Olive Stamps

Language of Thankfulness

2012-01-24T14:17:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year! Since it is still January, I figured I can still spew out those words of joy and excitement that comes with a new year! Also, today is the first day of Stampin’ UP! Sale-a-bration promotion! Remember to get your $50 orders together so that you can earn one of the lovely sale-a-bration items for FREE!

I wanted to let you know that my mother-in-law loved her box of cards! She was so happy and looked through them all right away. My sister-in-law looked at them next and ooh and ahhed too! That gave me a wonderful reason to start on cards earlier in the year! Don’t you just love resolutions?

To help me stay on track, I’ll be holding a monthly themed class for anyone that is interested in giving cards as gifts this year! That will ensure that I will have 5 cards done each month for my Christmas gifts.

The month of February’s theme will be “Thank You”. So to get me working on these cards, I’ve created this lovely “Thank You”! I really love this image of the corset and I’m really grateful that we women don’t have to wear these anymore! *smile*

Stamps: Rue Des Fleurs (French Version – Occasions Mini Catalog)
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Jet Black Stazon
Accessories: Poppy Parade and Lucky Limeade Stampin’ UP! Markers, Label Framelits, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Lucky Limeade Ribbon(Free Sale-a-bration item)
Tools: Bone Folder, Paper Snips
Technique(s): Coloring with Markers

Enjoy!

Winter Grass

2011-12-16T14:15:00.000-06:00

I have to admit that I am okay that our lawn is dry and brown right now…it is way better than having green grass underneath snow. I think the birds do fly south for the winter because I still do see birds and I hear them every morning. The ducks have been happy swimming in the pond near our home. This card was is another card that will go into my MIL’s box of cards. It was inspired not only by what I see out my front window (Dried Grasses), but my overall card was inspired by a card over at Splitcoaststampers that I really like.

I’m really enjoying how the bird’s tail is extended by the use of the stencil. I know it is hard to tell in the photo, but the bird and the tail are sparkly with shimmer mist. So fun when the light captures it!

Stamps: Established Elegance, Happy Harmony(Retired)
Paper: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Early Espresso
Ink: Marina Mist, Early Esspresso
Accessories: Hemp Twine, Seam Binding – Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso 1/8” Taffeta, Vicotria Crochet Trim, Basic Pearls
Tools: Paper Piercer, Mat, Vintage Ornaments Decor Stencil, Sponge, Mini Glue Dots, Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive, 1” Circle Punch, 1-1/4” Circle Punch, Crimper, Shimmer Mist, Spritzing Tool, Distressing Tool, Bird Builder Punch, Corner Rounder
Technique(s): Direct to Paper, Sponging, Seam Binding Rosette, Shimmer Mist

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy!

Stampin’ Up! Stamp Set Flashback

2011-12-14T16:10:00.000-06:00

I’m still working on that box of cards for my MIL. It is nice to have sketches to follow when you are making a box of individual cards. I have two cards to share with you today.

I spent some time cleaning up my stamp room yesterday. As I only had a 4 inch square of usable space left to create I figured it was about time to get busy cleaning. As I was cleaning I came across some of my Stampin’ UP! fabrics and some of my favorite retired stamp sets. It’s amazing the things that you find when you’re better organized! *smile*

This first card uses the Mojo Monday 219 sketch from this week. I’ve been wanting to incorporate fabric on a card and this card does just that! I decided to add various textures to the card, so you’ll notice the fabric is bunched in places rather than simply laying flat like paper. I was able to create that texture, by using the Stampin’ Up! multipurpose adhesive sheets. It makes you want to touch it, doesn’t it?

Stamps: Circle of Friendship (Retired)
Paper: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Newsprint Designer Series Paper(retired)
Ink: Jet Black Stazon
Accessories: Timeless Portrait Designer Series Fabric, Hemp Twine, Vintage Brads
Tools: 1-3/8” Circle Punch, 1” Circle Punch,Decorative Label Punch, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Cropadile, Dimensionals, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets
Technique(s): Frayed Twine

This second card uses the sketch challenge for the week from Splitcoaststampers. This card is a non-standard 3.25” x 5.5” card. It was fun creating with some of my well loved images from the past years. I know my MIL will love both of these!

Stamps: Well Worn Words (Retired), Echos of Kindness(Retired), Fabulous Phrases
Paper: Red Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Ink: Jet Black Stazon, Red Riding Hood Red, Old Olive
Accessories: Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware (Retired), Crumb Cake Seam Binding
Tools: Aqua Painter, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Corner Rounder Punch, Small Oval Punch (Retired), sponge
Technique(s): Sponging, Big Shot Embossing

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy!

Flowers of Best Wishes

2011-12-12T09:00:00.001-06:00

I’m still working on a box of cards for my Mother-in-Law. I’ve become grateful for her December birthday because I have the ability to switch up her birthday and Christmas gift. That will give me some extra time in getting all the cards done!

I’m sharing with you today, one of the cards that will be going in her box for Christmas! This card was inspired by rectangles that I saw stamped on cards. Amazing how your mind moves when you are creating!

How did I do that?

The top layer was created by adhering various rectangles that were sponged and distressed along the edges to a plain piece of Very Vanilla. This layer was then popped up with dimensionals.

The flower was created by crumpling 5 stamped scallop circles, sponging them and snipping between each scallop almost to the center. A beautiful neutral glitter brad was inserted in the center

Stamps: Sincere Salutations, Established Elegance
Paper: Very Vanilla
Ink: Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Quilted Ribbon
Tools: Distressing Tool, Sponges, Scallop Circle Punch, Paper Snips, Dimensionals
Technique(s): Sponging

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy!

Something old, Something new

2011-12-02T10:00:00.000-06:00

Do you remember when you first started stamping and all you could do was beam/scream with excitement when you created your first cards? Okay, I have to admit that that still happens to me when I create something new…not as often as it should, but it still happens.

I remember how cool I thought the direct to paper technique was when I first began experimenting with altering the blank edges of my cards with an ink pad. You would have thought that I just won the lottery or something just as cool! I would be starring at my card, oohing and ahhing, turning it every which way to capture the awesomeness. You do that too, right? I became giddy with excitement. If I know me, and I do, I was probably doing some funky dancing because the happiness was just oozing from my very being. Okay…I know that may sound extreme…but if you haven’t experienced that before…that is what it is like. And how exciting that I just had one of these moments when I was experimenting again with the Direct to Paper technique!

Direct to Paper has been around for as long as I have been stamping and probably even longer. The most I ever did with the technique was run the ink pad over the edges of my paper. Have you ever done that? I’m sure many of you have done the same…loved it and then moved on to another technique. Well, that technique went by the wayside when I discovered the other fabulous technique of sponging.

Here is a card, that I created with my new found vision of direct to paper. This card is the first of many cards that my MIL will be getting for her December birthday this year. I have 15 10 days left to begin creating. I probably should give it 5 days to ship, huh?

Stamps: Simply Soft (hostess), French Foliage
Paper: So Saffron, Red Riding Hood Red, Whisper White
Ink: So Saffron, Red Riding Hood Red, Tempting Turquoise, More Mustard, Jet Black Stazon
Accessories: Rhinestone, Dimensionals
Tools: Crimping Tool
Technique(s): Direct to Paper

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy!

This technique is my next featured Technique Series class in December. If you live in or around the Allen, TX area contact me to sign up or visit my website for other events.

Christmas is in the Air

2011-12-01T14:03:00.000-06:00

I’ve been busy holding Christmas Card classes. Although I don’t typically post my cards from these classes, I thought it would fun to share the class favorites and my favorites to celebrate the coming of the holiday season!

Class I Favorite

Class I – My Favorite

Gotta love those jingle bells.

Class II Favorite

Class II My Favorite

Love the simple elegance.

Do you have a favorite?

Enjoy!

Masculine Birthday Blinged with Metal and Rust

2011-10-04T18:15:00.000-05:00

There are a couple times a year that I need to create Masculine Cards…Birthdays are just one of those occasions. I am just like you…trying to figure out which of my stamps to use so that the card doesn’t end up with a flower on it! *smile*

I’m sure my darling son, Noah, wouldn’t mind either way, but because he loves the Extreme Elements stamp set to make cards for his friends…it was an easy selection this time! He is a typical boy and Blue is his favorite color, so I decided on one of the newest blues, Marina Mist. Now as blue is not one of those colors that I drift to, I used the Color Coach to help me out! I love that super tool to help me select the perfect colors, Marina Mist, Cajun Craze and Crumb Cake! I loved these three colors that I selected and the Cajun Craze makes a perfect rust when you use the Direct to Paper technique.

Now, if you are like me you have a bunch of cool embellishments that you are hoarding for that perfect card! Any type of metal is perfect for a masculine card. I loved using the game spinner on his card as an element of fun even though it has no use except to introduce movement into the card.

So, do you love how I used the stamp set, Number It, for his age? I have had so many ideas pop in my head for this cool number set! It is perfect for labeling items around your house too!

Stamps: Extreme Elements, Netting, Number It
Paper: Marina Mist, Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla Cardstock
Ink: Marina Mist, Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake Cardstock
Accessories: Linen Thread, Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive
Tools: Color Coach, Paper Snips, Vintage Trinkets (Sm Safety Pin), Game Spinner Hands, Ornament Punch
Technique(s): Direct to Paper, Sponging

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Noah!

Stamping with Gesso

2011-09-16T17:19:00.000-05:00

So, I got the hint with all the comments that I was receiving that many of you have never used Gesso before. *oops* Well, I used it for the first time when I stamped on the Muslin Bags that I posted earlier this week. I have to admit I was a bit vague on how I used the Gesso. Today, I am here to show you what I did to make the fall leaves muslin bag from start to finish as some of you inquired about the water coloring too. *smile*

Supplies needed: Gesso, Paint brush, some cardboard scraps and your muslin bag or fabric piece.

Why use Gesso? When you stamp directly on fabric, the ink is absorbed into the fabric and produces a very light image. You lose most of the brightness from the colors. By using Gesso, you are creating a “canvas” or surface on which your stamps will adhere and allow for the brightness or true color of your inks to show.

Question to ask yourself before you get started…can you be patient with drying time? If you answered “no”…get out your heat gun now!

Step 1: Paint the Gesso on your fabric. Insert a piece of cardboard under your fabric or inside the bag. Squirt some Gesso onto another piece of cardboard. The first time I did this, I painted once in one direction, dried with a heat gun and once in the other direction and then dried with a heat gun. (I paint vertically each time and turn the fabric.) It worked. This time, I painted twice in each direction. So I allowed the Gesso to dry naturally 4 times switching directions each time. The second time it worked better and the surface I created was much smoother. Play around with the Gesso until you get your desired results. We learn by trying new things!

Step 2: Dye your fabric. So, I forgot to dye the fabric before I stamped. I highly suggest that you dye your fabric before stamping. Warning: My dyeing methods require spritzing or dye wash which could run your water colored image if you dye after you stamp! If you don’t have coffee or tea to stain your fabric. You can create your own dye wash with a bit of water and any of the Stampin’ Up! reinkers. Take a ziploc bag and put just enough water to saturate your fabric. Add drops of reinker until you get the desired color. Add your bag or fabric into the ziploc and squish around until bag is colored. I hope you know what squishing is!

Step 3: Stamp with Water Color Crayons. Select your Water Color Crayons and color directly onto the stamp. Don’t worry about coloring over the colors, just make sure the entire image is colored. Now spritz with a water bottle. I spritzed twice about 3 inches away to get the results pictured. Stamp on the Gessoed section. When the images were dry, okay almost dry, I stamped the other images in Stazon.

If you noticed, the images blurred together nicely and the lined images are no longer available to see. Try stamping the image with ink again over the water colored images for a more detailed look.

This is the completed muslin bag with the Gesso rectangle, coffee dyed and water colored with Stampin’ Up!’s Watercolor Crayons. Because I dyed after the stamping, some of my colors ran a bit, but I still like the overall look of it.

Thanks to all of you that keep me on the straight and narrow! *smile*

Thanks for visiting and I always appreciate comments!

Enjoy!

Pay it Forward with a Gratitude Box

2011-09-15T02:00:00.000-05:00

So glad you could make it over to see my newest box creation today. This gratitude box holds a bunch of tiny cards that you can give out to anyone that makes your day special. I created 12 mini cards, but the box can easily hold twice that!

I don’t know about you, but I am tired of focusing on “bad” service I receive when I am out. I have been really trying to pick out the good that I see. I have given out a couple of these cards to the wonderfully sweet polite Checker at my local grocery store, and to the happy lady at my dry cleaner who always smiles at me even though it is way too early for normal people to be up! *smile*

The 2” x2” cards were specifically designed only for a quick note, not a novel and are a great way to make a connection with the people around you! With the Anniversary of 9/11 just a few short days behind us, these connections are what holds our country together. This gratitude box is a great way to thank someone, a friend, neighbor, colleague, or new friend for making your day.

This project was designed for the Paper and Pixels online magazine. Step-by-Step directions for this box can be found in the September 2011 Edition of Paper and Pixels . I’m thrilled to be a part of their anniversary issue!

All Products are Stampin’ UP! and can be purchased through me directly or via my online demonstrator website.

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Stamps: Elements of Style
Paper: Mocha Morning Specialty Designer Series Paper, Crumb Cake Cardstock, Window Sheet
Ink: Versamark, Jet Black Stazon
Accessories: 1/8" Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, Crumb Cake Seam Binding, Antique Brads, Clear Embossing Powder
Tools: Tabletop Paper Cutter, Paper Cutter with Score Blade, Hobby Blade, Ruler and Pencil (household items), Sticky Strip, Paper Snips, Heat Gun

Thank you for stopping by and for your comments!

Enjoy!

Can you see me doing a happy dance? ;0)

Stampin’ Up! and Muslin Bags

2011-09-14T08:45:00.000-05:00

Hello!

It has been a crazy past month and a half with school starting and all the events and excitement that comes when the children are off to school again. I’ve also been busy designing some of my unique projects for the Seaside Crafts Bulk Buy group, for the upcoming issue of Paper and Pixels, my newest Stampin’ Up! classes as well as some other ventures. It has been an exciting time and I’m glad that I can start sharing with you what I’ve been busy working on!

Today, I want to share with you one of my favorite new items that is being offered through the Seaside Crafts Bulk Buy group. I love these muslin bags and they are perfect as card sacks or shower favors, candy bags or whatever you need to contain in a little sack! A unique way to present a small gift for sure!

Because these little bags are made of cloth they lend themselves to being stained, dyed, or stamped upon. In fact, Regina Andari at Workin’ Out the Inks, even ironed on a My Digital Studio(MDS) creation on one of these for Halloween! I love that Stampin’ UP! products are a perfect fit for these little cloth treasures!

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How I did that:

The first bag was spritzed with coffee until it was stained to my desired color. The dress form and dress were glued onto the muslin bag using tombow multi-purpose adhesive. I thought this would be perfect for a wedding shower favor filled with candies.

The second bag was dyed with Stampin’ Up!’s Pool Party reinker and some water. I used gesso to create a section that I could stamp on. I used Stampin’ Up!’s Craft style ink to get a truer image over the gesso. Stamping directly on the muslin with the Stampin’ UP! dye inks works just fine but you’ll get a muted image rather than a sharp image.

I used gesso on the third bag and again used coffee to stain that bag as well. I used watercolor crayons and the French Foliage stamp to create the watercolored leaves on the gesso. A set of 4 Stampin’ Up!’s 5” x 3.5” note cards and envelopes (107311) fit perfectly in this 5” x 7” bag.

Update: Check out this post for a tutorial using Gesso.

Thank you for stopping by and for your comments!

Enjoy!

Tomorrow the Anniversary issue of Paper and Pixels is out! Please stop by to see pictures of my Gratitude Box created specially for Paper and Pixels here!

Collaged Butterfly Gift Card Holder

2011-08-08T20:01:00.001-05:00

I want to take some time to share with you one of the things that I have been creating. I’ve been waiting to hear the outcome of the contest I entered before I posted this most recent project. I am overjoyed to say that I placed first in the Seaside Crafts contest! What an exciting day it turned out to be! Free Stampin’ Up! product put a big smile on my face for sure! I have to send out a big THANKS to all the members of the group that voted for this little treasure!

This project features the technique of collage stamping. I used some of my favorite stamps with one of my newest stamps from the 2011-2012 Stampin’ Up! Catalog along with one of the items I picked up through Seaside Crafts – Clear Business Card Holders. I turned these plain business card holders into a unique gift card holder. I labored over what colors to use but when I was done, I found this Amazon gift card that fits the colors perfectly. Don’t you just love that! Next time I think I find the gift card first. *smile* This gift card holder can easily be turned into a gift that keeps on giving by including several Whisper White note cards. Perfect for any occasion.

Stamps: Artistic Etchings, Establised Elegance, Silhouette Sentiments (Hostess – Retired 2011)*
Papers: Whisper White, So Saffron, Basic Black
Ink: Jet Black Stazon, More Mustard, Soft Suede, Sahara Sand
Accessories: none
Tools: Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Sewing Machine with Black Thread, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Embossing Folder, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Big Shot, Mini Glue Dots, Snail
Techniques Used: Sponging, Collage Stamping

*All products can be ordered directly through me or my online Stampin’ UP! website with the exception of items labeled as retired.

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy!

This project will be featured in my Collage Stamping technique class in September. Interested and live in the Allen, TX area? Contact me directly for details.

Wondering of Wisteria

2011-06-27T17:24:00.000-05:00

I don’t think I ever used the word Wisteria in my life but alas this is one of the new colors that you can look forward to with the new 2011-2012 idea book and catalog in a few short days – Wisteria Wonder is a new In Color that will be added to the purples! You can bet, I’ll be on the look out for “Wisteria” when I play Words with Friends!

I was doing some research on my new Herb Expressions stamp set. Did you know that Thyme, Basil and Rosemary, in addition to the familiar purple of Lavender, all have purple flowers? Each is rather distinct in its own purple color, but I do believe that the current Stampin’ Up! color pallet will cover all the necessary purples to color in those gorgeous herbs!

This square card 4.25 x 4.25 card uses the Mojo 197 sketch. I turned the main panel and this is one of those times that I actually stamped the greeting on the inside. It reads “Thanks for blessing my life with you.” This set has perfect greetings for each of the herbs.

The edges of the main panel are sponged deeply with more mustard, soft suede and early espresso. I love the richness of the mustard in addition to the browns. I masked the words from the basil image so that I could stamp them separately to fit the sketch. The lined image was watercolored with the aquapainter…quick and easy using ink from the lid of the ink. Of course, I added a little cut out of one of the basil leaves…I thought it was the perfect little touch.

Stamps: Herb Expressions
Papers: Wisteria Wonder (New 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog), Very Vanilla, First Edition DSP
Ink: Jet Black Stazon, More Mustard, Soft Suede, Early Esspresso, Wild Wasabi, Concord Crush
Accessories: Dimensionals, Linen Thread
Tools: 1-3/8" x 5/8" Oval Punch (Last Chance List-Sold Out), Paper Snips, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Aquapainter
Techniques Used: Sponging, Tearing, Masking

Many of the items on the Last Chance list are selling out…get your stamps and accessories while they are still available. Last Chance items are available through June 30, 2011.

Thank you for taking the time to visit! Enjoy!

I am sure you figured out that I am not much of a plant person…I want to be…I just kill most of them. This is a photo of my second Texas kill. I killed the yellow rose that sat in here when we first moved in. I think it may have lasted two weeks. This one only lasted about a week. I thought I had finally mastered the plant thing but, I guess I need more practice. My husband bought me two new plants for my birthday last week. Any bets?

A Little Sunshine

2011-06-16T18:04:00.001-05:00

Saying goodbye to Tart and Tangy

A little bit of sunshine is what any person that is feeling under the weather needs! This card is a response to just that…a sweet little get well card! Tart and Tangy is a cute little set that is perfect on its own or just plain fun when paired up with an unexpected set, like Morning Cup.

It’s been some time since I made a pocket card but one thing lead to another and this “extra little something” pocket card came to be. The orange slice became my background for the “card front”. I used a vellum strip to create the pocket with no worries of adhesive showing through! I just created a larger strip and folded it behind the large Whisper White panel and voila…no glue marks! Do you ever amaze yourself and wonder why you hadn’t thought of that before?

This little pocket card holds an extra surprise, orange-tangerine tea, the perfect accompaniment to the orange and tea cup stamps! The tea bag is held inside a glassine envelope to keep it fresh…for how long I do not know! *smile* I would suggest placing the tea bag in when you know you are going to give the card! The strawberry,cherry or apple would also be perfect stamps if you have those flavors of tea available!

Stamps: Tart and Tangy(2011 Last Chance), Morning Cup, Sincere Salutations
Papers: Whisper White, Night of Navy, Peach Parfait, Vellum
Ink: Peach Parfait, Night of Navy
Accessories: Dimensionals, Glassine Envelope
Tools: Eyelet Border Punch, 1-1/4” Circle Punch
Techniques Used: Pocket Card

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy!

A Great Friend in Matchbox Messages

2011-06-12T18:49:00.001-05:00

The Same But Different

So do you wake up in the morning and ponder what am I going to wear today? I am guessing on most days, if you are anything like me, you are on autopilot and you pick out the next item of clothing you can find that is clean without thinking too much about it. With Noah being out of school, the summer just does that to me. Everyone will still know me whether I'm wearing the pink ruffled top or the white striped shirt because I’m still the same just different today, right?

I took that concept into my card making. I’ve said many times that you can take any stamp set and create about a million plus different cards with it. So, I started by selecting two different sets, Matchbox Messages and A Great Friend to create my cards with today. I also was inspired by two challenges to help get my brain a pondering. My first card was inspired by the Simply Less is More One Layer Challenge. The Matchbox Messages set has two wonderful frames that fit the challenge perfectly. I chose the vined frame as I love that it is not perfect. I used reverse masking to place the images inside with a bit of Crumb Cake ink distressing.

For this second card, I selected this superior example of a card and cased it to make it my own. I love the bright colors she used, but I think I do better when I stick to some neutrals with a touch of color. I know you noticed that the main panels are the same but different. As I am a big fan of gift sets, I think it would be great to create an array of these same but different cards to give as a set. What do you think?

Stamps: Matchbox Messages, A Great Friend
Papers: Whisper White, Crumb Cake
Ink: Crumb Cake, Jet Black Stazon
Accessories: Dimensionals
Tools: Sheet of Copy Paper, Sponge, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch, Old Olive and Basic Black Stampin’ Write Markers, Paper Snips
Techniques Used: Reverse Masking, Sponging

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy!

Friends 24-7

2011-06-07T10:03:00.000-05:00

Goodbye to a Favorite

The revealing of the Last Chance list for the Stampin’ Up! year brings both anxiousness and joy! The fun sets that are to be retired may bring us sadness but we may also feel excitement as new sets are to be discovered in the next month! I hope to share with you over the month some of my favorites that will be retired this month. You’ll have until the end of the month to purchase these sets before they are no longer available.

This card uses the Mojo 194 Sketch to show off the beauty of the Friends 24-7 stamp set which I have paired with the background set, En Francais.

I love the softness of these colors together and of course, all the sponging! Creating the 4 panels was a fun way to create a background panel. If you’ve never tried it…you’ll want to! I don’t recall ever sponging on top of crimped paper before…I really like that effect too! I hope you enjoy it too! Remember to click on any photo to get a bigger version!

Stamps: Friends 24-7, En Francais
Papers: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Pink Pirouette
Ink: Crumb Cake, Pink Pirouette
Accessories: Linen Thread, Very Vanilla Seam Binding, Dimensionals, mini glue dots
Tools: 1-3/4” Circle Punch, 1” Circle Punch, Crimper, sponge, Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit
Techniques Used: Stamped Ribbon, Sponging

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy!

Springtime in Paris Card Set

2011-05-25T12:46:00.001-05:00

Through a black and white lens

Don’t you just love it when you plan something and it just comes together naturally without a lot of rework? Oops...did I type that? I know you all thought I was perfect, right! LOL!

My inspiration for this set of cards was a grouping of blocks that had “Paris” painted on them. I decided to use the bird cage to change up the words a little bit. The bird cage from the Nature Walk set was a logical choice as the cage was thin-lined and would show the “A” through it! I haven’t done too much overstamping except when using background stamps…but, I like it!

The background is a retired favorite of mine the Linen background stamp. I let my fingers do the walking on the back to allow for an uneven image to appear with the Crumb Cake ink. A little tear and some sponging finished up this All Occasion card set.

To package a set of four cards and envies up, I decided that I needed a bird to complete the set. I used a fabric strip, some frayed ribbon and a piece of linen thread to extend the bird’s tail. I really think the extra plumage attracts the eye to these simple cards. Only a Paris bird would have so much going on, right? What do you think?

Stamps: Broadsheet Alphabet, Nature Walk(Occasions Mini- Retired?) , Linen (Retired)
Papers: Very Vanilla, Basic Black
Ink: Jet Black Stazon, Very Vanilla Craft Ink
Accessories: Button, Linen Thread, 1-1/4” Striped Grosgrain Basic Black, fabric strip,
Tools: Two Step Bird Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Clear Blocks for Alpha stamping, sponge
Techniques Used: Frayed Ribbon, Tearing, Sponging

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy!

Tip: Using a clear mount alpha set is a dream when creating words. I lined up the letters on the “I” block and stamped 20 panels in minutes!

Secret Messages

2011-05-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

Remember when we were kids and how you loved getting a note from your friend…you slyly opened it during class hoping no one would see the precious words that were written for you alone? Did you just relive one of those awesome moments from grade school? Memories are wonderful things! *smile*

My newest creation took me back to those years! This quick little card has a surprise greeting for the recipient. Who doesn’t like surprises, right?

This card was quick to create as I used Stampin’ Up! newest punch the postage stamp punch and the tried and true Heart to Heart punch! I just love the cute postage stamp and have used it on several of my current creations. It is about 1-1/4” square and has the lovely stamp detail!

The secret message is revealed by moving the top portion of the image. The brad is the only thing holding it on…so it will move to reveal that special message only for your special recipient. Don’t forget to let them know in your personal message that there is a special message on the front! I stamped my message, but a personal handwritten message would be perfect too!

I know I have been using a bunch of retired product lately…but I have to use it up so bear with me if you have already used yours up! Months of no stamping does that to you!

Stamps: Your’e a Gem (Retired)
Papers: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, First Edition DSP(Retired), Red Glimmer Paper (Retired)
Ink: Jet Black Stazon,
Accessories: Dimensionals, Gold Brad, Black Permanent Marker(to color gold brad)
Tools: 1/16” Handheld punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Postage Stamp Punch*, Crimper, Paper Snips
Techniques Used: Secret Message Card

Next time you create a card, try making a secret message card and give your friend a little surprise!

Thanks for visiting! Enjoy!

*Postage stamp punches are available now from the Stampin’ Up! Summer Mini Catalog!

The All Occasion Card

2011-05-18T14:05:00.000-05:00

So what have I been doing these last few weeks? Not stamping that was for sure! I had family and friends from out of town visiting and then a quick trip to Chicago was in order. This past weekend I was in Waxahachie, TX at the cutest little Bed and Breakfast. If you ever are down in that area with your friends or your honey let me know and I’ll get you the information! It was just charming! It accommodated us four gals just perfectly!I actually had a few minutes to begin designing these cards in Waxahachie, but only today did I have the chance to put it all together! I love giving the gift of cards for birthdays, parties, or any other special event. I usually like to give cards that can be used for any occasion because the recipient will use the cards that I have made for them. If you give a set of various occasions then the possibility exists that the cards may be haunting a drawer for some time until the specific need arises.

This gift set contains 4 simple cards and envelopes. I’ve made this fun matching file folder gift packaging to hold them. I love this long ribboned closure! So elegant! The packaging becomes a beautiful conversation piece if left out in the open. The ribbon can be used as a necklace with the “No. 5” charm. And after the cards are used, the owner can add some dried mix packets, seed packets, etc. and regift the packaging. I think I may have said this before, but I love making things that can be reused!

Please tell me…what do you think of the stripes? I actually got the inspiration after seeing a card made with striped paper. It was easy to create the stripes with what I had on hand and a sharp paper cutter. Scrap paper strips were handy to have for this project!

Stamps: Clearly for You (2011 Occasions Mini), Artistic Etchings
Papers: Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Jet Black Stazon,
Accessories: Glass Fragment, Hodgepodge Hardware (retired)
Tools: 1” Circle Punch, Paper Cutter, Crystal Effects
Techniques Used: Stripes

Finished size of gift folder is 5-1/2” x 6”.

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy!

Numbered Double Flap Card Box How To

2011-04-28T14:02:00.001-05:00

Well, I am glad that you liked the double flap Cherry Cheesecake inspired card box that I created last week! I made this card box with simplicity in mind. Numbers are all the rage right now, so I figured what a great way to make an any occasion card set! This set contains 6 cards with envelopes. These 6 cards took all of 10 minutes to create and I even used a Stamp-a-ma-jig!

How did I make that card box? You’ll need the following supplies to get started: Paper Snips, a paper cutter with a scoring blade, sticky strip and cardstock or Designer Series Paper. Tip: Designer Series Paper is great to work with when you want to create a completely decorated card box, however, the text-weight paper is thinner and creates for a weaker box. Using Stampin’ Up! heavier weight cardstock 80lb or greater will make for a sturdier card box. Think about the recipient when choosing the type of paper you select.

You’ll need to start with a piece of cardstock that is 6” x 11”. Place your paper into the Paper cutter with the 11” side on the horizontal or at the top. You’ll be scoring at the following measurements (Do not remove the paper until you score each of these lines): 3”, 3-3/4”, 8-1/4. and 9”. Lines are drawn in pencil so that you can visually see where you will need to score. Click on any photo for a larger version. Tip: The more accurate you are with your score lines the better the box will connect together. Now turn your paper so that the 6” side is on the horizontal or at the top. You’ll be scoring at 3/4” and 5-1/4” OR if it is easier for you, you’ll want to make sure you have 3/4” score line on each of the vertical edges. Next, you’ll want to make eight, 3/4” snips to the score lines as shown in the photo to create 4 tabs. Fold in tabs only.I suggest using sticky strip, as it creates a good strong hold when creating boxes. Place two strips on each tab.Fold along all remaining score lines. You’ll be able to see how your box will be coming together. You’ll be creating your bottom fold by securing the tab to the bottom sides of the box. Do the same to the top, by securing the tabs to the top section of the box. You’ll have two pieces of scored pieces in the middle section of the box that are not connected to anything. These form the sides and stabilize the box when closed.Decorate as desired. Create a belly band or secure with ribbon, twine or any other materials you may have. The smaller flap was the top of the box and the larger flap was the bottom. As the box is square you can use the double-flaps as sides too! You’ll have about 1/2” of overlap between the flaps. I secured mine with a ribbon and a 1” circle glass fragment that uses the same numbering as the cards. The cardstock image was secured to the glass fragment with crystal effects. I used Jet black stazon to prevent smearing of the ink. A piece of retired hodgepodge hardware was secured to the back of the element with Tombow multipurpose adhesive so that it would “hang” from the ribbon. The element can be used as a charm for a Simply Adorned bracelet or a necklace. A great reusable piece. I love gifts that keep on giving don’t you?

Stamps: Clearly For You
Papers: Sweat Pea Paper Pack (Retired), Whisper White
Ink: Jet Black Stazon
Accessories: 5/8” Organza Ribbon, Round Glass Fragment, 1” Circle Punch, Hodgepodge Hardware(Retired)
Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Paper Cutter with Scoring Tool, Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive, Sticky Strip
Techniques Used: n/a

Thanks for visiting! Enjoy!

How to Alter Envelopes for Unique Sized Cards

2011-04-27T08:45:00.001-05:00

The Nature Walk stamp set is definitely my favorite from the Occassions Mini Catalog! I’m sure those of you that have been following the projects I’ve created can tell by now! *smile* Just a reminder that April 30th will be the last day to order from the Occasions Mini. For this project, I used just a sweet and simple layout. I’ve used this card size in the past and I really love it…It is rather unique and we don’t always tend to think of changing the size of our cards from the standard greeting card or A2. These are small notes to show your appreciation. Of course, you can change the phrasing and these would be great for any occasion. I sent some of these out a couple of weeks ago. Were you on my list to receive one?

The finished card size is 2-3/4” x 5-1/2”. You are able to make 3 card bases from one piece of cardstock. Now the problem that some of you might encounter is what kind of envelope can you put this in. Well the answer is quite simple…you can place it in a standard A2 envelope if you’d like…but I thought I would show you how to alter that A2 envelope so it looks like it was made for the unique card size! **I actually mailed one of these cards to a special friend in the accompanying envelope. It cost a bit more to send but she received it! On a side note, remember hand delivery is FREE!

How did I make that envelope? Gather the following tools: a standard A2 envelope, Paper snips and a bone folder, and a paper cutter with a scoring blade. First you’ll be cutting the bottom edge off your envelope. Place the envelope into the cutter and line up the top edge to the 4” mark and cut off the bottom or 3/8” off the bottom. Next, you will move the envelope to the 3” mark and score along the bottom edge this will create a 1” score along the bottom edge of your envelope. Take your paper snips and snip a small triangle from the bottom edge to the score mark on each bottom edge as shown. With the back flap of the envelope facing you, cut along the 1” score line along the bottom. CUT ONLY the top section…NOT the bottom section. The bottom will be your new bottom flap. Punch the bottom flap with a scallop punch and fold up to create your bottom flap. It is easier to fold after you punch the edge. Secure with your desired adhesive.

My finished project includes 6 cards with the custom envelopes in a mini lunch bag with a card front on the bag so you know what is inside. The scallop on the envelopes was intended to match the scallops on the bag so change your envelope edges to meet your needs. A cute gift project for anyone! The bag can be used as a mini gift bag when all the cards are used up. Nice, right? The gift that keeps on giving!

Stamps: Nature Walk, Fresh Cuts
Papers: Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Ink: Sahara Sand, Jet Black Stazon
Accessories: Very Vanilla Seam Binding, Mini Lunch Sacks (Retired)
Tools: Bone Folder, Paper Snips, Scallop Border Punch, Rounded Corner Punch
Techniques Used: Altered Envelope

Thanks for visiting! Enjoy!

The Power of Love

2011-04-26T08:04:00.000-05:00

I wrote the title and immediately started humming the Huey Lewis and the News song. I wonder if that was played at my wedding?! Well, this card was created for a wedding that has yet to be. I’ll probably keep it in my stash of cards for that next special day in someone’s lives. Of course, this would be perfect for an anniversary card too! I have more of those in my life now than weddings.

It didn’t take me much time to make because I used a sketch layout and some color combinations already suggested by both Splitcoaststampers and Stampin’ Addicts. I added all the elements and I was done. That beautiful seam binding rosette heart I created last month when I was playing around trying to figure out how to make those gorgeous ribbon roses that I’ve been seeing around. So, yes, I created the heart element with all 19 of those individual ribbon roses out of Kraft Seam Binding (SU retired). When you have a special event it's nice to have a special card, right? And that heart actually is the icing on this card.

Stamps: Wedding Sweet, Tiny Tags
Papers: Concord Crush, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake
Ink: Crumb Cake, Concord Crush
Accessories: Concord Crush 1/2” Ribbon, Kraft Seam Binding (Retired), Antique Brads, Vintage Trinkets
Tools: Full Heart Punch, Rounded Corner Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch, Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Snail
Techniques Used: Ribbon Rosettes made with Seam Binding

Thanks for visiting! Enjoy!

The details for how to create the double fold box will be coming this week! So be on the look out for it!

Cherry Cheesecake

2011-04-17T21:38:00.000-05:00

I know I’ve been away for awhile…my Mom is visiting so the projects will be coming when I have a few minutes to “sneak” away and take a couple of pictures of what I’ve been working on!

This project was inspired by Outlawz Color Challenge (Vanilla, Brown Sugar and Red). I used my own SU color combination of Cream Confetti (Retired SU Color), Soft Suede and Cherry Cobbler) Doesn’t that look just delicious! Yum!

My project is a gift set of 6 cards in a 4-1/2” x 4-1/2” square unique opening box. I altered some standard A2 envelopes and made them fit my 4-1/4” x 4-1/4” cards. I feel like I’m in school, but because my awesome Auggie Doggie ate my Greeting Glue (Retired Stampin’ Up Envelope Glue) one Sunday afternoon, I had to improvise and create a unique closing for my envelopes. I am so proud of this…I created stickers to keep the envelopes closed. I just love that!!!!! I’ll share how I made them a bit later in this post. Now these cards will not stand up to mailing in the traditional sense, so hand delivery or on top of a gift is probably the best travel option for this simple little card! If you decide to mail something like this…I would omit the sticker and use a tape closure….not the best solution…but it will work. Now because it is square and probably not the perfect size for mailing through the USPS…extra postage may be required.

How did I do that? My card features a simple layout that works beautifully with the Nature Walk set. Now picture me really excited…because that is how I felt when I discovered the “Sepia” look. Okay…so maybe someone did it before…but I didn’t see it before…so I’m still excited about it…and so excited to share it with you! I like to say discovered because it sounds so much better than mistake, right?! First, stamp your images in Soft Suede ink. Next, punch the images with a 1-1/4” square punch. Then take an Aquapainter filled with water and brush the image starting with the dark portion and running the brush over the entire image. Tada…cool watercolored images that look like Sepia! Allow to dry and the squares will flatten. I was able to color on top of the images after they dried. So what do you think?

The envelope stickers were created the same way as the above images, but I also punched a square from the Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets! How cool that you are able to punch through the adhesive sheets too! I removed one layer of the adhesive sheet and attached to the dried punched water colored images. The back of the images still has a backing that can be removed when ready to use as the envelope closure! Did you see that cute little glassine envelope that holds the envelope stickers in place until ready for use?

Is anyone interested in how I made the box? If you let me know, I’ll post the measurements for you. Too much info already for one day.

Stamps: Nature Walk
Papers: Cream Confetti (Retired)
Ink: Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Hemp Twine, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding
Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Aquapainter, Paper Cutter with Scoring Tool, Snail, Sticky Strip
Techniques Used: Sepia Watercolor

Thanks for visiting! Enjoy!

The project is made using the Nature Walk stamp set out of the Occasions Mini Catalog page 27. If you are in love with this set…it will be around only until April 30. You can visit my online store or contact me directly for purchase.

Scrapped Cards

2011-04-08T08:10:00.001-05:00

Scrapbooking and cardmaking walk hand in hand in this Spring Break inspired thank you card. Every other year we take a vacation with my in laws. This year we visited Cancun. It was a first for both me and my son. The Riviera Maya area was so beautiful and the water so blue and the sun so hot! This card was created for Nana and Papa for sharing this wonderful time with us where dreams are made true.

The card is meant to be kept as a remembrance of our precious time together. The layout of this card followed the Mojo Monday Sketch Layout for the week.

Stamps: Fabulous Phrases
Papers: Bashful Blue, Sahara Sand, Taken with Teal Holiday Print Designer Series Paper (Retired), Whisper White, Photos
Ink: Jet Black Stazon, Sahara Sand Stampin’ Write Marker
Accessories: Hemp Twine, Build a Brad
Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Spritzer Tool
Techniques Used: None

Thanks for stopping by!

Enjoy!

A Little Something called Gratitude

2011-04-05T16:26:00.000-05:00

Hello! I am back from our Spring Break vacation, I’ve washed all the laundry, picked up the dogs and I finally had a chance to get to my stamp room to create again! I want to thank Heather over at Craft Gossip for posting my tutorial for my Cupcake Cash Card and Envelope while I was enjoying Mexico. I also want to welcome all my new followers and readers over these past months! I want to thank you all for the comments and/or emails that you have sent my way. It is definitely encouraging and welcome since my move away from my stamping gems in the Midwest!

I’m sure there are many times in your life that you want to give a little something to someone to express your gratitude. Well, this project is just that. It is a little tote bag that contains a matchbox (that WILL contain some chocolate nuggets) with a matching thank you card. This would also be nice for a thinking of you, get well or here’s some chocolate because I like you gift!

How I did that: When creating 3D items it is not always necessary to recreate the wheel. The tote bag tutorial can be found here. I changed my tote bag up a wee bit, so mine won’t look exactly like the one featured.

The matchbox was created using the Stampin’ Up Matchbox Bigz XL die (114890).

The cards I used were precut and pre-scored Stampin’ UP! note cards with matching envelopes (107311). They make thank you cards easy and they fit perfectly in the tote bag!

All items were scored on the wrong side with a ruler and a bone folder. I used the flourish from the Friends 24-7 set and stamped off to give a lighter image. En Francais was used with full ink over the Friends 24-7 image. I double sponged all the hearts with Baha Breeze and then with the Soft Suede. The Newsprint Designer Series Paper was sponged with Soft Suede only and slightly distressed. If you keep little scraps of your Designer Papers this is why you keep them for these types of projects! The hemp twine was twisted to create loops and then tied in the center under the button.

Stamps: Friends 24-7, En Francais, Tiny Tags
Papers: Whisper White, Newsprint Designer Series Paper, So Saffron (Matchbox Button)
Ink: Baha Breeze, Soft Suede
Accessories: Designer Buttons – So Saffron (Retired), Linen Thread
Tools: Mini Glue Dots, Snail Adhesive, Bone Folder, Ruler, Full Heart Extra-Large Punch, Heart to Heart Extra-Large Punch, Jewelry Tag Medium Punch, Sponges, Matchbox Bigz XL Die, Big Shot, Craft and Paper Scissors, Sticky Strip, Crop-a-dile
Techniques Used: Sponging

You can whip up some of these and put them up on a shelf so that you have them handy next time you need a little something to express your gratitude!

Thank you for visiting!

Enjoy!

Cash Envelope How To

2011-03-25T08:20:00.000-05:00

When you give the gift of cash it may seem impersonal. But when you create adorable packaging for it, it becomes a gift from the heart! I’ll show you how I created this cash envelope so that you can create one on your own easily and quickly. It may seem daunting at first, but I’ll break it up into steps that will show you that it isn’t that crazy of a project for you to try on your own!

The Envelope (The cupcake liner)

I’ll start with the envelope. I used the Stampin’ UP! Bitty Box and envelope Bigz XL die. Quick easy and painless! So, for those of you that don’t have that awesome die yet, you’ll need to create a mini envelope that is approximately 2” x 2-1/4”.

You can use Designer Series Paper or you can use cardstock for your envelope. Whichever you decide to use, I would suggest folding along your score lines first. Unfold and then crimp.

Decorate the envelope as desired or copy what I did by adding ribbon and a mini tag.

The Card

For the card, I used Whisper White cardstock. Cut your cardstock to 1-7/8” x 6” and then fold to create your mini card. You will have a card that is 1-7/8” x 3”. Wasn’t that quick?

The Cupcake Top

I selected 3 coordinating pink cardstock colors. I punched 30 small flowers out of each color. This is a great way to use up some of your scrap papers that you have collected over the years. Yeah! I had plenty left over, but I didn’t want to have to punch more once I got started.

I punched a 2-1/2” Circle out of the lightest shade of pink (My sample is black). If you don’t have a punch that size draw a circle around something similar in size and cut it out. Slice off approximately 1/4". Next, you’ll want to scallop the edge. I used a punch to create that edge. My sample doesn’t show a coordinating shade, but trust me, the coordinating shade will blend if you miss a spot! *smile*

Adhere each of the little flowers onto the circle that you just created. Next, I sprayed with a concoction of shimmer paint and alcohol to give the card a little sparkle. Oooohhh! I love that shimmer! Adhere this piece only to the top portion of the card. You’ll want the cupcake topper, when inserted into the envelope to lift up so that it will fit outside the envelope. Stamp your desired greeting.

If you quarter-fold any denomination of US Currency it will fit inside the card. You may have to adjust based on the currency for your country.

If you leave the back portion of the card out of the envelope it stands very nicely on its own as shown in the first photo. The recipient can display it for as long as they would like!

Product details can be seen on the original posting here: Cupcake Cash Envelope

Enjoy!

Unexpected Springtime Vintage Cupcake

2011-03-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

!!WARNING!! You may learn something new to try with your Stampin’ UP! stamps. There is some stamping involved in this project!

So, you visit to get stamping inspiration and you see a sewing project! I know for some of you it may have stopped you in your tracks. Who knows, you may have turned away without even giving this project a second look. For those of you that stuck with me…I actually did STAMP! In fact, I stamped three times with the Simple Birthday Thanks (111546) on fabric…on the wrong side even! (Okay, you may see that I stamped more than 3 times on my sample. Just overlook that.*smile*)

This cute hand towel is the perfect gift to give to your favorite family member or friend for her birthday, mother’s day, or other special day along with the ingredients to make some of these luscious treats. Or give it to yourself and use my super secret recipe *smile* to create super easy cupcakes for yourself while you adore your handmade hand towel! *wink* Isn’t that ruffle just to die for? Too cute!

How did I do that? I stamped with Black Stazon on the reverse side of the Springtime Vintage Designer Fabric. (I would suggest using one of the dye-based inks so that the images wash out. The black stazon will show through on light(muslin) colored fabrics.) I stamped the cherry on one of the large roses, the cupcake top on the floral print and the bottom image on a self-pleated piece of muslin. I adhered Transfer Web and cut out each of the pieces.

I took one of my current hand towels and used it as a guide to create the size of my towel. I used muslin fabric for the towel. All the hems were pressed at 1/2” and pressed again at 1/2” so as to keep the frayed edges inside the hem. I used a large zigzag stitch for all seams. I also created a little “hook” for the top of the towel as a decorator accent. I don’t have a hook to hang my towel on, but if you do, don’t forget to create this little add on and stitch into the top seam. The ruffle was created using a strip of the floral and sewn to the bottom.

I adhered the cupcake and to the desired location with an iron. Then, I pinned some stabilizer to the back before satin stitching by machine around the image in varying thread colors. The cherry stem was done freehand with the machine.

If you are making multiples make sure you stamp several at the same time. This will save you on time!

Stamps: Simple Birthday Thanks
Papers: None
Ink: Jet Black Stazon
Accessories: Springtime Vintage Designer Series Fabric
Tools: Craft and Paper Scissors, Sewing Machine, Transfer Web, Stabilizer, Iron
Techniques Used: Stamping/Sewing

I hope some light bulbs went off and you can see that your Stampin’ UP! stamps offer you more than cards and scrapbook pages! Take a step out onto your creative ledge and try something unexpected with your stamps!

Enjoy!

This is your last month to take advantage of Stampin’ UP!’s Sale-a-bration promotion! Spend $50 on products you love and earn FREE exclusive products. Contact me today for additional details!

And…thanks to all of you that take a moment to comment!

Blue Raspberry

2011-03-23T16:31:00.000-05:00

When I was a kid…I loved blue raspberry ICEEs. Any opportunity I had I would bug my Mom to get me one. It’s funny that my son does the same. What is it about blue raspberry? I think it really is the color! It’s just plain fun to have blue lips and a tongue after eating it!

This card was inspired by my youth and is a tribute to all blue raspberry lovers. I do pretend that this card is more sophisticated by adding that No. 5 in the mix though. This is an all occasion card. Perfect for a man or a woman. Raspberries, especially blue ones, are gender neutral!

Stamps: Clearly For You, Matchbox Messages
Papers: Whisper White
Ink: Pacific Point, Old Olive
Accessories: 1” Circle Punch, 1-1/4” Circle Punch, Pacific Point and Old Olive Stampin’ Write Markers
Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Dimensionals
Techniques Used: Spotlighting, Masking

How I did that: The circle is from a set called Matchbox Messages. It has some cute little words inside the circle…but not necessary for this “sophisticated card”. I punched a 1” circle from a piece of scratch paper used a little snail adhesive and covered up the words being careful not to put the scratch paper over the dotted or lined circles. It is actually quite easy because it fits perfectly. Next, I inked up the stamp with Pacific Point ink, removed the scratch paper that is full of ink and then stamped on a piece of Whisper White Cardstock. Voila – two circles with nothing in the middle. I used my markers on the raspberry stamp, used a stamp-a-ma-jib and stamped inside the circle! Harder to say than to do. *smile*

Enjoy!

Cupcake Cash Envelope

2011-03-21T17:22:00.001-05:00

If you have your current 2010-2011 Stampin’ UP! Catalog handy you’ll want to flip over to page 91. That cute little baby card and envelope got me thinking. And this is what I came up with…okay…the So Shelli’s Crazy for Cupcake challenge helped push me in the direction of the cupcake…but I actually first thought…how cool would that look as an Easter egg? Stream of consciousness is a great thing, no?

I think would be the perfect gift for a teen birthday! What teen doesn’t love CASH!

Stamps: Clearly For You, You’re a Gem
Papers: Whisper White, Play Date Designer Series Paper, Pretty in Pink, Blushing Bride, Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose, Rose Red
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Crumb Cake Seam Binding, Itty Bitty Bits Punch Pack, Mini Vintage Tags, Shimmer Paint (mixed with alcohol in a spray bottle)
Tools: Crimper, Tombow Multi-purpose Adhesive, Scallop Edge Punch, Bitty Box and Envelope Bigz XL Dies, Big Shot
Techniques Used: n/a

How did I do that? You can find a tutorial on how I created this project here.

Enjoy!

This cute little card is perfect to hold a folded $50 dollar bill! It’s the perfect amount to earn a free Sale-a-bration item! I’m not sure if a $1, $5 or $10 dollar bill would fit, but I do know a $20 fits! *smile* The approximate size of this cute little thing is 3-3/4” x 2-3/4”.

Signs of Spring

2011-03-18T09:42:00.001-05:00

I’m not much of a gardener, so what little flowers you’ll see around my landscaping are probably weeds or what a bird may have flown in. This card depicts what you could find in my “garden” that show me spring is on the way!

Stamps: Nature walk, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Papers: Whisper White, Crumb Cake
Ink: Old Olive, (Daffodil Delight, Crumb Cake, Concord Crush and Tempting Turquoise Stampin’ Write Markers)
Accessories: Hemp Twine, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Crumb Cake Seam Binding
Tools: Paper Snips, Spritzer Tool, Mini Glue Dots, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Aqua Painter, Snail
Techniques Used: Tearing, Ribbon Fringe

How did I do that? I used a bunch of markers on this little project so the flowers themselves and the egg are not quite true to any of the Stampin’ Up! colors but a blend of colors (The egg is Tempting Turquoise and Concord Crush and the flowers are Daffodil Delight with a hint of the Old Olive left from the stamp). Then I used an aqua painter on the leaves and the egg to give a slight, I mean slight, watercolored look. The egg is popped up with a section of a dimensional and snail along the bottom half to give a rounded appearance. Don’t you love that? I do!

Enjoy!

Time Flies

2011-03-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

I haven’t bought a birthday card in almost 6 years…Wow! I’m coming up on six years as a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator next month! Okay, except for that one time at band camp when I…But, really time really does fly. I thought I would get some birthday cards made before the day actually shows up and I am cardless, again. Why is it that we can make cards whenever we want but those birthday cards are the last ones that get made, usually right before the big day. Well, now that I’m a long way off from family, I’ve got to plan ahead.

Being my almost Stampin’ UP! birthday, I thought something new was in order. This card was made for the Mojo Monday 182 Challenge. It actually started out as a masculine card, but I ended up adding a pearl to the tag. I think it now makes this a lady card. What do you think about pearls and guys….hmmm, maybe I can find a bit of scrap metal and add it instead. *smile*

Everything was sponged with Soft Suede and spritzed with the Spritzer Tool using the Soft Suede Stampin’ Write Marker. The Concord Crush Ribbon had white bands on the end and those were sponged to better blend with the card.

Stamps: Sense of Time, Notably Ornate, On Your Birthday, Woodgrain Background
Papers: Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Concord Crush
Ink: Soft Suede, Concord Crush, Soft Suede Stampin’ Write Marker
Accessories: Concord Crush Ribbon, Vintage Trinkets, Antique Brads, Metallic Eyelets, Pearl, Hemp Twine, Stampin’ Dimensionals
Tools: Paper Snips, Spritzer Tool, Crop-a-dile, Craft Knife, Snail, Stampin’ Sponge
Techniques Used: Distressing, Sponging

Enjoy!

Cupcake Dreams

2011-03-16T14:25:00.000-05:00

Dreams of cupcakes filled their heads as they laid down to sleep. This project was designed to sit upon a bedside table. I think this would be perfect as a card for a child that has problems getting to sleep at night too. Who wouldn’t like to have visions of these beautiful cupcakes in their heads before drifting into sweet slumber?

Stamps: Bliss, Aviary, Birthday Bakery (Hostess), Fabulous Phrases
Papers: Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Jet Black Stazon, Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler Stampin’ Write Marker, Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker, Crumb Cake Stampin’ Write Marker
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Crumb Cake Seam Binding
Tools: Scallop Square Bigz Die, Big Shot, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Paper Snips, Snail, Scallop Trim Border Punch
Techniques Used: Marker to Stamp

How I did that: The back stand was created with cardboard saved from Stampin’ Up! packaging. To recreate the stand for the Scallop Square size stand you’ll need:

*1 piece 4” x 4”
*1 piece 1” x 2.5” scored 1/4” on one short end
*1 piece 1” x 1.5” scored 1/4” on each short end

I used Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive to secure the stand and mini glue dots to adhere the card front to the stand. Adjust as necessary for a standard 5-1/2” x 4-1/4” card. This is a great way to save those most precious handmade cards and display them in your home as the works of art that they are!

Enjoy!

Thrifty Home Decor with Stampin’ UP!

2011-03-08T18:02:00.000-06:00

A couple of week ago, maybe it was months ago…my shopping experiences sometimes just blend together. Usually a whirlwind of activity and then a bunch of what am I going to do with this stuff! I made an impulsive purchase at our local thrift store. I only bought five of these 3 x 3 wooden beauties. That was the impulse. If I would have thought about it more…I would have bought all four sets of these pre-painted alphabet blocks that were sitting in that glorious green tub sparkling with hot pink glitter. Oh…what was I thinking? That was the problem…I wasn’t. Maybe the glitter was blocking the vision, for I didn’t see the true potential at the time.

These little beauties will be going in my guest room. Hence…the “STAY”. I suppose there are a lot of words that one could put in a guest room…hmmm.

These were actually very quick to put together since they were pre-painted. I sanded them to distress the paint as well as remove those hot pink glittery letters. It just wouldn’t fit the current decor. ;) I wanted to use a bunch of different textures on them so, you’ll see fibers, vinyl, and metal in addition to the wood. Each block has a touch of So Saffron. Loved how I could incorporate that color on each of the Nature Walk images!

View Full Album

Stamps: Nature Walk
Papers: None
Ink: Jet Black Stazon, Crumb Cake, So Saffron Stampin’ Write Marker
Accessories: Mini Glue Dot, Antique Brads, Hemp Twine, Crumb Cake Seam Binding, Black Vinyl, Serif Essentials Bigz Die, Elegant Trio Stencils, Mostly Vintage Stencil
Tools: Big Shot, Craft and Paper Scissors, Tombow Multi Adheseive, Sponge
Techniques Used: Sponging/Distressing

I am sure by now you can see the potential of these little wooden blocks and why I’ll be searching for more of these wonders of nature in my shopping adventures. You probably have many wonderful words that you would love to see around your house. Feel free to share with me in the comments section! My next idea is “COME PLAY” for my Stampin’ Studio…that is a lot of blocks!

Enjoy!

Quick Tip: I didn’t have any of the Vinyl sheets so I used the FREE Sale-a-bration Vinyl when I ordered over $50 in product! Use the “Notes” part of the vinyl on a notebook for yourself!

On a Butterfly’s Wing

2011-02-27T16:05:00.001-06:00

Vellum is one of those papers that can instantly create softness when used on a project. Did you hear me say that in a whisper? That is what I think of when I think of vellum…it is as delicate as a whisper or a butterfly’s wing.

Now I’ve been dying to break open my new Nature Walk stamp set that I received for my So Shelli New Year Creative Challenge entry. It is one of those sets that instantly came to mind as I would be embossing on vellum. Whether you decide to heat emboss or dry emboss, vellum is a delicate paper so be cautious so as not to tear or burn…unless of course that is your desired effect!

This card took not but 10 minutes to create after I rounded up all my supplies. Clarification: The butterfly was stamped once on the card base and once on the vellum and embossed with Whisper White Craft ink and Stampin’ UP!’s White Detail embossing powder. Next, the card itself was embossed in the Big Shot using the Elegant Lines embossing folder. After cutting out the top wing and adhering a beautiful tiny jewel on it, I used a mini glue dot to adhere to the card. And Voila, the wing just naturally curled out…I love it when a plan comes together! If you miss the sparkle of that little jewel in the photo, just close your eyes and picture it! It is just downright sparkling isn’t it? *smile*

Hint: Get some idea of where that butterfly will fit in relation to the embossing design before you stamp it, or dry emboss the base card before stamping and heat embossing. Of course, if we don’t make mistakes you don’t come up with creative ideas to fix them, right? Can you guess what my creative fix was? Did you even know that I had to come up with a creative fix?

Stamps: Nature Walk
Papers: Basic Black, Vellum, Whisper White
Ink: Whisper White Craft
Accessories: Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, White Detail Embossing Powder, Rhinestone Jewel, Mini Glue Dot,
Tools: Paper Snips, Heat Gun, Big Shot, Embossing Buddy, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch
Techniques Used: Heat Embossing

Enjoy!

The Nature Walk Stamp set in Wood Block (121925) or Clear Block (121997) is available until April 30. When placing your order, don’t forget to add quality Stampin’ Up! Vellum Paper(101839) too!

Laundry Bliss

2011-02-22T16:25:00.000-06:00

I know that these two words shouldn’t be in the same sentence, let alone in a title all by themselves, but alas, I like to shake things up every now and again! *smile* Monday was/is always laundry day…I know…I schedule this weekly event on the first day after the weekend…what was I thinking?! You know I’ve come to dread the Monday morning routine…I wouldn’t doubt there are a lot of you out there that would rather be stamping/creating rather than doing laundry. And that, my friends, is how this project all came about.

These are not your Grandma’s clothespins! I remember the days, when my Mom and Grandma used to hang the sheets out to dry and the fresh smell of spring would permeate the fibers. I loved sleeping on those sheets. I also remember her giving us some of her clothespins to play with. Magic markers and crayons were our tools of choice. Years later, I found her bag of clothespins in the garage with our beautiful creations in them. I’m sure she smiled when she hung her clothes to dry with those special clothespins.

So how to make laundry fun?…stamp on your clothespins with your favorite Stampin’ Up! stamp set! I combined two of my newest favorite sets, Bliss and Clearly For You, to create my Chic clothespins. I may have to put up a clothesline just so I can smile while hanging my sheets to dry!

I also thought these would look so cute holding up some pennants using Stampin’ UP!’s Big Shot Pennant die on a muslin string in our laundry room, spelling out L-A-U-N-D-R-Y. I think that would make me happy every time I walked in there! Unfortunately, I ran out of clothespins so I’ll leave that project for another day!

Stamps: Bliss, Clearly for You
Papers: Basic Black, Crumb Cake
Ink: Jet Black Stazon,
Accessories: Daffodil Delight Ribbon, Scalloped Oval Punch, Antique Brad, Muslin Fabric Strip, Mini Glue Dots
Tools: Crop-a-dile, Heat Gun, Crimper
Techniques Used: Heated Ribbon

How did I do that? Ink up your stamp and lay on the table, ink side up. Ensure that you have no ink run off on the side edges of the stamp…you’ll not want any edges appearing on your inked image. Take your clothespin and roll it on the stamp. Make sure to use some pressure on the clothespin as you roll it. If you use words make sure that they are in the right direction before stamping…you’ll not want any upside down words. Can you guess why I am out of clothespins yet?

UPDATE 3/8/11: There were a couple of comments about the stands in the photo above. I received those with the clothespins. They were called clothespin stands. They may also be called wooden doll stands. HTH.

Enjoy!

*Use these clothespins to cut down on your energy bill so you can buy more stamps! Is anybody reading this stuff?

What inspires you to stamp?

2011-02-19T16:45:00.000-06:00

When I’m up at 2:00 AM, I bring out the iPad and start scanning the websites that I frequent. 2-1/2 hours later my head is swimming with ideas. My Stampin’ UP! Catalog and Butterfly notebook are on my lap so I can flip through to find that stamp set I want or sketch out an idea…I don’t have to get up…the height of laziness I know…but it is 2:00 AM and I don’t want to get up! This is what came to me this morning. The Certainly Celery is more brilliant in real life…I just had trouble catching that beautiful color in my photo today.

These simple cards were inspired by some Reflective Wall Art that I found online. I looked through practically the whole site looking for that one item that inspired me and this was it! I’m a lover of the color green so this just caught my eye! I opened up my catalog found the Greenhouse Garden set and knew it was the perfect set for my project. If any of you still have the Looks Like Spring retired Stampin’ UP! set, I think that would also be a great set to use for this project. If I can find mine that is packed away…I’ll give it try too.

My first 4-1/4” x 4-1/4” creation used the same colors as the inspiration piece – Certainly Celery, Whisper White and Sahara Sand. I have to say that I was definitely intrigued by embossing on the sahara sand – you get a different look than embossing on the standard white or vanilla cardstock. I loved how it turned out so I moved on by exchanging the Certainly Celery with Poppy Parade and then with Peach Parfait. Do you have a favorite? All of the cards are embossed with clear embossing powder. I love the variety in the cards and I believe that they are a terrific card set. Thinking….thinking….now how do I package them up! ***I think that will be a post for another day!***

UPDATE: How did I do that? This is an easy ink-layering technique, it is just time consuming because you need to clean your stamp between each card. First, I stamped the solid image in Versamark. Next, I used two sponges and sponged two colors onto the stamp (Certainly Celery, Whisper White (Craft)). You should do this delicately with the standard Dye style inks so as not to remove all the Versamark in the process. The Versamark allows you to emboss the image. Most dye-inks dry too quickly to emboss. I did not sponge on the Sahara Sand as that color would just come through naturally using the Versamark with the Clear Embossing Powder. If you have all Craft style inks you can omit the Versamark. Next, I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp the detail with Jet Black Stazon and then clear embossed the entire image. There will be some speckling of the embossed image on the dye inks if you pulled off too much of the Versamark…but in no way does this detract from the beauty of the embossed image! Cleaning your solid image stamp between cards eliminates transfer of different inks into your white and Versamark pads.

Stamps: Greenhouse Garden
Papers: Whisper White, Basic Black, Sahara Sand
Ink: Versamark, Jet Black Stazon, Whisper White Craft Ink, (Poppy Parade, Certainly Celery, Peach Parfait as pictured in above photo)Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy
Tools: Sponges, Heat Gun, Embossing Buddy, Stamp-a-ma-jig
Techniques Used: Heat Embossing, Two-Step Stamping, Ink Layering

Enjoy!

Stamping in Silhouette

2011-02-17T16:20:00.000-06:00

Creating cards for a specific person and reason is so satisfying. Today, I was having lunch with one of my newest friends and sorority sisters, Tammy. Her birthday is tomorrow and I needed to get a card made quickly. I never seem to complete cards ahead of time….I wonder if anyone else is like that too or if you have a stockpile of cards that you have ready. Where do you look for inspiration when you begin creating? I love looking through the daily challenges at Splitcoast because they give me a good starting point for my creations. The challenge today was to stamp using silhouette images or to make your own. I made sure to incorporate some of Tammy’s favorites too…the color purple and a fleur de lis in her card creation. I love that Stampin’ UP! makes it easy by offering their beautiful papers in such a lovely array of colors!

I love making cards that have a 3D element in them, especially if I plan to hand deliver them. It is typically one of the unique characteristics of a handmade card and what usually makes it unique in an of itself!

This was a relatively simple card to create with the use of the punched main image and Designer Series Paper. Easy to create and easy to recreate!

Stamps: Elements of Style, Extreme Elements
Papers: Elegant Eggplant, First Edition Designer Series Paper, Very Vanilla
Ink: Jet Black Stazon, Elegant Eggplant and Crumb Cake
Accessories: Hemp Twine, Dimensionals, Black Rhinestones (SU Retired)
Tools: 1-1/4” Circle Punch, 1-3/8” Punch,1/8” Handheld Punch
Techniques Used: Distressing

Enjoy!

Sale-a-bration is underway! Order your Extreme Elements Stamp set today and earn free products with a qualifying order. Call or email me now with any questions or to place your order.

Coffee or Tea for Two

2011-02-15T11:20:00.001-06:00

This is a cute little project that I came up with last night. It uses Stampin’ Up!’s beautiful Designer fabric and images along with some items that you may have around your house – bottle caps. My bottle caps were newly acquired, but this project is perfect if you want to repurpose some of those that you may have collected and saved. I had been collecting these little pieces of “canvas” or bottle caps, for a long time and when we moved I finally decided that they would end up in the recycling bin. *sigh* But, as luck would have it, a friend sent me these bottle cap beauties to play with!

This little set includes a fabric tic tac toe game board that doubles as a little storage bag to hold the game pieces. One of the game pieces also doubles as the bag tie to keep the pieces inside. I punched a small hole using a handheld punch and inserted some linen thread through the bottle cap. The piece comes off completely and can be used as the final piece when playing.

If you want to make your own little game board, cut nine 2-1/2” x 2-1/2” squares of coordinating fabric (5 squares in one of the colors and 4 in the other). All seams are 1/4”. The back of my game board is a 6-1/2 square of muslin, but you could use one of your coordinating fabrics. I figured the muslin would show my name and copyright stamp easier! (see pages 144-145 of the current catalog for these customized stamps) If I was more awake when I was making the bag, I would have made a drawstring tie, but I just tied the linen thread with the attached bottle cap to keep the game pieces inside. Easy Peasy!

You’ll need nine bottle caps for this game set. The 1” punch fits PERFECTLY on the bottle cap. Decide on two different images. For me this was the hardest part, choosing which stamps to use. Stamp 5 of one image and 4 of the other. That made me super happy! **happy dance** Snail Adhesive worked great to keep the paper attached to bottle cap. This may work differently based on how much humidity you have where you live so test out some of the other Stampin’ Up! adhesives if you are not getting the same results. I placed the self-adhesive covers on top of the watercolored images and I was done.

I really thought this project would be great for a party favor maybe at a Tea or a Shower. But honestly it would be great as an anytime sugarless gift for a teacher, neighbor friend or loved one! Don’t you think this would be a fun sugarless Halloween treat with spiders and bugs? Great for travel too!

More than Tic Tac Toe: As I was playing around with this set, I also came to think about another game to play similar to horseshoes. Bounce the bottle cap on the table and try to get it on one of the squares. **Any of you that thought of “quarters” get back on track. This is a family game! ** Get two points for getting it to touch the center square or one point on any of the other squares. Be creative and come up with other games to play with the pieces available. Make sure to include instructions for the recipient!

Stamps: Morning Cup
Papers: Very Vanilla
Ink: Jet Black Stazon, Rose Red, Baja Breeze, River Rock
Accessories: Linen Thread, Bottle Caps with Self-Adhesive Covers, Springtime Vintage Designer Fabric, Muslin
Tools: 1” Circle Punch, 1/16” Handheld Punch, Blender Pens, Snail Adhesive, Sewing Machine
Techniques Used: Water Coloring

Enjoy!

Sale-a-bration is underway! Order your Stampin’ UP! products now and earn free products. Call or email me now with any questions or to place your order.

Stamping on Wood items

2011-02-10T15:55:00.001-06:00

Have you ever tried stamping on wood? I’ve been playing around with some fun items that I acquired a week or so ago. These cute little wooden sewing items (Needle Case and Thimble) are usable and great items for hand sewing or a great little gift for that sewer, quilter or crafter that you know! They remind me of something I would find when I would be picking through my grandmother’s sewing box. As I do sew, I think I may be keeping these fun items for myself!

I must tell you, if you have never stamped on anything curved, it is a tricky endeavor, so make sure you practice first. Try using some non-permanent adhesive and some copy paper attached to your item. That way you can practice all you want before you stamp! When working with wooden items you may want to do a little fine sanding before you begin. If you decide to sand, take a wet cloth and wipe away any wood dust before you begin your stamping and allow to dry if needed before stamping.

When I received these items they were natural wood so I did a little sponging to give it a more aged look with Crumb Cake and then I stamped in Chocolate Chip. I really like how the brads look on top of the items! Those cute little antique brads (117273) were the perfect add on! UPDATE – To attach the brads to the wood pieces, I cut off the prongs on the brads and folded the little pieces I couldn’t get off to the center. I made sure that the prongs were as flat as possible so that it was flush against the wood top. I suggest using a “super glue” type of adhesive to attach them to the tops of the needle case and to the thimble if you plan to use them versus the Tombow multipurpose adhesive if using for decor purposes only.

If you plan on using these items, I really suggest spraying with a clear acrylic spray. It’ll keep the oils from your hands from discoloring the items and protecting those beautiful stamped images.

Stamps: Tiny Tags
Papers: None
Ink: Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Antique Brads
Tools: Craft and Paper Scissors, Sponge
Techniques Used: Sponging

Enjoy!

Sale-a-bration is underway! Order your Stampin’ UP! products now and earn free products. Call or email me now with any questions or to place your order.

Card Making Inspiration by Sketch Design

2011-02-09T14:20:00.001-06:00

It’s another cold and icy day here today, and another “snow day”. Ten years of Chicago winters and not one snow day and we’ve had 5 here already…Wow! Welcome to Dallas winters…I know that Noah is super-duper happy! He’s been all smiles today.

I thought I would try and get a quick card made this morning…this is another Splitcoaststampers challenge. This one is all about using a predetermined sketch to design a card. Can you see all these elements in the card I created ? This is a very simple idea that helps you begin your card/scrapbook page or 3D item by giving you a design to follow. You just have to pick out your stamps and paper and ink. Easy right? The next time you create a card, give this a try.

Some details I’d like to share with you.

*My card base is an unconventional size. It is 4-1/4” x 5”. Did I do that on purpose? Yes. I chose to have some of my card elements come off the card rather than be directly on the card base making the finished card size 4-1/4” x 5-1/2”. Also, It is nice when you have a strip of paper sitting in your scrap draw that isn’t quite the perfect size for your card. Right?

*Also the #3 strip uses (3) Two Tags Bigz Die with the sides cut off to narrow it up a bit.

*Finally, I dipped the antennae in the Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint for just a touch of sparkle. This absolutely doesn’t show in the photos.

Stamps: Occasional Quotes
Papers: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Elegant Soiree Designer Paper
Ink: Basic Gray
Accessories: Mini Glue Dots, Antique Brads, Paper Snips
Tools: Two Tags Bigz Die, Big Shot, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Paper Piercer, Elegant Soiree Designer Paper
Techniques Used: n/a

Enjoy!

Sale-a-bration is still going on! Order your Stampin’ UP! products now and earn free products. Call or email me now with any questions or to place your order.

Card Making and Photography

2011-02-08T16:00:00.000-06:00

When you sit down to make a card does it take you forever? Do you have all your stamps out and all kinds of paper and you keep thinking about it? Well, today was not one of those days for me! I saw this fun challenge over at Splitcoaststampers to create a Clean and Simple (CAS) card with these colors…(Whisper White, Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait and Daffodil Delight), and then I was done.

Okay, so I thought about it, grabbed my paper and supplies in about 5 minutes and then put this quick and simple card together in about 2 minutes. It took me more time to photograph it then to put it together. The sun was too bright….okay, I know all of you that are living in the middle of a snowy heap and gray skies are not happy with me saying that, but it’s true. Have you ever had a problem taking a photo in bright direct sunlight. It washes a lot of the color away…oh the trials and tribulations of living in a warmer climate, I guess, LOL!

Then, this guy couldn’t keep his nose away from the card while I was trying to photograph it. I think it looks like he is saying “Who Me?” Do you have a pet that must “touch” your pieces of art when you are busy photographing them? If I look back at some of my old photos, I’m sure I could find a couple puppy noses.

Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Tiny Tags
Papers: Whisper White
Ink: Jet Black Stazon
Accessories: Dimensionals
Tools: Poppy Parade, Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait Stampin’ Write Markers, 1-1/4” Square Punch
Techniques Used: Spotlight

I hope you’re having as good a day stamping as I’m having, but a better day taking photos!

I’ll try to get some photos of what I’ve been spending a bunch of time on later in the week! If you’re interested in stamping on wooden items then make sure you check back!

Enjoy!

Sale-a-bration is still going on! Order your Stampin’ UP! products now and earn free products. Call or email me now with any questions or to place your order.

Half Box Gift Packaging How To

2011-02-04T10:15:00.000-06:00

Making custom boxes is a very easy project if you know how to do it. This little half box is so simple because you don’t have to make a top for it. A simple belly band or a ribbon wrapped around the box is a simple way to keep the precious creations in the box. The Nested Hearts half box I made held 4-1/4” x 4-1/4” cards and the dimensions are shown below. This Captured Hearts half box will hold 5” x 3-1/2” cards.

The box I’ll be showing you today holds eight of the Captured Hearts cards with eight envelopes. The box was inspired by the box on page 10 of the current 2010-2011 Stampin’ UP! catalog.

I create templates using Stampin’ Up!’s grid paper (102787). It is a wonderful tool when creating templates and then easily stored for the next time you need it! You’ll be creating this half box template to fit the size of your envelope as it is a bit bigger than your card. So place your envelope on your grid paper and draw a rectangle around it. I wanted the sides to be 1-1/4” so that after scalloping the edge I had a 1” side. I made sure their was a 1-1/4” band on all sides around the envelope. Those 1/4” squares make it easy to measure. I mark directly on the paper and then have a template for next time. After marking your envelope and the sides, you have the dimensions for your cardstock. 6-1/4” x 7-3/4”. Click on the photo to see a close up with the ruler.

Cut your cardstock to the dimensions and score all sides 1-1/4”. If you want to scallop the edges do that before folding on all the score lines. Next, fold along all scored lines and cut dashed lines as shown in photo. Use Sticky Strip to adhere box together.

If you scalloped the edges, they might not line up perfectly when you put the box together. Use your sharp Paper Snips to cut around the scallops to “clean” them up.

Nested Hearts Box (for 4-1/4” x 4-1/4” cards. 4-3/8” x 4-3/8” envelopes) Cut a piece of cardstock 7-7/8” x 7-7/8”. Score all sides at 1-1/4”. Follow directions above.

Personal tip: I suggest creating all your cards and envelopes first. The height of your box sides will be determined by how dimensional your cards tend to be. For example. I was only able to place 3 cards with matching envelopes in the Nested Hearts box because both the cards and envelopes contained dimensional elements, whereas, the Captured Hearts box contained eight cards and envelopes because the cards and envelopes contained little to no dimensional elements.

Enjoy!

Captured Hearts

2011-02-03T13:40:00.000-06:00

This card was inspired by a challenge over at Splitcoaststampers to use hearts. This quick and simple card uses the Note Cards and envelopes (107311) that are found on page 171 of the current Stampin’ UP! catalog.

I thought this card was the perfect card to create for the men in my life…my husband, father, brother-in-law, and father-in-law. I could make lots of them and then they would have cards to give to me…okay OR their wives for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, “that was a great thing you did for me Day”, “I thought about you all day today day”, “I’m sorry I’m a dope sometimes day”, or anytime a man needs a card to give to his wife day (you all know this list could go on and on)! I know I would be happy to receive one of these for any one of those days…and of course a handwritten love note from David always makes my day.

I chose Daffodil Delight for my card today, but any color would do. I enjoy using all my colors so although Cherry Cobbler and Real Red were the first colors I was drawn to, I decided to spice it up with the color of parakeets.

Stamps: Aviary, Dot, Dot, Dot, Clearly for You
Papers: Whisper White, Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight
Ink: Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Jewels, Dimensionals
Tools: Heart to Heart Extra Large Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Sponge, Stamp-a-ma-jig
Techniques Used: Two Step Stamping, Sponging

Tomorrow, I’ll post to show you how to create a template for the half box shown in my Nested Hearts Gift Set post, for this Captured Hearts set of cards.

Enjoy!

Nested Hearts Gift Set

2011-01-30T09:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Sunday! I’m sharing with you my third project using the FREE Sale-A-Bration Bliss stamp set. This elegant 3-card gift set contains 4-1/4” x 4-1/4” hand deliverable cards with matching envelopes. Hand deliverable because I 3D-ized the envelopes too!

I was inspired by a similar gift set found in the Stampin’ Up! 2010-2011 Catalog on page 10. Of course, I add my own little tweaking to make it my own while keeping the elements that attracted me to it – like that scrumptious scalloped edge!

I love creating a box that uses some of the elements of the card to enhance the overall display while still hiding the overall card design. The nested heart belly band does the trick by hiding a cute element of the card beneath but using the Bliss design element as part of the overall beauty of the set itself.

All the heart elements were punched twice, stamped, distressed and carefully separated to create 4 light weight hearts and add fun detail to the cards, envelopes and box itself. I love that layering effect, don’t you?

My color choices were a bit different from the traditional Real Red, Basic Black and Vanilla that you typically see with the Newsprint Designer Series Paper. But I am very pleased with how the Concord Crush is off the beaten path but still creates a beautiful softness.

Stamps: Bliss, En Francais
Papers: Very Vanilla, Concord Crush. Newsprint Designer Series Paper
Ink: Concord Crush, Sahara Sand
Accessories: Hemp Twine Antique Brads, Basic Pearl Jewels, Very Vanilla Seam Binding, Vintage Trinkets (mini safety pins), Mini Glue Dots
Tools: Extra Large Scallop Punch, Full Heart Punch, Scallop edge Punch, Heart to Heart Extra Large Punch
Techniques Used: Distressing, Tearing

Use these cards for a hand delivered thank you, wedding cards, valentines, thinking of you or get well. I know the recipient will be wowed by your creativeness!

This coming week, I’ll show you how you can make your own custom half box for your creations.

Enjoy!

Stamping Bliss

2011-01-29T09:00:00.000-06:00

Don’t you just love how it rolls off your tongue when you say it? Bliss, Bliss, Bliss. Mmmm isn’t that how you feel when you stamp?

This Bliss creation is a little simpler than the last card I created. It is more simpler in design and easier to create multiples if that is what you need. Did you see the beveled glass frame? I just love how it creates a focal point on the card. This is the smallest of 3 different sizes.

Stamps: Bliss
Papers: Sahara Sand, Basic Black, Baja Breeze
Ink: Versamark, Jet Black Stazon, Sahara Sand
Accessories: Beveled Glass Frame, Clear Embossing Powder, Dimensionals
Tools: Paper Cutter, Heat Gun, Snail Adhesive
Techniques Used: Heat Embossing, Stamping Off

Change up the Baja accent color to change your mood! The sun was so bright the day I took this photo that you can’t see the flourish design on the card base. If you click on the photo you should be able to see the placement in the larger view.

Thanks for stopping by! I’ll have another project using Bliss for your inspiration tomorrow!

Enjoy!

Place a $50 order through my online store now and earn the Bliss Stamp set for FREE or any one of the amazing items that are contained in the Sale-A-Bration Brochure for FREE!

Three Days of Bliss

2011-01-28T14:30:00.000-06:00

I still get excited about getting FREE stamps during Sale-A-Bration. Who couldn’t, right? This year was no exception when I saw the upcoming Sale-A-Bration brochure and what it contained!

Over the next three days, I’m going to share with you some projects that include my favorite FREE stamp set from the 2011 Stampin’ UP! Sale-A-Bration brochure, Bliss. If you didn’t get the brochure in the mail from me, you’ll need to email me so I can get you on the list to receive the next ones. In the meantime, you can view the brochure here. Sale-A-Bration Brochure. Remember all it takes during Sale-A-Bration is a $50 order to get your own Bliss stamp set for FREE. As an extra bonus, anyone that places a Sale-A-Bration order with me, will get one of the “bliss”ful cards in the mail for your own use.

This is what I call a scrap card because it was made of all the scraps that I’ve been holding on to since I started stamping. This card is a little bit rustic and a little bit vintage..would you call that rustic vintage? It reminds me of all the old barns that I see on American Pickers. I guess you could say that I was “picking” through my scraps for the treasures I needed for this project! This card would be perfect for a wedding, a valentine, a love note or any extremely happy occasion.

Stamps: Bliss, Elements of Style
Papers: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Bravo Burgundy, First Edition Designer Series Paper
Ink: Crumb Cake, Bravo Burgundy, Bravo Burgundy Craft Ink
Accessories: Crumb Cake and Bravo Burgundy Stampin’ Write Markers, Sponge, Antique Brads, Vanilla Seam Tape, Dimensionals
Tools: Handheld Punch 1/16” Circle, Snail Adhesive, Extra Large Oval Punch, Designer Label Punch, Cutter Kit (Distresser)
Techniques Used: Sponging, Ink Direct to Paper, Distressing

Thanks for stopping by! Watch for another creation using bliss tomorrow.

Enjoy!

Place a $50 order through my online store now and earn the Bliss Stamp set for FREE or any one of the amazing items that are contained in the Sale-A-Bration Brochure for FREE!

Round Clothespin Gift Topper

2011-01-17T11:27:00.001-06:00

This year has got me trying out some new items to decorate! So I thought this might be the perfect item to share for Shelli’s New Year Creative Challenge.

This is another fun little item that I bought this year…round clothespins with holders. I never saw the holders before so I had to buy those too! I’m glad I did because the holders allow the clothespin to stand up without toppling. What a perfect idea…keep the topper as a decor item!

On this project, I used one of the mini lunch sacks* from the Holiday mini, folded the top over to create some thickness added the 3 x 3 card which added more thickness and designed a quick little ornament to attach to the top of the clothespin. I pushed the holder to the very top of the clothespin and attached to the package. Easy peasy!

A couple of things to note: How did I do that?

Heart Ornament: The little hearts were punched out of DSP and again out of Very Vanilla Cardstock. I attached the DSP hearts together and then attached some linen thread to the top and then covered the back of the hearts with the Very Vanilla hearts to create a more stable ornament. I just love how this turned out – Simple and Lovely.

Ribbon: The ribbon I used was the 1-1/4” striped black and vanilla grosgrain ribbon. I used pinking shears to create a couple of strips and attached to the card and the topper. It shred easily to create a vintage feel. So fun!

Enjoy!

*The heart to heart punch, the two-step bird punch, jewelry tag medium punch and Newsprint DSP are currently available for purchase. The mini lunch sack from the Holiday Mini is no longer available.

Thread Spool Card Holder How To

2011-01-15T12:00:00.000-06:00

These are some samples of some mini thread spools that I created this past week. This post is to show you how I created the spool with the card holder.

You’ll need wire, the spool your using and some pliers. I used Stampin’ Up!’s retired Wire Works 20-guage brass wire. I chose a heavier wire so that it wouldn’t bend easily when inserting the mini card. I kept the wire on the wire spool while wrapping, but if you prefer to have a section of wire, use a piece approximately 5” long.

First, wrap the wire around the spool so that you have two complete loops.

Next, take your pliers and bend the wire ends so that they are at right angles (approx) from the spool.

Gently remove the wire from the spool so that it stays intact and bring the back loop over the front loop. This creates a bit of tension so that when you place your mini card between the two loops it is held there. **Don’t forget this step.**

Using the pliers, twist the two ends of the wire together and then bend towards the loop.

Clip the ends of the wires using your craft and paper scissors and squeeze together as necessary so that it will fit into the spool hole. You may need to widen if your spool is larger so watch how much you clip off.

Decorate your spool as desired then dip the end of the wire into some crystal effects and insert into the spool. Allow about 3-5 minutes to dry and it is ready to hold your mini project.

Create one or a bunch of them. A fun way to create words or names sitting on a shelf or mantle!

Enjoy!

Stampin’ UP! Mini Card Fun

2011-01-14T15:26:00.000-06:00

I’ve been sewing again…watching too much DIY channels I think! I’ve been busy making some new pillows for the old couch to liven it up a bit! So, when I got back to my stamping room the first thing I picked up was some of the new Designer Fabric that is available in the new Occasions Mini! I just love the sweet flower prints from the Springtime Vintage pattern and created a cute mini card using Stampin’ Up!’s new Sew Suite set using my clear blocks. I never made cards this small but a stamping friend back in Illinois paved the way for this cute little thing. (Thanks, Peggy!) The size is a mere 1.5” x 2”.

Now that size might ring a bell with you if you have purchased any of the beautiful Simply Adorned jewelry that Stampin’ Up! has available! This cute little card fits just perfectly (of course it does!) into the 1.5” x 2” Simply Adorned beveled glass front charm.

These charms are so great because they can change with the season, with a holiday or with your mood! A great gift when you include some of your special pieces of hand crafted art (a mini Artist Trading Card (ATC)) or a mini card such as this one with a special message inside. Is that sew cool or what?! Think about using a strip of that same fabric for your chain! I’ll have to go do that after I’m done here!

Now I couldn’t stop at the charm so I played a bit more with some mini thread spools that I just recently purchased. I don’t know why I purchased them, I just knew that I would come up with some kind of amazing project. I am sure you have done that before too, right? Well, in case you have any spools laying around you can create this fun project too! It doesn’t matter what size spool because any size will do.

I covered the spool with a strip of the Designer Fabric with Stampin’ Up!’s Snail Adhesive and added a wire loop to the top to create a mini card holder. Tomorrow, I’ll post how I created the loop with a couple other samples.

My mini card holder can be used to hold mini cards, business cards, seating place cards, extra inserts for your Simply Adorned charms or perfect to hold any mini pieces of your art work.

Any of these projects can be used as little acknowledgments for birthdays, graduations, get well wishes or any occasion that you can create a card for. They remain a memento that the recipient can cherish forever!

Enjoy!

Stampin’ Up! products from the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog or the Occasions Mini Catalog can be purchased through my online store or through me at 214-383-4551 or 630-930-4801! Sale-a-Bration starts on January 25th! Qualifying Online orders and orders placed through me earn you free product!

Christmas Mix It Up with Non-Traditional Colors

2010-12-07T15:44:00.001-06:00

When we think of Christmas, we think of red, green and sometimes a bit of blue and white. Frequently around the holidays I like to challenge myself by using other colors than the traditional.

I’ve put a bit of a vintage twist into this Christmas card by using black and vanilla as my main colors. If you haven’t purchased the Newsprint Designer Series Paper you are going to want to have that for your paper creations going forward. It is so lovely and it creates a wonderful background to my Christmas card.

I got my inspiration for the layout for this card on page 96 of the 2010-2011 Stampin’ UP! Idea Book and Catalog. I made a slight modification by creating a slit in the background paper and weaving the Very Vanilla strip to the front. By doing that I created the perfect space for my greeting. Don’t you just love that greeting? It comes from the Just Believe stamp set, which by chance isn’t even from a Christmas set, but it is just perfect for this time of year! I really love how this turned out. What do you think?

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Just Believe
Papers: Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Ink: Versmark, Basic Black
Accessories: Basic Rhinestones, Vintage Brads, Black Stampin’ Emboss Powder,
Tools: Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, Snail Adhesive, Hobby Blade, Handheld Punch 1/16” Circle
Techniques Used: Heat Embossing

The finished card size is 4-1/4” x 4- 1/14”. I like to change up the card size every now and again too…just to mix it up! I usually mail these in a standard greeting size envelope.

Enjoy!

December Birthdays

2010-12-03T20:30:00.000-06:00

I’m sure many of you know someone in your family or a friend that has a December birthday. I know it is really hard for those people because everyone likes to lump their birthdays in with Christmas. So, in the spirit of giving I created this fun card for my son’s teacher Mrs. Hardy. I am so in LOVE with the new bling from the catalog – okay, forgive me for saying NEW, because it is all new to me right now! 7 months of no stamping and I feel like I am on stamping overload! I’m still trying to use as much of my stamping stuff as I can! LOL!

A dear friend sent me a picture of a holiday card found over at Tamara Black’s blog. It was a great starting out place for me and just the inspiration I needed for Mrs. H’s birthday card. All the “presents” are wrapped/stamped with background stamps. Don’t you just love those mini background stamps?

Stamps: A to Z, Dot,Dot,Dot, Solid Stripes, En Francais, Monogram Sweet
Papers: Pretty in Pink, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Jet Black Stazon
Accessories: Basic Rhinestones, Whisper White Satin Ribbon
Tools: Snail Adhesive, Boho Blossoms Punch, 1-3/8 Square Punch, Paper Snips, Sticky Strip, Needle and Thread, Itty Bitty Bits Punch Pack, Decorative Label Punch, 1-1/4 Circle Punch
Techniques Used: I gathered the ribbon with needle and thread and secured with Sticky Strip behind the Basic Black layer of cardstock.

I hope the next time you decide to design a December birthday it doesn’t contain Holly, Christmas trees or wreaths and comes in other colors besides green and red!

Enjoy!

What projects are you creating next? Should you need any Stampin’ UP! supplies please visit my online store.

Holiday Place Cards

2010-12-02T13:00:00.000-06:00

There are only a few short weeks to get together all those wonderful handmade gifts. I am super excited to have our family in for a visit over the holidays! Since I rarely get to create a big feast I am going all out and even creating some place cards for the table this year!

Stampin’ Up! offers us demonstrators some great ideas and this place card holder was just an idea that I had to make my own! I just love the earthy feel of the colors and the papers and it’s always fun to mix and match your stamp sets to create that perfect work of heart! My stamps have been missing me so I had to use them so they would all be happy!

Stamps: Peaceful Season (Hostess – Holiday Mini), Lovely Letters Alphabet, En Francais, Artistic Etchings
Papers: Confetti Cream, Cherry Cobbler, Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Early Esspresso, Soft Suede
Accessories: Antique Brads, Hemp Twine
Tools: Snail Adhesive, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 1/16” Handheld Punch, 1-1/4” Circle Punch, 1-3/8” Circle Punch, Two Tags Bigz Die, Paper Snips, Sticky Strip, Sponges
Techniques Used: Stamping Off, Sponging, Dry Embossing, Tearing, Direct to Paper

I just love how this project came to life. As I look at his project many other ideas pop into my head – wouldn’t it be neat to place a little surprise in the ring? The tag would make a perfect bookmark or a terrific addition to your Christmas Tree next year! Please feel free to copy or to use this as a piece of inspiration for your holiday projects!

Enjoy!

Do you need just the right stamps, cardstock and accessories for your projects? Visit my online store today to get the items you’ll need for your holiday projects.

Back to School

2010-08-24T14:49:00.001-05:00

Howdy y’all,

I guess I should start out with some southern lingo, so you know I’m starting to adjust here in the south. Noah has picked up on some of the word choice already and it sounds strange coming out of him. ;)

School started this week. I’m excited and sad at the same time. Noah has been so helpful since I broke my elbow and I’ve come to depend on him to help me out. On the other hand, I’m excited because now I’ll have a bit more time to devote to stamping and getting some stamping activities going again! To begin, I wanted to share a card that I gave to Noah yesterday to celebrate the start of his 4th grade year!

The summer mini is almost gone so I have to share some of my faves before they disappear and the Holiday mini takes over. I know I’m behind the times, but better late than never, right? One of my favorite stamp sets was the rough type alpha in Clear block. I love that those tiny letters can be lined up to spell almost anything. Can you see the “rocks” in the lower left corner? How cool is that?! Line up and stamp once! Did you notice that I forgot to stamp “grade”? I just noticed when I was typing this out. I guess I am human, huh, although it kinda makes sense even though I forgot part of the words. LOL!

This card uses Noah’s favorite colors, so it is actually a little “bright” for me, but it totally screams “LET’S CELEBRATE”, don’t you think? ;) Don’t you love how colors can emit emotions? Anyhow, the Extreme Elements stamp set is a great set to create a collage and is perfect for kids to teens to adults! Noah told me that he likes the splatter stamp because it looks like slime hitting the wall…what else would you expect from a 9 year old? LOL! The number and letters were created using the Go Go Boots Medium Sizzlets dies for the Big Shot. Forgive me, but the big red star is from the retired “A Little Somethin’” hostess stamp set. I hope you were lucky enough to earn that level 2 set as a hostess in 2009.

Enjoy!

Summer is almost here!

2010-06-18T14:14:00.000-05:00

If you stopped by for the blog hop, I hoped you enjoyed it! It was fun for me to see some of the great projects using some of the beloved stamp sets on Stampin’ Up!’s Last Chance List.

I'm creating some cards for a lady I met here in Allen, TX. She needed some thank you cards for some very special people that are helping her out with a very special occasion – her wedding! The only direction she gave me was “beach elegance”. This is what I came up with for her cards.

The main panel was water colored with Watercolor Crayons and an Aqua Painter on beautiful watercolor paper. It was great to have all the retiring colors because when you’re creating a scene you’ll want various colors at your disposal. **hint hint you may want to finish getting the retiring watercolor crayon colors before they are gone! I used about 12 different colors for the beach sunrise. The words are clear embossed with Taken with Teal Craft Ink. The entire image is spritzed with Champagne shimmer paint and an alcohol mix.

I love the ribbon treatment! A quick twist of the ribbon, a half pearl from the pretties kit and a vintage tag complete the ensemble.

I’m missing my peanut gallery from back “home”. They always gave me such great feedback on my creations! If you have a minute…please let me know what you think!

Enjoy!

Saying Good-bye to Holiday Blitz

2010-06-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

Whether you just started here or you came from Holly’s blog I’m so glad you’re here! Holly really did a fabulous job showcasing the Holy Triptych stamp set. Her work is always stunning!

I will be sharing my projects using one of my retiring stamp sets, Holiday Blitz. It is one of those fun sets because you get 28 stamps that cover all the holidays for the year plus some extra’s that cover all the seasons too! Small stamps are perfect when making smaller cards, tags, inchies and a host of other creative projects. So follow me as I share with you three of my newest creations using this great holiday stamp set!

This is a quick project that uses one stamp to create a fun border by using multiple ink colors, and some of those long strips of scraps that I’ve been saving just for these cards. LOL! These 3 x 3 cards fit in the small box created using two small envelope dies. This cute project uses Sahara Sand, Regal Rose, and Melon Mambo. These four little cards with envelopes would make a perfect hostess gift this July 4th!

With Father’s Day right around the corner, Holiday blitz comes to the rescue with two perfect stamps! 1” strips of Designer Series Paper and Very Vanilla cardstock quickly make these “Tie” inchies the perfect image for Dad! A self-made Designer Series Envelope with clear-embossed “Ties” ties this project together. ;)

My final project for the hop is a tic tac toe game! This would be a great little gift as a take home gift from a birthday party. The Designer Series Paper makes quick work of the cover and the game board. Actual size is 5” x 5” x 1/4” and would fit perfectly in a 5.5” square envelope.

Window sheets were used to adhere the game pieces inside and the temporary adhesive, Dotto, was used to affix the pieces on the game board. My nine-year-old son had to play as soon as I finished…so I assume it would be a big hit with kids!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out Lisa’s blog next to see her wonderful creations as she says good-bye to Together Forever.

Enjoy!

50th Anniversary times Three

2010-06-10T20:21:00.001-05:00

I remember when my grandparents celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary it was such a special occasion. I wasn’t making cards back then, so I am sure they received a store-bought card. The horror! They deserved so much more! Well, I have been creating some beautiful 50th Wedding Anniversary cards for someone that has three of these big events coming up in the next few weeks! I thought I would share these most recent creations. I am thrilled at how they came out! I most definitely would have given any of these to my grandparents at their celebration!

Click on the photos for a larger view.

Key Features: Gold Embossed and Edged

Key Features: Gold Embossed and 3D Flowers with Matching Envelope

Key Features: Gold Embossed, 3D Pearled and Shimmered Butterfly with Matching envelope.

Be sure to check back tomorrow after 10:00 AM for the start of the Stampin’ Addicts Blog Hop!

Enjoy!

Babies and Birds – Spring is around the corner!

2010-03-05T08:34:00.000-06:00

I just got the Stampin’ UP! Extra Large Two-Step Bird punch(117191)! I have waited patiently for it to arrive…not really…but it arrived last week amidst all the craziness of us trying to sell our home. This punch is just the perfect touch for your card making or your scrapbooking for babies, spring, new homes (nests) or any thinking of you card!

One of my very good friends just had her baby (Nathan Joseph) this past week so I decided to make her a cute little quick card with this punch. I have seen the bird punch used with flowers and specifically the Extra Large Fancy Flower Punch (118073) but I haven’t seen it yet with a cute little nest. This flower punch made making the nest a breeze. The Solid Stripe single stamp (115707) gave the nest a hay feel and a quick fringe of the flower petals were the final touches to this cute little nest.

The card is 3D 4.25” x 4.25” and I have a bit of cardstock behind the bird holding it up so that is appears sitting in the nest instead of flat against it. I don’t think the picture does it justice, but I’m sure you get the picture. It might be even cuter with some little eggs – What do you think?

Like what you see? Visit my website and place your order now!

Thanks for stopping by!

Quick and Simple Birthday Cards

2010-02-20T10:46:00.001-06:00

So glad you stopped by today, whether you joined me from Jennifer’s blog, Stampin’ on the Fly, or just started here! There are 24 stops on this tour, so feel free to hop through all stops over the next 2 days. You can click on the picture above to visit Stampin’ Addicts and see all the stops on the tour.

Quick and Simple birthday cards to me are those cards that are either easy enough for a new stamper to create or cards that can be duplicated with little effort. Two of the cards that I have on display for you today were designed for some new stampers from the Alpha Phi Sorority that I had over this week. All the cards that were made are to be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)!

I rarely get to make little girl birthday cards since we are a family of mostly little men, so this was a real treat for me! Punches and the Big Shot make these cards quick to create in a bunch and have on hand from year to year. I know I would be happy to have a pre-made card with all the birthday parties my son attends every year!

Of course, I had to make some cards for the boys too! These fun cards use strips of Designer Series Paper and punches. If you keep your scraps these cards are a breeze to create with those little strips of paper you have been saving! The punched out center is perfect as is or you can insert a picture of the special birthday boy! I just love the Family Phrases greetings when creating cards for kids because it looks like it is handwritten!

My final birthday project is a quick and simple one-layer birthday note that is perfect to include with some flowers or on a gift package. The 3 x 3 style lends itself to a quick and simple card! Adding a stamped image, a few well-placed embellishments and a greeting makes this card both easy for a beginner and quick to duplicate.

If you need a larger image to view, remember to just click on the photo.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit! Barbara has some great “ladies night out” birthday treats in store for you on her blog, Creative Stampin Spot.

Enjoy!

BOLO – Upcoming Blog Hop

2010-02-16T17:00:00.001-06:00

"Be On The Lookout" and mark your calendars! One of my favorite hangouts, Stampin' Addicts, is having its first birthday this month! To celebrate, I'll be joining 24 talented stampers in showcasing birthday-themed projects February 20th and 21st. I’ll be showcasing some quick and easy birthday cards for kids and some big kids too, so you won't want to miss it!

The Carrot or the Stick

2010-01-25T13:50:00.000-06:00

I say the carrot!

This cute little concoction came to me last night after my phone rang at 12:24 AM! Falling asleep wasn’t that easy so of course my mind wanders to stamping. Who knows how I came to be thinking about carrots, but that is what came to mind.

Now to make thinking about carrots even stranger…I talked to a friend this morning who told me she wanted a carrot pattern for Easter! OMG! Do you hear the twilight zone song in your head too? So, I figured if two of us are thinking about carrots maybe some of you are too. It’s not too early to start planning Easter gifts, but this project is not for Easter. I think it is a perfect gift for someone that has helped you out or done some other good deed. Just a reminder, all photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.

I had a carrot pattern that I ended up altering. I added the twist closure to the top of it and added some frayed ribbon for the carrot greenery at the top! I would love to hear what you think of my carrot twist box.

Recipe – Carrot Twist Box
Stamps: Very Vintage Wheel, Vintage Vogue, Itty Bitty Backgrounds
Inks: Creamy Caramel, Perfect Plum, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive
Paper: Only Orange, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Sponge, 3/4” Circle Punch, 1-1/4” Olid Olive Striped Grosgrain, Dimensionals, Bone Folder, Dimensionals
Technique: 3D Twist Closure

We all love carrots when we do something right…so make someone’s day and give them a carrot!

Enjoy!

Creating with Children

2010-01-24T15:40:00.000-06:00

Have you ever shown a child one of your creative works of art? They are always so impressed and excited about your project! The joy and smiles show in their eyes and it always gives you such a great feeling of accomplishment, doesn’t it? So remember when you have a child creating with you return the favor and let them know that they did a great job with their precious works of heart!

I had two events this week that involved children. I had such a fabulous time because the children were so excited to have the time to craft and spend time with each other! There were squeals of delight, big smiles and giggles throughout our stamping time together. Now I think that sounds a little bit like us stampers when we get together too! I guess that means we never grow out of the fun times! Don’t forget to involve your children or someone else’s when you craft the next time…your world will definitely be changed for the better!

Here are photos of the projects I created this past week for these fun events. Parents helped with all aspects of these projects and no stamps, or ink pads were hurt or damaged in the making of these projects. ;) Feel free to click on any photo to view a larger photo.

Recipe – Valentines Day
Stamps: Fundamental Phrases, I {Love} Love Wheel, Extreme Elements
Inks: Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Sending Love Specialty Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Heart punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Stamping Up! Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslit

Recipe – Happy Birthday Molly
Stamps: I {Love} Love Wheel, Fundamental Phrases, Love You Much, Love Bandit
Inks: Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Basic Black
Paper: Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Sending Love Specialty Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Real Red Marker, Punches – Small Heart, Scallop Circle, 1-1/4” Circle, 1-13/8 Circle, Heart, Heart to Heart, and corner punch, Stamping Up! Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslit, Real red 1/4” grosgrain ribbon, stampin’ dimensionals, red satin ribbon, clips assortment

Enjoy!

When do you use hearts?

2010-01-14T19:12:00.001-06:00

I always thought that hearts were only for Valentine’s day. Maybe you were like me at one time. I stayed away from hearts because I thought they were too girly…so when Stampin’ Up! came out with the I {heart} Hearts stamp set I immediately looked passed the set. Everyone I knew was saying things like that is one of my must have sets….and I said “Really????” in disbelief. So I purchased the set to see what I could do with hearts. These are two of the projects that I designed. Both for different events other than Valentine’s Day, but both could easily fall into the Valentine’s Day category with a change of the greeting.

Recipe – Mother’s Day
Stamps: I {heart} Hearts, Well Scripted
Inks: Bravo Burgundy, Creamy Caramel, VersaMark
Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Creamy Caramel, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Gold Brad, Kind Thought Brocade Stencil, Sponge, Champagne Shimmer Paint, Sponge Dauber
Technique: Distressing, VersaMark Resist

Recipe – Happy Anniversary
Stamps: Medallion, I {heart} Hearts
Inks: Real Red
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Red
Accessories: Punches – Modern Label, Heart to Heart, Word Window, 1-3/4 Circle, Dimensionals
Technique: Can you see the I {heart} Hearts image in here?

If you haven’t given {hearts} a chance…this might be your opportunity to stamp your heart out! ;) This fun set comes in both clear block cling mount and wood mount.

Enjoy!

Butterfly Bitty Box

2010-01-13T20:48:00.001-06:00

This is a project I created last year. I am thrilled to find out that the shimmer paint will continue to be available due to its popularity. So if you didn’t get it yet…you still have some time to purchase it! You’ll notice a slight twinkle on the third layer of the butterfly, but it more beautiful in real life.

I spent a lot of time at the end of the year playing with my stamp pad re-inkers. Re-inkers are not just for reinking your stamp pads as you can tell by the second layer of the butterfly.

It is fun to layer images to create 3D effects, try adding dimension between layers to get a different look when creating your cards, projects and scrapbook pages.

A friend of mine suggested this color combination to me and I am just hooked on it! Thanks, Cindy!

Stamps
A Great Friend

Inks (Pages 155-157, 190)
Rich Razzleberry
Old Olive

Paper (Pages 155-167)
Rich Razzleberry
Old Olive
Whisper White
Household Glossy Photo Paper

Accessories (Pages 158-205)
Stampin’ Up! Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die
Stampin’ Up! Bitty Box & Envelope Bigz XL Die
Big Shot
Hemp Twine
Paper Snips
Dimensionals
Sticky Strip
Frost White Shimmer Paint

Reinkers
Bermuda Bay
Rich Razzleberry
Old Olive
Household Alcohol
Cotton Balls

Enjoy!

12 Days of Holiday Savings!

2009-12-12T07:19:00.002-06:00

These might be the most exciting 12 days of December with select Big Shot dies and vinyl sheets for the Big Shot on sale! The 12 Days of Holiday Sales begin today and runs through December 22.

Some of the items introduced in this sale are new colors of Décor Elements vinyl sheets. There are 18 new colors to choose from, and they make great projects when you use them with Big Shot dies. Consider pairing the Clear Décor Elements vinyl sheets with the Tulipe Bigz die to create an etched-like design on a vase. Or use the Decorative Accent Bigz dies with the Old Olive Décor Element vinyl sheets to enhance a frame. The combination of Big Shot dies and Décor Elements vinyl sheets is sure to take your creativity to a new level!

Tell your husband!!! Shop now --- sale is only until Dec. 22nd!

Click here to view the Big Shot Specials list!

Have you been Naughty or Nice?

2009-12-11T12:43:00.001-06:00

Some special ladies will be receiving these in their Christmas stockings this year filled with a Stampin’ Up! gift certificate! They must have been really good this year to be getting one of these, don’t you think?

Add some simplicity to your holiday shopping. Give the gift of creativity this year! Contact me to get your Stampin’ UP! gift certificate. Gift certificate with above holiday card (colors may vary)can be sent directly to recipient or to you!

Recipe
Stamps: Four Holidays
Inks: Basic Black
Paper: Whisper White, Cardboard, Gold Cardstock
Accessories: Crystal Effects, Chunky Glitter, Big Shot, Big Shot Texture Plates, Gold Elastic Cord, Dimensionals, Ornament Punch
Technique: Big Shot Texture

Enjoy!

Peace on Earth

2009-11-10T15:25:00.001-06:00

I’ve been wanting to play with this little polar bear from Cold and Cuddly for awhile now. Well…I had the chance today! I just love how he looks all embossed in silver sitting on a snow bank looking out at the falling snow.

Recipe
Stamps: Cold and Cuddly, Four the Holidays, Snow Swirled
Inks: Versamark, Night of Navy
Paper: Night of Navy, Whisper White
Accessories: Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Dimensionals
Technique: Tearing, Heat Embossing

Enjoy!

Autumn Splendor

2009-11-05T11:00:00.001-06:00

I love Autumn. This is my favorite time of year. I have fond memories of jumping in a pile of leaves and that is the inspiration for this fall themed card.

I have been playing with photo paper, alcohol and reinkers and this is just one of many cards that I have created using this fun technique. I cut out one leaf and adhered it to Chocolate Chip Paper and then re cut the leaf with a slight Chocolate Chip edge.

Recipe
Stamps: Autumn Splendor
Inks: Chocolate Chip
Paper: Crushed Curry, Chocolate Chip, Glossy Photo Paper
Accessories: Chocolate Chip 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon, Sponges, Alcohol, Cotton Balls, Paper Snips, Reinkers – Crushed Curry, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie and Dusty Durango, Dimensionals

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Enjoy!

Goblins, Ghouls and Spooky Embellishments

2009-10-30T16:12:00.001-05:00

Don’t be surprised that that you won’t see any stamping today. Believe it or not I do have some other talents hidden away. LOL! This past weekend, I created a Halloween costume for my little ghoul! I am not sure if I can say little now that he turned 9! Don’t you just love his “Yes, I am dead”, face?

It is truly amazing that although I didn’t use any stamps, I did use some of my Stampin’ Up! products on his costume! Did you know that the Black Grosgrain Ribbon was just perfect to tie his ghoulish black hooded robe around his neck? I bet you wouldn’t even think of sponges at Halloween would you? Well, the Stampin’ Up! sponges cut into wedges was the perfect tool to create this ghoulish face!

Wishing you loads of Halloween fun!

Sugarless Halloween Treats

2009-10-19T19:00:00.000-05:00

Halloween is synonymous for sweet treats! Well, this little treat is perfect for school children or avid readers! This cute little gift contains four bookmarks held together with a little belly band. When you slide the “Happy Halloween” belly band off the gift, it reveals the “Trick or Treat” greeting on the front bookmark! Each bookmark is perforated so that it can easily be removed from the group. A great gift to give or share with your friends!

Recipe
Stamps: 115370 Teeny Tiny Wishes, Holiday Best (Hostess Level 1), 115460 From the Crypt, 111764 Eat, Drink and Be Scary, 113490 Baroque Motifs

Inks: Jet Black Stazon, Versamark, Old Olive

Paper: 102851 Basic Black,100730 Whisper White, 115677 Cast-a-Spell Designer Series Paper

Accessories: 108362 Crop-a-dile,109133 Black Embossing Powder, 112082 Wide Oval Punch, 112082 Large Oval Punch, 114889 Scallop Oval Punch, 116630 Modern Label Punch, 104390 1/2” Circle Punch, 1/4" Circle Punch (Retired) , 106958 Cutter Kit, 100082 Basic Black Marker, 103579 Paper Snips, 109027 Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, 103579 Paper Snips, 104430 Dimensionals, 104294 Sticky Strip

Enjoy!

Spooky Tastes

2009-10-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Day 6 – Holiday Haunts Stamp Camp – Test Tube Box

This project is another version of my Inspiration Box that I created for the Holiday Blog Tour and for my Holiday Haunts stamp camp.

This clever little box is specially created to hold 3 test tubes less than 3/4” in diameter and less than 5” tall including the cork. Unfortunately, I am unable to tell you the vendor…so just make sure your test tubes are approximate in size.

These test tubes contain jelly beans perfectly colored to match that wonderful Cast-a-Spell Designer Series Paper – Don’t you just love that when everything matches? What do you think will happen when you pop one of these beans into your mouth? I think the green one will turn you into a frog, the orange beans will turn you into a pumpkin and the purple ones? Well, I think they will turn you back to normal!

The box lid is attached and is perfect to hold the treats in as well as keep all the goodies inside the box when it is closed.

Recipe
Stamps: Eat Drink and Be Scary
Paper: Cast-a-Spell Designer Series Paper, Pumpkin Pie, Lavendar Lace
Ink: Jet Black Stazon
Accessories: More Mustard 1/4” Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Fire Rhinestone Brads, Paper Snips

The box was one of my featured projects at my stamp camp and everyone that attended received the directions for the Inspiration Box with this camp. If you couldn’t attend the stamp camp and are interested in receiving the tutorial and cutting guide, you may purchase it from me via PayPal for $3.95. Be sure to include the email address that you would like to receive the PDF.

Enjoy!

Spooky Sounds and Sights

2009-10-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Day 5 – Holiday Haunts Stamp Camp - CD/DVD Matchbook Holder

This fun little project is a matchbook that contains a sugarless treat for your favorite Halloween buff or for those grandparents that are always looking for the latest pictures of this years Halloween costumes! Great for storing or giving photos or music CDs, or DVDs that you plan to watch on Halloween with a friend close by!

The matchbook securely holds the CD or DVD inside without fear of it falling out. That cute little belly band holds the flap in place when it is closed and stays in place when open so that you can still see that fun little Spooky Treats Rub On. Do you love it as much as I do?

Recipe
Stamps: From the Crypt
Paper: Cast-a-Spell Designer Series Paper, Basic Black, Basic Gray, Night and Day Designer Series Paper (Mini)
Ink: Jet Black Stazon
Accessories: Wide Oval Punch, Spooky Treats Rub Ons, Sticky Strip, Creepy Green colored CD/DVD, Silver brads, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, 1-3/4” Circle Punch, Dimensionals

Enjoy!

Boo to You

2009-10-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Day 4 – Holiday Haunts Stamp Camp Projects – Boo Pennant

If you enjoy decorating your home over the holidays, a pennant is the perfect answer to mixing a little bit of “fun” to any holiday. This fun pennant was shown at Convention this year and I saw a quite a few renditions of it since then.

The Bigz Pennant Die (113483) makes this an project easy to create. Add the Serif Essentials Alphabet (113464) and you are ready to create a pennant with any words to complete your holiday decorating!

Recipe
Stamps: Sweet Centers (Mini)
Paper: Cast-a-Spell Designer Series Paper, Basic Black, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie
Ink: Jet Black Stazon
Accessories: Basic Black 1/4” Striped Grosgrain, Big Shot Machine, Stampin’ Up! Pennant Die, Serif Essentials Alphabet Die, Paper Cutter with Scoring Blade

Enjoy!

Trick or Treat

2009-10-05T07:59:00.000-05:00

Welcome to day three of my week of Holiday Haunts!

These little gems were created using the Fancy Favor Big Shot Die. Another rather quick and easy project that includes the wonderful little treat cups found in the Holiday Mini Catalog!

A fun little trick that I discovered when cutting these boxes is that you can actually use an 8 1/2 sheet of paper to create one box…so even if you have run out of the 12 x 12 in the color you need…don’t fear you can make it work with the smaller size sheet!

The great thing about holidays is that many candy manufacturers create specialty candy for the holidays. These little skulls, bones and pumpkins were the perfect accompaniment to the little treat bag.

Recipe
Stamps: Sweet Centers (Mini),
Paper: Cast-a-Spell Designer Series Paper, Basic Black
Ink: Jet Black Stazon
Accessories: Treat Cups (Mini), 1-1/4” Striped Grosgrain: Old Olive, Basic Black and Pumpkin Pie, Horizontal Slot Punch

Enjoy!

Halloween Spice

2009-10-04T07:29:00.000-05:00

Welcome back! This is day 2 of my Holiday Haunts projects! If you have missed a day make sure you go back to check out the previous days projects.

I love creating cards, but sometimes events call for a 3D item! Halloween parties often involve special projects that can hold a special candy surprise inside. This little tombstone style matchbox can hold a bit of candy corn, a little candy bar, cash or “body parts”! I found gummy “body parts” at a local grocery store…they fit perfectly in this matchbox! Who wouldn’t just howl when they found a nose, a brain, a foot or a finger upon opening this little box of Halloween fun!

Creating projects with Big Shot Dies cuts your creation time down to minutes! How many Matchboxes can you cut in 5 minutes?

Have some fun spicing up your next holiday project! Hope to see you back here tomorrow for some more Halloween fun!

Recipe
Stamps: From the Crypt, Sanded(Background), Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Basic Gray, Rich Razzleberry
Ink: Basic Gray, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Big Shot Die Cut Machine, Extended Cutting Pads, Stampin’ UP! Matchbox Die, Paper Snips, Dimensionals

Enjoy!

Hauntingly Fun

2009-10-03T07:12:00.001-05:00

Halloween is one of those holidays that allow you to decorate with bats and spiders even though the rest of the year you would scream and run for the vacuum or a broom if you saw them in your home! In fact, the huge hairy, 20-million-eyed spider I saw today was dead in its tracks when I came upon it today – literally! LOL!

I thought you might like to see a couple of the projects that I created for my Holiday Haunts stamp camp this past month. I will be posting 1 project each day for the next 6 days. I hope it inspires you to create your own Halloween fun this year! The projects will increase in difficulty as we progress through the days.

Cards are a quick and easy projects to get that cauldron of ideas flowing. These cards are perfect, sweet and simple ideas to let the little and big kids in your life know that you are thinking about them at this time of year! I love creating in different colors – don’t you just love mixing up concoctions of colors?

Recipe
Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Holiday Best (Hostess)
Paper: Cast-a-Spell Designer Series Paper, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Perfect Plum, Whisper White
Ink: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Perfect Plum
Accessories: Stampin’ Write Markers: Old Olive, Perfect Plum, Pumpkin Pie, Dimensionals, Ribbon Originals – Orchard, Tombow Multipurpuse Adhesive

Enjoy!

Stampin’ Addicts Holiday Mini Blog Tour

2009-09-01T02:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to stop #20 of the Stampin' Addicts Happy Holidays Blog Tour! I will be showcasing the beautiful Charming stamp set shown on page 32 of Stampin’ UP!’s Holiday Mini. This tour will take you through more than 20 different blogs to showcase many of the new and exciting products in the new Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog. These products will be available for order starting September 1.

This tour runs from Saturday, August 29 to Monday, August 31.

If you've come here via Paula’s blog, I am sure you were thrilled with her great ideas for the Decor Elements & Wood Blocks….it gives me the inspiration I need to create the ones I have here at my home already! If you're just jumping on from here, have no worries! The tour will circle around to the beginning, so you can see all of the wonderful and inspiring projects!

You may click on any of the photos to view a larger version.

It may be easy to miss the Charming stamp set in the Holiday Mini, but it is ideally sized to make elegant jewelry within the exclusive line of Simply Adorned Charms. Even though I didn’t have the Charms to create with, I found this set wonderful to use with our Hodgepodge Hardware accents and our Pretties Kit due to its size and stylish images.

My first project is a tiny 1.5” x 4.75” x 1” self-designed box. A bottle cap attached to the underside of the Hodgepodge Hardware is inset within the box top and holds the mini medallion image. The hardware is flush with the top and the bottle cap actually sits within a 1 1/4” hole in the box top. I love the look this creates when viewing the image within the hardware!

Recipe
Stamps: Charming
Paper: More Mustard, Soft Suede, The Write Stuff Specialty Designer Series Paper, Whisper White
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Craft
Accessories: Hodgepodge Hardware, Mistletoe Ribbon Originals, Soft Suede, More Mustard, Old Olive – Markers, Paper Snips, Crystal Effects, 1” Circle Punch, 1 1/4” Circle Punch, Dimensionals, Clear Embossing Powder, Fire Circle Rhinestone Brad (Disassembled), Bottle Cap (Recycled)

My second project is a 4” x 4” card. I was inspired by the Simply Adorned Charms. I created my own, “necklace” that I attached to this little card. The Hodgepodge Hardware was distressed until it became almost Kraft colored. I love the final result!

Recipe
Stamps: Charming, Medallion
Paper: Kraft, Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive, Old Olive Craft, Chocolate Chip Craft (to distress the hodgepodge)
Accessories: Hodgepodge Hardware - Vanilla, Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, 1” Circle Punch, 3/4” Circle Punch, Corner Rounder, Dimensionals, Clear Embosssing Powder, Sponge, Sanding Blocks

My final project is another self-designed box that can contain a special surprise inside. The lid is attached so that upon closing you have an enclosed little gift box to give any special little embellishments or treats. The box lid is perfect for pouring out these embellishments when it is time to create!

Recipe
Stamps: Charming, Itty Bitty Backgrounds
Paper: Night of Navy, Bordering Blue, Naturals Ivory
Ink: Night of Navy, Bordering Blue
Accessories: Pretties Kit, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Bordering Blue Reinker, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Sponge, Bordering Blue, Night of Navy and Old Olive Markers, Wire

I hope you enjoyed my stamped creations using the Charming stamp set! Use the arrows below to navigate to the next stop on our tour, where Barbara will be showcasing yet another great item from the Holiday Mini Catalog – the Simply Adorned Charms – the perfect accompaniments to the Charming stamp set!

These links will remain active until 11:59PM PST on Monday, August 31st.

Enjoy!

Celebrating 40 years - Ruby Anniversary

2009-07-28T14:21:00.001-05:00

So there are many ways to create a card, but when it is something special a whole lot of time and effort go into making that perfect card that you hope will become a keepsake.

The Keal-side of my family are celebrating 40 years of married life together this coming weekend! What a wonderful occassion to celebrate and we are lucky to be spending it together!

Now, I am sure you can imagine how this went..."Linda, you are in charge of the card." I am sure many of you cardmakers are given the same types of orders...oops I mean requests by your family and friends. LOL!

This card took me almost 4 hours - contemplating what would be perfect for this creation. So don't feel bad if it takes you a bit of time to create that perfect creation when it is for a special event. Easy cards are fun to create...but it is also fun to put the love and time into your card when it is for someone special.

Recipe

Stamps: Flores Suaves (Celebrando Creatividad), Matchbox Messages, Simple Serif Numbers and Letters (Retired), Woodgrain background stamp, Teeny Tiny Wishes See why it is important to have lots of stamp sets? HeeHee

Paper: Soft Suede, Ruby Red, Very Vanilla

Ink: Soft Suede, Ruby Red

Accessories: Paper Snips, Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, Soft Suede Polk Dot Ribbon, sponge daubers, build-a-brad, Ruby Red Marker, Ruby Red Reinker, Wire Works (Retired), Paper Piercer, 1/2" Circle Punch, Sticky Strip, Dimensionals

I made the butterfly bodies by wrapping the wire around the end of the paper piercer and feeding one end back through the body to create the antenae.

Enjoy!

One Hot Summer Day

2009-07-11T13:06:00.000-05:00

I know it has been some time since I have been here, but with a crazy schedule, Noah being home from school and vacation...I have been caught up in family fun! These past few days I have been busy designing for my upcoming classes and clubs. I am giving you a sneak peak of one of my upcoming club projects for my July and August gem clubs. If you like what you see and you are not a member of one of my hostess clubs then contact me today. I have some current openings that are sure to fit your schedule!

This project is a cute little 3D treat holder that I used for this project. I saw the ice cream cone idea at Theresa Momber's blog, Crafting The Web. This project can easily accomodate 3 x 3 mini cards too! A cello bag is all you'll need to package up your little gift. (Don't get any ideas about putting ice cream in it!) LOL! I hope you like this project as much as I do!

Confucius Say

2009-06-09T17:20:00.000-05:00

I love eating chinese food, in fact it is one of my favorites, but the best part was always reading my fortune at the end! I just love all Asian-inspired stamps and they usually end up in my growing stamp collection. This project was created for a daily challenge over at Stampin Addicts and uses one of the newest Hostess Level 2 stamps that will be available on July 1st. The challenge was to use the Emboss Resist Technique. I decided to use some of the current In Colors and include my favorite new In Color - Soft Suede, that also will be available starting on July 1st.

I really like the simplicity of this card. Not too much going on, so it shows off the wonderful technique of embossing!

Project Recipe:

Stamps: Asian Artistry (Hostess Level 2 - 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog)

Ink: Versamark, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze

Cardstock: Whisper White, Soft Suede (2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog)

Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Dimensional, Crafter's Tool Kit (Piercing Tool and Mat Pack), Brayer, Heat Tool

Enjoy!

Wonderful You

2009-06-08T11:46:00.000-05:00

This is a quick little project that was created for a challenge on Stampin Addicts. My box is a tribute to the Wonderful You stamp set. It is on the Last Chance List along with all the 2008-2009 In Colors and these items will not be in the catalog in July. If you are interested in this great two-step stamping set or any of the In Color products...the time to get it is now! Visit my website through the link on the left and you can make your purchase on-line. Of course, you can always contact me and make that purchase too!

I also used the new Circle Scissors Plus circle cutter. I love circles and this is a great tool to cut out various circle sizes from 1" to 6".

This great little project will hold a bundle of 3"x3" (love note size) cards and envies or you can place a little bundle of your favorite treat inside!

Project Recipe:

Stamps: Wonderful You

Ink: Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black

Cardstock: Tangerine Tango (Textured Cardstock - 12 x 12), Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White

Accessories: Tangerine Tango Striped Ribbon, Large Oval Punch, Circle Scissors Plus, Paper Snips, Dimensionals, Word Window Punch, Sticky Strip

Enjoy!

Sneaky Peeky

2009-06-05T15:43:00.000-05:00

Hey there!

Can you believe that I have two postings in one week? I think that might be a record!!!! Well, I have been very busy talking to my friends - both old and new! I have found that most of my days lately has been spent talking and not as much stamping. I created this lovely card yesterday with some of the new In Colors that I received on Tuesday. I used the sketch challenge found on Splitcoaststampers #231 for the layout - I hope you like it! Feel free to leave me a feel good comment and let me know what you like about my newest creation. Thanks for stopping by and checking out what I have been up to!

Project Recipe:

Stamps: Animal Stories, Circle Circus, Family Phrases

Cardstock: Dusty Durango, Whisper White

Ink: Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry, Soft Suede

Accessories: 3/4 Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Sponge, Dusty Durango Dotted Ribbon, Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry and Soft Suede Marker

Enjoy!