Thursday, December 31, 2009
Happy New Year!!
I hope you all are having a great New Years Eve, and I truly hope the coming year will be great to all of you.
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
This is a sad day....
Unfortunately I did not get as much stamping and scrapping done as I would have liked, but I did have a blast teaching mom new techniques, even if we did not end up finishing anything enough to make cards out of. She will be able to finish them herself later and use them for her friends down here.
I had best get going so I can finish packing up the car so we can leave after supper.
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
Sunday, December 27, 2009
мо матрёшка.....окончательно (My Matryoshka....Finally....)
This set actually has a set of 4 of these wonderful nesting dolls, and I only stamped the one for this card. I also used the brand new Scallop TRIM Punch (Thanks Diana for letting me borrow yours). Both the stamp set and the punch will be available Jan 5th, once the new Mini Occasion and the Sale-A-Bration catty's start. I also have to apologize for the horrific lighting and colors, I will re-do these once I get home so you can see how pretty it really is.
Stamp set: My Matryoshka
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Almost Amethyst, Bashful Blue, Barely Banana, Mellow Moss, Certainly Celery, Lovely Lilac, and Pretty in Pink (all Markers)
Paper: Whisper White, Mellow Moss, Bashful Blue, Bashful Blue DSP, Lovely Lilac
Misc: Stampin' Dimensionals, Scallop TRIM Punch
In case you are interested I thought I would post a little bit about the Matryoshka dolls.... I copied most of this from google.....and if you are not interested this is basically the end of the post, so feel free to stop reading.
A matryoshka doll, also known as a Russian nested doll or a babushka doll, is a set of dolls of decreasing sizes placed one inside the other. A set of matryoshkas consists of a wooden figure which separates, top from bottom, to reveal another figure of the same sort inside, which has, in turn, another figure inside of it, and so on. The number of nested figures is usually five or more. The form is approximately cylindrical, with a rounded top for the head, tapering toward the bottom, with little or no protruding features; the dolls have no hands (except those that are painted). Traditionally the outer layer is a woman, dressed in a sarafan. The figures inside may be of either gender; the smallest, innermost doll is typically a baby, and does not open. The artistry is in the painting of each doll, which can be extremely elaborate.
Matryoshkas date from 1890, the first Russian nested doll set was carved by Vasily Zvyozdochkin from a design by Sergey Malyutin, who was a folk crafts painter in the Abramtsevo estate of the Russian industrialist and patron of arts Savva Mamontov. The doll set was painted by Maliutin himself. In 1900, Savva Mamontov's wife presented the dolls at the World Exhibition in Paris, and the toy earned a bronze medal. Soon after, matryoshki dolls were being made in several places in Russia.
Modern artists create many new styles of nesting dolls. Common themes include animal collections, portraits and caricatures of famous politicians, musicians and popular movie stars. Matryoshka dolls that feature communist leaders of Russia became very popular among Russian people in the early 1990s, after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Today, some Russian artists specialize in painting themed matryoshka dolls that feature specific categories of subjects, people or nature.
A doll which represents an old woman is often called a baboushka or babushka, that which represents an old man a dedoushka or dedushka.
Areas with notable matryoshka styles include Sergiyev Posad, Semionovo (now the town of Semyonov), Polkholvsky Maidan, and KirovI hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about these amazing nesting dolls. My hubby John actually has a set that he bought in France that are from Moscow originally, and I just love them. I used to have a set that I got in Novosibirsk and had the traditional 5 dolls, but a very not nice person stole them from me years ago, but I am hoping one day to go back there and get another set.
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
Saturday, December 26, 2009
From my family to yours.....
This was taken on Christmas morning outside mom's place. It was great to be able to hang out outside and play with some new Christmas toys right away instead of having to wait a few months like normal.
This was taken later that night after we had eaten and cleaned up all of supper dishes. We actually went to the pool twice on Christmas day, that is a tradition I would love to continue!
These were taken at the Mesa Temple, it is so pretty this time of year. They must spend days getting this all set up, but it is so worth it.
I hope you all are staying safe and warm where ever you are and getting a chance to get lots of scrappy stuff done. That is the one thing I have not been doing too much of lately.
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas!!!
Hope all your Christmas' have been great and that you all have been surrounded by loved ones.
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Stampin Up visits.
Today I met up with Anne and had a blast meeting her too. We brought out kids, and her 4 kids are soooo cute. We met up at a fun restaurant called Chick-fil-a and my little guy loved playing with her kids there. When we were leaving he was a little sad to leave the play place, but then realized that he wouldn't get to play with the kids anymore and he was quite upset. One of the things I love best about Stampin' Up! is the wonderful people I have met.
I am hoping to sit down tonight and play with some more of my stamps and such I brought down here. I might even get to teaching mom some more techniques.
I am off right now to look at the marvelous lights at the LDS Temple here in Mesa, and then back to stamping. (if you live in the area and have never been, it is a must, the lights are so beautiful! it is free to go to as well and located at 525 E. Main Street in Mesa.)
I hope you all are enjoying this Christmas season with all the wonderful lights and beautiful displays.
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
Sunday, December 20, 2009
our trip so far...
We have spent at least 2 hours every day in the pool since we got here. Sevastian loves the water, but really does not like it when he can not touch the bottom, so we invented a little floaty device out of pool noodles. It is nice that he can float all by himself this way even though we are never more than a few inches away. We have a life jacket for him, but when we try to teach him to float he refuses to in the jacket, and once we are done he goes back in the life jacket.
Tomorrow the plan is to get up some of mom's christmas decorations and then spend the rest of the day visiting with friends at the pool.
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
Saturday, December 19, 2009
My Matryoshka....
I have also been having tons of fun in the outdoor pool here. So far everyone thinks we are crazy being in the pool a few hours each day, but it is WARM here, I don't care what they say, 25C is WARM, that is our summer temperatures.
I will have a few pictures to post later tonight I hope. I am still searching for my card reader. I know I packed it, but that thing is tiny!!
Hope you all are having tons of fun and getting as excited for Christmas as I am.
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
Thursday, December 17, 2009
We've Arrived!!!
Before we left I packed all of the new goodies that the "YAY Man" brought us. I have not had time to play with them yet, so I am going to get them unpacked and I hope to get to them tomorrow. We are going to get some supper in a few minutes and then we are going to hang out with grama and papa and nana all night.
I have no new cards to show you today, but I will have some tomorrow. The picture quality won't be as nice since I do not have my photo studio here, but I will still post them. I hope you all are having a great week.
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Holiday Mail...
I also went to my niece's birthday party today and after it was over while most of the kids were playing I did some 'playing' with my sister in law. This is the card we made today. We also did a Santa pillow box 'gift bag' and a couple ornaments with glitter and rub-ons.
Stamps: Dasher, Many Merry Messages
Ink: Elegant Eggplant
Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White, Brushed Silver Cardstock
Misc: Orchard Ribbon Originals, Dazzlin' Diamonds Glitter, Large Oval & Scallop Oval Punches
There are just so many things I love about this card. First is the Bride DSP. It is actually white on white, but you can color it, and I did it Elegant Eggplant here. I also love Ric Rak and this is Elegant Eggplant from the Orchard Ribbon Originals. And how can we not mention Dasher?
This is such a wonderful stamp, and he is only 10.95, plus who doesn't love a little bling?
I also made this cake for her birthday. My sister in law saw a cake similar to this online and asked if I would try it. if you couldn't tell from the cake, my niece LOVES The Wiggles.
I am off to bed... I have way to much to do tomorrow to get ready to leave for my wonderful trip to AZ!!!! I am getting very excited.
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
Friday, December 11, 2009
Winter living....
So now on to more card related things. I saw the BEST CARD EVER!!!! on my friend Diana's blog. She is a fellow Canadian, but living in the US, and she has the most wicked sense of humour!! (Canadian spelling and all) IN the new Occasions mini starting Jan 5th there is the most adorable Chocolate bunny stamp and she has been 'eating' these poor guys and making the best cards with them. Here is a link to her Blog so you can check it out. Leave her a comment letting her know just how awesome these are, cause they are.
http://dianagibbs.typepad.com/stampin_with_di/
She is also down on the left side in my blog roll. If you have never been you really need to check her out on a daily or so basis, cause she rocks. She is after all an Aritsan Award Winner. She has made other cards with this set, so please go and check her out.
I was really hoping to get my new pre-order in today but it is stuck in the snow.... did I mention I hate snow?? There is another great single stamp set in the new Occasions mini that I can not wait to play with. It is called Like-O-Meter, and is basically what it says....you color in the meter part letting the recipient know how much you like them. I keep telling hubby he will get lots of post it notes in his shoes letting him know "you don't annoy me" which is second from the bottom, but with my sense of humour, totally funny to me, and more like 'love ya babe'. He of course does not find this as funny as I do, YET.
Wow I did a lot of talking and no posting of my own creations. Sorry that is my life until we leave I think. Tomorrow I will show you guys how many cards I will be mailing off in the second round. I didn't think to take a picture before I mailed some of them, so it is not all, but still a lot.
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
New heart-shaped Sweet Treat Cups!
I'm so pleased that those of you who have already fallen in love with the Sweet Treat Cups now have another option--and hope that those of you who haven't tried these easy and amazingly cute little add-ons will give them a try!
Important Information
- Heart Treat Cups (#120435) and the coordinating Sweetheart stamp set (#120415) will be available for purchase starting on January 5, 2010.
- Limited time offer--only while supplies last, so Don't Wait!!!
- The coordinating Sweet Treat Padded Envelopes (#116802) are recommended if you want to mail these special projects, as the cups stick up quite a ways off the card.
- The Full Heart punch makes the exact sized hole you need for these cups if you want to use them as shown above--item #113693.
I think this is ridiculously cute, and I will be adding these to my January order!
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
I am just so excited!!!!
Over the past few years, there has been enormous demand from demonstrators and customers alike for a line of repositionable clear-mount rubber stamps. Well, you asked for it, and now you have it! Starting with stamps in the 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog and the 2010 Sale-A-Bration Brochure, Stampin' Up! now offers our exclusive stamp art in both traditional wood-mount, and the new clear-mount option.
Our new clear-mount rubber stamps are the result of extensive research with the intent to maintain the very best image quality in the stamping industry, while at the same time offering the ease-of-use and storability inherent in repositionable clear-mount rubber stamps.
Clear-Mount Rubber Stamp Features
- Nine different sizes of clear blocks available individually or as a discounted bundle.
- Blocks have ergonomic grooves on all four sides for easy grip and traditional wood-mount feel.
- Stamps and blocks are durable and easy to clean with your Stampin' Scrub and Stampin' Mist.
- Optional image labels on stamp backs let you decide if you want to see the image through the block or not.
- Tight die-cutting for easy image positioning.
- Large clear blocks can be used to create collages or spell words with alphabet sets.
- Stamps store easily in standard, DVD-type cases with artwork on front and spine, making organization easy.
If you want to see these wonderful new stamps in action I am having an Open House in January, where you will be able to come on over and see the new product from the Mini Occasion Catalogue first hand! I will post more details about the Open House soon, so you can all make sure to keep those dates available.
Well I am off to make more chocolates for my Brother in law's Christmas present. I am still not entirely sure how I got roped into making his present yet. In my husband's family we draw names for a make it, bake it, or buy it and my wonderful hubby got his brother in law, yet I am making the goodies. Oh well. As soon as I am done that I will be trying to get my actual gift for my sister in law done. I am having to rethink it a little as my Cricut is not working and I am waiting on a new one.
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Clear Block Storage
I got this tin and it was originally white. I decided I wanted it to be pretty and I love the one my sister in law Catherine made me for a Christmas present a few years back. She did mine with alcohol inks, but I wanted to make mine all Stampin' Up! so I gave it a go.
I used Bashful Blue and Almost Amethyst Re-inkers and a cotton ball and just daubed all over the tin, until it looked how I wanted it. I thought it needed a little something else, so I did the same thing with Platinum Shimmer Paint and the cotton balls. Then I added a bit of ribbon, Whisper White and Basic Gray 3/8" Taffeta and White Organza.
I also used Staz-on Black to stamp all the butterflies using Flight of the Butterfly. I found some Alphabet stamps and used them to stamp the word Blocks on as well.
The best part about it too, is how many blocks it can hold. I currently have 12 blocks in there and I have room for more. I have all sizes of blocks, small, medium and large, even an extra large on that measures 4 7/8" x 6" for background stamps! The whole tin measures 7 1/4" x 5 x 3 deep, you can get other sizes as well, but this one works best for me.
I hope this helps you all out.
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
Monday, December 7, 2009
Striped Ribbon Share
So I actually managed to get a way for a few minutes and get this taken and uploaded. Aren't these ribbons Fantastic?
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
You're a tool...
Stamp: Totally Tool
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Basic Black
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Whisper White, Bravo Burgandy, Sahara Sand, To The Nines DSP
Misc: Buttons #5 Die, Texturz Impressions background #1, Metal Washers
I will be quite busy this week getting ready for Christmas, and also getting ready to leave for Arizona for Vacation!!! I am hoping to still get a few posts in, but I have to start and finish making 3 Christmas presents, A Wiggles Car Cake for my niece and Birthday presents as well as planning and making supplies for a Stampers 10 this Friday.
I hope you all have more productive Scrappy time than I will this week.
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Sympathy cards
Stamp: Thoughts & Prayers
Ink: Soft Suede
Paper: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry, Sahara Sand
Misc: Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Soft Suede 1/2" Polka Dot Ribbon, Backgrounds #1 Texturz Plates
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Thank you
I have decided to offer another little prize pack. This one will be for some homemade cards. I will get a picture up later today or tomorrow.
Any orders placed with me between now and when I leave on the 14th of Dec will be eligible. I will have my son draw a name again before we leave and I will mail them on my way out of town.
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Shimmery Penguin
you can kind of see the shimmer spray in the top right corner
This does not do it justice, but trying to show the crystal effects on the iceburg
This is to show the wonderful Icicle Rub-ons
It is hard-ish to see here, but this is to try and show the shimmer spray
Stamp: Cold & Cuddly
Ink: Basic Black, Summer Sun, Not quite Navy, Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie, and Tempting Turquoise Markers
Paper: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Not quite Navy, and Basic Gray
Misc: Icicle Rub-ons, Platinum Shimmer Paint, Crystal Effects, Large Oval and Scallop Oval Punches
I used the Icicle Rub-ons for the snowflake border, I love how easy Stampin' Up!'s rub-ons are to use. I have never had problems with them not wanting to go on, or coming off for that matter. Also to get the wonderful Shimmer all over the card I used rubbing alcohol and poured it into a mister and then added about 10 or so drops of platinum shimmer paint into it. You then shake it all up and spray. It makes all colors of cardstock look wonderful. It is much more noticeable in person, and I also have to say that the crystal effect on the iceberg is way more glossy in person and looks so much better.
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
Soon to be Discontinued....
Item Number Stamp Set 113407 Back Woods 114492 Beautiful Baby 114486 Birthday Wish 113200 Branch Out 114496 Celebrations 113732 Central Park 113206 Classic Sketches 113226 Classy & Fabulous 114498 Flowers in Silhouette 113405 Font of You 113216 For the Bride 114494 Forever 109425 Friend by Definition 114488 Fun Flowers 113716 Garden Greetings 114490 Glad Friends 111580 Grand Soiree 113242 Hit the Road 113710 Lexicon of Leaves 113236 Man's Best Friend 114423 Ocean Commotion 113728 Playful Petals 109276 Polka Dot 111544 Putt Putt 113240 Quilt Quips 113754 Really Retro 113403 Sip by Sip 113726 Sweet Stems 113250 That's Funny 113688 Wonderful Watercolors 114028 Para la novia 114032 Acuarelas Maravillosas
If any of these stamp sets are on your wish list, make sure to purchase them before they are gone for good!
I am offering a small special, I have 1 Garden Greetings that has been barely used, is not stained and never mounted but I still have the wood blocks and case it came in. It is normally $25.95 plus shipping and tax for a total of $29.84 and I am selling it for $20.00 which is a savings of more than 20%! Leave a comment here or email me if you are interested in this set.
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
What a great way to welcome December
The prize pack includes Silver Embossing Powder, Micro Beads, Platinum and Frost White Shimmer Paint, a one of a kind bracelet made by me from Stampin' Up!'s Hodgepodge Hardware and Pretties Kit, the cute little penguin card I made the other night and 2, yes 2!! Stampin Up Stamp Sets!!!!
My December deal is from now until Dec 31st and all orders must be placed directly with me by either email or phone.
Deal #1 Ribbon Share
You will receive this share beginning Jan 5th.
5/8" Satin Ribbon (from the new Occasions Mini Jan 5th to April 30th)
Colors include
Basic Black, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue, Very Vanilla, Old Olive and Basic Gray
You will get 3 yards of each of the above colors for $27.00. This is a great way to get some of all of the new ribbon without having to buy them all.
Deal #2 Holiday Mini
Any items you order from the current Holiday Mini will have FREE Shipping, that is a 10% savings.
Deal #3Stampin' Write Markers
Purchase the Many Marvelous Markers for only 160.00 plus shipping and taxes and save over 10%!! This set normally sells for 179.95
Until next time, Happy Scrappin'