Stampin and More with Crystal

Delighted with Aviary

2010-08-06T08:10:00.000-04:00

As I said many times, I delight in birds. Of course as soon as I saw the Aviary set in the catalog it made it to my list. My buddy Lorien brought the set to the mingle so I was able to play with it a bit. I like it even more now! The various bird cages are lovely and the different sizes of birds are fun to experiment with. I also used the new background stamp Pretty Pattern, Crumb Cake cardstock, Marina Mist taffeta ribbon and Early Espresso cardstock and ink. The Crumb Cake panel has the Pretty Pattern design heat embossed with clear embossing powder on it.

Whoo, whooo.

2010-08-05T08:01:00.000-04:00

ACK! Don't you love the new owl punch?? I love birds and my middle daughter loves owls so this is one punch I'll need to order. Again, one of the make and takes at the demo mingle this past weekend used the owl punch so I borrowed it to make a birthday card that I needed for the daughter of a friend. We are giving her a Night Owl purse from Vera Bradley so I knew I had to make this card to match! The colors are Black, Cherry Cobbler, Marina Mist, Crumb Cake and Pink Pirouette. Do you like the birthday hat? I just cut that out of cardstock myself and added the rhinestone to the top. TIP: The pupils on the owl are so tiny that I didn't use the punch outs for them, I just used a marker and drew them in.

Sweet Scoops Again

2010-08-04T07:55:00.000-04:00

Here is another project using Sweet Scoops. I really like this stamp set and am anxious to see if it makes it on the "carryover list" that sometimes gets published by Stampin' Up! This list allows a set to be sold even though the mini catalog is no longer active. If it makes it there, maybe it will make it into the main catalog next year. Don't you love the script on the sentiment? The sentiment is from the set Curly Cute. The colors on this card are Certainly Celery, So Saffron and Poppy Parade.

Always Elegant - On My Next Order

2010-08-03T07:46:00.000-04:00

This is made with the new set Always Elegant and it will be going on my next order. The main image caught my eye in the catalog but it didn't make it's way on my list. At the stampin get together I was at one of our make and takes used this set and I'm glad it did. I'm also glad the Debra doesn't mind sharing her stamp sets so I could use it to make a wedding card for a wedding we will be attending this weekend. This card uses Early Espresso cardstock and the new 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Cherry Cobbler cardtsock and ink, Pink Pirroutte cardstock, Crumb Cake ink and carstock, the new flat back adhesive pearls and oval punches.

Stampin Get Away - New Goodies

2010-08-02T07:25:00.003-04:00

This past weekend I was lucky enough to get away for the weekend to stamp. I haven't done that in exactly a year when I made a trip to hang out with some fellow demos at the same place. What a good time! I stamped several different designs and goodies - my hope is to post them all for you to enjoy. When I saw the set "For Everything" in the new catalog, I knew it was going on my first order. I enjoy most sets that you need to color the images in. I know it isn't very conducive to making alot of the same cards, but the areas are narrow enough that you can easily use your markers. I have also thoroughly enjoyed the new flat backed rhinestones that Stampin' Up! is carrying. I hope you get to stamp today!

Sweet Scoops Birthday

2010-07-12T07:33:00.003-04:00

Yes, I do still stamp...once in awhile. Has it really been since February since I have posted to my blog? I have stamped a bit since then and must have forgotten to add my projects here. So, I'll post a few for your viewing pleasure. My oldest has a birthday party to go to today and she requested the Sweet Scoops Stamp set for the card. I got the color combination from the wrapping paper of the gift. I've used Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie and Certainly Celery. Everything is from Stampin' Up! except the "cherry" gem on top of the ice cream cone. The ribbon is the Pumpkin Pie striped ribbon that just retired. I'm glad I had a bit left because it worked perfectly for this card. The sentiment comes from the "go-to" set, Teeny Tiny Wishes. Enjoy your day!

More Valentines, You and Moi

2010-02-12T07:25:00.003-05:00

I have been making a few Valentines lately and I thought I would share them with you. This one should have arrived by now so I figured it was safe to post. I used the set You and Moi along with several other little items like Prints Designer Paper, a retired heart eyelet, new Celery Satin Ribbon, punches and even a non-SU piece of bling.

This project uses the new Pinking Hearts Border (which is just so sweet and delicate!) and the new Small Heart punch. Did you know that the set You and Moi is one that you can earn for FREE with your Sale-a-bration purchases?!?

"Love"ing the Pennant Die

2010-02-05T07:16:00.004-05:00

Stampin' Up's Pennant Die isn't new, it has been around for over a year, but it is new to me and I am really loving it!

I made this project to decorate for Valentine's Day and currently it is hanging over our fireplace. You should have seen me trying to figure out how to cut out a full pennant! Once I did some searching on Splitcoaststampers and found out that you need to fold the card stock in half and place the fold along the one end and THEN you would have a full pennant, I was feeling very silly.

Here is a close up of the letter "O" which has uses the new 2 step bird punch from Stampin' Up! I LOVE this punch. It works for so many thing, when you love birds as I do. I have to admit that this is not Stampin' Up! designer paper. Isn't it lovely though?!?! I used Ruby Red card stock, Close to Cocoa card stock and Blush Blossom. The letters are not actually chipboard but they were traced from a retired chipboard alphabet that Stampin' Up! used to sell. I'm so cheap that I don't actually use chipboard, I just use it as a pattern. So, I traced the letters on Ruby Red card stock, cut them out and then covered it with Versa Mark and some clear embossing powder. The ribbon that this is hanging from is the Riding Hood Red Taffeta ribbon from last year. I snatched up an extra roll of that last year knowing I'd be using it with my Ruby Red projects. So glad I did!

Another Mini Project

2010-02-04T07:53:00.003-05:00

I really love the Sale-a-bration set Good Neighbors. My favorite house has to be the house with the heart on the door. It works really well for Valentines cards (I'll have to share with you a photo of a Valentine's card that I made with it a couple weeks ago.) I made this for a friend of mine recently (I'm hoping she has received it by now). I paired it with bright colors because I am sick of the cold here in Michigan. Cold and barely any snow! We did get snow earlier this week but not very much. I used Bermuda Bay, Certainly Celery and Melon Mambo. The roofs to the houses are stamped with Close to Cocoa, cut out and then popped up. The sentiment is an oldie...I believe it came from one of the All Year Cheer sets that retired several years ago. I hope you have a great day today!

New Occasions Mini Is Here!

2010-01-12T23:21:00.003-05:00

Here is my first project with a new set that I just had to have from the new Occasions Mini. This is the new set Fox and Friends. Did you know that with this new mini, we can now choose our stamp sets to be the traditional wood mounted or unmounted? I did order this set as unmounted but I have to say, I still prefer my wood mounted sets. I'm glad I did get a set that is unmounted, at least I can show it to my customers, but I'll be choosing wood mounted for my personal use. The tree was made by using the snowflake punch (just cut the majority of the snowflake off to make the tree trunk) and the scallop circle punch. I wish I could take credit for that adorable design, but I can't. I saw it on splitcoaststampers.com. Adorable don't you think?

Gift Card or an Ornament?

2009-12-16T08:05:00.004-05:00

Yes, I'm around...Yes, I've done SOME stamping, but not nearly as much as I would like to be doing. This year I have tried my hand at sewing and am working on making a few gifts for my girls. It is taking ALOT more time than stamping does! I held a gift card stamp camp recently and here is one of the projects the ladies made. I really love the simplicity of this, but yet also how you can really turn it into anything!

This was made with Stampin' Up's Scallop Square Die Cut. The base of the ornament is a piece of chipboard covered with a cut out of Certainly Celery card stock. I then ran a piece of Real Red through the die and cut it in half diagonally to create a pocket. (The piece of pink card stock you see is a stand in for a gift card). I love that you could hang this on your Christmas Tree or a door handle, or just about anywhere. Imagine all the holidays you could do this one for!

Winter Post

2009-11-05T07:01:00.003-05:00

Here is yet another sample from my Christmas Card Stamp a Stack. I used the Winter Post stamp set on this one. I really like this stamp set. I paired it with Soft Suede, Real Red, and Sahara Sand. I also pulled out my Photo Corner Punch since that has not seen the light in ages! After this class my Sleigh Bells ribbon in nearly gone, I suppose I should order some more since it is in the mini catalog and who knows if it will make it into the Idea Book and Catalog come summer.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow...Not Yet!

2009-11-05T06:52:00.002-05:00

As the last of the leaves are trying to fall in our yard and the temperatures drop, I am reminded that snow will be on its way before we know it. I really do love the snow...I just wish it only stuck around till mid January!

This is a simple card that we did for my Christmas Card Stamp A Stack. I used the Serene Snowflakes set from the current mini catalog as well the greeting from Christmas Greetings. We stamped the snowflakes with White Craft ink and then heat embossed them with clear embossing powder. The snowflake is from the Merry Embosslit in the mini catalog. We got ALOT of use out of that product at the stamp camp! We finished it off with some faux stitching and the adorable Real Red Polka Dot grosgrain...adorable and easy!

A Bit of Spring

2009-11-04T06:46:00.000-05:00

This is a sample that I have been meaning to share from Jami's New Catty Swap. The swap was over weeks ago (golly, it could have been a month ago now!) but I am just getting around to start posting my samples. This is made using the set Herb Expressions. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE lavender so when I saw this set I had to grab it! I paired it with the Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper. I kept thinking I had to add something to the left side of the card but all the gals I was stamping with said to just leave it alone. When I look at it I still think it is missing something, but if I had put anything on it, I am sure that Lorien would have ripped it off!

Still Stampin...

2009-11-03T06:32:00.003-05:00

Yes, I'm still stamping (sometimes), certainly not as often as I would like! As a home schooling parent it seems that once school starts, I am so busy and preoccupied that I really have to try to find time to stamp. If it weren't for my stamp clubs and the stamp camps I have been trying to schedule, I might never find that time for me! Here is a sample of a card that one of my stamp clubs recently made. I LOVED the way it turned out. We were doing the faux tin sheet technique (which I am not even certain if that is the name of it or not, but that is what I have called it). We started with our card base (Real Red regular sized card) and ran it through the Big Shot with the Square Scallop Die. We cut a piece of Certainly Celery slightly smaller than the card base and then yet another piece of card stock a bit smaller than the Celery piece (it does not matter which color since it will be covered anyway). Cover this piece with Tin Foil, just bend it around the edges of your card stock, and run it through your Finial Press Embossing Folder. When it comes out it looks just like those tin sheets that are found on old ceilings. It is just the neatest effect! The Old Olive panel uses the Winter Post set and Many Merry Messages. All of the images are stamped in Old Olive (some stamped off before stamping, to give dimension). The deer is stamped with Versa Mark and heat embossed with clear embossing powder. Add a cute ribbon to the top and a brad and I might have my Christmas card design for this year!

Congrats and Missing You...

2009-10-15T06:58:00.003-04:00

This card has been sitting in my computer for awhile now, just waiting to be shared with you. Some very dear friends recently moved to Oklahoma. Although I really wanted to send a card that said, "HOW CAN YOU DO THIS TO US!!???!!! We need you here!", I knew it would not help the situation (and I also know that my girlfriend didn't really want to leave anyway). I decided I should be a good sport and congratulate them on their new house. This card was made with the Neighborhood Jumbo Wheel. I just wheeled the images and cut out the house that I wanted, colored it in with Stampin Write markers and popped it up on the card with a dimensional. I used some of my favorite colors together...Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Real Red and So Saffron. I was giddy to be able to use the new Real Red Polka Dot ribbon! I LOVE this ribbon! It is also hard to see in the photo, but I also used the larger polka dot Texture Plate on the background. This was a fun card to make, even though I was missing my friend while making it.

More Christmas....

2009-09-28T12:00:00.000-04:00

I can't get enough of the new single stamp, Dasher. How adorable is this? I love the image!! Dasher is stamped in Chocolate Chip Craft ink and then heat embossed with clear embossing powder, as is the sentiment which comes from Fundamental Phrases. You can never go wrong with the wide grosgrain ribbon, so I had to use some of it. The Final Press embossing folder is one of my favorites and goes quite well with the image of the deer don't you think?

Christmas Card Stamp Camp Coming Up...

2009-09-27T22:36:00.003-04:00

This Saturday I am holding a Christmas Card Stamp a Stack at my home. If you are in the Flint, Michigan area and wanted to join us, please let me know. This is not a card we will be doing at the class, but it is fitting with the Christmas theme for the stamp camp. This card was one that I recently submitted for a swap and I was unable to share with you until the cards were swapped out. This one uses the new Serene Snowflakes set in the Holiday Mini catalog. I was not planning on using brown and red for a snowflake card, but I did want to use the new designer paper in the mini so it just took off from there. Do you like the Build-a-Brad used in the center? I just don't pull those out often enough! In addition to using Serene Snowflakes this card uses the new Teeny Tiny Wishes - a MUST have set! I have 3 other cards to share over the next few days so be sure to check back!

A Bit More Fall for Ya...

2009-09-09T07:36:00.000-04:00

I LOVED the way this card turned out. Simple as can be but just as cute as can be (what till you see the Christmas one I did just like it.) I want the ladies at my stamp camp to get to use the Square Scallop die to make a card base and this was just as fun as can be to make. I used the Final Press embossing folder as well - this embossing folder is by far my favorite. It adds so much elegance to a card. I also broke out my jumbo eyelets since I haven't used those in awhile. I love setting those things with the Crop-a-dile! I've got an idea swirling around in my head for this little card and hopefully I'll work it out soon and share with you!

Stamp Camp Coming Up!

2009-09-08T07:25:00.004-04:00

I have a stamp camp scheduled for this Saturday from 10-2 and anyone who is in the Flint, Michigan area is welcome to attend. (Just let me know soon so I can check on space availability and be sure to have enough projects cut.)

This is one of the cards we will be making. The burning bushes in my front yard are starting to change color and that always gets me excited for my favorite season - fall! When I saw the set Falling Leaves in the new catalog, it really didn't scream at me, but the more I looked at it, the more I liked it. Now that I own it, I can't stop using it! I love the circle image and used it on this card to make a cut out in the bottom corner. The inside of the card looks like this:

After I finished it I thought I should have added some leaves down the left hand side. I really love the Razzleberry and Suede card stock together and thought it still looked "fall-ish" but with are non-traditional fall colors.

I'll share another project we'll be making at my stamp camp tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Babies are A Wonderful Reason for a Card

2009-08-18T22:46:00.005-04:00

A friend of mine recently announced that there is a new baby at their house! I only own one baby themed stamp set and quite frankly I have not been drawn to it lately, so I decided to see what I could come up with using non baby themed sets. Since "baby" is a girl, I grabbed the Stampin' Up! set, Flight of the Butterfly. The patterned paper is not Stampin' Up! and I honestly cannot remember who makes it or where I got it! The rest of the card is pretty simple. Everything is from Stampin' Up! except the patterned paper and the cute green bling near the sentiment (which comes from the GREAT new set "Teeny Tiny Wishes"). There is that Modern Label punch again...are you sick of it yet?

Quick Swap

2009-08-15T00:00:00.000-04:00

I needed a quick swap recently so I whipped this simple one up. I was hoping to come up with a cute card that would be easy for demo's to use to show their customers. This uses the new set Falling Leaves and the new In Color Bermuda Bay. I also used Chocolate Chip Craft ink and heat embossed with with clearn embossing powder. It seems to add a bit of something extra special when it is heat embossed. I used various sizes of circle punches to punch out the circle image. I stamped that image 2 different times, once in Olive and once in Chocolate Chip craft, embossed the chocolate chip and then popped it up with dimensionals.

Another Gift Frame

2009-08-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

My friend who is moving has a daughter who is friends with all three of my girls. Hannah is wonderful because she can play with a 10, 7 and 5 year old and never once will you hear, "You're a baby, go away." She genuinely likes all three of them. When I told the girls that our friends would be moving away, the two older girls cried as much as I have. The youngest had a very wise outlook on things for a 5 year old and said, "It's not like someone we love is dying or something." Though, now that she has processed that we won't see them at church every Sunday and that they are really leaving, she does have moments where she will declare how much they will be missed.

I wanted a gift for Hannah that she would be able to remember my girls by. What better gift than a picture frame? I know that a picture frame for an almost 9 year old is not usually very exciting, but she'll appreciate it when she is snug in her new bedroom and missing Michigan! We went to Hobby Lobby and the girls chose this adorable frame. We really wanted it to say "Friends" somewhere, so we snatched it up, took it home and mom added a few things - Rose Red grosgrain ribbon across the top and "Friends" stamped with my retired Whimsical Alphabet set from Stampin Up!.

I think it will look great with a picture of all the girls that was taken Tuesday night when we had a small cookout with a few families, don't you?

Peep Card

2009-08-13T07:58:00.003-04:00

Here is the card I made to go with the gift in the previous post. I should have made it to match the gift, but the set was on loan to me and I didn't even think about it until after the set was returned to its rightful owner. I LOVE this paper from My Minds Eye. It is from the Out and About collection. I love that it pairs Soft Sky and Ruby Red (or Riding hood Red). I've always loved pale blue with red. This stamp set is Cheep Talk and one that I had put off purchasing for quite awhile. I chose it a few months ago as one of the sets I earned for free with my Sale-a-Bration sales and have really enjoyed playing with it. I hope you have a great day!

Peep Gift

2009-08-12T15:18:00.004-04:00

A very close friend of mine will be moving soon from just 20 minutes away, to over 16 hours away. It has been a quick development and one that has me just a wee bit emotional. Her husband has been offered a job in a different state and after being without work since January, they have decided to go where the work is. The evening she called to let me know that they were accepting the job, I knew I had to get started on a special project for her.

Both of us LOVE birds, there is nothing more delightful to me than to sit in my living room window bird watching and I know that my pal feels the same. We are both country decorators so I wanted to make something that would go with her decor.

There are 4 of us who are very close and we affectionately refer to our pals as our "peeps". So this project is for her to hang in her new house and when she looks at it, she'll be thinking of her peeps. The project uses the Stampin' Up! set, Season of Friendship and various supplies from Stampin' Up! Most of the papers have been recently discontinued (Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette). Each square is representative of a different season and each season has a single bird represented...each is different, to represent our four peeps. This is one of those projects that popped into my head and then just came together perfectly. I had such fun making it!

Dasher in August

2009-08-11T08:12:00.003-04:00

This past Friday I headed out to the other side of the state with some stamping friends to enjoy a day of stamping and a night away from the house. If someone would have told me 7 years ago that I would have been getting together with people I had only met online and staying at their homes and chatting till the wee hours of the night, I would have told them they were crazy! A couple years ago my pal Lorien and I attended a Splitcoaststampers event in Lansing, Michigan and then she started helping to organize subsequent Mingler Events. At these events I have met the must fun girls and really have enjoyed spending my stamping time with them. At the event this past weekend there were only 8 of us, but it was perfect. The only sad thing was that Emma had to leave early so we weren't able to enjoy her English humor for as long as I would have liked. Each of us created a swap and a make and take. Can you believe I forgot to take a photo of my swap (that could be because I was creating it at midnight the night before we were supposed to leave!) This is my make and take. I wanted something that was simple enough for the demonstrators that were there to possibly use during the Christmas season as a make and take with their customers. On my sample Dasher is stamped using Chocolate Chip craft ink and then heat embossed with clear embossing powder. The embossed background is the new Finial Press embossing folder from Stampin' Up! (which I LOVE). I dragged some Chocolate Chip ink across the embossed areas to give it more depth. Are you LOVING the new Modern Label punch? I am! The kicker on this card is that the red Modern Label is from the Movers and Shapers die that my friend Nicole shared with me a couple weeks ago. The new punch matts perfectly on the Movers and Shapers die!

Happy Birthday Butterfly

2009-08-10T09:18:00.003-04:00

I made this quick and easy card for my aunt's birthday last week. The paper is retired now, the Bella Rose DSP is one of my favorites. The butterfly in the center is the Big Shot die, Beautiful Butterflies, which of course is mounted on dimensionals. The only stamping on this card is the "Birthday" at the bottom corner, it comes from the set Fundamental Phrases and is certainly a fundamental set in my book! "Birthday" is mounted on a punched Modern Label shape which I LOVE right now. I've been stamping a lot lately but can't share them with you till September so I'll be working on a few things this week (hopefully) that I can share!

Falling Leaves - LAD Sketch

2009-07-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

I finally got all my New Catalog goodies! One of the sets I ordered was Falling Leaves. I needed a good fall set and was looking for something that didn't need to be colored in. I got a chance to play with it and really like the way this card turned out. The sketch for this one is a past Lizzie Anne Designs sketch and it worked perfectly with this set. The card front of the card is the Saffron section and it is actually 1" shorter than the back of the card (so the cute little acorn image "hangs" off the card). I used Soft Suede (again...), So Saffron, Old Olive, and Ruby Red. The red leaf was stamped and then cut out and mounted on a dimensional just as the acorn is.

This is such a great set and I can't wait to play with it some more! I haven't been very good about sending out Thanksgiving cards, but that is just because I haven't found a set that allows me to make several cards without a ton of work. This one may just be the one I've been waiting for!

Pendant Park

2009-07-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

Another project made from a set Lorien is sharing. (She is such a good sharer!) Pendant Park is a new set that caught my eye when I saw it in the catalog but I didn't purchase it because it is one of those sets that I knew I would have to see used before I decided if I would get enough use out of it. I don't think this set is a must have yet. The layout is just like the project from last week using the Season of Friendship set (which I now MUST have), I just turned the card on it's side and changed the position of the greeting. I am LOVING this new Modern Label punch and it is hard to tell which kinds of brads I used. I used the smallest Clear Circle Rhinestones. The colors used are Soft Suede (which now seems to be a goto color for me), Melon Mambo and Pretty in Pink. And do you not LOVE the embossed pattern on the Soft Suede panel?? It is the new Finial Press embossing folder. It seems you can never go wrong with something embossed somewhere.

I LOVE Inspiration!

2009-07-21T05:57:00.007-04:00

It seems like there can be WEEKS that I don't stamp. I don't make the time to go downstairs to my craft room and then before you know it weeks have passed. Then, when I DO make the time, I find myself completely unable to put anything together. Saturday evening I crawled down to my hole with a project, a gift, in my head and I sat down there until I got the entire thing done! It turned out wonderfully...just how I had envisioned it! I can't share it with you for a couple weeks though.

I don't know about you, but once I create something I am pleased with, I feel myself on a roll. So, yesterday I went back downstairs and created 3 cards! Here is the first...inspiration came from 2 stamping friends. Here are their cards:

The one on the top was made by Laura (okiechic at SCS) and the one on the bottom was made by Vicki (craftcrazy98 at SCS). Both of these were made for a swap I hostessed recently. And here is my card. Can you tell which parts of their cards inspired me?

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The set used is Circle Circus. Not a set I own, but one that my pal Lorien is letting me borrow. The sentiment is from Fundamental Phrases (a must have!). The brighter pink is the new Melon Mambo and I also used some filigree brads that I recently received (I'm loving those and don't know what took me so long to get them!).

Enjoy your day!

Season of Happy Thoughts

2009-07-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

I have been working on some swaps for Jami over at Splitcoaststampers. One of the groups I am in requires me to use the new color Bermuda Bay and any new stamp set from the new catalog. For that round, the stamp sets we were allowed to use any stamp set that had been in a previous mini. My pal Lorien had the set Season of Friendship and she let me borrow it. This card is a bit different from the one that I'll be submitting for Jami's swap, so I can share this one with you (Jami requires that we wait until the swaps have been swapped out before posting our submissions). I'll share the original (the Jami swap) when it is allowed and you can tell me which is your favorite!

I needed a card for a stamping friend so I grabbed one of the swaps I had started and added something to make it more fitting. I hope she likes it!

Open House Project

2009-07-16T13:07:00.003-04:00

This is the make and take from my New Catalog Open House (held last Saturday). The ladies used the Big Shot to do some embossing with the Texture Plates (the large Saffron panel) and some die cutting (the Top Note Die that is stamped on). They got to use the lovely Soft Suede paper and matching ribbon as well. The floral image is from Razzle Dazzle. We stamped the image with So Saffron ink then did the rock n roll technique with Soft Suede ink. The sentiment is from the set Three Little Words (from the last catalog).

Enjoy...Camp!

2009-07-14T13:15:00.004-04:00

Here is another card I'll be "sending" to my oldest while she is at camp next week. I used her favorite colors - pink and brown. The designer paper is from the retired collection - Berry Bliss. I have had this stamp set for some time and although I haven't used it tons, I don't want to get rid of it either. It sits on my shelf and on occasion I hear it calling me. I was glad to see it was not retired with the last catalog.

The little polka flower is a prima that my down line Nicole shared with me...thanks Nicole!! I'm sure my dd will love this one, if for no other reason than it is done with her favorite colors!

New To Me

2009-07-13T08:49:00.003-04:00

During Sale-a-Bration all sales that a demonstrator accumulates can earn us free sets! (Another reason I love SU!) If you have a recruit sign up during SAB we receive a free set for each recruit. This year I was lucky enough to earn several sets for sales and one for a recruit. Most of the sets I chose were bird sets since I love birds. I have been looking at these sets and wanting to stamp with them, but I haven't made stamping a priority lately. Last night I sat down to stamp some love for my oldest daughter, who is 10. On Sunday she'll be leaving for her first time away to camp. She'll be there 5 nights and she is so excited. Of course, I'm a bit sad to think she'll be gone for so many days. Luckily we are able to drop letters or packages off when we drop them off and they will be happy to be sure they get their notes at "mail call" each day. My plan is to create a new card for her each day and a package for one day during the week. This is the first card I made when I sat down last night. The set is made with one of my SAB earnings, Cheep Talk. I love this set! I used some retired paper from Stampin' Up!, my Top Note Die, some ribbon and some rhinestone brads. I don't know if you can tell, but the little birdie is popped up with dimensionals. I adored this paper when Stampin' Up! sold it and it is sad that it is no longer available for purchase...it is perfect for summer.

Retired Goodies for Sale

2009-07-08T08:04:00.002-04:00

All Scallops $22 HI & Hello $10 Riveting $15 Wild About You $20 On The Farm $20 Fabulous Flowers $18 Cleaning out!! If you are interested please send me an e-mail. caspen1973@yahoo.com

More Razzle Dazzle

2009-06-24T15:18:00.003-04:00

Here is another sample I created using Razzle Dazzle, the new Bermuda Blue card stock and ribbon and Melon Mambo. This card is so simple and I really like the way it turned out...such a simple layout and would be perfect for virtually anything! I used the large polka dot Texture Plate for the Melon panel, stamped the simple flower in Black Staz On. A little bit of faux stitching and a silver brad in the center of one of the flowers and we are done!

New Products!

2009-06-23T07:36:00.003-04:00

Ahhh, I found time to stamp last night! I had the house ALL TO MYSELF for about an hour and I REFUSED to clean! I placed a small pre-order of new products a few weeks ago and the arrived and sat on my counter. I just have been to busy to stamp but recently I organized a small swap with some stampin friends so I had to sit down and start creating. I think this will be one of the cards that I do for the swap. I really like how it turned out. I used new stamps, ribbon and colors.

The base of the card is Soft Suede, a wonderful brown really does look like suede. The pinkish layer is the much underused color, Blush Bloosom. I ran this panel through my Big Shot with one of Stampin' Up!'s texture plates (it is hard to see it in the photo). The blue layer is Bordering Blue,which I haven't dragged out in ages! I stamped an image from the new set, Razzle Dazzle, that is a series of lines and swirls, using VersaMark. Finally, I stamped the floral image from Razzle Dazzle in Soft Suede on white card stock and then used the Soft Suede ink to distress the edges of the square. I did the Cracked Glass technique on this panel but stamping VersaMark all over the square and then covered it with Glassy Glaze powder. After I heated the powder I did the same thing 3 times and placed the image in the freezer for about 10 min. I pulled it out and bent the square causing the glaze to crack. This image is adhered with dimensionals. I added the new Soft Suede polka dot grosgrain ribbon and considered this one finished!

New Product Info!!

2009-06-04T08:27:00.002-04:00

I haven't had much of a chance to stamp lately except for the 2 stamp clubs that met over the last 2 weeks. Homeschooling has really taken over my life, I love it and we plan on doing it again next year (even keeping our youngest home and doing Kindergarten here - talk about pressure - teaching a child to read?!?! YIKES!!) however, now that the new Stampin' Up! catalog is starting to ship to demonstrators, I'm getting the stamping bug again. I just placed a pre-order for new products...I can't show you photos but I can tell you that I purchased 3 of the new In Colors - a pink, blue and brown, some matching POLKA DOT GROSGRAIN!!!!!, and a stamp set....are you getting excited?

Simply Cute!

2009-06-01T12:34:00.003-04:00

Yes, I'm still around...no, I haven't stamped much. Life has been busy and I've been to exhausted to even spend time in my stamp room - sigh.... However, I had a stamp club that met this past week so I needed some projects for them. This is one of the projects that we did to showcase the spotlighting technique. I have always loved red and yellow together, it is so fresh. I can't take complete credit for this card as I started out being inspired by a project I saw at my pal Emma's blog, Lady & the Stamp. Of course it was just inspiration since my finished card really doesn't look a lot like hers! I used Stampin Up Texture Plates to do the swiss dot background on the Saffron piece. The Saffron grosgrain ribbon is from the Sale-a-bration Ribbon Bundle (here I am keeping my fingers crossed that they will make this available for purchase in the new catty.) We colored the flowers from the Simply Said image with our Stampin Write Markers. The floral image was stamped twice...on the largest one we colored the flowers Saffron and then on the other we colored them Real Red. Grab yourself some circle punches, punch the red ones out and mount the circle on top of the larger image with dimensionals, and bammmmm...a sweet card with the spotlighting technique.

Cherry on Top

2009-04-30T07:22:00.005-04:00

My oldest had her birthday party about 2 weeks ago and this is the thank you card. Her "theme" was cupcakes. The invites were pink and brown cupcakes but we were unable to find brown streamers (a must have at a party!). In addition, my brother's girlfriend had her baby shower over Easter weekend and the colors were pink and celery (isn't it funny how non stampers will say "green" but a stamper MUST get the shade just right.) There were balloons and tablecloths left over so I brought them home and we decorated with pink and celery.

I used some polka dotted paper that I found at Archivers, and some cute little gems my friend Nicole gave to me. I finally dusted off my crimper as well. The shape/image is the Stampin' Up! Simple Birthday Thanks. The idea of paper piecing with it came from a swap that I received at the SCS Michigan Mingle. The cheery is stamped onto white card stock and then colored with my Certainly Celery marker and Ruby Red marker. The top of the cupcake is stamped with Chocolate Chip ink and stamped onto Pink Pirouette card stock. The sprinkles are colored with my white gel pen. The sentiment reads "You're the cherry on top" and is from Amuse. It was alot of work cutting this baby out! Thankfully I only need 7 of them!

Hope you have a great day!

Stamp Club Project With Some SPRING!

2009-04-24T08:17:00.002-04:00

This is a project that my current stamp clubs are doing. Why do I love it so much? Why do I think my customers love it so much? Because we live in Michigan and this has been the longest winter EVER! Yesterday was a beautiful day and this weekend is supposed to be wonderful as well, but I created this sample about 2 weeks ago when we had gotten more snow. I wanted something that reminded us Michiganian's that spring WOULD come....eventually. This uses some Prints Designer Paper from a couple of years ago, the new oval scallop punch from the current mini catalog (and matching stamp set) and the new set that I am really enjoying called Branch Out. I hope you are having wonderful weather where you live. I'm feeling pretty confident that we are all done with snow here in Michigan....I hope!

Raspberry Tart and Chipboard

2009-04-21T13:42:00.003-04:00

Here is a VERY simple card that I will be showing to my stamp club tonight. The ladies wanted to see something using chipboard so I thought I would show them how you can take a piece of chipboard and use it to make a very blah card into something that makes a statement. The chipboard came from a pack that Stampin Up sold last year sometime but I believe there are new packs that have the same flower in it. I chose my Raspberry Tart DSP and turned the chipboard face down on the patterned paper, traced with a pencil and then cut it out. I used adhesive to adhere the paper to the chipboard and then using my crop-o-dile to add the clear rhinestone brad to the center. The only stamping on this is the sentiment, which comes from Three Little Words. The base of the card is made using my Top Note Die. Such a simple way to showcase the big impact that chipboard can have!

Turning 10?!?!

2009-04-01T17:15:00.003-04:00

It never ceases to amaze me when one of the girls birthday's roll around. Megan will be having a birthday this weekend and she'll be 10! TEN?!?! I can hardly believe it. It really seems like yesterday that my husband and I were getting used to our new roll - parents. It has not always been easy and there are days I am one exhausted mother, but I would not change it for anything

Megan's favorite color combo is light pink and brown. As a matter a fact, her bedroom is painted light pink with dark brown accents so I knew she would love this birthday invitation. She is having a sleepover and the girls are going to decorate cupcakes together. I used Nestabilities for the rectangular pieces thanks to my pal Vicki and the cuttlebug Paisley embossing folder thanks to my pal Lorie. The adorable little sparkly bling next to the word "Party" is also from Vicki. Actually, I'm thinking, other than the cardstock and image, all of the goodies on this card were loaned from my pals while we were at the Splitcoaststampers Mini Mingle this past weekend. (I'll share some pictures from that soon!)

I really loved the way this turned out. I wonder if any of the cupcakes the 10 year olds make will look so cute?!?

Manly Tree

2009-03-13T12:26:00.000-04:00

This card just sort of happened. I had not planned to use so many layers. All I did plan on doing was making a manly birthday card. This isn't the exact card we'll be doing for my class on Saturday, but it is very similar. Once it was completed I realized how many layers there were and decided it may intimidate the ladies. Besides, my pal Lorien stopped by yesterday and I showed her my cupcake card and she said, "Geez girl, there are a lot of layers on that!" When you are a demo it is very hard to separate yourself from cards that you really like making (lots of layers and embellishments) and cards that your customers feel they can duplicate. You don't want to scare your customers into thinking that a good card has loads of layers and lots of bling. Besides, that isn't everyone's style anyway! I used the tree from Thoughts and Prayers on this card (I know you have been seeing this image all over the place!) and the Congrats set. Congrats is a Sale-a-bration set you can get for FREE when you place a $50 order. This is a great all purpose set that will stay in my collection for some time! I hope you are having a great day. I hope it's warm where you are. It's not warm here! Snow was falling earlier, enough to coat the ground. I can't wait for spring!

Hip-hippo-ray!

2009-03-12T06:53:00.005-04:00

Here is another sample for my class on Saturday. This uses the Sweet Slumber patterned paper that is in the new Stampin' Up! catalog. It isn't very often that I find a pack of paper where I feel the need to purchase more than one pack. As a matter a fact, I think I remember that I have only done that with 3 packs of Stampin' Up!'s designer series paper packs. This is one of those packs I may end up purchasing another package of. I have always liked shades of blue, red and yellow together, so this pack really fits the bill.

The stamp is from Pun Fun and the image was water colored with Baja Breeze, So Saffron and Ruby Red. The ribbon is the SAB Saffron FREEBIE! I'm ashamed to say that I purchased this set nearly a year ago when I was inspired by some cards my friend Robin was creating. (If you haven't seen her stuff, you really need to check out her blog.) This is the FIRST card I have made with this set! She did that to me with Embrace Life as well...I haven't made a darn thing with that set either. Maybe my next class I'll have an Embrace Life card all ready. I could do a Pun Fun card and we could call it a "Spin off a Robin Spinner class"!

I totally CASED this layout from a card in the Splitcoaststampers gallery, the only thing I changed was my designer paper. CASE-ing makes life so much easier!

Stamp Camp On Saturday

2009-03-11T12:30:00.004-04:00

I have a birthday card stamp camp this Saturday from 10-2. I didn't sit down until last night to start preparing samples for it, but I got three of them done, which is pretty quick! So, to start off we may as well make the first sample scream birthday! How about this...does this scream birthday?? This sample uses the set Crazy for Cupcakes and started out being Pretty in Pink and Certainly Celery (for some reason I have used that color combo several times with this set!) but I decided to make it gender neutral so that the ladies who are coming to the class can use this card for anyone that has a birthday coming up. I absolutely LOVE this stamp set, it by far my most favorite birthday set I have ever owned. I will admit that I have mainly used the image you see highlighted (cupcakes on a cupcake stand) and the greeting. I promise to try a card soon that uses the jumbo cupcake!

I used my square punches to really focus in on the small cupcakes. The Bashful Blue panel was wheeled with the matching standard wheel, inked with Bashful Blue ink. I really wanted to use my Pumpkin Pie striped ribbon so I tied it around the middle and added Pumpkin Pie "sprinkles" to the cupcake tops to tie it in. I love the color combo of Real Red, Bashful Blue and Pumpkin Pie. This color combo is one that was in some designer paper last summer. Really fun colors together!

Three Little Words Swap

2009-03-08T16:53:00.004-04:00

Here is my final sample in Jami's New Catty Swap. This card uses Bella Rose paper. I really wanted it to be soft and feminine, I think I achieved that. I used the eyelet border punch (because I can't seem to stop using it!). I added the brads because the card just needed something more. I would have used pink pirouette brads if we had any. I'm off to create some more goodies! I have a class this coming Saturday and I need to get my projects designed!

Thoughts and Prayers...

2009-03-05T19:30:00.002-05:00

Another favorite from the new catalog! This was my second submission for Jami's swap. I used the eyelet border punch as well...I don't know which I like better, the scallop edge or the eyelet edge. Hmmm....I have heard several people say that they are getting sick of the scallops. I don't know if I'll ever get sick of scallops but I am enjoying the even more feminine look of the eyelet border.

Another Jami Swap

2009-03-05T08:06:00.003-05:00

A new catalog means a new swap with Jami. This is one of my submissions. As soon as I saw the Trendy Trees set, I knew I had to have it! I don't know what it is about it, but it is so cute! Paired with the Sweet Slumber paper and I'm in love! This card has lots of layers but it wasn't difficult. The only thing you need to remember with this set is that the Stamp-a-ma-jig helps ALOT!! I continue to be sad that this beautiful Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon will be retiring this summer. It matches the Ruby Red ink and paper so well! Maybe they'll keep it and just re-name it "Ruby Red Taffeta". A girl can dream right?

Fifth Avenue Flowers

2009-02-25T06:35:00.003-05:00

This is the last sample that the ladies did at our Stamp Camp this weekend. I completely cased this idea from Laura (okiechic) (you should really check out her gallery, she does great work!). I met her a few weeks ago, when a few of us were getting together to stamp before the Splitcoaststampers Michigan Mingle, that is coming in a few weeks. When I saw this stamp set I thought it was just another flower set and who needs another flower set? Well, apparently I did, because I bought it after seeing this pretty card. I just couldn't get over how FAST of a card it is! No piercing, no water coloring, just straight stamping (which most of us don't do enough of anymore). I haven't had a ton of time to play with this set but it is one that I was thinking of using for my swaps for the Mingle. I'm hoping to have some time to play later this week and I'll share with you what I come up with.

Another Stamp Camp Card - Thoughts and Prayers

2009-02-24T07:10:00.002-05:00

Here is yet another sample using Thoughts and Prayers....It doesn't surprise me that this set was on back order almost immediately! This project's layout was CASED from Kelly Lunceford's fabulous creation. Of course mine doesn't look as good as her's but I think I did ok. I used Baja Breeze and Black, which I think are striking together. Very classy. Of all the projects the ladies did at my stamp a stack this weekend, this one took the longest for them to assemble. It wasn't that it was hard because in actuality the stamping was minimal. I think it was all the layers that did it. They were able to use the beautiful eyelet edge punch, which really adds to the elegance of this card if you ask me.

I hope today is a great day for you!

From Saturday's Stamp Camp - Three Little Words

2009-02-23T10:09:00.003-05:00

I loved the set Three Little Words as soon as I saw it, but I have had a bit of a time coming up with some good cards. It must mean that I need to play with it a bit more huh? This sample was completely inspired but the ribbon! Isn't that funny? A few weeks back I got together with some fellow stampers and my pal Lorien had this beautiful Kraft Taffeta Ribbon. It was beautiful, so I knew I had to have some! I wanted to use it on a project and it seemed only natural to pair it with pink!

Thoughts and Prayers

2009-02-22T18:10:00.002-05:00

"I'm Praying for You" seems to be a statement I've been saying alot lately. I know that the economy is terrible all over the United States, but it really seems to be hitting our state of Michigan hard. Much of our economy is made up of the car industry and as you all know, it has been an industry hit hard lately. There are people left and right losing their jobs all around us. Even my husband is just waiting for the day that he does not get to return to work. In addition there are a few people in our lives who have recently found out they are facing serious illnesses. The set Thoughts and Prayers is one that is really getting a work out at my house.

This card is going to a lady from our church who is headed to Henry Ford Hospital this week to have a mass biopsied they have found on her pancreas. I'm praying for her and I just wanted her to know.

Gift For A Sister

2009-02-13T06:05:00.004-05:00

In just a few weeks I'll be hangin with my stampin sisters for a whole weekend! A bunch of us at Splitcoaststampers are going to Bay City for a weekend at the end of March. We did it last year and are doing it again this year. We'll have free stamping time, organized challenges (which are my favorite!), door prizes and demonstrations. (I LOVE the prizes!)

Part of the fun is that we get paired up with secret sisters for the 3 months prior and we send them 2 cards a month and little goodies if we are so inclined, and then we meet each other that weekend. This year, I have it on good authority that my little sister doesn't spend much time online, so I'm sure it won't make any difference if I post this...I don't think she'll see it. IF she does, I don't mind anyway. Last year my little sister found me out and we had the best time chatting online before meeting. We sat together at the event and have gotten together to stamp since. It really was nice "knowing" one another before hand.

This is my gift for my little sister for February. I was going to do something Valentiney but opted for this card and calendar since it is so early in the year still she will get some use out of it, and she said she likes earth tone colors. I hope she likes it. The calendar was a kit that Stampin Up was selling in our last mini catalog, I picked it up and never did anything with it. When I read that my sister likes red, browns and earth tones, I thought it would be perfect for her. The card has some fancy fold to it that I copied from my friend Vicki who did a beautiful Christmas card in a swap we were in this past fall. I'm not sure the name of the fold though! Vicki, if you read this, can you post the name of it in the comments?

I used the Top Note Big Die on this one since I love that die and am trying to find ways to use it. The stamp set I used is called Enjoy Every Moment. A set I thought I'd get a ton of use out of, but have rarely used. After using it on this project I am convinced I need to drag it out more often!

Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Three Little Words...

2009-02-09T23:10:00.004-05:00

Another set that I just had to have from the new catalog was "Three Little Words". I adore this set. I don't know what it is, maybe it is the beautiful font on the "T", maybe it is the simplicity of it, I'm not sure but I have had fun playing with it. Here is the first sample I had with this set and I am considering it as a card to be made by my customers at my upcoming New Stuff Stamp a Stack. When I plan classes it seems I always have "proto-types" that I play around with. Some make it, some don't. We'll have to wait and see!

I used my Bella Rose paper that I have had sitting around for awhile and the new eyelet border punch. Isn't it pretty!? It certainly gives a project a feminine feel. The ribbon is of course Chocolate Chip narrow grosgrain and the pretty brad??? Sweet clear rhinestone brads that Stampin Up! now carries! I hope you enjoy the card and have a great day!

2009-02-07T14:16:00.002-05:00

I can feel it...really, it's coming...SPRING!!! Today it is in the 4o's and the snow is melting like crazy. My dh says it is supposed to be like this all week! Here is a card to celebrate! I love the combo of pink and celery. This was made with the new set Petal Pizazz. I don't actually own this set, it belongs to my pal Vicki (CraftCrazy98 at Splitcoaststampers.com) . We got together with some other friends to stamp a couple of weeks ago and she stamped the large flower image and didn't like it! She was going to throw it away if you can believe it?!?! I said, "Oh, no! Pass that over!" I hijacked it (or should I say that I saved it from certain death?) Anyway, this is what I created with it. I added some circle rhinestone brads to the center of the flowers, I used the Polka Dot background stamp (which is on the dormant list, I PRAY it doesn't get retired in June!!!) and of course some 5/8" grosgrain ribbon.

I had no real need for this card, I just could not see the beautiful bloom get trashed! If you click on Vicki's name above, you can see what she ended up making with this set, it is just fabulous (as are most of her creations!)

Stamps and Stuff for Sale

2009-02-06T10:40:00.001-05:00

AHHH..I've been cleaning...actually my mother stopped by last week to help me START cleaning my stamp room. She even said, "Gee, I thought I had alot of stuff!" I am pulling out stuff that I don't need or haven't used in a very long time. Please take a look and let me know if you need anything. Shipping is not included in the price, I'll ship to you priority mail. Most of these stamps have been used but when you contact me, I can let you know the exact condition and e-mail at caspen1973@yahoo.com you a photo if you like. If you want multiple items I might even strike a deal. I really need to get rid of this stuff!

Stampin Up Stamps and Accessories

All About you $15

Dotted Background $10

Looks Like Spring $15

Print Pattern Background $10

So Many Scallops $ 5

So Much $20

Swell News $15

Wonderful Words $7 (used ALOT)

1/4" Circle Punch $4

ATC Album page refill pack (never opened) $3

Eyelet Tool (2 sizes of holes) and Setter $5

Spectrum Pad - Twist (bright colors) $2

Wheel Guide $10

CC Designs Stamps

A Hootin Good Time $15

http://www.allthatscraps.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=360_361_442&products_id=5917

Amy R Build a Holiday (never used) $10

http://www.allthatscraps.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=360_361_752&products_id=7444

Big Old Background Polka Dots

http://www.allthatscraps.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=360_361_596&products_id=5313

Big Ol Background Stripes $5

http://www.allthatscraps.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=360_361_596&products_id=5653

Cookie Crumbs Annabelle (never used) $13

http://www.allthatscraps.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=650_785&products_id=7118

Cookie Crumbs Cow Print Background (never used) $5

http://www.allthatscraps.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=650_785&products_id=7117

Itzie Inkies Pretty Kitties $7

http://www.allthatscraps.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=360_361_545&products_id=6481

Pajama Christopher (never used) $3

http://www.allthatscraps.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=650_785&products_id=7115

Sugarplum Halloween $15

http://www.allthatscraps.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=650_751&products_id=6849

Sugarplum Scenery Christmas $8.00

http://www.allthatscraps.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=650_785&products_id=7116

Queenies Cleaning Queenie (never used) $4

http://www.allthatscraps.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=360_361_625&products_id=5660

Various

Disney All Night Media "Pooh Party Parade" (very used) $5

http://s307.photobucket.com/albums/nn303/hazel2828/RUBBER%20STAMPS/OCT%2023/OCT%2023B/?action=view&current=044.jpg

Hero Arts Celebrate Background Stamp $2

Hero Arts - Lil Blossom Patterns (Never Used) $10

for a photo, here is an e-bay auction that has one listed:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hero-Arts-BLOSSOM-PATTERNS-stamp-set-Fall-Flowers_W0QQitemZ120364478786QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0#ebayphotohosting

Inkadinkadoo (Kathy Davis) "God Could Not Be Everywhere That's Why He Created Mothers" $2

Trendy Trees and Some Sweet Slumber Paper

2009-02-06T07:24:00.003-05:00

Hello! It seems like it has been awhile since I have posted anything! I've actually made a few things and plan to schedule some posts for you to take a look. This sample was made with some new catalog goodies. My first new catalog order included Trendy Trees, Thoughts and Prayers and Three Little Words. I couldn't send a new order in without adding some buttons (Button Latte - YUMMY! - and some new patterned paper (Sweet Slumber). I'm not sure WHY Trendy Trees jumped out at me, I just thought it was so cute! I have been thinking it needs a tiny bird in it..oooh, how about a bench, bird bath? Kind of like the new set Branch Out (also on my list).

Here is my sample using Trendy Trees and Sweet Slumber paper. I've always loved yellow, blue and red together so this paper was first on my list as well. It includes Ruby Red, Baja Breeze and So Saffron. I have also always liked gingham. Gingham is easy. Not to busy, pair it with solids or even polka dots. Not to crazy. I have trouble matching designer paper that is patterned, I freak out about it being to busy, so gingham makes it all easy. When this card was finished it reminded me of some 50's diner or something. It must be the gingham.

The ribbon is the Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon. I don't have Riding Hood Red paper or ink, it is so close to Ruby Red that I haven't felt the need for it. This ribbon matches perfectly as well. I love it and am really sad that it will be retired come summer. I was going for simple with this one and think I achieved it. I keep trying to find different ways to use the Top Note Die, so this is how I chose to use it for this card. Using it this way, you can get two out of one, but just cutting it in half!

I'm off to start the day, but I'll be back later with another sample to share!

Valentines

2009-01-27T08:34:00.003-05:00

I was out shopping not to long ago and happened upon some beautiful paper by Heidi Grace. This paper is from the Cherrywood Lane collection. I chose it for Valentines paper because it is non-traditional Valentine's colors. The paisleys and the colors are completely my style so I knew my girlfriends would understand why I chose this paper. The stamps are new from Lizzie Anne Designs - Tea Time is my favorite from the latest release, however I also really love Welcome Home and Damask.

The photo shows three different cards I made that all coordinate together. I'm not done with my Valentines, I have a few more to make, but I wanted to share these ones with you since I got them done. I'll share individual pic's of them over the next few days so you can see them a bit closer. Enjoy your day! I've got to get the girls started on school. We've started long division with our 4th grader and that is taking a bit longer to get mastered than any other math we've done thus far!

50th Anniversary

2009-01-20T07:37:00.003-05:00

This card was made for a couple from our church that is getting ready to celebrate their 50th year together. Every year the wife sends out birthday postcards to EVERY member of our 450-500 member church! This year we thought it would be nice to shower THEM with greetings. This image is from Stampendous and the actual name of the image is partially rubbed off the label so I can't tell you the exact name! Hey Lorie...can you post it in the comments since you were my inspiration for this stamp! I purchased this stamp the end of December when I was out shopping with my pals. Lorie hardly hesitated at picking this one up (I say hardly because she was choosing between 2 similar but different images). When we got back to our stamping space she started playing with it and I fell in love with it as well. I went back a couple days later (so glad the stamps were still 40% off!) and grabbed one for myself. The photo is a bit washed out but the colors I used were Soft Sky and Basic Grey. I used my aquapainters and Soft Sky ink for the tops of the flowers and some Stardust Stickles for sparkle. I painted the leaves with Basic Grey ink. I was going for a muted feel on this one. Of course I used SU's Top Note Bigz Die for the focal piece. I layered it onto some Basic Grey and then just cut a border around it. Since I am a terrible straight cutter, I roughed it up so it would look ok anyway. The "Happy Anniversary" sentiment is from the SU set, Hugs and Wishes. You can't really tell, but I did use the Linen background stamp on the Soft Sky layers. I hope you are all having a great day! I'm getting ready for my Open House this weekend and will be doing some stamping this week. I'll be sharing pics of what I come up.

Jami's Valentines Swap

2009-01-16T05:54:00.002-05:00

Another sample from Jami's swap. This time we were making Valentines, which I will admit I don't' do many of. I love looking at Valentines, but I just have the hardest time coming out with a layout that I like, I feel stuck with red and pink and for some reason that throws me off. For this sample I used the new Raspberry Tart Designer Paper and the set Always. I love that set and especially love this large heart image. I added a circle rhinestone for some bling and lots of layers. When I was done with it I wasn't so sure about it and contemplated trashing it and starting over, but after I had already cut all the layers of about 5 of them I decided that there was no turning back!

Jami Sneak Peek Swap - Sweet Stems

2009-01-16T05:39:00.004-05:00

If you like the set Pocket Silhouettes and you like water coloring just a little, you'll love this new stamp set Sweet Silhouettes. As soon as I saw it I was put in on my New Catalog Pre-order. There are a couple of reasons it appealed to me. #1, it was inexpensive! At just $16.95 for 4 stamps it won't break the bank and #2, you know I like to watercolor so the open flowers afford me just enough space to give the images some color, yet the area is so small that it won't take long at all to color in!

This card uses Kraft, Pink Pirouette and Baja Breeze card stock. I love the softness of these colors together. They would make perfect Easter colors don't you think? I will admit that the cute little thingy's (is that a word?) in the scallops took me some time to line up. The "thingy's" are from Stampin' Up!'s All Scallops set and were heat embossed with clear embossing powder. I punched the scallop first and then put the thingy's in. Some faux stitching and a hint of dazzling diamonds in the center of the flower finished out this cutie!

More Cupcakes

2009-01-14T07:31:00.004-05:00

Kira has a friend who turned 7 this past weekend and her favorite color is green. I usually use a retired princess set from Stampin' Up! when I make birthday cards for any of younger girls friends, but because I knew the girls would be decorating their own cupcakes at the party I wanted to use my Crazy for Cupcakes set again.

I used some retired Certainly Celery Prints paper from Stampin Up! and the pretty velvet ribbon is from a Target Dollar Spot spool I picked up a year ago. I made the tops of the cupcakes sparkly again using Stardust Stickles.

All these cupcakes have really made me crave some yummy birthday cake!!!

Crazy for Cupcakes

2009-01-09T07:08:00.004-05:00

I got to stamp a few nights ago!! A sweet friend whose birthday is today needed a card to go along with the Vera Bradley purse I got for her. It is a Petal Pink pattern so I chose the color combo of pink and celery. I really wanted to use my Stampin Up set Crazy for Cupcakes, it is my favorite birthday set hands down! Really, a must have and I haven't used it enough!

I chose some paper that has been in my stash for sometime. I think I got it at JoAnn's and I am fairly certain I have seen it there recently. The little pearls are self adhesive and from JoAnn's as well. I stamped the image in Black Staz On and colored it in with my Stampin Write Markers. Don't you love the sparkle on the cupcake tops? That was made with Cotton Candy Stickles that I got from my friend Lorien last March.

I hope you have a great weekend! I'm hoping to stamp again tomorrow...Maybe I'll have something to share!

Blog Candy Winner

2009-01-05T06:50:00.002-05:00

Gee, I'm a bit late aren't I??? Actually I did draw the blog candy winner and the winner was Lorie. I've already been in contact with her and she selected her goodies! Yippee Lorie! I don't know about you, but I'm excited about the New Year! I found that last year I was very disconnected from Stampin' Up! and my stamping time. Now that the New Year is here, I intend to get back on some sort of schedule with my stamping. I don't usually make a huge list of new years resolutions because I do not seem to follow them. And, each year my list gets smaller as I see the ones that I failed with the previous year. This year I have said that I want to get my stamping space cleaned and organized (it would be great if I could do that for the rest of my house to!) and keep it that way. And my yearly resolution about being a better mom, is always number one on my list! Do you have any resolutions? I'd love to hear about them.

Gingersnaps Meet Peppermint Stick

2008-12-16T07:52:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I received a package from All That Scraps. I LOVE getting those packages! When I opened it up, 2 new sets of stamps were waiting for me. This adorable image is from the new set called Snow Bunnies. It is part of a new line called Gingersnaps. I absolutely adore this sweet face. Her round head reminds me of Charlie Brown! I used some Basic Grey paper that I just love. I love the fun colors and the stripes as well. This is called Peppermint Stick. It is my last piece of paper so I will admit I have been hoarding it! The ribbon is Riding Hood Red Taffeta. I haven't bought any Riding Hood Red supplies other than this ribbon. To me, the color is so close to Ruby Red that I don't need yet another red. This ribbon though, is one that I use all the time, so I'll be stocking up on it before the In Colors retire this summer!

The snowflake is a brad that I have had laying around forever . I just flattened the back out and ran some silver cord through and hung it, rather than attach it to my card. I put some glue on it and dipped it into my Dazzling Diamonds to give it some sparkle. I faked my brads as well! I had some Ruby Red brads but I wanted some sparkle, so I put a mini glue dot onto the head of the brad and dipped it into Dazzling Diamonds. You can never have to much sparkle!

I colored the image with my Aquapainter and SU! inks and then cut her out. The sentiment is from Amy's set, Christmas Sentiments.

My last post talked about this being my last month on the All That Scraps Design Team. I thought I'd share some of the great stuff I received over the last year. So....If you read this entire post, I guess you are lucky! Leave me a comment about how you are doing with your Christmas shopping. I'll choose a lucky winner on Friday morning and you can choose from some CC Designs sets I have here! Good luck!

Simple by Sweet Holiday

2008-11-30T19:30:00.004-05:00

I was going for quick, simple but sparkling with sweet holiday wishes. Did I achieve it? This card took no time at all to make! I paper pierced the outside of some Whisper White card stock and stamped the tiny snowman and star from the new CC Designs set called Sugarplum Snowy Scenery. The words are from one of Amy Rysavy's new sentiment sets. Honestly, both of her sets are amazing and are sets that will be in my collection forever!!!

I outlined the snowman with a Going Grey Stampin' Write Marker, I did the same with the snowy ground I created and did his carrot nose with some Pumpkin Pie ink and an Aquapainter. The star was stamped with Black Staz On and I went over it with some Summer Sun chalk and finished off with some glue and Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

The oval that the sentiment was done in was totally CASED from this card by my friend Vicki. Her work is AMAZING and this card is more beautiful in person than you see here! I wish I could give you a blog link for her so you could follow her work, but alas, she doesn't have a blog! So, are your Christmas cards done yet?

Winter Bear Warms My Heart...

2008-11-29T17:14:00.004-05:00

Today I was sitting downstairs working on some projects for the CC Designs release when my oldest brought the mail in. She yelled, "You've got more stuff from All That Scraps!" I was thrilled because today we were supposed to share samples made with the set I knew was in that package - Winter Bear. I stopped what I was doing and abandoned my project to work on this! Isn't this adorable????

This uses some designer paper from SU! from approximately 2 years ago. It is my favorite snowflake paper ever and my last piece!!! I'm so sad about that, but smiling at this cute card! I wanted nothing more than blue and red. Great colors for the holiday. I did some faux blanket stitching on this one as well. One of my favorite "stitches" to create. I also grabbed a metal edge tag. I haven't used one of those in more than a year! The little box they are stored in was all dusty!!! Funny the embellishments you can't live with out (like ribbon and brads) and the ones you forget about! I added some glitter because you just can't do a snow project and omit glitter - it's unnatural!

Sadie and Pepper!!

2008-11-29T16:57:00.004-05:00

LOVE THEM! Isn't this the cutest!?!?! I think this is my favorite Sadie image yet - Jenn did a great job on her!

I was supposed to have this one uploaded yesterday but we did Thanksgiving with the in-laws. Usually we are home at a decent hour but we didn't get home till late last night. So, I'm late on my upload, but at least I got it done! Things have been so crazy since last month when we had a medical scare with my dad, and it seems like I just can't catch up.

First and foremost let me say that this post is bittersweet because this is my last first post of a CC Designs release. (Does that make sense???) When I was invited to the CC Designs team it was supposed to be for just 3 months, then Christine extended it until December. Now that term is running down. It has been such fun and prior to this DT position, I didn't own many stamps other than SU! so it has been fun trying out new stuff!

This project was made with some Basic Grey paper, Cool Carribean, Chocolate Chip, and some sparkle! I also added the little fence from a new release this time as well! It is an adorable set with winter houses and trees and snowmen....you'll love it...but you'll have to wait to see some more images till tomorrow!

Scalloped Edge Christmas Ornament

2008-11-28T07:25:00.003-05:00

A week or so ago, Taylor VanBruggen posted a tutorial on her blog about how to make these adorable ornaments with Stampin' Up!'s scallop edge punch. Since I love making ornaments at this time of year, I thought I would give it a try and I am in heaven! These are so easy to make, you have got to try them! The stamped image on this is from my most favorite Christmas set ever, Holiday Lane. This is from Lizzie Anne Designs. I adore the stamps that the girls at Lizzie Anne create and as soon as I saw this set, I had to have it. I have plans to make more ornaments using different color schemes. This one uses Kraft, Real Red and Old Olive. I also used Bordering Blue to color the snow on the roof of the house. I adore Santa's boots sticking out of the chimney on this image.

Speaking of Santa...what is on your wish list this year?

Happy Birthday to .....

2008-11-25T09:20:00.002-05:00

No one really. I have a friend who is having a birthday later in the month, so maybe she'll get this one, I haven't decided. But this image is fun! This is one of the Glam girls that Christine released earlier this month, the set is called Glam Girls II, and I was just getting a chance to play with it. The sentiment is from the Sugarplums Sentiments set. This image was paired with some fun and cheerful Cutie Pie designer paper from Stampin' Up! I can't believe this paper is no longer available!! This was watercolored with SU! inks and an aquapainter. Of course I used the scallop edge punch and bling was a necessity. The rhinestones have been in my stash for ages...I think I got them at JoAnns. I hope you all have a great day!

Princess Cupcake

2008-11-22T16:17:00.002-05:00

I am really enjoying this set called Cupcake Occasions. It is available now at All That Scraps. This card was made for my 6 year old daughter. She is very much the girlie girl and if you check out our home schooling blog you'll see photos of the Disney vacation we just returned from. My favorite photo is a picture of Kira gasping as she saw the princesses emerge onto the stage in front of Cinderella's Castle in the Magic Kingdom. We had a rough day of school earlier this week and when I sat down to stamp last night I was thinking of how much I love my kids and don't always show it. (Mommy guilt can be so huge sometimes). So, to give her some lovin' and make her feel extra special, I made her this card. Pair this adorable cupcake top and my favorite My Minds Eye paper and I think this one is a winner!

Missed the Release But Still Havin' Fun

2008-11-17T21:25:00.003-05:00

While we were in Florida CC Designs had another new release. I shared 2 projects with you before but now that I am home I had some time to play today. This simple card was made with the new set Christmas Around the World. I love the monkey playing with the ornaments! This is a very quick layout that is a great way to use patterned paper! This designer paper is from KI Memories, Jen Ofiania has turned me on to their patterned paper. These are Alpine Skinny Stripe and Alpine Moguls, both of which were originally purchased from All That Scraps but it doesn't look like they are being carried any longer.

I stamped the monkey on Whisper White and water colored the image with Real Red, Ruby Red, Soft Sky, So Saffron, Creamy Caramel, and Close to Cocoa. I added some Liquid Applique onto his Santa hat and sparkle to the ornaments from my Sakura gel pen. Some Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon and Dew Drops and here is another Christmas card ready to be sent out! Whoo hooo!

Jami Swap and Another Stamp Camp Project

2008-11-14T08:50:00.004-05:00

We are home! I think I mentioned that we were headed for our kids first trip to Disney World, and we made it through the 4 hour car ride with only one incident of "pulling over on the side of the highway for a spanking". Actually, it was a great trip and all in all the 2 hours there and 2 hours back went really well.

I have been saving this project for weeks. This was my contribution to a swap with Jami at Splitcoaststampers and she asks that we wait until the packages have all been swapped out before sharing them.

I used the little house and sentiment from the Stampin Up! set, To You and Yours, and also added the Canvas background stamp. I used the big Shot Top Note Die. I love this die! At first I didn't think there would be to many options with it for cards but was I wrong! The house was simply stamped on the die in Chocolate Chip and colored with pastels. Then I used the Chocolate Chip to do some DTP along the edges (for a distressed look). In addition I pulled out my color spritzer tool and my Chocolate Chip marker to give it more of a distressed look. I covered the die with Versa Mark and Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder as well, punched a horizontal slot and threaded some Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon through. What do you think?

North Pole Release

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

Isn't this elf adorable?!? Although I like to send out Christmas cards that reflect the true meaning of the season, I also love sweet images that make me think of the fun of childhood - like Santa and his elves. When I was growing up my favorite holiday book was published by Disney and was called Santa's Toy Shop. I especially loved that it showed different scenes of Santa's shop, specifically the doll department, the train department, etc. A few years ago I found the same book at a yard sale and got all giddy to purchase it for my girls. Of course they haven't enjoyed it nearly as much as mom thinks they should! Anyway, this image reminds me of those fun childhood memories of Christmas. Isn't he cute? CC Designs will be releasing a new set called "North Pole" and this image is just one of the fun new toys I got to play with this past week. You'll have to check out the other design team members blogs to get more peaks of this set!

For this project I used some Basic Grey paper. This is from their Dashing Collection - Snowfall Cranberry and Flannel Shirt. Aren't these colors great together? Some Stampin Up! Cranberry Crisp (from 2 years ago) and some Soft Sky (from last year) and you know you can never go wrong when you add Old Olive to the mix! I added some Pewter Jumbo Eyelets and called it good. Finally, pair it with one of Amy Rysavy's new sets and you have a sweet card! Amy is releasing 2 Christmas sentiment sets - I have to admit these are sets that will forever stay in my collection! The new release will be November 12 so don't forget to check out all the new stamp sets at All That Scraps!

Awesome Cupcake Release!!

2008-11-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

Is "funnest" a word? Or would proper grammar be to say "most fun"? Well, I guess I'll use the word "funnest" because that is exactly what I thought when I saw this new set that is designed by fellow All That Scraps Design Team Member Diane Zechman . There is a new release coming at All That Scraps and this month there will be several new sets from CC Designs, this adorable cupcake set, 3 new sets from Amy Rysavvy, Jenn Ofiania is sharing a new set, a new Sadie image and Sadie's got a man in her life too! Each month I continue to be shocked at all the new stuff Christine is releasing!

Back to this project...this is made with the set Cupcake Occasions. It is a wonderful cupcake set that has 2 separate cupcake bottoms and 18 different tops. There is a cupcake top for virtually every holiday and season! Really this is an adorable set! This was made using one of my favorite SU! designer papers - Summer Picnic. I think I enjoy this paper so much because of the great colors in it! Real Red, Bashful Blue, Old Olive.....see those polka dots on the background??? One of Christine's big 'ol backgrounds from earlier this year which was heat embossed with Clear Embossing Powder. It gives a project a great look. Very finished.

As you read this we are in sunny Florida! I'll share a picture or two after we return. I've also got one other sample to share during the release but the rest will have to wait till we get back. I hope you are all having a wonderful day!

Another Stamp Camp Project

2008-10-25T00:01:00.004-04:00

Here is another project my customers made today at my Christmas Card Stamp a Stack.

This uses the new Ski Slope Designer Series paper, which I love! I love the color combo and the stripes! The layout for this card is stolen (or borrowed, depends how you look at it!) from a swap I was in recently. "Jan Tink" submitted this pretty sample, scroll down to the second card in this blog post. The Top Note shape is from the new Big Shot templates Stampin' Up! carries. Isn't it a wonderful shape!? The greeting is from a level one hostess set called Best Yet. Of course you can see the Canvas background stamp on the Chocolate Chip base. I love the very unconventional Christmas colors on this.

I'm off as we have some family things to attend to in just a bit. Have a great day!

Christmas Card Stamp A Stack

2008-10-23T23:37:00.004-04:00

I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted. We've had a few crises around here lately and I have hardly had time to stamp at all! I do have a stamp camp this Saturday and I just finished designing the cards tonight (yes, I know, the camp is in 2 days, but we really have had some crazy stuff going on!)

Here is one of the cards my customers will be doing. I wanted simple on this one, one that could easily be duplicated. This one uses Shimmery White cardstock which is really pretty, though I do wish the shimmer were a bit more noticeable, Always Artichoke, Ruby Red and Pink Piroutte... I thought these colors looked really pretty together and I love the snowflakes from Snow Swirled. There isn't anything difficult about this project. I do think the rhinestone brad adds "that extra something" though!

Review of Sadie

2008-10-09T23:40:00.006-04:00

Today if you hop around to some of the other All That Scraps design team members blogs, you'll see some more projects made with either Annabelle or Sadie. This is my Thanksgiving sample made with Sadie. I just adore this new character and look forward to seeing some more images of Sadie. What would you like to see Sadie doing?

This is made using some My Minds Eye paper from All That Scraps, Stampin Up! inks, card stock and brads. Nothing fancy done here except several layers and I used dimensionals on the image as well as the 2 rectangles behind it. The red ribbon is the Riding Hood Red taffeta from SU! I haven't found it necessary to purchase the RH ink and paper, it is so close to Ruby Red that is what I have been using.

What are you up to this weekend? I'm hoping to stamp, but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't "hope" to stamp!

Welcome Sadie!

2008-10-08T05:51:00.003-04:00

Allow me to introduce Sadie.... this sweet little girl is the creation of Jen Ofiana. Isn't she adorable? If you don't know who Jen is, you have to check out her blog. I love Jen's stuff. Christine at All That Scraps has been so wonderful as to offer several other design team members the opportunity to begin designing stamp sets and I have to say that I was so excited to see this (and several other) Sadie image. I have a couple other cards in the works with an Indian Sadie for Thanksgiving and a Christmas Sadie. You'll have to check back! I paper pieced Sadie's skirt and used one of my all time favorite Stampin' Up! Designer Paper packs - Cutie Pie. Her skirt is perfect for paper piecing! I also used Stampin' Up!'s striped grosgrain ribbon as well as a hodgepodge of brads (Soft Subtles and Rich Regals). The image was colored using my SU! markers. This really was a fast card to put together and with three kids, newly home schooling, a house that always needs to be cleaned, and all the other things that go along with being a grown woman who likes to play with stampin toys, I need fast projects!

Olivia in her Jammies

2008-10-07T06:24:00.005-04:00

Isn't Olivia the sweetest??? I adore this image for several reasons. First, from a purely stamping perspective, it is perfect for paper piecing which means a quick project. But from a mommy perspective, it kinda reminds me that my girls are getting older. Megan is 9 and to old for footed jammies. Kira is 6 and honestly I don't think I have any footed jammies for her. 'Tis the season in Michigan where it is getting cold at night so I was digging through boxes of packed away winter clothes and stumbled upon several pairs of footed jammies for Brooke. Luckily I think I have one more year of little ones with footed jammies. At least when Brooke outgrows them, I'll have this image of Olivia to reminiscence with!

This patterned paper is from The Paper Studio and I bought it ages ago. I had the hardest time matching the green. It is brighter than Celery but not as bright as Gable Green. I hate when that happens. Then, I wanted some ribbons in Olivia's pig tails but didn't have any Regal Rose ribbon. I'm so glad that a Stampin Write Marker can change the shade of white ribbon! I just drug the marker down the length of the ribbon and was all set! Olivia is being sold as a single at All That Scraps. The adorable stocking is from the set that I showcased yesterday, Sugarplum Christmas Scenes. I used some Liquid Applique on the top of the stocking to give it something fun. I hope you have enjoyed looking at all the fun samples of this month's release!

WAY Behind on New Releases

2008-10-06T08:41:00.003-04:00

Well, this is the LAST day of some sneak peeks of the new CC Designs releases and this is my first peek!! I got a horrible cold and wasn't able to stamp at all! So...I'm really behind. Here is one that I made using the new Sugarplum set called Christmas Scenery. This project uses some Basic Grey paper, it is from their Dasher Collection. This set is so fun! It includes some great images that will work wonderfully for scrap booking! I used my Stampin' Up inks and an aquapainter to color the images. The presents were colored and popped up with dimensionals.

I will post another project tomorrow but please note that the release is set for tomorrow night. To see projects with the other new releases, just visit the All That Scraps Design Team Gallery. (Did you notice I finally used a hyper link?!?!? I'm so excited - a customer of mine told me how to do it and I can't believe how easy it is!)

Fun New Release

2008-09-26T09:24:00.003-04:00

Yesterday CC Designs had a new release! Isn't this the funnest image? This set is called My Rubber Ducky and features the monkey and the bear, a rubber ducky image, some bubble and a couple sentiments..including the one used inside this Surprise Pop-Up card, Relax and Unwind. Boy, do I need to do that! My husband insists that I don't know HOW to relax. I think he may be right.

I haven't had a chance to stamp in a few days but really wanted to make a pop up card for the All That Scraps Wednesday Challenge. Of course I'm a couple days behind but at least I found some time to play. I used this perfect tutorial for the pop up card, I found it a few years ago at Splitcoaststampers http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ee/index.php/resources/tutorials/surprise_pop_up_card/ . I adore these cards and really have fun making them. If you haven't tried one, run on over to Splitcoast and give it a try. They are really easy!

The patterned paper is from the new Sweet Bella collection from Stampin Up! I used the scallop edge punch and also the circle scallop punch to give this a feminine feel. The pink is the new Pink Pirouette from Stampin' Up! as well. I hope you are able to relax and unwind today!

Where are the Projects?

2008-09-25T07:16:00.002-04:00

I'm still around. I've just not been stamping. I keep "hoping" to get down to my room and get some stuff done, but it hasn't happened yet. As most of you know, we just started homeschooling a few weeks ago. Our school day usually lasts from 9 am - 12:30 pm and then after that there are dishes to take are of, laundry, bathrooms to clean, floors to vacuum, and of course we have to try to get out of our pj's by 2:00! This is definitely a change for us and we are doing our best. But, really, I do have some projects I want to get done. All That Scraps had a pop up card challenge yesterday and I plan on participating...at some point anyway. I've also added another home business to my plate. I'm a new Usborne Books At Home Consultant http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=W2888&gid=66191933. I've always loved their books and decided to give it a shot at selling them. The economy is rough everywhere, but it has been especially rough with my Stampin Up business so I had to branch out and give something else a try. I'm having my kick off on Friday night at 6:30. If you live in the Flint area and want to come, please let me know...I'd love to have you!

Help Find a Cure

2008-09-19T07:40:00.002-04:00

Christine, the owner of All that Scraps sent the Design Team a message yesterday, take a peak: "My daughter Savannah brought a note home from school today. Her teacher from last year was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Her teacher this year will be walking in the Chattanooga Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure on September 28th. Her team needs to raise money for this worthy cause. We at All That Scraps want to give to this worthy cause, as I am sure you do to. We are going to donate 5% of all orders placed today (9/18) and tomorrow (9/19). All items count towards the 5%. " I'm sure you know at least one person who has been affected by breast cancer. I know I do. So, run on over to All That Scraps and help with the fund raising for this cause!

Cupcakes A Little Different

2008-09-17T07:52:00.003-04:00

OK..you all saw the Crazy for Cupcakes card 2 entries down, and I believe I mentioned that that card was a spin off from a card that I submitted for Jami's New Catty Swap. Here is the one that actually made it to Southern California. You can see that the sketch was flipped vertically, but remains the same. There are no eyelets on this one but I added the circular greeting with a cupcake in the middle. Everything else is the same. So..which do you like better?

Wednesday All That Scraps Challenge

2008-09-17T07:33:00.003-04:00

It's Wednesday and time for another All That Scraps Challenge. I haven't had a chance to participate in the last 2 challenges but was able to prepare a sample for this week's. The challenge is a color challenge. Use the colors Ridinghood Red (I used Ruby Red since it is so close), Baja Breeze and Kraft. This is a great color combo which I used on a Christmas card as well...I'll share that one another time.

This card uses some My Minds Eye paper and the Olivia's Birds set. I used the tree branch on several cards during the release for this set and it wasn't until I saw that the other design team girls used it as a sweet little tree, that I decided I had to CASE the idea! So here is Olivia sending you a little wave! The sentiment is from the Sentiment set. The sentiment actually says "A" Hello From Me, but all of it would not fit in the circle, so I chopped off the "A" and it works great. I used SU punches to highlight the sentiment. I also water colored Olivia with my SU ink and an Aquapainter. I don't own any Copics so that is why I keep water coloring everything. Yes, it takes awhile to get a large image done, but I still love the way it looks. Definitely different than Copics but I still like it. I admire all the copic coloring the rest of you gals do, but I just can't take the plunge and spend all that money on them!

Finally, the ribbon in the new Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon from Stampin Up! Again, that color is so similar to Ruby Red, that it works just fine on this project. Anyway, I hope you have a great day today! I'm hoping I get a chance to stamp again. I'm getting very overwhelmed with all the unorganized messes in my room and the rest of the house, so I've been trying to get some stuff picked up rather than stamp. Of course it isn't as fun as stamping!

Another Swap with Jami

2008-09-15T22:37:00.003-04:00

We got the o.k. to share photos of our swap submissions for Jami's latest swap, the new catalog swap. This is one of my projects. I was required to use the stamp set A Flower for All Seasons (which I love by the way, not just because of the cute images but because it is pretty inexpensive at just $14.95) and a combo of colors based on the color swatches of Stampin' Up's Sweet Bella Collection shown on page 13. This card uses the new Pink Pirouette cardstock and ink, Old Olive cardstock and 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Chocolate Chip cardstock and some of the new Bella designer paper. The main image was watercolored using my ink pads and an aquapainter. The sentiment came from the set "Family Phrases" and I used the Canvas background stamp on the pink panel. This project was made about 2 weeks ago yet as I look at the frog I have to chuckle because it makes me think of all the rain we have received here in Michigan over the last few days. It started drizzling here on Friday and started raining by Friday evening and didn't stop AT ALL until late last night! I can't remember a time that we had rain non stop like that! Thankfully our sump pump kept right on working!

Happy Birthday Cupcake!

2008-09-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

This is for my mother in law, whose birthday is coming up in a couple weeks. I have one that is similar but not exactly the same, which I can show you in a week or so. I was in another swap with Jami and had to use this set and the scallop edge punch (shown on the bottom of the matted image). This is similar but took a bit less time. Lucky for me, Stampin Up! didn't retire the Summer Picnic paper! I LOVED That paper...remember how much I used it this past summer with all the CC Designs releases? I adore the cherry piece but hadn't cut into it, I don't know what I was saving it for! SO glad I did save it though, isn't it perfect with this image?!?!

Lucky Again!

2008-09-09T12:27:00.004-04:00

SO, do you love this image of Lucky or what? Of all the samples you have seen, which are your favorite images of this new CC Designs release? Because I love the Lucky and Lulu stamps I have to say that I love the new Lucky set. I'm sad there isn't an image of Lulu, but the bear is just as cute and we can't have EVERYTHING we want (or so I tell my kids!). For this one I broke out my corner Photo Corner punch from Stampin' Up. I haven't used this one enough, and I loved it with the patterned paper (from KI Memories, Haunted). I popped it up with a dimensional and then stamped the spider and cut it out. He is also popped up with a dimensional (just one that was slightly shorter than the other). Of course I used the scallop edge punch from Stampin' Up! and some paper piercing. Finally, I haven't used eyelets in awhile but last night I did two cards and put eyelets on both. My crop-o-dile has to get some use doesn't it?!?!

Don't forget... the release party is at the All That Scraps forums starting at 8 pm est and the sets are available for purchase starting at 10 pm..hope to see you there!

Sugarplum Halloween

2008-09-08T00:00:00.001-04:00

A short post today! What do you think of Olivia all dressed in her Halloween costume? Isn't she sweet? This card also uses the moon from Spooky Scenes. If there is one thing I am hoping you all discovered from my samples this month, it is that all the Halloween sets work so well together that you may as well get them ALL!!!

Missing You!

2008-09-07T21:30:00.002-04:00

Here is a sample made using Bear Hugs but also a new set for the new CC Designs Release (you can get the sets on September 9!). The tree branch and grass are from Spooky Scenes and the leaf is from a set you'll hear more about tomorrow. What about that sign? I used it on the Lucky card that is below as well. Notice it has a different saying here? The saying is from the sentiment set that was released last month. I LOVE THE SIGNS! I adore the patterned paper here as well, both are from My Minds Eye. Do you think I like the images on this card???

My Pregnancies Never Looked Like This

2008-09-06T19:30:00.003-04:00

Just once, I would have just liked ONE of my 4 pregnancies to look like this card does...soft, pretty, feminine...NOPE, not me! I am not complaining about weight gain, because I never gained more than about 27 lbs with my pregnancies, but from week 6 with ALL of them, I was vomitting like crazy (precisely why I didn't gain much, I LOST so much in the beginning, 20 lbs in 6 weeks with one of them!). I have never handled pregnancies well...now deliveries were pretty good. Except for my last.

Anyway, enough about me, this is about Amy Rysavy! Give a shout out to her, and Christine. Christine asked if any of the DT members drew and apparently Amy does because she created this set with lots of pieces of clothing and a seperate set that includes great sentiments.

I used Pale Plum cardstock and this designer paper is from The Paper Studio.

It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

2008-09-06T19:13:00.004-04:00

As always, Christine's sets that include Lucky, Lulu, the bear and monkey are wonderful and always rank as my favorite new releases! The set Spooky, Spooky, Spooky is no exception. Don't you LOVE this image of Lucky?!? The pumpkins from this set are from another new release this month called Sugarplum Halloween, as is the sign. The bat is from yet another set..Spooky Scenes. As you can see all of the Halloween sets work so well together.

Once I got to looking at the sets I got this image for a Great Pumpkin themed card and these images all worked so well! I love how it turned out! The designer paper is from KI Memories and is from their Haunted line. Of course it is available from All That Scraps. There was a lot of paper piecing on this one but it was worth it.

I hope you all have as much fun looking at the new releases this much as I have had playing!

Chocolate is My Favorite

2008-09-06T00:00:00.002-04:00

I have to apologize for not posting a sample made with Amy Rysavy's new set! I have a sample all done and ready to go, however I'm having trouble with my camera. (It isn't in focus on close up pictures and it is driving me crazy!) I had taken two photos of the first cards I created for the release, so I have 2 to share today. I'm hoping to work with it some more today and tomorrow and hopefully have it fixed so I can get a bunch of these samples uploaded before the new release is over! So, onto the card...

I love seeing the kids dressed up for Halloween....But I love trick-or-treating almost as much as they do....especially when their bags are full of chocolate!! Admit it - you raid the Halloween bucket too! What are your favorites? Mine must be the Kit Kat's, mini Baby Ruth's and mini Snickers. I also enjoy a simple Hershey's bar as often as I can!!! Next to stamping, chocolate is my addiction. A perfect night for me would be sipping on a Mountain Dew and munching on some good chocolate which stamping!! This sample uses an image from a new CC Designs set called Spooky, Spooky, Spooky. Isn't he sweet? I just love how Christine continues to use some of our favorite characters in different sets throughout the year. I love seeing them come alive! All the patterned papers on this one are from KI Memories. I really like their Haunted line. The large panel is called Skinny Stripe and the paper pieced shirt and pants are the front and back of Pin Dot. The "brads" are actually set like eyelets and I have had them since I first started using eyelets forever ago. I needed some purple brads but didn't have any so these worked just fine. I hope you have a great day and get to stamp!

Blog Candy Winner!

2008-08-26T16:49:00.003-04:00

The winner has been drawn by a very fancy and technical device........the 9 year old chose a number and recorded it for you!

Lisa V said... Olivia back to school. one last week of summer vacation and my two are going to school one for the first time and a card in the lunch box would be a fun surpise for them. Lisa 3:01 PM

So.....Lisa V....you are the winner! Send me an e-mail at caspen1973@yahoo.com so I can get your address and we will get you your $5 CC Designs gift certificate!!!

Another Simple Bee

2008-08-25T09:02:00.005-04:00

My first sample for the August releases was a simple card done with the standing bear from Bear Hugs and this is one that was made at the same time. A simple card done with the bee. The paper pierced circle came from the Stampin' Up! brass embossing template, Punches Plus. I love this template for paper piercing! There isn't muchelse to be said about this one, I just thought it turned out sweet.

A Little Bit of Everything - CC Designs Style

2008-08-23T09:02:00.004-04:00

Here is a project I forgot to share! I used a little bit of everything on this one (all stamps from CC Designs)...The adorable bees from Bear Hugs and the tree limb is from Olivia's Birdies, the clouds are from the Sugarplum Scenery set, a cuttlebug embossing folder (Swiss Dots) and some Stampin Up Designer paper (Cutie Pie). I really love how this turned out! The only thing it is missing is a bee hive hanging from that branch! Since these are yellow and black they aren't honey bees so it may be "correct" to have a hive hanging from the branch. Did you know that honey bees are brown and black and they typically don't build hives just hanging from a branch - they need an open cavity to hold all their honey (just some useless info from the wife of a bee keeper!). Anyway, I was really happy with this after it was done. I colored everything with Stampin Write markers and added Stardust Stickles to the clouds and the bee wings. I love the sentiment "What's the buzzzz?" Christine has been turning out some WONDERFUL stuff lately hasn't she? Just wait till you see what is up for September. I got my sets yesterday and I think that some of the commenters for the blog candy below will be happy to see what we have in store for you. A little bit of everything again this month...some more Lucky and more Olivia coming!!!

BLOG CANDY!!!

2008-08-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hey all! CC Designs just finished another release right? We have the adorable bears and bees - Bear Hugs, the Sugar Plums Sentiment set that goes with...EVERYTHING, the Sugar Plum Scenery set and of course....OLIVIA and her Birds!!! Right now Christine is offering up an All That Scraps gift certificate for $5 if you post a comment here. I will post the winner on Tuesday. But, since you have seen Olivia, tell me - what would you like to see Olivia doing next?

Sock Monkey Returns

2008-08-21T08:54:00.004-04:00

Here is another Sock Monkey project (I used the same colors as the one from my open house...I really like So Saffron, Tangerine Tango and Kraft together, they look very "fallish"). I am going to try something new with my stamp clubs this year. We are going to do a Sketch Theme all year. Most of my stamp clubs are made up of ladies who have been stamping for some time. One group most of the ladies have been in a stamp club with me for 4 or more years. So, I find myself having a hard time showing them new techniques. Of course though they still comment that they have a hard time knowing what to do with their stuff when they get it. I know I have that problem sometimes! So, we are going to do a new sketch at each meeting. But since we do two cards we'll turn the sketch on its side and try to mix it up a bit. My hope is that they will learn how to look at samples in the catalog and figure out the sketch and use it to work for them. Plus, they will have several sketches from me by the time we are all done meeting. Anyway, this card is one that we did at our stamp club meeting this week. The ladies did the Heard from the Heart card from below and then this card. See how we used the same sketch? We just turned it on its side and made our matted pieces wider. In addition, rather than doing the middle panel with a single stamped image, we made that section three circles instead. The ladies at the meeting told me I was stretching it, but that is the point! INSPIRATION GIRLS!

I have decided to stop posting the "Supplies Used" at the bottom of my posts, just to save time in typing it all out. Besides, I typically type somewhere in the body of the post most of the supplies I have used. Of course if you have a question about something please just post in the comments section and I'll be sure to answer you!