Wintry Snow Scene

The weather forecast is calling for SNOW this weekend here in MN. Of course, it has to fall on our busy weekend. We are going to see "A Christmas Carol"....and getting all dressed up too!!!

In honor of the weekend's forecast, I made this wintry diorama card. Isn't it cool? It's the first one I've ever made. I found the directions HERE.

The back layer of the card is made with Soft Sky. I stamped the evergreen tree from Lovely as a Tree several times using my Blue Bayou ink pad. I added some Dazzling Diamonds for some glitz.

The middle layer is made with some of the Wintergreen DSP. I just received this pack, and I am SO upset with myself that I didn't order it sooner. It is THAT gorgeous!!!! I stamped the snowman (from It's Snow Time), colored him with markers, cut him out and glittered him up as well. I then glued him to the left side of the layer.

The top layer is Blue Bayou cardstock stamped with the snowfall stamp (also from It's Snow Time) using my Whisper White craft ink. I also used my Whisper White craft pad and my sponge to soften the edges of the cardstock. I stamped the sentiment on a scrap of Whisper White and punched with my small oval punch. I colored another cardinal with my markers and added him to the top of the oval. I added some Soft Sky double-stitched ribbon to make it look even prettier.

The best part about this card is that I can leave it up all winter long.....it's not Christmas-y....it's wintry.

I encourage all of you to make your own Diorama cards. It was easy and really fun to make. It's kinda like helping your kids put together a diorama for school......but more fun.....because I get to choose the subject matter and what I want to put in it!!!! LOL!!!!

I hope you have a wonderful day!!!! Until tomorrow.....

Happy Stamping everyone!!!

Frustration

Did you ever order a stamp set and just can't wait until it arrives on your doorstep? Yeah, that was the case with Fabulous Flowers. Then you cut that stamp set.....ink it up....and absolutely HATE everything you made with it. Yeah, once again, the story of Fabulous Flowers.

Guess what? Yesterday, I FINALLY made a card I actually really like with it. I am so psyched!!!

These colors are so pretty together: Regal Rose, Certainly Celery and Barely Banana. I know they are not wintry or Christmas-y (is that a word?), but they were just perfect for the card I had in mind.

I stamped the flower three times in Versamark and used my Pastels with my daubers (Poppin' Pastels technique). I cut out the three flowers (each layer is smaller than the last) and layered them on top of each other with dimensionals. I added some Crystal Ice Stickles for some bling!!!

The base card is Barely Banana. I used my Tres Chic background stamp (this one better not retire) on a layer of Certainly Celery. I sponged the edges and used my Ticket Corner punch (love, love, love this punch). I added two Certainly Celery brads to the top corners. I layered some ribbon....5/8" Regal Rose grosgrain and narrow white organdy (now retired). The flower was then adhered on top of the ribbon. The sentiment is from Fancy Flexible Phrases (was so hoping this set was gonna make it into the Fall & Winter catty....of course, it didn't).

I am so happy that I've jumped this hurdle. Now on to the next quest.....a new stamp set that will drive me completely bonkers until I make something that I love with it.

P.S. Happy Anniversary to my parents.....42 years married. Their anniversary was actually yesterday, but I was feeling too yucky to post anything!!! Love you both!!!

Until tomorrow....Happy Stamping everyone!!!

Trimming the Tree

Wow! What an extended weekend!! Sorry about not posting, but we spent the weekend putting away our Thanksgiving decorations and "decking the halls".

The house is decorated. The family tree is about 1/3 of the way completed. It takes a long time to put on all those ornaments.

Speaking of ornaments, this is one that I made for my parents over the weekend. I used a round coaster as my base. I covered it with some patterned paper from the Petals and Paisley DSP pack (at least I think that's what it is called). I sponged around the edges with some Tempting Turquoise ink.

I also pulled out some ribbon from the Flirty pack that was in last year's Spring mini.

This adorable penguin comes from the Elzybells line of stamps. My mom ADORES penguins. She is stamped with Black StazOn ink on watercolor paper. I used a combination of Watercolor Wonder Crayons and my ink pads to watercolor. The image was punched using my SU scallop circle punch. I pierced a hole in each scallop and lightly sponged with Tempting Turquoise ink.

Did you know that you can punch two round tab punches and glue them together to make a perfect size circle for mounting a scallop circle punch on? Cool, huh? That's exactly what I did to make the So Saffron circle sitting behind the penguin.

Finally, I used my Cropodile to punch a hole in the top and string some elastic silver cord to complete this ornament.

I am really happy with the final result. I now have to make one for our family tree.

DD shared her whopper of a cold with me.....so I am feeling pretty miserable today. I will try to stamp something if I feel like moving from DH's recliner.

Until tomorrow....Happy Stamping everyone!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving my friends! I am so thankful for my family, my health and our happiness.

I know this card is not a Thanksgiving card, but he is a symbol of something I look forward to every Thanksgiving. It's our tradition to start putting up the tree during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I love to see the balloons, the Broadway performers and most of all, seeing Santa. He is the inspiration for this card.

I have been looking for a Santa image like this one for a LONG time. Kelly Sampson (aka emmiestamps) made a card with this Santa from Stamp Francisco. It was meant to be......he had to be mine.

I will put all the details in about this card later.....the parade is on in 5 minutes. I must not be late.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Stamping everyone!!!

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!!!

Wow, I just can't believe that Thanksgiving is tomorrow. I guess it's just a reality check that I seriously need to get my butt in gear. Christmas will be here before you know it.

So, what's on your agenda for the day? I already got my nails done, and now, I need to bake two apple pies. My parents are hosting Thanksgiving this year......okay, they host Thanksgiving EVERY year!!! I'm in charge of Christmas dinner.

Anyway, this is the card I designed for today. I know.....it has NOTHING to do with Thanksgiving. Hey, I know. It's reminiscent of my apple pies. Red and greed......yeah, I know....I'm grasping!!!

I have a bunch of pre-cut card kits in a bin in my Stamping Studio. Rather than sitting there collecting dust, I pulled one of them out. In the way of Tim Gunn from "Project Runway".......make it work!!!!

The images are from my new Hostess Level 3 stamp set, Time Well Spent. They are simply stamped in Basic Black on Whisper White cardstock. I took my black SU marker and drew some flight patterns. I sponged the edges with Certainly Celery ink and added some Dazzling Diamonds. This is mounted on a mat of basic black. Both layers are punched with my handy old Ticket Corner punch.

The main layer is Real Red stamped with various flower images from the stamp set in Real Red ink. The corners are also punched with the Ticket Corner punch. I added a strip of Certainly Celery (after distressing the edges a bit) designer series paper from that little 6x6 pack I bought eons ago. I added two black gingham ribbons to add some "pop",

The sentiment is from "Short and Sweet". I punched it out with my Word Window punch.

I think it came out pretty cute.....no coloring of any kind.....that's a big stretch for me!!! You know me, I love to color!!!

I hope everyone has a peaceful (I know, impossible......my kids are home too) Thanksgiving eve. I have a gorgeous card to post for tomorrow. It's in honor of the "big guy" who always makes his appearance at the end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade (no, I am not referring to Al Roker.....but good guess).

Until tomorrow....Happy Stamping everyone!!!

Wanna See an Early Christmas Present?

Stampin' Up! sent each of it's demonstrators (who were active as of Oct. 31st) a FREE stamp set. It's called "Time Well Spent", and it is actually a Level 3 Hostess Set that will be available in the brand new Spring and Summer Collection catalog. So even if you're not currently a demonstrator, you will have the chance to earn this stamp set too. It's easy!!! Book a party of your very own!!!

When I first saw this set, I immediately thought of the Crayon Resist technique. Crayon resist is so simple....yet it makes such a statement. You MUST use glossy paper. I stamped my images randomly on the glossy cardstock with Black StazOn. Use a white or other light colored crayon and highlight the areas where you want to resist the color. I then use my sponge daubers and swirl on some ink. I start with the lightest color (in this case, Green Galore) and then ended with Tempting Turquoise. Where the two colors meet makes a really pretty shade of brighter green.

I stamped a band of Tempting Turquoise with one of the sentiments from the same stamp set. I colored in the word "friends" and the two flowers with my white gel pen. I faux stitched along the top and bottom edge. A white grosgrain ribbon knot adorns the top right corner. I added some photo corner punches (with some white gel pen detail) in the top left and bottom right corners.

This was such a fun card to make!! Well, I am off to do some Christmas shopping. The kids are home the rest of this week.

Happy Stamping everyone!!!

Happy Birthday Andrea!!

Today is my sister-in-law, Andrea's, birthday. Once again she is celebrating the anniversary of her 29th birthday. Happy Birthday Andrea!!!

Andrea loves all the warm tones found in the Earth Elements family. So, I knew exactly where to start with her card......a beautiful patterned paper from the Apple Cider collection (found in the Holiday Mini). I punched the corners with my Ticket Corner punch and sponged with Close to Cocoa ink.

I used my True Friend set for the focal image. I used my markers to color in the image (Really Rust, Choc Chip and Old Olive). Remember to "huff" on the stamp to re-moisten the ink before stamping. I placed a More Mustard brad in the center of the flower. My customers know that I can't finish a card without sponging, so I sponged the edges with my Close to Cocoa ink. The focal image is mounted on a Choc Chip mat.

The sentiment, from Holidays and Wishes stamp set, is stamped on a band of River Rock (also sponged with Close to Cocoa).

I rarely make more than one of each card (with the exception of the Christmas cards). I actually made THREE of this card......just using different sentiments!!! I'm trying to be good......to use my patterned paper and not just hoard it!! I actually almost used a full sheet of this paper.....SHOCKER!!!!

On a personal note, we went to a MN Wild game last night. It was the first hockey game ever for DD and myself. It was SO exciting......constant action!!! The kids woke up kinda tired today since we had a busy evening. Only two days of school this week. Then we're off baking pies and getting ready to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade while decorating the tree.

Here's wishing you a happy Monday.......until tomorrow, Happy Stamping Everyone!!!

What Inspires You?

There are so many places we can find inspiration for the projects we create. This card was inspired by a project made by Lauraly in this month's Dirty Dozen Fan Club Gallery. Her project was a decorated wooden box. If you have not joined the Splitcoast Fan Club, I really urge you to do so. This group of VERY talented ladies create and share their projects based on a number of themes and/or materials.

The focal image on this card starts with some Creamy Caramel cardstock. I stamped the pine boughs with Always Artichoke classic ink. The pine cones are stamped with Close to Cocoa craft ink and embossed with Irridescent Ice embossing powder. The berries are inked in Bravo Burgandy craft ink and embossed with Clear embossing powder. I used my white gel pen to add the highlights on the berries. I used my Ticket Corner punch on the corners, sponged the edges with Close to Cocoa ink and tied a knot with some Always Artichoke grosgrain ribbon.

The Bravo Burgandy base card is stamped with my Weathered BG stamp in Bravo Burgandy ink. A band of Always Artichoke (also sponged with Always Artichoke ink) is paper pierced along both long edges. The sentiment (from Holidays & Wishes) is stamped with Versamark and embossed with Gold embossing powder.

It's cold and wet here....currently a rain and snow mix. Ugh!!!! A perfect day to stay in jammies (bummer, already got showered and dressed before it started precipitating), watch football and eat yummy snacks!!!!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend......Happy Stamping everyone!!!

It's All in the Presentation

I love the Food Network. I can't remember how many times I have heard the phrase "It's all in the presentation". Add some chopped parsley to your plate, squeeze some chocolate sauce onto your cheesecake, etc...

We can apply the same thought process to our giftgiving. This is especially easy if you are a stamper. We automatically "think outside the box". For example, I was at Michael's last week and found this adorable penguin tin. I knew that I could dress it up with some patterned papers and some adorable penguin stamps. I just simply need to fill this tin with some peppermint sticks and homemade cocoa mix. I have a beautiful homemade gift.

I used my Dashing pattern paper to cover the tin. It reminded me of the peppermint sticks that are going to be part of this gift. I made a belly band of Old Olive (sponged with Old Olive and added some line work with my white gel pen).

The adorable penguin (from Jessica Lynn Original stamp company) was stamped in Basic Black ink on Whisper White cardstock. I used my aquapainters and the lids of my ink pads to watercolor him. For some added bling, I used my Stickles on the white stripes of the candy cane. I also used some Liquid Applique to simulate some fuzzy fur on his cap).

I used my Marvy scallop punches to punch out the penguin and the mat. I used my paper piercing tool to pierce holes in each of the scallops on the red one.

So what are your plans for the weekend before Thanksgiving? Ours is pretty busy (as usual). I have a workshop this afternoon (all prepped though so I just need to pack). Tomorrow I am going to my first hockey game ever. I'll let you know what I think!!!

Enjoy your Saturday.......Happy Stamping everyone!

Holiday Treasures

What are your holiday treasures? They don't have to be anything pricey, they are just holiday "things" that hold a special place in your heart. One of my holiday treasures is my collection of Hallmark ornaments. They adorn the family tree each year, and I look forward to opening each of the boxes (okay, not all, DH's golden Elvis is really kinda scary) a few days after Thanksgiving.

I purchased this particular Elzybell stamp because it reminded me of one of my beloved Hallmark ornaments. My mother-in-law gave it to me. He is just SO cute sleeping there peacefully in a red-flocked Santa hat.

I first stamped the mouse/cap with Black StazOn ink on watercolor paper. I colored the mouse in with Creamy Caramel reinkers using my beloved aquapainter. I just layered the color until I got the amount of shadow and highlights I needed. I did the same with the cap using my Real Red reinker. The fur on the cap is heated Liquid Applique with some Dazzling Diamonds sprinkled on before heating.

I then stamped the pine branches (from Peaceful Wishes) to make it look like he was sleeping under the tree. Mr. Mouse kinda looked like he was floating in mid air. So, I decided to draw in a snowflake tree skirt. I used my aquapainter and Brocade Blue watercolor wonder crayons. Once I got the color and shadowing I wanted, I went in with one of my $1 Michael's snowflake stamps and my Brocade Blue ink pad to stamp a pattern on the tree skirt.

I finished up the image with a sponging of So Saffron to give it a "glow" from the lights.

The basecard is Brocade Blue. I embossed a piece of Bashful Blue cardstock with my snowflakes Cuttblebug embossing folder. I then cut this piece into three equal pieces. I sponged with my Whisper White craft pad to accentuate the snowflakes.

I still felt that it needed something, so I added a small red bow in the corner.

I think I may frame this one and make it a new holiday treasure.

So, now it's your turn......what is your holiday treasure? Leave me a comment....I would love to hear about it!!!

Until tomorrow.....Happy Stamping everyone!!

I am really happy with the way it turned out!!!

A Perfect Gift for......

I always have a hard time figuring out what to give the teachers (esp. since the kids are in middle/high school....all those teachers), bus drivers, dance teacher, taekwondo teacher, etc..... I think I have found this year's "go to" gift. The packaging makes it look so special.

I bought these tins from Papertrey ink. They hold 12 Hershey Nuggets so perfectly. Who doesn't love chocolate?

Each of the candies are wrapped with a mailing label that I brayered with Bashful Blue ink. I randomly stamped with a snowflake stamp from "Holiday Tag Team" using Chocolate Chip classic ink.

The belly band for the tin is made using both Bashful Blue (stamped with my jumbo Bold Snowflake wheel and a Bashful Blue ink cartridge) and Chocolate Chip cardstock. I sponged the edges with Close to Cocoa ink and tied a knot with the 5/8" chocolate chip grosgrain ribbon.

The greeting is made with the "Circle of Friendship" stamp set. I stamped the Holiday Hello message with Chocolate Chip ink on Very Vanilla and Bashful Blue. Using my 1/2" circle punch, punch the center out of the sentiment stamped on the Bashful Blue cardstock. Adhere this circle to the Very Vanilla circle (which was punched out using the 1" circle punch). Mount all of this on a 1 1/4" circle punched from Choc Chip cardstock. Punch a hole in the top with the 1/8" handheld circle punch and tie to the chocolate chip ribbon with a piece of silver elastic cord.

That's all there is to it.....a perfect gift for the people who make a difference in the life of my children!!!

Until tomorrow....Happy Stamping everyone!

An Ode to the Old Neighborhood!

If anyone from the old neighborhood in NY is reading this blog, this card is dedicated to you!! We definitely had a party neighborhood. It was so much fun to live there!!!

I love this little penguin who had a little too much holiday cheer. I got him from Jessica Lynn Original stamps. The stamp set name is "Penguin Brothers Celebrating the Holiday". Check her stuff out....she has some really nice designs. I even gave him really blushy cheeks to show that he's had one too many...LOL! I wrote the saying myself using one of my too many downloaded computer fonts.

It says: "One martini.....good! Two martinis...Nice!! Three martinis.....Great!!! Four martinis.....ICE!!!!". Cute huh? I was quite proud of myself!!!

Anyway, on to the "deets" of this card. The card measures 4.25"x4.25". The basecard is Blue Bayou, followed by Whisper White which is then followed by Soft Sky. The soft sky layer is stamped with the snowflake stamp which comes with the set in Soft Sky ink.

I stamped Tipsy the Penguin (yes, I named my stamp) in Basic Black ink on Whisper White cardstock. I colored him using a combination of Watercolor Wonder crayons, ink refills and markers (for the blush of the cheek). I used my Stardust gellyroll pen to color in the martini. I punched him out with the SU Scallop Circle punch. I sponged the edges with Blue Bayou ink and added some holes using my paper piercing tool. I then mounted Tipsy on a circle cut with my Coluzzle (which was then heavily sponged with Whisper White craft ink). I added a little knot of Blue Bayou double-stitched grosgrain ribbon to make him look extra special.

The saying was printed on vellum cardstock. I mounted it over my Soft Sky layer. I used a photo corner (punched using the SU photo corner punch) to hide any adhesive marks. Another photo corner is placed in the opposite corner to balance the card.

To all my old neighbors from NY, this one's for you. We miss you SO much!!!

Until tomorrow....Happy Stamping everyone!!!

Holiday Giftables Stamp Camp Projects

I am holding my first gift class of the season this Friday. The class is called Holiday Giftables Stamp Camp. I am holding two session: 1pm and 7pm.

We are making four projects: a snowman globe ornament, a Holiday Memories mini album perfect for photos and/or journaling, a decorated candy tin filled with chocolate and a beautiful gold embossed candle.

It's unbelievable to see some houses in the neighborhood with their Christmas lights on all ready. The Mall of America has already celebrated the arrival of Santa. Wow, I just really need to realize that the holiday season is truly here!!!

Have you started your holiday shopping? I have some things, but not even close to being finished. My Christmas cards aren't even started yet. I guess I should start designing them, huh?

Oh well, I'm off to finish some laundry......until tomorrow!

Happy Stamping everyone!

What a Day!

During my last post, I mentioned that I was going to a HUGE craft fair with my Mom, sister-in-law and DD. It took us 5 hours to get through this craft fair. I bought some beautiful things there.....not many Christmas items this time. I bought some T'giving, snowmen and Easter (believe it or not).

Anyway, I'm tired!! DD is tired!! So, I'm pretty much parked on the couch with my laptop in my lap catching up on all my favorite blogs.

I wanted to post another project that we will be making at my Holiday Giftables Stamp Camp this Friday. This is my Holiday Memories album. I created it with some chipboard coasters and my Bind It All.

Santa looks like he is dancing, doesn't he? He is from the Holiday Tag Team stamp set. I must admit that the little snowman is my favorite stamp from that set, but I do tend to use this Santa an awful lot too!!! The picture doesn't truly show how sparkly he is.

If you are interested in taking this class, please send me an email via the link a little bit under my picture. I live near the Twin Cities!!! I would love to have you join us!!

Tomorrow is football day (have I ever mentioned that I am leading the family in the number of correct picks this season), but I do plan on some stamping. I have a couple of orders for the "countdown to Christmas" calendar kits that I need to get ready for shipment.

Until tomorrow.....Happy Stamping everyone!!!

Gobble, Gobble!

I've been looking for a cute line image turkey for a while now. This little guy sure fits the bill! He is a clear acrylic stamp from Jessica Lynn Original stamps (she's got some really cute stuff....I encourage you to check them out). His name is Tom Turkey, and he was so much fun to watercolor.

As always, I use my watercolor paper when I want to watercolor (that sounds redundant, but it's a MUST). I used my aquapainter and reinkers to color him in. His body is Creamy Caramel, and his feathers are Ruby Red, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie and Really Rust (with a little bit of Close to Cocoa to show some extra variation from the Pumpkin Pie). His top hat is Old Olive with some More Mustard and Stardust Gelly Roll pen on his buckle. Mr. Tom Turkey is sponged with Close to Cocoa ink and some doodles were added with my Close to Cocoa marker. His corners are punched with my all time favorite Ticket Corner punch. I matted him on some Ruby Red and added two Old Olive brads to the top two corners. I added some 1/4" chocolate grosgrain ribbon for a final touch, and he is dressed in his Thanksgiving best.

My More Mustard layer was dry embossed with one of my unopened Cuttlebug templates that were sitting there lonely in a drawer. I also sponged the edges of this layer with Close to Cocoa. The rest of the card is pretty self explanatory (Choc Chip basecard and an Old Olive band).

Well, what do you think of my card?

I'm off to bed soon....need to get up early for the big craft fair tomorrow.

Happy Stamping everyone!

Holiday Giftables Class - Sneak Peek

Here is one of four projects we will be making at next Friday's (November 16th) Holiday Giftables Stamp Camp. This is an elegant gold embossed candle. Although I designed it for the holidays, it can proudly be displayed all year round. We all need "Peaceful Wishes" each and every day of the year.

If you live near the Twin Cities and want more information about this class, please email me. The link can be found a little below my picture.

I will try to post over the weekend. I am heading to a HUGE craft fair with my Mom, sister-in-law and DD tomorrow. We will be there for hours....told you it was huge.

Happy Stamping everyone!!!

A Card for Andrea

I only have a few family cards to make during the month of November. One of those celebrations is my sister-in-law Andrea's birthday. I never had a sister growing up, but now I do!! I'm not sure which card I am going to give her yet. This is the first card I made.

Andrea loves all the warm tones, so I naturally went to the Earth Elements palette. The base card is Creamy Caramel. The focal image is stamped with the Bud Basics stamp set on Very Vanilla cardstock. I used Ruby Red (stamped off...sometimes once...sometimes twice), More Mustard and Old Olive. I overstamped with my Canvas background stamp in Creamy Caramel ink. I sponged with Close to Cocoa ink (my absolute favorite ink to sponge with). I colored in the center of the flowers with my Stardust Gelly Roll pen for some sparkle. I punched the corners with my Ticket Corner punch and matted it on Ruby Red. I placed two More Mustard brads in the top two corners of the Ruby Red mat.

The band across the card is stamped with my new Wonderful Favorites stamp set. I loved this stamp set when I first saw it. I admit the price prevented me from buying it right away, but there really is no other stamp set like it. Where can I get a stamp set that covers all the bases for any kind of person you need to make a card for. That's what made me purchase this stamp set.....and I am SO glad I did!!! Anyway, back to the card. The band is made out of More Mustard cardstock. I used my fingernail to distress the edges of the card. I then sponged it with Close to Cocoa. I used my retired 1/4" chocolate grosgrain ribbon to tie two knots.

So, what do you think? I still want to make a few more cards and pick the best out of the lot.

Happy Stamping everyone!!

Two Challenges - One Card

I am totally avoiding cleaning my son's shower. How do I do that? I play the Splitcoast challenges. This card encompasses two of this week's challenge....the technique challenge (make a horizontal pocket card) and the color challenge (Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi and Ruby Red).

This card was not an easy one. Heck, I'm not even sure I really like it. The insert is too small for a picture, but I guess you could put a wallet sized picture tucked behind the focal image. HEY!!! I have a great idea......honey, are you reading this blog. That little insert is the PERFECT size for a key to that brand new Honda Pilot I've been hinting at for the past 6 months. Yes, that is a great idea if I do say so myself. I knew there had to be a reason for making such a small insert card (besides the fact that anything larger looked completely ridiculous).

Here are the "deets" on the card my husband is going to give me with the key to my brand new Dark Cherry colored Honda Pilot (I'm on a caffeine high....just let me dream for a minute, ok?).

The base card is Soft Sky. I didn't have any patterned paper with Ruby Red so I had the brilliant idea (NOT!!!) of making my own with a strip of cardstock and doodling with my white gel pen. The focal image is stamped in Wild Wasabi on Whisper White cardstock. I used my circle punches (1/2" and 3/4") to highlight the snowflake in "joy". I added some Ruby Red brads for the centers of the three flowers. I used two silver brads to keep the horizontal pocket in place. The little card (you know, the one that will hold the key) is made with Wild Wasabi cardstock. The corners are rounded, and I made the little pull tabs with both the circle punches mentioned above.

I just wanted to show you the project that Dennis has been working on for the past week or so. He is tiling the backsplash of our kitchen. He has all the tile up, but we still need to grout this weekend. I LOVE how it turned out. The backsplash is Turkish tumbled tile with a decorative placed every once in a while.

I will show a pic of the whole kitchen once the grouting is done.

Happy Stamping everyone!!

My Challenge: Play With Those Retired Sets

Good morning stampers!! I am taking charge today and giving each of you a challenge. Pull out a retired stamp set and play with it. Show it that it still holds a special place in your heart. This is actually the first time that I am playing with SU's retired Button Bear. I actually just purchased him at a Used Stamp Sale I went to recently. He is an old SU set that is mounted on foam rather than wood blocks.

This card is for my DD. She was on her class trip to Washington D.C., and I wanted to make her something to tell her how much we missed her. She loves her Build-a-Bears so this just seemed like a natural choice for her.

The bear is stamped in Timber Brown StazOn on watercolor paper. I used my aquapainter and reinkers to color him in. The colors used are: Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa and Pixie Pink. He is sponged with some Close to Cocoa ink, and I added some linework with my Close to Cocoa marker.

I am so loving the Tres Chic background stamp. It's just what this card needed. The basecard is Chocolate Chip with the Pretty in Pink layer (stamped with the Tres Chic in Close to Cocoa). The corners are punched with the Ticket Corner punch (how did I ever make a card in the past without this little baby?) and sponged with Close to Cocoa ink.

The 5/8" Chocolate Chip grosgrain and a vanilla button add the finishing touches to this card.

Amanda loved her card......she was happier to be home in her own bed!!! We're just happy to have her home with us!!!

So, please consider taking my challenge. Dust off a retired stamp set and make a beauty of your very own.......

Happy Stamping everyone!

Vintage Sunflowers

Due to the Thanksgiving holidays, I am moving my Technique Class to earlier in the month. This class will be offered in two sessions this Friday: 1:00pm and 7:00pm. The techniques being taught this month are Cracked Glass and Poppin' Pastels. During the class, we make reminder cards so you can recreate the same results at home. Finally, at the end of the class, we will make this card.

Isn't it elegant? I just love how it came out....even better than I envisioned. The sunflower focal image is created using the Poppin' Pastels technique. I then used the Cracked Glass technique to make it look old and worn.

If you live near the Twin Cities area, you are more than welcome to attend my class. Just email me (link can be found a little under my picture) if you want more information!!!

It's gonna be a cold one here in MN today. The high is only going to be 38........can we all say "BBBBBbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr". It actually snowed yesterday for the first time......nothing stuck, but it was still snowing!!!!

I have another gorgeous card all ready for tomorrow.....until then.......

Happy Stamping everyone!!!

Isn't this SO Cute?

My LSS had a used stamp sale a few weeks ago. I actually went in to pick up the Changito stamps that I had ordered, but I couldn't resist a bargain. So, I started checking out some of the stamps on the table. I found this adorable reindeer stamp and knew he HAD to be mine (especially since he only cost $3.00). All I know is that he is made by Great Impressions....there is no year of production on it.

I pulled out my watercolor paper and got to work. He is colored with my aquapainter and reinkers. Rudolph is colored with both Creamy Caramel and Close to Cocoa. I added some Pretty in Pink to blush his cheeks and color his ears. The sparkly nose is courtesy of my Stickles. The snowball is colored with Bashful Blue and Brocade Blue. I used another Stickles for the added glitz. He is mounted on a scallop circle that I made with my Corner Rounder punch

The basecard is Ballet Blue stamped with the new Let it Snow wheel from the Holiday Mini (using my Ballet Blue jumbo cartridge). I sponged with my Whisper White craft pad to soften the card up a bit. I added a Bashful Blue layer stamped with the Canvas BG stamp (using Bashful Blue ink and sponging with Ballet Blue ink). I added a double layer of ribbon.....5/8" real red grosgrain and white taffeta. I also tied some 1/4" real red ribbon inside the card and laying against the fold.

I think he came out adorable.....like I said, I couldn't resist that amount of cuteness for that cheap of a price!!!!

I have a GORGEOUS card ready to show you tomorrow.....it's for my Technique class on Friday!!! Until then.....

Happy Stamping everyone!!

My New Venture

I am proud to announce that I will be offering some of my classes as a "Stamp By Mail" offering for those of you who love my projects but live too far away to attend here at my stamping studio in MN.

My first "Stamps by Mail" class is this "Countdown to Christmas" calendar. I will be offering different class kit options:

Option #1 - Kit includes: Punched cookie tin, pre-cut patterned paper, cardstock, ribbon. Accessories include: 3 build-a-brads, roll of Sticky Strip, chipboard and magnets. Please note that stamp sets used (Season of Joy, Letterpress Alphabet and Quirky numbers) are NOT included in price of kit. If you do not own these stamp sets (especially Quirky numbers as it is a retired set), I can add the non-retired stamp sets to your order for an additional cost or you can use any stamp sets that you currently own and are about the same size. Full instructions will be included with all kits. Price for Option #1 kit is $25.00 plus shipping.

Option #2 - Kit includes: Punched cookie tin, pre-cut patterned paper, cardstock, ribbon. Accessories include: 3 build-a-brads, roll of Sticky Strip, chipboard and magnets. For this option I will stamp and sponge all the pieces for you. You will need to assemble the countdown calendar yourself. Full instructions will be included with all kits. Price for Option #2 kit is $30.00 plus shipping.

On November 15th, Option #3 will be made available to you. For the price of $35.00 plus shipping, a fully assembled Countdown to Christmas calendar will be available for purchase. Please do not send any inquiries about Option #3 until November 15th. I will re-post this option on November 15th.

Here are some details about the "Countdown to Christmas" calendar..........

dimensions: 12" x 19"

the numbers are embossed in beautiful white embossing powder

how it works: you place the "ornament" over the current day in the month of December. It is all held with magnets so it is strong and gorgeous at the same time!!!

There are also three magnetized build-a-brads stamped and glittered. They can be placed anywhere on the Countdown Calendar. I just placed them here for some visual interest.

Please note that kits need to be pre-ordered. In order to comply with Stampin' Up!'s "no cash & carry" policy, I will place my order for your supplies with Stampin' Up! after your pre-order is placed. Therefore, you should receive your package from me about 2 weeks after placing your pre-order. Thanks for your understanding!!!

If you are interested in purchasing my "Countdown to Christmas" stamping kits, please send me an email. You can find a link under my picture........

Happy Stamping everyone!!!

Our Halloween Costumes

Well, aren't we the devilish couple? Dennis went as Hellvis......notice how he HAD to pose with the Elvis snarl!!! The original plan was for me to go as an angel. I then went through the costume bin and found DD's old devil girl wig. I HAD AN IDEA!!! I went as an angel who couldn't make up her mind if she wanted to be good or bad.

So, this is how we answered the door.....with strobe lights, fog machines, spooky music, hanging plastic rats, spiders and cob webs. Yes, we are the Halloween freaks of the neighborhood. We are also the favorite house on the block (the kids tell us that....I'm not making it up)!!!


Anyway, I just wanted to show you what we looked like.

I hope everyone had a GREAT Halloween!!!

Happy Stamping everyone!!!