Jan's Stampin' Creations

Apologies and NEW BLOG

2008-11-23T20:17:00.001-08:00

I appreciate your patience for the last month and a half - no blogging. The reason is that I've been taking a Blogger's Bootcamp from John Sanpietro. He suggests using a more powerful blogging service which I have started.

Please go here to check out my new blog. You are very welcome to sign up for my newsletter and updates to my new blog.

I'm busy working on catching up with all the projects I've been doing and sharing with my customers.

Hope you like my new blog and thanks again for sticking with me!!

2008-10-01T16:29:00.000-07:00

Isn't this just the most darling little box? It was pretty easy to make. I filled it with goodies and it was a door prize at our club meeting last week.

Thanks to Shannon Griebe for the original instructions which I'm adding here with a few changes I made (different designer paper)

Supply List

1, Parisian Summer DS paper (use any you like)
4 pcs 4” x 5”
2 pcs 2” x 7 ½” – Box Bottom
2 pcs 1” x 7 ½ “– Box Top
Using Scraps, cut matching scallop circle - and I added a small flower from the boho punch and a Rhinestone Brad

2. 2 pcs 4” x 5” cardboard from DS paper

3. Approx 20” Riding Hood Red Ribbon

Assembly

1. Glue a 4” x 5” piece of DS paper to each side of cardboard pcs. I made mine match on all sides of cardboard. Set aside to dry a little.

2. Score each strip at ½’ in along the 7 1/5” length. Score each end in 2”. Cut at the point where the ½” and 2” score line meet.

3. To form the box bottom fold along all score lines and then overlap the end pieces and glue together. Each end should measure 2 ½” – this means that the ends will not overlap completely. The finished size of the box bottom is 3 ½” x 2 ½”

4. To form the box top repeat the above process but overlap ends to a measurement of 2 3/8” This will allow the box top to fit easily in the box bottom.

5. Run the 2 DS paper covered pieces through the Big Shot using the Top Note Die. Do these one at a time to get the best impression from the faux stitching border on this die.

6. Glue the box bottom to the cut die along the ½” strip. If the paper you selected does not blend with the paper covering the Top Note, you can cut a 3 ½” x 2 ½” of paper you like to cover the bottom.

7. Take the box top and set it into the box bottom just enough to hold it in place and then put some glue along the ½ strip. Pick the whole assembly up by the Top Note and turn it over and visually line it up with the second Die cut and set it in place. Let the glue set for just a bit and the separate the top from the bottom. This is when you can make sure the box top is flat against the top die. Just an FYI – there is about ½’ spacing all the way around the outside of the box bottom.

8. Tie ribbon around box. Enjoy!!

More and Various Cards

2008-10-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

I love making cards? Can you tell? As I'm cruising the internet and find neat cards, I print them off and try to make them up right away. Yes, I have tons of cards made up, but just think!! I have a card for ANY occasion on hand.

Here's some fun cards I have made recently.

Frankie with The Big Shot

Stamp Set: All Holidays
Card Stock: Lovely Lilac, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Ink and Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker
Embellishments: Envelope Die for the Big Shot, 1 1/4" and 1" circle Punches, Large Oval Punch

This little Frankie I made with the Envelope Die for The Big Shot. I sponged around the envelope die with chocolate chip, then adhered him to the Lovely Lilac card stock base. I cut two 1 1/4" circles in Chocolate whip and 2 1" circles in Whisper White. I then put the 1" circle back in and cut " 1/4 moons. I punched a 1 1/4" circle in Whisper White and cut it in half for his nose. I drew his mouth with a Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker. Punched out an oval in Tangerine Tango - cut it in half and then trimmed up the edges for his bolts. Is he cute or what?

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Stamp Set: Short and Sweet, Inspired by Nature
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Bella Rosa Designer Paper
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Yoyo Yellow, Close to Cocoa Stampin' Write Markers
Embellishments: Scallop Edge Punch, Large and Small Oval Punches, Large Scallop Circle Die for The Big Shot

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Stamp Set: Short & Sweet
Card Stock: Pink Pirouette, Bella Rosa Designer Paper
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip 1" Double Stitched Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Designer Buttons, The Big Shot Dies: Top Note, Buttons

I received a lot of my inspiration from Patty Bennett. I recommend her blog very highly!!

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Stamp Set: Flight of the Butterfly
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch

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Stamp Set: Pocket Silhouettes, Best Yet (Hostess Set)
Card Stock: Kiwi Kiss, Bashful Blue, Urban Garden Designer Paper
Ink: Bashful Blue
Embellishments: Bashful Blue Taffeta Ribbon, Curly Label Punch, Top Note Die for The Big Shot

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Stamp Set: Short & Sweet
Card Stock: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip Designer Prints (piece across the ribbon), Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic and Craft
Embellishments: On Board Something Seasonal Chipboard Frame, Hidden Garden Rub-ons, Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Large and Small Oval Punches

This card was fun and with a different sentiment would make a lovely Christmas card. I used a sponge dauber and daubed Chocolate Chip Craft ink on the chipboard frame. I then dotted it with the white gel pen. The rub-on fit perfectly inside the frame!!

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Faux Criss Cross Card

Stamp Set: Heard from the Heart
Card Stock: Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Bella Blossoms Designer Paper
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Embellishments: Small Pennant Die for The Big Shot, Top Note Die for The Big Shot, Boho Blossoms Punch, Pretty in Pink Brad

This is called "Faux" Criss Cross card because there are some beautiful criss cross cards out there, but they are a bit more complicated than this carad. This one was a snap!! I used the Small Pennant Die for The Big shot and didn't put it on the fold. I cut my small pennants and then using the perforated crease, wrapped that around the sides of the 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" card base and adhered it on the crease. I then adhered it with a small roll of snail along the bottom of both pieces. The White Top Note die comes out, so you can write on it! Very elegant and VERY simple!!
Email me if you have questions at janinpb@communitybroadband.com

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Stamp Set: Bella Blossoms
Card Stock: So Saffron, Regal Rose, Old Olive, Whisper White, Sweet Always Designer Paper
Ink: Old Olive; Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose Stampin' Write Markers
Embellishments: Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Large Oval Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Designer Label Punch

What fun this card was to make - I colored the center of the flower with the Regal Rose Stampin' Write Marker, the outside in Pretty in Pink and the stems in Old Olive. Huffed and stamped!!

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Stamp Set: Bella Blossoms
Card Stock: Riding Hood Red
Ink: Versamark with White Embossing Powder
Embellishments: Designer Buttons, 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

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Club Meeting Projects

2008-09-30T21:17:00.000-07:00

For our club meeting on the 25th, we made three projects and I demoed one.

For the demo, I made the 3 x 3 Designer Envelopes to match some little 3 x 3 cards I had made previously.

I showed these cards in this nifty little box at my Open House.

The box is made from 4 Big Shot envelope dies. I didn't do a tutorial on it, because there is a perfectly good one here, and I thank Sheryl for her easy-to-follow instructions!!

I then made these 4 little Christmas cards to go inside the box.....

Then I found this wonderful tutorial on how to make the designer envelopes. I can't remember where I saw it, but for once I saved it and I was able to show my girls - they were suitably impressed. If you would like the directions, please email me at janinpb@communitybroadband.com and I will email them to you!!

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Our first project was the bookmark we made at convention. I had been so wanting to share this with my club girls.

Stamp Set: Eastern Elegance
Card Stock: Pacific Point, Old Olive Designer Prints, Whisper White
Ink: Tangerine Tango, Old Olive Craft Ink
Embellishments: Designer Brads Filigree (small and large), On Board Chipboard Something Seasonal, 20" Pacific Point 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

We sponged Old Olive craft ink on the chipboard. We set that aside to dry. We cut two pieces of Pacific Point CS 1 7/8" square and glued them together with one end of the ribbon in between. This we glued to the back of the chipboard. We applied the Old Olive Designer Print piece cut 1 5/8" square on top of the onboard chipboard piece. We stamped the flower from Eastern Elegance and cut it out. We adhered the flower to the top along with a 1/4" circle cut from Pacific Point and the small filigree designer brad on top with a mini glue dot. We then threaded the large filigree designer brad through the other end of the ribbon and tied a knot below to keep it on. Cute bookmark!!

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Our next project was a card (always have to have a card, right?) Some of the gals weren't sure about the colors, but they went along!! Thanks gals!!

Stamp Set: Cute and Curly
Card Stock: Pumpkin Pie, Regal Rose, Sweet Always Designer Papers, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White
Ink: Regal Rose
Embellishments: Boho Punch, 1/4" circlel punch, Rhinestone Brad, Top Note die, Curly Label Punch, Scallop Edge Punch

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And last, but definitely not least, here's Frankie!! Isn't he just a blast? These will fit a King Size Hershey Bar!! Yummmm

There are LOTS of Frankies circulating in the stampin' world and I think they are all so cute. I saw this idea on Dawn Griffith's web, but no measurements. So I did up a tutorial so you can make one too!!

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Smarty Pants
Card Stock: Old Olive cut 6 1/2" x 7"
Lovely Lilac 2 x 2 1/2"
Old Olive 3/4" circle (2)
Whisper White 3/4" Circle (2)
Basic Black 1/2" circles (2)
Ink: Basic Black, Old Olive, Black Stampin' Write Marker
Embellishments: KING SIZED HERSHEY'S CANDY BAR

Score your 6 1/2" x 7" piece 1 1/2" and 2" and 4" and 4 1/2" on the 6 1/2" side. Turn and score at 1/2" on the 7" side

Crease all scores and then with paper snips, cut out as shown in above photo, the small 1/2" piece and the end piece including the 1/2" piece.

Turn cardstock over and decorate the middle 2" piece by cutting the Lovely Lilac with paper snips to make his "bangs" as per photo. Adhere at the top. Stamp the "Friends. Good. -Frankenstein" in basic black ink.

Punch out 2 - 3/4" circles from Whisper White and 2 - 3/4" circles from Old Olive. Cut old olive circles in half and using a sponge dauber, daube with old olive ink around each eyebrow and the nose. Adhere black 1/4" circles to eyes as per picture and eyes to cardstock. Mount eyebrows and nose with dimensionals. Add mouth with black stampin' write marker and cut above eyebrow.

Use gel pen to add lights to eyes.

Next step is to add Sticky Strip to the bottom outside and the inside 2" piece

Tear off red tape and stick together. You can cut two arrows with the My Way punch in basic gray for his bolts.

Add your candy bar and what a fun gift!!!

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That's all for tonight - I'll be back soon with more cards and a fun and beautiful gift box!!

Fall Classes

2008-09-30T20:58:00.001-07:00

Fall Classes

Are you ready to start doing cards again after a busy summer? I'm ready and have classes all planned. They are filling fast, so if you would like to join us, just email me (janinpb@communitybroadband.com)

80 Cards from a Simply Scrappin' Kit

Date: Saturday, October 25th
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Place: Outback Pizzeria (lunch will be the attendees responsibility)
Cost: $50

In this class you will learn to do 80 cards from one Simply Scrappin' Kit. Can you imagine having 80 cards on hand for any occasion?

We will use one Simply Scrappin' Kit and 40 sheets of card stock for the base of the cards. You will choose one kit from pages 172-175 in the 2008 Fall/Winter Idea and Catalog. I will preorder the kit and card stock and have it all cut and ready for you to put together. We might not get all 80 cards done, but I'm sure we can do at least 40 and possibly 60 - maybe all 80!!

You will need to bring your paper cutter, adhesive (I will have refills available), any sentiment stamps you are especially fond of, and punches you might think you will use. I will have some embellishments and lots and lots of ideas!

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This next class is called Upsy Daisy

Date: Thursday, October 30th
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Pioneer Memorial Hospital Conference Room
Cost: $25

If you’re looking for quick and easy cards to make that have a real “wow” factor, then this class is perfect for you! You’ll use the Upsy Daisy stamp set and Urban Garden designer paper to create these four stunning cards and a sleek little box to hold them in. We will also be making a cute little refrigerator cork board as my bonus for attending this class. These make quick, easy gifts!!

Date: Thursday, October 30th
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $25
Location: Pioneer Memorial Hospital Conference Room

Please email me to sign up for this class: (janinpb@communitybroadband.com)

If you cannot attend this class, I will be happy to mail you the supplies with all the directions. The cost is $30 which includes shipping. This will not include the refrigerator cork board, but you will receive detailed instructions on how to assemble the class plus all the materials. I will have these kits available after the class is over, so email me (janinpb@communitybroad.com) if you would like to place your order and we arrange the details or click the paypal button below and pay now. You will receive your class in the mail after October 30th.

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Christmas Stamp-A-Stack

Date: Saturday, November 15th
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Place: Outback Pizzeria (lunch will be the attendees responsibility)
Cost: $20

We will make 15 cards - three each of the above five cards. This class has a limit and is almost full, so email me today (janinpb@communitybroadband.com) to make sure you don't miss out.

If you cannot attend this class, I will be happy to mail you the supplies with all the directions. The cost is $25 which includes shipping. I will have these kits available after the class is over, so email me (janinpb@communitybroad.com) if you would like to place your order and we arrange the details or click the paypal button below and pay now. You will receive your class in the mail after November 15th.

Christmas Cards

2008-09-30T18:14:00.000-07:00

During my Open House blitz, I had a customer call wanting product as she is having a card making time during their bazaar. So....I made up some cards for her to see. I'll include them here with recipes. Most of them are extremely simple as that is what she wanted for her projects.

Stamp Set: Cute and Curly
Card Stock: Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze Designer Prints, Riding Hood Red Designer Prints
Ink: Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red
Embellishments: Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon
Punches and Dies: Top Note Die, Curly Label Punch, Large Oval Punch

I was inspired by Bevmom from Splitcoast Stampers. I just love the "feel" of a quilt and thought it turned out beautifully. I cut strips of the Riding Hood Red Designer Prints and glued them on with SU glue stick to a sheet that was about 4" x 3". I then ran that through the Big Shot over the Top Note Die. I clipped off at the perforation and then ran a piece of Riding Hood Red through to back the quilt pattern. I stamped with the Cute and Curly set in Baja Breeze and then stamped again with Riding Hood Red and cut out the sentiment with the large oval punch and then popped it up with dimensionals.

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Stamp Set: A Flower for All Seasons
Card Stock: Old Olive, Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Holiday Treasures Designer Paper, Whisper White
Ink: Black Stazon, Real Red, Old Olive and Creamy Caramel Stampin' Write Markers
Punches and Dies: 1 3/4 Circle Punch, Scallop from the Pennant Die

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Stamp Set: A Cardinal Christmas (New 2008 Holiday Mini)
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Holiday Treasures Designer Paper, Whisper White, Water Color Paper
Ink: Black Stazon, Riding Hood Red, Real Red & Certainly Celery Stampin' Write Markers
Embellishments: Riding Hood Red 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

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Stamp Set: Snow Swirled
Card Stock: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Holiday Treasures Designer Paper
Ink: Versamark & White Embossing Powder, White Gel Pen
Dies: Top Note Die

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Stamp Set: Snow Swirled, Heard From the Heart
Card Stock: Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Basic Black

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Stamp Set: Snow Swirled
Card Stock: Whisper White, Garden Green, Real Red
Ink: Real Red, Garden Green

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Stamp Set: Snow Swirled
Card Stock: Whisper White, Riding Hood Red
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red
Embellishments: Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon

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Stamp Set: Snow Swirled
Card Stock: Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Whsiper White
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss
Embellishments: Ticket Corner Punch, Rhinestone Brad

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Stamp Set: Snow Swirled
Card Stock: Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White
Ink: Kiwi Kiss
Embellishments: Riding Hood Red 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, 1 3/8 & 1 1/4" Circle Punches

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Stamp Set: Heard from the Heart
Card Stock: Ridign Hood Red, Old Olive, Holiday Treasures Designer Paper
Ink: Basic Black
Embellishments: 1/4" White Grosgrain Ribbon

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I'll share more later this evening!!

Open House September 20th

2008-09-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

Open House September 20th

The next event on my schedule was my Stampin' Up Open House held on September 20th at the Outback Pizzeria. I had 20 people attend!! We were thrilled. In fact they came early and stayed, so that made it a fun day!! Because we were a bit behind we didn't get a lot of pictures, but I'll show a few so you can see some of the things we did.

First I had wonderful help!! My dear friend, Catherine, was such a big help in setting up and guiding everyone around - she showed them all the classes we will be having this fall and was the greatest help!! My daughter, Holly, was the "Make 'n Take" person and sat at the table all day helping everyone do their cards. My other daughter, Heidi, was to be the Big Shot demonstrator, but since she really hadn't used it, I ended up doing most of that and she greeted the customers and answered questions.

Here's the banner I made - thanks to Patty Bennett for her inspiration - it was really easy and such fun to make.

Card Stock: Real Red, Bella Rosa Designer Paper, Whisper White
Embellishments: Riding Hood Red 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Jumbo Brads

As described by Patty on her blog, I made the large pennants with Real Red Card Stock and the Big Shot Pennant Die and the small pennants with Bella Rosa Designer Paper and the small pennant. I then added some examples of the other sizzlet dies in Whisper White, so the customers could see some of what we sell!! You can click on the pictures to see it a bit bigger!

The Big Shot was a Big Hit!! I did about four different demos show many of the ideas we have seen on the internet. The customers were very impressed and I had such fun doing it all!!

Our table for the Make 'n Takes was busy all day. We made two cards - one is below, but I'll put it up again as I just love it - thanks Kathy for the inspiration (my 2nd upline)

Stamp Set: Upsy Daisy
Card Stock: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Bella Rosa Designer Paper, Whisper White
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Embellishments: Scallop Edge Punch, Wide and Large Oval Punches

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This card I cased from Patty Bennett's Blog - thanks for the inspiration Patty!!

Stamp Set: Eastern Elegance, Heard from the Heart
Card Stock: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point
Embellishments: Silver Brads, Trio Flower Punch, Big Shot Top Note Die Cut

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I had class and club sign-ups. And I also had a Book to Look offer. Below is the little basket I made and it was filled with strawberries. Three ladies booked workshops in October and November and were able to pick a strawberry!! Their prizes will be given to them at their workshops!

If you would like directions for the basket or strawberries, just email me at janinpb@communitybroadband.com.

Some of the classes I'm having are:

October 25th 80 cards from a Simply Scrappin Kit $50
October 30th Upsay Daisy Class with a bonus refrigerator magnet $25
November 15th Christmas Stamp-A-Stack $20

These classes are filling fast, so if you are interested, just email me at janinpb@communitybroadband.com to reserve your spot. I will be including pictures on the blog within the next couple of days of the the classes we will be doing!!

I actually put a small ad in a local paper and received some response from that. One lady called me to order some supplies for a bazaar. She plans on having attendees make cards. So I did up a bunch of samples of holiday cards for her to see. I will add these samples tomorrow so you can get some ideas

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Downline Meeting September 13th

2008-09-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of going to my first downline meeting. I went with Lana (my upline) and Tamara (my sideline) to Kathy's home - she has a wonderful place to stamp and had so many things planned for us. It was a blast and I can't wait until the next one!!

I'm going to share some of the projects we did. We had a showbox swap (my first), and then we played with our Big Shots. I learned a lot that day!!

We also had a swap with the new McDonald's Set "Say it with Scallops." So with the visiting and playing it was a very fun day. Somehow I'm missing some of the cards (possibly I've already used them!!) If I find them I'll add them later

Stamp Set: Say it with Scallops
Card Stock: Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, Bella Rose Designer Paper
Ink: Kiwi Kiss
Embellishments: NEW Double Sided Satin Ribbon - Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla, Scallop Edge Punch

The piece of Riding Hood Red that is punched with the Scallop Edge Punch is 2 3/4" x 2 3/4" - makes a perfect and elegant frame!!

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Stamp Set: Say it With Scallops, Bella's Border Stampin' Around Wheel
Card Stock: Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Banbury Designer Paper
Ink: Kiwi Kiss
Embellishments: Pink Pirouette 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch

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Stamp Set: Say it With Scallops, Itty Bitty Backgrounds
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette Designer Prints
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: Half pearl from Pretties Kit (Page 185) Chocolate Chip Flowers from Flower Fusion Too (Page 182), Square Scallop Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Gel Pen

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Stamp Set: Heard from the Heart
Card Stock: Kiwi Kiss, Bella Rosa Designer Paper, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black
Embellishments: Designer Circle Brads, Designer Buttons, Rose Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

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Stamp Set: Elegant Cheer
Card Stock: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette Designer Prints, Pink Pirouette
Ink: Basic Black
Embellishments: Retired Ribbon

Isn't this just the cutest card? Simple, but really elegant!!

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Stamp Set: Upsy Daisy
Card Stock: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Bella Rosa Designer Paper, Whisper White
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Embellishments: Scallop Edge Punch, Wide and Large Oval Punches

Kathy had this card for us to do. One tidbit which I found really interesting. When she punched out the scallop edge on the Bella Rosa, it left one very thin strip (about 1/8" of an inch) - we then used that strip across the Riding Hood Red. What a good use of leftovers!! Great tip Kathy!! Now I have a little tin on my desk with all the left-over strips!!

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Catching up!! Technique Tuesday for September

2008-09-29T18:45:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry to be so behind in my posts. I had a downline (or upline) meeting, an Open House (my first!!) and a club meeting and I just haven't had time to do any posting.

But tonight I plan to get somewhat caught up.

Our Technique Tuesday was September 9th at Catherine's. We had "M" and "N" which turned out to be Metal Faux and Negative Split.

Here's the Faux Metal card we made and I'll include the directions from our album insert!

Stamp Set: Cute & Curly (from the Curly Label Punch Bundle, Page 189), Sentiment from All Holidays
Card Stock: Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette Designer Series Papers, Sterling Silver
Ink: Silver Encore Pad
Embellishments: Silver Embossing Powder, Riding Hood Red 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Brad, Boho Punch, Curly Label Punch

Here are the directions for Faux Metal - these make really nifty additions to your cards and keep the cost down!!

FAUX METAL

Technique One
Supplies:
Brushed Silver Cardstock
Sterling Silver Embossing Powder
Heat Gun
Powder Pal
Versa Mark Pad
Encore Silver Stamp Pad
Stamp Set

Stamp with Versa Mark on Brushed Silver CS. Sprinkling Sterling Silver EP over stamp and heat emboss. Finish card

Technique Two
Supplies: Same as above

Using Versa Mark, rub over brushed silver cardstock. Sprinkle Sterling Silver EP over versamark and heat emboss. Do this one more time. Ink up your stamp with Versa Mark. Again rub versa mark over cardstock and heat emboss. Immediately stamp into the three layers of embossed cardstock. Cut out your stamp. Finish card

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Negative Split

Obviously I'm "fudging" on the name of this as it's usually called Split Negative, but that's okay, right?

Everyone loved the Negative Split and the fun thing is that you can do two cards in one as you cut them apart and have two!! Nice!!

Stamp Set: Bronc Buster
Card Stock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Baja Breeze and Baja Breeze Designer Prints
Ink: Basic Black, Black and White Craft Ink
Embellishments: Silver Brads, White and Clear Embossing Powder

Negative Split Instructions

Negative Split
Supplies
Black and White Craft Ink
White and Clear Embossing Powder
Heat Gum
Black & White Card Stock
Heat Tool and Paper Trimmer

Select a stamp that is large and can take center stage. Use paper trimmer to cut black and white card stock the size of the wood block of the stamp you are using. Stamp image in white craft ink on black card stock. Emboss with white embossing powder. Next stamp image in black craft ink on white card stock and emboss with clear embossing powder.

Determine midpoint of image and cut both black and white card stock in half. Adhere two opposite images to coordinating cardstock just larger than the original images. Finish your cards.

With this class we are half way through the alphabet - this has been fun and I look forward to sharing the rest of the alphabet with my girls

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Convention Mini Album

2008-09-02T21:57:00.001-07:00

Attending convention is a wonderful experience. Meeting new people and sharing ideas is just too much fun. We also were able to participate in Make 'n Takes. Among the many we did was this darling little Mini Album. It will hold eight pictures, is really fast and simple and makes a wonderful gift. Last week at our club meeting we each made a mini album. For those who didn't get to come, here is a small tutorial on how to make these darling little albums

Supplies:

Stamp Sets: Eastern Blooms, Celebrate Everything
Cardstock and Paper: Very Vanilla Card Stock 2 7/8" x 3"
Love Notes II Tangerine Tango Cards and envelopes (2 each)
Ink: Stampin' Write Markers Old Olive, Really Rust, Chocolate Chip Classic Ink, Only Orange Classic Ink
Embellishments: Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon 10"
Curly Label Punch
Spritzer Tool
Crop-A-Dile
Scoring Blade

Step 1: Seal one envelope and tuck flap inside second envelope

Step 2: Place sealed envelope right-side-up with the top of the envelope on your right. Ink up flower and branch from Easern Blooms Stamp Set with Really Rust on the flowers and Old Olive on the stems. "Huff" and stamp on the sealed envelope.

Step 3: Stamp "For You" from Celebrate Everything in the right top corner.

Step 4: Spritz front of sealed envelope using Really Rust Stampin' Write Marker and Spritzer Tool

Step 5: Score 3/8" from left edge of stamped envelope (bottom edge of envelope), folded edge of both Tangerine Tango Love Notes, and left edge of second envelope (bottom edge of envelope)with flap tucked in. Use bone folder to crease edges.

Step 6: Create your mini album by placing stamped envelope on top, two Tangerine Tango Love Notes in middle and other envelope, right side down on bottom. Punch 1/8" holes on left side for binding approximately 1/2" from top and bottom using your Crop-A-Dile. Thread Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain ribbon through holes and tie in a knot on top.

Step 7: Journal on 2 7/8" x 3" Very Vanilla card stock. Insert in back envelope.

Step 8: Add pictures and enjoy!!

Here are a couple more I made

Don't hesitate to leave a comment if you have any questions (or comments, of course). I will try to answer any questions you have!!

HINT: Did you know you can see the pictures better by clicking on them - they will open up bigger and are easier to see!!

Happy 34th Birthday Heidi

2008-09-02T21:38:00.001-07:00

It was Heidi's 34th Birthday on Monday, September 1st. This is the card for her!!

Stamp Set: Wow Flowers
Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette Textured Cardstock, Bella Rosa Designer Paper
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Embellishments: Real Red Brad
Punches: Scallop Edge, Scallop Circle, 1 1/4" and 1" Circle

I used the crimper to make the leaves. After attaching the circles I cut into the scallops with my snips to make them "3D" flowers.

Can you tell I just LOVE the Bella Rosa theme?

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Celebrate Challenge

2008-08-24T21:02:00.001-07:00

Shelli Gardner, the founder of Stampin' Up, has started a blog! I don't know how she does it with her schedule, but it's fun to keep up with her busy life. This month she created a challenge and it is to make something with "Celebrate" in it. Since that was the theme at the Stampin' Up convention, "Celebrate '08", it's very appropriate. And since this was my first convention, I certainly enjoyed celebrating!! Five days of pure adrenalin rush!!

Here is the card I made for Shelli's Challenge

My sister and brother-in-law will be celebrating their 44th Wedding Anniversary in September and this is for them!!

Stamp Set: Celebrate Everything
Cardstock: Bravo Burgundy, Very Vanilla, Parisian Summer Designer Paper
Ink: Bravo Burgundy
Embellishments: Silk Flower from Pretties Kit died Bravo Burgundy with sponge dauber; half pearls from Pretties Kit
Big Shot: Join in the Cheer Big Shot Die "Love" cut in Bravo Burgundy CS

The Parisian Summer Designer Paper reminds me of my sister's dining room wall paper, so it's perfect for them!! What fun I'm having with the Big Shot!! I want to thank "Sharmill" for the inspiration for this card.

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Having Fun With New Products!

2008-08-19T22:01:00.001-07:00

My order came yesterday - Catherine came out this morning and we "unveiled" my new products including the BIG SHOT and new papers, ribbon, embellishments. Whew!! So much to do and SO little time!!

Here's a few cards I made using the Big Shot

Top Note Card #1

Stamp Set: Bloomin' Beautiful
Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Bella Rosa Designer Paper
Ink: Kiwi Kiss
Embellishments: 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Real Red Brad
Punch: Scallop Circle
Big Shot Die: Birds & Blooms Sizzlets, Top Note Bigz Die

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Top Note Card #2

Stamp Set: Eastern Blooms, Heard from the Heart
Cardstock: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White
Ink: Kisi Kiss, Pacific Point
Embellishments: Gold Brads
Big Shot Dies: Top Note

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Top Note Card #3

Stamp Set: Upsy Daisy
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Whisper White
Ink: Baja Breeze, Pacific Point
Embellishments: Baja Breeze 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
Big Shot Dies: Top Note

I stamped the Upsy Daisy stamp with Baja Breeze and then sponged Pacific Point over the tops of the flowers to give them some depth

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Top Note Card #4

Stamp Set: Curly Label Stamp, All Holidays
Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Bella Rosa Designer Papers
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Punch: Curly Label Punch
Big Shot: Birds and Blooms Sizzlets

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Bella Rosa Designer Paper

Stamp Set: Dreams du Jour
Cardstock: Kisi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Bella Rosa Designer Paper
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Punches: Scallop Punch, Ticket Corner Punch

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Inspired by Nature Stamp Set

Stamp Set: Inspired by Nature
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red

I can see this set being a real favorite. I stamped the grass in Kiwi Kiss and then stamped off to give it a lighter touch. I stamped the flowers in Pink Pirouette and then dabbed Riding Hood Red on the tops with a sponge dauber. LOVE the soft effect.

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Scallop Card

Dannie Graves did a wonderful tutorial for this darling little scallop card made with the Big Shot Die Cut!! You can see her tutorial here. So I had to take her challenge and made one tonight!! What fun!!

Stamp Set: Pocket Silhouettes
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Bella Rosa Designer Paper
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red
Embellishments: Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon
Punch: 1 3/4" Circle Punch (NEW)
Big Shot: Scallop Circle #2

As per Dannie's tutorial, I used the Big Shot Scallop Circle #2 and made my card with a fold in the top. Added the ribbon - such a sweet little card. This card is 3 3/8" in diameter.

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Technique Tuesday K & L

2008-08-16T17:46:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, August 12th, we had our Technique Tuesday. This week we featured K for Kissing and L for Leather Faux.

Kissing Make and Take Card

Stamp Set: Stitched Exotics, Fabulous Flowers, Canvas Background
Cardstock: Summer Sun, Real Red, Pixie Pink Whisper White, Summer Picnic Designer Paper
Ink: Summer Sun, Real Red, Pixie Pink
Embellishments: Build a Brad,
Punches: Ticket Corner Punch, 1/2" Circle

Kissing Technique:

Ink a solid image stamp with the lightest color ink
Ink a background stamp with the darkest color ink
Press the solid stamp onto the background stamp

Variations
Instead of using a background stamp, ink up a small stamp with dark ink and stamp it directly on your solid stamp

I inked up the flower from Stitched Exotics in Summer Sun and the Canvas Background stamp. I inked the stamp on the canvas background and then stamped it twice on Whisper White. I cut out the flower. I then used my 1/2" circle punch and punched out a piece from the Summer Picnic Designer Paper. I mounted this piece with a mini glue dot on the brad and then covered it with the page pebble. I then mounted these on the front of the card.

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Kissing Card #2

Stamp Set: Fabulous Flowers, It's Your Birthday (retired), Paisley Background
Cardstock: Pacific Point, Baja Breeze (both NEW In-Colors). Whsiper White
Ink: Pacific Point, Pretty in Pink
Embellishments: White 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon, Rhinestone Brad
Punches: 1/8" Handheld Circle Punch, Double Rectangle Punch

Kissing Technique: I inked up the flower stamp with the Pretty in Pink and the Paisley background in Pacific Point.

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Kissing Card #3

Stamp Set: Hattitude, Paisley Background
Cardstock: Lovely Lilac, Real Red Designer Prints (retired), Whisper White
Ink: Real Red, Lovely Lilacm Summer Sun
Embellishments: Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Round Tab Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Ticket Corner Punch

Kissing Technique: I kissed the hat by inking up the hat with Sumemr Sun and "kissing" it to the Paisley Background that was inked in Real Red

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Leather Faux (Faux Leather) Technique Card #1

Stamp Set: Wanted
Cardstock: Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel
Punches: 3/4" & 1" Circle, Ticket Corner

Leather Faux Technique

Cover a piece of cardstock with small pieces of masking tape. Make sure that the entire piece is covered with masking tape and no cardstock shows.
Use your first color of ink and rub your pad all over the masking tape card.
You can then sponge another color over the first to get the desired look you want

Cover the entire piece of masking tape cardstock with clear embossing powder. (The powder should adhere to the texture of the tape so no embossing ink/Versamark© is needed)

Heat the embossing powder until it is melted.

Finish your card

I used Chocolate Chip to cover the masking tape and then sponged Creamy Caramel over it. I then embossed with clear embossing powder.

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Leather Faux Card #2

Stamp Set: Wanted, All Holidays
Cardstock: Really Rust, Very Vanilla
Ink: Close to Cocoa Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: Silver Hodgepodge Hardware Brad and Oval frame
Punch: Small Oval Punch

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Leather Faux Card #3

Stamp Sets: Lovely as a Tree
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Ink: Close to Cocoa
Punch: Ticket Corner Punch

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Leather Faux Card #4

Stamp Set: Flight of the Butterfly
Cardstock: Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, Gable Green
Ink: Pacific Point
Embellishments: Tempting Turquoise

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Leather Faux Card #5

Stamp Set: Heartfelt Thanks
Cardstock: More Mustard, Rose Red, Whisper White
Ink: More Mustard, Always Artichoke, Rose Red
Punches: Ticket Corner Punch

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Retirement Party August 2008

2008-08-16T16:54:00.001-07:00

We had a retirement party at Catherine's on Friday evening August 8th.

We highlighted some retiring sets and had fun making some cards.

Catherine made this beautiful card wi the Daisy Field Stampin' Around Wheel.

Stamp Set: Daisy Field Stampin' Around Wheel (retired)
Cardstock: So Saffron, Old Olive, Whisper White, Old Olive Designer Prints (retired), So Saffron Designer Prints (retired)
Ink: Old Olive
Embellishments: White half-pearl from Pretties Kit
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1" Circle

Catherine punched out the So Saffron Designer Prints with the scallop circle punch. She then used her snips and snipped each petal to make the 3D flower. Beautiful, eh?

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Blossoms Abound (Retired)

Stamp Set: Blossoms Abound
Cardstock: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Whisper White
Ink: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Mellow Moss
Embellishments: 1/4" Elegant Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle
Crimper

I did my stamping with the flowers using the 2-Step Stamping method, using the perfect plum and then the pale plum on whisper white cardstock. I then ran it through the crimper. I rubbed the crimped piece over the perfect plum stamp pad to give it an "antique" look.

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I did a demo at the retirment party using the Big Pieces and Little Pieces retiring sets and the One Sheet Wonder idea. I stamped an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of Whisper White and then cut it into pieces - I had made a similar set before the party, but gave them away and didn't get pictures of them!! Here are a few more cards made with the Big Pieces and Little Pieces stamp sets.

Big Pieces Card #1

Stamp Set: Big Pieces, Little Pieces, It's Your Birthday
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Lovely Lilac, Barely Bana, Whisper White
Ink: Lovely Lilac, Pretty in Pink
Embellishments: Pretty In Pink, Certainly Celery 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, 1/2" Circle

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Big Pieces Card #2

Stamp Sets: Big Pieces, Little Pieces, Short & Sweet
Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Tempting Turquoise, Mellow Moss, Lovely Lilac
Embellishments: Tempting Turquoise 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Large and Small Oval

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Big Pieces Card #3

Stamp Sets: Big Pieces, Little Pieces, It's Your Birthday
Cardstock: Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Regla Rose, Chocolate Whip
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, NEW Scallop Punch

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Big Pieces Card #4

Stamp Sets: Big Pieces, Little Pieces, All Holidays
Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Ink: Chocolate Ship
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon
PUnches: 1 3/8" Circle, Large and Small Oval

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Big Pieces Card #5

Stamp Sets: Big Pieces, Little Pieces, All Holidays
Cardstock: Real Red, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink: Real Red, Olive Olive

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Stampin' Up Convention 2008 Salt Lake City, Utah

2008-08-16T15:31:00.000-07:00

I need to report a little about my trip to the Stampin' Up Convention in Salt Lake City. It was five days of pure adrenline rush!! We heard about the introduction of the BIG Shot to the Stampin' Up line. That was SUCH a wonderful surprise!! There were two things I always felt SU was behind in and that is ONLINE ORDERING and carrying a DIECUT MACHINE. Did they hear me or what!! LOL

Anyway, I have ordered my BIG SHOT and it will be here on Monday, August 18th. Mark your calendars, as I will be having a OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, September 20th at the Outback Pizzeria in Prineville from 11:00 to 3:00. Come and pick up your new catalog, see a lot of new products and try out the Big Shot. You can have some pizza and do a couple of Make 'n Takes!! So mark those calendars, because you don't want to miss the fun!! I will also have fall class sign-ups. I have SO much planned!!

THE BIG SHOT

I'm so thrilled to be able to introduce you to the Big Shot. Stampin' Up has teamed up with the company who came out with the Sizzix, The Ellison Company. The Big Shot has been on the market for a while, and they sell many die cuts for the machine. The beauty of this machine is that is will take ANY die cut from ANY machine on the market. So if you have other die cuts, the Big Shot will cut them. And.....Stampin' Up will have exclusive die cuts to coordinate with their line of stamps.

The machine will cut almost ANYTHING you need!! I'm not kidding.

Here is a list of Big Shot Approved Materials

Cut through the following 50 materials using steel rule dies and your Big Shot machine. Please note the maximum thickness of several materials.

Brass (.055)
Light weight steel
Aluminum (.016)
Tin (.008)
Aircraft plywood (1/64")
Basswood (1/16")
Balsa (3/32")
Paperwood
Mat board (adhesive or none)
Chipboard
Fabric
Silicone
Foam with chipboard (.1)
Corrugated pad
Adhesive-backed cork
Fine sandpaper (.00)
Strene
Extra thick template plastic
Template plastic
Plastic canvas (7 mesh)
Bubble wrap
Sheet foam
Friendly (jewelry) plastic
100% pure beeswax (cut with parchment paper on top & bottom of beeswax)
Adhesive and non-adhesive rubber
Ruffleboard
Static cling vinyl
Warm & natural batting
Fusible fleece
Quilt batting
Adhesive and non-adhesive flexible magnet
Heat n' shrink plastic
Adhesive and non-adhesive felt
Pop-up sponge
Shiny self-adhesive and non-adhesive paper
Iron-on fabric
Poly foam adhesive and non adhesive
3-D illusionary plastic
Glow in the dark adhesive and non adhesive
Suede paper
Funky fur
Personal Embossing Plastic (PEP)
Shaggy plush felt
Canvas
Vinyl flooring
Shelf lining
Placement
Embossing rubber
Thin leather
Gasket material

So you can see what this little machine can do. Mine is coming on Monday, August 18th and I can hardly wait (did I already say that??)!!

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The other exciting news which was actually unveiled just before convention is that we will soon have On-line Ordering. This will be a wonderful tool for every customer! When you want something, you can order it through my web site, and it will be delivered directly to you. I will still be here for you with my classes and any kind of help you need, but if you need something and I'm not placing an order, you can go ahead and order through my Demonstrator Website. If you have never checked out my website, you can see it here. This is my "company" website and always has my class schedule. I am determined to keep it up, so that you can use it as a resource for anything you want/need!!

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More Convention Notes

I went to convention with my upline (and sister-in-law) Lana and HER upline Kathy. We had SUCH a great time - now we can't wait until next year. I took 175 card fronts to swap (thanks Lana for helping me swap them!!) and also did a swap for mini albums. You will be able to view these swaps at my Open House on the 20th of September.

We had four FULL days. We arrived on Wednesday morning, July 30th - waited for Kathy to arrive and then took a taxi to the Raddison (just 100 feet from the door of the Salt Lake City Convention Center). We left our luggage as it was too early to check in and then headed over to the convention center. Our first "job" was to pick up our bags - the new catalogs were in there. While I waited in line for my "special prize" (I was awarded a pin, a stamp set and walked across the stage) in honor of my sales for the year, Lana and Kathy got in line for Memento Mall. Well, that was a BIG mistake (although we did a lot of swapping while in line). We were in line for about 2 + hours. We finally were able to shop in the mall - that was a blast. Project Totes, Camera Bags, Chap Stick, to name a few of the things we purchased!

At 6:00 we loaded into a bus and were taken to the Stampin' Up Headquarters outside of Salt Lake City.

We came back and spent the rest of the evening (pretty late actually) checking out our catalogs!!

Thursday morning we had a general session and you should have heard the roar when Shelli Gardner, The CEO and founder of Stampin' Up, announced SU was partnering with Sizzix to sell the Big Shot. WOW - 6000 demonstrators going crazy!!

Lana was honored with a trip across the stage for being a demonstrator for five years. Congratulations Lana!!

In the afternoon we had classes and did our make and takes.

Friday was the same with each general session bringing more fun times. We saw those who had earned the trip to Hawaii and all those who earned honors for sales, recruiting and much, much more!!

Saturday, we had classes in the morning and then the general session in the late afternoon. Things started to wind down, when a "doorbell" rang and a UPS man came in carrying a box!! Also a UPS TRUCK drove onto the floor of the convention center.

Shelli asked the UPS man if she could help him. He said he had a package - she asked for whom, and he said EVERYONE. Everyone in the audience received a FREE stamp set - the Ronald McDonald set, "Say It with Scallops". For every set that SU sells, they donate $2 to the Ronald McDonald Foundation. And.....UPS purchased a set for every demonstrator who attended convention!! What a surprise. The crowd went crazy!!

Here is a Stampin' Up employee handing out the Stamp Sets

And here are Kathy, Lana and I with our FREE stamp sets

We flew home Sunday morning and for two weeks after, I was good for nothing. But I'm hopefully back in the routine and ready to share all I learned and saw!!

Ribbon Tying

2008-08-16T15:15:00.000-07:00

We had a club meeting in July and practiced ribbon tying. Here are two cards with ribbons

Touch of Nature

Stamp Set: Touch of Nature
Card Stock: Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Flowers For You Designer Paper (retired)
Ink: Tempting Turquoise
Embellishments: Tempting Turquoise 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

Very simple card with the ribbon tied in the classic knot.

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More Ribbon Tying

Stamp Set: Blossoms Abound (retired)
Card Stock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon and 1" Taffeta Ribbon Originals

Ribbon tied in a "tiered bow."

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More Bella Rosa - Cards This Time

2008-07-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

I just can't stay away from this new designer paper. So, I'm sharing five cards I made. I received inspiration for this first card from mudflapmamma on Splitcoast Stampers here. Of course, I changed it, but essentially it's similiar

Bella Rosa Card #1

Stamp Set: Heard from the Heart (NEW in the Fall/Winter 2008 Catalog)
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette (NEW In-Color), Bella Rosa Designer Paper (NEW), Kiwi Kiss
Ink: Kiwi Kiss Classic Ink
Embellishments: Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Hat Pen and baubles from the Pretties Kit
Punches: Scallop (NEW)

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Bella Rosa Card #2

Stamp Set: Wow Flowers
Cardstock: Regal Rose, Pink Pirouette, Bella Rosa Designer Paper, Whisper White
Ink: Regal Rose
Embellishments: Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Rhinestone Brad
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1" Circle Punch, Scallop

I punched the Scallop Circle in the Pink Pirouette Textured Paper and then applied the 1" square I had stamped. I then used my snips and snipped each petal and folded them out - neat flower!

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Bella Rosa Card #3

Stamp Set: Wow Flowers
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Bella Rose Designer Paper, Riding Hood Red
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Twill Ribbon
Punches: Scallop, Corner Rounder

This was a fun card - trying out the new Scallop Punch to see what it will do!!

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Bella Rosa Card #4

Stamp Set: Wow Flowers
Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Bella Rosa Designer Paper, Whisper White
Ink: Riding Hood Red, White Gel Pen
Embellishments: Rhinestone Brad
Punches: Scallop Circle, Scallop, 1", 1 1/4", 1 3/8" Circle Punches

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Bella Rosa Card #5

Stamp Set: Wow Flowers
Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Bella Rosa Designer Paper
Ink: Riding Hood Red, White Gel Pen
Embellishments: Old Olive Brad
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle, Scallop

Do you like the look of the "rick rack" - I did this with the NEW Scallop Punch. I punch one side, turned it over slightly off-set the punch and punched it again!!

Interestingly enough all these different combinations in are ONE designer paper pack!! Lots of combinations!!

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Bag in a Box with Bella Rosa Designer Prints

2008-07-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

I have had some more fun using my new Bella Rosa Designer Prints and the new "In Colors". I saw a tutorial from Paula Goff's Blog here on how to make these bags in a box. They are easy and fun!!

#1 Bag in a Box

Cardstock: Red Hood Riding, Bella Rosa Designer Prints
Embellishments: Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Real Red Brads
Punches: NEW Scallop Punch, 1/4" Circle punch, Round Tab Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Boho Punch

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#2 Bag in a Box

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Belle Rosa Designer Prints
Embellishments: 1/4" Pretty in Pink Grosgrain Ribbon, Pretty in Pink Brads
Punches: NEW Scallop Punch, Round Tab Punch, 1/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Boho Punch

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Bella Rosa Designer Paper in Flip Flop Album

2008-07-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

I just finished making two more Flip Flop Albums using the NEW Bella Rosa Designer Paper and the Brand New In-Colors, Riding Hood Red and Pink Pirouette

Oh, these colors are to die for.

Bella Rosa and Riding Hood Red Flip Flop Album

No Stamp Sets
Card Stock: Riding Hood Red Textured Paper, Bella Rosa Designer Paper, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette
Embellishments: 5 Petal Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Boho Blossom Punch, Gold Brads, Regal Rose 5/8" Gross Grain Ribbon

To make my flowers for the inside doors, I punched out with the 5 Petal Flower Punch in Riding Hood Red and Pink Pirouette - I then used the Ticket Corner Punch and clipped off each petal - a different effect. Mounted those and the boho blossom flower punch with a gold brad in the center and then used my white gel pen to add accents.

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Here is a softer version with the Bella Rosa Designer Paper and Pink Pirouette

Stamp Set: A Beautiful Thing
Card Stock: Bella Rose Designer Paper, Pink Pirouette Textured Card Stock, Whisper White
Ink: Pink Pirouette, White Gel Pen
Embellishments: 5/8" Regal Rose Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Cirle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Pretty in Pink Brad from the Soft Subtles Collection

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Hope you enjoy a little glimpse at what will be in the NEW CATALOG which will be here after the first of August and will be available to order from on August 11th!!

Iris Fold Apple and Balloon Card

2008-07-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

I did make two more cards in the Iris Fold technique. That is SUCH a fun technique.

Apple Card

Card Stock: Real Red, Summer Picnic Designer Paper, Wild Wasabi
Ink: White Gel Pen

That's all I used - don't have a sentiment yet.

Below are places to find instructions on how to do these fabulous techniques.

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Balloon Card

I made this card for my son for his birthday!! They are gone on a trip to Sweden, Norway and Iceland, so this was a fun card to help them on their way (especially what was in it!! hee hee)

Stamp Set: Happy Birthday from a retired set
Card Stock: Bashful, Bordering Blue, Real Red, Very Vanilla, Wild Wasabi
Embellishments: Natural Twine

Another fun card to make!!

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Technique Tuesday I and J

2008-07-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!!

We stayed home and I've been preparing for my Technique Tuesday class. These letters were rather difficult for me, but I've finally come up with some ideas.

Iris Twist Or Iris Folding

This is SUCH an interesting technique. Looks hard, but really isn't. Thanks to all the help I scrounged from the internet for patterns and ideas!!

Stamp Set: Priceless
Card Stock: Groovy Guava, Certainly Celery, Groovy Guava Designer Prints, Certainly Celery Designer Prints
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Garden Green Stampin' Write Marker and White Gel Pen
Embellishments: Soft Subtle Brads
Technique: Iris Folding

To do this technique you can download the pattern here and see the instructions here on www.splitcoaststampers.com

There are lots of other cool patterns on this website and also this website

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Just Scraps

Although this name doesn't really do justice to this technique, I was astounded when I finished it - just love the way it turned out!! It looks Victorian!!

Stamp Set: Stitched Exotics, Sincere Salutations
Card Stock: Lovely Lilac, Almost Amethyst, scraps of anything and everything
Ink: Gold Embossing Powder, Versamark
Punch: Ticket Corner Punch

I covered my Almost Amethyst cardstock (it can't even be seen) with scraps from my scrapbox. I cut them up in various sizes and then adhered them. I then stamped the flower image from Stitched Exotics in Versamark ramdomly and covered it with Gold Embossing Powder. Then heat set it and I just love the effect!!

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Fresh Cut Stamp Set and Notes

2008-06-27T22:10:00.000-07:00

This Fresh Cut Stamp Net and notes have been such fun to play with. I found some lovely examples, and have cased them for my customers to see. Here are three that caught my eye and which I wanted to share. If you need to order this set, you have until June 30th. This set will be in the new catalog which will be revealed on August 11th; but if you order it by Monday, June 30th, you can get a set of the Fresh Cut Laser notes for just $5 (regularly $8.95). Just let me know and I can order them for you! You can read more about this special offer here

Fresh Cuts Sample #1

Stamp Set: Fresh Cuts
Card Stock: Fresh Cut Laser Cut Notes
Ink: Bashful Blue, White Craft, White Embossing Powder
Embellishment: Brocade Blue Grosgrain Ribbon (retired)

I stamped the background stamp from the Fresh Cuts set in white craft ink and then embossed it with white embossing powder - this was while the petals of the flower were still attached. I then sponged bashful blue ink over the whole card front. And added Bashful Blue cardstock behind the petals after removing them.

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Fresh Cuts Samples #2

Stamp Set: Polka Dot Background Stamp
Card Stock: Fresh Cut Laser Notes, Basic Black
Ink: Basic Black, White Gel Pen
Embellishments: Slit Punch (for the scallops), Half Pearl from the Pretties Kit
Punch: Three for you Flower Punch

I stamped the Polka Dot Background stamp before removing the petals from the flower and then mounted Basic Black Card Stock behind the petals after removing them.

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Fresh Cuts Card Sample #3

Stamp Set: Fresh Cuts
Card Stock: Pretty in Pink, Soft Sky, Fresh Cut Laser Notes, Blue Bayou
Ink: Blue Bayou
Embellishments: Rhinestone Brad, Piercer and Mat Pack

What fun I had making these cards!

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Pink Candy Box

2008-06-27T21:25:00.000-07:00

I made another gift set as a door prize for our club meeting last night. And here is the box and the cards

For the box I used the directions on Kelly Lunceford's blog here. She has very easy directions to follow. This is the perfect box for 3" x 3" cards.

Card Stock: Almost Amethyst Designer Paper, Almost Amethyst Card Stock
Embellishments: Flower from Pretties Kit colored with Lovely Lilac Ink with a dauber, White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon died with Lovely Lilac Ink, Large Half Pearl from Pretties Kit

Card #1

Stamp Set: Bloomin' Beautiful (Occasions Mini 2008)
Card Stock: Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac, Whisper White
Ink: Black Stazon Ink (for stamping the flower) Lovely Lilac and Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Markers.
Embellishments: White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon died with Lovely Lilac Ink
Punch: Ticket Corner

I stamped the flower in Black Stazon and then colored it with the stampin' write markers.

Card #2

Stamp Set: Bloomin' Beautiful
Card Stock: Lovely Lilac, Whisper White
Ink: Lovely Lilac and Certainly Celery, Blush Blossom, Aqua Painter

Card #3

Stamp Set: Bloomin' Beautiful
Card Stock: Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Whisper White
Ink: Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Aqua Painter, Soft Gel Pen

Card #4

Stamp Set: Bloomin' Beautiful
Card Stock: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Afternoon Tea Designer Paper (Occasions Mini 2008)
Ink: Black Stazon, Blue Bayou, Aqua Painter
Embellishment: Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon

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I just love making these little boxes to show my club members. I found this darling little Ghiradella box on this blog Mocha Memories. Since I can't possibly do a better job on a tutorial than this beautiful lady did, please go to her blog for her tutorial

And here is the box

Card Stock: Pretty in Pink, Purely Pomegranate, Berry Bliss Designer Paper
Embellishments: Rhinestone Brad
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" circle, Boho Punch

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Alligator Skin Technique

2008-06-24T20:38:00.001-07:00

Jackie Topia has shared the most stunning Faux Alligator Skin technique here. I have had such fun with this tonight.

Mary K Jones made a darling card with the alligator from the Wild About You stamp set. I don't have that set, so I had to do something else.

Here's my two creations

Snake Skin!!

Stamp Set: Bugs and Kisses
Card Stock: Blue Bayou, River Rock
Ink: Old Olive, Blue Bayou, Versa Mark, Clear Embossing Powder
Technique: Faux Alligator Skin (actually snake skin :)

To make Alligator/Snake Skin, you cover your cardstock with versamark and then clear embossing powder. Run your bone folder over the embossing powder - two ways and not straight, but kind of curvy. Heat set and it's that easy!!

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Stegosaurus Skin

Stamp Set: Prehistoric Pals
Card Stock: Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Versamark, Clear Embossing Powder
Technique: Faux Alligator/Dinosaur/Snake Skin :)

I have four grandsons and they will love these cards!!

Card Gift Box Tutorial

2008-06-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I haven't updated recently. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I was away from home, but I'm back on track (hopefully) now.

Thursday is our club meeting and we will be making a gift card set including a box to hold our cards.

My girls are VERY good stampers, so they will whip these out in no time!!

This is the set we will be making - box and three full-sized cards using Tart & Tangy Stamp Set and Summer Picnic both from the Occasions Mini 2008 - which, by the way, if good just until June 30th. So if you need to order the the Occasions Mini 2008, just let me know!!

The box is really fun to make and a perfect gift to hold some cards, so I'm going to do a tutorial on how to make the box

I found this on Toy’s Haven. Her tutorial is wonderful. There were a couple of things I needed to change, so I’m doing a tutorial to reflect those changes. I want to thank Holly for her great inspiration

Supplies
2 pieces cardstock cut 7 ½” x 7 ¼” (for box)
1 piece coordinating cardstock cut 6 5/8” x 3 5/8” (for lid)
1 piece coordinating cardstock 11 ½” x 1” (for strap)
2 – 1” circles
2 – brads
Sticky Tape
Cutter
Scor Pal or Scoring Blade
Assorted matching designer paper for decorating

Step 1. Score your box pieces 1 ½” on each of the 7 ½” sides. Score again at 1 ½” on one 7 ¼” side

Step 2. Cut along the score lines on both pieces as shown

Step 3. This is very important! On the piece you designate as the back, you will cut 1/16” strip off the top (the side that isn’t scored). This will ensure the box fits snuggly together and lines up.

Step 4. Apply sticky tape to the flaps and fold under to make each ½ of box

Step 5. Line the 3 inside edges of the front piece with sticky tape and slide them together. Position the pieces together so they line up properly, then smooth them out from the inside.

Step 6. Score box top piece at 1” on all four sides

Step 7. Cut corners to create flaps as shown. Apply adhesive and assemble.

Step 8. Poke holes (using pokey tool otherwise known as the piercer) in sides of box approximately 1 ½” to 1 ¾” below top on both sides, and in 2 – 1” circles and strap. Attach to box with brads as shown

Step 9. Decorate and finish your box!!

New Banner!!!!

2008-06-19T22:01:00.001-07:00

Do you like my new banner. Need one for your blog? I had Michelle Laycock make mine - Michelle is a graphic artist and she did a super job!! I just LOVE it Michelle!! If you would like to learn more, just click here. Michelle offers reasonable rates for banners and watermarks!! I can't recommend her more highly! Thanks Michelle

Technique Tuesday G & H

2008-06-08T21:53:00.000-07:00

Our Technique Tuesday is here again and this time we are going "G" and "H". G will be Ghosting and H will be Highlighting. Below are the projects we will do with some additional examples.

Ghosting: Supplies you will need: Glossy Cardstock, Versamark, Brayer, Kleenex

1. Stamp your image with Versamark on Glossy Cardstock
2. Ink up your Brayer, by rolling it over your inkpad (not back and forth, but start at bottom and roll to top a few times)
3. Brayer ink over your images
4. Continue to apply ink until you have a full covering
5. Wipe over your card with Kleenex – the ink over the images will wipe off leaving a white image
6. Finish your card

Here's the sample we will be doing in class

Ghosting Card #1

Stamp Set: Bugs and Kisses
Card Stock: Handsome Hunter, Glossy White, Whisper White
Ink: Sage Shadow, Versa Mark
Technique: Ghosting

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Ghosting Card #2

Stamp Set: Wanted, Fresh Cut
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Glossy White, Close to Cocoa
Ink: Versa Mark, Chocolate Chip, White Craft Ink, White Embossing Powder
Punches: Scallop Circle, Photo Corners, Ticket Corner
Technique: Ghosting

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Ghosting Card #3

Stamp Set: Heartfelt Thanks
Card Stock: Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Glossy White
Ink: Pale Plum, Perfect Plum
Embellishments: Elegant Eggplant 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
Technique: Ghosting

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Ghosting Card #4

Stamp Set: Garden Whimsey
Card Stock: Taken with Teal, Tempting Turquoise, Glossy White
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black
Embellishments: Black Gingham Grosgrain Ribbon
Technique: Ghosting

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Ghosting Card #5

Stamp Set: Spring Solitude (Hostess)
Card Stock: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose. Glossy White, Whisper White
Ink: Regal Rose, Versa Mark, White Craft Ink, White Embossing Powder
Technique: Ghosting

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Ghosting Card #6

Stamp Set: Infinite Goodness (Hostess), Sincere Salutations
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Glossy White
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip
Technique: Ghosting

On this card I did the ghosting and then added the leaves in Chocolate Chip after I did the ghosting procedure

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Ghosting Card #7

Stamp Set: In the Stars (Occasions Mini 2008), Sincere Salutations
Card Stock: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Glossy White
Ink: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou
Embellishments: Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon
Technique: Ghosting

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Highlighting Technique

Supplies you will need:
Outline Image Stamp
1 3/8” & 1 ¼” Circle Punches
Coloring Mediums (Aqua painter & Classic ink)
White Cardstock and Black Stazon Ink

1. Stamp the main image in Black Stazon on white cardstock.
2. Stamp the part of the image that will be highlighted again on smaller piece of cardstock.
3. Punch out the part of the image that will be highlighted with the 1 ¼” punch.
4. Color in the punched image.
5. Adhere image to 1 3/8” circle (black used here).
6. Line up the layered punch over the main image and adhere.
7. Finish your card

Here's the sample we will be doing in class

Highlighting Card #1

Stamp Set: Embrace Life, Short & Sweet
Card Stock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Ginger Blossom Designer Paper
Ink: Basic Black, Groovy Guava, Aqua Painter
Embellishments: Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Circles, Large and Small Oval
Technique: Highlighting

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Highlighting Card #2

Stamp Set: Live Your Dream, Fresh Notes
Card Stock: Pretty in Pink, Mellow Moss, Whsiper White
Ink: Mellow Moss, Regal Rose
Embellishments: Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon, Rhinestone Brad
Punches: 1" and 1 1/4" Circle
Technique: Highlighting

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Highlighting Card #3

Stamp Set: Carte Postale, It's Your Birthday
Card Stock: Elegant Eggplant, Very Vanilla
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive
Technique: Highlighting

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Highlighting Card #4

Stamp Set: Carte Postale
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Ink: Versa Mark, Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Twill Ribbon (Occasions Mini 2008)
Punches: 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Circle, Large and Small Oval
Technique: Highlighting

I used Versa Mark and stamped the leaves on the Very Vanilla. I then heat set that (sometimes the Versa Mark will fade if not heat set). I used a ruler and chocolate chip Stampin' Write Marker to make the lines - kind of Liz Claiborne look!!

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Highlighting Card #6

Stamp Set: Carte Postale
Card Stock: Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Garden Green
Punches: 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" circle, Ticket Corner
Technique: Highlighting

I sponged over the Whisper White to give it a little different look.

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Highlighting Card #6

Stamp Set: Carte Postale
Card Stock: Basick Black, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise
Embellishments: Black Gingham Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Circle, Ticket Corner
Technique: Highlighting

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Men's Wallet - GREAT for Father's Day!!

2008-06-01T22:26:00.000-07:00

Looking for a gift your hubby or Dad for Father's Day? Why not a hand-made wallet and include some gift cards or cash!!

I found this wonderful creation on Lorri Heiling's blog here

I'm going to do a little tutorial, so you can see how easy it really is!!

Stamp Set: All Holidays, For Father (Occasions Mini 2008)
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Tools: Crafter's Tool Kit (for piercing), Cutter Kit (for distressing), Sticky Strip, Corner Rounder

Cut the following pieces of Chocolate Chip Cardstock:

Piece 1 - 9 x 3 1/2"
Piece 2 - 8 1/2 x 3 1/4"
Piece 3 (CUT 2) 4 1/4 x 2"
Piece 4 (CUT 2) 4 1/4 x 1"

Step 1: Using a sponge dauber, sponge edges of all pieces

Step 2: Piece 1 - Score this piece 1/16" of an inch on either side of the center (4 1/2" is the center).

Step 3: Piece 1: Pierce around outer edge of this piece with piercer and mat template

Step 4: Faux Stitch with a black Stampin' Write Marker on the piercing to give it a stitched leather look

Step 5: Piece 1 - corner round all 4 corners

Step 6: Piece 2 - using Sticky Strip, tape one horizontal side and both vertical sides. Adhere this piece to the inside of Piece 1.

Step 7: Pieces 3 & 4 - Adhere sticky strip to three sides (one long and two short sides) of these 4 pieces. Adhere these 4 pieces by lining piece 3 even with Piece 2 and then Piece 4 over Piece 3 on each side of wallet. These make 4 pockets for gift cards and sentiments.

Sticky Strip added to each piece on three sides

Pieces 3 adhered to Piece 2

Pieces 4 adhered over pieces 3

Step 8: Stamp sentiment on the "patch" which is approximately 2 1/4" x 2". Pierce around the edge with the piercing tool and template and then distress the edge with the distressing tool. Adhere to the front of the wallet

Step 9: Taking your Chocolate Chip Ink pad - drag it over the outside and inside of the wallet to give it an even more leather/old look

Step 10: Last step was to stamp the sentiment from For Father stamp set on a piece of Creamy Caramal Card Stock, corner rounded and sponge daubed around the edges. This piece was cut 3 1/4" x 2 1/4" to fit into the pocket!!

Finished Wallet:

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Scratch & Sniff Popsicle

2008-06-01T21:13:00.001-07:00

I found this template on the Stampin' Up Demonstrator Website and made a cute little favor purse.

Card Stock: Real Red, Summer Picnic
Embellishments: Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, White flower from the Pretties Kit, Rhinestone Brad

I just cut around the template, scored and used the sticky strip tape to put together. I added the Summer Picnic Designer Paper (from the Occasions Mini) as accents on the front back and flap and then cut a flower from Real Red Cardstock with the boho punch and added the small white flower from the Pretties kit and adhered them together with the rhinestone brad. These make wonderful door prizes - I gave away an incentive stamp inside!

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Popsicle Card

Talk about one fun card. This is the one!! We made this popsicle card at our club meeting this last week. Thanks to Patty Bennett for the inspiration. Click here for her fantastic blog!!

Stamp Sets: Tart & Tangy, All Holidays, It's Your Birthday
Card Stock: Only Orange, Whisper White
Ink: Only Orange, Only Orange Craft Ink
Embellishments: Only Orange Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Scallop Circle, Horizontal Slot, Corner Rounder

The measurements: Only Orange 4 x 5" Scored at half way (2 1/2"), Whisper White 3 3/4" x 2 3/4".
1. Snip out the top right hand corner of the Only Orange Cardstock with your scallop punch.
2. Corner Round other three corners
3. Snip out the top of the Whisper White with the Scallop Punch. Corner round other three corners.
4. Using your horizontal slit punch, cut two slits in the only orange. Slide a popsicle stick up. Adhere the Whisper white to the inside. Tie the only orange striped grosgrain ribbon on the popsicle stick.
5. I stamped the orange slice in Only Orange Craft Ink and then embossed it with clear embossing mixed with unsweetened Orange Koolaid. Scratch and Sniff!!. Punched this slice out with the 1 1/4" punch and adhered the slice to a 1 3/8" Yo Yo Yellow circle.

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2008-06-01T20:55:00.001-07:00

Our five masculine card class was also held on the 24th. So my gals did five cards and also made an album - big day, but they were very fast and we were out of the pizzeria an hour early!! WOW!!

Two of the cards were ones from a class in did in Portland a few weeks ago.

Stamp Set: Sincere Salutations
Card Stock: Porcelain Prints Designer Paper, Blue Bayou, Whisper White
Ink: Blue Bayou
Embellishments: Bold Brights Green Galore Brads
Punches: Ticket Corner Punch
Technique: Origami Folding

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Stamp Sets: Wanted, All Holidays
Card Stock: Brocade Blue, Chocolate Chip, Rose Red, Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Brocade Blue
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Twill Ribbon, Natural Hemp Twine,

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Stamp Set: Bronc Buster, Hugs and Wishes
Card Stock: Blue Bayou, River Rock, Very Vanilla, Western Sky Designer Paper
Ink: Close to Cocoa
Technique: Masking

We masked off before we sponged on the Very Vanilla and then stamped the bronc with his head in the moon.

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Stamp Set: Noble Deer, Sincere Salutations
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Very Vanilla
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Twill Ribbon

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Stamp Set: Wildlife Reserve, Sincere Salutations
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Close to Cocoa Designer Prints
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: Antique Brass Brads from the Vintage Collection

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2008-06-01T20:26:00.000-07:00

I ended up making two more flip flop albums for my sons-in-law. This first one is made with Western Sky Designer Paper and Creamy Caramel Textured Cardstock. I used Wildlife Reserve stamp set to stamp pictures of animals for the doors. My SIL is a hunter, so this turned out nice for him. In the nine places for pictures I made my own backgrounds with the faux wood technique!!

This next album was made for my other son-in-law, Trevor. I used some retired paper from last year called Linen Prints and added Wild Wasabi Textured Cardstock for the base.

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Flip Flop Album Class

2008-06-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

We had our Flip Flop Album class. I promised all my gals, they would get their pictures on my blog. Hmmm - they didn't seem to like the idea, but I keep my promises, so here they are. Didn't they do a great job? We did the class in two hours and they all came out beautiful!!

Here's is Beth with her album. Beth used Almost Amethyst Designer Prints with Almost Amethyst Textured Card Stock.

Here is my grandaughter, Emily with her Cutie Pie album with Blush Blue Textured Card Stock

This is Heidi, my daughter, with her Cutie Pie Album also done with Blush Blue Textured Cardstock

And here is Juanita's beautiful album. She used Groovy Guava Designer Prints and Groovy Guava Textured Cardstock.

And Julie with her Berry Bliss Album - Julie used Berry Bliss Designer Paper and Purely Pomegranate Textured Card Stock

Here is my upline, Lana, with her Berry Bliss Album - she used Pretty in Pink Cardstock

This is Holly, also my daughter, with her Flowers For You Album. She used Lovely Lilac for her Textured Card Stock.

And here is Rose with her Groovy Guava Album. Rose used Groovy Guava Designer Prints and Groovy Guava Textured Cardstock

And last, but definitely not least, is Val with her Close to Cocoa Album - she also used Close to Cocoa Textured Cardstock

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Moving Away

2008-05-17T14:13:00.000-07:00

Some of our friends are moving away - from Oregon to North Carolina. We will dearly miss them. Here's the card I made. Saw some ideas online and then went with my own creation

Stamp Sets: Loads of Love, Short & Sweet, Weathered Background,A Little Love (Retired)
Card Stock: Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Taken with Teal
Ink: Basic Black, Stampin' Write Markers: Going Gray, Black, Real Red
Embellishments: Jumbo Pewter Brads
Punches: Large and Small Oval And Crop-A-Dile

I had fun with this one. I saw it done in different colors, but same basic design. Since I don't have the Accessories to Loads of Love, I made my own boxes and found the chair in an old retired set. Inside I used Swirly Verses that says "Time passes...friendship stays right where it's put!"

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More Flip Flop Albums

2008-05-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

I have had fun using some different designer papers for the flip flop albums. Thought I would share these, so you, who want to attend my class on May 24th, can get some ideas.

Groovy Guava Designer Prints Flip Flop Album

This album is done with the prints designer series papers sold on page 171. I used Groovy Guava - and depending on which colors you want, this could be done any in of the colors. And I matched up with the Groovy Guava Textured Card Stock. I used the large white flower from the Pretties Kit and sponged it with groovy guava ink - then cut out a 3/4" circle and adhered that in the center with a large half pearl from the Pretties Kit. For the inside doors, I punched using the 5 petal flower punch with the Groovy Guava textured cardstock and then mounted a smaller flower from the Pretties Kit along with a rhinestone brad in the center.

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Spring Silhouettes Flip Flop Album

This album uses the Spring Silhouettes Designer Paper (page 170) and Soft Sky Textured Card Stock. I added just a touch of color with the flower from Live Your Dreams Stamp Set (Occasions Minis 2008). I just love the soft colors in the pack of designer papers. Interestingly enough I set out to make a boho album and the pack I chose instead was Spring Silhouettes. This paper really resembles beautiful wall paper and I was pleased how it turned out!!

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Tart & Tangy Flip Flop Album

The Tart and Tangy and Summer Picnic coordinating stamp set and paper has SO many possibilities. I went with the more orange and green shades from the set this time, but next will be the reds. Although it's hard to tell just from these pictures, I used Only Orange and Wild Wasabi Textured card stock for the base colors. A nice change. So when you are deciding which colors to use, you can mix and match!!

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Faux Wood Technique

2008-05-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

Faux Wood Technique

This technique has intrigued me, but so far I hadn't tried it. Now I have and it's FUN!! Perfect for the men in our lives.

There is a retired jumbo wheel, dry brush, which works great, but since it's retired and no longer available, I needed to find another way. And, of course, where there's a will there's a way - right? Especially in stamping. I cannot believe some of the gals out there and their wonderful ideas. So, I searched and sure enough found wht I wanted.

Card #1 Faux Wood Technique

Stamp Set: For Father (Occasions Mini 2008), All Holidays
Card Stock: More Mustard, Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip for the image and White Craft Ink and Chocolate Chip Classic for the woodgrain background
Embellishments: Hodgepodge Hardware Antique Brass
Punches: Small Oval, Photo Corners

For this technique I used Creamy Caramal Cardstock. I ran my White Craft Ink pad over the cardstock and then used my chocolate chip ink pad (this is one that will be used ONLY for this technique now!!) again. I let this piece dry while I made the rest of my card. Then I drew in the boards and nails with a chocolate chip Stampin' Write Marker.

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Card #2 Faux Wood Technique

Stamp Set: Noble Deer, Short and Sweet
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip for the image and White Craft Ink and Chocolate Chip for the Wood Grain Background
Embellishments: Antique Brass Brads

Same technique as above except I used Close to Cocoa Background - makes the boards darker!! All a matter of the look you are going for!!

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Card #3 Faux Wood Technique

Stamp Set: Wanted
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip Craft Ink, Clear Embossing Powder
Embellishments: Antique Brass Brad, Hemp Twine

Same method as cards #1 and 2. I embossed the horse and the sentiment with chocolate chip craft ink and clear embossing powder.

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Embossing with Heat

2008-05-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

Our next technique class is Tuesday and since we are up to "E" and "F", the technques will be Embossing with Heat and Faux Wood.

Embossing is probably my favorite thing to do and I don't do enough of it!! I have made up some examples and one of these will be the one we do in class and the sample for our technique albums. The following cards are in no special order - I just tried different ways to emboss and had lots of fun doing it!!

#1 Embossing

I cased this card from Sue M from the Stampin with Beate List. Sue did a similar card, but it was in a size I didn't have envelopes for, so I just changed and made it to fit the A2 envelopes. I thought it was just stunning!!

Stamp Set: Live your Dreams
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, Afternoon Tea Designer Paper
Ink: Chocolate Chip, White Craft Ink, White Embossing Powder
Embellishments: Hodgepodge Hardware Silver, Chocolate Chip Twill Ribbon, Piercing Tool

I stamped the flower with white craft ink and then embossed it with white embossing powder. I love the look of the piercing around the one flower petal!! Thanks Sue, for the inspiration!! If you click on the picture, you probably can see the piercing more clearly!!

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#2 Embossing

We live in cowboy country, so the boho stamp sets and paper are always a hit and very appropriate.

Stamp Set: Bronc Buster, Everyday Flexible Phrases
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, Western Sky Designer Paper
Ink: Chocolate Chip Craft Ink, Chocolate Chip, Gold Embossing Powder
Embellishments: Hodgepodge Hardware Antique Brass

I used Chocolate Chip Craft Ink to stamp the buckin' bronco and then poured clear embossing powder and heat set it. I also used a sponge dauber and sponged to give it a more "western" look.

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#3 Embossing

I saw this card recently in Split Coast and printed it out because I knew I had to make it. Then I realized it was embossed, so perfect timing. I cased it from "casep". Thanks to her for the inspiration and to original poster Robinringtail for the idea of stamping on designer paper.

Stamp Set: Riot of Petals, All Holidays
Card Stock: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Berry Bliss Designer Paper
Ink: Gold Embossing Powder and Gold Encore Pad, Pastels with Aquapainter
Embellishments: Pretty in Pink Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Large and Small Oval

This was fun and challenging!! Frist I stamped the Riot of Petals on the Berry Bliss Designer Paper - you can hardly tell it, but it does have a little color to it. I then colored the flowers and petals with pastel chalks using the aquapainter. That was fun and very simple to do. Then the challenge was to cut the squares - that WAS a challenge, but I think the effect is really stunning. I gold embossed the sentiment too!!

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#4 Embossing

This card turned out better than I anticipated. I'm always needing sympathy cards, so decided to make this one I found on SCS. I changed it a bit, but really love the way it turned out

Stamp Set: Lovely as a Tree, Close as a Memory
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Brushed Gold
Ink: Very Vanilla Craft Ink, Gold Encore Pad, Gold Embossing Powder, Clear Embossing Powder

I first stamped the trees with Very Vanilla Craft Ink and then poured clear embossing powder and heat set it. The scan definitely doesn't do this card justice as the trees just sparkle. I also embossed the sentiment with gold embossing powder.

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#5 Embossing

This card was also cased from SCS with some changes. I think it's really nifty!! It's "scratch 'n sniff!!" Yep the apple smells like apple. I asked online for ideas and received the great suggestion to use apple cider mix. And it worked perfectly. Yummy!! And LOVE that sentiment!

Stamp Sets: Tart & Tangy, One of a Kind
Card Stock: Whisper White, Real Red, Summer Picnic Designer Paper
Ink: White Craft Ink, Garden Green Craft, Clear Embossing Powder, White Embossing Powder
Punch: Photo Corners

I stamped the sentiment with white craft and then embossed with white embossing powder. I stamped the apple with garden green craft ink and then poured the apple cider mixed with clear embossing powder over and heat set it. So fun to do scratch 'n sniff. I also made some bookmarks with each of the "flavors". Fun, fun!!

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#6 Embossing

I had to try one more Scratch 'n Sniff. This time in orange.

Stamp Set: Tart & Tangy, Short & Sweet
Card Stock: Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Summer Picnic Designer Paper
Ink: Pumpkin Pie Craft Ink, Clear Embossing Powder
Embellishments: So Saffron Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Circle, Large and Small Oval

I again used unsweetened orange Koolaid and mixed it with clear embossing powder . I also embossed the sentiment with pumpkin pie and clear embossed it!!

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#7 Embossing

This card turned out better than I anticipated. The Taken with Teal is really striking with the white embossing!!

Stamp Set: Always, Short & Sweet
Card Stock: Whisper White, Taken with Teal
Ink: White Craft Ink, Taken with Teal, White Embossing Powder, Clear Embossing Powder
Punches: Large and Small Oval, Photo Corners

Just love that heart in the Always stamp set. It's SO elegant. With the white craft ink and white embossing powder, it really stands out. I used the taken with teal craft ink and clear embossed the sentiment. I think the photo corners, really sets off this card!!

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#8 Embossing

This will make a great wedding card. So far no weddings this summer, but there will be one sometime!!

Stamp Set: Heartfelt, Greetings Galore
Card Stock: Whisper White, Brushed Gold
Ink: River Rock, Gold Encore, Gold Embossing Powder, Clear Embossing Powder
Embellishments: White Taffeta Ribbon

A very simple, but elegant card. I stamped the flower in River Rock and then the outline (two-step stamping) with gold Encore ink and then gold embossing powder and heat set it. The sentiment is stamped with the gold Encore pad and then embossed with gold embossing powder.

That's all for tonight - will add more tomorrow night!

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Heart Pocket Mother's Day Card

2008-05-01T22:48:00.000-07:00

I was NOT planning to do any more tonight, but found this beautiful card on Kathy's Stampin' Niche. I just had to share!!

Stamp Set: All Holidays
Card Stock: Real Red, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Cutie Pie Designer Paper
Ink: Real Red
Embellishments: Real Red Brads
Punches: Five Petal, Boho

I used the Heart Template which can be downloaded here

I punched out 8 petals with the five flower punch in real red. I used A Perfect Day White rub-ons on 4 of the flower petals and then used 4 more to pop them up with dimensionals. I "filled" the heart pocket with the flowers!!

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That's all tonight I PROMISE!!

Flip Flop Albums

2008-05-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

I made a couple more Flip Flop Albums - I wanted to show some in a more masculine set of designer papers, in case someone wants to make one for Father's Day.

These are made for my twin sons, Sam and Dan. They are identical twins, so I found some of their old "twin" pictures to put in their albums

Here's Dan's Album

I used East Coast Prep Design Paper along with Tempting Turquoise Textured Cardstock. If you haven't seen the tutorial yet for the Flip Flop Album, you can click here and go to my blog archive and see the tutorial. I do have the directions without pictures in a word document. Just email me at janinpb@communitybroadband.com and I'll be happy to send them. Or leave a comment on this post with your email and I'll send them.

And here is the second one for Sam.

For this album I used Jersey Shore Designer Paper and Wild Wasabi Textured Card Stock. The albums are like in their pictures.

These albums can hold up to 9 - 4 x 6" prints and more if you cut them down.

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I'm having a class on Saturday, May 24th, at the Outback Pizzeria. We will be making five masculine cards plus the flip flop album. If you would like to join us, just email me for the details.

More and various cards

2008-05-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a few more cards I wanted to share before I forget and either send them away or give them away :)

I found this really cool idea using the Carousel Notes and the Scallop punch - fell in LOVE with the colors and had to try them!!

Stamp Set: One of a Kind
Card Stock: Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava, Afternoon Tea Designer Paper, Groovy Guava Carousel Notes (Occasions Mini 2008)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Only Orange Craft Ink
Embellishments: Clear Embossing Powder
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1/2" Circle and 1/8" Hand punch

I cut a Groovy Guava Carousel Note into 4 pieces (these are 6", so are easy to cut them in half and again in half. I then punched with the 1/8" hand punch the cirlces in the scallops. I punched out a scallop circle in Wild Wasabi and then using the snips cut every other scallop almost to the center. And then I just lifted the petals slightly. I took a piece of whisper white and stamped with the only orange craft ink and then heat embossed clear embossing powder and cut out 1/2" circle for the center of the "flower". Same technique for the following card except I changed the designer paper and color of card base and flower!! Two very easy cards!!

And if you are looking for hearts and since we don't sell a heart punch, you could cut into the center and come away with eight hearts! I will try to show you how with pictures soon!!

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I found this beautiful quilt card and just had to emulate it. Thanks to "grannisandi" on Splitcoast Stampers for the beautiful card and inspiration

Stamp Set: None so far
Card Stock: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Berry Bliss designer paper
Embellishments: Rhinestone Brad

This was really simple - especially with a sample to follow!! You cut out 16 pink squares and then cut 8 of the chocolate chip and cut them in half and adhere the chocolate squares to the pink!! Ah ha moment for me!!

I will save this for a quilter friend - so far don't have an occasion, but I know I'll find one!!

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Tri Fold Pocket Cards

This tutorial was added by Beate Johns to Splitcoast Stampers recently. I just had to try it - these would be so fun for little gifts. I made a larger one following the tutorial on splitcoast here with an insert. I then made a smaller one as suggested for a gift card. I first made a mistake, but it turned out okay as I just put a candy bar in it and it fit perfectly!! So mistakes are quite often salvagable (as I find out all the time!!!)

Stamp Set: Think Happy Thoughts, Full of LIfe
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Afternoon Tea Designer Paper
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Twill Ribbon, Antique Brass Brads
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" circle, Round Tab

I made the card per instructions on the tutorial. There is a "belly band" around it although that is not necessary. I used the Scallop circle punch to add the scallops to the curves.

Gift Card Holder

Stamp Set: Think Happy Thoughts
Card Stock: Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Afternoon Tea Designer Paper, Soft Sky Carousel Note
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" circle punches

I used a Carousel Note and folded it to make this little card. I added some Afternoon Tea Designer Paper. You wouldn't have to - you could just stamp the carousel note and that could be your design!! Fast and easy for a quick gift!!

Candy Bar Holder

Candy bars usually don't last long in this household, so I had to hide one the other day for this project. I wanted to make a candy bar wrapper to hold one to give as a door prize for my next class. I went to make the tri-fold card and made a mistake in cutting, but it turned out perfect for a candy bar!!

Stamp Set: Think Happy Thoughts
Card Stock: Whisper White, Soft Sky, Groovy Guava Designer Paper, Afternoon Tea Designer Paper
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Groovy Guavy
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" circle punches

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Afternoon Tea and Live Your Dreams Card

Here's another beautiful card I found and had to make!!

Stamp Set: Live Your Dreams, Birthday Hugs and Wishes
Card Stock: Soft Sky Textured Paper, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Afternoon Tea Designer Paper
Ink: Stamp Write Markers: Rose Red, Cameo Coral, Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip Class Ink
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Twill Ribbon, Paper Piercer

I used the Soft Sky textured paper and using a sponge dauber I sponged around the edges of the card base with chocolate chip - I like the "antique" look that gives!!
And I used the Paper Piercer to outline the designer paper and flower.

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Just one more today. This card I found and just had to try. In fact I ended up buying the set because I loved the card so much. Naughty me. And then it didn't turn out like the original, but it's okay!!

Stamp Set: Blooming with Love
Card Stock: Blush Blossom, Whisper White, Basic Black, Groovy Guava Designer Prints
Ink: Pure color pencils, Basic Black
Embellishments: Groovy Guava double stitched ribbon
Punches: Double rectangle for the ribbon

I don't have a verse yet, but this set does have a neat little Mother's Day saying, so I might use that and give it to one of my girls!!

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That's all for today - thanks for looking and never hesitate to email me, if you have a question about anything I post

More cards - various sets and ideas

2008-04-30T22:37:00.000-07:00

I've been busy making various cards - just enjoying some uninterrupted time!! Nice!!

Here are 4 large paper clips - I used the Scratch and Sniff!! Fun and yummy smelling

Stamp Set: Tart & Tangy
Card Stock: Yo Yo Yellow, Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke
Ink: Craft Yo Yo Yellow & Only Orange, Stampin Write Markers: Real Red, Always Artichoke, Old Olive, Gel Pen
Embellishments: Large Paper Clips (found at Walmart/Office Depot)
Technique: Scratch & Sniff

What's more delicious that a ripe strawberry and the gland-tingling smell of a lemon or orange? Well, these little paper clips smell like that.

Here's how to do the Scratch and Sniff Technique

For the cherries, I used my Stampin' Write Markers Real Red and Old Olive. I huffed and stamped on Whisper White and then cleaned my stamp and then stamped over the cherries with the versamarker. I mixed approximately 1 1/2 tsp of clear embossing powder with unsweetened (must be unsweetened because the sugar in sweetened will burn when heated) cherry Koolaid. I then poured this mixture over the versamarked cherries and heat embossed it. And it really does smell like cherries.

With the lemon, I used yo yo yellow craft ink and stamped the lemon stamp on whisper white. I again mixed lemon Koolaid with clear embossing powder, and heat set that. Yep - smells like lemons!!

Same with the orange!! Used Only Orange Craft Ink and mixed orange Koolaid with clear embossing powder. Yummy oranges!!

With the strawberry, I colored with Real Red and Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Markers. I then used the versamarker and colored over the red part of the strawberry. I had mixed strawberry Koolaid with clear embossing powder, poured it over and heat set it. Almost a taste of Spring!!!!!

I couldn't find Apple flavored Koolaid, but I will keep looking because that will smell like apple pie!!

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One of the really cool cards I found in SCS, is the tri-fold card. I can't get on the site tonight to give credit, but I appreciate all the wonderful cards I found!!

This card opens up twice! It's square - 4 1/2 x 4 1/2"

Stamp Sets: Tart & Tangy, Think Happy Thoughts. Curvy Verses
Card Stock: Bashful Blue, Real Red, Whisper White, Summer Picnic Designer Paper
Ink: Real Red, Old Olive
Embellishments: Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Rhinestone Brad

First Opening

Second Opening

There is a cool tutorial, but since I can't find it tonight, I'll search more in the morning and add a link

Hope you enjoy!!

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Tart & Tangy

2008-04-26T18:09:00.001-07:00

Here's more Tart and Tangy samples!! As you can see I just love this set and the matching paper Summer Picnic. These are both in the Occasions Mini 2008 - which, by the way, has been extended until June 30th!! Whoo Hoo

This set is going to be a door prize at our next class. There is a box and 4 cards with envelopes

To find a tutorial for the box you can click here

Stamp Set: Tart & Tangy, Sentiments are from Sincere Salutations and It's Your Birthday
Card Stock: Summer Picnic Designer Paper, Pumpkin Pie, Real Read, Bashful Blue
Ink: Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Pumpkin Pie
Embellishments: Grosgrain Striped Ribbon, Half pearls from the Pretties Kit
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Circles

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More Tart and Tangy Samples

Stamp Set: Tat & Tangy, It's Your Birthday
Card Stock: Wild Wasabi, Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Summer Picnic Designer Paper
Ink: Old Olive
Embellishments: Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Circle,

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Stamp Set: Tart & Tangy
Card Stock: Real Red, Whisper White, Summer Picnic Designer Paper
Ink: Real Red and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers
Embellishments: 1/4" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Large and Small Tags

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Stamp Set: Tart & Tangy, Full of LIfe
Card Stock: Yo Yo Yellow, Green Galore, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Yo Yo Yellow, Basic Black
Embellishments: Black Brads, Black Gingham Ribbon
Punches: 1 1/4" Circle Punch

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Stamp Set: Tart & Tangy, Curvy Verses
Card Stock: Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Yo Yo Yellow, Wild Wasabi Designer Series Prints (Hostess 2008 pallette)
Ink: Yo Yo Yellow, Pumpkin Pie, Green Galore
Embellishments: Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Ribbon

Okay I promise to get off the Tart & Tangy kick and find something else to do LOL

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Class Cards

2008-04-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

I had the entire day off today - after doing my bank statements (whew!!), I dove in and started planning my next card class. We are going to do five cards including Mother's Day, Father's Day, Feminine Birthday, Masculine Birthday and choice of one all occasion!!

Here's the Mother's Day Card

Stamp Set: Live Your Dream, All Holidays
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava, Whisper White, Afternoon Tea Designer Paper
Ink: Rose Red, Cameo Coral, Chocolate Chip, Glorious Green Stampin' Write Markers
Punches: Ticket Corner

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And the Father's Day Card

Stamp Sets: Wanted, All Holidays
Card Stock: Brocade Blue, Chocolate Chip, Rose Red, Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Brocade Blue
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Twill Ribbon, Natural Hemp Twine,

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Feminine Birthday

Stamp Set: Elegant Cheer
Card Stock: Rose Red, Regal Rose, Whisper White, Rose Red Designer Paper
Ink: Rose Red
Embellishments: Earth Elements Brads (Rose Red)
Punches: Round Tab Punch (for purse) Large and Small Oval for Purse Handle

I punched out the small oval punch and then the large oval punch and cut that frame in half for the purse handle. The flap of the purse is a small triangle from Whisper White

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Masculine Birthday

Stamp Set: Sincere Salutations
Card Stock: Porcelain Prints Designer Paper, Blue Bayou, Whisper White
Ink: Blue Bayou
Embellishments: Bold Brights Green Galore Brads
Punches: Ticket Corner Punch
Technique: Origami Folding

I had so much fun making the above card, I had to make two more for ideas!!

Stamp Set: Dad's Day
Card Stock: Wild Wasabi Prints Pack Designer Paper (Hostess Gift 2008), Whisper White, Wild Wasabi
Ink: Wild Wasabi
Embellishments: Silver Hodgepodge Hardware (Occasions Mini 2008)
Technique: Origami Folding

Stamp Set: Birthday Hugs and Wishes
Card Stock: Bashful Blue, Bashful Blue Prints Pack Designer Series Paper (Hostess Gift 2008)
Ink: Bashful Blue
Embellishments: Soft Subtles Brads (Bashful Blue)
Technique: Origami Folding

There is a wonderful tutorial for origami shirt folding on Cambria Turnbow's blog here

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Tart & Tangy All Occasion

And we will be making an "all occasion" card as follows - the card makers can put whatever sentiment they choose on it - I've made it a "thank you"

Stamp Set: Tart & Tangy, Short & Sweet
Card Stock: Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Summer Picnic Designer Paper
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Old Olive and Real Red Stampin' Write Markers, White Gel Pen
Embellishments: Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Ribbon
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Circle, Word Window, Double Rectangle

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I also made this Flap card which would be excellent for gift giving - you could cut little notches and put in a gift card - or simnply add a sentiment and give it as a card. Was fun to try.

Stamp Set: Tart & Tangy
Card Stock: Bashful Blue, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Summer Picnic Designer Paper
Ink: Real Red and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers, White Gel Pen
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Circle Punches

I added a velcro opening to the flap

There is a wonderful tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers here.

And here's the card opened up - I haven't decorated it yet, but not sure yet what I'll do with it :) For some reason the inside of the card didn't scan in the right color - it's supposed to be bashful blue!! But you "get the picture"!!

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Double Pocket Card with Front Flap

2008-04-23T18:03:00.000-07:00

In planning our club meeting, I've had fun casing some cards for samples. SO much inspiration out there - just not enough days in an hour to accomplish everything.

Hee's a little "plant pot" I made for treats!!

Inside of Plant Pot

Stamp Set: One of a Kind
Card Stock: Afternoon Tea Designer Paper, Whisper White, Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi Textured Cardstock
Ink: Soft Sky
Embellishments: Old Olive Twill Ribbon, Rhinestone Brad
Punches: Five Petal Flower, Scallop Circle, Round Tab, 1/8" Circle Punch

I have the template shared by QBEE from SCS - just email me or leave a comment and I'll send it.

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Here's a card we did as a make and take at the club meeting.

And here's the tutorial on how to do this technique.

Stamp Set: It's Beautiful Stampin Around Wheel, Many Happy Returns
Card Stock: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Ink: Rose Red, Regal Rose
Embellishments: Pretty in Pink Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: 1 1/4" 1" and 1/2" Circle Punches; Double Rectangle

I used a piece of copy paper and cut it 8 1/2" x 3" - then scored 1/2" on each long side. I then punched the center with the circle punches. I attached Whisper White Card Stock to the back of the copy paper with dotto adhesive and rolled the It's Beautiful Stampin' Around Wheel down the center with Rose Red. I then sponged each circle with a dauber in Regal Rose classic ink. When I took off the copy paper, there was a beautiful layout of circles with flowers in them!! I rolled the Pretty in Pink card stock with the It's Beautiful Stampin Around Wheel also. Easy way to make your OWN design prints!!

And...until April 30th you can order the Stitched Exotics stamp set on page 83 of the Spring and Summer Idea Book 2008 and you receive the It's Beautiful Stampin Around Wheel absolutely FREE ($8.50 value). Contact me to place your order before April 30th. You can view other free wheels by click on the link in the right column under "Free Wheelin" offer.

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Here's a Mother's Day Card Catherine did as a make 'n take. Isn't it stunning?

Stamp Set: Live Your Dream, All Holidays
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava, Whisper White, Afternoon Tea Designer Paper
Ink: Rose Red, Cameo Coral, Chocolate Chip, Glorious Green Stampin' Write Markers
Punches: Ticket Corner

Catherine used the stampin' write markers to color this flower and the sentiment. It really turned out beautiful - very vibrant.

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I found this beautiful card on SCS - I tried to "refind" it to give credit, but after 30 minutes I gave up!! Thanks to whoever gave me the inspiration

Stamp Set: Hugs & Wishes
Card Stock: Blue Bayou Designer Prints, Whisper White
Ink: Blue Bayou
Embellishments: Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon, Rhinestone Brads
Punches: Boho Punch, Tag Punch, Rectangle Handheld Punch

And another one in different colors

Stamp Set: Hugs & Wishes
Card Stock: Rose Red Designer Prints, Whisper White
Ink: Rose Red
Embellishments: Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched Ribbon, Rhinestone Brads
Punches: Boho Punch, Tag Punch, Rectangle Handheld Punch

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As you can see, I just love the Afternoon Tea Designer Paper. Here's another beautiful card I found on SCS

Stamp Set: Live your Dream, Full of Life
Card Stock: Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Groovy Guava, Afternoon Tea Designer Paper
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Twill Ribbon

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Carousel Notes

There are SO many beautiful cards made with the Carousel Notes that are offered in the Occasions Mini Catalog (check them out on page 7). These come 12 to a package in Soft Sky, Groovy Guava and Wild Wasabi and have 12 Chocolate Chip Envelopes so they can be mailed.

Stamp Set: Live Your Dream
Card Stock: Soft Sky Carousel Note, Chocolate Chip, Afternoon Tea Designer Paper
Ink: Chocolate Chip Craft Ink, Clear Embossing Powder
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Twill Ribbon, Hodgepodge Hardware Silver (Occasions Minis 2008)

One tip I found: You can use a CD to cut out the matching cardstock - works great!!

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This is such an easy card and SO cute. Perfect for a little girl - or for a BIG girl!! Another inspiration from SCS

Stamp Set: Short & Sweet
Card Stock: Rose Red Textured Card Stock, Regal Rose, Whisper White, Rose Red Designer Prints
Ink: Rose Red
Embellishments: Rich Regals Brads
Punches: Round Tab Punch, Small and Large Oval Punches

I punched out the Rose Red Designer Print with the round tab punch - folded it over to make the darling little purse. I cut a small triangle for the flap and added the brad. For the handle, I punched out a small oval in rose red and then lined up the large punch over the small oval cutout and punched. A nice handle (cut the punch out in half)

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After doing the cool double pocket cards I then found another one that I just had to try. This one actually has a front flap. I added a little extra cardstock to the front and think they turned out really cute!! Click here the tutorial on making these cards with the double pockets and front flap demonstrated by Barb Mullikin. Thanks Barb for the great inspiration!

Afternoon Tea Double Pocket Card with Front Flap

Inside with the little cards

Stamp Set: Boho Backgrounds, Designer Punch, Live Your Dream, Full of Life
Card Stock: Afternoon Tea Designer Paper, Soft Sky, Whisper White
Ink: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, White Craft Ink, White Embossing Powder
Embellishments: Rhinestone Brads, Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon, Silver Hodgepodge Hardware
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, Double Rectangle, Round Tab Punch, Designer Label Punch

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Berry Bliss Double Pocket with Front Flap Card

Inside with small tags to go into the pockets

Stamp Sets: One of a Kind
Card Stock: Berry Bliss Designer Paper, Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Close to Cocoa
Embellishments: Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched Ribbon, Rhinestone Brad, Soft Subtles Brads
Punches: Ticket Corner Punch, Round Tag Punch

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Double Pocket Fold Cards

2008-04-17T18:21:00.000-07:00

We've been planning our next club meeting - one of the cards I saw on SCS, is this double pocket fold card. These are SO fun and easy to make (although I have to say I was intimidated at first!!). If you are, don't be, because once you make one, you'll see how easy they are. And the really neat thing about these cards, is that you get to show off both sides of the double sided designer papers.

Here is a tutorial on Judys' site.

And here are the ones I made

Double Pocket Fold #1

The two tags

This will definitely be for my very good friend for her birthday - we always laugh because she's always warm!!

Stamp Set: Tart and Tangy, Sassy Suzie (Occasions Mini 2008)
Card Stock: Summer Picnic Designer Paper, Real Read and Whisper White
Ink: Real Red and Old Olive Stampin Write Markers, Real Red Classic Ink
Embellishments: Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Rhinestone Brad
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle

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Double Pocket Fold Card #2

Stamp Set: Live Your Dream (Occasions Mini 2008), All Holidays
Card Stock: Porcelain Prints, Blue Bayou and Whisper White Card Stock
Ink: Blue Bayou
Embellishments: Pretties Kit Silk Flowers, Rhinestone Brads, Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon

I used a sponge dauber and daubed the pretties in Blue Bayou Classic Ink. I made the tags with my Sizzix

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Double Pocket Fold Card #3

Stamp Sets: Live your Dream (Occasions Mini 2008), All Holidays
Card Stock: Groovy Guava Prints Designer Paper, Groovy Guava and Whisper White Cardstock
Ink: Groovy Guava
Embellishments: Rhinestone Brads, Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Pretties Kit Silk Flowers

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Double Pocket Fold Card #4

Stamp Set: Live your Dreams, Full of Life (both from the Occasions Mini 2008)
Card Stock: Afternoon Tea Designer Paper (Occasions Mini 2008), Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: Jumbo Eyelets, Vintage Brads, Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon

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Double Pocket Fold Card #5

Maybe by now you have figured out I just LOVE the Afternoon Tea Designer Paper - I'm fixated on it!! So had to try it again and this time I changed to landscape. I think it gives it a really different look

Stamp Set: Sincere Salutations, Full of Life (Occasions Mini 2008)
Card Stock: Afternoon Tea Designer Prints, Wild Wasabi Card Stock
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava
Embellishments: Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Ribbon, Jumbo Eyelets, Pretties Kit Silk Flowers, Build-a-Brad Kit, 1/2" circle Punch (and Yes, I used the Crop-A-Dile to set the eyelets - a cool tool!!!!)

I sponged the flower with Groovy Guava Class Ink. I also used the 1/2" circle punch and punched out one of the flowers from the Afternoon Tea Designer Paper and adhered it to the brad with the sticky clear top over it.

These cards are truly not hard. I made these up and the next morning someone came up with a different twist - so now I NEED to try that one!!

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Here are a couple more cards I made. The first one is a cool way to use the Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheels. I will scan the card we are going to make at the club meeting after the meeting, but here's one I made to practice. And here's the tutorial I found to make this. This blogger and stamper is Laura and is from Alberta Canada. She calls this "Rolling with the punches". Another neat way to use your punches.

Stamp Set: Live Your Dream (sentiment); Lots of Dots Stampin' Around Jumbo Wheel
Card Stock: Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa Designer Prints
Ink: Close to Cocoa
Embellishments: Rive Rock Double Stitched Ribbon
Punches: Large and Small Oval, Large and Small Star Punches

With this technique, you cut a piece of copy paper 3" and score it at 1/2" on each side. You then use your punches (I used the large and small star punches on this card) and punched down the center of this piece of paper. You lay your cardstock underneath the punched out areas and then using your jumbo roller, roll it over - you now have your design on your cardstock. I cut that and mounted it on chocolate chip!! Interesting possibilities.

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And since I was in the mood for stars, and hadn't used it yet, I decided to make this simple birthday card for an all star. Lots of those in my family.

Stamp Set: Classic Stars Stampin' Around Jumbo Wheel, All Holidays
Card Stock: Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black
Embellishments: Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

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Adoption Card for Saxton

2008-04-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

Two years ago, my son-in-law and daughter received their first ever foster baby. He was three months old and they had him for six months. Today, April 14, 2008, he is being officially adopted by his grandparents. Here's the card I made for his adoption

Stamp Set: Zoofari
Card Stock: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Bashful Blue Designer Prints (from the free hostess set)
Ink: Basic Black
Embellishments: Bashful Blue striped Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Scallop Circle, Round Tab

I printed out the sentiments on my printer as I didn't have anything appropriate. Inside the card: "Adoption is Just Another Word for Love; Congratulations to you all"

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Technique Tuesday C & D

2008-04-08T21:41:00.000-07:00

Tonight was Technique Tuesday - our second class and we did Crayon Resist and Dazzling Diamonds. We also decorated the fronts of our albums with our initial using sticky die cut letters and their choice of stampin' glitter, chunky essentials or fine cosmo.

Crayon Resist

Here is the card we made for the class and our sample

Stamp Set: Embrace Life
Card Stock: Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi, Glossy White
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi

With this technique we stamped on the glossy card stock, then used a light colored crayon to highlight the areas we wanted to resist the rubbed ink (white in the flowers and leaves); then using a sponge we sponged groovy guava and wild wasabi. After that dried a bit we rubbed off the crayon with a tissue. Where we colored with crayon it resisted the ink and left white!!

Here's a couple more samples:

Stamp Set: Embrace Life
Card Stock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Glossy White
Ink: Mellow Moss, Basic Black

In this example I stamped in basic black the stem with the flowers on glossy cardstock and used a crayon on the flowers to keep them white then sponged over it with mellow moss.

Stamp Set: Embrace Life (yes I love this set!!)
Card Stock: Old Olive, Only Orange, Taken with Teal, Bali Breeze Designer Paper, Glossy White
Ink: Only Orange, Old Olive, Basic Black
Embellishment: Old Olive Twill Ribbon (new in the Occasions Mini 2008 Catalog)

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Dazzling Diamonds

What with decorating our albums and then doing dazzling diamonds, we all came away covered in glitter!! Fun, fun!!

Here's the card we made tonight

Stamp Set: Just Celebrate, Full of Life (both in the Occasions Mini 2008)
Card Stock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Basic Black; Pretty in Pink, Summer Sun, Brocade Blue Stampin' Write Markers
Embellishments: Dazzling Diamonds adhered with 2 way glue
Punches: Scallop Circle, Round Tab

We used the birthday cake from the Just Celebrate set and spread 2-way glue and then added the dazzling diamonds to the frosting. Really sparkles although didn't scan really well. This was a task in layering - sorry girls, I have a hard time keeping it simple.

Another example of dazzling diamonds

Stamp Set: Garden Whimsey
Card Stock: Certainly Celery, Lavendar Lace, Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Certainly Celery; Lavendar Lace, Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink and Certainly Celery Stampin' Write Markers
Embellishments: Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds, 2-way Glue

I used the dazzling diamonds on the flowers and the butterfly

And another......

Stamp Set: Tart & Tangy and One Smart Cookie (both in the Occasions Mini 2008)
Card Stock: Certainly Celery, ONly Orange, Whisper White
Ink: Only Orange
Embellishments: Certainly Celery 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Circle, 1/2" & 1/4" Circle, Word Window

In case you can't read the sentiment, it says "Orange you Cute". My grandkids love the knock knock joke - Orange you glad I didn't say banana - this card reminded me of that - I cased it - as usual. Loved the dazzling diamonds on one orange!! Really stands out!!

And last, but certainly not least Catherine made this card using Versamark to adhere the dazzling diamonds

Stamp Set: Always
Card Stock: Purely Pomegranate Textured, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Purely Pomegranate
Embellishments: Dazzling Diamonds, Red Glitter (bird's eye)

First Catherine stamped the bird on the whisper white cardstock with purely pomegranate classic ink. She then stamped Versamark over the entire piece. Then she added Heat and Stick Powder and heated just enough to be sticky. She then added the dazzling diamonds and heated it again to make it stick.

After she put it together, she felt it needed something more, so she went around the outside with the 2-way glue pen and added more dazzling diamonds. A very striking card!!!

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This card caught my eye and I just had to case it!! Just a few changes. Thanks to someone on Splitcoast Stampers for the inspiration!!

Stamp Set: Always, All Holidays, Baroque Background
Card Stock: Whisper White, Soft Sky
Ink: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou
Embellishments: Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon, Ribbon Slide from the Hodgepodge Hardware Silver Set (Occasions Mini 2008 page 7), Gold Brads, Acetate over the bird
Punch: Word Window

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I love this red bandana look

Stamp Set: Polka Dots & Paisley
Card Stock: Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White
Ink: Real Red, Basic Black, Uniball Gel Pen

I just stamped the paisley in black and outlined it with the white Uniball Gel Pen. Waa laa (how do you spell that??) Red Bandana card!!

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Stampin' Up has a wonderful FREE Wheelin Promo. If you purchase the Stitched Exotics Stamp set on page 83 of the 2008 Catalog and Idea Book, you receive the Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel "It's Beautiful" free (an $8.50 value).

I made a couple of cards with this wheel.

This first card uses the Stitched Exotics stamp set and the It's Beautiful Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel

Stamp Sets: Stitched Exotics, It's Beautiful Stampin' Around Wheel
Card Stock: Basic Black, Lovely Lilac, Elegant Eggplant, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Lovely Lilac (for the wheelin')
Embellishments: Eastern Elegance Rub-ons, White Grosgrain Ribbon

I used the Rub-ons from the Eastern Elegance set (page 182 in the catalog) to make the white border and the sentiment and then added one more which matches the flower in the wheel. I also used one of the adhesive acrylic bubbles from the Build-A-Brad to highlight the center of the flower which I stamped on Whisper White with Lovely Lilac Ink and cut out.

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This card I also stamped with the It's Beautiful Stampin' Around Jumbo Wheel in Blue Bayou on Blue Bayou card stock.

Stamp Set: Full of Life (Occasions Mini 2008 page 22)
Card Stock: Sof Sky, Blue Bayou, Whisper White, Soft Sky Designer Prints
Ink: Blue Bayou
Embellishments: A Perfect Day Rub-ons (Occasions Mini 2008 page 15), Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon
Punches: 5-Petal Flower, Key Tag Punch, Rhinestone Circle Brad

I punched out a flower from Soft Sky Card Stock and added the White Rub-on and then the rhinestone circle brad.

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Another Flip Flop Album

2008-04-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

While waiting at my sons' home today for my workshop tonight, I made another flip flop album. I am making this one for my Aunt who turns 91 on April 14th. I don't have the pictures scanned to put in it yet, but I just love the way it turned out. I used the Wild Wasabi Textured Card Stock and Afternoon Tea Designer Paper from the Occasions Mini 2008 mini catalog. You can see this catalog by clicking on the picture to the right of this post. If you didn't receive your catalog in the mail, just email me and I'll send you one!!

Flip Flop Album

Front

Left Side When Open

Middle When Open

Right Side When Open

Full View When Open

View When Each side is closed

Another Picture of the Album Closed

Card Stock: Wild Wasabi 12 x 12 Textured Card Stock; Afternoon Tea Designer Paper (1/2 package used)
Embellishment: Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Ribbon
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" Circles

I actually used my own revision of the original instructions and followed them through; so I'm pretty sure the instructions are "useable" now. If you would like the instructions, please email me and I'll be happy to share

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2008-04-02T19:42:00.000-07:00

Goodness, it's been a while since I posted. TAXES!! Yuck. But, I've done my part, so just waiting for the results!!

I made this cute set cased from Lauraly on Splitcoast Stampers. I can't find the post right now, but here's the link for the tutorial for the little box that holds the cards. Very easy and SO cute. I'm having a workshop tomorrow night and this will by my thank you to the hostess. Thanks Kathy!!

Stamp Set: Tart and Tangy (Occasions Mini 2008)
Card Stock: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Rear Red, Pumpkin Pie, Summer Picnic Designer Paper (Occasions Mini 2008)
Ink: Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Summer Sun, Old Olive
Embellishments: Old Olive Twill Ribon (Occasions Mini 2008), Real Red, Apricot Appeal and White Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" Circle, Corner Rounder (for the scallops on the box

And here are the cards closer

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Groovy Card!

2008-03-25T23:40:00.000-07:00

We had our first club meeting this evening. Catherine found this card on Splitcoast Stampers and though it would make a wonderful card to make using the "Highlighting with Markers" technique.

Stamp Set: Garden Whimsey
Card Stock: Groovy Guava, Rose Red, Whisper White, Ginger Blossom Design Paper
Ink: Groovy Guava, Rose Red Stampin' Write Marker
Technique: Adding color to your stamp

Catherine first stamped the butterfly in Groovy Guava and then using a Rose Red Stampin' Write Marker, she highlighted the swirls and circles. She then "huffed" on the stamp and stamped it on the Whisper White. We then compared just stamping with one color of ink and with two. The difference was phenomal. I'll show the comparison tomorrow, but just had to get this card up tonight!! I just love the layout.

Here is the comparison I promised. Can you tell the BIG difference when you use the marker. Really makes that little guy POP!!

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More Dahlia Cards

2008-03-23T23:17:00.000-07:00

I hope to not bore you with all these Dahlia cards, but they are SO fun to do.

I made 4 more this evening and here they are

I used the Carousel Notes from the 2008 Occasions Mini and made separate buds. I made 7 of the dahlia folds and put in the smaller flowers and three in the middle flower. I then used the smaller circle punch (1 1/4") and used Certainly Celery Designer Prints and made little stems.

Stamp Set: Priceless
Card Stock: Wild Wasabi Carousel Note, Ginger Blossom Designer Printer, Certainly Celery Designer Print. Whisper White
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava (butterfly)
Embellishments: I pierced around a CD to get the piercing effect
Technique: Dahlia Fold

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Can you see the lattice work in the whisper white card stock. I have a fun new toy - the Scor-Pal. You can see it here. What a fantastic tool!!

Stamp Set: Sincere Salutations
Card Stock? Wild Wasabi, Basic Black, Rose Red, Whisper White, Rose Red Designer Paper
Ink: Wild Wasabi
Embellishments: Clear Rhinestone Brad from the Pretties Kit
Punch: Ticket Corner
Technique: Dahlia Fold and Lattice Scoring

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Stamp Set: Sincere Salutations
Card Stock: Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Afternoon Tea Designer Paper (2008 Occasions Mini)
Ink: Wild Wasabi
Embellishments: White Grosgrain Ribbon, Rhinestone Brad
Punch: Large Oval
Technique: Dahlia Fold and Lattice Scoring

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Card Stock: Whisper White, Bali Breeze Designer Paper
Embellishments: White Grosgrain Ribbon, Small White half pearsl from the Pretties Kit, Center flower is made with the Build-A-Brad
Punch: Ticket Corner
Technique: Dahlia Fold

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More Cards - Some Dahlias and Tart & Tangy

2008-03-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

Last night everyone left me alone and I made some more cards. What fun!

Here's a couple more dahlia fold cards and then follows some I made with the new Tart & Tangy set from the 2008 Occasions Mini using the Summer Picnic Designer Paper. I'm in love - again!!!!

No stamping - yet
Card Stock: River Rock Textured, Basic Black, Whisper White, Ginger Blossom Designer Paper
Embellishments: Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Very Vanilla half pearl from the Pretties Kit
Technique: Dahlia Fold

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Wouldn't this make a darling baby/wedding shower card?

Stamp Set: Short & Sweet
Card Stock: Tempting Turquoise, Pretty in Pink, Petals & Paisley (rats I just realized it's retired), Basic Black
Ink: Tempting Turquoise
Punch: Word Window
Technique: Dahlia Fold

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The following cards are made with the Tart & Tangy Set from the 2008 Occasions Mini page 14, and the Summer Picnic Designer Paper page 16.

Stamp Set: Tart & Tangy, Hugs & Wishes
Card Stock: Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Real Red, Summer Picnic Designer Paper
Ink: Real Red; Real Red and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers (for the cherry stamp)
Embellishments: 1/4" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, Double Rectangle (for ribbon), Ticket Corner

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Stamp Set: Tart & Tangy, Hugs & Wishes
Card Stock: Bashful Blue, Rearl Red, Whisper White, Summer Picnic Designer Paper
Ink: Basic Black; Real Red and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers
Embellishments: Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, Ticket Corner

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Stamp Sets: Tart & Tangy, Hugs & Kisses
Card Stock: Real Red, Old Olive, Whisper White, Summer Picnic Designer Paper
Ink: Basic Black; Real Red and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers
Embellishments: Gel Pen, Red Gingham Ribbon, Rhinestone Brad
Punch: Ticket Corner

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Stamp Set: Tart & Tangy
Card Stock: Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White, Summer Picnic Designer Paper
Ink: Real Red and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers, White Gel Pen
Embellishments: Old Olive Twill Ribbon, Old Olive Brads (from the Earth Elements Selection)
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" punch, 1 1/4" punch, Double Rectangle

I punch out using the 1 1/4" circle punch some of the real red to highlight the cherries in the designer paper. Then doodled around the hole to make it stand out

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Stamp Sets: Tart & Tangy, Sincere Salutations
Card Stock: Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, East Coast Prep
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Pumpkin Pie
Embellishments: Pumpkin Pie Stripe Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" circle

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Dahlias - a Whole Bouquet of them

2008-03-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

I'm having a ball with the Dahlia Fold project. We will be making a dahlia fold card at Heidi's workshop next week (the 25th to be exact!!) Email me for details janinpb@communitybroadband.com

You can find the directions for folding here

Dahlia Fold For Class

Stamp Set: Sincere Salutations
Card Stock: Brocade Blue, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Le Jardin Designer Prints
Ink: Brocade Blue
Accessories: Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon, Very Vanilla half pearl from the Pretties Kit
Punch: Ticket Corner
Technique: Dahlia Fold

I will demonstrate the Dahlia fold and we will make a card on Tuesday!!

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Another one

Card Stock: Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip, Afternoon Tea (new designer paper in the 2008 Occasions Mini)
Embellishments: Silver Brads, New Chocolate Chip Twill Ribbon
Punches: Photo Corners

I really love the new chocolate chip and old olive twill ribbon in the 2008 Occasions Mini. It's very fine - I was expecting it to be more coarse. Very nice addition to the ribbon collection

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#3 Dahlia Fold

Card Stock: Purely Pomegranate, Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, Berry Bliss Designer Paper and Purely Pomegranate Textured Card Stock
Embellishments: Purely Pomegranate double stitched ribbon, Rhinestone Brad
Punch: Ticket Corner Punch

Ah, don't you just LOVE that Berry Bliss Designer Paper? It's SO luscious!!

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And last for tonight, but certainly not least

I used the Scallop Circle Punch for this Dahlia Fold!! Doesn't that make a neat variation?

Card Stock: Wild Wasabi Textured Card Stock (from the special right now - 16 pieces for just $3.95 - SU's mistake - we benefit!!), Very Vanilla, Porcelain Prints Designer Paper
Embellishments: Rhinestone Brad

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Here's another NEW item in the 2008 Ocassions Mini - the Carousel Notes (page 7). These sell for $11.95 and include 12 cards in Groovy Guava, Soft Sky and Wild Wasabi and also 12 Chocolate Chip Envelopes. They measure approximately 6" in diameter. I had fun with these - I actually copied these almost exactly from someone on Splitcoast Stampers

Stamp Set: Sincere Salutations
Card Stock: Groovy Guava Carousel Notes, Afternoon Tea Designer Paper
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Twill Ribbon
Punches: 1/8" punch for the holes in the scallops. I used the piercer to pierce around the edge and cut out the flowers and mounted them with dimensionals

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Isn't this puppy just the cutest little guy - and what a perfect stamp for a "manly" card!!

Stamp Set: For Father (2008 Occasions Mini page 21) Sincere Salutations
Card Stock: Wild Wasabi Carousel Notes, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Afternoon Tea Designer Paper
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Twill Ribbon

Very simple cards, but these are SO fun and different!!

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Happy St. Paddy's Day

2008-03-16T21:57:00.002-07:00

I didn't have a lot of time this weekend as we celebrated my daughter's 30th birthday. But I had to make this little St. Paddy to wish all my friends "Good Luck" tomorrow - remember to wear green!!

This little guy is my Punchy Paddy!!

Stamp Set: Sincere Salutations
Card Stock: Glorious Green, Vanilla Confetti, Basic Black, Really Rust, Blush Blossom, Yo Yo Yellow, Porcelain Prints Designer Paper
Ink: Glorious Green, Black Stampin' Write Marker
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8", 1/2", 1/4" circles, Word Window (for the brim of his hat - I punched the Word Window and then cut out a little bit with scissors to make it resemble a brim), Small Tag

Hope you all have a very green day tomorrow!!

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Dahlia Fold

2008-03-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

I've been planning our first Stamp Club meeting which will be March 25th at my daughter, Heidi Douglass' home. One of the cards that has taken everyone's eye is the dahlia fold. So.....that will be one of the make and take's we learn at the club meeting.

So...in preparation, I needed a wedding card for today and I used the dahlia fold.

Stamp Set: Wedding Sentiment (retired set More Great Greetings)
Card Stock: Blue Bayou, Very Vanilla, Porcelain Prints Design Paper
Ink: Blue Bayou
Accessories: Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon, Very Vanilla Half Pearl from the Pretties Kit
Technique: Dahlia Fold
Punches: 1 3/8" circle, Large oval

This is such a cool technique - I will be putting up more examples as I make them in the next few days. I want the girls to have a bunch of choices!! You can see the folding instructions here

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Technique Tuesday

2008-03-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

We started out Technique Tuesday class tonight. They will be held the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Tonight was techniques A & B. Each class members has a 6 x 6 album with page protectors. I will be printing out directions for each technique and we will make a card and a sample for them to put in their album.

A - Acetate Smacking

Stamp Sets: Lovely as a Tree, Sincere Salutations
Card Stock: Glossy White, Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Whisper White
Ink: Black Stazon, Stampin' Write Markers: Going Gray, Bordering Blue, Brocade Blue
Technique: Acetate Smacking
Punch: Large Oval

Directions for Acetate Smacking:

Scribble markers on acetate. Spray fine mist of water over the acetate. Place Glossy Cardstock (can also use regular cardstock) on acetate and rub. Remove cardstock and let dry. Stamp and color as desired and use for card of project.

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B = Bleaching

Stamp Sets: Embrace Life, All Holidays
Card Stock: River Rock, Basic Black, Ruby Red, Ginger Blossom Designer Paper
Ink: Basic Black, Versamark
Embellishments: Black Embossing Powder, Black Brad, River Rock Double Stitched Ribbon
Technique: Bleaching
Punches: Large and Small Oval

Directions for Bleaching:

Emboss a line art image in black (stamp in versamark and emboss with black embossing powder). Using an aquapinter dedicted to bleach, color within the embossed lines to bleach out the image; OR pour a small amount of bleach into a paper bowl and color your figure with a Q-tip. After bleach dries, your bleached out image will be evident.

My example didn't bleach well. I was really disappointed. And then I tried it with different bleach - mine was OLD!! It worked!! So the flower isn't bleached, but thought was pretty anyway. I'm going to do more bleaching - it was FUN!!

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Wild Wasabi Textured Card Stock Promotion

2008-03-08T17:06:00.001-08:00

Stampin' Up is offering a special deal on their Wild Wasabi Textured Card Stock. Please read the special in the right hand column.

I ordered some and here's a card I made today

Stamp Set: All Scallops (SAB)
Card Stock: Wild Wasabi Textured from current promotion; Afternoon Tea Designer Paper (new in the Occasions Mini Collection) Whister White
Ink: Wild Wasabi Classic Ink
Embellishments: Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Ribbon, Diminsionals
Punches: Scallop Circle Punch

This was fun and simple - I used the flower pattern from the Afternoon Tea Designer Paper and then a small piece of another crosshatch pattern on the bottom of the card and then cut out one of the flowers with leaves and attached it with dimensionals.

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Technique Tuesday starting

2008-03-06T17:51:00.001-08:00

Our Technique Tuesdays is starting on the 11th. Our first meeting will be at the Clinic - call me for details.

We are going to be doing 2 techniques a month and we will literally cover the alphabet from A-Z. I'm going to show you 4 that I have done up!

If you are interested in the class, the initial cost is the cost of a 6 x 6 album to hold your techniques. You will go away from each class with instructions already printed out, a sample to put in your album along with the instructions and a card we make. The albums are $19.95 plus $2.00 shipping and $5 for materials for each class. Please bring your own adhesive and paper trimmer.

Crayon Resist

This technique is so easy - yes I guarantee you will find it easy.

Stamp Set: Merci (from the Sale-A-Bration Mini catalog)
Card Stock: Tempting Turquoise, Glossy White
Ink: Black classic, Tempting Turquoise, Pixie Pink, Yoyo Yellow
Additional supplies: Light colored crayon, sponges

I stamped the figures in basic black on glossy white card stock. I then outlined each figure with a light colored crayon (used a green). I then sponged the tempting turquoise, pixie pink and yoyo yellow. I let that sit for a few seconds and used a kleenex tissue to wipe off the crayon. This left the stamped images outlined in white (the ink won't stick to the crayoned areas). It really pops up your images. That's why it's called "Crayon Resist"!!

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Highlighting

This technique takes a nice outlined stamp. I used the dogwood flower in the Embrace Life stamp set

Stamp Set: Embrace Life
Card Stock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Ginger Blossom Designer Paper
Ink: Basic Black (can also use Black Stazon), Groovy Guava
Embellishments: 1/4" Black Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Corner Rounder (for the scallops), Large and Small Oval, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" circle

I stamped the image with basic black ink on the whisper white cardstock. I then stamped again with the area I wanted to highlight. I cut out the highlighted area with the 1 1/4" circle punch and using an aquapainter and groovy guava ink, colored the flower petals. I then mounted that circle on the 1 3/8" basic black circle, lined it up and adhered it to the other stamped images to match up.

I finished with doing the scallop with the corner rounder and mounting that on the Ginger Blossom Designer Paper. Added the black grosgrain ribbon at the bottom and the sentiment!!

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Negative Split

This next card is definitely a WOW technique. Negative split.

Stamp Set: Bronc Buster
Card Stock: Sage Shadow; Western Sky Designer Paper, Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink: White and Black Craft Ink; Basic Black Ink
Embellishments: Antique Brass Brads, Clear and White Embossing Powder

Stamp sets to use are ones that have a large image that can be a center focal point. This bucking bronc works well I think. I cut out two pieces of card stock, basic black and whisper white, about the size of the actual wood block of the stamp. I first stamped on the basic black with white craft ink and then embossed with white embossing powder. Heat set it. Then used black craft ink and stamped the bronc on the white card stock and embossed it with clear embossing powder. I then took both pieces and found the midpoint, put them together and cut them in half lengthwise. Now I have 4 pieces - took the opposites and mounted them on some Western Sky Designer Paper and then on Basic black. The card itself is Sage Shadow - I added a strip of the stripe from Western Sky and added three antique brass brads. Then stamped the swirl with the star on the bottom!!

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Zigzag Made Easy

This zigzag technique is very simple. I found this technique on Barb Mullikin's blog.

Stamp Set: Prehistoric Pals
Card Stock: Taken with Teal, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie
Ink: Taken with Teal, Close to Cocoa, Pumpkin Pie
Punches: 1/4" square punch

To make the small zigzag, you line up your punch on the side - measure half the square and punch out a triangle. Just continue on down the side and around each side. You can make bigger zags with bigger square punches. Here's a sample:

A nifty trick to add a little pizzaz to your card.

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I'm sorry I haven't been blogging much, but have had the yucky old stuff. We went to Las Vegas the first part of February. My husband was sick within two days and I "caught" it the day before we returned. Turned out to be bronchitis. Two weeks of that and I was finally feeling partially human and then someone kindly brought us the stomach flu. So.....finally feel half way normal again!!

Onsies Card

2008-02-22T17:00:00.000-08:00

I just have to share this darling card I made today. Our acupuncturist is expecting in March and we are having a baby shower for her tomorrow. I just fell in love with this card.

Here's where you can find a tutorial. Click Here

So many possibilities with this simple, but appropriate card!!

Stamp Set: Nursery Necessities
Card Stock: Soft Sky Designer Paper, Whisper White, So Saffron
Ink: Soft Sky
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, Ticket Corner

I simply cut a piece of Soft Sky Designer paper 11 x 4 1/4". I folded that in half to make a card front that is 5 1/2 x 4 1/4. I then took the 1 3/8" circle punch and punched 1/2 a circle at the top fold. Then each bottom corner I again used the 1 3/8" punch and punched out the corner (as per the instructions I clipped off the sharp edges).

To make the sleeves, I measured down 1 3/4" and in 1/2". I drew a line from the mark down to the corner and using my scissors cut out those pieces.

I then took another piece of soft sky designer paper cut a 1/2 circle on the edge of the paper and then used the scallop circle punch and punched out the 1/2 scallop. These were mounted at the legs and neck.

Then the embellishments - scallop circle in white and 1 3/8" circle with the soft sky designer paper. Then I used So Saffron and made another 1 3/8" circle. I slipped that back into the punch and cut off a football size which ended up with the moon!!

How simple, but how appropriate.

Check out the blog with the tutorial. That should make more sense.

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Sale-A-Bration

2008-02-02T18:39:00.000-08:00

February 1st started the new Sale-A-Bration. This sale is a Stampin' Up tradition! You should have received your Sale-A-Bration Mini Catalog in the mail this week. Products in this brochure are available through March 17th and will not be available ever again - they are not added to the regular catalog, so are only available for a limited time.

Receive a free Sale-A-Bration set when you spent at least $50. There's no limit. For every $50 you spend you can select a free set from the brochure.

So now is time to stock up on things that you are out of and earn free products. If you purchase $150, you receive three free sets from the Sale-A-Bration brochure AND you qualify for a workshop and receive a free hostess set from the Spring & Summer 2008 Catalog and Idea Book AND $15 in free merchandise!! What a deal!! Just Email me! your order!!

Hostesses - if you host a workshop of at least $300, you'll receive a free Sale-A-Bration set in addition to the normal hostess benefits. And if you workshop reaches $600 you will get a second set.....and $900 or more a third set!! Just call or Email me! to set up a workshop and invite your friends for a fun and creative evening.

And....not to be outdone, if you sign up to be a Stampin' Up demonstrator during the Sale-A-Bration promotional period, you get a 20% discount on your kit. That makes it $159! PLUS you receive one free stamp set in addition to the kit valued up to $47.95 (see page 208-209 in the Spring and Summer 2008 Catalog for details). What a score!! Just call or Email me! for details!

Questions? Don't hesitate to ask!!

Here are some cards I made up from the new Sale-A-Bration Sets

Stamp Set: So Many Scallops
Card Stock: River Rock, Groovy Guava, River Rock Textured, Rose Red, Cameo Coral, Whisper White, Ginger Blossom Designer Paper
Ink: Ruby Red, Cameo Coral
Embellishments: Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon
Punches: Scallop Circle, Three For You Flower

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Stamp Set: So Many Scallops
Card Stock: Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Ink: Bashful Blue
Embellishments: Soft Subles Buttons, Blue Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

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Stamp Set: So Many Scallops
Card Stock: Close to Cocoa, Purely Pomegranate Textured, Pretty in Pink, Berry Bliss Designer Paper, Whisper White
Ink: Purely Pomegranate
Embellishments: Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched Ribbon, Soft Subtles Buttons
Punch: Ticket Corner

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Stamp Set: Birthday Whimsey
Card Stock: Sage Shadow, Apricot Appeal, Whisper White, Ginger Blossom Designer Prints
Ink: Sage Shadow, Apricot Appeal Stampin' Write Marker
Embellishments: Natural Hemp Twine, Sponge Daubers to sponge around the white, Dimensionals (to raise up the balloons)
Punch: Ticket Corner Punch

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Stamp Set: Birthday Whimsey
Card Stock: Soft Sky, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White
Ink: Close to Cocoa
Embellishments: Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon
Punches: Double Rectangle (for ribbon), Ticket Corner, Large and Small Oval

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Stamp Set: Lots of Thoughts
Card Stock: Purely Pomegranate, Berry Bliss, Whisper White
Ink: Purely Pomegranate
Embellishments: Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched Ribbon, Ruby Red Brad, Hodge Podge Hardware Ribbon Slide
Punches: Large and Small Tag Punches

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Stamp Set: Friendship Blooms
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose
Ink: Rose Red, Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: Rhinestone Brad, Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Spiral, ticket Corner

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Stamp Set: Merci, Lots of Thoughts
Card Stock: River Rock, Confetti Cream, Whisper White, Ginger Blossom Designer Paper
Ink: Basic Black, Ruby Red
Embellishments: Rhinestone Brad
Punches: Ticket Corner, Large and Small Oval

With this card I paper pieced. First I stamped the flower/heart on Whisper White card stock. Then I stamped again on River Rock and the Ruby Red dotted piece from the Ginger Blossom Designer Paper. I cut out the flower from the river rock and adhered it over the flower stamped on the whisper white. I also cut out the three hearts and adhered them over the hearts on the Whisper White. That's paper piecing!!

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Our Valentine's Day Stamp-A-Stack was a big success!! I want to thank all my girls for the help - we were cramped for time at the Pizzeria and they all helped set up and "tear" down!! Thanks SO much!! You are THE BEST!!

And More Valentine's Day Cards

2008-01-30T18:05:00.000-08:00

Here's a few more Valentine's Day cards I made. I received another order and boy am I having fun with all these new stamp sets!!

Stamp Set: Always
Card Stock: Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Purely Pomegranate, Berry Bliss Designer Paper
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Pretty in Pink, White Craft Ink
Embellishments: White Embossing Powder, Chocolate Chip Ribbon (from the Holiday Mini)
I stamped the white craft ink on the Purely Pomegranate card stock and then embossed with the white embossing powder. Such an elegant look!

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This card I used the heart pocket template!! Love the simple, but elegant look!

Stamp Sets: Always, Tres Chic
Card Stock: Real Red, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black
Embellishments: Heart Pocket Template, Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Black Brads from the Vintage Brad collection
Punch: Double Rectangle Punch (for the ribbon)

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This next card is again using the Happy Heart Day set.

Stamp Set: Happy Heart Day
Card Stock: Pretty in Pink, Purely Pomegranate, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black; Water Color Pencils
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" circle punches

I stamped the little mouse on Whisper White Card Stock and then cut him out with the 1 1/4" circle punch. That cut off the top of the heart, so I adhered it back on with snail adhesive!!

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The following are some of the cards we will be doing in our Valentine's Day Stamp-A-Stack on Saturday.

Stamp Set: Forever in my Heart, Pretty Petals
Card Stock: Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, River Rock, Whisper White
Ink: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou
Embellishments: Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon
Punches: Double Rectangle, Ticket Corner Punch

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Here's the little mouse again - I just can't resist him!!

Stamp Set: Happy Heart Day
Card Stock: Pretty in Pink, Purely Pomegranate, Basic Black, Whisper White, Rose Red Designer Prints
Ink: Basic Black, Stampin' Write Markers: Pink, Black, Gray
Embellishments: Black Brads from Vintage Brads

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This set just came and boy do I ever like it!!

Stamp Set: Always
Card Stock: Groovy Guava, Bravo Burgandy, River Rock Textured, Very Vanilla, Ginger Blossom Designer Paper
Ink: Bravo Burgandy
Embellishments: Gold and Earth Elements Brads, River Rock Double Stitched Ribbon, Crafter's Tool Kit

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And the last one for tonight

Stamp Sets: Forever in my Heart, Short and Sweet
Card Stock: Rose Red, Whisper White, Purely Pomegranate, Rose Red Designer Paper
Ink: Rose Red, Purely Pomegranate
Embellishments: Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched Ribbon
Punch: Spiral Punch

I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the heart within the bigger heart. Works everytime!!

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More Valentine's

2008-01-24T18:16:00.000-08:00

I've never made so many Valentine's Day cards - what fun I'm having!!

Here's some more with Ellie the Ephalunt!! She is SO cute. Very quick, simple card, but oh, so cute!!

Stamp Set: Happy Heart Day
Card Stock: Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Stampin' Write Markers, Water Color Pencils
Embellishments: 5/8" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon

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Here she is again with a little different twist!!

Stamp Set: Happy Heart Day
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Water Color Pencils
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon, Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelet
Punches: Large and Small Tag Punch

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

And we can't leave out the little mouse!!

Stamp Set: Happy Heart Day
Card Stock: Rose Red, Regal Rose, Rose Red Designer Prints, Real Red, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Stampin' Write Markers, Stampin' Up Watercolor Pencils
Embellishments: White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, 1" Circle Punch, Corner Rounder (to make the scallops in the Regal Rose)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Stamp Set: Simply Said, Scatter Sunshine Jumbo Wheel, Holidays and Wishes
Card Stock: Regal Rose, Real Red, Whisper White
Ink: Real Red, White Gel Pen
Punches: Scallop circle, Ticket Corner Punch

Whew - that' will be all until next week!

Valentine's Day is Coming!

2008-01-24T08:16:00.000-08:00

I have been making up some Valentine's for our Valentine's Day Stamp-A-Stack. Haven't decided on which ones to use yet, but here are some examples.

I found this darling Valentine heart pocket on SCS. Just had to try it out. I made it in different sizes and also tried out the idea of using the scallop punch another way. I'll try to do a tutorial tonight!!

Stamp Set: All Holidays
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Purely Pomegranate, Berry Bliss Designer Paper, Rose Red Designer Prints
Ink: Purely Pomegranate
Embellishments: Antique Brads, Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched Ribbon
Punches: 1 3/8 and 1/1/4" circle, Scallop Circle

I have the template for the pocket heart. Email me if you would like it.

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Here's another Pocket Heart. You could add some "thin" candies in the pocket which would be excellent for a little girl!!

Stamp Set: All Holidays, Priceless
Card Stock: Real Red, Whisper White, Regal Rose
Ink: Real Red, Basic Black
Embellishments: Soft Subtle Pretty in Pink Brads, White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
Punches: Scallop Circle Punch, Ticket Corner Punch

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And one more pocket heart. This one is a little bigger!

Stamp Set: Happy Heart Day
Card Stock: Purely Pomegranate, Berry Bliss Designer Paper
Ink: Basic Black
Embellishments: Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Antique Brass Jumbo Brad, Pretty in Pink Brads
Punches: Scallop Circle, Large and Small Tag

Just love these little hearts!! And they are FUN and easy to make

More this evening......

Happy Heart Day

2008-01-20T16:19:00.000-08:00

Part of keeping warm in January (we woke up to about 4 inches of snow this morning), is thinking about February and Valentine's Day. I have been having lots of fun using the new stamp set Happy Heart Day to make up some Valentine's cards. Some of these will be included in our Valentine's Stamp-A-Stack on February 2nd (email me for more information).

Here are seven cards I made. I took advantage of the 15% discount. When you purchase the Happy Heart Day set, 50 medium cello bags and a roll of 5/8" Real Red Grosgrain ribbon, you receive a roll of Regal Rose 5/8" grosgrain ribbon free!!

Just love this little mouse holding his heart!!

Stamp Set: Happy Heart Day
Card Stock: Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Stampin' Write Markers Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue and Blush Blossom
Embellishments: 5/8" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Scallop circle, Round Tab

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Here's the little mouse again

Stamp Set: Happy Heart Day
Card Stock: Sahara Sand, Ginger Blossom Designer Paper
Ink: Basic Black; Water Color Pencils
Embellishments: Fire Square Rhinestone Brads

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And another mouse - as you can see I can't resist him!!

Stamp Set: Happy Heart Day
Card Stock: Ruby Red, Basic Black, Whisper White, Bali Breeze Designer Paper
Ink: Basic Black, Ruby Red, White Gel Pen, Watercolor Pencils
Embellishments: Pretties Kit White Flowers sponged with Pretty in Pink, Silver Cord
Punch: Corner rounder (for scallops); Soft Subtles Pretty in Pink Brads

I "paper pieced" the mouse. I stamped him with his heart first on the Bali Breeze designer paper - then stamped him again and cut him out and placed him over the designer paper heart!! Really easy and gives a neat effect!!

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And again......sorry, but he just TOO cute and after all I have 4 grandchildren!!

Stamp Set: Happy Heart Day
Card Stock: Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Real Red, Stampin' Write Markers, White Craft Ink
Embellishments: White grosgrain ribbon, Bold Brights Real Red Brads
Punch: Ticket Corner Punch

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And then I had to try the Elephant!!

Stamp Set: Happy Heart Day
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Watercolor Pencils
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon, Jumbo Antique Brass Brads
Punches: Large and Small Tag Punch

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

And here he is again

Stamp Set: Happy Heart Day
Card Stock: Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Stampin' Write Markers
Embellishments: White grosgrain ribbon

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Just one more for tonight - a very simple card, but conveys lots of meaning!

Stamp Set: Happy Heart Day
Card Stock: Basic Black, Ruby Red, Whisper White, Ginger Blossom Designer Paper
Ink: Basic Black, Stampin' Write Markers
Embellishments: White Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: 1 3/8 and 1 1/4" Square and circles and double rectangle

Calendar with Easel

2008-01-18T21:38:00.000-08:00

Last Night was our New Catalog Intro Workshop. We had 8 attend and had lots of fun.

I promised I would put up our projects, so here goes

Our make and take was a "free standing" calendar. I found this tutorial on making an easel out of cardstock - works fantastic, so I'll put it up here and thank the other blog I visited for the inspiration.

First the calendar

Stamp Sets: Polka Dot Background Stamp and Carte Postale
Card Stock: Blue Bayou, Soft Sky
Ink: Blue Bayou, White Gel Pen
Embellishments: Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon, Tiny Calendars purchased from Vippies
Punches: Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4" circle Punch, Double Rectangle Punch, Photo Corners

Here's the Tutorial for the easel

Cut piece of card stock 11" x 2"

Score piece at 3 1/2", 7", 8", 9", and 10"

Fold on the scored lines as in photo. The folds will be (from left to right) mountain, mountin, valley, mountain, valley.

Apply adhesive to the 1st and last of the 1" sections as shown below.

Then pinch the unit together to stick the middle 3 1/2" section to the first 1" adhesive section.

Accordian fold all the 1" sections together, and close the other 3.5" section which will adhere to the last 1" section.

You can then adhere the easel to the back of your calendar.

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Next I showed the ladies the new "sunburst" scallop! Love those scallops, but always fun to show a different twist.

Using a piece of cardstock, punch out a scallop

With the adhesive dotto (page 186 in the Spring and Summer Idea and Catalog) adhere your scallop to a piece of copy paper (needs to be thin) large enough to be able to grasp it when it goes into the punch.

Offset the punch in relation to the original scallops as in the picture below

Punch again and then you can remove the copy paper and you have a sunburst - or whatever else you need - just a different twist to a great punch idea!!

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The new Berry Bliss Designer Paper is scrumptious. SO many possibilities. Here's a very simple card I made - taken almost directly out of the new idea book on page 108. Just changed the colors a bit and used different rubons

Stamp Set: Priceless, Bobo Backgrounds
Card Stock: Pretty in Pink, Berry Bliss Designer Paper
Ink: Close to Cocoa and Purely Pomegranate and Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker
Embellishments: Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched Ribbon, Urban West Rub-ons

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One last card tonight and then stay tuned as I have a bunch of Valentine's Day cards made with the Happy Heart Day stamp set!!

This one I just fell in love with and had to try it - quite a bit of layering, but believe it was worth the work!!

Stamp Set: One of a Kind, All Scallops
Card Stock: Pretty in Pink, Purely Pomegranate, Choclate Chip, Whisper White
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Purely Pomegranate
Embellishments: Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched Ribbon, Fire Circle Rhinestone Brad
Punches: Brand New Boho Blossoms, Ticket Corner Punch, 1/2" circle punch

I first stamped the large flower on Whisper White in Close to Cocoa. Then I stamped it again on Pretty in Pink with Purely Pomegranate. I cut out that flower and mounted it over the stamped image on the Whisper White. I then stamped it again in Close to Cocoa on another piece of Whisper White and cut out the center flower and adhered it over the pink flower. Then stamped the small flower on whisper white with purely pomegranate ink and cut it out with the 1/2" punch and adhered it in the center of the flower. Ticket corner punched the whisper white and layered it on purely pomegranate also ticket punched.

Stamped the three flowers from the One of a Kind set in close to cocoa and punched them out. Then stamped the flowers again on pretty in pink with purely pomegranate - punched them out and used the middle flower. Cut with 1/8" circle punch through both flowers and adhered the rhinestone brad. Mounted them with dimensionals on the pretty in pink (ticket corner punched) and mounted on chocolate chip.

For the scallop trim, I cut off about 5/8" off the front of the card. I stamped the All Scallops with the scallop stamp and the little flowers on a piece of whisper white - eyed it up and actually only had to do it over once!! Used a sponge dauber and sponged over the edge then adhered it under a piece of chocolate chocolate. Added a piece of purely pomegranate behind on the inside of the card to showcase the scallops.

That's pretty wordy - let me know if you need more explanation!!

'Night for now and I'll add more cards on Sunday - we'll be gone tomorrow - going with family to see "Walking with Dinosaurs!!"

Flip Flop Album Tutorial

2008-01-13T21:13:00.000-08:00

I have had many requests for the flip flop album directions. So I made another one tonight and took pictures.

I have the directions (without my pictures) in a Word document and will be happy to share them - just email me

Flip Flop Album

Supplies:

4 sheets 12 x 12" plain cardstock
6 sheets 12 x 12" coordinating designer paper
Paper cutter with scoring blade
Adhesive
Embellishments

I used:
Textured card stock in Pretty in Pink and Purely Pomegranate
Berry Bliss Designer Paper Pack
Boho Blossoms Punch
Flower Fusion (felt flower pack)

Cardstock:

Cut 3 sheets of cardstock in half 6 x 12". Set one 6 x 12" piece aside to use for cover.

Score and Fold each of the 5 remaining 6 x 12" sheets 3" from each outside edge as shown in diagram below

Adhere these five pieces together by putting adhesive on the 3" areas as in diagram below

Designer Prints:

Sections 1, 3, and 5 will have "doors" that close like the diagram below

Cut five pieces of designer prints 5 3/4 x 5 3/4". Lay out these 5 sheets on the 6" cardstock squares; this will help you design the rest of the album. Adhere.

Cut 6 pieces of designer paper 5 3/4 x 2 3/4" for the "doors" and adhere these keeping the pattern matching.

Cut 6 additioanl designer pieces 5 3/4" x 2 3/4" for the insides of the doors. Adhere in place.

Next cut 4 pieces of designer prints 5 3/4 x 5 3/4" for the remaining 6" squares (when you fold up the album). Adhere.

Cover:

Score remaining piece of cardstock 3" from each end and again at the 2 1/2" mark. This will allow for the thickness of the book. See diagram below

Ribbon:

Open the cover and using a craft knife, make a slit in the middle of the 3" scored line wider than your ribbon as shown below:

Adhere ribbon to inside of the cover and thread through the slits to the front

To finish, adhere the book into the cover, putting adhesive only on the square of the center back.

Cut 4 pieces of designer print 5 3/4" x 2 1/4" to embellish the front cover and the insides of the cover

Embellishments:

Front Cover: Cut cardstock 4 x 3". Cut designer paper 3 3/4 x 2 3/4". Layer, Close cover. Center on cover, applying adhesive to the left side only. Embellish.

This is what the front of your album will look like when done.

Decorate inside doors same as the front

You will end up with 9 windows to place your pictures. When it's laid out flat, there will be three sections with "doors" and two sections with pictures showing. You start folding from the right and then fold in the left. Then right and left again!

Finished Album

Disclaimer: I'm VERY tired tonight, so if things aren't clear please email mail and I'll make corrections!! Thanks for your patience!!

Original directions by Ellen Smallwood
Redesigned by Jan Farring 1/2008

Boho Backgrounds

2008-01-11T13:22:00.000-08:00

It's amazing to me how Stampin' Up is making so many things coordinate!! I'm so impressed and can't wait to use some of the new stuff I received yesterday.

Today Catherine came out and we planned for our New Catalog Workshop on the 17th.
Here she is trying to make off with "some" of my new stamp sets. Is that guilty look or what?

Here's a card we will be doing as a make and take.

Stamp Sets: Boho Backgrounds, All Holidays
Card Stock: Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, Purely Pomegranate
Ink: Purely Pomegranate
Accessories: Ice Rhinestone Brad, Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched Ribbon, Round Tab Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, large and small oval punches.

We will also be making a calendar and will be demoing the new rub-ons and other new products.

More New Cards

2008-01-09T21:58:00.000-08:00

Just had time for a couple of cards tonight. I tell you I LOVE our new rub-ons. They are SO fun

This first card I cased from "notimetostamp" on SCS. I changed the colors and did a few different things, but loved her idea!!

Stamp Set: A Beautiful Thing
Card Stock: Ruby Red, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Ruby Red Stampin' Write Marker, White Gel Pen
Embellishments: Eastern Elegance Rub-ons, Pearls from Pretties Kit
Punches: Large and Small Oval

I rubbed the big flower on Ruby Red Card Stock and then cut it out. I outlined the flower with the white gel pen. "It's a Love Thing" is a rub-on!! So easy and simple. The little pearls in the center of the flowers really make them pop out!!

This next card is a bit busy, but when I got started, I couldn't stop!! The idea came from the Holiday Mini (remember the card we made at the Christmas Stamp-A-Stack? I used that basic idea!!)

Stamp Set: A Beautiful Thing
Card Stock: River Rock, Ginger Blossom Designer Paper, Whisper White
Ink: Groovy Guava
Embellishments: Silk flower from Pretties Kit (I sponged Groovy Guava Ink on the white petals); Pretty in Pink Brads from the Soft Subtles collection; Fire Rhinestone Brads, Eastern Elegance Rub-ons; Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon

The sentiment is also a rub-on and says "You are a Breath of Fresh Air".

My first order from the new catalog is to arrive tomorrow. I can't wait......

More cards on the weekend!!

Happy New Year 2008

2008-01-01T22:49:00.000-08:00

I have been having fun playing with some of the new sets from the brand new 2008 Spring and Summer Idea and Catalog. I'm SO excited to share a few of the wonderful new products we will soon be able to order (January 2nd after noon!) And you can believe I'm going to be ordering!!

I made 10 cards today - just had to share!!

Stamp Set: Embrace Life
Card Stock: Ruby Red, River Rock, Ginger Blossom Designer Paper
Ink: Basic Black, Ruby Red Stampin Write Marker
Accessories: Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon, Rhinestone Fire Brad, Eastern Elegance Rub-ons (YES, these are brand new and SO fun - the words "so very very cute" are rub-ons)
Punch: Large Oval

Stamp Set: Embrace Life
Card Stock: Ruby Red, River Rock, Groovy Guava, Ginger Blossom Designer Paper
Ink: Basic Black, Cameo Coral Stampin Write Marker
Accessories: Half Pearl from Pretties Kit, Eastern Elegance Rub-ons

Stamp Set: A Beautiful Thing, Sincere Salutations
Card Stock: Whisper White, Groovy Guava, River Rock, Ginger Blossom Designer Paper
Ink: Ruby Red,
Accessories: Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Eastern Elegance Rub-ons
Punch: Key Tag

Stamp Set: Fabulous Flowers, All Holidays
Card Stock: Ruby Red, Cameo Coral, River Rock, Ginger Blossom Designer Paper
Ink: Ruby Red, Basic Black
Accessories: Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon, Gold Brads
Punches: Double Rectangle, Ticket Corner Punch

Stamp Set: Embrace Life
Card Stock: Taken with Teal, Pumpkin Pie, Blush Blossom, Bali Breeze Designer Paper
Ink: White Craft Ink, Taken with Teal Stampin Write Marker
Accessories: Bold Brights Brads, Ice Rhinestone Brads, Winter White Embossing Powder, Eastern Elegance Rub-On (Smile sentiment)
Punches: Photo Corner, Large and Small Oval
Technique: Stained Glass

I stamped the flowers in white craft ink and then embossed with Winter White Embosssing Powder. I then used my Taken with Teal Stampin Write Marker and colored the flower petals. On the big flower I used the same technique by stamping the flower on pumpkin pie with craft white and embossing it with Winter White Embossing Powder.

Stamp Set: Fabulous Flowers, Celebrate Everything
Card Stock: Taken with Teal, Bali Breeze Designer Paper
Ink: Taken with Teal, White Gel Pen
Accessories: Tempting Turquoise 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Bold Brights Brads
Punches: Photo Corner Punch

I cut out the big flower from the Bali Breeze Designer Paper.

Stamp Set: A Beautiful Thing
Card Stock: Taken with Teal, River Rock, Bali Breeze Designer Paper
Ink: Taken with Teal, White Gel Pen, Taken with Teal Stampin Write Marker
Accessories: Tempting Turquoise 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Gold Brads
Punches: Corner Rounder, Round Tab, Scallop Circle, Large Oval

Stamp Sets: A Beautiful Thing, Celebrate Everything
Card Stock: Pumpkin Pie, Taken with Teal, Bali Breeze Designer Paper
Ink: Taken with Teal, White Gel Pen
Accessories: Tempting Turquoise 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" circle, Large and Small Oval

Stamp Sets: Big Flowers, Scatter Sunshine Jumbo Wheel, Short & Sweet
Card Stock: Almost Amethyst, Soft Sky
Ink: Almost Amethyst, Soft Sky
Accessories: Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Circle, Word Window

Stamp Set: Cause for Celebration (New Level 2 Hostess Set)
Card Stock: Soft Sky, Soft Sky Designer Print Paper, Whisper White
Ink: Blue Bayou
Accessories: Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8", 1 1/4", 1" circle punches