Bring on the Chocolate

Alright, tell the truth now. Do you occasionally sneak a piece of chocolate from one of your little one's Easter baskets? Yeah, me too!!!

The project I made for today is perfect for any adult chocolate sneak in your life. This little tin holds 12 Hershey Nuggets. Each of the nuggets is wrapped with some beautiful patterned paper before being nestled into it's happy little home.

The focal image and sentiment are from the Easter set being released tomorrow from Jessica Lynn Original. Aren't they way cute? I especially love the little marshmallow peeps. My mom loves marshmallow peeps.....she opens the package the day before she plans to eat them so they can get stale. I personally don't like to eat peeps, but they are fun to color.

Hey, less calories that way. Let's see, I saved the calories on the peep to allow me to pop one more nugget in my mouth. It all makes sense, right?

I hope to see you all at the Jessica Lynn Original release party tomorrow night. The big egg-stravaganza (I'm so punny when I work with all these Easter stamps) takes place on her website.

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

For All My Friends

Can you believe I made another card this week that doesn't use springy colors? Woo hoo!!! I switched to bright colors instead!!!!

This card uses a Level 3 hostess set called "Time Well Spent". I stamped the largest flower in Black Staz On ink onto watercolor paper. I used my aquapainter and reinkers to color in the flower (Purely Pomegranate, Pumpkin Pie and Summer Sun). I used my white gel pen to color the dots in the flower, and then I carefully cut out the flower with my paper snips.

The stem was pulled from my scrap pile of Old Olive cardstock. I tied a length of 5/8" Old Olive grosgrain and trimmed the edges in a way to simulate leaves.

The sentiment is stamped on Whisper White cardstock and colored in once again with my aquapainter and reinkers. I dotted the edges with my Basic Black SU marker. I used my slot punch on the left and right sides for my black narrow grosgrain ribbon to slide through.

stamps: Time Well Spent, Tres Chic

paper: Purely Pomegranate, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, watercolor paper

ink: Black StazOn, Pumpkin Pie, reinkers

accessories: Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain, black narrow grosgrain, slot punch, ticket corner punch, vintage brads, black SU marker, white gel pen

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

Make a Wish!!

Sorry for the lateness of this post, but the day completely got away from me. You know.....laundry, vacuuming, dishes, grocery shopping, working out. I even spent a bunch of time pricing my retired stamp sets.

I am offering the stamp sets to my club members first, then a stampin' garage sale for my customers and I will post whatever is left here on my blog.

Anyway, I did manage to find some time to stamp today. Working out really does boost your energy level. I hate when those skinny well-toned people are right!!!!!

This card is one of the cards featured in my Birthday Stamp-a-Stack class in February. I am offering this class in two different sessions: Thurs. Feb. 7th (6:30pm) and Fri. Feb. 8th (7:00pm). If you would like to attend, please send me an email telling me which day works better for your schedule.

I also offer this class by mail. I will send you all the pieces needed to make each of the cards. All you need to do is assemble. If you are interested in my Birthday Stamp-a-stack by mail, feel free to send me an email for further details.

I really like designing for Birthday Stamp-a-Stacks. My goal is to have a birthday card perfect for anyone on your card sending list. We make cards for women, men, boys and girls!!! See, no more excuses for never having a birthday card!!!

P.S. I apologize for the quality of the photo......the camera is dying!!!!!

stamps: Big Bold Birthday, Canvas

paper: Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Ruby Red, Whisper White, So Saffron

ink: River Rock, Ruby Red, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Pumpkin Pie

accessories: Coluzzle, Blue Bayou double-stitched grosgrain, white gel pen, Not Quite Navy marker

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

How Egg-cellent!!!

I rarely make a card in a shape other than a square or a rectangle. As a was laying down in bed tossing and turning waiting to fall asleep, the concept of the egg card popped into my head.

I am not like other stampers who would roll out of bed, run to their stamping tables and make the card that "just came to them". Oh no.....I LOVE my sleep too much. Never was a night person......never will be!!!! I just go to sleep adding a prayer that the mojo will still be there in the morning.

This card starts with a 4.25"x11" piece of Almost Amethyst cardstock folded in half. It's time to pull out the Coluzzle and the oval template. Make sure that you have some of the template beyond the left fold in order to keep fold. I then used one of my Cuttlebug folders and ran it through my Big Kick (thanks honey.....still love my Christmas present). I sponged the edges of the egg card with some Almost Amethyst ink to give the card more depth of color.

The focal image is one of Jessica Lynn Original stamps new releases. The bunny and chicks look like they are having so much fun!!! I stamped it with Palette Noir ink on Whisper White cardstock. I used my Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol to color it in. I punched out the image with my Giga Scallop Oval Punch, sponged the edges with Almost Amethyst and pierced each of the scallops with my piercing tool.

The rest of the egg card was constructed with scraps on my desk. I attached them to the card and just trimmed with my paper snips to match the curve of the oval. Pink felt ric-rac was the finishing touch on the card. So cute!!!!

Well, is anyone else thankful that it is the weekend? Yeah!!!!! Twins Fest was fun as always. We got autographs from Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Harmon Killebrew. The line for Francisco Liriano was WAY too long!!!!! Today is the yearly German Festival......can't wait!!!!!

Off to go shopping..........Happy Stamping everyone!!!!

Sending You My Love

What's a better way to send your valentine a little love note than this cute little mailbox?

"Sending You My Love" Mailbox class

Date: Friday, February 1, 2008

Time: 7:00pm

Place: Patti's Stamping Studio

Chaska, Minnesota

Fee: $15.00

(your choice of pink or white mailbox)

Class description: We will be making a mailbox and three little 3x3 cards to tuck inside (not shown). Be prepared for an evening of pure stamping bliss.....woo hoo...a girl's night out!!!!

If you do not live in the Twin Cities area, but wish to purchase a kit, please send me an email for more details.

How to Survive a Smudge

Superman's arch enemy is Lex Luthur. Batman's enemy is the Joker. What is a stamper's enemy? A stinkin' ink smudge.

Oh yeah, if you love to watercolor you know all about "the smudge". You're almost done......you look down at your work.....and there it is......an ink smudge in the lower right corner of your project. Argh!!!!!

Was I about to throw out my work? Heck NO!!!! I am going to save this spray of flowers. How you ask? My handy dandy Coluzzle to the rescue!!! I pulled out my oval Coluzzle template and decided which oval would best cover "the smudge". So, I pulled out a piece of Barely Banana cardstock from my scrap pile......cut it to 4"x4", stamped it with So Saffron ink using the Floral BG stamp and cut out an oval in the center. I taped the smudgy focal image to the back with some Scotch tape and got busy embellishing.

I decided that I wanted to pierce the Kraft focal image following the curve of the oval. I then sponged the edges of the Barely Banana layer with some So Saffron ink. I then pulled out my white gel pen and dotted all around the outside edges of the banana layer. I didn't have enough room for the entire sentiment. So, I used my Chocolate Chip SU marker to ink up just the "thank you" portion and stamped.

The banana layer is matted (using dimensionals) on a slightly larger piece of Rose Red cardstock. This is all mounted on the Wild Wasabi base card which measures 4.25"x4.25".

It still needed something. Wild Wasabi double-stitched grosgrain ribbon to the rescue. A little Rose Red button sits upon the knot to finish the card.

I am the first to admit that "Simply Said" is not one of my favorite stamp sets, but I am really happy with the way that this card turned out. I gotta love when that happens!!!!

It's Twins Fest this weekend......yeah.......baseball means that Spring is just around the corner. We're supposed to get temps in the 30's this weekend. Just what we need here in MN. I may just have to put on a tank top to celebrate.....just kidding!!!!

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

Happy Bird-day!

Everyone loves a card that comes together so simply yet still looks adorable.

I still find myself grabbing for my Pun Fun stamp set. Can you believe I still have a few images I haven't even stamped with yet?

Today's card is an adorable birthday card. It measures 4.25"x4.25". The base card is Barely Banana stamped with the Polka Dot BG stamp in Barely Banana ink.

The birdie is stamped on watercolor paper in Black StazOn. I used my aquapainter and reinkers to color him in. He is matted on a piece of Soft Sky cardstock.

For visual interest, I made a scalloped strip using my Slit Punch. I tied a length of white narrow grosgrain ribbon into a simple flat knot, and adhered some flat plastic dots I found at Michael's. Thanks to Lauren Meader who enabled me to pick these up yesterday......you get a ton of them for $3.99. Here's a link to Lauren's post.....maybe she will enable you too!!!! I picked them up in blue and clear, but they also come in pink/berry and a yellow-ish green too.

I am seriously considering putting my cards and projects up for sale on Etsy. What do you think?

Until tomorrow....happy stamping everyone!!!

Sneak Peek #2

Did you know that Easter is in March this year? Wow, that will be here before you know it!! I love Easter. The Spring colors.....the chocolate......the thought of warmer temperatures....the chocolate.....an 11 day school break.....the chocolate. I think you get my drift.

Jessica Lynn Original stamps has an adorable Easter set debuting on February 1st. As soon as I saw this particular image, I knew I wanted to make a tag. I can picture this tag tied to a cute little metal bucket filled with chocolate. It would look even better on the Easter baskets. Each year, my kids re-use the same baskets. How cool would it be to have a gorgeous tag hanging from the handles to make it a little more special this year? My kids love when the Easter Bunny does stuff like that!!!

I have a few more gorgeous Easter goodies......but I'll save those for another day!!!!!

Until tomorrow....Happy Stamping everyone!

stamp set: JLO Stamp Set 01
paper: Stampin' Up! (Barely Banana, Certainly Celery, Whisper White)
ink: Black StazOn, Stampin' Up! Classic ink (So Saffron, Certainly Celery)
accessories: Prismacolor pencils, Gamsol, Bigz tag die, sponges, large pewter eyelet, various ribbons (Stampin' Up!)

Thank Ewe

I am SO loving this "Pun Fun" stamp set. I had some extra card kits laying around in a basket (this card kit has got to be over 3 years old). Why cut up a full sheet of cardstock when I can use up some of these kits, right?

I chose to use the little lamb stamp as it was the tallest and skinniest stamp in the set. Remember, I wanted to work with pre-cut kit pieces. I stamped the image with Black StazOn and colored in with my aquapainter and markers (scribbled them on my stamp case). I punched all four corners with my Ticket Corner punch and pierced the top edges with my piercing tool and guide. I matted the focal image on a slightly larger layer of Basic Black and finally, on a layer of Certainly Celery. The image still needed something so I added two pink bling crystals (by Amuse) to the top corners.

The base card is Pretty in Pink. I stamped it with the large flower from One of a Kind using Pretty in Pink ink. The band is a strip of Regal Rose that is stamped with Canvas using Regal Rose ink. I added some ribbon (5/8" Celery and 1/4" Light Pink grosgrain). The flowers were stamped with Regal Rose ink (using the three flower stamp from One of a Kind) and punched with the coordinating Boho Blossom punch. I added two of the small crystal rhinestone brads (from the Pretties kit) in the center of each flower and attached to the ribbon with a mini glue dot.

I have two more of these card kits to use up. I think I will make up two more of these cards to put in my card stash. You never know when you will need an adorable thank you card, right?

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

One of a Kind

It was a FRIGID weekend in MN. In fact, we didn't leave the house all weekend. Thank goodness for a stocked fridge and a Chinese restaurant that delivers. LOL!! I was working on some swaps over the weekend, but I decided to take a break and make a card.

"One of a Kind" is a very versatile stamp set. I am also using it in my swap card but in a very different way. I stamped the big flower on Very Vanilla cardstock with Regal Rose ink. I took my aquapainter and swirled over the image to spread out the ink. I cut out the image using my handy paper snips and started working on my Build a Brad. I stamped the small flower image with Close to Cocoa ink, punched it out with my 1/2" circle punch and assembled the Build-a-brad. If you haven't played with these things yet, you have to try them!!!! Lots of fun!!!

The base card is Creamy Caramel measuring 4.25"x4.25". The next layer is Regal Rose that is double-stamped (Sanded in Close to Cocoa and the three flower stamp from One of a Kind in Regal Rose). I sponged the edges with Close to Cocoa to dirty up the edges. I added three pewter brads (to tie in with my Build a Brad) to the upper right corner).

I cut a half circle using my Coluzzle and Choc Chip cardstock. I used my paper piercing tool to pierce the edge of the circle. I ran a length of twill ribbon across the card, adhered the half circle on top and stamped with the sentiment (wish it came out darker though). I adhered the flower using a Pop-Up Glue Dot since the Build-a-brad has some weight to it.

This card is not my usual style, but as a stamper you sometimes need to step out of the box. Right?

I have 4 swap cards to finish today. I have some other projects I need to work on as well. The good news is that it's above zero today. I have to get the kids out of the house....I am sure they are going stir crazy!!!!!

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

Sneak Peek

Did you know that a HUGE release of Jessica Lynn Original stamps will be happening on February 1st? Jessica Lynn is planning a release party for that night.....so stay tuned for further details.

Each member of the design team was sent a different stamp set. My stamp set is called "Spring Set 01". It's adorable, and it's all about Easter.

This is the first project I made!!! I just love the look on this hen's face after laying this GINORMOUS bejeweled egg.

After all that hard work, she is definitely one "Hot Chick".

So, what do you think? I can't wait to see what the other nine stamps sets look like. I'm sure my fellow design team members are gonna knock your socks off with their creations.

recipe

stamps: JLO Spring Set 01

Paper: Confetti White, Certainly Celery Print DSP, Barely Banana, watercolor paper

ink: Black StazOn, reinkers

accessories: celery grosgrain (wide and narrow), crafter's tool kit, pastel rhinestone brads, aquapainter, circle punches

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

Blast Off Birthday

My eyes have recovered from being dilated, and I finished all my design team work.......so it was time to play!!!!!

I think a lot of stampers have a hard time with "guy" cards. A lot of the stamp sets are truly geared towards females. I was SO excited to see this rocket ship image in the brand new "Pun Fun" stamp set. Finally, I can make a boy's birthday card that does not involve sports!!!! LOL!!!

This card was a breeze to make. I watercolored the rocket ship on a scrap of watercolor paper. I cut it out and placed it over another rocket ship image (using dimensionals for a 3D effect) stamped on Bashful Blue cardstock. I paper pierced the edges and matted on some Whisper White.

The base card is Brilliant Blue wheeled with my Whimsy wheel in Brilliant Blue ink. I tore a piece of Kraft cardstock to resemble the surface of some far off planet.

I used Beate's weekend sketch for this card design. I've had these flat white humongous brads FOREVER (at least 6 years). It feels fabulous to use something from my stash of embellishments. I simply put them through some 1/2" circle punches prior to attaching to the red strip.

I love the final result. I don't think I have any little boy birthdays coming up. I'll have to save this one for someone special.

I hope everyone has a FABULOUS weekend. It's supposed to be downright frigid here in MN. We are under a windchill warning (right now it's -15 windchill). Yowzah!!!!

Until tomorrow......happy stamping everyone!!

My Baby Blues

As of this moment, I probably will not be posting a new project today. I went to the eye doctor this morning, and my baby blues are still dilated and all funky. Looks like I need reading glasses to help out these tired little eyes when I stamp.

Gotta love turning 40.........UGH!!!!

My stamp club has been filled. I am starting a second club which will meet every other month (starting in March). All members agree to purchase a minimum of $25 each month the club meets. This club will be limited to 6 members. If you would like to join, please send me an email.

If my eyes stop freaking out, I will run to my studio and stamp!!!! I have an idea in my head.....and if it comes to fruition, it'll be awesome. I pinky swear!!!



Happy Stamping everyone!!!!

Too Stinkin' Cute

I told you my new goodies were here, and for those of you who frequent my blog, you all KNOW I love CUTE!!!!! Well, the first "cute" stamp set that caught my eye in the Spring and Summer Collection 2008 catalog was "Pun Fun". Oh my.......my heart aflutters with excitement.......skunks, sheep, birds, rocket ships and oh yes, a cuppa coffee!!!!

Well, I made a card using another of the stamps for a WOW swap I am participating in. That card is designed, but I can't show you until the swap is done. Bummer....I know! My swap card is seriously CUTE!!!!! So, I knew I would really need to bowl you over with another awesome card. I really LOVE this little stinker......the skunk.....not the card (I hope)!!!

I used the sketch challenge on SCS for the design of this card. The base card is Almost Amethyst stamped with my Paisley BG stamp in Almost Amethyst ink. I used a piece of Almost Amethyst designer Prints patterned paper (matted on Certainly Celery) for the next layer. Notice how I used my Ticket Corner Punch on the bottom two corners of the patterned paper. I attached two Apricot brads in each of the corners.

The focal layer is stamped with Black StazOn on Shimmery White cardstock. I used my aquapainter and watercolor crayons to color in Mr. Stinkypoo. I paper pierced the edges and attached to a mat of Apricot Appeal cardstock.

Isn't the little flower on the ribbon cute? It's stamped with my brand new "One of a Kind" stamp set and punched out with my new Boho Blossom punch. I added a Celery brad in the center, attached it to my apricot narrow grosgrain ribbon using a mini glue dot, and VOILA.......another wickedly cute card is done!!!!!

So, ladies, what are you waiting for? Look through your stash of stamp sets (I KNOW you all have a bunch of them).......find a cute stamp......and get busy. Don't forget to leave me a comment with a link to your wickedly cute card of the day!!!!!

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

Elegant Orchids

Have I ever mentioned that purple is my favorite color? Well, it is!!! I'm not fanatical about it, but my eye does tend to gravitate towards purple.

When my Embrace Life stamp set arrived on my doorstep, I knew that I wanted make a purple card. The large orchid-ish (new word) flower is stamped with Black StazOn on watercolor paper. I used my watercolor crayons (Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Barely Banana and Elegant Eggplant) to apply lots of color and blend, blend, blend. I made sure to use some white gel pen to highlight the flower center and to dot the petails.

I dragged my perfect plum ink pad across the entire flower image (called Direct to Paper technique) in all different directions. The focal image is then mounted on a mat of Elegant Eggplant.

I used my Scor Pal to make a pattern on my Barely Banana layer. I used my Ticket Corner punch on all four corners and sponged with Elegant Eggplant ink. I matted this layer onto Perfect Plum and added 4 brushed pewter brads.

The Elegant Eggplant base card measures 4.25x4.25". I stamped the flower spray image all over the base card using Elegant Eggplant ink. Before attaching the flower image, I tied a length or ribbon of Eggplant grosgrain ribbon into a simple flat knot.

I think this card is simply GOJUS (as JanTink would say). The photo does not do it justice......it is just so rich and vibrant in real life.

Some new stamps are in the house..........I'm planning on making something really cute with them today. So check back in tomorrow.......til then.....

Happy Stamping everyone!!!

Firsts

This card is the first project I have made with goodies from the Spring and Summer 2008 catalog.

The stamp set is called "Embrace Life", and it is gorgeous. I have so many stamp sets, yet this one called to me. I don't have any "eastern" inspired stamps in my collection, and this particular image bowled me over.

I have seen such beautiful samples made with this stamp set. A lot of them are made with one of this year's In Color, Groovy Guava. I really HATE anything to do with peach (I wonder if it has to do with my getting drunk on Fuzzy Navels in college??......still can't stand the smell of anything peachy to this day.....UGH). Back on track.......I don't like peach.....but I do like coral. So, the flowers were watercolored with my Cameo Coral ink pad and an aquapainter on watercolor paper. I went over the stems with a wash of Mellow Moss. I highlighted the flowers with a touch of my Stardust Gellyroll pen.

More new catty goodies are coming tomorrow.....yeah!!!!! I ordered some really cute stuff......can't wait to play!!!!

stamp sets: Embrace Life

paper: Mellow Moss, Barely Banana, Cameo Coral, watercolor paper

ink: Black StazOn, Cameo Coral, Mellow Moss

accessories: aquapainter, Crafter's Tool Kit, sponges, moss gingham ribbon

Until tomorrow....happy stamping everyone!!!

Inspiration

There are many things in life that inspire your design or colors of your projects. In this case, a favorite Valentine candy was the inspiration for my color choices: a chocolate covered cherry.

This valentine card measures 4.25"x4.25". I used a combination of designer paper (retired Au Chocolat), Real Red, Choc Chip and Sahara Sand cardstock for this card.

It's hard to see in the picture, but the Real Red base card is stamped with the heart stamp from Time Well Spent. The "from the heart" sentiment comes from Holidays & Wishes. The little heart on the tag is from Unfrogettable.

So, how do you like my little chocolate covered cherry-inspired card?

Wanna hint of tomorrow's project? One of my new stamp sets finally arrived, and I made a gorgeous card with it. I hope to see you tomorrow...........

Happy Stamping everyone!!!

Sending You My Love

If you read my last post, it explained how my stamping mojo was compromised by watching too much Project Runway yesterday. See kids, even background noise can affect your work!!

I have envisoned this background for a long time. In fact, I used it on DH's valentine last year. I would have completely copied his valentine, but some of the other card elements hit the chopping block during the June retirement. So, I needed to regroup and rethink. My first inkling (and a complete failure) was to use the "from the heart" sentiment from Holidays & Wishes. The result was just too busy of a card. After turning off Project Runway and making dinner, the card FINALLY came together.

I love using acetate and White StazOn to create a cool background for a card. You should definitely try it!!!!! This card will be my WOW card for next week's Stamp Camp!! Wanna be part of the fun? If you live near the Twin Cities, send me an email. I'd love to have you attend!!!

stamps: French Flair, Circle of Friendship

paper: Sahara Sand, Choc Chip, Real Red, Whisper White

ink: White StazOn, Choc Chip, Close to Cocoa

accessories: circle punches, gold eyelets, acetate, choc chip 5/8" grosgrain

Until tomorrow.....happy stamping everyone!!!

I'm Still Here

Wow! What a day!!! The worst part is that I did stamp today, but I TRULY hated the result and refused to post it!!!! I think the problem lies here. While stamping, I was compelled to watch episodes of the first season of Project Runway. WHAT A MISTAKE!!!! All that complaining and backstabbing killed my stamping mojo. Who needs that kind of drama when stamping is how I relax?????

So, what did I do? I put the disaster card down and made dinner. After cleaning the kitchen with DH, I went downstairs and pulled the card apart. I decided that the separate pieces would be perfect for 2 different cards. So, I made two GORGEOUS cards instead of one!!!! I am very happy with the results. Do you want to see them? You'll have to wait until tomorrow. By the time I finished the cards, it was too dark to photograph. Sorry!!! I promise I will post them tomorrow!!!!

More good news......I got some new rubbah today!!! They are all cut and ready to use tomorrow!!! My first "big" order from the new catty arrives on Monday. Now, that will be a GREAT day!!!!

I hope you had a better stamping day than I did......until tomorrow.......

Happy Stamping everyone!!!!

Way to Score!!!

Now I am not talking about football or baseball. Heck, I am not even thinking about THAT.....get your mind out of the gutter....LOL!!!!

I am talking about using your favorite scoring tool, of course! Did you know that you could use your scoring tool for other things besides making the folds your project? I used my Scor-Pal to make grid marks on my card. It gave enough visual interest so that I didn't need to use my patterned paper or my background stamps. Cool, huh?

So, I know what you're thinking!!! How did I figure out my pattern? I figured out how much room I needed for the focal image and then worked around it until my grid was even on all sides. How's that for an answer? I answered that like a politician, huh? If you want the exact measurements, leave me a comment (but please leave me your email address as I can't do return comments with Blogger.....hate that part of Blogger) or send me an email!!

The focal image is from "Beautiful Life". This is a two step stamp. The more solid flower image is stamped with So Saffron, and the line image is stamped with Summer Sun. The stem in stamped in Certainly Celery. After punching the corners with the Ticket Corner Punch, I sponged with Soft Sky ink. I then matted it on a slighly larger scrap of Basic Black cardstock.

The focal image was mounted on the gridded piece of Soft Sky cardstock (which was also heavily sponged with Soft Sky ink). This layer was mounted on a layer of Whisper White. I added 4 So Saffron brads to each of the four corners prior to mounting on my Certainly Celery base card.

So, what do you think? Did I make you think more of your favorite scoring tool? I hope so!!! Give it a try and tell me what you think!!!!

Until tomorrow....Happy Stamping everyone!!

A Valentine For Boys

Now that the holidays are over, have you noticed how fast the stores switched over to Valentine's Day? I swear I went into Target the day after Christmas (towards the DVDs and greeting cards), and they had all the little kiddie Valentine books out. The greeting card section even had all the Valentine cards out too!!!!

Stampin' Up! has also jumped on the Valentine's bandwagon with their January special (the Valentine Bundle). My stamp set is still on it's way so I can't post any samples using "Happy Heart Day" yet, but I did want to show a valentine that is perfect for any special guy in your life.

I opted away from the traditional valentine colors. I chose to use Blue Bayou, Wild Wasabi and Barely Banana for my little guy's valentine (ok, he's 15 but he's still my baby). This card measures 4.25"x4.25". The basecard is stamped with my Flannel Plaid BG stamp. I rounded the two outside corners with my Corner Rounder Punch and sponged heavily with Blue Bayou ink.

The Wild Wasabi layer is easy. I just embossed the "wild about you" using Versamark ink and White embossing powder. I stamped the little bird and sponged all edged with Wild Wasabi ink. The Barely Banana layer is stamped with the Polka Dot BG in Barely Banana ink. I also used the direct to paper technique to add more color to the edges of the layer.

The croc is stamped with Wild Wasabi ink on Whisper White. I punched it out with the 1 3/8" circle punch and mounted it on a scallop circle punched out of Certainly Celery (that was heavily sponged with Wild Wasabi). I pierced each of the scallops with my piercing tool from the Crafter's Tool Kit. I added a piece of Blue Bayou double-stitched ribbon, googlie eyes and some white eyelets to complete the card.

I think it came out pretty adorable if I do say so myself. Let's hope my son likes it too!!!

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

New year! New Stamp Clubs!

Can you believe it's 2008? How many of you are still writing 2007 on your checks? I've been good so far this year.....haven't needed to rip up a check yet!!! LOL!!!!

Now that the holidays are over, it's time to start my Stamp Clubs. Basically, my clubs meet every other month (starting in February). Each club has 6 members who agree to spend a minimum of $25 at each club meeting. The hostess of the month will be rotated among all club members. The hostess of the month is encouraged to gather outside orders from friends and family to increase her total sales (which in turn increases the FREE goodies for the hostess). The club will meet in my Stamping Studio where we will make awesome projects and learn new stamping techniques.

If you live near the Twin Cities (MN) and want more information about my Stamp Clubs, please send me an email. I would love to talk to you!!!!

If you are night owl (which I am not...LOL!!!!!)......enjoy the rest of your evening!!! As for me, I am off to bed and hopefully some nice dreams!!!! Good night everyone!!!

Sketch Challenges

I think one of the best ways to expand your stamping horizons is to take part in stamping challenges. The card I made today was from Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge.

I also decided to use one of my beloved retired stamp sets, Like It a Latte. This stamp set was in last year's Winter Mini catalog, and it was love at first site. Many a demonstrator were SHOCKED when this stamp set did not make it into the Fall & Winter 2007 Catalog. What was Stampin' Up! thinking? There wasn't one coffee-themed stamp set in the catty. Now, they have redeemed themselves in the new one. There is an adorable coffee cup image in a brand new set called Pun Fun. Yup, you guessed it. Pun Fun is on my first order because it is cute and it's meant to be watercolored. A DOUBLE TREAT FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!

The basecard is a standard A2 Close to Cocoa card. I stamped with my Sanded background and then the coffee bean stamp from Like it a Latte (both in Close to Cocoa ink).

The Soft Sky layer is stamped with a flourish from Season of Joy (was in the Holiday Mini). If you do not own this flourish, the one from Priceless will work just as well. I sponged the edges with some Close to Cocoa ink before adhering to my base card.

Now, I did promise not to hoard my stamping goodies. So, I delved into my stash of retired pattern paper. This cute rose and pink dotted paper was part of a patterned paper pack also from last year's Winter Mini (can't think of the name right not.....yeah, I know, I am getting old).

I sponged the edges with some Close to Cocoa ink to "grunge" it up a bit. I added some 5/8" Chocolate Chip grosgrain and stamped the sentiment on some scrap Whisper White cardstock. I then punched out the sentiment, sponged with more Close to Cocoa ink and adhered on top of the ribbon.

The focal image is stamped on Whisper White cardstock using....you guessed it....Close to Cocoa ink. The candy stick is stamped in Regal Rose. I used my aquapainter and my Soft Sky reinker to lightly color in the coffee cup. I also used my aquapainter to add some color to this whipped cream/foam. My white Signo gel pen provided the final accent on the dollop. I cut out this image with my Coluzzle. I made a Scallop border for my circle using Pretty in Pink cardstock, my Scallop Circle punch and this awesome tutorial by Mary Jo Albright. You have to try this....it's cool!!!!

This post in much longer than I intended. I like to give you step-by-step so you can recreate if you wish. Hoping you're not bored to death!!!!!

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

A New Way to "Wrap it Up"

Do any of you like to watch the Food Network or Top Chef? If yes, the phrase "it's all in the presentation" says it all. Even a simple gift of candy becomes FABULOUS when it is given in a homemade gift box.

First of all, I want to thank Lauren Meader for her design of this gift box. The directions can be found HERE. I also want to thank my in-laws for their Christmas gift which allowed me to purchase my Scor-Pal. Using the Scor-Pal made making this box easy-peasy.

My box starts with a 12x12 sheet of Pretty in Pink cardstock. After scoring and cutting as per Lauren's directions, I started stamping the large medallion from True Friend using Whisper White craft ink. I stamped "Celebrate" (using Pretty in Pink craft ink) and "You" (in Certainly Celery classic ink) from the Celebrate Everything stamp set. Before matting on a layer of Certainly Celery, I pierced both edges using my Crafter's Tool Kit and sponged with some Pretty in Pink ink.

I wanted to make a dangling embellishment on this box. So, I used my Pretty in Pink and Certainly Celery markers to ink the flower portion only of the large flower from True Friend. I punched this out with my 1 3/8" circle punch. I edged this circle with my Pretty in Pink marker and added a celery rhinestone brad. I then punched a Scallop Circle in Certainly Celery, pierced each of the scallops and adhered the circle.

The project is finished off with some varying types of grosgrain ribbon: 5/8" celery, 1/4" celery and 1/4" white.

I am really liking playing with all these springy colors. I am SO seriously missing my pool right now......too bad it's covered under feet of cold MN snow!!!!!

I have a great project planned for today.........Until tomorrow.....Happy Stamping everyone!!!!

Celebrating You!!!

This card came together so fast. I was waiting for my friend Kim to arrive for an overnight stay(she had an early morning flight and we live close to the airport), and I knew that I needed to stamp a card for today's post. I ran downstairs to my stamping studio and was instantly ready to stamp. I knew I wanted pink and chocolate. I was pretty much inspired by the brand new Berry Bliss paper I had just ordered from Stampin' Up! Anyway, I also wanted to use a stamp set that was carried over into the new catalog. So, I decided on "True Friend". What an awesome stamp set!!!! I am so glad the powers that be decided to carry it over from the Holiday Mini catalog.

The basecard is a standard A2 Pretty in Pink card. I grunged the edges up a little bit by sponging with Close to Cocoa ink. The next layer is Close to Cocoa stamped with the triple floral from True Friends and then overstamped with my Sanded background stamp. I stamped the large flower medallion with Close to Cocoa craft ink and then embossed with Clear embossing powder. I cut out the image, sponged with Close to Cocoa ink and a clear rhinestone brad (from the Pretties kit) was added to the center.

I used my brand spanking new "Celebrate Everything" stamp set for my sentiment (also stamped in Close to Cocoa ink). I lightly spritzed with my Color Spritzer tool and a Close to Cocoa marker and then matted on a layer of Certainly Celery (all layers are sponged with Close to Cocoa ink).

At this point the card still needed something. I decided that it needed a ribbon accent. But where? I looked down on my stamping desk and found a small piece of 5/8" celery grosgrain. Cool!!! I can simulate leaves with my ribbon. I made a "V" with my ribbon and dirtied it up with some Close to Cocoa ink. After attaching it to my card, it was the perfect accent.

I REALLY love this card.....so much in fact that I am making it one of the cards for this month's Stamp Camp. Yippee......only 3 more projects to design!!!!

It's chilly (although not as cold as yesterday.....-5 when we woke up) and windy here in MN. Sounds like a perfect day to stamp to me!!!!

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

Yippee! A New Catalog!!!

I am SO excited!!!! We can order from the brand spanking new Spring and Summer 2008 Collection catalog. In fact, I just placed my first order for some brand new rubbah!!!! I can't wait to get my new goodies and play.

Have you seen the new catty yet? If not, it is available online. Just click HERE. There are so many options when looking at the catalog online. You can circle your favorite sets too!!!!

In fact, the online catalog is a perfect way to get some brand new stamping stuff for FREE. How, you ask? By having a "Virtual Catalog Party", of course. If you are interested in hosting your very own "Virtual Catalog Party", please email me. I would love to set one up for you!!!!

If you like the idea of the traditional workshop, I can take care of that for you too (provided you live in the Twin Cities area, of course....LOL)!!!

I hope you have fun drooling over your new catalog!!!! You'll find something new to look at every time you open it.

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

Welcome Back Old Friend!!!

It is SO wonderful to have this adorable stamp set back in the big catty again. He has so much versatility with all those accessory stamps he comes with. I chose to make a birthday card with him today. I drew some motion lines so it looks like he is tossing the gift between his two big claws.



I kinda messed up on the SCS Color Challenge today. I read on a blog that I frequent that the colors of the week are Real Red, Certainly Celery and Tempting Turquoise. Well, it was supposed to be Taken with Teal....not Tempting Turquoise. Oh well, what are ya gonna do? I still think he looks pretty darn adorable.



Remember my new year's resolution? No, not the diet one (I did high fiber cereal and cantaloupe for breakfast this morning even though there was lemon danish sitting on the counter).....I am talking about my "play...do not hoard" resolution. Well, I can happily say that that resolution is on track as well. I used my large pewter eyelets, a new tag die for my Big Kick and my Prismacolors/Gamsol. Holy cow!!!!! I did not even break into a panic sweat using all that stuff either. Can you believe it?????



Here's the recipe for Mr. Crabby:



Stamp Sets: Crab and Company, Polka Dots

Paper: Certainly Celery, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise, Creamy Caramel (for sponging tag)

Accessories: Ticket Corner Punch, hemp twine, large pewter eyelets, googlie eyes, Prismacolors and Gamsol, 5/8" Certainly Celery grosgrain, sponges



Oh well, it's back to normal here again. The kids are back in school.......talk about being crabby this morning.....they did not like getting up early!!!!

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

My First Design Team

Happy New Year everyone! I was waiting for the official announcement before I posted this latest news on my blog. I am now a design team member for JessicaLynnOriginal stamps. I've made a few projects for Jessica Lynn in the past, and I was honored when she asked me to join her team. Here are two of the projects I designed for her company. Aren't they cute????

JessicaLynnOriginal is having a major stamp set release on February 1st. I will start posting sneak peeks here on my blog starting January 30th. I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for me and the other ladies on the design team. Do you wanna know who I am working with?

2008 JLO Design Team: Cathy Indelicato, Alex Eaton, Melissa Martin, Barb Pritschau, Jennifer Greco, Nancy Beauchamp, Tammy Hershberger, Kelly Sampson, Barb Kaszuba and Patti Chesky.


I did stamp today, but I was too lazy to photograph my project. I'm beat!!!! New Year's Eve always tires me out, and I didn't even drink a drop of alcohol last night. I just wasn't meant to stay up til midnight!!!!

The kids go back to school tomorrow.....UGH.....that alarm clock is going to go off WAY too early tomorrow for me!!!

Oh well, time to get the kids motivated for bed time. Tomorrow morning is going to be very grouchy around this house!!!!!

At least I can place my first order from the Spring and Summer 2008 Catalog tomorrow at 1pm central time. Yippee!!!! I guess I should figure out what's gonna be on that order, huh?

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