Ink'n Paper Creations

Valentine Hearts

2011-01-19T02:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Stampers! I finally took some time out of mu busy schedule this weekend and stamped a little. I wanted to brain storm some Valentine cards for my class, but am still waiting for some of my new goodies to arrive from the new Mini catalog. I pulled out some of my Valentine stuff from last year and dove in. This is what I came up with. It's not my usual style, but I think it works anyway. Tomorrow my new goodies should arrive and then I can really get my mojo going. I can't wait!!

I added a strip of the same DSP to the inside along with a strip of Real Red card stock punched with the same punch from the front. Love how this makes the entire card look finished and complete. Hope you're getting in the mood for a little love soon!

Happy Stamping~

Valentine Class

2011-01-17T02:00:00.000-05:00

Valentine Stamping Class
Come and make one of these cute mini Valentine mailboxes and 4 Valentine cards with envelopes. Cost of the class is $15. Received $5 off your class fee with a $30 Stampin' Up! order.
When: Tuesday January 25th, 2011
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Where: My home (contact me for directions)
Please RSVP. Space is limited. Sign up today!!

Advent Calendars

2011-01-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Stampers! Here is another one of the projects that I worked on the past few months. I saw the idea for these somewhere online so I can not say that this was an original idea of mine. When I saw the ones that had been done by other stampers I knew I had to make some of my own.

The project itself was fairly simple to do. I think the most time consuming thing was punching all the different layers. I made several of these in traditional red and green Christmas colors and other I made were of non-tradintional colors such as turquoise and pink. I love how they all turned out.

Once I started making these I just couldn't stop. Many of my family members who have young children received one of these for them to enjoy next holiday season. The kids are going to love removing the little magnets to find the "surprise" underneath. The tins could be filled with anything from candy to stickers.

Happy Stamping~

It's Been Too Long

2011-01-13T21:04:00.005-05:00

Wow! Has it really been 6 months since I last posted? It seems like time flies the older you get. Maybe I feel that way since I will be having another birthday next week. Who knows! Even though I haven't posted on here, I have been doing some crafting. Not a lot, but that is one of the things I plan to change this year.

My life has taken on some drastic changes the past 6 months and so that has been part of my issue with not posting. The boys and I are out on our own now and have a fantastic place. I even have my very own stamping room now!! I am super excited. I realized though that I have way too much stuff and will be needing to downsize some soon, but for now it is all put away and I have my own little hide away I can create and be happy in. :)

One of the things I made while I was away from Blog-land was a squash book for my sister for a wedding she was going to. It is so elegant and classy looking. I love how it turned out.

I love the look of black and burgundy together. It just screams sophistication to me. What do you think? I love making these little books. They are a quick and easy way to scrap some of your favorite pictures and moments. They are great for weddings, family vacations, holidays, school years, sporting events and just about any other thing you can think of.

Anyone in the local area interested in attending a stamp class contact me for more details. I have a Valentine's Day class that I am planning now that will be held the last week in January. New and seasoned stampers are welcome!

Happy Stamping~

Animal Cracker Birthday Card

2010-06-26T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! Today's card is the last of the set of birthday cards I made this past holiday season for family and friends. This one is a bit more feminine than the others, but it is still one of those quick and easy cards to make. I used the designer paper to develop my color scheme from again. When I started stamping many years ago I never thought to use designer paper in any of my cards. I thought fancy papers were just for scrapbooking. Oh how wrong was I!!! I have seen the error in my ways. I also admit that the designer papers produced by Stampin' Up! are some of the best I have seen. The colors are all so vivid and bright. I am very excited to see what new papers will be coming out in the new catalog in just a short time. So far, from the sneak peek of items I have seen I am sure everyone will be pleasantly surprised.

Happy Stamping~

More Birthday Crads

2010-06-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! Once again I am showing you some of the birthday cards I made as gifts this past Christmas. I tried to focus on making birthday cards as that is what all my friends and family members seem to need most. These cards were based on several cards I saw online, but unfortunately I can not find the link to them any more so if these are your original design please let me know so I can give you the proper credit you deserve.

Once again the stamp images match the designer paper so well that it makes these cards quick and easy to assemble. It even takes the guess work out of deciding what color scheme to go with. One the 2nd card I decided to brighten it up a little bit by adding the red twine to the stamped image. Love how this brightened up the card and added such nice texture.

Happy Stamping~

It's a whale of a birthday!

2010-06-24T00:00:00.001-04:00

Hi Stampers! Today's card is another birthday card I mentioned in my previous post. One of the things I love about Stampin' Up! is that the stamp sets, card stock and designer papers all match! It really does make card making so quick and easy. I based my card colors on designer paper and love how the stamped image matches the image in the designer paper. This card could be given to a child or adult, male or female. I love versatile cards!!!

Happy Stamping~

Owl Birthday

2010-06-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

Every year for Christmas and birthdays I always make friends and family members a set or two of cards to be used throughout the year. Birthday cards are always a huge request so this year I decided to make an extra set of just birthday cards which could be used for male or female birthdays. Over the next few posts I will show you some of the cards I included in that set. These cards would make great workshop cards too since they are all simple to make but create a big "wow" factor in life. They are also simple and eay enough to make that switching up the color schemes in them makes it even more versatile.

Happy Stamping~

Teen Boy Card

2010-06-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

If you are like me then creating masculine cards is always a challenge. Teen age boy cards are even harder to come up with. I was so happy with the last catalog release when I saw the skateboarder image along with a few other single image stamps. I knew that these would make great teen boy cards. I was right!

When I was done with this card I couldn't wait to show it to my 2 boys to see what they both thought of it. I was delighted when they both agreed that it was a really cool card. I plan to create a bunch of these cards in various color schemes to keep on hand for the variety of teenage birthdays I know will be coming soon.

Hope you are having a fantastic day!

Happy Stamping~

Baby Shower

2010-06-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! I know it has been ages since my last post here. So much has changed in my life since last October. I admit stamping has taken a backseat in my life over the past few months, but I am happy to say that I am back!! A few months ago I hosted a baby shower for my sister Jenny who is expecting in July. (Hi Jenny!!) She actually was blessed with having 2 showers. One of them was hosted by her close friend Roxanne in her hometown so all her friends and co-workers could come. The one I hosted was mostly for family. Above is one of the shower invitations I made. I loved how they all turned out. She has chosen the colors of pink and brown to decorate the baby's room in so I tried to keep with that color scheme. Both baby showers were a huge success and I am happy to say she received almost everything she needed for my niece!

One of the things I did for her shower was to make a diaper cake as the centerpiece for one of the tables. I love how this came out. Jenny has this sitting in the baby's room now and it matches her decor perfectly. This was only the 2nd diaper cake I have ever made and was so pleased at how quickly it came together.

Happy Stamping~

Holiday Ornament Cards

2009-11-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Stampers! Again, I am getting a jump on my holiday cards for this season. The stamp sets found in the Holiday Mini catalog make card making for the holidays so easy. I knew the moment I saw the stamp set Delightful Decorations I had to have it. It coordinates so well with the new ornament punch. The first card I made is pretty simple so I decided that I also need to make a "kicked-up" card. I wanted to show that simple cards car great, but you can always doctor them up a bit to make them even more elegant.

I kept the layout the same for the second card and just added some embellishments and I also used my big shot to emboss the piece of Soft Suede card stock found on the base of the card. This embossing is hard to see in the photo but it adds so much to the texture of the card and really makes it a "Wow" card. I finished off the ornaments in this card with a red rhinestone brad. I love how BOTH of these cards turned out and would be happy to receive either one of them this holiday season.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Delightful Decorations (116517), Four the Holidays (116921)

Ink: Soft Suede (115657), Whisper White Craft Ink (101731)

Card stock: Real Red (102482), Whisper White (100730), Soft Suede (115318), Christmas Cocoa Specialty Paper (116770)

Other: Ornament Punch (116794), Textured Impressions Folder Petals-a-Plenty (116824), Dimensionals (104430),Paper -Piercing Tool (116631), Mat pack (105826), White Gel Pen (105021), Soft Suede 1/2" Polka-Dot Ribbon (115612), Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads (109110), Big Shot Machine (113439)

A Jump on Christmas

2009-11-03T00:00:00.001-05:00

Hi Stampers! I am trying to get an early start on my Christmas cards this year. I love the new colors, stamps and papers in the catalog and Holiday Mini catalog this year. The fact that most of the card stock, designer papers, ribbon, ink and stamps all coordinate when you purchase them through Stampin' Up! makes holiday card making quick and easy.

The background paper of this card is die for. I just love it! It is the Christmas Cocoa Specialty paper found on page 21 in the Holiday Mini catalog. I love the colors, the designs and the texture of these papers. They make any card look so elegant. I paired up the paper with the Dasher single stamp found on page 208 of the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog. I am so happy that Stampin' Up! now features some single stamps. These are great stamps for the paper crafters just starting out.

I stamped the reindeer image in Soft Suede, one of the new in-colors this year onto a piece of Whisper White card stock. I then sponged Soft Suede along all the edges before adhering it to a piece of Rich Razzleberry card stock. This piece was then layered onto a piece of Soft Suede. I think Rich Razzleberry is my new favorite color this year. It is so rich and warm.

I finished off the inside of the card with a scrap piece of Christmas Cocoa Specialty Paper and the sentiment from Four the Holidays stamp set (page 19 of the Holiday Mini) in whisper white craft ink. Have you started making your holiday cards yet?

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Dasher, Four the Holidays (117637)

Ink: Soft Suede (115657), Whisper White Craft Ink (101780)

Card stock: Soft Suede (115318), Whisper White (100730), Rich Razzleberry (115316), Christmas Cocoa Specialty (116770)

Other: White gel pen (105021), Scallop Edge Punch (112091), dimensionals (104430), Soft Suede 1/2" Polka-Dot Ribbon (115612), Paper-Piercing Tool (116631), Mat Pack (105826), Stamping Sponges (101610)

Holiday Gift Giving Guide

2009-11-02T15:59:00.003-05:00

Holiday Gift Giving Guide:

Dates: November 1, 2009-January 4, 2010

Details: You'll love the convenience of our Holiday Gift-Giving Guide! With gift ideas for kids, teens, neighbors, and more, it's your one-stop shop for all your holiday needs. Plus, when you spend $50 on products in the guide, you'll get a Décor Elements for FREE (up to a $16.95 value)!

To place an order 24/7 click here.

Happy Stamping~

Trick or Treat

2009-10-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! The days are winding down and before we know it Halloween will be here. This is another one of the cards I made to send out this season. The main image is stamped in VersaMark and basic black and then embossed with clear embossing powder. I wish I would have been able to find my black embossing powder, but after the move some of my supplies are still MIA. I think the black on black would have made the image pop more than it does here. I used a Summer Sun Stampin' Write Marker to color in the moon and the windows. The edges of the main image panel and the oval are sponged with Only Orange classic ink.

The background paper is from last year and is retired. I still have a lot of it to use up, but I am trying and want to make room from some of the beautiful new papers in the catalog.

Happy Stamping~

Stamps: House of Haunts (111574)
Ink: Basic Black(101179), VersaMark (102283), Only Orange (102696), Summer Sun stampin' Write Marker (100077)
Card stock: Basic Black (102851), Whisper White (100730), Retired Stampin' Up! DSP
Other: Earth Elements Brads (106955), Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109030), Wide Oval Punch (112082), 1-1/4" Circle Punch (104403), Scallop Edge Punch (112091), Stamping Sponges (101610), Dimensionals (104430)

I LOVE My Digital Studio!!!

2009-10-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! I am so excited about today's project. This project was done using new digital paper crafting software exclusive to Stampin' Up! called "My Digital Studio". This software is so much more than just digital scrapbooking. You can create scrapbook pages/books, cards, movies, multimedia projects and more. What's even better is that it is so easy to use! I admit I am fairly new to scrapbooking. I was always so afriad to cut my precious pictures. I was afraid that I would mess them up and then would not have memories of those special times. This has shattered any fears I may have had in the past!

The card posted above was created using this wonderful software. The software comes with all the coordinating Stampin' Up! colors, many of the stamp sets and tons of coordinating embellishments and punches. Now you can create an idea you may have in your head and not have to worry about wasing supplies. You can actually SEE how the project will turn out without having to cut any paper, photos or embellishments. It will also give you a chance to play with stamp sets you may not currently own, to see if an idea you had will work the way you expected.

Once you have completed your project the great thing about this software is that you have the option to print these projects yourself, upload them to Stampin' Up!'s professional prinitng service, or burn them to a DVD or CD. What more could you ask for?

This program even allows you to design the inside of cards as well. This card is the one I just uploaded to Stampin' Up!'s professional prinitng service to complete my certification in MDS (My Digital Studio). Isn't it cute?

Happy Stamping~

Haunted House

2009-10-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! I have been busy making all those favors for Nathan's class this week and couldn't forget to make a few cards too. I had an image of a card in my head and this is how it turned out. I like it! I wanted to try and keep the colors to a minimum and keep it black and white. I think I was able to achieve that here. Unfortunately, some of the supplies (the designer paper and the brads) used on this card are retired Stampin' Up! supplies. You could easily create this using the current supplies though. I am trying to use some of my old supplies so I can make room for more of the new ones! See there is a method to my madness!

Of course the card couldn't be complete without completing the inside. I love using dark card stock for the base of my cards, but hate that it's hard to see when you write your message. I have the perfect solution (okay I admit I saw this on a bunch of other blogs so it's not my original idea) for you. Just add a 4" x 5-1/4" piece of lighter colored card stock to the inside. Decorate as you see fit!

Happy Stamping~

Stamps: House of Haunts (111574)

Ink: Basic Black

Card stock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Retired Stampin' Up! DSP

Other: Paper-Piercing Tool (116631), Mat Pack (105826), Retired Silver Brads, Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon (109064), Dimensionals (104430)

Halloween Test Tube Treats

2009-10-26T00:00:00.001-04:00

Hi Stampers! Here is another super cute project that I made for Nathan's class this year. I once again got the idea for this from many stampers at SCS. I used one of my favorite Halloween sets from Stampin' Up! called Batty for You. I paired this with several circle punches and the scallop circle punch and created these fun treats for the kids.

Here are a few close up pictures of each of the stamps I chose to use from the set. The most difficult part of making these was deciding which stamps I wanted to use! They are all so cute.

I added some Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon around the test tube above the scallop to finish them off, but you could use any of the colors of card stock you used on the circle punches and it would be just as cute.

I think Frankie is one of my favorite stamps in this set. I love how he turned out.

The scallop is attached to the test tube with 2 dimensionals to give it some depth and it also allows it to stand out.

Happy Stamping~

Stamps: Batty for You

Ink: Only Orange, Old Olive, Lovely Lilac, Basic Black

Card stock: Basic Black, Only Orange, Old Olive, Whisper White

Other: Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Dimensionals, 1/4" Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon

I'm back just in time for Halloween!!

2009-10-24T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! I know it has been ages since my last post! I have had so much happening in my life these past few months, but I am back and will be posting regularly a few times a week. I have had so many changes in my life and I am so thankful to get back to stamping to help relieve stress!!

One of the things I have been working on now that I am getting settled since my move back to WI is making some fun Halloween favors for Nathan's class. I did not come up with this idea on my own and have seen many different versions of this done on SCS, so I do not know who to give credit for. Thanks to everyone who inspired me with their versions! Aren't these cute? These spiders are made from little peppermint patty candies. I love how fun they are!

Happy Stamping~

Stamps: None

Ink: None

Card stock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, Lovely Lilac

Other: Photo Corner Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 1/4" Circle Punch, White Gel Pen, Peppermint Patty Candy

Pennant Die Cut Cards

2009-05-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! If you have the Big Shot and love being able to use your dies for multiple things you are going to love today's cards! These cards use the Pennant Die to make the criss-cross features on these cards. Isn't that a clever idea? No-it wasn't mine. I saw the idea around on various blogs. You can find some great samples and directions HERE and HERE.

These cards come together so easy when you use matching designer series paper. For the pullout pieces I used some of my scraps to finish off my cards.

The inner piece pulls out to reveal your message. I paired the Cheep Talk stamp set with the Good Morning Sunshine Designer Paper to create these fun cards.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Cheep Talk

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Card stock: Chocolate Chip, WW, Good Morning Sunshine DSP

Other: Big Shot, Pennant Die, brads, sticky strip

Flowerpot Cards

2009-05-20T14:49:00.006-04:00

Hi Stampers! Here is an adorable card for you to try. These are so stinkin cute that when I saw them popping up all over SCS I knew I had to try one for myself. These cards would be great as Mother's day, Thinking of You, Sympathy, or even for a Birthday.

I decided to make mine into birthday cards. I found the very easy directions on how to make this card HERE. Be sure to check it out and try your own hand at one.

I used my scallop punch to make the flowers. I cut in at each scallop and added a small circle to the center of each. They turned out so cute. On one of the cards I added white gel pen doodles to the center of the petals

Using some of the designer paper made the flowers even easier to make. I added a piece of matching dsp to the base of the flowerpot to match the flowers.

The card is held together with a piece of Baja Breeze ribbon. It would make any one's day to receive this. Why not give it a try?

Stamp set: Birthday Best

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Card stock: Close to Cocoa, Parisian Breeze DSP, WW

Other: Scallop Punch, Scallop edge punch, Baja Breeze 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, white gel pen, 1/2" Circle Punch, dimensionals

Another Big Shot Project

2009-05-08T12:03:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! I fell in love with this project when I was browsing blogs one morning. Unfortunately I can not find the one where I saw it so if this design is your original creation, please email me so I can give you proper credit. This project uses several of the Big Shot Dies. The large snowflake is made using the Snowflake #2 die and one of the felt flurries is attached to the center. The words were created using the Join in the Cheer Die which is exclusive to Stampin' Up! I used up some of my DSP from the Winter Mini Catalog. The chocolate chip brads finish off the project.

Embossed Celery

2009-05-07T12:55:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! Here is another quick and easy card using the Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder and the Big Shot. I embossed a piece of Certain Celery card stock, added 2 of the 5/16" Whisper White Brads and some of the 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon and I was done. I left off a sentiment so I can use this for whatever event arises first. It would be perfect for a wedding, anniversary, sympathy, get well, birthday or Mother's Day. I plan to make a wide assortment of colors of this card to keep on hand for needed events.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp Set: None
Ink: None
Card stock: Whisper White, Certain Celery
Other: 5/16" Whisper White Brads, 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, Big Shot, Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder

Scallop Envelope Basket

2009-05-06T12:45:00.001-04:00

Hi Stampers! This is another project I showed at my open house that featured the Big Shot. It is made with 4 cut outs of the Scallop Envelope Die. It makes a quick basket. For this basket I used a piece of the Pacific Point DSP.

I added the extra strip of DSP for the handle to complete the basket. As a finishing touch I tied a piece of 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon around the top portion of the basket over the scalloped flaps. This would make cute packaging to give candies, nail polish, small bottles of lotion or anything that would fit.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: None

Ink: None

Card stock: Pacific Point DSP

Other: Big Shot, Scallop Envelope Die, Sticky Strip, 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon

2nd Take on Manhattan Flowers

2009-05-05T12:35:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! I am loving using the Manhattan Flower embossing folder. It makes all kinds of cards quick and easy. For this card I used the Flock Together DSP and ran it through the Big Shot with the embossing folder. I then used the sanding block on the embossed parts to bring out the white. I then cut out the embossed images using my scissors and attached it to a layer of whisper white card stock. I used the new Oval All stamp set for my sentiment to complete the card.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Oval All
Ink: Garden Green
Card stock: Certain Celery, Whisper White, Flock Together DSP
Other: Big Shot, Manhattan Embossing Folder, Scallop Oval Punch, Oval Punch, Dimensionals, Scissors, Sanding Blocks

Big Shot Basket

2009-05-04T12:24:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! Today's project is another one I had on display at my open house. This is the adorable basket from the basket & blooms die for the Big Shot. It was so quick and easy to put together. I used the new Walk in the Park DSP from the Occasions Mini Catalog. The Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL Die is exclusive to Stampin' Up!. It comes with pieces to make the basket, 3 various floral pieces and even a tag.

I layered 2 of the flowers and alternated the paper so you could see both sides. I added a silver brad to the center of them and added it to the basket with a dimensional. I also added some of the Kraft Taffeta Ribbon around the basket to finish it off.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: None
Ink: None
Card stock: Walk in the Park DSP
Other: Silver Brads, Dimensionals, Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, Big Shot, Baskets & Blooms Die, Sticky Strip

Embossed Manhattan Flower

2009-05-03T14:12:00.003-04:00

Hi Stampers! Here is the card that I had as a make-and-take during my open house last week. This card is such an elegant card that makes a "wow" when you see it in person. All the attendees who came got the chance to use my big shot to make this card. They were able to see just how quick and easy projects and cards can come together using the big shot. It really saves time and energy in making projects. I know I will be using it for many projects. Over the next few days I will also be showing you the other Big Shot projects I had on display. This embossing plate is perfect for making wedding, anniversary, mother's day, sympathy cards and more.

I also used the new scallop oval punch with the new Oval All set featured in the Occasions Mini catalog. The colors of the card are whisper white and certain celery.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Oval All
Card stock: Certain Celery, Whisper White
Ink: Certain Celery
Other: Big Shot, Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder, Certain Celery Ribbon (SAB), Scallop Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch, Dimensionals

Celebrate Scrapbooking in May

2009-05-01T06:51:00.004-04:00

Scrapbooking Promotion
Dates: May 1-31, 2009

The Scrapbooking Promotion has two exciting parts:
*Buy three packs of Designer Series paper (including our Specialty Designer Series paper) or 12" x 12" textured card stock, and get one FREE!
*Buy a sneak peek stamp set from the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog--Jumble Alphabet (set of 52; double-mounted)--at a 20 percent discount.

Please email me for further information or you can place an order directly online on my Stampin' Up! website here.

Happy Stamping~

Open House

2009-04-20T15:44:00.003-04:00

Hi Stampers! I am inviting everyone to a Stamping Open House in my home on Tuesday April 28th, 2009 from 6:00 - 8:00pm. I will have various product samples, a FREE make-and take, door prizes and will be selling my retired sets, papers and accessories at a discounted rate. Light refreshments will also be served. Stop by and see some new project ideas, meet fellow stampers and get some great bargains on stamping supplies.

Orders placed that evening will be combined and a "mystery hostess" will be selected from those placing orders. It's a great chance for you to earn some FREE items and have a fun evening out.

Please RSVP ( 727-232-1557 or via email) to let me know you will be stopping by so I can be sure to have enough make-and-take projects available.

Happy Stamping~

Patchwork Card with Top Note Die

2009-04-15T16:44:00.007-04:00

Hi Stampers! If you have a quilter or a sewer in your life then I have the perfect cards for you! I saw these cards done all over SCS and on several blogs I browse regularly and knew I needed to try them for myself. I am so glad that I did. They are some of the cutest cards and can be so versatile. By switching up the sentiments you can make one for any occasion.

For this card I used the new designer paper from the Occasions Mini catalog called Walk in the Park. The colors for this are so fabulous and so springy! (Basic Grey, Kiwi Kiss, Cameo Coral, Baja Breeze, So Saffron)

It's hard to tell from the photos, but I used the textured die plates with my big shot to give the background some added interest. I also used the Top Note die to cut out the main panel and then ran it through the Big Shot with the same textured plate. It really makes it look like a quilt!

I also used some of the SAB designer paper called Delicate Dots. (since I have so much of this on hand!!!) I sponged all the edges of the Top Note die cut with Sahara Sand ink to make them stand out more.

These cards also gave me a chance to use one of the new stamp sets and punch from the Occasion Mini catalog. The stamp set is Oval All and I Paired it with the new Scallop Oval Punch. Add a little bit of ribbon, a few dimensionals and the cards are complete.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Oval All

Ink: Basic Black, Sahara Sand, Stampin' Write Markers

Card stock: Sahara Sand, Certain Celery, Bashful Blue, WW, Delicate Dots DSP, Walk in the Park DSP

Other: Scallop Oval Punch, Big Shot, Top Note Die, Textured Die Plates, Dimensionals, sponges

Very Versatile

2009-04-13T20:46:00.003-04:00

Hi Stampers! Today's card is one that I have been waiting to show you for a few weeks now. I made this card for a demo's only swap I was in. I love swapping with other demos and stampers. It is a great way to get samples of new sets and ideas for new stamps. It gives me an opportunity to provide my customers with a variety of new samples to see without having to purchase all the new stamp sets coming out.

Anyway...this is the card sample I sent to the swappers in the last round. It uses the new stamp set Very Versatile from the Occasions Mini catalog (pg. 5). I can see so many possibilities with this stamp set. The sentiment sayings that come with it are perfect and give such a wide selection. This set could be used for just about any occasion.

I colored with my Stampin' Write Markers directly onto the rubber of the stamp, huffed on it (this always sounds so wrong to me), and stamped it directly onto a piece of whisper white card stock. The edges were then sponged with chocolate chip ink before layering onto summer sun card stock and chocolate chip card stock. The base of the card is summer sun followed by a layer of chocolate chip and a layer of Good Morning Sunshine DSP. I used the eyelet border punch to punch a strip of chocolate chip before adding that to the card base under the image panel. I used the mat pack and paper piercer tool to add some decoration to the corners of the card base. The sentiment was stamped in chocolate chip ink under the image panel and a piece of Apricot Appeal was tied in a single knot and attached with a mini glue dot.

I was so happy with how this card turned out and am looking forward to making even more with this set.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Very Versatile
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Stampin' Write Markers
Card stock: Summer Sun, Chocolate Chip, WW, Good Morning Sunshine DSP
Other: Mat pack and paper piercer, Eyelet border punch, 1/4" Apricot Appeal Grosgrain Ribbon, sponges

Preserving Memories

2009-04-08T16:52:00.004-04:00

Hi Stampers! Toady's project is a quick and easy way to help display some of your pictures while also preserving some of your memories. I found these scrapbook frames on sale at Michaels a few weeks ago and thought how awesome it would be to use to preserve some of the boys memories in Tae Kwon Do. I plan to make one of these for each of the colored belts they have each received (white, yellow, green, blue, red and black).

When we get tired of seeing them on the wall I can always convert them into a 12 x 12 album for each of the boys to commemorate their journey through Tae Kwon Do. These will be keepsakes for them to hand down to their kids.

Happy Stamping~

An Easter Activity

2009-04-08T16:36:00.006-04:00

Hi Stampers! It's Spring Break here so I have been spending a lot of time with the boys this week. I decided that one of the activities we would do was to dye Easter Eggs. We haven't really done this activity in a few years. I thought the boys were getting too old for it, but Nathan proved me wrong. DJ on the other hand was too old and "too cool" to attempt such an activity. His loss!

Nathan and I had a great time today with this. We used a white crayon on some of the eggs before we dropped them into the dye. It warmed my heart to see the smile on Nathan's face when we pulled out the egg to see the dye had not taken to the areas where he drew with the white crayon. I think that was his favorite part of the whole thing.

Recently I have started going threw my stacks of pictures to try to get them somehow organized. While looking through them I realized that I didn't have many of the boys during Easter time. I definitely did not have any of them coloring eggs so I thought today's activity would give me a perfect chance. I plan to use these pictures soon on a 12 x 12 scrapbook page.

It's times like this that make me realize just how fast they are growing up. It seems like just yesterday I was holding them in my arms and rocking them, having them depend on me for their every need. *sigh* Appreciate the time you have with your kids while they are young. The years fly by faster and faster as they age. Take time to do the activities with them when you can because before long they won't think it's "cool" to hang out with mom any longer!!!

I will be back tomorrow with another project I have been working on. I love how awesome it turned out and it is another way to help preserve memories!

Happy Stamping~

Another Easy Birthday Card

2009-04-07T04:15:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! Here is another quick and super easy birthday card. In the previous posts I used the stamp set Fifth Avenue Floral. That set is very elegant and for today's card I wanted something more on the whimsical side. I pulled out my new stamp set Garden Greetings. I wanted to show you that this layout can be used with any type of floral stamp.

I added some doodle dots with my white gel pen to give it more depth and also used several of the floral stamps from this set to create this card. Once again the card uses 2 colors of card stock and ink, and one embellishment.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Garden Greetings
Ink: Whisper White Craft, Pacific Point
Card stock: Pacific Point, WW
Other: Scallop Border Punch, 5/8" Pacific Point Grosgrain Ribbon, White Gel Pen

Thinking of you...

2009-04-06T04:13:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! I decided that I needed to play a little more with the Parisian Breeze Specialty Paper. I just love the texture and weight of this paper. It really adds a lot to your cards when used. While looking over the paper one of the designs jumped out at me. The background paper on this card reminded me of the floral image in the Thoughts & Prayers stamp set.

The colors on this card are once again Chocolate Chip, WW and Baja Breeze. To give more interest to the image panel I used my mat pack and paper piercer to give some definition. I love the way it ties in to the holes in the scallops made by the eyelet border punch.

After making the first card I decided that I wanted to change the card slightly. I pierced holes in the corners of the image panel and left off the ribbon. I can't decide which one I like better. Any thoughts?

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Thoughts & Prayers

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Card stock: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Parisian Breeze Speciality Paper, WW

Other: Mat Pack & Paper Piercer tool, Stampin' Write Markers, Eyelet Border Punch, 5/8" Baja Breeze Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

Congratulations!!!

2009-04-05T04:12:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! using the layout and card style from yesterdays card I also made a few congratulation cards as well. This simple layout and style adapts itself to just about any type of card.

I used Riding Hood Red and Whisper White for this card. To add more interest in the background I chose to add some white doodle dots with my gel pen. I think it gives the card a more completed look.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Fifth Avenue Floral, Congrats
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Whisper White Craft Ink
Card stock: Riding Hood Red, WW
Other: 5/8" Riding Hood Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, White Gel Pen

Simple Birthday Wishes

2009-04-04T04:11:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! While surfing the web trying to find some inspiration and mojo I stumbled across a few cards that really caught my eye. For the life of me I can not find these cards to link them here so if you recognize the card layout and style please let me know so I can add a link here.

Sometimes while stamping we forget that less is more and that some of the most elegant cards are the simple ones. This is the case of today's card. I am one who loves to make quick and easy cards to have on hand and give out. With the style of today's card you can whip out a ton of these cards in a short time. There are only 2 colors of card stock, one color of ink and one embellishment. That's it! Easy- easy- easy!

I stamped one of the floral images from the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set (I am telling you this set is a must have this year!!!) in white craft ink randomly across my layer of Pacific Point card stock. I let the ink dry a bit before adding the white centers of the flower with my gel pen. This made the flowers "pop" more of the dark background. I used the scallop edge punch on the base of the piece of pacific point card stock, added some ribbon, stamped my sentiment on the card base and I was done!

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Fifth Avenue Floral
Ink: Whisper White Craft Ink, Pacific Point
Card stock: Pacific Point, WW
Other: Scallop Edge Border Punch, 5/8" Pacific Point Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, White Gel Pen

Sympathy Card

2009-04-03T04:10:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! Here is another card I made for my card stash since I was low on sympathy cards. The background papers on this card are the new Parisian Breeze Specialty Designer Paper. This stuff is to die for. It is a heavier weight than Stampin' Up!'s regular designer papers. It's more like the weight of card stock and also has a textured feel to it. I am so glad I decided to order this to see what all the fuss was about. I will be ordering more in the future.

The colors of today's card are Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White. I once again used the stamp set Thoughts & Prayers for this card. This set is a very useful one. Sympathy cards are always a hard one to make, but with this set you really can't go wrong. The sentiments that come along with it are all heartfelt and are something you would write yourself.

To accent the colors of the card more I decided to add one of the new Corduroy buttons to the lower left side of the image panel. I love the feel and texture of these too - in the other colors.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Thoughts & Prayers
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze
Card stock: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, WW, Parisian Breeze Specialty Paper
Other: Chocolate Chip Corduroy Buttons

Get Well Soon

2009-04-02T03:59:00.003-04:00

Hi Stampers! I finally had a chance to sit down and play a little with some of my Sale-a-Bration goodies that I got FREE! Sale-a-Bration ended on Tuesday, but have no fear- it will be back again next year. While trying to organize my card stash I realized that I really was in need of a few types of cards. I found I didn't really have many "Get Well", "Sympathy" or "Masculine" type cards so I set off on my journey to try to rectify this situation. Here is what I came up with for a "Get Well" card.

The Card base is done in Sahara Sand with a layer of the Delicate Dots (SAB Patterned Paper). I used my new eyelet border punch to add a layer of white with some of the Certain Celery Ribbon (also from SAB) wrapped around. The main image is stamped in Certain Celery and the sentiment is stamped in Sahara Sand. All edges of the main panel are also sponged with Sahara Sand.

This was a quick and easy card to get me back on track again.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Thoughts & Prayers

Ink: Certain Celery, Sahara Sand

Card stock: Certain Celery, Sahara Sand, WW, Delicate Dots DSP (SAB)

Other: Eyelet Border Punch, Certain Celery Ribbon (SAB), sponges

Cake good enough to Eat

2009-03-21T12:29:00.004-04:00

Hi Stampers! Anyone want cake? This is one of the projects I have been working on this week. I think it turned out so cute. It was a lot easier to make than I expected. Don't you love it when a project turns out just how you envision it in your head? I saw the tutorial for this HERE. The directions are great and very easy to follow.

The new baby's room is done in purple and green so I wanted to carry over those colors on the diaper cake too. The purple car stock is pale plum. I covered it with a layer of DSP from the SAB paper. I love this stuff! I am so glad I have been able to get several packages of it. I know I will use it on a lot of upcoming projects. Remember: This is the last week to place an order to qualify for the Sale-a-Bration promotion and get FREE stamps, ribbon or DSP.

This is a little bit closer view of the cake. The cake is 3 tiers high. I embellished it with various toys and pacifiers for the new baby. I was lucky enough to find some small rattles and pacifiers in the soft greens and purples. The word "Baby" was done with purple chipboard letters I have picked up from Michaels. I used my crop-a-dile to punch holes in the upper and lower portion of each letter. I then threaded ribbon through the hole and added a jump ring before tying in a knot. I then would thread the next letters ribbon through the hole in it and through the same jump ring. It turned out so cute and can be used for a decoration in the baby's room afterward.

Happy Stamping~

Touching base

2009-03-17T15:45:00.003-04:00

Hi Stampers! Sorry to say that I do not have a card to share with you today, but I will soon. I have been busy working on swaps I have signed up for from the new Occasions Mini catalog. The sets in this Mini are absolutely fabulous. I had a hard time deciding on which set(s) I was going to pre-order. (See this is another one of the great perks of being a Stampin' Up! demo - you get to buy new items early & usually at a discount too!!!) The favorite one from this Mini is called Very Versatile. I love the image stamp and that it comes with such a wide variety of sentiments. If you would like a copy of the Occasions Mini please email me and I will get one sent out to you. I will be back soon with samples we will be making at this Thursday's Stamp-a-Stack workshop. Until then....

Happy Stamping~

3 Easy Payment for Starter Kit!!!

2009-03-15T14:09:00.003-04:00

The Three Easy Payments for the Starter Kit is available from now until April 30, 2009. Please note that this promotion for the Three Easy Payments option is only available to new recruits when the Starter Kit form and other paperwork is mailed to Stampin' Up!. This special offer is NOT available through online IDA's. (Independent Demonstrator Agreements).

Payments Breakdown for the Sale-A-Bration Starter Kit Price
(March 13-31, 2009)
*Payments indicated are for the cost of the Starter Kit, including shipping. They do not include and any applicable state taxes. (Please note that any applicable taxes for the total amount of the Starter Kit and, if selected, price will be added to the first payment.)

Payment #1 (charged when you order) -$56.34 (+ sales tax)
Payment #2 (charged April 15) - $56.33
Payment #3 (charged May 15) -$56.33
Total Payment: $169.00

What is even better is that if you order before March 31st, 2009 you are also entitled to
Save 15% OFF the Starter Kit (regular price is $199) AND you get to choose a FREE stamp set - valued up to $47.95!!!

Payment Breakdown for the Regular Starter Kit Price
(April 1-30, 2009)

Payment #1 (charged when you order) - $66.34 (+ sales tax)
Payment #2 (charged around May 15th)- $66.33
Payment #3 (charged around June 15th)- $66.33
Total Payment: $199.00

If you want to sign up and don't want to use the 3 payment option, then you can sign up directly through my website, just email me first for the password.

Buzzin by

2009-03-13T02:25:00.005-04:00

Hi Stampers! I am totally in love with the cards I made today. These cards use a new set called Just Buzzin' By. The little bee's in this set are just adorable. The stamp set also includes a beehive and a little honey jar image which reminds me of Winnie the Pooh. They are super cute!!! The idea of this card is basically cased from Wendy Janson. I changed a few things on it, but the general layout and concept was hers. You can view her card HERE. For my cards I decided that I didn't want to use Bashful Blue, so I opted for Sage Shadow. For some reason I don't use that color very often and for the life of me I don't know why. I love the softness of it for these cards.

It's hard to tell from the pictures, but each of the little bee's has dazzling diamonds added to the wings and the flower. I love using Dazzling Diamonds on my cards. It just makes the whole card sparkle. The scallop circles are attached with dimensionals to make them stand out more and make the card more interesting. I also used my new Eyelet Border punch on this card and I love how it brought the entire card together. I don't know if I like this or the regular scallop edge punch better. I know I will be using both of them quite often though.

Since I loved how the Sage Shadow cards turned out I decided to also try to make a brighter set. Sorry for the blurry picture. For some reason I just couldn't get this color combination to come out clear!! I chose to use Pink Passion for this second set. This is another color I rarely use. I have such a hard time with all the bold colors and this card is definitely bright. With bright colors like this it would be hard not to cheer up someone's day! My challenge for you is to work outside your comfort zone on the next card you make and use a color that you normally wouldn't reach for. I'd love to see what you come up with.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Just Buzzing By

Ink: Basic Black, Stampin' Write Markers

Card stock: Sage Shadow, Basic Black, WW, Pink Passion, Barely Banana

Other: 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Black Gingham Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds, 2-way glue, Dimensionals

Hello There!

2009-03-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! Here is another quick, easy and CUTE card made using the Cheep Talk stamp set (pg. 90) and the Good Morning Sunshine DSP. I love how the paper matches the stamps so nicely. I think this card literally took me about 15 minutes to make from start to finish. I will definitely be making more cards using this set. :0)

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Cheep Talk
Ink: Pacific Point, Close to Cocoa
Card stock: Pacific Point, WW, Good Morning Sunshine DSP
Other: 5/8" Pacific Point Striped Ribbon, Sponges

You've got a friend in me!

2009-03-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! In each catalog you will notice that there are just certain stamp sets that you seem drawn to more than others. In this current catalog there are several sets that I am drawn to. One of them is the set Cheep Talk. I just love the little birds in this set. They make me smile each time I see them. The basic layout of this car was cased from Dawn Griffith. I loved the card she created with this set and just had to make one of my own. Of course I changed things up a tad to make it mine. :0)

I showed you in a previous post these adorable little bags made using a white paper bag and the Top Note Die with the Big Shot machine. I decided to try and make one just for spring instead. The little bird in this set just makes the whole project so quick, easy and CUTE!

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Cheep Talk

Ink: Pacific Blue, Apricot Appeal, Stampin' Write Markers

Card stock: Apricot Appeal, Pacific Point, Chocolate Chip, WW, Good Morning Sunshine DSP

Other: Circle Punches, Scallop Punch, Top Note Die & Big Shot, Pacific Point 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Sponges

March Stamp Classes Now Available

2009-03-09T00:36:00.004-04:00

Hi Stampers! I am pleased to announce 2 new stamping classes that I am offering during the month of March. These classes will use new supplies in the catalog, new stamp sets and will feature some new techniques. You won't want to miss them!

Spring Stamp-a-Stack
Date: Thursday March 19th, 2009
Time: 6:30pm- 8:30pm
Cost: $18 for non club members & $15 for club members
RSVP & Payment due by Saturday March 14th, 2009

During this class you will make a total of 8 cards with envelopes (2 of 4 different styles)which boast a spring theme. Some cards included will be: Mother's Day Card, Father's Day card and an Easter Card. Alternate sentiment stamps will be available to create a variety of cards. Please provide your own scissors, paper cutter with scoring blade and adhesive. Space is limited for this event so register early!

Cheep Talk Class
Date: Sunday March 29th, 2009
Time: 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Cost: $38.00 for non club members $35.00 for Club Members (stamps included in cost)
RSVP & Payment Due by Friday March 19th, 2009

This class will feature the stamp set Cheep Talk (page 90) in the new catalog. The stamp set is included in the cost of this class along with all the pre-cut card stock and embellishments to create 6 cards (2 styles) and 1 6x6 scrapbook page. Please provide your own scissors, adhesive and stamp-a-ma-jig (if you have). If you don't own this great tool and would like your own to use during class please add $11.95 onto the cost of the class and I will have one waiting for you.

Contact me today to reserve your spot in these great classes!

Easter Treat Bags

2009-03-08T19:21:00.006-04:00

Hi Stampers! I wanted to take a few moments here to show you the adorable little Easter bags we made at one of my workshops this past week. (Hi Jenny!) This adorable little bag would be perfect to fill with Jelly Beans, chocolate eggs or even some lip gloss or other goodies like that for Easter. These were very easy to make and the ladies loved the idea of this. I can not take credit for coming up with the basic design for them though. I have seen many blogs that have used the Top Note Die to make these cute bags. I just took their ideas and made them my own.

I wanted to use a spring color and so I pulled out my Pink Pirouette. I will sad when that colors retires with this catalog. I have grown very fond of it this past catalog season and prefer it over Pretty in Pink. Anyway...I used the Top Note die and my Big Shot to punch out the front and back of the bag. I then stamped the flowers randomly on the 2 pieces that I had cut out with Pink Pirouette ink. I also stamped the Easter greeting in the lower right hand corner of one of the panels. I then attached one of the panels to the side of a white paper bag that I picked up at Michaels. (They are smaller than the regular lunch bags) I then centered my large oval punch and punched out the handle of one side. Then I attached the opposite side of the bag and punched it out as well, using the previous oval punched as my guide. This gave me my "handle" for the bag. The Chick was stamped twice. Once on WW card stock and then again on Pink Pirouette. I cut out just the eggshell of the pink image and paper pieced it to the one stamped on WW. I colored in the remaining image with my markers and punched it out using my large oval punch. The scallop border was made by using 2 scallop circles. This entire piece was attached to the bag. The last thing I did was to tie a pick of pink ribbon to the handle to keep it closed.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: A Good Egg

Ink: Pink Pirouette, Basic Black

Card stock: Pink Pirouette, WW, Apricot Appeal

Other: White paper bag, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Punch, Stampin' Write Markers, Ribbon, Top Note Die & Big Shot

Hawaii Papaya Card Box

2009-02-17T15:22:00.006-05:00

Hi Stampers! Here is another one of the card box sets I made using My Timeless Templates© I showed you in my previous post. I loved how quick and easy the set came together for the other box so I decided to make another one in various colors. Here is what I came up with.

This is a picture of the side of the box. For this box I used sticky strip around the outside of the box to adhere my ribbon and then added Rhinestone Brads to secure them to the edges so the ribbon wouldn't pull off. In the previous post I added the ribbon to the box on the inside under the pockets that held the cards and envelopes.

This is a picture of the inside of the box with the cards and envelopes inside the pockets. See how by just adding a small strip of matching DSP you can tie everything together?

This is a picture of the completed set of cards that was included along with the card box. Inside each box I made 2 birthday cards, 2 thank you cards and 2 any time cards.

Happy Stamping~

Card stock: Upsy Daisy

Ink: Stampin' Write Marker
Card stock: Groovy Guava, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, WW, Hawaii Papaya DSP (retired)

Other: Top Notch Die, Big Shot, Sticky Strip, Sponge, Ribbon

Pink Daisy Card Box

2009-02-17T15:20:00.002-05:00

Hi Stampers! Today I am going to show you a neat project that I whipped up in no time at all. For the past few months I have been seeing the wonderful projects that Lauren Meader has been making using her My Timeless Templates ©. These wonderful templates can be purchased through Papertrey Ink and are ready to download immediately after purchase. I admit I was a bit sceptical at first and wasn't sure how well they would actually work. I broke down (during my time of missingmojoitis) and purchased one of them to try. I love them! I went back and actually purchased several more of them and have so many ideas in my head for them. (I guess it helped me get over my missingmojoitis!!)

The template I used for this project is the All Boxed Up template. Now, my printer wouldn't allow me to print the template directly onto my card stock (I know I need to get a new printer so my life will be easier, but this was still super easy.) I printed the template onto regular printer paper and then laid it onto my card stock to cut out.

Once I had my template cut out I quickly assembled it, and decorated it using some of the Rose Red Designer Paper and the Upsy Daisy Stamp set. I also made 6 cards and matching envelopes for the pockets inside. I love that all the cards match the card holder perfectly.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Upsy Daisy

Ink: Stampin' Write Markers, Pink Pirouette

Card stock: Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla, Rose Red, Rose Red Designer Paper

Other: My Timeless Templates©, Sticky Strip, Top Notch Die, Big Shot, Sponge, 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop edge punch

I'm back with a new favorite set!!!

2009-02-17T15:01:00.003-05:00

Hi Stampers! My mojo has finally returned!! WooHoo!!! *happy dances* I sat down last night for the first time in what felt like ages and actually accomplished something that I absolutely LOVE! I guess my new stamps that came last week finally were the cure to my missingmojoitis. When I first saw this set (pg. 106 - Fifth Avenue Flowers) in the catalog I actually passed right by it. Then I heard all the chatter from leadership and the Orlando Regional in which this set was seen along with a new textured impression die for the Big Shot. (The die will be available in March) Once I saw the amazing samples and the gorgeous cards that had been made with this set it was one of the first ones on my list. I knew it was a "must have" and I was so right!!!

If you enjoy making your own background paper this is a perfect set for you. By varying the color combination you use the results could be endless. This card literally took me less than 5 minutes to complete from start to finish. You have to love easy cards that take little time, yet produce a big wow!

I chose to use Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss and Baja Breeze for my cards today. I really like this color combination together. I first saw it in the sample on page 106. The first card I made also features the new corduroy brads in chocolate chip. They are sooooo yummy! I opted to only buy them to try in the chocolate chip color, but now that I have them on hand and see them and feel them I need ALL the colors.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Fifth Avenue Floral
Ink: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss
Card stock: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, WW
Other: 1" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, 5/8" Kiwi Kiss Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Chocolate Chip Corduroy Buttons, Dimensionals

Where has my mojo gone?

2009-02-11T16:37:00.005-05:00

Hi Stampers! I apologize for my absence these past few weeks. I seem to be suffering from a fairly common disease known among the stamping community- missingmojoitis. I'm sure you have all heard about this before. It seems every now and again a stampers mojo just disappears and is no where to be found. I admit I have had minor bouts with this disease before, but they never lasted as long as this one has. *sighs* I have tried just about everything I can think of to get myself out of this. I have gone shopping at local stores to get inspired- even buying a few new toys to play with- yet still no mojo to be found.

I have numerous projects that I have started that just hang in limbo waiting to be completed. I just can't seem to finish them or find the right touches to complete what needs to be done. It's useless I guess. In the meantime, I will continue to attempt projects and hopefully soon I will have some great things to inspire you.

I will leave you with a simple project I did for my boys this past Christmas. Both of my boys (as well and me, my parents and sister) collect Disney Pins. We love to spend the day at Downtown Disney just swapping pins with cast members. It's addictive! Anyway, The boys are getting so many sets that they needed a special place to store their pins. (The ones they really don't plan to trade again anyway). I bought them each a simple bulletin board at Wal-Mart and stamped Mickey Mouse images on them in black Staz-On Ink. I found the clear stamps in a venture to target and couldn't pass them up. Here are the end results. I think they turned out super cute and the boys couldn't wait to hang them up and put their pins on them.

I made the 2 a little different from each other so they could always tell who's board was who's.

I used mostly Mickey and Minnie images for Nathan's board. I colored each of the images in with my Stampin' Write markers. I was afraid they wouldn't be vivid enough or would soak right in, but they were just fine.

On DJ's board I opted to make his an array of various images including Donald Duck (of course). The boarders were a little time consuming, but well worth it in the end. It added so much to the boards and made the entire project seem complete. Now I need to make one of these cute things for myself so I have a special place to keep my Disney Pins. :0)

Happy Stamping~

My Valentine Rocks!

2009-02-03T15:05:00.003-05:00

Hi Stampers! Valentine's Day is right around the corner and I have been busy making cards for the boys to hand out to classmates and friends. These are the cards Nathan decided he wanted for his class this year. There is a female version and a male version so everyone will be happy. :0)
I am addicted to using the Top Notch Die for the Big Shot. I seem to be using it on just about every card I make lately. For this card I used Riding Hood Red as the card base. Then I added a piece of Riding Hood Red DSP to the background and sponged some black ink onto the edges. I punched out a piece of Riding Hood Red using the Top Notch Die and randomly stamped the star image in Riding Hood Red. I sponged black ink around the edges of this layer as well. To finish off the card I stamped the Skull and bow tie image with basic black ink onto shimmery white card stock. Then I cut it out and added it to the card using dimensionals.

Hope you're finding time to stamp and play.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Just Jawing
Ink: Basic Black, Riding Hood Red
Card stock: Riding Hood Red, Shimmery White, Riding Hood Red DSP
Other: Top Notch Die, Big Shot, Sponges, Dimensionals, Stampin' Write Markers

And so it begins....

2009-02-01T20:53:00.002-05:00

Hi Stampers! It's Sale-A-Bration time again and I am so excited! For those of you who are unfamiliar with what this event is, you're in for a real treat. This is one of the best times of the year to place an order, host a workshop or become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. Past hostesses and customers should have received your own copy of the Sale-A-Bration mini catalog. If you did not receive your or would like your own copy, please email me and I will get one out to you.

From February 1st through March 31st, 2009 you can qualify for FREE product in a variety of ways.

*For every $50 in product you spend (prior to tax & shipping) you qualify to receive 1 FREE Sale-A-Bration reward from the Sale-a-Bration mini catalog. (A $100 product order qualifies for 2 FREE sets, etc..)

*When you host a workshop of at least $300 (before tax and shipping), you'll receive a FREE Sale-A-Bration reward in addition to all of the regular hostess benefits!

*During Sale-A-Bration, anyone who signs up as a demonstrator can choose any stamp set-a value of up to $47.95-from our current Idea Book and Catalog. Plus, for a limited time, get 15% off the price of the Starter Kit! (Cost of kit is now only $169 for this limited time!!!) In addition to this I am offering the first 5 people to join my Stampin' Up! demo team a FREE punch of their choice. (You will receive your punch once all paperwork has been filed with Stampin' Up! and you have become an active demo.) Signing up to become a demonstrator has never been easier. You can do everything online from the comfort of your own living room in your pajamas through my Stampin' Up! website. Please email me prior to signing up so I can give you the password that is needed to proceed online. :0)

Upsy Daisy Card Sample #4

2009-01-25T12:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Stampers! Here is the final card I promised to show you. This card I just added 2 small strips of ribbon over the designer paper to tie in the colors. I also stamped the sentiment in Old Olive in the upper right hand corner of the focal image.

One of the latest crazes this year is to finish your card on the inside as well as the outside. I have always stamped an image on the back of the card and signed my initials and the date so when giving the card the person receiving ti knows that it was homemade and that I was it's creator. This is something that takes "finishing the card" in a new perspective. The base of my card was Night of Navy so I knew I would have to add something on the inside so I could write and the recipient would be able to see it. I don't always have my white gel pen on hand so I really needed it to be a lighter color that could be written on in just about any color.

This is the end result that I came up with. I attached a piece of very vanilla to the side and stamped my birthday wishes. Then I took a scrap of the same designer paper I used on the front of the card to add a strip to the vanilla layer. The end result is a stunning card which had been handmade inside and out.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Upsy Daisy

Ink: Old Olive, Stampin' Write Markers

Card stock: Night of Navy, Very Vanilla, Urban Garden DSP

Other: Sponges, Dimensionals, Top Notch Die & Big Shot, Ribbon

UPsy Daisy Sample Card #3

2009-01-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Stampers! This is the 3rd card I created using the same stamp set and same designer paper. I love how even though the supplies I used on these were the same, each card came out unique. For this card I decided not to add ribbon, but felt it needed something else in the background to tie in the images and colors. I found a scrap piece of designer paper sitting on my desk and decided to added it to see what it looked like. I loved how it make the card "pop" more so I kept it. Don't be afraid to try new things or use supplies in ways you may not have thought before Sometimes the little things we are afraid to try are the ones that make the most difference and turn out to be a new "fad". stay tuned tomorrow when I will show you the final card in this set and I will also show you what I did to the inside of the cards to "finish" them off.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Upsy Daisy
Ink: Old Olive, Stampin' Write Markers
Card stock: Night of Navy, Very Vanilla, Urban Garden Designer Paper
Other: Dimensionals, Top Notch Die & Big Shot, Buttons, Sponges

Upsy Daisy Sample #2

2009-01-23T12:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Stampers! TFIG!!!! I am so glad it is almost the weekend. (well in my life- Friday is the weekend *lol*) This is the 2nd card in the set that I made earlier in the week to match the Origami Box I made. Once I started making one card the rest came along rather easily. The buttons on the left side of the card seemed to really make the card come together in the end. I think this is my favorite one of the bunch but I will let you decide for yourself. Check back in tomorrow to see the 3rd card style.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Upsy Daisy
Ink: Old Olive, Stampin' Write Markers
Card stock: Night of Navy, Very Vanilla, Urban Garden DSP
Other: Buttons, Top Notch Die and Big Shot, Dimensionals

Upsy Daisy Card Sample #1

2009-01-22T12:00:00.000-05:00

HI stampers! Today's card is a closer look at one of the card samples I posted in the group picture yesterday. When I first saw this set in the Stampin' Up! Catalog I knew I had to get it to make cards fro my mom. Daisy's have always been one of her favorite flowers. I don't know that I have ever seen a navy blue daisy before, but in my imagination they grow so I figured I could recreate one on paper. :0) I used the Top Notch Die and my Big Shot to make the panel the main image is on. This makes it so easy to cut things out. I LOVE my Big Shot and am so excited to be getting some of the new dies and embossing items which are now available in the new catalog.

To make the flowers I colored directly on the stamp using my Stampin' Write markers. Then I "huffed" on the stamp before stamping it to wet the ink. I sponged old olive ink on the edges to soften it up before adhering to the night of navy layer. The background paper is from the Urban Garden DSP from Stampin' Up! I added some of the old olive ribbon and buttons to finalize this card. Tomorrow I will show you the 2nd card I made in the set. It's just as beautiful!

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Upsy Daisy
Ink: Old Olive, Stampin' Write Markers
Card stock: Night of Navy, Very Vanilla, Urban Garden DSP
Other: Ribbon, Buttons, Dimensionals

Upsy Daisy Card Set

2009-01-21T15:56:00.002-05:00

Hi Stampers! Today I am showing a set of cards I made which were inspired by the Origami Box I made in this post. I love the color combination and the way each of them are unique, but still match in some way. The background paper used on this project is Urban Garden Designer Paper from Stampin' Up! I used the Top Notch Die with my Big Shot and the stamp set Upsy Daisy the focal image on each. Each card was finished off with buttons or ribbons. I will show you up close pictures in the next few days.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Upsy Daisy
Ink: Night of Navy, Old Olive, Stampin' Write Markers
Card stock: Night of Navy, Very Vanilla, Urban Garden DSP
Other: Top Notch Die & Big Shot, Sponges, Buttons, Ribbon, Dimensionals

Oragami Box Challenge

2009-01-19T15:29:00.004-05:00

Hi Stampers! Here is the project I told you about in today's earlier post. I saw this challenge to make an origami box posted on SCS HERE. I couldn't resist. I did have a little bit of a challenge with the folding directions at first for the bottom portion, but THIS video helped me see what I was doping wrong.

I love how this turned out. It was pretty easy too once I figured out the basic folding part. I chose to use the Urban Garden Designer Paper from Stampin' Up!. I love the colors of the paper and wanted my box to be bright and cheery. This picture is a side view of the box.

Here is a picture of the box once the ribbon is untied and the top is opened. I used rhinestone brads to anchor the ribbon to the lightweight chipboard so it wouldn't pull when I went to tie it. I found that sticky strip just wasn't enough to hold it where I wanted. I used my top notch die to cut out 2 pieces of Night of Navy card stock and 2 piece of very vanilla. I then trimmed the vanilla piece so it would nest inside the navy piece. I colored my stamp using my Stampin' Write Markers and stamped the vanilla pieces. To add more dimension I sponged old olive around the edges before attaching to the navy pieces. I attached to the box using dimensionals.

Now you may be wondering just what I put inside this beautiful box. I made some matching Peppermint Patties to put inside. I love how the patterned paper made these look like little flowers.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Upsy Daisy

Ink: Night of Navy, Stampin' Write Markers, Old Olive

Card stock: Urban Garden DSP, Old Olive , Night of Navy, Very Vanilla

Other: Top Notch Die, Rhinestone Brads, Buttons, Dimensionals, Scallop Punch, 1-3/8" Curcle Punch, Sponge, Sticky Strip, 5/8" Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon, Candy

It's Finally Here!!!

2009-01-19T11:11:00.003-05:00

Hi Stampers! Well it is finally time again. The NEW catalogs go live today at noon Mountain Time (2:00 pm EST). The online ordering system has been down since midnight last night and will once again be active at 12:00pm Mountain time. It is expected to be busy so if you are having problems placing an online order please be patient.

I also have my delivery of catalogs so anyone who preordered them will be receiving them soon. If you would still like one, please contact me and I will get one out to you. They are $9.95 or earn one free by hosting a workshop or placing a $150 order with me.

There are so many wonderful new things in this catalog release. If you are like me then your wish list is going to be a mile long. It's not just the stamps that have intrigued me this time. There are some awesome new buttons, ribbons, chipboard and oh-the new Big Shot Dies!!! Some of these make pop-up die cuts to use! If you don't have a Big Shot yet you are going to want one after seeing what these can do. There are even embossing folders similar to the Cuttlebug ones. I can't wait to place my order for those.

I will be back this afternoon with a new project to show you. It was for one of the weekly challenges at SCS. I really think you are going to like it. :0)

Valentine's Day Treat Holders

2009-01-16T15:14:00.005-05:00

Hi Stampers! Aren't these little mailboxes just the cutest things you have ever seen? I made a few of these last year for the boys teachers. I picked up the mailboxes at the Target Dollar Spot. (I LOVE that place!!!) Last year they had white, hot pink and red ones available. This year- I was so excited to see that have silver and metallic pink ones too. I picked up a few of each. The one in the picture above are just the white ones and the hot pink ones.

On all 3 of these I chose to use the Happy Heart Day stamp set from Stampin' Up! My favorite image from the set is the elephant, but I thought the little mouse holding the heart as perfect for these. Each of the mailboxes is covered in pattered paper. Some of it I have had for years others is Stampin' Up! retired paper or paper I picked up at the Target Dollar Spot. (See I told you I love that place!!!) After attaching the paper I embellished each one a bit differently using ribbons, brads, prima flowers and stamped images.

For the third box I used the sticky cut heart shapes and my chunky glitter. I love how quick and easy this was to decorate this box. I know it is hard to see in the picture, but this mailbox has 2 glitter hearts on the side with the flag. One is in chunky pink glitter and the other is in chunky white glitter. I used the scallop square punch to create a little "postal stamp" image and attached it to the flag post, added a bunch of ribbon and I was finished.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Happy Heart Day

Ink: Basic Black, Basic Grey

Card stock: Various Pattern Paper, WW

Other: Ribbon, Sticky Hearts, Glitter, Punches, Dimensionals, Brads, Prima Flowers,Markers

Upcoming Specials and a NEW Customer Appreciation Program

2009-01-13T15:00:00.003-05:00

Hi Stampers! I am so excited to announce several specials I am offering to my hostesses and customers. This is one of the best times of the year to be a Stampin' Up! customer, hostess or demonstrator. Next month starts Sale-a-Bration!!!! For those of you who do not know what Sale-A-Bration is you are in for a BIG treat! Starting February 1st, 2009 for every $50 in product you order through Stampin' Up! you earn a FREE stamp set of your choice from the Sale-a-Bration Mini catalog. (I just got my advanced copy of this and LOVE each of the sets in there this year.) You can also receive FREE sets by hosting a workshop. For every $300 in sales your workshop reaches, you as the hostess qualify to receive one of these sets for FREE. It is one of the best times of the year to host a workshop. I am also offering a FREE assortment package of 8-1/2 x 11" card stock in your choice of color families to the first 3 hostess who book a workshop during the month of February and March. Contact me today to reserve your date.

Sale-A-Bration is also a great time to sign up to become a demonstrator. In addition to the fabulous goodies you get in the starter kit you will also receive a FREE stamp set of your choice from the new 2009 catalog ( valued up to 47.95). This offer is only valid from February 1st, 2009 through March 31st, 2009. Signing up to become a demonstrator has never been easier. You can sign up online on my Stampin' Up! website. Please contact me in advance since you will need to know my password to process your application.

Now if the excitement of Sale-A-Bration wasn't enough I have implemented a New Customer Appreciation program. For every $40 product order placed with me you will receive an embossed medallion. ($80 product order qualifies for 2 medallions) Once you have accumulated 10 of these medallions you may turn them in to me for a $15.00 gift certificate valid for the product of your choice. These medallions cannot be transferred to another customer and will be the responsibility of the recipient to keep track of. They are valid now until December 31st, 2009. For more information please contact me. All orders which have been placed since January 1st, 2009 will be included in this program. I will be mailing out all medallions to customers who have placed online orders with me.

I am expecting the new catalogs to arrive here any day now. Those customers who pre-paid for them will receive them as soon as I get them. Anyone else who would like a new catalog can purchase one for $9.95 or host a workshop and receive one FREE. There are so many new products and stamp sets in this catalog that you won't want to miss!! The samples photographed in the catalog are also some of the best yet and will be sure to inspire your creativity.

Happy Stamping~

Polka Dotted Elephant

2009-01-08T11:38:00.003-05:00

Hi Stampers! Today's card is one of the cards we will be making in my Stamp-a-Stack class on the 18th. If you haven't already signed up I am sorry to say that the class is now full, but if I get enough interest I will host another one. I just love this little elephant in the set A Happy Heart Day. I stamped him twice for this card. Once on whisper white card stock and then again on Chocolate Chip Designer Series Paper. I then cut him out and paper pieced him onto the whisper white. I finished coloring in the other parts of the image. The kiwi kiss background paper has been run through my Cuttlebug and the heart embossing folder.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: A Happy Heart Day
Ink: Basic Black, Stampin' Write Markers
Card stock: Chocolate Chip. Kiwi Kiss, WW, Chocolate Chip DSP
Other: Circle punches, Scallop Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Photo Corner Punch,1" Double-Stitched Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, White Gel Pen, Cuttlebug and Embossing Folder

Basic Grey Baby Cards

2009-01-06T00:00:00.002-05:00

Hi Stampers! Yesterday I shared all the goodies I picked up by using my gift cards. I told you about a card making kit from Basic Grey that I had gotten but didn't have a picture of it since I had already assembled the cards. Today I am going to show you these adorable cards.

I think this little birdie card is my favorite one of them all. The birdie is a chipboard piece with adhesive on the back. These were super quick and easy to use. The words "as tweet as can be" were a rub-on that came with the kit.

The ladybug's antenna were rub-ons as well as the wording in the lower right hand corner.

The Giraffe's were part of the background paper and a frame was made around it. The flower piece is another one of the chipboard adhesives.

This card is my 2nd favorite one. I love the look of it and know any little boy would be thrilled to receive this. The dinosaur is chipboard as well as the little square stones around the letters.

This was another very quick card. The tracks and words are a rub-on and the stones were chipboard pieces. I love how they add so much dimension to the card.

The butterfly and the "button" are both chipboard pieces. The rest of the card uses various background papers.

The scallops on the edge of this card give it dimension and interest. The frame is chipboard with paper pieced letters inside. A very cute baby boy card.

This is one of the last cards I made using the kit. It makes an adorable boy baby card. The airplane and the "B" are chipboard pieces and the remaining pieces of the card are various pattern papers.

Reminder....it's the start of a new year. Try something new and step out of the box!!!

Happy Stamping~

Retiring Accessories and a Blowout Sale!!!!

2009-01-05T15:51:00.003-05:00

Hi Stampers! Stampin' Up! just announced the retiring list for accessories. If you are interested in any of these I highly recommend placing an order directly online through my Stampin' Up! website since supplies are limited and will only be available until January18th, 2009.

111377 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS ROOF GARDEN
112012 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS SEASON TO SHARE
112088 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS TRUE ELEGANCE
102782 ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 12X12 -Not Available
104188 ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 6X6
105384 ALBUM LINEN POST MELLOW MOSS 6X6*
104516 ALBUM LINEN POST NAVY 6X6
105381 ALBUM LINEN POST REAL RED 6X6*
103977 BUTTONS BOLD BRIGHTS*
103978 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS
103981 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS & NEUTRALS
105446BUTTONS RICH REGALS
105445 BUTTONS SOFT SUBTLES
103604 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 12X12
102174 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 8 1/2X11
112465 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BANBURY
112462 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GEORGIA PEACH
112463 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GHOSTLY GREETINGS
112040 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GREEN TEA
112470DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAIKU
112460 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAWAII PAPAYA
112469 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HOLIDAY TREASURES
112458 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER JUNIOR VARSITY
112459 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MAINE BLUEBERRY
112466 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MUIRFIELD
112149 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PARISIAN SUMMER
112467 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PRESTWICK
111355 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SUMMER PICNIC
112039 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WINDSOR KNOT
112963 ELEMENTOS PARA TARJETAS DIAS FESTIVOS HECHOS A MANO SIMPLY SENT
106523 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE FIVE-IN-ONE CARD COVER
104104 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE MINI
107298 ENVELOPES CONFETTI WHITE MEDIUM
110695 ENVELOPES OPEN END KRAFT SMALL
109115 ENVELOPES OPEN END VERY VANILLA SMALL
103372 METAL EDGE TAGS ALUMINUM WHITE SQUARE
107925 ON BOARD BITTY BOOK*
109190 ON BOARD CLIPBOARD 9X9*
109180 ON BOARD SIMON UPPER
112086 ON BOARD SOMETHING SEASONAL
107923 PAGE PROTECTORS RING 3.25 X 3.25
104942 PUNCH 1/4 INCH CIRCLE
104943 PUNCH 1/4 INCH SQUARE
107273 PUNCH 3/4 INCH SQUARE
104389 PUNCH DOUBLE CIRCLE*
100391PUNCH HANDHELD 1/8 INCH CIRCLE-Not Available
104830 RIBBON GINGHAM CARAMEL
104829 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT BLUE
104828 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT PINK
104831 RIBBON GINGHAM MOSS
109037 RIBBON GROSGRAIN MORE MUSTARD 1/4 INCH
110282 RUB ON ANCHORED
111806 RUB ON CHILLS & THRILLS
111805 RUB ON SCHOOL DAYS
111417 RUB ON WORD FLURRIES
110283 RUB ONS TAKE NOTE
112193 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN I WISH
112186 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN PINA COLADA
112068 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUMMER HOME
112043 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN U R SWEET
112061 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN WINTER RETREAT
112016 SIMPLY SENT CARD ELEMENTS HANDMADE HOLIDAY
109868 SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT LIFELONG NOTES
103647 STAMPIN STORE MINI
105813 WRITE ME A MEMORY FONT CD VOL II
*This item is discounted and included on the Inventory Blowout

In addition to the retiring accessory list Stampin' Up! is also having an inventory Blowout sale. Click here to see the details. You won't want to miss out on these great sales!!!

Lookie What I Got!!!

2009-01-05T00:00:00.001-05:00

One of the things I asked for this Christmas was a few gift cards to various crafting places. I was lucky enough to get one to Jo-Ann's, one to Michael's and another one to Gina K's. I was so excited. I still have not decided what I want to purchase from Gina K's. There are just too many sets that I want to add to my collection. I think I now have it narrowed it down to 3 of them. :0)

With the other gift cards I went out the day after Christmas to see what kind of bargains I could find. I hit the jackpot pretty good and am happy with what I got. I still even have money left on the Michael's gift card! (I know it's a shame isn't it?)

The first thing that caught my eyes were these clear stamps from Inkadinkadoo. I thought the fairies would be prefect to use my new colored pencils on and the other images would be great to emboss with.

My next find were these Basic Grey Paper stacks and matching brads and other brads by Heidi Grace. I love how all these coordinate so well together. I also picked up a card making kit from Basic Grey too which matches the paper stacks. I didn't get a picture of it though since I already used it. Watch for those cards to be posted soon.

The last thing I found was this cute Sizzix boy paper doll die. In plan on using this in my scrapbooks this year as well as in other projects I have in mind for my boys. My next purchase will be the karate uniform die set to put on the paper doll. It is a must have for me!!

Happy Stamping~

Adorable Snow Bunnies

2009-01-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Stampers! I have some really cute cards to share with you today. I am so excited with how they turned out. For Christmas I received the Koh-i-noor colored pencils I had been asking for. (Thanks Jenny!) I have been itching to use them with the gamasol technique but wanted to use an image that would really let me see how these woodless pencils work. I had been looking on All That Scraps website and saw these adorable images by C.C. Designs. Aren't they just the cutest thing you have seen? I couldn't wait to color these adorable images so I opted to buy the Digi Downloads of these images and give them a try.

I had never used anything like it and really wasn't sue if they would work or smear when I tried to blend, but for the most part they worked really great. I will be using more of this option in the future. I really like how you can size the images to whatever size you need.

I was really impressed with the vivid colors of these woodless pencils. They colored so nice and smooth and blended even better. I really like them better than my prisma pencils.

When making these cards I also wanted to use some other embellishments that I have been "hoarding" throughout the year. One of my New Years Resolutions this year is to NOT hoard any of my stamping supplies. One these cards I used brads, stickles, ribbon, dazzling diamonds, buttons and rub-ons. I was proud of myself with these! My challenge for you is to try something new and use up those items you have been saving for a special day!

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Digi Download Snow Bunnies (C.C. Designs)

Ink: Printer, Rose Red, Ballet Blue

Card stock: Rose Red, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Ballet Blue, Certain Celery, Maine Blueberry DSP, Chocolate Chip DSP, WW, BasicGrey Paper

Other: Brads, Buttons, Stickles, Circle Punches, Scallop Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, White Gel Pen, Paper Piercer, Rub-Ons, Ribbon, Koh-i-noor Woodless Pencils

Happy Heart Day Stamp-a-Stack

2009-01-03T00:02:00.005-05:00

Hi Stampers! With Valentine's Day right around the corner I am hosting a stamp-a-stack class in my home on Sunday January 18th, 2009 from 1:00 - 3:00pm. I am offering 2 options for this class.

Option #1: You will receive all pre-cut supplies to complete 6 projects with envelopes featuring the Happy Heart Day stamp set. The stamp set will be supplied for you to take turn with other stampers. Cost of this option is $18.00 ($15.00 for club members).

Option #2: You will receive all pre-cut supplies to complete 6 projects with envelopes and your own Happy Heart Day stamp set to keep. The cost of this option is $38.00 ($35.00 for club members).

All class members are asked to provide their own adhesive, cutting board & scoring blade, and scissors. Space is limited for this class. Please RSVP and have payment to me by January 12th, 2009.

Online Ordering Specials

2009-01-02T22:19:00.004-05:00

Hi Stampers! I don't have a project to show you today (I need to get some new batteries for my camera so I can take some pictures and upload them for you) but I do have a special offer for my loyal readers. :0) One of my goals for 2009 is to really get my business off the ground and share what I love with everyone I know. One way I plan to do this is by utilizing my online Stampin' Up! website. Did you know that you can place an order directly online using my website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? What's great about this is that by using my website directly you get the same great opportunities you would if you placed an order with me over the phone or via email. The shipping costs are the same AND any order over $150 still qualifies you for hostess goodies. How great is that? Now you can shop in the comfort of your own home whenever you get the urge. All orders will be shipped directly to you (or where you would like them).

To help promote online ordering I am offering a few specials to the first people to use this option in 2009.
* The first person to place an online order of any kind in 2009 will receive a total of 25 yds. of various Stampin' Up! ribbon. You will receive an assortment of various colors and styles. This will be either delivered or mailed to you (if you are not local)by me after your online order ships.

* The first person to place an online order of $50- $99.99 (before tax and shipping) will receive 25 yds. of various Stampin' Up! ribbon AND an assortment of 100 brads in various colors. This will be either delivered or mailed to you (if you are not local)by me after your online order ships.

* The first person to place an online order of $100-$149.99(before tax and shipping) will receive 25 yds. of various Stampin' Up! ribbon, an assortment of 100 brads in various colors AND the retiring Level 2 Hostess set Fall Flair (new & unmounted). These items will be delivered or mailed to you (if you are not local) by me after your online order ships.

* The first person to place an online order of $150+ (before tax and shipping)will receive a $25 Stampin' Up! gift certificate redeemable through me and all the hostess benefits pertaining to the total dollar amount of the order. The gift certificate will be delivered or mailed (if you are not local) by me after your online order ships.

Just a reminder that the retired stamp set list has been posted and those sets will only be available until January 18th or while supplies last. Hurry and get your favorite sets while they are still available!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T19:45:00.002-05:00

Hi Stampers! I hope you and your family had a safe and happy new years eve. I hope this year bring much joy and happiness for you all. Check back tomorrow for a special offer I am giving to start the new year out with a BANG!

Happy Stamping~

I am such a dork!!

2008-12-29T14:17:00.002-05:00

UGh! I had a great project to show you today. It was one of the projects I worked on as last minute gifts for friends and family. I took pictures of them and when I went to upload them to my photo editing program today guess what I did? I deleted them from the camera card! Of course I didn't have them saved on my desktop either. I am so upset at myself now. I have nothing to show you today now. :0( Sorry!

I guess I can tell you what it was. I had made some beautiful Christmas trees using Styrofoam trees and some of the designer series paper strips. They turned out so beautiful and even though I loved them when they were done, I didn't keep one for myself. You can see some samples that other creative ladies have made HERE, HERE, and HERE. Enjoy!

Happy Stamping~

Holidays and Stampin' Up! Special

2008-12-28T12:46:00.005-05:00

Hi Stampers! I hope you and your family had a wonderful Holiday this past week. This is a time where you can really see just how blessed we are. Even though I still am unemployed from my regular day job, I owe a huge thanks to my loyal customers and Stamp Club ladies. Thanks to you, my Stampin' Up! business has never been better and it is because of you that my life is so blessed this holiday season. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!

Due to all the last minute preparations, baking and shopping I have not had time to stamp in weeks! I can feel the withdrawal symptoms starting to set in and I will need to find some time soon to get rid of that feeling. :0) I will be showing you another project or two that I was working on as last minute gifts for family and friends. I should have the photos edited and uploaded for you tomorrow. I know Christmas is over, but perhaps these will inspire you to get a jump start on your crafting gifts for next year.

Now on to some fun stuff! Can you believe that the new year will soon be upon us and that Valentine's Day is right around the corner? From December 23rd, 2008 (yeah I know I am late in posting this but it couldn't be helped!!!) through January 31st, 2009 Stampin' Up! is offering the Love You Much Bundle to it's customers. By ordering this bundle of items you will save 20% off the regular prices if you were to purchase them separately. The bundle is on sale for just $41.48. Here is what is included in the bundle along with prices if you were to purchase the separately:

~ Currently the Candy Cane DSP is out of stock so in order to place an order for this item you must contact me directly either via phone or email to take advantage of the 20% price. Due to part of this bundle being on back order status you will not be able to place an order directly online using my Stampin' Up! website. Sorry for the inconvenience!~

**Remember that there is still time to take advantage of the retiring stamp sets at the discounted rate as well. Some of the sets have sold out and are no longer avavilable. Please contact me if you are interetsted in seeing this list. In the next few weeks I will also be posting several Stamping specials and blog candy to show my appreciation for my loyal customers. Keep checking back for more details!

Happy Stamping~

Pink Snowflakes

2008-12-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Stampers! Can you believe that Christmas is right around the corner? Wow did that sneak up on me fast! I am still not done with my holiday shopping or baking!!! Guess I better get a move on it. :0) Today's card is an old favorite. I love the colors of Regal Rose and Chocolate Chip together. This is a quick and easy card to mass produce in a hurry. The various snowflakes were stamped randomly in Regal Rose and Chocolate Chip on a piece of white card stock. This was then added to a piece of Regal Rose with a piece of 5/8" Chocolate Chip grosgrain Ribbon wrapped around the panel. Then it was all attached to a chocolate chip card base. The sentiment was stamped on a scratch piece of card stock in chocolate chip, punched out using the large oval punch and then layered onto a piece of chocolate chip CS. I then cut a border out by hand since I did not have a larger oval punch at the time. Quick- Easy- Beautiful!

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Snow Burst, Season of Joy
Ink: Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip
Card stock: Regal Rose, WW, Chocolate Chip
Other: Oval Punch, 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon

Homemade Desk Calendar

2008-12-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Stampers! Isn't this the cutest desk calendar? Sometimes I amaze myself at what I can create under pressure. (It seems that I tend to do my best work when under pressure.) I made this using the 4" heavy weight coasters I bought from HERE. I printed out a 2009 calendar that I had downloaded from someone on SCS. I'm sorry but I can't remember which thread it was from. If you go into the forums and type calendar template I am sure you can find it. :0) I adhered another piece of the Maine Blueberry DSP to both sides of 2 heavy weight coasters. I ten sanded the edges with my sanding block. After printing out my calendar and cutting it to size, I layered it onto a piece of Ballet blue card stock and used 2 of my Brocade Blue Brads to hold it all together. This will allow the recipient of the gift to be able to just tear off the month as it passes.

To make the calendar stand up I put to coasters back to back and punched 3 holes in the top using my crop-a-dile. I was overjoyed to find that it went through both layers of coaster at once! You gotta love a tool that makes life easy! I then threaded pieces of the 5/8" Certain Celery Ribbon through the holes and tied in a knot on top. I made sure to leave enough room so the pieces can rotate and this can fold semi-flat when need be. The last thing I did was to attach some of the chipboard letters I had in my stash collecting dust to spell out her name. (wondering if my sister is going to read this before her gift arrives- Oh well Jen you'll just have to act surprised!!!)

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: N/A

Ink: N/A

Card stock: Ballet Blue , Maine Blueberry DSP

Other: 5/8" Certain Celery Grosgrain Ribbon, Crop-a-dile, Sanding Blocks, Brads, Heavy weight 4" coasters, Computer to print calendar

Post it Note Holder with Pen

2008-12-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Stampers! Today's project coordinates with the altered clipboard project I showed you yesterday. This is made out of a clear standing photo frame. (I bought mine last year at Wal*Mart) It was another easy project. I layered a piece of the Maine Blueberry DSP onto a piece of Ballet Blue CS. Then I adhered an initial chipboard letter that I had lying around. I inserted the piece into the frame (make sure you have your frame rotated so the stand part on the top back portion). I added a stack of post-it notes to the front and set one of my matching beaded pens on top.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: N/A
Ink: N/A
Card stock: Ballet Blue, Maine Blueberry DSP
Other: Chipboard Letter, Acrylic Frame, RSVP Pen, Sticky Strip, Micro Beads, Post-It Note

Quick reminder...

2008-12-16T09:00:00.004-05:00

Hi stampers! Just a quick reminder that all orders received to Stampin' Up! by December 16th (today) will be picked, packaged, and delivered to our courier in plenty of time to arrive by December 24. As you know, we cannot control delivery times when holiday mail volumes are high so this is not a guarantee.

In addition the retiring stamp sets are still 10% off and there is FREE shipping on all orders of $70 (before taxes/shipping) or more. Orders can be placed directly with me using a major credit card or on my Stampin' Up! website HERE. (note: you must place an order through my website or another demos website to receive the free shipping. Placing an order directly with Stampin' up! and just selecting a demonstrator will not give you the same shipping specials.) Once the retiring sets sell out they will no longer be available so get your favorite set today!

Happy Stamping~

Altered Clipboard

2008-12-10T16:14:00.002-05:00

Hi Stampers! Here is the adorable altered clipboard that I made in my desk set ensemble. I love how it turned out and was amazed at how quickly it came together. I started out my painting the upper portion of my clipboard a green similar to certain celery. I let it dry and then used the clipboard as a template to trace onto my designer series paper. I chose to use the paper called Maine Blueberry. I love it! Green has always been my favorite color and I love it even more paired with blue. To give the clipboard some interest, I cut my piece of DSP about 1/3 of the way down and used the reverse side to give some contrast. Using Modge Podge I covered the clipboard with a thin layer and then added the upper portion of DSP. I let that dry and then applied another layer of modge podge (covering the upper layer this time) and adhered my bottom layer. I coated that layer with Modge Podge and set aside to dry. Once dry I added yet another coat and applied the ribbon to cover the seam. Another coat of Modge Podge, some decorative ribbons tied around the clip and I was done. I definitely need to make me some more of these. I don't know why I waited so long. :0)

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: N/A
Ink: N/A
Card stock: Maine Blueberry Designer Series Paper
Other: Clipboard, Modge Podge, Paint brushes, 5/8" Certain celery Grosgrain Ribbon, 5/8" Brocade Blue Grosgrain Ribbon

Altered Desk Set

2008-12-10T16:08:00.003-05:00

Hi Stampers! Just a quick post today to show you what I have been working on. This is one of the altered desk sets that I have been busy making for Christmas gifts. I just love how this turned out. I will show close up pictures and supplies of each project in the days to follow. I bought all the supplies for the clipboards and post it note holders a long time ago with good intentions of making them. I got intimidated. I finally got up the courage to dig them out and make them and now I am kicking myself for taking so long. These project were rather quick and super easy to create. I hope the receiver of these enjoys them.

Happy Stamping~

Stampin' Up! Retirement List is Here!

2008-12-09T06:38:00.003-05:00

Hi Stampers! Today is the BIG day that Stampin' UP! announces it's retirement list for this catalog season. Dozens of stamp sets from the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog are retiring. Now's the last chance for you to get them--these sets are only available through January 18, 2009. And they're 10 percent off from December 9-23, so don't wait to order! In addition to this great savings you will also receive FREE shipping on any order of $70 or more from December 9th through December 23, 2008. In order to have your orders before Christmas, Stampin' Up! is encouraging all orders to be placed by December 16th to allow for delivery. Orders can be placed online on my Stampin' Up! website or you can contact me via email or phone to place a direct order if you prefer.
Click here to view the retiring list

Happy Stamping~

Stampin' Up! Retirement List

2008-12-08T15:51:00.004-05:00

It's that time of the year again! The retiring stamp sets from the Fall & Winter 2008 Idea Book and Catalog will be announced tomorrow, December 9th. I will be sending out emails to all of those on my mailing list to let you know. In addition I will be posting a complete list here and you will also be able to see the complete list on my Stampin' UP! website as well. Remember, once the retirement list is announced the items will be only be available while supplies last. To ensure that you get the items you want please feel free to place an order online through my Stampin' Up! website.

Stamp club members remember all club orders are due by 5pm on Friday December 12th.

Happy Stamping~

Frosty Friends

2008-12-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Stampers! Today's card is another card made using the set Holiday Line Up. I chose to use the cute snowmen image today instead of the elves or the naughty reindeer (from yesterdays post). This card is based on one I saw featured on Dawn Griffith's Blog HERE. I love the colors of bashful blue and black together. It's hard to tell in the picture, but there are white snowflakes stamped onto the background layer of the bashful blue card stock.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Holiday Lineup, SnowBurst
Ink: Basic Black, Stampin' Write Markers, WW Craft Ink
Card stock: Bashful Blue Basic Black, WW, Frosty Day DSP
Other: Scallop Edge Punch

Santa's Mischevious Reindeer

2008-12-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Stampers! Can you believe that it is December already? Where has the time gone? It seems like it was just Valentine's Day! Today's card makes me laugh. When I saw this set in the catalog, I knew I had to have it. If you look close at the image you can find why I find it so hilarious. Notice the smirk on the reindeer with the red nose. Doesn't it look like he is up to something? In my opinion it looks like he passed gas- heheheheheheehhehee!

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Holiday Lines Up, Snow Burst
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Basic Black
Card stock: Riding Hood Red, chocolate Chip, WW, Close to Cocoa
Other: Chocolate Chip Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Stampin' Write Markers

Beaded Pens

2008-12-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Stampers! Today's share is another project I made for the craft fairs and will also be making as some Christmas gifts this year too. You may have seen them posted on various blogs and on SCS. They are fairly easy to make and make a big "Wow" with the person receiving them.

I decided to make several different styles of them this year. Some of the pens I just made "swirls" around the pen and then beaded that part. Some of them have pieces of various designer series paper inside the barrel to give it an even more glamorous look.

On the other batch of them I covered the entire outside of the barrel of the pen. Some of them have the DSP on the outside and then are rolled in the beads, others have the DSP rolled up inside the barrel and the outside is rolled in beads. I found that the ones that have the paper inside the barrels are not as brightly colored as the others. They are all beautiful though.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: None

Ink: None

Card stock: Various Designer Series Paper

Other: Red Line Tape, Micro Beads, RSVP pens

From Our Home to Yours

2008-11-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Stampers! Just a really cute & quick card to share today. I saw this card done on Chris Twing's Blog HERE. I couldn't resist re-creating her card. She also posted recipe for this card which you can download for yourself. Be sure to check out her other designs. They are adorable.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: To You & Yours, Season of Joy
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip
Card stock: Handsome Hunter, Riding Hood Red, Creamy Carmel
Other: Stampin' Write Markers, Chocolate Chip Ribbon, Oval Punch, Sponges

Quick and Easy Holiday Ornaments

2008-11-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Stampers! I thought I would take break from cards today to show you a really cute project you can make with your kids. These are some ornaments I made using circle chipboard coasters, designer series paper and some chipboard snowflakes I already had on hand. (I was unable to find mine from Stampin' Up! in the Something Seasonal pack) I started out by dipping my snowflake pieces in versamark ink. Then added Iridescent Ice embossing powder and heated with my heat tool. They turned out so sparkly and shiny. They would have been cute just one thier own, but I wasn't going to stop there. :0)

Next, I took the circle chipboard coasters and traced them onto the backside of the designer series paper I wanted to use. Had I been able to find my Coulzzel it would have been much easier, but no- I like to do things the hard way! I then attached the designer series paper to the coaster and sanded the edges with the sanding blocks. I did this to both sides of the coaster so when it hangs on the tree it can be seen from either side. Then I added my snowflake on one side of the coaster. I was going to add another on the other side when I had an idea. (I know, I know- hard to believe!!*lol*) I am putting pictures of the boys on the back side to send to family up north. I will also stamp the year on the back so everyone can remember what the boys looked like at this age. The other ones I plan to stamp a "To: & From:" on the back and use as gift tags.

To finish off the ornaments and make them actually "look" like Christmas ornaments, I punched out scraps of matching card stock using my Round Tab punch. I attached this to the top portion of the coaster and punched a small hole to loop the silver cording through.

I love how the different designer series papers look on these. Each one is unique and beautiful.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: None

Ink: Versamark

Card stock: Various Designer Series Paper, Various scrap card stock

Other: Chipboard coasters, Chipboard snowflake pieces, Iridescent Ice embossing powder, heat tool, Round Tab punch, Silver Cord, 1/16" Circle Punch, Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive

Happy Holidays

2008-11-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Stampers! Have you survived the masses out before the crack of dawn today? Every year I decide to hit the stores starting at 5am. I know- some of you think I am crazy, others can relate to the adrenaline rush that happens. The good thing is I am usually about 80% done with shopping by the time I get home. I have developed my strategy over the years. I have my route planned out and I even know the right places to park. It's been mostly due to trial and error, but I now have a master plan and I stick to it every year and I am home resting with my feet up by 11am. :0)

Today's card is yet another Christmas card. It's not one of my favorites. In reality- I really don';t care for it, but thought I would post it anyway so you can see that things don't always turn out how you want them to. I think it is the DSP I used. I love most of the designer series papers we carry, but every once in awhile there is just one style that does not suit my taste, but I push myself to use it anyway. This is such the case. I don't know what it is about these flowers but they are just NOT my thing. Perhaps it's the colors? I don't know, but rather than use the other side which I really like - I forced myself to try to think out of the box a little bit. (Obviously I didn't think outside hard enough to create something nice *lol*) Anyway- the card base is old olive with doodle dots made with the white gel pen randomly. Then the layer of DSP was applied with a piece of Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon wrapped around it. The image is from the Big on Christmas set layered on Riding Hood Red and Chocolate Chip.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Big on Christmas
Ink: Basic Black
Card stock: Old Olive, Holiday Treasure DSP, Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip
Other: Stampin' Write Markers, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, White Gel Pen

Let it Snow with a Big Shot

2008-11-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! I really should have made a Thanksgiving card or in the very least a fall card, but I have been on such a roll with my Christmas cards that I didn't want to ruin the creative juices. Hope you and your family have a wonderful turkey day with all the fixings. :0)

I fell in love with this card when I saw another demo make it and decided I had to try it out for myself. (unfortunately I do not know who was the original creator of this design, but if it was you please let me know so I can give proper credit- I saw it on SCS) This card allowed me to use several of my favorite items- designer series paper and my Big Shot. Put those 2 things together and how can you not have fun?

The card base is old olive with a layer of real red. A piece of Holiday Treasures paper was adhered to the red layer. Using the Snowflake #2 die with my Big shot machine I cut the snowflake out of Shimmery White card stock and added it to the card base. It adds some nice sparkle to the card with out being overpowering. I stamped the "Let it Snow" image from the Big on Christmas set and colored it in with Stampin' Write Markers. Then layered it onto a piece of old olive card stock. Since the right hand of the panel looked bare I punched out a 1-3/8" circle from an old olive scrap and a folded it over the layered image panel. I added my real red brad and attached the entire panel over the snowflake. Such a cute card!

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Big on Christmas
Ink: Basic Black
Card stock: Old Olive, Real Red, Holiday Treasures DSP, WW, Shimmery White
Other: Real Red Brad, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Big Shot, Snowflake #2 die

Christmas Elves

2008-11-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Stampers! Today's card features one of the newer sets to the catalog called Holiday Lineup. The set comes with 3 stamps. One has a group of snowmen. One has a group of naughty looking reindeer and the last one has a group of elves. Aren't they cute? I colored them in with my Stampin' Write Markers. (real red, blush blossom and old olive) The designer papers are from the pack called Holiday Treasures.

Happy Stamping~

Stamps: Holiday Lineup
Ink: Basic Black, Stampin' Write Markers
Card stock: Riding Hood Red, Holiday Treasures DSP, Chocolate Chip
Other: Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon

Let it Snow...

2008-11-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Stampers! Here is another adorable card. This card features the set Big on Christmas set in the catalog. I paired the stamp set up with some of the Frosty Day DSP from the Holiday Mini Catalog. I love the colors of this paper and couldn't resist carrying them over into the the stamped image. I colored in the image using my Stampin' Write Markers. This is a very easy card to make. It is just a lot of layering. I am guessing that these will require a little more postage when mailing because of all the layers. This is another one of the cards I had packaged up and was selling at the craft fairs. They are packaged in a pack of 6 with envelopes for $15 + shipping. Please email me if you are interested in purchasing some.

Happy Stamping~

Stamps: Big on Christmas
Ink: Black Staz On, Bashful Blue
Card stock: Bashful Blue, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango, Close to Cocoa, Frosty Day DSP, WW
Other: N/A

Magic Reindeer Food

2008-11-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Here is another cute idea to give the little ones in your life around the holiday season. I remember having something similar to this when I was younger. We lived up in snowy Wisconsin at the time and I remember sprinkling the Magic Reindeer Food in the snow and watching out the window to see if the reindeer would come to eat it. This was another one of the things I sold at the craft fairs.

The poem says "Sprinkle on the lawn at night
The moon will make it sparkle bright
As Santa's reindeer fly and roam
This will guide them to your home. "

Inside the cello bag is a mixture of oatmeal and red sprinkles. I still have a few of these left. They are $2.00 + shipping.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Deer Friends (Level 2 Hostess Set)
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Card stock: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla
Other: Oatmeal, Red Sprinkles, Top Notch Die, Big Shot, Circle Punches, Scallop Punch, Computer

Snowman Soup

2008-11-23T00:00:00.001-05:00

Today's project is another quick and easy stocking stuffer item or a great item to give co-workers just to let them know you are thinking about then this holiday season. Inside the cello bag is the making of "Snowman Soup". There is a hot cocoa packet, some mini marshmallows, Hershey Kisses and a peppermint stirring stick. I typed up the poem and printed it out on my computer. The cute little poem says:
"Was told you've been real good this year
Always glad to hear it
With freezing weather drawing near
You'll need to warm the spirit
So here's a little Snowman Soup
Complete with stirring stick
Add hot water, sip it slow
It's sure to do the trick!"

I got the idea to make these from the various ones of them posted on SCS. I made these even easier by using the Top Notch Die and my Big Shot to make the topper. I LOVE that machine!!! I still have an handful of these left over from the craft fairs. They are $3.00 + shipping.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Deer Friends (Level 2 Hostess set)
Ink: Baja Breeze
Card stock: Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, WW
Other: Cello Bags, Goodies for Inside, Circle Punches, Scallop Punch, Top Notch Die and Big Shot

Chipboard Post It Notes

2008-11-22T00:00:00.001-05:00

Surprise! Today's post is not a card featuring Mr. Twigster! *lol* I know you are all probably heart broken, but I'm sure he'll be back before the year is over. *wink*

This is one of the cute little items I had for sale at my craft fairs. It is a chipboard coaster covered in designer series paper (in the photo here I used the new Snowy Day DSP in the Holiday Mini catalog). The edges are then sanded and the post-it notes are stuck on the front. Then a binder clip is embellished with matching DSP and some ribbon. Aren't these cute? I have a ton of these left over from the sale in various designer papers. If you're interested they are $3.00 + shipping

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: None
Ink: None
Card stock: Snowy Day DSP
Other: Chipboard Coaster, Binder Clip, Various Ribbon, Post It Notes, Sanding Blocks

Another Mr. Twigster

2008-11-21T00:00:00.001-05:00

TaDa! Yup- another card featuring Mr. Twigster and the Ski Slope DSP. You guessed it as well. This is yet another of the cards we will be making at my up coming Holiday Stamp-a-Stack. I love the colors of the Ski Slope paper. The card base of this card is Baja Breeze accented with Riding Hood Red and Kiwi Kiss. I think the scallop edge makes this card all come together.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Mr. Twigster, Holidays & Wishes
Ink: Staz On Black,
Card stock: Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Ski Slope DSP, WW
Other: Stampin' Write Markers, Scallop Edge Punch

Loveable Mr. Twigster

2008-11-20T00:00:00.001-05:00

Here is another card that we will be making at my upcoming Holiday Stamp-a-Stack class. Isn't it cute? This card uses the Ski Slope DSP from the Holiday Mini Catalog with Kiwi Kiss and Riding Hood Red card stock. I also dug out my new square scallop punch and then layered the circles on them. This is a quick and easy card to make for the Holidays. This is one of the cards I mass-produced for the craft fairs. I still have several of the packs of 6 cards and envelopes for sale if you are interested. They are $15 + shipping.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Mr. Twigster, To You & Yours
Ink: Staz On Black, Kiwi Kiss
Card stock: Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Ski Slope DSP, WW
Other: Stampin' Write Markers, Scallop Square Punch, Circle Punch

Mr. Twigster

2008-11-19T14:38:00.001-05:00

Oh My! I am such a baaaaaaaaaaddddd blogger! Has it really been that long since I last posted? I really don't have any excuse other than the usual life and events getting in the way of my stamping time. *sigh* I have also been so busy creating items for the 3 craft fairs I have done the past few weekends. I can not say that I will do any others. They were not a success. I don't think I even sold enough to cover my booth space expenses. I was not alone though, it seemed like everyone was having a difficult time and all sales were down this year. Now I have a huge stash of items on hand. I will be posting some of the items over the next few days along with pricing if any of you are interested.

Now...let's get on with the real reason why you stopped by! I bet you would like to see something I made (well maybe not but I am going to show you anyway! *lol*) Here is one of the cards we will be making at my upcoming Holiday Stamp-a-Stack class. This class features the Mr. Twigster stamp set in the holiday mini catalog. I think this has become my favorite holiday stamp set of all time. I find myself reaching for it when I need to make a holiday card this year.

The card base is riding hood red with a layer of Ski Slope DSP and a piece of striped riding hood red ribbon wrapped around it. The main image is Mr. Twigster (isn't he just the cutest???) stamped in Staz On ink and cut out using my Coluzzle I added some doodling on the outer edges with my Stampin' Write Marker and also colored in his nose and scarf. I punched a piece of Riding Hood Red CS with my Marvy scallop punch and layered the image piece on it. This was added to the card base with dimensionals and the "Merry Christmas" sentiment was stamped in the lower right hand corner.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Mr. Twigster, Holidays & Wishes
Ink: Staz On Black
Card stock: Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Ski Slope DSP
Other: Marvy Scallop Punch, Coluzzle, Stampin' Write Markers, Striped Riding Hood Red Ribbon, Dimensionals

Chocolate Santa Suit

2008-10-25T00:00:00.001-04:00

Hi Stampers! Today's project is so cute and so easy to make. You know I am all about cute and quick!! I can honestly say that I did not use a single stamp on these. I made about 15 of these to sell at the craft fairs. Inside is a Hershey Chocolate Bar that slides out. I am thinking that I will make these for Nathan's class for the holidays. What kid doesn't like chocolate?

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: None
Ink: None
Card stock: Real Red, Basic Black, WW
Other: Various Punches, Chocolate Bar

Tic Tac Holders

2008-10-24T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! Aren't these tic-tac holders just the cutest thing? The poem on the inside of these is the poem for Snowman Kisses. I got the original idea for these on Angie Juda's blog. I love her blog. It always has such fresh and fun ideas. It is one I make sure to check each and every day. I loved how the snowmen turned out so much that I decided I had to try making some using the orange tic-tacs and a Thanksgiving theme. The end result is pictured below.

So tell me, what do you think? Isn't this a cute little something to give around the holidays?

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Carved and Candlelight, Cold Play

Ink: Basic Black, Riding Hood Red, Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss

Card stock: Bashful Blue, WW, Chocolate Chip

Other: Corner Rounder Punch, Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, 1-1/4" Circle Punch

Stamped Candles

2008-10-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! Today's project is another item I have been busy making for my upcoming holiday craft fairs. I love the look of stamped candles. You can personalize them so easily. I chose to make a few nautical ones for the fair in November. I have found that I prefer using just one color of ink on them instead of trying to color the images.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Winds of Grace
Ink: Night of Navy
Card stock: None
Other: Tissue Paper, Heat gun, Wax paper

Have a Beer on Me

2008-10-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! I have such a fun card to show you today. There are several reasons why this card is a "fun" card. The first one is because I got to use one of my new stamp sets called "Cheers to You". This is a cute little set that has all kinds of beverage glasses to be used on invites and cards. My favorite ones are the beer mugs and the Martini glass. *wink* I can see this set will get many, many uses out of it. The card looks pretty basic on the outside but......

when you open it the Fun begins! It's called a pop-up card. Isn't it just the cutest idea? This technique was shown at Convention this year and several other demos who were able to attend were gracious enough to share the directions to make this. It's actually quite simple, but gives such a fun factor to any card. I just love how the beer mugs pop out at you when you open this card.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Cheers to You, Just B

Ink: Basic Black, Basic Brown

Card stock: Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun, WW

Other: Rhinestone Brads, Circle Punches, Mono Multi Glue, Stampin' Write Markers, Spiral Punch, sponges

Holiday Nugget Tins

2008-10-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! One of the hottest items to make during the holiday season has been these cute little nugget tins. I have been busy making a bunch of these for the 3 upcoming craft fairs I have planned in the next few weeks. I am very pleased with how they all turned out. These will also be one of the projects we will be making in an upcoming Holiday Gift Class one of my downline and I will be hosting on Saturday November 22nd. More details will be posted soon so keep this date open. You will not want to miss this all day class event!

The insides are filled with Hershey Nugget Candy Pieces covered in Designer Paper. I then added a belly band to each of the tins using coordinating papers and Stamped a holiday image as a focal point. This tin uses the new set Mr. Twigster found in the new Holiday Mini Catalog. I think he is just one of the cutest snowmen I have ever seen. Once I saw him I knew I had to get him. The designer paper used with him is also from the Holiday Mini catalog. It is called Frosty Day.

Since I have a Craft Fair scheduled for the end of October that is themed as a Fall theme I decided that I also needed to have some of these cute tins with a Thanksgiving or Fall theme. I used the designer series paper Autumn Vine (found in the new Holiday Mini) to cover the nuggets and used the leaves stamp and verse from the retired set Give Thanks. I used the blender pen and classic ink pads to color in the leaves with matching colors.

This tin is my favorite one I LOVE the new Ski Slope designer series paper in the Holiday Mini. The colors just draw me to them and I love how they all look together. The designs of paper are so cute too. I stamped Mr. Twigster once again since I thought he went so well with the theme of the paper.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Mr. Twigster, Give Thanks

Ink: Basic Black, Baja Blue, Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss

Card stock: Ski Slope DSP, Frosty Day DSP, Autumn Vine DSP, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Blue

Other: White Gel Pen, Nugget Tins, Hershey Nugget Candies, Marvy Punches

Cupcakes on the Go

2008-10-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Stampers! Today's project was the other make and take project we did at the workshop I had last week. I wanted to find something to make other than a card that was quick and easy, gave a great "Wow" factor and was something useful. What I came up with even amazed me! *lol* Have you figured out what this is made out of yet?

The base of this little bag is actually a white lunch sack. I cut it to the size I wanted and attached the card stock to the bag. The ribbon is to use as handles. The main image is from the Crazy For Cupcake set again. The background paper is the Riding Hood Red DSP.

Happy Stamping~

Stamp set: Crazy For Cupcakes
Ink: Basic Black
Card stock: Riding Hood Red, WW, Riding Hood Red DSP
Other: Key Tag Punch, Scallop Punch, Striped Riding Hood Red Ribbon, White Lunch Bags, Stampin' Write Markers