Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Fifth Avenue Flowers

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.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Another Stamp Camp Card - Thoughts and Prayers

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!

Monday, February 23, 2009

From Saturday's Stamp Camp - Three Little Words

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!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Thoughts and Prayers

"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.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Gift For A Sister

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!

Monday, February 09, 2009

Three Little Words...

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!

Saturday, February 07, 2009

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!)

Friday, February 06, 2009

Stamps and Stuff for Sale

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
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
Cookie Crumbs Annabelle (never used) $13
Cookie Crumbs Cow Print Background (never used) $5
Itzie Inkies Pretty Kitties $7
Pajama Christopher (never used) $3
Sugarplum Halloween $15
Sugarplum Scenery Christmas $8.00
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:
Inkadinkadoo (Kathy Davis) "God Could Not Be Everywhere That's Why He Created Mothers" $2

Trendy Trees and Some Sweet Slumber Paper

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!