Friday, August 29, 2008
Happy Labor Day!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Quick and Easy Holiday Card
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
It's Ribbon Share Time
This time the ribbons will be the 5/8" Striped Grosgrain ribbon (offered in the 6 In Colors) and the luscious Taffeta ribbon. This ribbon share is only available to people living in the United States.
Here are the details about each share:
In Color 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
- 6 colors (Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point, Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze, Tangerine Tango)
- 2 yards per person
- $13.00 plus $5.45 shipping (USPS Priority Shipping with delivery confirmation)
Taffeta Ribbon
- 9 colors
- 2 yards per person
- $17.50 plus $5.45 shipping (USPS priority Shipping with delivery confirmation)
You may choose to join either or both ribbon shares.
I accept personal checks and PayPal.
I will be accepting spots for the ribbon share until it is full or September 5th (whichever comes first).
Simply email me to join the ribbon share
A Rose is a Rose
It's time to showcase another new stamp set. This one is called "A Rose is a Rose". This stamp set is truly gorgeous. If you've been with me a long time, you know that I was really upset when Stampin' Up! retired my beloved Roses in Winter. There have been new rose sets introduced by Stampin' Up! but nothing that I loved. Until now!!!
A Rose is a Rose is a two step stamp set. If you are unfamiliar with the term "two step stamp set", it simply refers to building the layers of the image by using two separate stamps.
For the large rose, I stamp the more solid stamp with Pirouette Pink ink. Using my Stamp-a-ma-jig I overstamp this image with the more defined stamp using Pretty in Pink ink. The smaller flowers are stamped first with Pretty in Pink and then overstamped with Riding Hood Red. The leaves are stamped in Kiwi Kiss. The first step is done with stamped off Kiwi Kiss. The second step is done with full strength Kiwi Kiss. I did add some Dazzling Diamonds to the large rose for some added sparkle.
The sentiment is stamped with Close to Cocoa ink. The entire focal image is sponged with Creamy Caramel ink.
A strip of distressed patterned paper from the Bella Rose DSP collection is sponged with Close to Cocoa ink. I wrapped a length of Chocolate Chip narrow grosgrain and tied it into a classic knot. The focal image is matted on Chocolate Chip, then Riding Hood Red and finally on Pirouette Pink.
I love the classic look of this brand new rose set. Although Roses in Winter will always have a special place in my heart, I look forward to playing with this brand new set....A LOT!!!!!
Oh well....time to start the day......until tomorrow....Happy Stamping everyone!!!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Christmas in August
Can you believe it....Christmas is four months from today? Unbelievable!!!!
I thought a couple of cute little Christmas projects would be perfect for today. You will have to forgive me for using some retired DSP. I haven't received this year's holiday themed designer series paper yet, but it's on its way!!!
For the little gift bag, I ran a 6" x 12" piece of Dashing (retired) designer series paper through my Big Shot using my Baskets & Blooms die. Did you know that you can only purchase this die through Stampin' Up?
After assembling the bag, I tied a length of Chocolate Chip 5/8" grosgrain ribbon around the bag and tied into a classic knot.
I stamped the deer image from Deer Friends (a level 2 Hostess set) using Chocolate Chip ink on a scrap of Whisper White cardstock. I colored over the antlers with a Creamy Caramel marker. I punched the deer out with my 1 1/4" circle punch. I took a half plastic bead and colored the back of it with a red Sharpie marker. I attached it to the deer's face using Tombow Liquid glue. I matted this onto a 1 3/8" Chocolate Chip circle which is then matted on a Creamy Caramel Scallop Circle punch.
Isn't it adorable?????
I also made a matching little 2 1/2" x 5" card. It's pretty much made the same way as above.
It's another beautiful day in MN. I am off to throw a load of laundry in and go enjoy the rest of the day.
Happy Stamping everyone!!!!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Finally.....Online!!!
Sorry about my lack of blogging, but it's been a whirlwind the past few days. Yesterday, we spent the day at the Minnesota State Fair. Our state fair is known for all different kinds of food on a stick. Here are some examples: Eggroll on a stick, Pizza on a stick, Pickles on a stick (one of my faves), Alligator on a stick (hubby tried that one a few years back), deep fried Snickers on a stick and SO much more!!!!
Last night I attended my first ever Country music concert. I have to admit that Brad Paisley is truly an amazing artist. Chuck Wicks and Jewel were the opening acts. It was a fun time had by all.
So, today as I am dragging my tush a little (got home after midnight), I realized that I missed my Blogger's Challenge. Oops!!! Sorry girls!!! I ran downstairs to make a card for a party we are attending later tonight. Our friend next door is turning 50, and his family is throwing him a surprise party.
This week's challenge is a color challenge. The colors are Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, More Mustard and Ruby Red. The stamp set was an easy choice. I grabbed my new "Cheers to You". What guy wouldn't be happy with a mug of beer on a hot summer day?
This card is pretty self-explanatory so I won't get into any major details. I do want to point out that adding Crystal Effects on the beer mug just makes it so more extra special.
Here's the recipe:
stamp sets: Cheers to You, Canvas
paper: Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Old Olive, Ruby Red, Confetti White
ink: Black StazOn, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard
accessories: Choc Chip wide grosgrain, Old Olive narrow grosgrain, Crystal Effects, aquapainter, circle punches (1 1/4" and 1 3/8"), sponges, dimensionals, markers, Crafter's Tool Kit
I'm going to go soak my blistered feet in a nice warm tub.....I encourage you to take a look at all the other Blogger's Challenge projects this week. Simply click on the Blogger's Challenge icon on the right side of my blog. Until tomorrow...Happy Stamping everyone!!!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
A Spooktacular Day
I was working downstairs in the Stamping Studio when DH came down the stairs with my box of new stamping goodies. I think I quoted Hannah Montana when I said "Sweet Niblets" as he put the box on my table.
I had a hard time choosing which stamp set to assemble first. In the end, I chose to play with my brand new Halloween goodies first.
This stamp set is called "House of Haunts", and I used a technique from the new catalog. I colored the focal image with three colors of markers: More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie and Elegant Eggplant. I then misted the stamp set with a fine mist water bottle and stamped the image on Confetti White cardstock. I then misted lightly on the cardstock and swooshed (yup, that's a technical term) my aquapainter over the image to blend a little. Once the cardstock dried, I sponged the edges with Elegant Eggplant ink and distressed the edges. The focal image is matted on More Mustard.
The base card is Elegant Eggplant. I dragged my Whisper White Craft pad across the cardstock and put it aside to dry thoroughly. In the mean time, I worked on my Kiwi Kiss band. I used my Scallop Edge punch on the bottom edge only and used the direct-to-paper technique on all the edges. I stamped "Happy Halloween" also in Kiwi Kiss ink.
The finishing touches include a classic knot using Pumpkin Pie narrow grosgrain and some buttons tied with Linen Thread. The More Mustard buttons are sitting on two 1/2" Pumpkin Pie circles.
I grunged the card up using my Color Spritzer Tool and Elegant Eggplant marker.
So, what do you think of my spooktacular Halloween card? Leave a comment....I'd love to hear from you!!!
Recipe:
stamp sets: House of Haunts
paper: Elegant Eggplant, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Kiwi Kiss
ink: Whisper White craft, Elegant Eggplant, Kiwi Kiss
accessories: Stampin' Write markers (More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Elegant Eggplant), 1/2" circle punch, Earth Element buttons, Linen Thread, Scallop Edge Punch, Pumpkin Pie narrow grosgrain ribbon, aquapainter, fine mist water bottle
Life is a Highway
My big box of brand new Stampin' Up! goodies is scheduled to arrive today. I can't wait to play with my new Sizzix exclusive dies. I've been seeing them on my fellow demo's blogs, and I've been a little bit jealous!! I also purchased some awesome new stamp sets, patterned papers, ribbons and embellishments. I am truly excited that I can play so much faster now that the stamp sets are all die cut. No more hot spots on my fingers from cutting all that rubber. Now THAT'S exciting!!!
I have been working on some items for a "top secret" mission that I can't really talk about yet. I promise, you all will be the first to know!!!
Anyway, it's been a crazy week. Between school orientations, school pictures, dance open house, Taekwondo and prepping for Stamp Club, my white roots are starting to show (ah....don't fall for that....they were showing anyway)!!! Plus, the Minnesota State Fair starts tomorrow!!! Yeah!!! How many kinds of food on a stick can you think of? Minnesota State Fair is known for its food on a stick. My personal fave is "Pickle on a Stick". Yum-O!!!!
I will post a pic of my new play toys as soon as they arrive!!!! I look forward to showering you with brand new ideas and projects!!!!
Until later....Happy Stamping everyone!!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Blogger Challenge #60
It's Friday again, and you know what that means. That's right....it's time for another Blogger's Challenge.
This week's challenge was to make a birthday card. That's it!! No other rules!!! Any sketch...any colors.....yeah!!!
Once again I reached for my brand new "Flight of the Butterfly" stamp set. I used a brand new color combination on this creation: Baja Breeze, Sage Shadow and Close to Cocoa. I hardly ever use Sage Shadow...so that's quite an accomplishment for me!!!
The focal image is SUPER-DEE-DUPER sparkly!!! After stamping it, I ran it through my Xyron machine and dipped it into my Dazzling Diamonds. The photo doesn't even do the sparkliness justice....in fact this photo is really bad!!! I couldn't get it to photograph right!!!
The focal image is double-matted.....first on Sage Shadow and then on Close to Cocoa.
The base card is Baja Breeze. The only thing I did to it was sponge the edges with Baja Breeze ink. I added a strip of Whisper White cardstock that was lightly stamped with my Canvas background stamp and Close to Cocoa ink. For this really spotty look, just dance your fingers over the cardstock. I sponged the edges with Close to Cocoa ink too.
The final touch was adding some Chocolate Chip narrow grosgrain ribbon.
Would you like to see the other Blogger Challenge projects? Simply click on the Bloggers Challenge icon in the right sidebar of my blog.
recipe:
stamp sets: Flight of the Butterfly, Canvas
paper: Baja Breeze, Close to Cocoa, Sage Shadow, Whisper White
ink: Baja Breeze, Sage Shadow, Close to Cocoa
accessories: Chocolate Chip narrow grosgrain ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds, Xyron machine
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
KISS
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Inspiration
I am often ask how I get inspired. Inspiration comes from many places. I love to look at color combinations from catalogs, home decor magazines and from nature itself.
As I've matured, my tastes and color preferences have changed. Ten years ago I would've turned my head at all the warm colors I find myself being pulled towards nowadays.
Today's card celebrates the stamper I've become. Over the years I've learned to incorporate some items that may instill fear at first. For example, I now love to use patterned paper on projects way beyond the scope of scrapbooking. It's rare to find a card of mine without some ribbon or embellishment on it. They've become part of my signature style.
Today's project focuses on some of my favorites (old and new):
- Silhouette Stamps
- Patterned Paper
- Earth Elements cardstock and inks
- sponging effects
- brads and ribbon
I love this new "Inspired by Nature" stamp set by Stampin' Up!. I can achieve so many looks with just one stamp set by altering the technique that I use. Today I used Poppin' Pastels to achieve the soft and muted look to these cone flowers. I just love the effect!!
Here's the recipe in case you want to recreate this GOJUS (as Jan Tink would say) card!!!!
stamp sets: Inspired by Nature, Canvas
ink: Versamark, Chocolate Chip
paper: Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Bella Rose DSP, Very Vanilla
accessories: Vintage Brads, Chocolate Chip narrow grosgrain ribbon, Ticket Corner Punch, sponge daubers, Chalk Pastels, sponges
Until tomorrow.....Happy Stamping everyone!!!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Never Been Seen Promotion
I've already told you that the new Fall & Winter 2008 Idea Book and Catalog is being unveiled today.
Now, I need to tell you that TEN of the brand new DIE-CUT stamp sets from this catalog are on sale for 15% off!!!! I own two of these stamp sets already, and they are gorgeous!!!
CLICK HERE to view the promotion flyer!!!
Orders from the Fall & Winter 2008 Idea Book and Catalog can be placed starting 1:00pm CST today!!!
If you would like to place an order, you can either call me at (952) 843-3743 or send me an EMAIL.
I look forward to serving your stamping, scrappin' and papercrafting needs!!!!
Fall & Winter 2008 Idea Book and Catalog Unveiled Today!!!
I can't believe today is THE day!!! The Fall & Winter 2008 Idea Book and Catalog is here!!!
This catalog is the best one in years!!! I am not kidding. The variety of stamp set styles is incredible. There is truly something for everyone!!!
Once Stampin' Up! posts the link to the online catalog, I will update this post with the link.If you would like your own copy of this awesome new catalog, I am selling them for $5 plus shipping (if applicable). Just CLICK HERE to send me an email to save one for you!!!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
My Love of Markers....And a Special Club Offer to You!!!
Here are some of my favorite uses:
- color my stamp with markers, huff and stamp.....easy way to get multiple colors
- use the fine point for all my doodles and dot work
- use markers, aquapainter and watercolor paper for a stunning Copic-like effect
- color in line images
- thumping technique
As you can see, there are so many ways Stampin' Write markers can be used.
So, here's my invitation to you to join my Marker Club.
- each club has 4 members
- each month (for a span of 4 months), you will receive a color family of markers and it's matching assorted 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock pack.
- monthly fee is $46.00 (if live outside of Chaska area, please add $5.80 for Priority shipping to your home)
- during one of the months, it's your turn to be hostess!!! You will earn a FREE Level 1 hostess stamp set (your choice) and $15 in FREE catalog merchandise. In addition, you will get the box for the markers to be stored in.
- I pay any extra shipping during your hostess month (above and beyond the $5.80 extra shipping)
- each member gets list of different things you can do with your markers
- I accept personal checks and PayPal for payment
This is the best and easiest way to get a full box of markers and its coordinating cardstock.
Please EMAIL me if you are interested in joining one of my marker clubs. You won't regret it!!! I look forward to hearing from you!!!!
I've Got That Lovin' Feeling
Friday, August 8, 2008
Blogger Challenge #59
Wanna Sneak Peek?
We are given three stamp sets in our Convention bag. The stamp set used in today's project is one of those sets. It's called Flight of the Butterfly, and it is a two step stamp set.
UPS donated a stamp set to each demo in attendance. It is the new Ronald McDonald House stamp set, and it is gorgeous. It is designed to be used with a new scallop square punch. As soon as I receive my punch, I will post some projects here on my blog!!!
I also won a stamp set at Convention this year. During the Prize Patrol, they called my wristband color. That's right.....anyone with an Orange Stripe wristband won the brand new Upsy Daisy stamp set. I am in complete love with this stamp set. It's part of the new Silhouettes line. I will show you a project with this stamp set tomorrow!!!
Now, onto today's card. This card is all about new product.
Stamp Set: Flight of the Butterfly
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red (new In Colors)
Patterned Paper: Bella Rose
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red
Accessories: Scallop Edge punch (you are going to ADORE this punch.....really!!!)
I also used some oldies but goodies......Certainly Celery 5/8" grosgrain ribbon......my tried and true piercing tool and mat pack from the Crafter's Tool Kit and of course, my sponges. Remind me to tell you how I went through withdrawal not sponging on my Convention make-n-takes. It was NOT a pretty sight!!!!
Oh well.....off to spend the day with the kids. I wish you all a happy Friday!!!!
Until tomorrow.....Happy Stamping everyone!!!!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Happy Birthday Amanda!!!
Amanda's birthday card was a no-brainer!!! This girl LOVES her cell phone. It goes with her everywhere.
Now, I admit to having this stash of retired stamp sets that will never leave this house. I used two of those stamp sets on this card: Just Jeans (background stamp) and Pocket Fun.
The cell phone comes from Gina K. In fact, the stamp set belongs to Amanda. She wanted it for Christmas last year.
I put in a request with Stampin' Up! for a cell phone set. Let's hope they listen to my request!!! I feel SO guilty using contraband!!!
This card did take some time to make. I stamped the cell phone twice....once on Pretty In Pink Print Pack patterned paper and once on Whisper White. Cut out the image from the patterned paper. Cut the display screen and number buttons from the white cardstock. Adhere to the pink phone using Tombow Liquid glue and cover with Crystal Effects. Put aside and let dry overnight!!!
The card itself is pretty self explanatory!!!!
If you have any questions, feel free to email me!!! My email link is on the right sidebar of my blog!!!
Now, it's off to spend some time with my baby!!!!
Recipe
stamps: Pocket Fun, Just Jeans, Classic Numbers, Text Messages (Gina K)
paper: Whisper White, Night of Navy, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink Prints dSP
ink: Brocade Blue, Night of Navy, Basic Black
accessories: Pink Taffeta ribbon, Crystal Effects
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Some Pics from Convention
Wanna get 6,000 demos excited? All Shelli needed to do was show us this exclusive design of the Big Shot. We all went completely nuts when our partnership with Sizzix was announced!!!
I mentioned yesterday that there will be Sizzix dies exclusive only to Stampin' Up! This photo showcases one of those dies. The pennant die was used to make this adorable reindeer. The antlers were made with another SU only die. It's called Tulipe, and it's gorgeous!!!
I have big stamping and organizing plans today.
As fun as this new stuff is, it's nearly the end of the Spring and Summer Collection. Have you ordered your favorite retiring goodies yet?
If not, send me an email today. With a credit card, I can get your order placed lickedy-split!!!!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
I am Home from Convention
Would you like to hear some highlights?
Well, I must say that receiving our catalogs at Convention is an incredible idea. There are no catalog spoilers to avoid reading on stamping websites and blogs. All demos attending convention viewed the catalog at the same time.
Speaking of the catalog, it is AMAZING. After not completely loving the past two catalogs (I felt there was a lot of the same themes repeated), this catalog truly has something for everyone. There is such a diverse assortment of stamps in all sorts of styles. My jaw was truly dropping as I was flipping the pages.
Let's hear it for:
- new ribbon (colors, widths and designs)
- new hodgepodge color
- oodles of gorgeous designer series paper collections
- decorative brads
- new punches
- and so much more!!!!!
Shelli announced that Stampin' Up! has partnered with Sizzix. Stampin' Up will be carrying an exclusive version of the Big Shot die-cut machine. We will also be offering dies exclusive to Stampin' Up! We have been given a sneak peek of some of these dies. They are beautiful.
In addition, Stampin' Up! will also carry other Sizzix dies. Even though they are available in the retail market, Stampin' Up! is proud to offer them to you as well. This means that if you put in a qualifying order, you can earn hostess benefits and free hostess exclusive stamp sets on those incredible Sizzix dies. Yeah!!!!!
I will post some pictures tomorrow from my trip to Convention. We did not have access to the internet from our hotel. So that's why you haven't heard from me!!!!
Until tomorrow.......Happy Sleeping everyone (hee hee)!!!