Last One This Round

Here is the last ATC I did for this round of Taylor's Amuse swap. This one sat on my desk for a couple days - growing on me. I don't know what I was unsure about because now I really like it. At a workshop last week someone said it wasn't pretty at all because there was too much going on. Too much on the bottom and she didn't the color combo.

I used Petal's and Paisley paper again. The tiny scallop behind Seattle Girl is done with Stampin' Up!'s scallop scissors. They retired a couple years ago but I still have mine ready to go when I deem necessary!

Another Amuse Swap Sample

Here is another swap sample for the current Amuse ATC swap with Taylor. I snagged this elephant from Lisa Johnson when she was selling all her Amuse stamps. I got this little guy more because my youngest loves elephants and I know she will like using it. But I wanted to play with him too.

I used the Petals and Paisley Designer paper from Stampin' Up! as well as Tempting Turquoise and Old Olive card stock. The cute little turquoise gem is from JoAnn's. I'll share another sample with you tomorrow. I'll also be getting back to posting some samples made with some of my new Stampin' Up! goodies as soon as I can.

Amuse ATC Swap with Taylor

A couple of my favorite things combined into one event....Amuse Art Stamps, Taylor VanBruggen and swaps. Taylor's blog is linked to the right, if you haven't checked it out you need to and you need to subscribe so you can get updates whenever she posts to her blog. I love her work. She uses a mix of elements and also a mix of companies stamps. Usually I stick to blogs that use a majority of Stampin' Up! products but her's is worth my time.

http://www.amuseartstamps/, click here and prepare to spend some time looking at some fun and simple stamps. I spend a lot of time admiring other companies stamps but I don't spend much money on them because I save most of it for Stampin' Up! stuff. But, I have recently purchased some amuse after spending over a year really enjoying them.

I love swapping - when I know I will be getting good quality back. I know my stuff is not the best out there, but I do spend time and energy making sure my cuts are all straight, my colors look good together, layering, etc. so if I find a swap I think will have great players, I love to join in. Taylor has hostessed 2 Amuse ATC swaps and I was lucky enough to get 2 spots in each. Here is one from my first round with her. It uses the Amuse "Flower Girl" stamp. The dots in the background are from Technique Tuesday's Masterpieces of Paisley set. The scalloped strip was made with the slit punch and then tiny handheld circle punch was used to punch a little hole in the scallop. The rest of the supplies are all Stampin Up!

Another Petal Card

Here is another made with the new Pick-a-Petal set. I really like how this one turned out. It uses 3 of our New In-Colors for this year also. The colors used are Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Purely Pomegrante and Mellow Moss. The cute little twinkle sticker in the middle of the flower and under the phrase is from Joann's. I found them on clearance for just 50 cents! They are so fun. The phrase "Hi There", is from a set from the Winter Mini Catalog, Fancy Flexible Phrases. Here's hoping that one makes it into the big catty. I use that set alot! A dear friend received this one in the mail this week...hope she liked it.

Sneak Peek

Here is a sample made with a set that will be in the new catalog. That catty will be available to customers on July 1. The stamp set is called Pick a Petal and the word that is stamped on the oval is from Warm Words. Each petal is seperate so you can stamp everything seperately. I used Close to Cocoa and Pretty in Pink as my card colors. Do you like the brad in the center. A little bit of bling ~ we are now going to be selling circle and square rhinestone brads in assortment packs! Enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day!

Aren't these girls adorable? They are mine! We recently took part in a fundraiser that was done by our MOPS group. A photography studio came to church and took these black and whites and touched it up with a bit of color. The fun thing is that it cost just $10 and you got a 10x13 for that price. BUT, if you sold 15 sittings, you got a $150 package for free. Of course I sold the packages. This shot is the one that was done for the 10x13 and I plan to put it over the fireplace. I realized looking at this how much Kira (4) and Megan (8) look alike.

Anyway, this is what I made for my mother in law for Mother's Day. It is a cheap cardboard coaster (like the kinds you get at restaurants) which I covered with a sheet of Basic Grey's paper from their Blush Collection. I LOVE THIS COMPANY'S PAPER! I used Modge Podge to stick it on and then added my photo matted on Sage Shadow and Barely Banana. I used some pewter hardware and then added the flower in the corner (cut with my Cuttlebug). I stuck a magnet on back and was completely pleased when it was done. Hope she likes it!

7 Things About Myself???

YIKES! Lorien (http://stampsnmore.blogspot.com/) tagged me and now I have to tell you 7 things about myself! Plus, I have to tag 7 more stamping bloggers. The only problem with tagging 7 other is that most of them have already been tagged. Here are my 7 revealing facts: 1. I have a terrible sense of self esteem so that is part of why I don't post more samples on my blog. When I do post a photo of a project I stress that people will think, "You have got to be kidding me! Who did this? Her 4 year old?" 2. I am a complete computer idiot! I can't figure out how to add a counter to my blog (to see if anyone even reads it - do you hear that self esteem thing in there?), I can't figure out how to do a "hyper link" as Lorien calls it...complete idiot!

3. I have a major fear of snakes. I don't care how little they are, they freak me out. Last summer I was sitting on the porch and a snake slithered down the sidewalk right in front of me! It was my biggest nightmare come true! I curled up fetal position in my chair and started screaming for my husband. I then cried for 1/2 hour!

4. I am a stay at home mom now, but I did have aspirations to be a narchotics officer in L.A. at one point in my life! (I loved the show COPS.) I never did get a degree in Criminal Justice, the closest I have come is getting a Pre-Law degree and working as a legal secretary/paralegal.

5. I have 3 living daughters and one daughter who died inutero 4 weeks before she was due (Emma). Megan is 8, Kira is almost 5 and Brooke turns 3 in a couple weeks.

6. I've always wanted a horse. When I was little my aunt told me that whatever you pray for, God will answer. So I prayed for a horse till I was about 12. The funny thing was that we lived in a mobile home all while I was growing up (it was 12 feet wide by 60 feet long - very small house), our house was in a very small trailer park. No room for a barn so I used to tell my mom, when God gives us the horse it can live in the shed. I never got the horse.

7. My biggest desire is that I will be an incredible mother and when my girls are grown and parents of their own, they will be incredible mothers. I am far away from my own goal of being an incredible mother, but I try.

As for tagging 7 other bloggers, here goes....

1. Taylor Van....:http://tayloredexpressions.blogspot.com/

2. Anna Wholfart: http://inkastamp.blogspot.com/

3. Jen70: http://www.stamping-therapy.blogspot.com/

4. Emily Giovanni: http://emilygiovanni.com/

5. Cindy: http://imagine-dream-create.blogspot.com/

6. Kyla Maestas : http://kylamaestassweetwaterstampers.blogspot.com/

7. Kimmie at Kraftin Kimmie's Korner : http://kraftinkimmieskorner.blogspot.com/

Ghosting - Quite Cool!

Here is one done using the Ghosting technique. I'm not really good about trying new techniques. I prefer simple, add some fun ribbon or glitter or well placed brads and call it good. BUT, I have several stamp clubs that really desire learning new techniques. In February one of the gals wanted to learn Ghosting. I am glad she did! I love this technique.

First and foremost, please note you cannot purchase this stamp set any longer. This is Big Pieces, which was in the Winter Mini. (I'm sending out big telepathic vibes to Shelli beggin to have this set in the new catty).

To create this look you use glossy white cardstock. Stamp the circles with versa mark on the paper and then using your brayer you ink it up and brayer over the cardstock. The circles will begin appearing in white. Really neat!

To get the multi colored circle that is the focal point, just use Stampin' Up!'s incredible markers to color directly onto your stamp. Huff your hot breath on the stamp and off you go!

Got the Camera Workin!

It feels like forever since I added a project to my blog! Finally got our camera issues worked out.

Here is a swap I did for an online swap at Splitcoaststampers.com. We were required to use Stampin' Up!'s set Polka Dots & Paisley, Pretty In Pink, Regal Rose and Chocolate Chip. We were also required to use the slit punch and some sparkle. I don't think you can see it in this photo, but I added my sparkle (using Stickles) on the flower bud as well as the stem. I did use one of the other sets in the Spring mini, Polka Dots and Petals. I used White Craft ink to stamp the flower as a background on the Regal Rose card base.

FREE Stamps Directly From Stampin Up!

Check out this link....Here's the catch, you CANNOT be a demonstrator for Stampin' Up! http://cambriaturnbow.blogspot.com/2007/04/want-to-be-on-stampinup-research-panel.html While you are there, put Cambria's blog into your favorites-she has great style. If you are a customer of mine and get chosen to receive all the goodies Stampin' Up! is offering, please let me know so I can peak at all the stuff you will get!

Another SCS Blogger RAK

OK, now this is fun! Fun mail twice in one week! Again, the camera isn't working so all I can share is Nancy's blog address until I get it fixed: http://nancyscreativemess.blogspot.com/

Funny thing is that Nancy's Blog was already in my favorites! She does great work. Thanks Nancy!

SCS Blogger RAK

Are those terms foreign to you?

"SCS": Stands for Splitcoaststampers. It is an INCREDIBLE website that helps lots of us keep up on paper crafting trends. It is not just for demos it's for anyone who loves rubberstamping. The greatest thing is the Gallery. You can look up any stamp set that Stampin' Up! has created and find lots of samples. Some of them have over 1,000 samples!

"Blogger": You are reading a blog. A blog is an online journal of sorts. This is my stamping blog where I share stamping information but there is no limit to what a blog can be about. And the best part is that this one is free!

"RAK": Random Act of Kindness. On SCS you can sign up to be part of a RAK group and just randomly pick a name and address off of the list and make someone's day by sending them a handstamped card or note. There is a new RAK list, a Blogger list so that anyone who is a blogger can be part of this list and send a note and maybe receive a note.

Anyway, I got my first Blogger RAK this week and wouldn't you know, my camera is not working. My dh is working on the problem (I hope) so I can't post a photo but I can post a link to the blogger who sent it. As soon as the camera is up and running, I will post a pic of the card she sent. She useed Wild Rose and some hodgepodge hardware. It is really a pretty card and a great simple layout with lots of options. Here is the link to her blog.....http://www.debbieseyer.typepad.com/ Thanks so much Debbie!

OOPS...

You'll notice all the links to other blogs and the Stampin' Up! Online Catalog are missing from the sidebar! OOPS, try to add things and you erase it all! That's me! I'll work on it some more tomorrow and add most of my favorite stamping blogs to it as it was WAY out of date.

Here's One...

I was busy this weekend. Friday night my pal Lorien and my mother came over to stamp. Lorien and I are both in some online swaps - we needed to get those done. It was a great thing that mom was here because she loves stamping images and cuttin them out. As a matter a fact, she has drawers of stamped images that she cuts and never uses! So, we put her to work. I also had to get my cards made we will be doing in my Unique Card Fold class. I usually don't post any samples of the cards we will do in my classes until the class is over. I think it is fun to have suspense, but I thought that the people attending might like a glimpse of one. I did this one at 6:00 AM this morning. I was sick all day yesterday and when I woke up early this morning felt great so I went downstairs before the girls woke up. I started playing with these colors this weekend - Vintage Violet, Certainly Celery and Almost Amethyst. I LOVE them together. Most of my customers know I have been too cheap to purchase any In Colors other than Cool Carribean and now Vintage Violet. Hope you enjoy this one.

Unique Fold Class In April

I am teaching a class in April called Unique Card Folds. This is a sample of one of the folds we will be doing. The top strip that includes the torn piece of rust flips up and the card base (the saffron that has the bird on it) flips down. Really easy, but one that most people don't do. We are all so stuck on folding our cardstock in half and that is it, but if you just try a simple new fold, we can really spice up a card. This one was made using Really Rust, Brocade Blue, So Saffron cardstocks and watercolor crayons. I got this color combo from the Splitcoaststampers Color Challenge for this week. I really like the Rust and Saffron together but had a hard time adding the blue. I guess I will have to play with it some more to let it grow on me!

Tropical "Astericks"

Here is another that was done with my new toy. The flowers are die cut with the Cuttlebug. These are called "Astericks". The color combo is one I have been really enjoying lately - Certainly Celery (my all time favorite!), Apricot Appeal and Pumpkin Pie (the best orange ever!). It seems to have a tropical feel don't you think?

The only stamping was done on the "tag". The tag was actually created using Stampin' Up!'s word window punch. I just chopped off one end and punched a hole - instant tag! It is PERFECT for the words in Everyday Flexible Phrases.

Hey Chickie!

So, the Cuttlebug embossing folders emboss a piece of cardstock that is just smaller than the front of a card. It is awesome because with the detail the embossing gives you, you can really spend less time on a card and still have it look great.

For this card I took the embossing one step further and after I embossed the cardstock, I used various sizes of the flower die cut and cut the embossed cardstock out in the shape of a flower-stack them up, add a brad and - VIOLA!

Again, these are Amuse Art Stamps. The bird image is really a single bird I just stamped them in a group. The sentiment is also Amuse-isn't it cute? I love their sentiments.

I've Been Bitten By The Bug!

The Cuttlebug that is! I have been thinking about getting a Cuttlebug for a few months now. (I just love the embossing folders they have.) I asked for one for my birthday but I don't think I gave my husband enough time to actually get one. Anyway, I was given some money for my birthday and today my friend said she had a coupon for Joann's I could have...so, I headed to her side of town and waltzed into Michael's and picked me up one! I was only able to purchase one die set and an embossing folder, but maybe I will order some other goodies tomorrow. Here is the first card I made using my new toy!

The stamps are by Amuse Art and they were images I was able to stamp while at the Spitcoaststampers weekend in Okemos several weeks ago. Don't you just love this little girl in the rain? I used Crystal Effects on the puddle and put some drops on her coat and umbrella for rain. The swirls in the background were made by the embossing folder I got today. I punched the square using one my my Marvy scallop punches. SO FUN!

Sweet Spring Bunny

Here is a preview card for the class I have coming up this weekend. The class is called To Embellish or Not Embellish? This card will be using the brads as the embellishment. I really liked how it turned out. I took the layout and idea from a card that Lori Rose sent me. She is a customer who really makes some cute stuff. I don't see her too often but she always has a smile on her face and I have really enjoyed "talking" with her about all kinds of stamping trends and products. She will be at the class this weekend along with 5 others. There is nothing surprising about this card. The bunny is tucked away in a simple pocket card design. The basket and chick are colored using SU! markers.