of your life to stop by my blog sometimes. I truly hope you find inspiration (and maybe a few giggles) here.

May you find peace and joy this holiday season, and health and prosperity in the new year! Be creative!!!

And, the OTHER Swap

2011-12-22T12:03:00.000-08:00

This is the card for the Stampin' Addicts Sale-A-Bration swap. There are some fabulous things coming for SAB! This card on Pinterest was my inspiration. I had to add some scored lines, though, for a more textured look. And some inking on the edges. :-)

Stamp: Outlined Occasions (FREE during SAB)
Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla, Everyday Enchantment DSP (FREE during SAB)
Ink: Poppy Parade, Calypso Coral
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details (available 1/4), Blushing Bride Button (available 1/4), Calypso Coral 1/8" Organdy ribbon (FREE during SAB), Simply Scored Scoring Tool, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Pinking Hearts Border Punch

SA Swaps

2011-12-21T19:37:00.000-08:00

In addition to an open forum for anyone who loves Stampin' Up!, Stampin' Addicts has a section that is just for demonstrators. (You can't get in unless someone tells you the super-secret handshake.)

And one of the thing we demos like to do is swap card fronts with other demos, when we get to pre-order from the upcoming catalogs. Being a swap junkie, naturally I signed up for a couple swaps that were due the week before Christmas. The. Week. Before. Christmas. What was I thinking?!

Thankfully, I only signed up for two swaps this time (I've been known to commit to 6-8 swaps, plus blog hops), so I managed to get them done without too much stress. This card is for the 2012 Occasions Mini Swap.

Stamps: Mixed Bunch (available 1/4), Word Play
Cardstock: Island Indigo, Twitterpated DSP (available 1/4)
Ink: Island Indigo Classic (I know - I need to re-ink my pad)
Accessories: Blossom Punch (available 1/4), Big Shot, Elegant Bouquet embossing folder, Old Olive 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Lucky Limeade 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon, Tempting Turquoise button (Brights Collection)

Next year, would somebody please come kick my behind if I sign up for swaps during the holidays?

Happy Hanukkah!

2011-12-20T13:21:00.000-08:00

To my Jewish friends, I wish you a happy Hanukkah! The sentiment inside reads:

Happy Hanukkah!

May the warmth and glow

of each candle you light

make your heart and home happy

and Hanukkah bright.

Stamp: Unknown ($1 bin at M's)

Cardstock: Marina Mist, Not Quite Navy, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper

Ink: Not Quite Navy

Accessories: Big Shot, Square Lattice embossing folder, 1¾" Circle Punch, Nestabilities 2" circle die

A Technique & a Sneak Peek!

2011-12-14T05:17:00.000-08:00

Today's card uses the Double Embossed Enamel technique, as featured in this week's Weekly Inkling on Splitcoast Stampers. The video tutorial for this technique can be found here on You Tube. It's a fun, easy technique, yet it has a lot of wow factor.

This is also another sneak peek at two more 2012 Occasions Mini catalog items. The flower is from a set called Mixed Bunch, which coordinates with the new Blossom Punch! The flowers in this set are gorgeous; each one is completely different!

Stamps: Mixed Bunch (available 1/4), Word Play
Cardstock: Poppy Parade, Calypso Coral, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: VersaMark, Basic Black
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka-Dots embossing folder, Elegant Bouquet embossing folder, White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, Basic Black button (Neutrals Designer Buttons Collection), Calypso Coral 1/8" Organdy Ribbon (FREE Sale-A-Bration item, available 1/24)

SUO Challenge 34 - Merry & Happy!

2011-12-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

What a great theme for this week's challenge at SUO Challenges - all you have to do is make a card that celebrates ANY December holiday! It can be Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas; it's all up to you! My holiday of choice is Christmas, and since I don't ever have to deal with the fluffy white stuff, I just love snowflakes. I think Mr. Polar Bear does, too. (I'm sure if I had to shovel it six months a year, and deal with frozen pipes, and snow up to my ~~as...butt~~, derriere, my perspective would be a lot different.)

This card is also a sneak peek at the Framelits Labels Collection coming in the new Occasions Mini January 4th! The card was die-cut using the largest Framelit, which measures 5½" at its widest, and is perfect for cutting a card on the fold. It's a 4¼" x 5½" card!

My inspiration for this card came from Sandy Murphy's card.

Stamps: Polar Party
Cardstock: Whisper White, Pocketful of Posies DSP, Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink: Basic Black, Marina Mist, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Pink Pirouttte, and Poppy Parade Classic Ink
Accessories: Big Shot, Framelits Labels Collection (avail. 1/4), Blender Pens, Baja Breeze 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, Snowflake Punch, Baja Breeze Corduroy Button (retired), Jewels Basic Rhinestones, Stampin' Sponge

Tea Light Holder Tutorial

2011-12-11T17:17:00.000-08:00

Here's a quick and easy gift to make, perfect for tucking into a stocking or gift bag. The measurements given below are for tea lights ½" to ⅝" tall. Any more than that will require adjusting the measurements and scoring.

The nice thing about this project is doesn't involve any candle stamping, since my last attempt at that didn't turn out so well. (It may be a while before I try it again, lol.)

For the base, cut heavy cardstock 4" x 5½" and score at ½" on all sides. On the long sides, cut to scoreline, following the heavy lines as shown below. Crease all scorelines, fold tabs in, and glue or use Sticky Strip.

For the cover, score at 1⅝", 2⅛", 5¼", and 5¾". Crease on scorelines, wrap around base and adhere back flap with Sticky Strip. These can be dressed up so many ways! This one was embossed and punched before fastening the back flap. There is a little acetate "window", held in place with Mini Glue Dots, with a bit of bling in the middle.

SNEAK PEEK - WAHOOOO!

2011-12-06T13:36:00.000-08:00

Mr. Brown brought my 2012 Occasions Mini catalog and 2012 Sale-A-Bration preorder last night, and even though I should have been doing other things, I couldn't resist trying out some of the new goodies (yes, I am weak....I admit it), and using as many as I could on this card without letting it totally out of hand.

*Crickets chirping*

Well okay, maybe I could have toned it down a little bit, but I really wanted to show as much as I could on this one card! We Stampin' Up! demonstrators aren't allowed to post the products themselves ahead of time, but we CAN make something with 'em, and share that. (Have I mentioned lately how much I love being a demo? Getting to preorder new things and create with them, before everybody else, is one of the MANY great perks of being a SU demonstrator!)

So, on this one little card, you will see five items from the Occasions Mini and two items from the SAB catalogs. The first thing you may have noticed are all the die-cuts. Yep, Stampin' Up! is coming out with Framelits - something akin to Nestabilities, only they're even better because you can see exactly where the die will cut, making image framing a piece o' cake! We will also have Edgelits dies to cut fancy edges AND there are embossing folders for the edges to match! And you might have noticed the two little embossed hearts. That's from the new Fashionable Hearts Embosslit - it's just like the Beautiful Butterflies Embosslit, only hearts! I {heart} hearts.

Stamps: Bordering on Romance, Sweetheart
Cardstock: Whisper White, Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper (FREE SAB item)
Ink: Calypso Coral, Blushing Bride, and Poppy Parade Classic
Accessories: Big Shot, Edgelits Adorning Accents, Framelits Hearts Collection, Embosslits Fashionable Hearts, Large (8 mm) Pearl Basic Jewels, Pearl Basic Jewels, Calypso Coral Everyday Enchantment 1/8" Organdy Ribbon (FREE SAB item)

In 2012 Occasions Mini catalog, starts 1/4
In 2012 Sale-A-Bration catalog, starts 1/24

Swap Card

2011-12-05T09:24:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday was the monthly stamp club with my upline. It's the end of the swapping year, and I won't be continuing next year, so this is my last swap card for the club. I liked the pink Christmas card layout, and wanted to see how it looked in green. Turned out pretty cute, I think! Since I didn't have any green Scallop Dots ribbon, a button was substituted for the rosette. The addition of a sliver of silver Glimmer Paper added just the right amount of bling.

Stamp: Short & Sweet
Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Garden Green, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink: Garden Green Classic
Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note Die, Stocking Accents Die, Perfect Polka-Dots Embossing Folder, Houndstooth Embossing Folder, Certainly Celery Twill Ribbon, Certainly Celery Button, Silver Elastic Cord, Basic Jewels Rhinestones, Stampin' Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Birthday, Simon "the Tool Man" Callen!

2011-12-04T13:55:00.000-08:00

Today is my son-in-law's birthday. He is a wonderful, hard-working guy, and since he and my daughter bought their house a few months ago, he's been acquiring lots of tools that are needed for their home renovations. I knew the Totally Tool stamp set would be perfect for his birthday card!

When I delivered the card, he was in the process of cutting the new baseboards they've bought (after having refinished their hardwood floors).

The tools on top are hanging on the wall on "nails", which are just the Silver Mini Brads. Since the tools were popped up on dimensionals, I had to make the brads stick out a little farther. To keep the from wobbling, they are secured on back with more dimensionals. Lots of layers on this card!

Stamps: Totally Tool, On Your Birthday
Cardstock: Whisper White, Early Espresso, plus Parisian Breeze (that I've been hoarding - he's worth it!) and Frostwood Lodge DSP
Ink: Early Espresso, Copic Markers, White Gel Pen
Accessories: Silver Mini Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Sponges

Ribbon Rosettes

2011-12-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

These adorable ribbon rosettes were something demonstrated at the Stampin' Up Regional in Henderson, Nevada, and they are so quick and easy to make using the Scallop Dots* ribbon! The holes are already there for you to thread the needle through. Easy-peasy!

1. Start with a 3½" length of the dotted scallop ribbon. Using sturdy thread (like quilter's cotton), sew a running stitch in and out of every hole along one edge. (I take one stitch, then run the needle back through the loop by the knot to prevent the knot pulling through the hole.)

2. Sew a running stitch in and out of every hole along one edge.

3. Pull tight, take a tiny stitch back at the beginning, and knot.

4. At this point you can just cut the thread, or whip-stitch the raw edges together, or use a bit of Glue Dot (shown) to hold the edges together.

So, there you have it! Stampin' Up! Scallop Dots ribbon is available in these colors (and from me!):

* Basic Black

* Cherry Cobbler

* Chocolate Chip

* Elegant Eggplant

* Marina Mist

* Melon Mambo

* More Mustard

* Old Olive

* Pretty in Pink (shown above)

* Tangerine Tango

I'm Dreaming of a Pink Christmas

2011-12-01T00:22:00.000-08:00

First of all, I want to wish my baby boy a happy birthday! You can stop getting older now. Thirty-five is a good place to stop. No, really....I can't be the mother of a middle-aged man! Love you, Sweetie!

In yesterday's post I mentioned seeing a lot of pink this Christmas. Pink seems to be the "in" color this year, as far as the holiday goes, so I wanted to make a card the really made me break out of my comfortable rut. I could have gone with blue....it would have been soooo easy to do something in blue! Liking the layers and textures from yesterday's card, I made another, and here is what resulted (and another entry for Our Creative Corner's Christmas tree challenge!):

It's got some hot-diggity bling-blingity! Seriously, I wish there was a way for the camera to show just how sparkly the Silver Glimmer Paper is in real life. I love it so much, I'm not even hoarding it! (I know, can you believe it?!) I'm also not throwing away even the teeniest scrap, because I know I'll use it someday.

Lest you think I wasted a whole bunch under the embossed Top Note, that is actually the leftovers from a Glimmer Top Note I had cut previously. I just inlaid the embossed white into the opening! See? Nothing will be wasted!

Stamps: Short & Sweet
Cardstock: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Pink Pirouette Textured, Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink: Rose Red Classic
Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note Die, Stocking Accents Die, (can you see where I'm going here?) Perfect Polka-Dots Embossing Folder, Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder, Pretty in Pink Scallop Dots Ribbon, Basic Jewels Rhinestones, Stampin' Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

SUO Challenge 33, Holiday Colors!

2011-11-30T13:27:00.001-08:00

The challenge this time at SUO Challenges is to make a project using your favorite holiday colors. It can be anything from a traditional red and green Christmas, to blue, silver and white for Hanukkah, to non-traditional holiday colors, as well. I'm seeing a lot of pink for Christmas this year.

However, being ~~an old-timer~~ a woman of a certain age, for me Christmas is all about red and green (though I do love the cool look of blue and white for winter colors, too)!

This card qualifies for Our Creative Corner's Christmas tree challenge this week, too!

Stamp: Bells & Boughs
Cardstock: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, Certainly Celery, Wild Wasabi, Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink: Cherry Cobbler Classic
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Pennants Die, Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder, Snow Burst Embossing Folder, Perfect Polka-Dots Embossing Folder, Lots of Tags Die Set (have I mentioned how much I love my Big Shot lately?), Cherry Cobbler Scallop Dots Ribbon, Basic Jewels Pearls and Rhinestones, Stampin' Sponge

Online Holiday Extravaganza

2011-11-21T12:54:00.000-08:00

Today is the day it starts, and you don't want to miss the 24 hour special that runs TODAY ONLY! You can find a PDF of the sale items HERE, but if you click the image above, you can see the products (just click on the "Shop Now" button under my name).

These products are sure to help give your holiday cards and hand-crafted gifts some pizzazz!

Quick Post for the Day

2011-11-18T19:35:00.000-08:00

I've been busy this week getting things made for the Holiday Extravaganza tomorrow. It's the first time I've done anything like this, so I hope I have enough stuff to sell (and pick up some new customers, too!). This is one of the stocking stuffers that will be available.

When I first saw Reindeer Noses HERE, I knew I had to make them. It just cracks me up! And I think the reindeer in Holiday Lineup are the perfect image for this, since everyone is so focused on Rudolph's nose!

Here's another item I'll be selling:

Sorry for the blurry picture. My camera usually warns me when I wiggle.

Well, gotta go finish up so I can get some sleep tonight....with any luck.

For My Friend

2011-11-16T09:16:00.000-08:00

One of my downline had to have major oral surgery last week, so I made this card for her. I don't want to call and risk waking her from a nap, but do want her to know I'm thinking about her! I am blessed, because not only is she my downline, she is also a sweet friend!

Stamps: You Are Loved
Cardstock: So Saffron, Tangerine Tango, Very Vanilla, Haiku DSP (retired)
Ink: Tangerine Tango and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers, Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories: Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon, Pumpkin Pie Brads (Brights Collection), Modern Label Punch, Modern Label Mover and Shapers Punch Window, Big Shot, Stampin' Dimensionals

SUOC32 - Thankful!

2011-11-15T18:49:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season for giving thanks, and what better theme for our challenge this week at SUO Challenges than to make a card or gift to express your thankfulness. It can be a simple thank you for someone's kindness, or something to express your attitude of gratitude at Thanksgiving, your choice! Just be sure if you enter it at SUO Challenges that you use Stampin' Up! products only, and you haven't published it before our challenge started. Please. Amen!

Stamps: French Foliage, Hand-Penned Holidays
Cardstock:Whisper White, Very Vanilla
Ink: Peach Parfait, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Soft Suede, and Cajun Craze Classic
Accessories: Basic Pearls Jewels, Stripes Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Very Vanilla 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Antique Brads, Stampin' Sponges

Courage

2011-11-11T14:43:00.000-08:00

On this day that we honor our nation's Veterans, I am humbly grateful for their service and sacrifice to keep our great country free. It may sound trite, but we really are the land of the free BECAUSE of the brave. Never forget that, and please take the time to thank every veteran and current service member you see. I do!

Stamps: Courage, Service & Sacrifice
Cardstock: Basic Gray, Real Red, Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink: Basic Gray, Real Red
Accessories: Square Lattice embossing folder, Big Shot, Real Red Brads (Brights Collection)

Folded Star/Snowflake Tutorial

2011-11-10T19:02:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful that so many people liked the Snowflake/Star I posted yesterday! Since there were some requests for how to make it, here ya go.

It is really simple to make, but precise measurements are important for success. Once you've made the first one, you'll be able to whip a bunch out in no time! Edited to add: Yapha Mason greatly simplified the instructions HERE. Thanks, Yapha!

For the purposes of this tutorial, I will be drawing heavy lines with a Sharpie, so they can be easily seen in the photos, but you will be drawing light ones with a pencil and erasing later.

Supplies you will need:

10" x 10" lightweight cardstock, like Designer Series Paper
Stampin' Up! grid paper (102787), or a grid mat
Bone Folder (102300)
Sharp pencil and eraser
Ruler (quilter's ruler works great)
Paper Cutter (104152) with cutting and scoring blades

1) On top edge of cardstock, make a pencil mark at the halfway point (5" from either end).

2) Lay cardstock on grid, having edges even with lines, then draw a light guide line down 1½" from original pencil mark, using the ruler to make sure the line is perpendicular to top edge. (Ruler should be on the same grid line at top and bottom of paper.)

3) Now draw an angled 10" line from the lower right corner to intersect the guide line. Have the end of ruler at the lower right corner of your cardstock, and rotate to make the 10" mark on the ruler intersect the guide line. Making sure the ruler hasn't shifted, draw a light pencil line from guide line to corner. Repeat for the left side.

4) Place cardstock in Paper Cutter with 10" pencil line exactly centered over cutting groove. (You can lightly slide the blade without pushing and cutting to check that the center of the blade is going to follow your pencil line.) If it lines up properly, go ahead and cut from one end of the paper to the other.

5) Repeat for the other line. You should now have a 10" equilateral triangle, and the hard part is done!

6) On each 10" side, make a pencil mark at the halfway point, 5" from each end.

7) Using the scoring blade in the Paper Cutter, lightly score between the marks. (Yes, I know the cardstock is different in this pic. It's from the completed sample at the top. I forgot to take a picture of the turquoise shtuff.)

8) Fold up one flap and place crease under the 1½" mark on the ruler. Use edge of ruler to form new flap, folded back. Flatten with bone folder. (Note: If your ruler isn't the 2" wide quilters style, use the grid paper instead. Have the fold on a grid line, count 6 squares up = 1½" and place ruler there.) Repeat for other sides.

9) That's it, just decorate and you're done! To close the star, fold the flaps in, like folding flaps on a box top. The last one gets tucked under the first.

Have fun making these!

Snowflakes!

2011-11-09T21:59:00.000-08:00

I love the snow. I love snowflakes, and snowmen, and glistening white landscapes. Of course, I don't have to live with the white stuff, so it's easy for me to love it. Several times per winter, our local mountains (about an hour's drive away) will get blanketed and it looks so pretty from down here. If I want to experience ~~cold, frozen toes~~ the beauty up close, all I have to do is hop in my car and go! Today I am feeling blessed to live in Paradise, where I can pick tomatoes from my garden all winter, and usually don't need more than a light sweater on really "cold" days (which means the temperature got all the way down to the 50s).

I found this Fancy Fold Star on a Norwegian blog, and adapted the size down to fit in a 6" x 6" envelope. The measurements needed tweaking to get the card to close properly. And yes, it is a card! Here is the inside:

Since I do live in Paradise, I went with the tropical/beachy colors of Baja Breeze and Island Indigo. They pair beautifully with the Silver Glimmer snowflake!

This would make a beautiful Star of David for a Hanukkah card, too, I think. Although, I think traditionally, a Menorah or dreidel is more common. (Yapha, can you help me out here?)

Edited to add: You can find my tutorial for the folded star/snowflake HERE!

Stamps: Serene Snowflakes, Four for Christmas
Cardstock: Whisper White, plus Island Indigo and Baja Breeze DSP, Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink: Not Quite Navy Classic
Accessories: Snowflake #2 Originals Die, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Simply Scored Scoring Tool, Subtles Glimmer Brads, Brights Glimmer Brads

Much to be Thankful For!

2011-11-08T19:45:00.000-08:00

Today I found out my Arizona grandkids will be here for Thanksgiving - WAHOOOO! I haven't seen them in so long, I'll probably not recognize them. Just kidding, of course, but I'll bet my granddaughter is almost as tall as I am now. So, today I am thankful for getting to see the grands!

This is another card inspired by a card I saw on Pinterest. So, you see, I really don't spend all day on the computer looking at lovely schtuff. I do sometimes make schtuff, too!

Stamp: Party Time
Cardstock: Whisper White Textured, Elegant Eggplant, Concord Crush, Perfect Plum
Ink: Elegant Eggplant
Accessories: Elegant Lines embossing folder, Big Shot, Basic Pearls Jewels, Whisper White 5/8" Organza Ribbon, Scallop Border Punch, 1-1/4" Square Punch, 1-3/8" Square Punch, butterfly punch from Martha Stewart

Great Company!

2011-11-07T21:17:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful that I get to work with such a wonderful company -I looove being a Stampin' Up! demo so much! They are the best company to be partnered with, and they really look for ways to spoil their demos and customers. For instance, the BONUS free digital download they are offering for a limited time. And you don't even have to have My Digital Studio to use it; how cool is that?! If you'd like the opportunity to learn what I'm talking about, and get a FREE Big Shot Die-Cut Machine ($100 value), contact me by Nov 11th.

Here's a fun birthday card that I CASEd on Pinterest. What a brilliant idea, adding a real birthday candle as an embellishment! Wish I'd thought of that. Since I'm not brilliant (or even slightly bright), it's a good thing there are people much more clever than me on the web!

Stamp: Pennant Parade

Cardstock: Whisper White, Rose Red, Early Espresso, Pretty in Pink DSP

Ink: Early Espresso Classic

Accessories: Pretty in Pink 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Scallop Trim Corner Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, birthday candle, Mini Glue Dots

I Love the Internet

2011-11-06T23:25:00.000-08:00

I am sooooo appreciative of all the wonderful things that are available on the 'Net. (That's my gratitude for today, in case you missed it.) I just discovered Pinterest, and a whole new world of wonderful ideas and creativity has been opened up for me! For instance, I found a tutorial for making these flowers, which inspired me to make this card.

Everything on this card is from Stampin' Up!, with the exception of two Nestabilities dies and a Martha Stewart punch.

Stamps: Perfectly Penned, En Francais
Cardstock: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Wild Wasabi, Always Artichoke, Brushed Gold
Ink: Calypso Coral, Pretty in Pink, Early Espresso, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Big Shot, Birds and Blooms Sizzlits Die, Little Leaves Sizzlits Die, Gold Smooch Spritz, Basic Pearls Jewels, 5/8" Crochet Lace Trim, Champagne Shimmer spray

Attitude of Gratitude

2011-11-05T22:13:00.000-07:00

Today's moment of gratitude is for the news that Mom's CAT scan was negative - there are no apparent tumors to be found. Of course that doesn't mean she is cancer-free, but it is very encouraging! I'm thankful we live in an era of medical and technological advances that help so many people.

One last card from the Masculine Cards class, then tomorrow on to some frou-frou and holiday schtuff!

This is pretty much a direct CASE from Cindy Hall's card here.

I loved the warm autumn glow of the colors she chose, and the subject matter! Tearing the Early Espresso panel made it look even more rugged and masculine, and having the greeting off-center better balanced the bird. (A lot of alliteration, teehee!)

Stamps: Autumn Days, On Your Birthday
Cardstock: More Mustard, Cajun Craze, So Saffron, Early Espresso
Inks: Early Espresso, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, and Cajun Craze Classic
Accessories: Linen Thread, Metallic Brads, Stampin' Sponges

New Friends

2011-11-04T19:54:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest perks to being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is the new friendships I have been blessed to develop, and that is one of the things I am grateful for today. There's just something magical about paper, ink, and stamps that seems to bring out the best in people, and I cherish every new friendship!

Here's another card from the Masculine Cards class, which was inspired by this card that Heidi Baks made for the SUOC31 Challenge. I hadn't inked up the Up, Up & Away set, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. Note there is no ribbon, glitter or even brads! *Gasp!*

Stamps: Up, Up & Away
Cardstock: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Pear Pizzazz, Newsprint DSP, Nursery Nest DSP
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: Stampin' Dimensionals

Shhhh, don't tell anyone, but this is also the swap card for the stamp club tomorrow, heehee!

More Masculinity

2011-11-03T20:52:00.000-07:00

Day 3 of my month of gratitude - I am so thankful for the new friends I have met through stamping! What a wonderful, funny, genuinely nice bunch of people, who all share the same passion for creating with bits of paper, rubber and ink!

This is another card we made in the Masculine Cards class. Originally, I had planned for the greeting to say "Wish BIG", since it would make a great card for a teenage boy. Alas, my stamp had a defect (which is quickly being remedied by Stampin' Up!), so was the greeting we used instead. You probably can't see it, but the windshield and headlights are shined up with Crystal Effects.

And yeah, I know my brads are crooked. I couldn't find my Mat Pack when I was placing the brads. Oh well....I believe the lesson there is to become more organized!

Stamps: Need for Speed, On Your Birthday
Cardstock: River Rock, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Watercolor Paper, Well Worn DSP
Inks: Jet Black Staz-On, Real Red, Sahara Sand, Soft Suede, and Bashful Blue Classic
Accessories: Aqua Painter, Blender Pens, Real Red Brads (Brights Collection), Cutter Kit (distressing tool), Early Espresso Grosgrain Ribbon

Blessed by Love

2011-11-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

Day 2 - Thirty-seven years ago this Friday I met a man like no other I had ever known. He is funny, kind, smart, and my rock. Today I am feeling blessed to know true, unconditional love. Being married to a mate with whom you can be completely at ease, and know that they love you (even when they've seen you at your worst), is the BEST possible gift in life!

Stamps: Young Vermillion, (greeting unknown, stamp says Stampin' Up! 2002)
Cardstock: Night of Navy, Poppy Parade, Whisper White, Watercolor Paper, Pocketful of Posies DSP
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, Poppy Parade, Night of Navy, Basic Gray, and Soft Suede Classic
Accessories: Blender Pens, Gold Brads, Stampin' Sponges

Month of Gratitude

2011-11-01T21:52:00.000-07:00

November is traditionally the month where our thoughts turn to the many blessings and riches we have in our daily lives. While I am thankful every single day for the people, experiences, and love that enrich my life, this is the month that I try to express it. So, please bear with me as I attempt to post daily throughout the month of November with something for which I am thankful.

Day 1 - So VERY thankful that my Christmas cards are finished, wooohooo! Less stress later this month!

Stamps: Greeting Card Kids, Petite Pairs
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze DSP, Shimmery White
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Soft Suede, and Wild Wasabi Classic Stampin' Pads, Blush Blossom Stampin' Write Marker, Gold Lame Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink
Accessories: Big Shote, Snow Burst embossing Folder, Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Blender Pens, Stampin' Dimensionals

SUOC31, Thinking of You

2011-11-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

The challenge this week at SUO Challenges is to make a card that tells someone special that you're thinking of them. I loved ALL the cards the SUO Design Team made for this challenge, especially Robin's bright, cheery Daffodil Delight doily card.

When I thought of making this card, I thought of my BFF, and how much I'd love to sit and share a cup of coffee or tea with her. We do get the giggles when we get together, and I sure miss that. (Love you, Barb!)

Stamps: Morning Cup, Three Little Words
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Mocha Morning DSP
Ink: Esrly Espresso, Soft Suede
Accessories: Blender Pen, Stripes embossing folder, Big Shot, Soft Suede 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Antique Brads, Stampin' Sponges

Masculine, Clean and Simple

2011-10-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

Just the way I like my man. :-)

This is one one of the cards we're making in the Masculine Cards class later this week. I love the addition of black to make things "pop". And black and blue look great together....unless it's on my shin. (Note to self: Either figure out how to be less clumsy in the dark, or quit drinking liquids after 6:00 p.m. so you don't have to get up at night.)

Stamps: Totally Tool, Tool Shed
Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Watercolor Paper
Ink: VersaMark, Jet Black Staz-On, Pacific Point Classic, Daffodil Delight and Basic Gray Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Stampin' Sponges, Gold Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals

Simply Sent Christmas

2011-10-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick and very easy card, using the Simply Sent Everyday Elegance note card kit. Remember, there are only four days left on the 'buy two Simply Sent kits, get a stamp set free' deal!

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Pocketful of Posies DSP, Simply Sent Everyday Elegance kit, Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink: Not Quite Navy Classic
Accessories: Snowflake Punch, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Aaand Another Any Hero Card

2011-10-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

Here's another Any Hero card made with the digi stamps from K 'n K Designs. Six of these will be shipped to Sandy at OWH tomorrow!

Any Hero Cards

2011-10-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

I confess, I haven't been much of a user of digital stamps. I like the hands-on feel of inking up a rubber stamp and carefully positioning it on cardstock. :) Plus, I'm *ahem*, somewhat addicted to Stampin' Up!

What got me to change my mind was the fundraiser for Operation Write Home going on at K 'n K Designs. ALL of the proceeds from the sales of these specially-designed stamps (minus PayPal fees) will be donated to OWH to help with shipping costs, estimated to be about $13,000 over the next few months!

Well, Operation Write Home is a cause near and very dear to my heart, and the digis were so darn cute, I just couldn't resist. This is one of the images in the bundle. (I added "OWH" to the label using Publisher.) :-) Since my Copics have been seriously neglected for a few months, I used them to color the image, then added Crystal Effects to the spilled water and the dog's nose for some shine. Tucking six of these into the box for OWH!

Notice the little "OWH" on the label? I added that using Publisher. :-D

Christmas in October

2011-10-20T21:08:00.000-07:00

Here are my October cards! I'm still on track to have all my Christmas cards finished by next month, so I won't be stressing about them during the holiday hustle and bustle. (Yay me!)

Stamps: Winter Post, Petite Pairs
Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Shimmery White, Cherry Cobbler DSP
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, Cherry Cobbler Classic, Crumb Cake Classic, Basic Black Classic, Blush Blossom Stampin' Write Marker
Accessories: Snow Burst embossing folder, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Crumb Cake 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Blender Pens

10 For 10

2011-10-19T23:29:00.000-07:00

Or, Ten 4 Ten....or 10-4-10. Any way you look at it, it's a great deal! This Saturday, October 22nd, at 10:00 a.m. is the 10 for 10 Christmas Card Class. Come and make ten cards for the low price of only $10.00! Everything you need to complete the cards is included, except the adhesive. (Stampin' Up! Snail Adhesive or something similar is recommended.)

Call or email to reserve a spot, so I know how many kits to prepare!

SUO Challenge #30 - Treats!

2011-10-18T08:16:00.000-07:00

The challenge this week over at SUO Challenges* is to make something to hold a treat. This is definitely the time of year when little edible treats are handed out, and I don't mean just for Halloween, either!

My little pop-up treat started with my trusty Big Shot and the Matchbox Die. That little matchbox is so stinkin' easy to assemble, you could make a bunch of them in no time at all. They could be decorated to use as party favors, or as place markers for your Thanksgiving (or Christmas, or Hanukkah) table, or as wedding favors (tied with a bit of tulle, perhaps). The possibilities are nearly endless!

The Hershey Nuggets tucked inside were wrapped with 1"x3" pieces of Frightful Sight Designer Series Paper. The wrapping slips off to get to the manufacturer's wrapper.

Hershey has a policy about putting "other" wrapping on their products. It's okay as long as it isn't completely adhered over their label, rendering it unreadable by the consumer. You can read more on their policy here. Just something to keep in mind, if you wanted to sell pre-bagged or packaged goodies at a craft fair or fund raiser!

* If you are considering joinging in any of our challenges, please, please be sure to follow the guidelines and use Stampin' Up! products ONLY! And that doesn't just mean stamps, embellies, and cardstock - it means tools as well. We've had to disregard some fabulous entries because Nestabilities were used (and yes, we can tell), or the entry was posted BEFORE our challenge was posted. Don't let your fabulous creation be disqualified!

Alchemy!

2011-10-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

Or, how I turned Silver Mini Bells into gold.

It's really very simple! All you need is a VersaMark pad, Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, a Heat Tool, tweezers (to save your fingers from certain doom), and Silver Mini Bells.

Grasp the bell (where you would run a string through) and press it firmly on the VersaMark pad. You want to roll it all around so it is completely covered with ink.

Now dip the bell in the Stampin' Emboss Powder. Make sure it is thoroughly covered with the powder.

Heat with a Heat Tool until the powder starts to melt, rotating the bell around to heat all sides.

Voila! You can do it with different colored embossing powder, too. Want Cherry Cobbler bells for your holiday project? Make 'em! Need a few Melon Mambo bells for a girly project? Make 'em! Your only limitation is the colors of embossing powder.

Now, don't you wish you had ALL the colors? (Pssst! You can order them from my Stampin' Up! website. Click HERE to shop!)

BIG SHOT BLOG HOP!

2011-10-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Greetings, and welcome to the Stampin' Addicts Big Shot Blog Hop! We are featuring some of the wonderful things you can do with this AWESOME tool. After you see the fabulousness, you're gonna want one of your very own, and you can get one for FREE - just ask any of the bloggers on this hop how!!!

I am stop #16 (of 18) and if you are following the hop in order, you just landed here from Tanya's page, where she is featuring the Buttons #5 Die. (Click HERE for the complete list.)

My Big Shot accessory is the Holiday Stocking Die. I love everything about Christmas, and just had to have this die as soon as I saw it! And my first project is a Christmas card (what else?)!

As you can see, the die cuts the stocking, cuff, toe and heel pieces which makes it fun to mix and match. (See those tiny gold bells? I magically turned the silver Mini Jingle Bells into gold. Come back Monday to learn how!)

The next project can be either a gift for someone naughty or nice, or an ornament to decorate a door or tree.

It's fun to use non-traditional colors sometimes, and using Pool Party for Christmas just made me giggle. One doesn't usually associate swimming pools with Christmas.....well, unless you live in the Southern Hemisphere!

My last project shows that this stocking die can be used for more than just the holidays. Here is an adorable baby bootie card that could be used as an announcement, baby shower invite, or a congratulations card.

I've even seen this die turned upside down and made into a stick horse! I had lots more ideas, but ran out of time, so be sure to check back periodically. I may just wow you with this Holiday Stocking Die in the near future!

Thanks for stopping by! Up next is Adriana's blog. She's featuring the Stocking Accents Die, the companion for this one!

This blog hop was organized by the good folks at Stampin Addicts, a friendly forum for folks fond of Stampin' Up! Come join in the mayhem...I mean, fun and creativity! It's open to demonstrators and and regular stampers - anyone that loves Stampin' Up! Pssst! Be sure to check out the gallery when you're there!

SUOC29 - Leaves!

2011-10-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

Happy hump day! We're halfway to the weekend, woohoo! DH and I plan to go to the local Oktoberfest, so I'm glad the (much needed) rain that is coming tonight will be gone by then.

This is the card for the SUO Challenge #29, using leaves on your project. They don't have to be autumn leaves, but since this is my favorite time of year, I naturally gravitated toward them!

After heat embossing the leaves and acorns on watercolor paper, I colored them with markers, blending the colors with an Aqua Painter. Then, after drying and cutting out, they were spritzed with Gold Smooch Spritz. The Top Note was dry embossed with the Stripes embossing folder and sponged on the edges with Cajun Craze.

Stamps: Autumn Splendor, Hand-Penned Holidays
Cardstock: Early Espresso, River Rock, Very Vanilla, Well Worn Designer Series Paper
Ink: Early Espresso and Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pads, Soft Suede, More Mustard, Tangerine Tango, Cherry Cobbler, and Cajun Craze Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Big Shot Die Cut Machine, Top Note Die, Stripes embossing folder, Hemp Twine, Antique Brad, Stampin' Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals

WOW!

2011-10-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you know how much I love my Big Shot. I use it for so many things - from die cuts with the Bigz dies (cuts lots of different materials), to Sizzlits and Embosslits (and Spellbinders dies, too), to embossing with the embossing folders, to inking the embossing folders....you name it, I've done it! And if you're stumped for ideas about how to use it, come back for the Stampin' Addicts Big Shot Blog Hop Oct. 14-16 for tons of ideas on how to make the most of this fabulous tool!

So, how would you like to get your very own "Mr. Big" for FREE? Just click the image above for more info, or contact me with your phone number and I'll call you!

And to sweeten the deal, I'll throw in a free Stampin' Up!® embossing folder of your choice to get you started! That way you can start using it immediately, creating beautiful projects.

Already own the Big Shot? Then you can choose up to $100 in free products instead.

Seriously, what are you waiting for??? If you opt for the free products, you'll end up with about $445 worth of goodies for just $175!

Call me and join my team today!

Gently Thankful

2011-10-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

There were a few left-overs from the leaves I used for the SUOC28 fall colors challenge, so I turned them a thank-you card for my father's oncologist. No little useful bits go to waste in my craft room!

Stamps: Gently Falling, Curly Cute

Cardstock: Naturals White, Watercolor Paper, Early Espresso

Ink: Early Espresso and River Rock Classic Ink Pads, Pumpkin Pie and Soft Suede Ink Refills, Soft Suede, Pumpkin Pie, and Cherry Cobbler Watercolor Wonder Crayons

Accessories: Early Espresso 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Glimmer Brad (In Colors Collection), Dazzling Details Glitter Glue, Aqua Painter, Square Lattice embossing folder, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine

Spooky Slider Cup Card

2011-09-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

This is the card that was made for the Treat Cup Slider Tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers. I was so thrilled to be asked by Beate Johns to do the tutorial! (There will be another one for a different technique coming in December, so keep an eye out!) Thank you, Beate. And thanks also to Lydia for doing the video I wasn't able to get done before going to Montana!

The spider web from Wicked Cool was stamped in Staz-On on the treat cup and set aside while the hat and shoes were stamped and embossed. They were cut out and mounted with Stampin' Dimensionals at the end. The Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta was used to tie on the linen thread from the tag, and then the ends were frayed. The very edge curls up and looks kinda cool!

This technique can be adapted to put the pull-out slider on any side; it doesn't have to be at the top. And it doesn't have to be a card, either! Here is a bunny treat I made for my grandson's preschool class. They pulled the ears to open the slider in back.

Stamps: Wicked Cool
Cardstock: Lucky Limeade, Basic Black, Tangerine Tango, (retired) Halloween DSP
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, VersaMark
Accessories: Sweet Treat Cup, Black Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Pumpkin Pie Brad (Brights Collection), Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Linen Thread, Tag Corner Punch, 1/8" Circle Handheld Punch, Round Tab Punch, Corner Rounder Punch

Fancy Fold Christmas

2011-09-24T07:01:00.000-07:00

This is the card we made in our Fancy Folds class last week. It is a Center Step card. The finished size is 5 1/2" x 5 1/2", but it could easily be adjusted to the standard A2 size. Once again, we used the Dazzling Details Technique, but this time it was just painted over the Staz-On stamped image.

Stamps: Christmas Lodge, Curly Cute

Cardstock: Naturals White, Always Artichoke, Always Artichoke DSP

Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad, Always Artichoke Classic Ink Refill

Accessories: Dazzling Details Glitter Glue, Cherry Cobbler 3/8" Quilted Satin Ribbon, Glimmer Brad, Regals Brads, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Scallop Trim Corner Punch, Aqua Painter, Paper Cutter

SUOC28, Fall Colors!

2011-09-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

The challenge today at SUO Challenges is to make an Autumn-themed card (or other project) using Golds, Oranges, and Browns. This was an opportunity to use that fabulous technique* they showed us at the Stampin' Up! Regional in Henderson, NV!

The Early Espresso wood grain paper makes a nice backdrop for the bright leaves, don't you think? The loops behind the leaves are long thin strips of Early Espresso CS. They remind me of accents used in flower arranging. :-)

Stamps: Gently Falling, Grateful Greetings
Cardstock: Watercolor Paper, Naturals Ivory, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad, Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard and Soft Suede Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Pumpkin Pie and Soft Suede Ink Refills
Accessories: Scallop Trim Corner Punch, Dazzling Details Glitter Glue, Aqua Painter, Old Olive 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

* Squirt some Dazzling Details Glitter Glue in a waterproof container (button/brad lids work well). Place a drop of Classic Ink Refill in your color choice on top, and blend well with an Aqua Painter. Paint over stamped image. I stamped with Staz-On, then colored around the edges of the images with Watercolor Wonder Crayons. Painting the dyed glitter glue mixture on with the brush helps spread the color from the crayons around. When finished, rinse the Aqua Painter in warm water to clean.

Another Swap

2011-09-18T02:00:00.000-07:00

One of the many swaps I signed up for was for 3x3 cards. They are so quick and easy to make, don't use much material, and are perfect tucked in a gift bag, taped on a wrapped gift, or secreted into a loved one's lunch box or purse. You can get eight of them from one 12 x 12 sheet of cardstock!

Stamps: Gently Falling, Tiny Tags
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Soft Suede
Ink: VersaMark, Old Olive Classic, Soft Suede Classic, Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker
Accessories: Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Linen Thread, Jewelry Tag Punch, 1/16" Handheld Punch, Old Olive 1/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Stamps: Gently Falling, Fabulous Phrases
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Peach Parfait Textured, White Vellum Cardstock, Spice Cake Designer Series Paper

Ink: VersaMark, Peach Parfait and Soft Suede Classic, Cajun Craze Stampin' Write Marker

Accessories: Black Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Finial Press Embossing Folder, In Color Glimmer Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Birth Day, Baby Boy!

2011-09-16T02:00:00.000-07:00

This card was CASEd from a swap I received (Hi, Patty!), and was so much fun to make, because it meant my sweet friend, Dawna, just became a grandma for the first time! Ooooo, she's in for so much joy and fun with her new grandson, Toby!!! I swear, grandchildren truly are the reward for not killing your kids when they're teenagers. :-)

The Stitched Stockings set was used, but after the stockings were stamped and punched, the "cuff" was cut off and moved down to make booties. It's the same principle used for the Baby Shower Invite, only done on a much smaller scale with the Stocking Builder Punch instead of the Holiday Stocking Bigz Die. And see those nifty diagonal score lines? They were scored with the new Simply Scored Scoring Tool. Oh. Em. Gee. It's fab!

Stamps: Stitched Stockings, Petite Pairs, Everyday Wishes
Cardstock: Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Marina Mist
Ink: Marina Mist Classic, Smooch Illuminate Topcoat Accent Ink
Accessories: Simply Scored Scoring Tool, Stocking Builder Punch, Modern Label Punch, White Baker's Twine, Marina Mist 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Birthday!

2011-09-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today is our beautiful, sweet, loving, daughter-in-law's birthday. We are so blessed that she is a part of our family! I wanted to make a card that captures a bit of her sweet disposition, and hope this did so! This is a slight variation of the one we made in my upline's club last Saturday. Loved it so much, I had to CASE it!

Happy birthday, Kami!

Stamps: Simply Soft (Hostess), Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Marina Mist, Beau Château Designer Series Paper
Ink: Marina Mist Classic Stampin' Pad, Not Quite Navy and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Bug Shot Die-Cut Machine, Snow Burst Embossing Folder, Marina Mist 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones Jewels

Swaps Are My Life

2011-09-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Or, for a while there last month, they seemed to be. I ~~let my mouth overload my a$$~~ bit off almost more than I could chew, and signed up for a whole lotta swaps at Stampin' Addicts, forgetting that I needed to make swap cards for the Stampin' Up Regional I planned to attend last month. Oh, and there was also a Stampin' Addicts blog hop, with the associated projects, thrown in for good measure. Anyhoo, this is one of the cards made for one of the (many) swaps that myself committed myself to. (Yeah, I need to be committed, for sure!)

One of the awesome things we learned at the Stampin' Up! Regional was to squirt a little blob of the new Dazzling Details Glitter Glue in a plastic lid (leftovers from buttons and brads), and stir in a drop of Classic Ink Refill with an Aqua Painter. Then paint it on your stamped image for a cool, colorful, sparkly effect! The maple leaf (from Gently Falling) was stamped with Staz-On ink, then colored around the edges with Watercolor Wonder Crayons before the mixture was painted on. The moisture from the Dazzling Details/ink spread the WW crayon around. Here's a close-up:

Isn't that fantastic?! They used it on pumpkins, but I'm thinking snowmen, flowers, Christmas trees, butterflies, cupcakes, you name it!

Stamps: Gently Falling, Grateful Greetings
Cardstock: Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Spice Cake Designer Series Paper
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, Basic Black and Soft Suede Classic, Real Red and Cajun Craze Watercolor Wonder Crayons
Accessories: Aqua Painter, Dazzling Details Glitter Glue, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Two Tags Bigz Die, Regals Designer Buttons, Hemp Twine, Gold Brads

Christmas Lodge

2011-09-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday was our monthly Christmas card class, and this was the card that we made. This is a combination of lpratt's and Melany Watson's cards on Splitcoast Stampers, with my own twists thrown in. :-) That Silver Glimmer Paper is the perfect icy accent to the snow and is sooo brilliant IRL! The photo just doesn't do it justice. (Edited to add: Instructions for making card are below supply list.)

The Early Espresso ink on the Crumb Cake cardstock really gives an aged, vintage feel. And I absolutely love this image of a country house! I adore the wrap-around porch... can't you just picture yourself sitting there in a rocking chair or glider, looking out over the land, enjoying the sunsets, watching the garden grow, and fruit ripening in the orchard?

It reminds my of my great-grandmother's house which, unfortunately, was torn down recently by the present owners to build a new house. Didn't they realize the history there? The memories of me hiding under the lounge in the living room, pretending that I was Sandy-cat, batting at people's ankles? That I used to play "house" under the branches of the weeping willow tree, which formed a perfect room around the trunk? Eating Concord grapes off the Ruple's vine until I thought I'd burst? The smell of Gram's irises, which grew under the bay window of the dining room? Rubbing two dried ears of corn together to get the kernels off to feed the chickens? Burying coffee grounds and crushed egg shells in the vegetable garden to enrich the soil? *sigh*

Today is a day of remembrance, in so many ways.

Stamps: Christmas Lodge (Holiday Mini), Lovely as a Tree
Cardstock: Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, While Gel Pen

Stamp the lodge image in Early Espresso ink on Crumb Cake cardstock.
Ink up one half of the Lovely as a Tree stamp and stamp to the side of the lodge, then do the reverse for the other side.
Color the snowy areas (roof, railings, ground around lodge, trees, etc.) with a white gel pen.
Tear white cardstock to imitate snow on the ground just below the lodge. Trim excess at bottom.
Layer Silver Glimmer Paper (have to use scissors on this - it won't tear!) a bit below the snow layer. Trim excess at bottom.
Tear another layer of white cardstock to lay over the Glimmer Paper, leaving some exposed. Trim excess at bottom.
Stamp the greeting in Early Espresso ink on the last layer and embellish card as desired.

SUOC27 Challenge

2011-09-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hellooo, stampers, and welcome to the SUO Challenge # 27! The mission, should you choose to accept it (name that TV show), is to make RIBBONS and/or BOWS the main feature of your project:

"Make a card, scrap page or 3D item using any Stampin' Up! ribbon that's new with the 2011-2012 IBC or with the 2011 Holiday Mini Catalog. The ribbon work should be a major feature of the project, not just in the background or as a small accent."

Mine uses the Marina Mist 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon made into a big pouffy double bow. The nice thing about this bow is it will flatten out for mailing, but can be fluffed back up when it's taken out of the envelope!

Okay, it's your turn...let's see what kind of magic you can do with some new Stampin' Up! ribbon! Be sure to post a link on the Su-Only Challenges blog!

Stamps: Simply Soft (Hostess)
Cardstock: Marina Mist, Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy, Beau Château Designer Series Paper
Ink: Marina Mist and Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pads, plus Not Quite Navy and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Marina Mist 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Designer Frames Embossing Folder, Basic Pearls Jewel Accents, Blender Pens, Stampin' Dimensionals

A Happy Accident

2011-09-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

We made several of these shaker cards in the Christmas card class the other day, but I messed up on this one by stamping the images too close to the bottom to allow the greeting (Hope your Christmas is snow much fun) to fit. Plus, the tree is too far to the left. What can I say, I was having an "off" day. It happens ~~a lot more than I admit~~ infrequently. :-D

Anyhoo, there was a small blank space to the right of the tree, and it seemed like having a word bubble coming from the bird would be just the ticket. The bubble is the wing from the Bird Builder Punch.

And the best part? I like this card better than the original!

Stamps: Snow Much Fun, Tiny Tags
Cardstock: Naturals White, Real Red
Ink: Real Red, Bashful Blue, Garden Green, Soft Suede, Basic Gray, Peach Parfait, Daffodil Delight, Gold Lame Smooch Accent Ink
Accessories: Small Oval Punch, Shaker Frames, Mica Flakes, Gold Brads, Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, White Gel Pen, Dazzling Details Glitter Glue, Blender Pens, Stampin' Dimensionals, Window Sheet, Stampin' Sponges

And the Winner is.....

2011-08-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

Debadoo left comment number 14, so she's the winner! Congratulations, Deb!!! Please let me know your snail mail address, so I can sent the goodies to you.

Busy day today, so I'm just posting the card recipes.

First card

Stamps: Pines & Poinsettias (gold heat embossed), greeting from Bells & Boughs

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Mocha Morning Specialty DSP

Ink: VersaMark, Cherry Cobbler Classic, plus Cherry Cobbler, Pretty in Pink, and Chocolate Chip markers

Accessories: Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat tool, Very Vanilla ribbon, Glimmer Brad

Second Card

Stamps: Pines & Poinsettias, Four the Holidays

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Silver Glimmer Paper

Ink: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, plus Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, and Always Artichoke markers

Accessories: Cherry Cobbler seam binding ribbon, Snowflake punch, Blender Pen, Snow Burst embossing folder, Big Shot, Shimmer spritz

Stampin' Addicts 2011 Holiday Mini Hop

2011-08-26T00:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Stampin' Addicts Holiday Mini Blog Hop! This weekend we have 19 stampers who have created fabulous projects using products from the upcoming Stampin' Up! 2011 Holiday Mini Catalog. Can't make it through all 19 blogs in one sitting? No worries! We'll be here all weekend long. If you've been following the links in order, you just arrived from Holly's blog, showcasing the Always Thankful stamp set. Wasn't that wine holder cool?! Click the banner above for a list of all the blogs.

I am featuring the Pines & Poinsettias stamp set, but I have a couple of other goodies to share, too! With Christmas sneaking up on us quicker than you think, now is a good time to get started on those holiday cards and gifts. So up first is a card, of course!

As always, you can click on the pics twice for extra close-up views of my mistakes. :-)

See that beautiful velvet ribbon? That's the Very Vanilla ribbon in the Holiday Mini, colored (on the back, non-fuzzy side) with a Stampin' Write Marker! You can make it any color you want! A Glimmer Brad makes the perfect cinch for the bow.

The second card is a variation of one made for a Stampin' Addicts swap. (I love swapping with other SA members, because they make the BEST cards!) The background patterned paper was made by repeatedly stamping the scroll image in Crumb Cake, then lightly coloring with a blender pen. And the lovely embossed background behind it is the new Snow Burst embossing folder!

Notice the glittery snowflake? In the Holiday Mini there is some beautiful Silver Glimmer Paper, but the silver just didn't look right on the Very Vanilla/Crumb Cake/Cherry Cobbler background. So, I colored it, too! This can be done carefully with the side of a marker, or with an Aqua Painter and Classic ink refills.

Now Christmas wouldn't be complete without a little gift, so I made a trinket box, decorated it, and added a tag that uses the "Christmas" banner in the stamp set.

The 3"x3"x2" box was a piece of cake to make with the new Simply Scored Tool, which is also in the new catalog. Wait until you see how useful it is....it is AWESOME!!!

And last, there's a little something to put in the trinket box. The holly leaves are also in the Pines & Poinsettias set and were the perfect size for the Simply Adorned Charm insert. I'm new to making charm inserts, and the tiny "canvas" was a fun challenge! You can get an idea of the scale by the little image with the quarter down in the corner.

Well, that's all for my projects this time! Be sure to stop by Stampin' Addicts and see what they're about! Their motto is "Positively Creative! Positively Stampin' Up!" Membership is free and you'll have access to a gallery FULL of great ideas like the ones you've been seeing on the hop, along with a friendly group of creative people!

Next blog on the hop is Shelley's blog, where she is featuring The Sounding Joy stamp set.

Hey, you're still here? Why aren't you hopping? Oh, I get it.....maybe you were thinking there might, perhaps, just maybe be some blog candy down here. Heh-heh, you clever thing, you! Well, there is a little something. Just leave a comment about which project you liked the best, and if you are chosen, you'll win that little decorated trinket box, the charm insert (but not the charm itself!), and instructions on how to make the box using the Simply Scored Tool. (U.S. residents only, please!)

Come back Tuesday, when I'll announce the winner and list the materials used in the projects above.

Slider for Mom

2011-08-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

We just had our monthly Fancy Folds class, and one of the cards we made was this double slider card. It's got an extra surprise when you pull the out slider on top - another slider comes out of the bottom! This card was the inspiration, but I wanted to keep it a standard A2 card size, and a little less "busy".

This one is going to Mom, who just had her third chemotherapy treatment (of eight). The shot they give her to boost her white blood cells makes her ache horribly, and the pain killer for that has undesirable side effects, too. I hope the "surprise" she gets when she pulls the tab brings a smile to her face.

Don't forget to come back this Friday for the weekend-long Stampin' Addicts Holiday Mini Blog Hop! There will be lots of inspiration for using the new goodies coming in the Holiday Mini!!!

Stamps: Nature Walk, Pocket Silhouettes, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Soft Suede
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Soft Suede, Riding Hood Red, and Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pads, plus Regal Rose, So Saffron, Rose Red, Basic Black, and Peach Parfait Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Soft Suede 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Square Punch, Round Tab Punch, Sticky Strip, Blender Pens

My Big News

2011-08-22T16:50:00.000-07:00

I didn't think I was supposed to announce this until tomorrow, but I see it's already up on the SU-Only Challenges blog, so here goes....

I'm a SUOC Design Team member!

Woohoo!!! This is a first for me, so I really feel honored. Boy, what a week, huh? Featured Friday Cardmaker on OWH Stars & Stamps, and a few days later, DT on SU-Only Challenges........Life is good!

This invitation for the SUOC26 challenge was made in anticipation of my daughter and son-in-law finally closing on their house, hopefully this week! Once they are moved and settled, it's party time! I combined two of the stamps in the Party Time set to get the "housewarming party time". And see that lovely ribbon treatment with the teeny tiny linen thread bow? My friend Jennifer Timko (the Queen of Lovely Bows) did it on her card here, so I just had to CASE it! Hers looks way better, of course, 'cuz she IS the Queen, after all.

Stamps: Aviary, Party Time
Cardstock: Island Indigo, Whisper White, Pocketful of Posies Designer Series Paper
Inks: Island Indigo, Baja Breeze, Real Red, Basic Black
Accessories: Island Indigo 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Linen Thread, Decorative Label Punch

Be sure to check SUOC every other Tuesday for a new challenge, and upload your creation there! The main rules are easy-peasy....only Stampin' Up! items may used on the project (hence the name of the challenge blog), and the project must be posted within time frame of each challenge. (Check "About" on the SUOC left sidebar for more details on the rules.) If your project is one of the three winners, you get a fab blinky to proudly display on your blog!

Okay, now get busy making an invitation so we can see the fabulousness! It can be any kind of party invite.....in fact, the baby booty shower invitation from a couple days ago was going to be my project, but I changed my mind. It happens a lot these days. The mind-changing thing. Some call it ~~old age~~ indecision. I call it coming up with a better idea. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

Baby Shower Invite

2011-08-20T17:45:00.000-07:00

The new Holiday Stocking Bigx L Die can be used for more than just a Christmas stocking, ya know! (It's on page 24 of the Holiday Mini. If you don't have yours yet, send me a message with your U.S. address and I'll get one to you!) It can be turned into a cute baby shower invitation by folding a sheet of 8-1/2 x 11 cardstock in half and laying the fold about one inch below the top of the stocking. (The excess CS was trimmed off before running it through the Big Shot.)

After cutting the Designer Series Paper toe and heel pieces with the die, they were adhered with Tombow Mono Multipurpose adhesive and the front of the card was embossed with the Square Lattice folder. The cuff was cut from 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" CS (with DSP adhered) and trimmed to mimic a cuff, then embossed with the Snow Burst embossing folder (pg. 33). After adding the Very Vanilla Velvet Stitched Ribbon (pg. 22) and a Square Ice Rhinestone Brad, it was adhered with Sticky Strip.

Too bad I don't know anyone who needs some cute baby shower invitations! My ~~parasite~~ child-bearing days are long over, lol.

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend! It's a Goldilocks kind of day here....not too hot, not too cold, juuusssst right!

Stamp: Baby Bundle
Cardstock: Wisteria Wonder, Very Vanilla, Concord Crush, Wisteria Wonder Designer Series Paper
Ink: Concord Crush Classic Stampin' Pad, Wisteria Wonder Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories: Blender Pen, Very Vanilla Velvet Stitched Ribbon,Square Ice Rhinestone Brad, Big Shot, Square Lattice e.f., Snow Burst e.f., Decorative Label Punch

A Warm Howdy!

2011-08-19T02:26:00.000-07:00

Today I am honored to be the Featured Friday Cardmaker over at the OWH Stars and Stamps blog! So, if you are visiting from OWH, I'd like to extend a happy welcome!!!

The theme of OWHtv Episode 24 was clean and simple (CAS) cards, which inspired me to make these. I'm pretty sure Sandy, Dixie, and Kris can never have too many "Miss You", or "Thinking of You" cards, so these will be added to the box! In fact, I just checked the Current Needs page, and all three need 'em!

Thank you, Paula, for asking of I'd like to be a Featured Cardmaker. Um, let me think about that for a sec.... YES!!!

And thank YOU, visitors, for stopping by my humble blog today! I hope you found something to inspire you here. (Check out the Christmas cards posted the past couple of days.) If you are new to Operation Write Home, please be sure to check the Card Guidelines and Shipping Deadlines before sending cards to the shippers. Oh, and if you can Prepare the Cards before you send them, it would save our shippers tons of time, too!

And finally, most of all, THANK YOU

to the men and women who work so hard

and sacrifice so much to ensure our freedom.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart....

YOU ROCK!

Very Merry Stockings

2011-08-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

Gosh, I love this time of year.....the days are getting shorter, and the evenings are getting cooler. The sun takes on a special slant and golden light. That means Fall is right around the corner, and with it all the great holidays through the end of the year. Yup, it is definitely my favorite time of year......right alongside Winter, Spring, and Summer.

More holiday loveliness going to Operation Write Home. And speaking of Operation Write Home, I'm going to have a special post up tomorrow.

Stamps: Stitched Stockings (Holiday Mini), Short & Sweet
Cardstock: Shimmery White, Whisper White, Garden Green, Wild Wasabi DSP< Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink: Basic Black, Garden Green, and Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pads
Accessories: Snow Burst embossing folder, and Stocking Builder Punch (both in Holiday Mini), Big Shot, Cherry Cobbler 3/8" Quilted Satin Ribbon, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Christmas for the Troops

2011-08-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

If you've been following me for a while, you'll know two things about me....well probably way more than two, but these are the ones we're addressing today. 1) I am a horrible procrastinator, which is what led me to making a few Christmas cards every month so I ~~wouldn't bring embarrassment and shame upon my family~~ would be ready to mail them early in December, and 2) I make cards for Operation Write Home for our deployed heroes to send home to loved ones.

The deadlines for OWH holiday cards, and this applies to all holidays, whether Mother's Day, Christmas, Valentines, whatever, is usually about two months before the actual holiday. This gives the shippers time to sort, pack and ship them out in time for the heroes to send them back home.

Anyhoo, to make a short story long, NOW is the time to be making those holiday cards (see deadlines below), so I've been working on a few.

The words in the greeting from Short & Sweet were inked separately with Stampin' Write Markers so they could fit on the Jewelry Tag. The holly berry cluster was also inked with markers for the third tag, and then used with VersaMark on the Garden Green panel.

Stamps: Pines & Poinsettias (Holiday Mini), Short & Sweet
Cardstock: Shimmery White, Garden Green, Poppy Parade, Confetti White, Holly Berry Bouquet Specialty DSP
Ink (Stampin' Write Markers): Poppy Parade, Calypso Coral, Garden Green
Accessories: Poppy Parade 1/2" Poly Stitched Ribbon, Vintage Trinkets, Jewelry Tag Punch, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Perfect Polka-Dots embossing folder, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Linen Thread

OWH deadlines:

Sept 16 - Halloween

Sept 30 - Thanksgiving

Oct 31 - Christmas

Nov 30 - AnyHero Christmas

Gentle Thoughts

2011-08-15T00:11:00.000-07:00

This card was made using this week's sketch and challenge #69 from A La Card Monkey - what a fun layout to play with! The theme is sympathy or thinking of you cards, which also just happens to be this month's theme for the So Shelli Creative Challenge, AND this is one of my favorite new stamp sets, so it meets the SUO Challenge 25, as well! *Whew!*

If you click on the image twice to enlarge it, you may notice the maple seed pods were stamped on the More Mustard panels before it was embossed with the Perfect Polka-Dots folder. I wanted it subtle, but I think maybe it's a little too subtle. What really stands out IRL is that maple leaf. It was sprayed with the Gold Glow Smooch Spritz and looks fabulous! The photo really doesn't do it justice.

Stamps: Gently Falling, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: River Rock Textured, Very Vanilla, More Mustard, Basic Black, Cajun Craze, Spice Cake Designer Series Paper
Ink: Basic Black, Cajun Craze, and Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pads
Accessories: Big Shot Die-Cut Mchine, Perfect Polka-Dots Embossing Folder, Hemp Twine, Linen Thread,Word Window Punch, 1/16" Handheld Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Painting Silver Glimmer

2011-08-13T15:48:00.000-07:00

After discovering how well the Stampin' Write Markers work for tinting the Silver Glimmer Paper (hang in there, you can order it September 1st!), I thought about trying it with an Aqua Painter and Classic Ink Refills. The Glimmer Paper is quite sturdy, almost like it has a plastic or waxed paper base, so it was a fairly certain bet that it could withstand getting wet.

Here is what I observed.......start with a color much darker than you want to end up with. The Heat Tool was used to speed drying time, and as the paper dried, it got remarkably lighter, as shown below. The first image shows the left side already dried, and how dark the right side is before drying. The second image shows both sides dried.

Materials used: Silver Glimmer Paper, Pool Party Classic Ink Refill, Aqua Painter, Heat Tool

I LOVE Stampin' Write Markers! (Plus SUO Challenge 25)

2011-08-12T00:29:00.000-07:00

Why, you ask? Well, besides the fact that I can color on stamps, and dye ribbon with them, I figured out that the new Silver Glimmer Paper (coming in the Holiday Mini) can be colored* as well! Waaaa-hoootie! Now I can make GOLD Glimmer Paper, or Island Indigo Glimmer Paper, or Early Espresso Glimmer Paper!!! On the card below, the snowflake was colored with More Mustard to give it a warm glow and tone it down to match the card. Isn't it gorgeous?

This stamp set is called Pines & Poinsettias, and is also in the Holiday Mini, as is that wonderful new Snow Burst embossing folder. Oh, there are so many wonderful things coming September 1st!

The challenge this week at SU-Only Challenges is to make a card using a favorite new stamp set, and this certainly qualifies as one of my favorites. Good thing I don't have to choose just one favorite - that would be impossible!

My experimentation with the markers - soooo yummy!

* Note: I used the SIDE of the brush tip of the marker, rubbing gently on the Glimmer Paper.

Stamps: Pines & Poinsettias, Four the Holidays
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink: Crumb Cake and Cherry Cobbler Classic pads, plus Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, and More Mustard Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Crumb Cake 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, Snowflake Punch, Snow Burst embossing folder, Big Shot Die-Cut Machiine, Stampin' Dimensionals

More Velvety Goodness

2011-08-10T00:17:00.000-07:00

Stampin' Write Markers ROCK! I wanted to see if I could dye the new Velvet Stitched Ribbon to match a card I was working on, and it works! All you have to do is flip the ribbon over and, using the side of the marker's brush end, slide it along the ribbon to color it. Easy-peasy awesome-sauce!!!

Stamps: Lovely As A Tree, Three Little Words
Cardstock: Shimmery White, Calypso Coral, Basic Black
Ink: Jet Black StazOn, Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral, Bashful Blue, and Wild Wasabi Classic Stampin' Pads, Calypso Coral Stampin' Write Marker
Accessories: Square Rhinestone Brad, Very Vanilla 3/8" Velvet Stitched Ribbon (available 9/1), Stampin' Sponges

Velvety Vanilla!

2011-08-09T10:07:00.000-07:00

One of the new items in the upcoming Holiday Mini catalog is the gorgeous Very Vanilla 3/8" Velvet Stitched Ribbon. It is so soft and yummy-licious and will be the perfect addition not only on Christmas cards, but on Fall cards, baby cards, you name it!

Stamps: Christmas Collage, Bells & Boughs
Cardstock: Real Red, Shimmery White
Ink: Crumb Cake, Real Red, Old Olive, Basic Black, and Sahara Sand Classic
Accessories: Very Vanilla 3/8" Velvet Stitched Ribbon, Round Rhinestone Brad, Gold Waffle Paper, Blender Pens, Stampin' Dimensionals

You Don't Always Have to Stamp!

2011-08-06T20:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, the designer paper can speak for itself, as shown on the card below. The only thing that was stamped was the little greeting. Embossing the background adds some interest, too.

Now go drag out that pretty patterned paper you've been hoarding and see if there isn't a lovely design waiting to be highlighted on your next card!

Stamp: (greeting) Pennant Parade
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Basic Black, Flirtatious Designer Series Paper
Ink: Basic Black Classic
Accessories: Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Basic Pearls, Pretty in Pink 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon (retired), Stampin' Dimensionals

Autumn Thanks

2011-08-05T15:17:00.000-07:00

This was one of the cards we made in my monthly stamp club today. The ladies LOVED it! It was made for the Dare to Get Dirty Challenge by CuttersCallous (DTGD11cutterscallous) over on Splitcoast Stampers.

Stamps: Autumn Days, Thank You Kindly
Cardstock: Shimmery White
Inks: Basic Black, So Saffron, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craz
Accessories: Stripes embossing folder., Big Shot, Stampin' Sponges, Basic Rhinestone, Basic Black 1/4" grosgrain ribbon

Monochromatic Doily

2011-08-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post today....have to prepare for the meeting with my stamping team tonight!

This card uses the Rolling Marble technique on the background of the doily. It produces such a cool effect!

Stamps: Hello Doily, Oval All
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Glossy White
Ink: Melon Mambo Classic pad, Pretty in Pink and Regal Rose reinkers
Accessories: Melon Mambo 1/2" Scallop Dot Ribbon, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, marbles, plastic stamp case

Get Well Wishes

2011-08-02T01:09:00.000-07:00

One of the things we do in the monthly meetings with my team members is two techniques, with an instruction card/sample and card front using the technique. This goes on a large ring for them to use as ideas for workshops and classes. This week we're doing the Rock & Roll technique and Baby Wipe technique. This is the Rock & Roll sample card front they'll make to put on the ring:

Since it is a Get Well card, I'm going to enter it in the SU-Only Challenge 24, Get Well Cards. Be sure to check their blog for fun inspirational challenges!

Stamps: Day of Gratitude, Thoughts & Prayers
Cardstock: So Saffron, Pool Party, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White
Ink: VersaMark, Pool Party and Not Quite Navy Classic pads, Not Quite Navy and So Saffron Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Big Shot, Finial Press embossing folder, Pool Party 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon, Boho Blossoms Punch, Clear Rhinestone Brad, Stampin' Dimensionals

Welcome to the New Catalog Mega Hop!

2011-07-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

Greetings - I'm so glad you could join us today! This is Day 1 of the Stampin' Addicts New Catalog Blog Hop. It will last all weekend, and each stop along the way will feature an item from the newly released Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog. For the complete list of blogs, click HERE. If you've been following the links in order, you just arrived from Jennifer's blog, Stampin' on the Fly. Weren't those balloons just adorable?! At the bottom of this post are the buttons leading you on to the next stop.

I am featuring the stamp set called Pennant Parade, and the matching Petite Pennants Builder Punch. You might think you'd be limited as to what you could do with this set, but you'd be wrong! We were allowed to do up to four projects for the hop, to keep things moving smoothly, but I could have done twice that easily!

First up is a card to welcome a sweet baby girl. This card is an A6 size (4½" x 6¼") to accommodate the 5th pennant. The background is lightly embossed, and there are multiple layers of ribbon. See that pink scallop ribbon? That's the new ½" Scallop Dots Ribbon, folded in half with the dots inside!

(As always, you can click on the images to see more detail, along with all the mistakes, lol.)

Stamps: Pennant Parade, Short & Sweet
Cardstock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Just Add Cake and Pretty in Pink Designer Series Paper
Classic Ink: Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, Early Espresso
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Details Texturz Plate, Pitite Pennants Builder Punch, ½" Circle Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Circle Punch, White Baker's Twine, Silver Mini Brads, Pretty in Pink 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Whisper White 5/8" Organza Ribbon, Pretty in Pink ½" Scallop Dots Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Up next is a fun card for the golf enthusiast....and there are several in my family! It's hard to tell from the photo, but the hole is really a hole punched in the "green". The sky was sponged on over the masked clouds. Looks like this golfer better finish the next nine holes before the rain comes!

Stamps: Pennant Parade, On Your Birthday
Cardstock: Shimmery White, Whisper White, Marina Mist, Garden Green, Wild Wasabi, Island Indigo, Basic Black, Early Espresso, Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper
Classic Ink: So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Garden Green, Soft Suede, Island Indigo
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka_dots Embossing Folder, Large Oval Punch, 1¼" Circle Punch, Petite Pennants Builder Punch, Stampin' Sponge, bamboo skewer, Stampin' Dimensionals

Next on the agenda is a card perfect for a friend or family member that loves to quilt. The stamped pennants were punched out and fastened to a cardstock base with the Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets (that stuff is so cool)! Then they were embossed to give the look of a washed quilt. Little knots of Baker's Twine were added for the tied-quilt look. So, how did I choose the coordinating colors? I used the Color Coach and looked up Pool Party.

Stamps: Pennant Parade, On Your Birthday
Cardstock: Pool Party, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White
Ink: Pool Party, So Saffron, and Wild Wasabi Classic, Basic Black Craft
Accessories: Big Shot, Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Pool Party 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon, White Baker's Twine, Black Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, ¼" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

And finally, even though it's the middle of a sweltering summer, I just had to make a contemporary style Christmas card. This card looks soooo much better in real life! The Mocha Morning Designer Series Paper was my inspiration for the non-traditional colors. And guess what I discovered? You can (carefully) heat emboss the Satin Ribbon! The starburst stamp was inked with VersaMark and stamped down the ribbon (use the Embossing Buddy first!), then the gold embossing powder was added.

Stamps: Pennant Parade, Heard From the Heart
Cardstock: Basic Black, Brushed Gold, Mocha Morning Specialty Designer Series Paper
Ink: Basic Black Craft, VersaMark
Accessories: Iridescent Ice, Black, and Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Basic Black 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Well, I hope you enjoyed your visit here, and leave with lots of inspiration! Your next stop is Sarah Wills' blog, Sarah's Ink Spot. She's featuring Jack of All Trades!

When you've completed all the stops on the hop, I hope you'll hop over to Stampin' Addicts and join in the fun there. It's free, it's fun, and it's open to all Stampin' Up! enthusiasts, whether they be seasoned demonstrators, or newbies just starting stamping. The folks there are the nicest people, ready to help answer any questions. Be sure to check out the gallery for inspiration!

Three Days Left!

2011-07-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

The $99 Starter Kit special ends on July 31st...trust me, you don't want to let this slip by! In addition to all the many, many benefits you get from Stampin' Up, you also get lots of perks from me, as well. My downlines can attend any class, free of charge. If you live out of the area, I'll send the lesson plan, including step-by-step illustrated instructions, plus a sample of the finished project. You'll receive the complete color chart, with punched samples of all the current colors:

You'll also receive labels for all the Designer Series paper (DSP name, item #, page #, list of complementary colors), and labels for your ink pads. I'm available to answer questions pretty much 24/7.

And, from now until this deal ends, you can choose ANY stamp set in the current catalog as a bonus from me!

Join my stampin' family! You'll be glad you did!!!

Get Well for Handy Dad

2011-07-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

After my father retired from the military, he became a contractor, doing both construction and fine carpentry/cabinet making. I remember Dad would always be out in the garage, making stuff, with the smell of sawdust in the air (I love that smell!). He had a pegboard wall above his workbench, with the outlines of every tool hanging there, carefully penciled on. I can still see the baby food jars, lids screwed to the bottom of the upper cabinet, filled with various nails, screws, nuts, and bolts. He was a neat freak! Too bad it seems to have skipped a generation, lol.

Well, Dad is back in the hospital, still losing weight, and they can't seem to find what is wrong. This get well card should brighten his day a little bit, I hope. It so reminds me of him!

The embossed frame was cut out, and a piece of acetate sheet was placed over the greeting to make it look like glass. How did I stick it on you ask? Well, first I tried just a little bead of Crystal Effects on the edge....that didn't work so well. Then it struck me - Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets! The adhesive is clear, so I just laid the acetate on, rubbed it down thoroughly (using the backer sheet for protection, peeled off the other backing and voila!

Stamp: Tool Shed (greeting printed on computer)
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Soft Suede, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Soft Suede Classic, Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker
Accessories: Designer Frames Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet, Window (acetate) Sheet, Silver Mini Brads, White Baker's Twine (colored with Black Stampin' Write Marker), Stampin' Dimensionals, Mat Pack and Paper Piercing Tool

I see my dinosaur kid's card was chosen as one of the top three at SUO Challenges this week! Woohootie!!! Thanks, ladies! I'm ~~wearing~~ displaying the badge of honor proudly! Since today's card falls neatly into this week's challenge, I think I'll submit it, too. Who knows, maybe lightning can strike twice! Nah....my luck it would turn out like this:

Shaving Cream

2011-07-26T00:05:00.000-07:00

There are only five more days to take advantage of the $99 Starter Kit special, and become a member of my team! Just one of (the many) perks of joining, is getting to try two new techniques at our monthly team meetings. This month we had a grand ol' time getting messy with the Shaving Cream technique and Marbles technique! Here's the sample we made using the Shaving Cream.

Stamps: Fox & Friends, On Your Birthday
Cardstock: Lucky Limeade, Daffodil Delight, Always Artichoke, Whisper, White, Glossy White
Ink: Lucky Limeade Classic pad, Daffodil Delight and Pear Pizzazz ink refills
Accessories: Lucky Limeade 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon, Perfect Polka-Dots embossing folder, Big Shot, shaving cream

I'd LOVE to have you join my Stampin' Up family! Contact me today to get all the details - you won't regret it!

For My Friend

2011-07-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

Her dog died suddenly, with no apparent warning that anything was wrong. I know what a hole in the heart those little furry critters leave when they pass. And it keeps hurting for a long time, too....every time you come home and they aren't waiting by the door, tail-waggingly ecstatic to see you.

For some reason, I never can get my husband to greet me that way.

Stamps: D is for Dog, I {Heart} Hearts

Cardstock: Basic Black, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Mocha Morning Specialty DSP

Ink: Basic Black Classic, Basic Black Craft, Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker (to color white edges of ribbon)

Accessories: Houndstooth (get it?) Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Metallic Brads, Black Stampin' Emboss Powder, Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Heat tool, bone-shaped paper clip (non-SU)

Sympathy

2011-07-24T14:50:00.000-07:00

I had to make a couple of these, one for a friend whose dog died suddenly (I'll show it tomorrow), and one for someone whose nephew just died in a motorcycle accident. I can't imagine anything more tragic than losing a child, no matter how old they are.

Anyhoo, both cards use the absolutely yummy Mocha Morning Specialty DSP. I love that stuff! Besides the flocked pages (2 different designs), the others are printed in a subtle metallic ink that is simply luscious.

Stamps: Just Believe, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Shimmery White, Crumb Cake, Marina Mist, Basic Black, Mocha Morning DSP, Groom Specialty DSP (retired)
Ink: VersaMark, Basic Black, Soft Suede, So Saffron, Calypso Coral, Marina Mist
Accessories: Black Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Stampin' Sponges, Word Window Punch, Basic Black 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Linen Thread, black brad

Next weekend is Stampin' Addicts New Catalog Blog Hop, featuring goodies from the new Idea Book & Catalog. I'll be showing the Pennant Parade stamp set and coordinating punch. Mark your calendar - you won't want to miss it!

Mom's Birthday

2011-07-22T00:30:00.000-07:00

My sweet mother's birthday is Monday. I'm afraid she won't be having a very pleasant day, since she has to have her second round of chemotherapy today. By Monday she'll be feeling awful. It breaks my heart to know that she has to suffer so.

One of the things the doctor and staff has told her to do is to try to keep her daily activities as normal as possible. So I'm going to send this card, and keep it upbeat, just like things are normal when they really aren't.

Since I used the Window Sheet with such success on the Pterodactyl yesterday, I decided to try it with a spiral pop-up card for the second card in class yesterday. I really like the way the acetate is nearly invisible, so the butterflies simply float up, dancing, as the card opens. (If you click on the image to enlarge, and then click it again, you can just barely make out the glue dot on the back panel.) I think the butterflies will bring Mom a smile.

Helpful hint: If you use a punch to cut the circle for the spiral, place a sheet of paper behind it. There's less chance the punch will get stuck on the acetate.

Stamps: Just Believe, On Your Birthday
Cardstock: Wild Wasabi, Calypso Coral, Shimmery White, Paisley Petals DSP
Ink: Early Espresso and Calypso Coral Classic, Calypso Coral and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Calypso Coral 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon, Sponge Dauber, Stampin' Dimensionals, Window Sheet

Pop-Up Stage, Inside

2011-07-21T00:15:00.000-07:00

Here is what yesterday's dinosaur card looks like on the inside. The Pterodactyl is "flying" on a thin strip of Window Sheet (acetate). When the card is opened, he just kind of bobs in the air....it's really too stinkin' cute! The acetate and clear mini glue dots are nearly invisible, so the effect is extra nice. After today's Fancy Folds class, I added the pop-up grass patch (thanks, Diane, for the inspiration!).

My grandson is going to love this!

POP-UP STAGE TUTORIAL

Stamps: Dinoroar
Cardstock: Garden Green, Shimmery White, Woodland Walk DSP (retired), Sweet Pea DSP (retired)
Ink: Soft Suede, Lucky Limeade, Peach Parfait, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral, Island Indigo, Basic Gray, Early Espresso
Accessories: Window Sheet, Mini Glue Dots, Sticky Strip, Blender Pens

Dino-might Birthday Card

2011-07-20T01:11:00.000-07:00

What a fun card to give a budding paleontologist for his or her birthday. Any kid that is into dinosaurs is sure to love it. The inside is a pop-upstage card, following this tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers. You'll have to come back tomorrow to see how cute the inside is! This is the one of the cards we're making in the Fancy Folds class today.

Since I have no idea what color a Triceratops would have been (I'm old, but not that old!), I took liberties with the colors. :-) The image was stamped on Shimmery White cardstock using Garden Green ink, then colored with a blender pen. Lucky Limeade and Peach Parfait are the main colors, with a bit of Calypso Coral for the mouth.

Stamps: Dinoroar
Cardstock: Garden Green, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Shimmery White, Woodland Walk DSP (retired)
Ink: Garden Green, Lucky Limeade, Peach Parfait, Calypso Coral, Early Espresso, Soft Suede
Accessories: Neutrals Brads, Big Shot, Houndstooth embossing folder, Stampin' Dimensionals

Hello Baby!

2011-07-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post today - I have lots to do for the next few days! This was a leftover image from the baby card I made a few days back. I usually stamp more than one image, in case I mess up one of them. Yes, it happens all the time!

Stamps: Baby Bundle, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, Watercolor Paper
Ink: Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, Marina Mist, Basic Gray, Soft Suede
Accessories: Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Mini Brads, Daffodil Delight 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Big Shot, Square Lattice and Vintage Wallpaper embossing folders, Stampin' Dimensionals

Tropical Vacation

2011-07-16T00:05:00.000-07:00

I'm lovin' me some Calypso Coral! The funny thing is, when I first saw the new In Colors, that was my least favorite color, but now it's moved right up to share top billing with Island Indigo! I guess it's because it is so reminiscent of sunrise/sunset colors. This card is a minor variation on the one posted a week ago. This time the palm tree stamp is in the current catalog (Plant Hope), and the card base coordinates with the tropical sea color. Hemp twine tied with square knots adds a nice touch, but I think it needs another palm tree, with a hammock tied between, and an umbrella drink, don't you?

Stampin' Up! obviously planned the new In Colors to compliment their 2013 Grand Vacation - to Fiji! Talk about a tropical paradise! I'd love to be able to earn this incentive trip. You could earn it, too. If you join my team, we could both be
from Paradise in 2013! Can't you just see the sunsets now?

Stamps: Plant Hope, Three Little Words (though I only inked two, lol)
Cardstock: Island Indigo, Calypso Coral, Early Espresso, Watercolor Paper
Ink: Island Indigo, Calypso Coral, Marina Mist, Crumb Cake, and Soft Suede Classic Ink, plus Always Artichoke, Early Espresso, and Soft Suede Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Color Spritzer Tool, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Hemp Twine, Aqua Painter, Stampin' Dimensionals

Baby Boy

2011-07-15T00:13:00.000-07:00

The whole first-cousin, second-cousin, removing cousins thing has me confusticated, so I looked it up on Wikipedia which, as we all know, is the be-all, end-all, ultimate source for accurate information. ;-) If I read the chart correctly, then this card is for my first-cousin, once removed, who happens to be my cousin's daughter. She's expecting a baby (her first!) in about six weeks. I can't make it to the shower this weekend, so this little card, and a gift, will have to take my place.

Check out those tiny silver brads on the wheel hubs. Aren't they the bee's knees?!

Today is my Stampin' Up! anniversary! I've been a demonstrator for two whole years now. (I put the demon in demonstrator!) (Humming the anniversary song to myself.)

Stamps: Baby Bundle
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Pear Pizzazz, Not Quite Navy, Watercolor Paper, Springtime Vintage DSP (retired)
Ink (Classic Stampin' Pads): Not Quite Navy, Marina Mist, Baja Breeze, Sahara Sand, Crumb Cake, So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Soft Suede, Pumpkin Pie, plus a Not Quite Navy Stampin' Write Marker
Accessories: Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Perfect Polka-Dots Embossing Folder, Subtles Brads, Mini Silver Brads, Linen Thread, Blender Pens, Bitty Button, Pear Pizzazz 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Christmas in August

2011-07-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's not August yet, but I got my cards finished early, so here they are. Since I've been glued to the computer today waiting for Convention updates (and dying a thousand deaths with each new bit of news), I haven't been card making.

These were done yesterday, and they are a total CASE of LeeAnn Greff's CARD from 2009. I changed the cardstock colors and added Basic Rhinestones instead of the square brad. Oh, and the image is stamped on our Shimmery White CS. It really is lovely IRL! Here's the lot of them:

Stamp: Scenic Season
Cardstock: Concord Crush, Bashful Blue, Shimmery White
Ink: Concord Crush, Calypso Coral, So Saffron, and Bashful Blue Classic
Accessories: Stampin' Sponges, Basic Rhinestones, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Quickie Glue Pen (non-SU)

Fun in the Sun

2011-07-13T00:14:00.000-07:00

The Sunny Fun stamp set is absolutley perfect for all things Summer. The flip-flops are adorable (the littlest ones were used on this card), the kids playing on their floaties in the water are a kick, and the frozen treats......well, who doesn't love ice cream? There is such a variety, there's something for everyone!

Click image to enlarge

So anyway, this was a fast, easy card to make. Choosing the colors for the flip-flops was fun, and after I was finished, I realized they coordinated with the Ice Cream Parlor DSP (retired) from Sale-A-Bration earlier this year. Now I'm thinking I need to do a card with the ice cream image next!

Stamps: Sunny Fun (Summer Mini)

Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Ice Cream Parlor DSP (retired)

Stampin' Write Markers: Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, Crumb Cake

Accessories: Melon Mambo 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon, Jewelry Tag Punch, 1/16" Circle Handheld Punch, Big Shot, embossing folder (non-SU), tiny rhinestones (non-SU), Stampin' Dimensionals

Chair-ish Friendship

2011-07-10T18:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I spelled it wrong.....it's supposed to be Cherish, but with the chair being the dominant stamp in this set, I had to go for the pun. Sorry, couldn't help myself! This is another swap card. I love swapping and seeing what everyone else is doing!

The sketch may look familiar. I really liked the way this card looked with the tall, narrow image and thought the layout would lend itself well for this card, too.

Stamps: Cherish Friendship, Tiny Tags
Cardstock: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Calypso Coral DSP (In Colors Pack)
Inks: Early Espresso and Soft Suede Classic plus Lucky Limeade, Always Artichoke, Wild Wasabi, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, Regal Rose, So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, and Peach Parfait Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Blender Pen, Houndstooth Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Calypso Coral 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon, Jewelry Tag Punch, Linen Thread, Basic Pearls

~~Heart's Delight Cards~~

So, What is YOUR Favorite in the Mini?

CASEing Rosalie's Swaps

Faux Tile, Real Love

The "Practice" Stamp

Simply Thanks

Fresh Vintage Birthday

SUOC36 - Try a New Technique!

Tea Party

Just My Type...

The Other Baby

I {Heart} Hearts

Baby, Baby!

Organizing!

Happy New Year!

Stampin' Addicts 2012 Occasions Mini Blog Hop

"Occasion"ally, I Get an Idea

The Punch is the Thing - SUO Challenge #35

Merry Christmas!

And, the OTHER Swap

SA Swaps

Happy Hanukkah!

A Technique & a Sneak Peek!

SUO Challenge 34 - Merry & Happy!

Tea Light Holder Tutorial

SNEAK PEEK - WAHOOOO!

Swap Card

Happy Birthday, Simon "the Tool Man" Callen!

Ribbon Rosettes

I'm Dreaming of a Pink Christmas

SUO Challenge 33, Holiday Colors!

Online Holiday Extravaganza

Quick Post for the Day

For My Friend

SUOC32 - Thankful!

Courage

Folded Star/Snowflake Tutorial

Snowflakes!

Much to be Thankful For!

Great Company!

I Love the Internet

Attitude of Gratitude

New Friends

More Masculinity

Blessed by Love

Month of Gratitude

SUOC31, Thinking of You

Masculine, Clean and Simple

Simply Sent Christmas

Aaand Another Any Hero Card

Any Hero Cards

Christmas in October

10 For 10

SUO Challenge #30 - Treats!

Alchemy!

BIG SHOT BLOG HOP!

SUOC29 - Leaves!

WOW!

Gently Thankful

Spooky Slider Cup Card

Fancy Fold Christmas

SUOC28, Fall Colors!

Another Swap

Happy Birth Day, Baby Boy!

Happy Birthday!

Swaps Are My Life

Christmas Lodge

SUOC27 Challenge

A Happy Accident

And the Winner is.....

Stampin' Addicts 2011 Holiday Mini Hop

Slider for Mom

My Big News

Baby Shower Invite

A Warm Howdy!

Very Merry Stockings

Christmas for the Troops

Gentle Thoughts

Painting Silver Glimmer

I LOVE Stampin' Write Markers! (Plus SUO Challenge 25)

Heart's Delight Cards