INKcredible creations

Autumn Artistry

2011-09-11T13:26:00.001-06:00

I've been chosen as a designer for Autumn Artistry and this is your chance to sign up before early bird registration is over!

It’s time for a great stamping and paper crafting

experience!

Come join our group!

Projects, tutorials, chats, prizes, challenges, fun!!!!

REGISTRATION FOR

IS GOING ON NOW!

Visit www.stampandscrapwithcherylann.com to

Girls Night Out Stamp Club

2011-09-06T13:30:00.001-06:00

Do you need a few hours to express your creative self? Love to make handmade gifts, but don't seem to find the time, a quiet spot or enough space at home? Enjoy time out with friends, and good conversation? Enjoy Stampin' Up! products, workshops and parties, but can't have a workshop right now? Want to build your craft supply collection, but only have so much to spend?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, my monthly Stamp Club may be for you!

Here is what you get:

* A 2011-2012 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalogue ($11.95 value)
* At least $35 in FREE product and a hostess stamp set during your hostess month.
* FREE make and takes each month; including cards, scrapbooking and fun gift ideas. I will provide the space, do the prep work and clean up the mess!
* Learn a new technique each month, which can be applied to your card and/or scrapbooking skills. Even if you don't think you are artistic, I can help you make great projects!

Here's what you agree to:

* Commit to buying a minimum of $30 (before S/H and tax, based on 8+ members) a month for the duration of the club.
* If you can't make it to the club night, submit your order to me before the club date.
* Bring your own adhesive and scissors (these will be available for purchase at the first club if needed).
* During your hostess month, provide simple goodies and beverages to snack on while we create and chat. A perfect chance to share your favorite recipe!

Please feel free to pass this information on to family, friends or co-workers. The more members, the more benefits YOU get during your hostess month!

You can sign up by leaving a comment or emailing me. If you know my number, you can call too! If you have any questions, please let me know.

Sympathy cards

2011-09-05T23:53:00.005-06:00

I hate making sympathy cards, and these last couple were the hardest ones yet. a really good friend of mine passed away suddenly at age 34 last week, and every time I sat down to make a card I started crying. This card is for my Dad and his wife, it took me hours to be able to actually sit down in my craft room without bawling like a baby.

My Grams was such an amazing lady. I see so much of her in me, and I can only hope to be 1/2 as great as she was. We were always close, even when I was a very young child, I loved spending time with her. Some of my favorite memories growing up are at her place and hanging out with her. I'm so glad I was able to move her out here with me for these last few years. For quite a while she lived just down the street, and we would go over often, usually just to hang out and chat, maybe play a few card games. She taught my son how to play connect 4 and Chinese Checkers, 2 of his favorite games. I loved taking the 2 of them to the park around the corner. She loved to watch him, and he loved to show off for her. I am heartbroken that my son will slowly forget how wonderful she really was until she is just someone he remembers from photographs.

Here they are last summer. She was 88 and on a merry-go-round, on a horse too, not just the bench. We took her to the local amusement park, and she had so much fun. Sevastian had the time of his life getting her on rides and showing her all the best rides. She went on way more than I normally do. I'm so glad they got to have that memory together.

I always knew somewhere in the back of my head that this day would come, but it never seemed real. I just thought she would always be here, or at least for a lot longer. My great grandma lived until 106, and I was in my 20's. I really hoped my son would have his GG around that long.

I've babbled long enough, here is the card I made in remembrance of her. She used to paint when she was younger, and she loved trees and lakes.

I've made a photo tutorial for this card, so I'll get that up sometime in the next couple of days. I leave tomorrow for Saskatchewan and a couple funerals. Once I get back and get back into the swing of things I promise I'll get more cards and scrapbook pages up on here. I've been making a Heritage Album for a while now, and I really want to get it done. I had hoped to give it to GG at Christmas, but now it will be for my son.

Thank you all for your kind emails, I really appreciate all the thoughts and prayers.

away for a while

2011-08-31T21:34:00.002-06:00

I hope you will all understand, but I need to take a bit of time away from my blog. My grams passed away last week and earlier today a good friend also passed away. I will be traveling for funerals and really not in the creative mood for a bit. I promise to get back on here as soon as possible. Thanks for sticking with me so far.

Dany

no posts for a bit

2011-08-18T05:16:00.000-06:00

I wanted to take the time to let you all know that I won't be posting for a while. My Grams has taken a turn for the worse and I want to spend as much time with her as possible. I will be posting a little bit, later this week, mostly just so I can de-stress and create something with my new goodies so stay tuned for that.

Big Top

2011-08-13T08:30:00.003-06:00

I'm still feeling a bit under the weather, so I figured I'd post some pics 'under the big top'. I love how bright and cheery this set it, every time I see this paper I smile. If you've been thinking about getting some DSP now is the time, right now when you buy 3 packs you get the 4th for free! How great is that?

aren't these popcorn bags just the cutest thing ever? I'm definitely going to be caseing this idea.
I hope you are loving these convention diplays as much as I do. I only have few more left, and then hopefully I'll be feeling well enough to start playing with my new goodies.

Nursery Nest Suite

2011-08-12T20:26:00.002-06:00

How cute is this set? I love all the decor pieces they used as well as all the cards and scrapbooks and pages they did with this set.

clearly not just for girls, I love all the little candy wrappers, and that card is one of my favorites.

I can just picture this banner and bird cage up on a wall in a little girls room, how cute would that be.

Again this is just a quick post.... I've been sick for the past 2 days, and while I was hoping to be able to be up long enough to actually do something, this has just drained me. Hopefully I'll be better tomorrow.

farmers market

2011-08-11T01:02:00.002-06:00

This display reminded me of a few set ups I've seen at past farmers markets. Most of this is done with the well worn suite, and I'm really starting to love this suite.

Just a quick one tonight, I'm exhausted. We went to the local amusement park and then while my amazing sister in law was looking after my crazy monkey I went to the hospital to spend some time with grams. I'll be back tomorrow with more of gifts I made Lydia for convention.

birthday at a bistro

2011-08-10T00:48:00.001-06:00

When I saw this display I immediately thought of a little french bistro. While I've never been to France or seen a real french bistro, I imagine this is similar to what they would look like. I love the old chair and table set, then you add the amazing birthday decorations to it and WOW is all I can say. Have I mentioned how much I love going to Stampin' Up! events and seeing all the amazing displays? I'll bet you are getting sick of me saying that, but it's true.... I can't get over how cool they are, and how many little things I've taken and started to incorporate into my decor, and how many more I plan to incorporate into the decor soon.

I'm off to bed, I've got to get up early if I'm going to try and catch the doctor at the hospital after rounds.

roomie gifts for convention

2011-08-09T00:08:00.004-06:00

I made a few gifts for my wonderful convention roommate Lydia. I wanted to wait until after convention to post these, and since you've already waited a bit for them I'm going to drag it out a little bit.

This is a journal I recovered for her. It's pretty simple to recover one of these, you just have to take the book apart, which isn't very difficult, but you do need to be careful that you don't have papers flying all over the place when you have it apart. The next hardest part is making the holes match the book. I wrapped the cardstock over the book so it would cover the holes front and back, but after I had it covering the front of the book holes I used an X-acto knife to cut the holes, then I glued it to the back and cut the holes from the front. Then I adhered a piece of whisper white cardstock to the inside, about 3/8" smaller on all sides to give it a nice finished look.

Stamps: none
Inks: none
Papers: Wisteria Wonder, Island Indigo, Pacific Point DSP
Misc: Matchbox Die (tag), Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, 1/2" Concord Crush Poly Stitched Ribbon, X-acto Knife

One of the things I love best about Stampin' Up! is how all the colors go so well with each other. I called Lydia up and asked her what her 4 favorite Stampin' Up! Colors are and then I used them to make her projects. I think the colors look great together, so much so that I made myself some of the same things I made her.

I had so much fun at convention, and part of that was because of Lydia. We've been friends for years, but we hardly ever see each other since she lives so far away. She moved last year, and while she is closer, she's still basically on the other side of the country. Maybe one day we'll live in the same city again.

I'll post the other parts in the coming days.

Home Decor

2011-08-08T02:03:00.003-06:00

I've been starting to get more into decorating for Easter now that I have a little on who is so interested in all things Easter, not just the Easter Bunny. When I saw this display I immediately fell in love with the 'decoupage' Easter eggs. I'm not a huge fan of doing Easter eggs the traditional kids way, I much prefer making one or two eggs every year that you keep and your display just keeps growing, so when I saw these ideas I just knew I had to recreate them at home. I'm also pretty sure that my son will love the idea of putting all those little rhinestones and pearls on eggs while I do some of the more complicated steps.

How cute are these little flower pots? I love how they used the buttons for the centers and then wrapped the pots with paper and fabric.

For anyone who doesn't want to use real eggs that have been 'blown' you can use plastic eggs, I would just suggest painting them with acrylic paint first if you are not covering them with paper but with jewels, that way none of the neon colors will show through if you don't get them super tight,

Fall convention displays

2011-08-07T00:56:00.005-06:00

I really can't even begin to tell you how much I love Stampin' Up! events, and Convention is the best of the best. The displays that Stampin' Up! does are unbelievable! They are so detailed and so amazing I spent hours and hours looking at them and taking pictures of them. I wish I had the time and product to do even part of this one. I love fall and Halloween, and I go overboard decorating for them every year. I love the little leaves that they made using the leaves #2 die, then texturing them and finally crumpling them up.

The decorated apple baskets are so cute that I'm now looking to get some for my house, so if you live in the Calgary area and you know where to get some cheap, let me know. I'm going to be posting some more display pictures over the next couple days as well as some of my cards and projects too, so keep popping in here often so you don't miss anything,

bleach....

2011-08-07T00:13:00.003-06:00

today really feels more like blech! My grams is back in the hospital, and we have no idea whats wrong this time, just that something is most definitely wrong. I'm hoping things get better with her soon, I really hate seeing her like this. The only upside to something like this happening is I can use my thinking of you/get well cards. Not that that is really an upside, but I'm trying to see the positive in this.

This was done using bleach to create the image and the sentiment. When using bleach you really need to be careful not to get the stamp too wet, or your image (or words) will be blurry.

Stamps: Just Believe
Inks: none
Papers: Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip
Misc: Distressing Tool from Cutter Kit, Bleach

I need to keep this quick so I can get more done tonight as I'll be spending a few hours at the hospital again tomorrow.

mountains

2011-08-06T00:49:00.002-06:00

For those of you that don't know, I live in Calgary, Alberta, and while I love living here, there are some things I wish were different. Like heat, we don't get really hot in the summer, which is kind of nice, but when it comes to gardening, esp vegetable gardening, it's not the best. Last year was unusually cold all summer, so I never did get much from my garden. When the frost killed my garden last year my zucchini's were only as big as my pointer finger. While this year has been better so far, it's not been really hot enough yet to get a good garden going. I've only had a handful of peas, bean, strawberries, and raspberries so far. The rest of the garden is growing, but I probably won't get a lot from it again this year. What does that have to do with stamping? Well it makes me think about how cool it has been, and that it's like an Arizona winter basically which inspired this snow themed card.

I love using my brayer, it never fails to create beautiful cards, super fast. I made a moon mask by punching out a 1 1/4" circle from a post it note, and to create the look of snow covered hills I ripped post it notes to the right shape and then sponged the blue slightly over the edge. To do this you will want to start on the post it note and rub in a circular pattern until you just barely rub onto your cardstock. Otherwise you can end up with too much color, or a big blob by accident.

Stamps: Extreme Snowboard, Lovely as a Tree
Inks: StazOn Black, Bashful Blue
Paper: Whisper White, Garden Green, Not Quite Navy
Misc: Platinum Shimmer Paint, Post-it Notes, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Sponges

To create all the wonderful shimmer on the card I made what I call Shimmer Mist. You take several drops of shimmer paint and add rubbing alcohol (70% works best) in a spray bottle. Then you can spray over your cards lightly. If you want a lot of shimmer like here, sometimes you will need to add the shimmer in layers so your card does not get too wet. The alcohol dries quickly, but can still warp your paper or cardstock if it gets too wet.

Hopefully the weather heats up so my garden will start growing better, and so I can be inspired to create some non winter cards and scrapbook layouts.

Extreme Stamping

2011-08-05T01:00:00.003-06:00

I love being creative, but some days I just have no inspiration. The day I made this card was one of those days. That is one of the things I love best about stampers, we love to inspire others, and on this day JudyM from SCS totally inspired me with her card, so I cased it. The best part was after I did this card I had my mojo back and created a few other cards that night.

Stamp: Extreme Elements, Perfect Punches
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Marina Mist, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso
Misc: Star Punch, Hodgepodge Hardware, Wide Oval Punch, Color Spritzer Tool, Dimensionals, Champagne Shimmer Paint (in a mister)

I'm now impatiently waiting on my Holiday mini pre-order, one of the perks of being a demonstrator is getting to get new products before anyone else. I can't wait to get my hand on some of these amazing products. If you are like me and want everything now and at a discount becoming a demo is the best idea. On top of getting great discounts and getting new products early, you have access to an amazing online resource called Stampin Connection, you get wonderful magazine each month from Stampin' Up! with tons of great business ideas, and sooooo much more. If you are thinking of joining the Stampin' Up! family, email me or give me a call and we can talk about it.

rubber resist take 3

2011-08-04T02:51:00.005-06:00

I'm not a huge fan of this one, but I wanted to show you what an opps looks like. I used to do Pysanka, which is a specific method and style of creating wax resist Ukrainian Easter eggs. I haven't done any in years, and apparently I have forgotten all about layering colors over each other. For this card I made the base and embellishments first and then decided to create the background piece using rubber resist. Sadly for me I wasn't really thinking about colors mixing when I created this. I was going for yellow and blue, but what happens when you mix yellow and blue? you get green. opps. So this is a lesson in what not to do.

Stamps: Party Hearty
Inks: Daffodil Delight, Tempting Turquoise, Wild Wasabi, Pumpkin Pie
Paper: Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, Real Red, Hoppy Memories DSP (retired)
Misc: 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Large Tag Punch, Extra Large Tag Punch, Top Note Die, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Brights Brad

rubber resist take 2

2011-08-03T03:40:00.004-06:00

I love simple color schemes, and black and white with a touch of red has always been one of my favorites. I wanted to see if I could make a zebra print using this technique, and I love the end result. When you are doing it this way it does take the rubber cement longer to dry since it is thicker, and if you want the black to look black instead of gray it also takes longer to dry, so please be patient with this one. I also found out by trial and error that thicker lines that wobble look more realistic than thinner straighter lines.

Stamps: Perfect Punches
Inks: Real Red, Basic Black
Paper: Whisper White
Misc: Curly Label Punch, Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Rubber Cement, Sponges

It's also a lot of fun to experiment with different tools to pull or drop the rubber cement with. I have used the brush that comes with it, as well as lollipop sticks, meat skewers, pencils, toothpicks and more until I found what I liked best. I sure hope you will play around with this technique and see what you can come up with.

more fun with re-inkers

2011-08-02T03:14:00.003-06:00

I know I've said it before but I love re-inkers. You can do so much with them, so many different looks, and if you ever do get bored of trying new techniques you can always use them for what they were originally intended, to re-ink your ink pads and markers. I'm not sure this technique has a real name but I call it rubber resist. You use rubber cement to create a pattern, and after the first layer dries you rub over it with color from a sponge. I like to use yogurt lids and place a couple of drops of re-inker on it, then pick up the ink with a sponge. Always start with the lightest color fist. As soon as the ink is dry (only a minute or two) you can create a 2nd layer with the rubber cement, then let it dry (this usually takes at least 20 mins) and repeat until you have a pattern you like.

Here I used Tempting Turquoise then Pacific Point, and finally Night of Navy.

Stamps: Bugs and Kisses (retired)
Inks: Tempting Turquoise, Pacific Point, Night of Navy
Paper: Night of Navy, Pacific Point, Whisper White
Misc: Gingham Ribbon, Dimensionals

I have a ton more projects that use re-inkers and a few more with this technique, so I'll be posting those in the coming days. I hope you aren't sick of re-inkers by then, maybe you'll even be inspired to try some of them yourself. One quick tip, if you are a messy stamper like I am normally, use a pair of vinyl gloves, your fingers will thank you.

shaving cream take 3

2011-08-01T19:50:00.005-06:00

This is another example of what this technique can look like. For this one I used Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight and Cherry Cobbler Re-inkers. When you are using more than 3 colors, and esp if they are dark colors you really need to be careful when you are swirling the colors so you do not muddy them, and also so you spread them out a bit, otherwise they can look black.

Stamps: French Foliage, Occasional Quotes
Inks: Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler re-inkers, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, So Saffron, Whisper White
Misc: Hodgepodge Hardware, Re-inkers, Shaving Cream, Dimensionals

I'm hoping to get creating with some new and awesome products soon, but things are still crazy around here, I've spent the entire long weekend getting caught up around here doing yard work, house work, and visiting family. On the plus side my garden is starting to come in, I have a small amount of peas, beans, and berries already and more coming and the radishes, lettuce and onions will be close behind, then hopefully the carrots, zucchini and potatoes will keep growing so I can have a decent amount of them this year. I'm thinking I might have done something to the beans by accident though. I planted pole beans which should grow up the pole, and some are growing vines and growing up the pole, but a bunch on the other end of the garden never grew vines, and are growing beans on tiny little plants near the ground. The kinda cool thing about that is the beans are curling as they grow, and they look like curly fries.

My cake business seems to be taking off as well. I'm getting orders every few days it seems which is great, but it cuts into my crafting time. I have plans to send my kid away for a day or two ( I'm hoping) next week and I plan to spend the entire time crafting.

Shaving cream take 2

2011-07-31T16:48:00.004-06:00

This is what the shaving cream technique looks like when you use 3 shades of the same color. I used Baja Breeze, Tempting Turquoise and Pacific Point for this card. If you want a darker card like this you also have to use more drops of reinker than you might think necessary. The shaving cream will look darker than your paper will look, so it sometimes takes a bit of trial and error.

Stamps: Medallion, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Chocolate Chip, and Baja Breeze, Tempting Turquoise, Pacific Point Re-inkers
Paper: Pacific Point, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Misc: 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals

anyone need a shave?

2011-07-30T16:25:00.005-06:00

I love playing with stamps and inks, and one of my favorite techniques involves reinkers and shaving cream. You need a lid of some sort that is rather large, or a powder pal from Stampin' Up! (the large one works best). Use shaving cream (the foamy kind, not the gel kind) and fill it up, then level it out with a stick of some sort (I use a long lollipop stick). Then drop several drops of reinker color in a random pattern over the shaving cream, repeat with at least 2 more colors. Then using the same stick lightly swirl all the colors around, being careful not to muddy the colors. Then take your paper and set it into the shaving cream, making sure to press down the whole paper, so you get good coverage. Then carefully lift it up, if you pull it sideways you get a different look than if you pull it straight up. You also get very different looks if you use 3 different colors as opposed to 3 different shades of the same color. I chose to use 3 different colors for this one, but I will show you tomorrow what 3 different shades of the same color looks like. It also looks really different if you use a lot of drops or just a few of each color.

Stamps: Fast and Fabulous, Occasional Quotes
Inks: Almost Amethyst, Daffodil Delight, Certainly Celery
Papers: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight
Misc: Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, 1/8" Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Dimensionals,

I scream you scream, we all scream for....

2011-07-28T23:46:00.003-06:00

Icecream. I love these sets, I know they are old, but I think they are super fun. I routinely use them for kids birthdays, and it's a good reminder that when you see a set you like, get it, before it retires.

Stamps: Birthday Bliss, On a Pedastle
Inks: Rose Red, Chocolate Chip, Bermuda Bay
Paper: Rose Red, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Sweet Pea DSP (retired)
Misc: Hodgepodge Hardware, 1/4" old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Rhinestones, Dimensionals

I'm going to leave this as a short post, that way I might actually get more posting done this month.

Fabulous Fabric Feats

2011-07-26T16:08:00.001-06:00

Stampin' Up!'s 100% cotton fabric assortments include three coordinated designs in an extra-wide fat quarter size. Each piece measures approximately 27" x 18" -- a perfect size for use in our Big Shot machine. I have seen so many cute projects made with Stampin' Up! fabric -- flower pins, tote bags, skirts, dresses, head bands, embellishments for scrapbook pages and greeting cards and so many more. The fabric coordinates with Stampin' Up!'s exclusive colors making it easy to combine fabric and paper in so many fun ways!

One of the things I love about being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is getting to go to amazing events and see even more amazing projects. These are some of the projects that were on display at convention this year. Just a small sampling of the limitless projects that you can make with Stampin' Up!'s extra wide fat quarter fabric.

If you want to see amazing displays like this and more in person there is still time to take advantage of a great deal. Stampin' Up! is offering a limited time special starter kit for only $119.00 until July 31st. Plus if you sign up before July 31st you can attend a Regional event with me in September as my gift to you. Regionals are like a mini 1 day convention, they have training, stamping, tons of displays, and so much more!

I invite you to join my team and start earning a discount on the stamps and accessories you are already ordering, and see where Stampin' Up! can take you. I can promise you that the friendships you will make are priceless, and that discount is even better now than when I first started. You are not out anything if you try it and decide it is not for you, the starter kit is yours to keep. I am here to help you be successful and to reach the goals you set for yourself, however big or small they may be.

If you join my INKcredibly Creative team before the end of July, you will get the cutest Christmas Keepsake project kit (valued at over $50.00), and it will arrive with your first demonstrator order in August.

If you have thought about becoming a Demonstrator, now is a great time to start, for a limited-time you can join with a $119.00 Starter Kit--valued at more than $200.00 and it is full of product favorites, including items from the brand-new Idea Book & Catalog. You can sign up today by simply calling or emailing me.

While I was at convention I picked up some extra goodies, and if you are one of the first 3 to join my team by July 31, you will also get these goodies from me along with your paid registration to Regionals. Please note these extra goodies are being offered by me only and not Stampin' Up!

new catalogue, new year

2011-07-24T21:50:00.008-06:00

I know it's been forever since I posted last, and I feel awful for that. Last year I managed to blog on average every 2nd day, and I figured doing the same this year would be a breeze. Sadly that has not been the case. Ever since my Grams was moved (last October) from a home in the same community as me to a full care home literally across the city it takes me about 5 hours to do what used to take 1 1/2 hrs. Between that, volunteering at school way too often, and coaching soccer, life got crazy. I have not had near enough time to create let alone blog about it, but I sincerely hope that even though things are not slowing down that I can squeak out some me and business time.

I just recently got back from an amazing trip. I went to Stampin' Up!'s yearly convention down in Salt Lake City with an amazing friend and had the best time. I didn't sleep much, but after a week of trying to recover I think I'm as caught up as I can get. That and I now have the flu so I actually have some time to blog.
For those of you that don't know about convention it is amazing!! It is 4 days of absolute craziness.

This is about 1/4 of the main stage area.... and about 1/4 of the people. Talk about a fun crowd!

From the time I got there til the time I left I had so much fun. Wed is check in day and after we got our wonderful convention bags we headed to see all the wonderful displays Stampin' Up! does every year. Then we headed to Memento Mall to see how much damage we could do. I have to say I was very good, I didn't spend near as much as I thought I might. I also spent some time that day talking with a few key My Digital Studio people, but sadly I can't tell you about that part. Then it was time for the Kick-Off Party that Stampin' Up! puts on. It was ridiculous!

Thursday was full of classes and general sessions and fun new product announcements and tons of other great things. Awards night was after, and if that doesn't give you a kick in the pants to want to grow your business, nothing will. Then we all went to an amazing after party. Some even stayed til after 2am. Sadly I was back at the hotel by midnight. Tons of demos doing the Electric Slide

Friday we had a Stampin' Up! breakfast at 7am!! Anyone that knows me, knows I'm more likely to still be up than to actually get up that early, so that was hard, but totally worthwhile. Then another full day of classes and more fantastic announcements, followed by an evening class. I didn't get back to out hotel room til after 11 that night!

Saturday was the last day, a couple classes in the am, and then closing session in the pm. I couldn't believe it was over, it seemed like the week flew by, and then I had to say goodbye, not only to the new friends I made, but to my roommate and fantastic friend Lydia. We've been friends for about a decade, but sadly we live on opposite ends of the country now so we hardly get to see each other and it was beyond amazing to get a week away with her. Thankfully my husbands amazing cousin lives not too far away and he came down for a quick visit and I sent a bunch of stuff home with him since I was way over my weight limit, and not everything would fit in the suitcases. This is a shot of all the wonderful stuff we get for going to convention and a bit of the stuff I bought at Memento Mall. Notice the beautiful convention bag? I love it and carry it everywhere now.

I'll be seeing him soon, so I can get the rest of my stuff. I'm really glad I ended up with too much stuff because now we all get to hang out with him for a bit, which makes for an even better end to convention than I thought possible.

This is one of many displays of new and super cute products from Stampin' Up!'s Product Park. They made up displays using all sorts of wonderful products, and this one featuring the product suite domestic goddess almost makes housework look like fun.

I have about 4,500 pictures from a week to sift through, but I promise I will post lots of them. I do have a question for all you. What kinds of pictures would you prefer? Product Park, class displays, main stage presentations, the craziness of it all, or people I met? any or all of the above?

There is so much more to tell, which would take forever. If you want more info and stories I'd be glad to fill you all in, but I also don't want to bore you, so please let me know.

Here's your last chance....

2011-06-04T21:40:00.004-06:00

It's time to say goodbye! Hundreds of products from the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue and Definitely Decorative brochures are retiring, and now is the time for you to get them before they're gone.

Accessories:
http://204.228.150.61/docs/lastchance/en-CA/Availability_en-CA.pdf

Definitely Decorative:
http://204.228.150.61/docs/lastchance/en-CA/Def_Decorative_CA.pdf

If you want to order any of these contact me right away as many are sure to sell out.

Sneak peak.....

2011-06-01T03:12:00.006-06:00

So June 1st is a frenzied time with Stampin' Up! The Last Chance list comes out, we demos get a sneak peak at new and amazing products, and so much more happens all on this one day. I figured why not give you all a sneak peak at what I've been working on which has kept me soooooooo busy.

I've been trying desperately to get caught up on my scrapbooking, and I've been working on the Disneyland album. Here are a few LO's so far. They are not done yet, most need journalling at the very least.

I've got a ton more coming, and I promise I'll show you them all, but for now, that's it. I'm off to bed.... I have to get up in just 4 hours.

Hip-Hippo-Ray!..... I'm only a week behind

2011-05-14T00:25:00.002-06:00

Well sort of. I had the best intentions to post some more cards last weekend, but then life got in the way again. I had fun at a national scrapbook day crop, thanks Becky.

This is a card I did way back in December for my niece's birthday. I try to not use pink a whole lot if I can help it, but since she loves pink I decided to go all out! Would you ever have though to use Christmas DSP not only for a birthday card, but for a PINK-licious card? I never would have, but my son picked up a scrap and said it looked perfect and to use it, so I did... it's a scrap of Holly Jolly DSP.

Stamps: Pun Fun
Inks: Old Olive, Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink
Papers: Watercolor Paper, Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Holly Jolly DSP, Cottage Garden DSP (retired)
Misc: Aqua Painter, 3/8" Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Sponges, Dimensionals

I hope I've inspired you to use some of your supplies or DSP in a way you didn't think of at first.

chugging along

2011-05-06T23:59:00.004-06:00

A while ago my son went to a birthday party for one of his best friends, and James loves trains, so I figured it would be a perfect time to play with one of my favorite kid sets, choo choo. I also love using a ton of color on kids cards, so I decided to use as much as I could.

Stamps: Choo Choo, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Right On Track Wheel
Inks: Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Pacific Point, Perfect Plum, Basic Black
Papers: Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Real Red, Various DSP
Misc: Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Wheel Guide, 1/2" Circle Punch

No cards.....

2011-05-01T00:49:00.003-06:00

I've been way to busy this week to do any cards or scrapbooking. I was working on a farewell cake for my in-laws. They are leaving right away to go on a mission to South Africa, so I made them a farewell cake. I turned this:

into this:

I should have some more cards and projects for you soon, and if you live in the Calgary area and want or need a cake for any occasion send me an email, I'd love to make you a cake.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T14:53:00.004-06:00

I wanted to take a quick minute to post an Easter card. This is a re-post of last years Easter's card. Some of the colors are now retired, and I got the idea from Jackie Topa. I hope you all are having a fantastic Easter

Stamps: Medallion
Ink: Pale Plum & Perfect Plum Classic Ink, Whisper White Craft Ink
Paper: Whisper White, Pale Plum, Perfect Plum
Misc: White Embossing Powder, Clear Embossing Powder, Modern Label Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Clear Rhinestone Brads, Dimensionals, Sponge Daubers

Sweet Day

2011-04-23T12:31:00.004-06:00

Not only is today a sweet day since everyone will be getting some chocolate, this card is designed to be for a sweet day as well. Today we are having an Easter egg hunt at the house, and everyone gets chocolate afterward. I try to always do this before Easter so we can attempt to explain the difference between the reason for Easter and the Easter bunny.

I love all of the sets that were designed for the sweet treats cups. I did not use the cups on this card, but I did use the stamp set. If you were going to mail a card done with this stamp set, not using the cups, but instead stamping some images inside the gumball machine is a great way to not have to use the padded envelopes or pay for extra shipping. It might not be quite as fun for the recipient, but it still looks cool and is fun to make.

Stamps: Something Sweet
Inks: Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, Rich Razzleberry
Papers: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Marina Mist, Bashful Blue, Rich Razzleberry DSP, Crumb Cake DSP,
Misc: Rich Razzleberry Grosgrain Ribbon, Modern Label Punch, Dimensionals, Scallop Edge Punch

I need to get out of here, I have to get the bowls ready for dying Easter Eggs..... wow am I behind this year. I hope you all have a very Happy Easter.

where does time go???

2011-04-20T22:10:00.005-06:00

I really don't know. I have the best intentions of posting every second day, and then life gets in the way. I think we are well past the 3 bad things that come together, heck we might even be past 3 sets of 3 at this point. All I know is I am sick of bad things happening, and more than ready for some good.

This is a card from one of my club months. I'm thinking February, but I really don't know anymore.... that's how far behind I am. I love using the Medallion stamp, it just makes the most beautiful cards. I got the idea for this card off the internet somewhere, but now I have no clue where.... I wrote it down on a piece of paper and have since lost it. I changed several parts to it, but it is essentially the same card. There are so many ways to change up the look of the Medallion stamp, and using sponge daubers to create it in 2 tone is one of the best ways. I didn't want the card to look too flat so I sprayed the chocolate chip layer with water and crumpled it before putting it on the card base. It just adds a bit more interest to the card.

It's hard to see here, you really need to see it in real life, but I used shimmer paint and mixed it with rubbing alcohol and created a shimmer spray with the champagne shimmer paint. This card is sooo sparkly in real life. I also used a chocolate chip marker and the color spritzer to create the darker sprinkles on the card.

Stamps: Medallion
Inks: Bravo Burgundy, Rose Red, Chocolate Chip Marker
Papers: Blushing Bride DSP, Chocolate Chip, Rose Red
Misc: Linen Thread, Brights Buttons, Pearls, Small Heart Punch, Heart To Heart Punch, Color Spritzer, Shimmer Paint, Antique Brads, Sponge Daubers, Dimensionals

lookie here....

2011-04-12T21:59:00.004-06:00

This time when I blinked it has been less than a week.... makes me actually believe things will get better. I am so far behind posting its not even funny. This is from last months (I think) monthly stamp club. I love making clean and simple cards and then finding ways to add a little touch to them to make them pop. In this case it is the sanded background stamp in the same color as the cardstock. I love that stamp and I swear it adds the perfect touch every time. If you don't own any background stamps you are missing out!! If I'm having a hard time figuring out what I want to do I'll grab a background stamp that piques my interest and go from there.

Stamps: Perfect Punches, Sanded
Inks: Marina Mist
Papers: Old Olive, Marina Mist, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White
Misc: Wide Oval Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Lattice Embossing Folder, Brights Button, Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals, Mini Library Clip

Today seems to be a good stamping day. I made several cards today, got ready for a class, managed to get my fingers completely covered with reinkers, and now I'm posting on here..... lets hope tomorrow is as good to me as today was. Now I'm going to try and get some digital scrapbooking done.

loads of love

2011-04-06T20:15:00.005-06:00

First off I want to thank all of you who have checked in on me and emailed me to make sure I'm still here and doing ok. I blinked and a month has passed. I think things are less hectic now. My Grams has been moved at least temporarily into a full care nursing home. There are good and bad aspects to this, the worst being that she is farther away than she was which means it takes FOR-EVER to drive down for a visit. I'm glad she seems to like it there and the staff is wonderful, which makes it easier knowing I can't visit everyday. I've had to place this creative outlet on the back burner since pretty much the first of the year, but I've become so stressed that I've decided I need to make the time to de-stress and get my creative juices flowing. This should translate into more blogging.

Ok, now onto what you all came here for. This card could be a valentines type card or just a just because I love you card, or even an anniversary card.

Stamps: Loads of Love
Inks: Blushing Bride, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose
Papers: Pear Pizazz DSP, Sweet Pea DSP (retired), Pear Pizazz Cardstock, Old Olive Cardstock, Blushing Bride Cardstock, Whisper White Cardstock, Watercolor paper
Misc: Pretty in Pink 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Crystal Effects, Mini Library Clip, Aqua Painters, Pinking Hearts Edge Punch,

I love the extra little detail that is added by the Crystal Effects onto the watercolored hearts. It really makes them stand out in real life.

I hope you will all be back later in the week to see some more posts.

desktop calendar

2011-03-02T09:46:00.003-07:00

Every year I make my hubby a desktop calendar to put on his desk at work, and every year I wish I had one. So this year I decided to make a smaller one for me. I chose not to make is a scrapbook style one, and instead did a easel card style. I saw one very similar to this one on Sandi MacIvers blog a million years ago and figured it would work perfectly for me.

Those of you that know me know I don't like pink, but The new In Color Blushing Bride is growing on me, and I figured if I had pink on the calendar it definitely would not blend into the background mess on my desk.

Stamps: Vintage Vogue
Inks: Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive
Papers: Whisper White, Old Olive, Blushing Bride DSP
Misc: Old Olive Brads, Rhinestone Brads, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Mini Library Clip, 1/4" Old Olive Ribbon, 5/8" Old Olive Satin Ribbon, Modern Label Punch, Modern Label Movers & Shapers Die, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper Snips

sweet candy treat

2011-02-22T19:51:00.003-07:00

I made several Valentines Day cards this year, but never got around to posting them before the 14th, but I figured I'd still share them with you. I love the sweet treat cups, they are so much fun!

I tried the rock n roll technique to add a little bit of detail to the bird and the flower stem. I really love the end result.

Stamps: Sweetheart
Inks: Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Marina Mist, Pacific Point, Real Red
Papers: Whisper White, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Blushing Bride
Misc: Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Full Heart Punch, Heart Treat Cups, Exacto Knife, Stampin' Dimensioinals, Cinnamon Hearts Candy

Birthday Beware!!

2011-02-18T00:47:00.005-07:00

Did you miss me?? I'm hoping that some of you are still out there. I did not mean to take that long of a break from my blog, but life just got in the way. I've still been creating as much as I can, but I never seemed to get a chance to photograph it, let alone get it up here.
I had to create a ton of these for my baby's birthday, I can't believe he's 5 already!! Where has the time gone? He really wanted a pirate themed party, so I ordered the set Beware Pirates for the invites and then asked him what colors he wanted to use. I had a lot of fun creating the first one, but by the time I had done about 15 of them I'd had enough. Doing that much distressing and tearing and sponging takes a lot of time.

Stamps: Beware Pirates
Inks: Chocolate Chip, Basic Black, Real Red
Papers: Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Misc: 1/4" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Cutter Kit, Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals

I think I scored a 10 on this one, not only did I use the entire stamp set on one card, my son said it was the best card I've ever made. He sleeps with one on his headboard every night, it's been almost a month now and he still has it up there. Is there anything better in the world than your child telling you how much he loves something you make?

Thanks for sticking with me over the past 2 months, I promise to get back to posting more often. Hopefully I'll be back to every couple days in no time.

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

2010-12-24T00:21:00.006-07:00

First off I want to apologize for not posting anything the last while. We were insane trying to get everything ready for our Christmas Vacation, and then we were on the road for 2 days, then spent 5 days and we were on the road again for 18 hours. We finally arrived in Logan Utah this morning and have had a great day with family here. We will be leaving again tomorrow around noon for another 14 hours of driving before we end up in Mesa.

Before we left I made a card (a huge card) for Sevastian's Kindergarten class to sign. It ended up being 6x9, and the focal point on the card was 4x5.5. I took it into class for the class party and had all the kids sign it before we tucked the gift card for the teacher and gave it to her at the end of the party.

I love this set, and think it is a great kids set. I also decided to go a little over the top with it, and put shimmer everywhere. There is Dazzlin' Diamonds Glitter pretty much everywhere on the card. I also used Vanilla Smooch Spray to spray the background Bashful Blue piece after I embossed it with the Petals a Plenty embossing folder, and then I used Frost White Shimmer Paint to emboss the top of the petals and topped it off with 3 small Basic Pearls. I also added Rhinestones to the top of several trees.

It's late here, and I am working on almost no sleep, so I'll come back and post the recipes later.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, and an even better time with family.

Oh Christmas Tree....

2010-12-12T03:07:00.003-07:00

I love Christmas trees, they look so pretty, and the real ones smell so nice too. I have tons of Christmas stamps that have trees in them too. I actually cased myself with this card. Last year I stamped Dasher where I stamped this tree. I think the Snow Swirled Tree looks amazing with the retired Bride Specialty paper. I used my brayer to ink over the paper with Elegant Eggplant ink, and then took a tissue and wiped the ink off to reveal the white swirls. The rhinestones are the perfect touch to finish this card off.

Stamps: Many Merry Messages, Snow Swirled
Inks: Elegant Eggplant
Papers: Brushed Silver, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White, Bride DSP (retired)
Misc: Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Elegant Eggplant Rick Rack (retired), Brayer, Rhinestones

Scenic Season

2010-12-10T02:24:00.000-07:00

Every time I look at this stamp I think how beautiful it is, and think winter is just magical.... then I look outside and see real winter and the moment passes. I am definitely needing a break from old man winter, thankfully we leave for Az in less than a week. I got the idea for this card from the fabulous Jan Tink. If you've never been to her blog you need to check her out, she is amazing. I love the colors here, again they are not your traditional Christmas colors, but they look amazing on this card.

Stamps: Scenic Season, Many Merry Messages
Inks: Night of Navy, Whisper White, Pacific Point
Papers: Rich Razzleberry, Night of Navy, Old Olive, Whisper White
Misc: 1/4" Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Sponges, Jumbo Eyelets, Brads,

I've been making Christmas cards, cookies, and cupcakes this week and listening to Christmas music the whole time and finally getting more into the Christmas spirit. Our tree has been up for a while now, and the lights were up on the house forever ago, but it still hasn't felt like Christmas around here. I think part of it is going back and forth to the hospital daily and not visiting with Grams at her place. Her place is always decorated so well, and we usually go over in mid to late November and add a few more to the walls outside her door, and several window clings inside too. Grams and Sevastian usually take walks around the whole place to see who else has their doors decorated and then they vote on who has the best door. Sevastian always votes for Grams door since he helped decorate it. I'm hoping it will feel a lot more like Christmas after we watch the school play on Tuesday. There really isn't anything cuter than young kids singing and dancing for their parents.

Holiday Greetings

2010-12-06T15:14:00.003-07:00

This is another card we did at one of the Stamp-A-Stack events this year. I really like using non traditional colors for Christmas cards. I will always do at least one set of cards in traditional red and green, but then I like to pick a wide variety of colors and see what I can come up with. This one uses Baja Breeze and Basic Gray.

Stamps: Season of Joy, Sincere Salutations, Snow Swirled
Inks: Basic Gray, Whisper White
Papers: Basic Gray, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Misc: 1" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 5/8" Basic Gray Satin Ribbon, Dimensionals

Vintage Snowflake take 2

2010-12-04T19:36:00.003-07:00

I told you the other day that I'd post the other version of the snowflake card I did, so here it is. I wanted to see what it would look like with less white and more blue. What do you guys think of it? Which is your favorite and why?

Stamps: Christmas Punch
Inks: Sahara Sand
Papers: Whisper White, Sahara Sand, Bashful Blue
Misc: Snowflake #2 Die, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Dazzlin Diamonds Glitter, Sponges, Wide Oval Punch, Antique Brads, Snowflake Punch, Dimensionals

Again I used a slightly different Antique Brad for the middle and for this one I put some Dazzlin' Diamonds glitter in the middle of it too. To get the depth between the two snowflakes I placed a dimensional between them and another under the last one so the whole thing would pop up from the card base.

Vintage Snowflake

2010-12-02T04:39:00.001-07:00

I'm not the biggest fan of Vintage Style, but it's growing on me. I was over at my Grams place a while back and saw one of her doilies, and it totally reminded me of a snowflake. I wanted to do something with a very vintage feel to it that looked like a snowflake, so I started with the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder from Stampin' Up! I went to SCS and I searched for it, and found a beautiful card by Lee Conroy that used it and the Snowflake #2 die. I fell in love with it and had to CASE it. I changed very little, only the sentiment and the blue snowflake shape. I did a few of these up for my SAS in October, and used several different Antique Brads. Depending on the brad you pick, it totally changes the mood of the card which is wonderful.

Stamps: Christmas Punch
Inks: Sahara Sand
Papers: Whisper White, Sahara Sand, Bashful Blue
Misc: Snowflake #2 Die, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Dazzlin Diamonds Glitter, Sponges, Wide Oval Punch, Antique Brads, Snowflake Punch, Dimensionals

I also did another slightly different version of this card which I'll show you next time. And a quick tip for you, when you care deciding which way to cut your cardstock for a particular card keep in mind what you will be making. This card is quite front and top heavy, so it would have a tendency to fall over if I cut it to 8.5x5.5 and scored it at 4.25, so I cut it to 4.25x11 and scored it at 5.5, that way it folds at the top of the card and is less likely to fall over.

Magic Snowflake....

2010-11-30T23:37:00.006-07:00

Only sort of.... It's not really magic, but it is cool. I love emboss resist, and it looks amazing on this card. The snowflake is done in white embossing powder and then sponged over with Night of Navy. I added a pearl to the middle for that little bit more, and it really makes the center pop. I love how much contrast there is on this card, I had originally done it in Marina Mist, but it looks a million times better in Night of Navy.

Stamps: Four The Holidays, Serene Snowflakes
Inks: Versa Mark, Night of Navy
Papers: Whisper White, Night of Navy
Misc: White Embossing Powder, Sponge Daubers, Silver Elastic Cord (retired), Pearls, Dimensionals

I had another long day today, but sadly I don't think it's over just yet. I realized I still have a ton of Christmas Cards to make, and I need to do them asap if I want to get them out before we leave. Days like today I am beyond grateful for wonderful caring nurses. My grams has been pretty out of it all day and her nurses are amazing! They have gone above and beyond what their actual duties are and I am sooo grateful for them.

Jolly Jingles

2010-11-29T23:19:00.003-07:00

This has to be a quick one cause I am dead tired. I spent the majority of the day at the hospital with my grams. This is another one from one of my Christmas Stamp-A-Stacks.

You can see the shine, but you really can't see the sparkle in these pics, but the whole card really does sparkle in real life, and is completely gorgeous.

Stamps: Tags Til Christmas, Jolly Jingles Jumbo Wheel
Inks: Versa Mark, Old Olive & Real Red Markers
Papers: Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler
Misc: Very Vanilla 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Decorative Label Punch, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Sticky Strip (to adhere ribbon), Dimensionals

CAS Seasons Greetings

2010-11-28T01:17:00.003-07:00

I have a hard time doing CAS (clean and simple) cards for some reason, but this one pretty much can only be called CAS. It's hard to tell, but the Pacific Point is actually layered onto Whisper White cardstock. All I did for this one was emboss the card front with the Norther Flurry Embossing Folder, and then go over it with a bit of Whisper White ink, add a couple Rhinestones and a greeting and Voila, done.

Stamps: Many Merry Messages
Inks: Whisper White
Papers: Whisper White, Pacific Point
Misc: Rhinestones, Northern Flurry Embossing Folder

I actually managed to get the Christmas Tree up tonight. I offered to take my sister in laws kids for a sleep over, and they had so much fun putting up the tree at their house that we did it here too. It was awesome. I barely had to do anything, except the top part of the tree, since none of them could reach it. Hubby was thrilled that all he had to do was get the tree down, plug in one cord, and put the topper on (that's tradition around here). We are making homemade tortillas and scrambled eggs in the am for breakfast, so I'd best be going to bed. I need to be up early with this many kids in the house.

Bethlehem

2010-11-27T13:04:00.005-07:00

I love this card, I got the idea from a fellow demonstrator, Dawn Griffith. This makes for such a wonderfully simple card, but it is so striking too. I actually did 2 versions of this card, one with the silver glass glitter that you see here, and another with the Silver tinsel trim that I will post later. I embossed the main image with black embossing powder to add a little bit more shine to the card. I also used sponges to color the Whisper White cardstock with Bashful Blue and Marina Mist, then I ripped the edges.

Stamps: Come to Bethlehem
Inks: Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, VersaMark
Papers: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Marina Mist
Misc: Black Embossing Powder, Silver Glass Glitter, Sponges

I love making Christmas cards, they really do seem to put me into a Christmas Spirit. I'm hoping to get the Christmas tree up soon, since we leave for our Christmas holidays in about 2 weeks. I highly doubt I'll be able to convince my hubby to put up Christmas decoration outside this year, so I really want to get the inside ones up soon.

Many Merry Christmas'

2010-11-25T23:08:00.003-07:00

One of my all time favorite Christmas stamps is called Many Merry Messages. It is fantastic for both the outside and inside of any Christmas card. I use it at pretty much every Christmas SAS I do and most club nights that have anything to do with Christmas too. The rest of this card uses the new Northern Flurry embossing folder and the Level 1 hostess set from the current mini. If you like these stamps you need to host a qualifying workshop or party before Jan 3rd. I still have a few dates available, so contact me today.

Stamps: Many Merry Messages, Northern Hearts
Inks: Pacific Point, Crushed Concord, Whisper White
Papers: Whisper White, Pacific Point, Crushed Concord
Misc: Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, Rhinestones, Sponges, Dimensionals, Rhinestone Brads

I'm not sure you can see it real well in the photos, but the ribbon of paper with the saying Merry Christmas is actually curved outwards, and does not lay flat. I love the look it gives the card.

Shimmer snowflake

2010-11-24T23:07:00.004-07:00

My mom reminded me of a card I made last year, and I went looking for it and could not find it on my blog, so I made a new one up using this years colors, and tweaked it a little bit. I absolutely love the Shimmer Paint from Stampin' Up! You can use it for so many things, but the easiest way to use it is to simply put it on your stamps and stamp with it. That is what I did here. I used Markers to ink up most of the stamp and then used a sponge dauber to put the Platinum Shimmer Paint where I did not color. This card is so shimmery and pretty in real life, it looks nice in the photographs, but no where near as awesome. If you are ever trying to figure out what could make your card stand out just a little more, use some shimmer paint on it.

Stamps: Serene Snowflakes, Four The Holidays
Inks: Pacific Point
Papers: Whisper White, Pacific Point, Night of Navy
Misc: Platinum Shimmer Paint, Sponge Daubers, Filigree Brads, Rhinestones, Rhinestone Brads, Silver Elastic Cord (retired) Dimensionals

Northern Flurry...

2010-11-23T13:15:00.004-07:00

Sadly that about sums up our weather lately.... cold and snowy!! I am really not a winter type of gal.... I think that snow is the worst of the 4 letter words, and about this time every year I wonder why we live in a place that gets winter for 6 months at least every year. I really do want to move somewhere (someday) that only has 1 season.... warm! The only good thing about snow and winter is that is makes for really pretty cards. If we never had snow, we would not have snowflakes to stamp and emboss onto cards, and that would be a shame. I was playing around with the Tags til Christmas stamp set the other day and made several cards with it, and then I decided to see what it looked like paired with this new embossing folder. I really do like how it turned out. Sometimes when you are just playing around with no particular idea in mind you end up with surprising results, and this time the surprise was a nice one.

Stamps: Tags Til Christmas
Inks: Real Red, Old Olive, Whisper White
Papers: Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Real Red, Old Olive
Misc: 1/4" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Sponges, Decorative Label Punch, Northern Flurry Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Basic Rhinestones

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2010-11-22T22:10:00.003-07:00

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Peaceful Christmas...

2010-11-22T21:13:00.001-07:00

I think that is something we all hope for, but seldom get. I know that around here Christmas is an extremely hectic and crazy time. We have a great time very year, love the company, have more fun than we can imagine, but it is never peaceful. I love this stamp set, but wonder how the term Peace on Earth was associated with Christmas. This is one of the cards we did in this round of Christmas Stamp-A-Stacks... well almost theirs is slightly different, the card base was Cherry Cobbler instead of Early Espresso.

Stamps: Peaceful Season (level 2 hostess)
Inks: Wild Wasabi, Cherry Cobbler, VersaMark
Papers: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla
Misc: Clear Embossing Powder, Basic Pearls, Sponges, Dimensionals

I had a great weekend teaching classes, but now I have to get on to something a bit more important. Christmas shopping/making for my hubby. If anyone has any great ideas on what to get or make for a computer guy who loves the outdoors, and wood working I'm totally open to suggestions. I have such a hard time every year trying to find a great present for him. It can't be large in size either cause I need to pack it into the car, since we do Christmas every year in Arizona.

I have tons more cards to show you all in the coming days and weeks before Christmas. I'm hoping to get one up every day, but life might change those plans.

Step it up part 4??? a slightly different version starring Jolly Jingles

2010-11-22T00:20:00.004-07:00

I love wheels, they are so easy to use, super quick and they add the perfect touch to any card. This card is a slight variation from the other card. I used the Jolly Jingles Jumbo Wheel to create the background. Everything else is pretty much the same. I have been asked several times what ink color I use the most with my wheels, and I have to say VersaMark. It is a great way to add a bit of detail without overdoing the card, and if you do want to add color to it, you can use the pastels like I did here, or you can add embossing powder and have a lot of color. If you are unsure of what color to ink up your cartridges for your wheels, start with VersaMark, you will not regret it!

Stamps: Jolly Jingles Wheel, Tags Til Christmas
Inks: VersaMark, Real Red, Old Olive
Papers: Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Real Red
Misc: Real Red 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Decorative Label Punch, Crumb Cake Stampin' Pastels, Wheel Guide, Sponges

I sure hope you all don't get sick of things easily, cause I will be posting a ton of Christmas cards in the next few weeks. Every year I send out what feels like a million cards, but in reality is only about 125 or so. On both my side and hubby's side we have a huge number of extended family members, plus friends and such..... and I get bored after making too many of the same card, so I usually end up making at least 40 or so different cards, and I will be posting them all here. I have already posted several, but there are still a ton to post, and sadly, still a ton to make. Wish me luck that I get them all done in time.

Step it up, card 3

2010-11-21T02:13:00.005-07:00

Here is card 3 as promised. I had a great afternoon with some great people today, and I will be doing this class again tomorrow and Monday night. I love Christmas, and I love making cards, so these classes are a ton of fun for me. This card is pretty easy to see what I did to change it up. I sponged Real Red onto the top of the embossed part of the card.

Stamps: Tags Til Christmas
Inks: Old Olive, Real Red (markers)
Papers: Very Vanilla, Old Olive
Misc: Petals A Plenty Embossing Folder, 5/8" Real Red Satin Ribbon, Decorative Label Punch

So can you tell which idea was mine, and which was hubby's? Card 2 or 3? I am totally spoiled by hubby. I know most husbands don't even look twice at the stuff their wives make, let alone help out with ideas. And not only does he help out with ideas and tell me his opinion (when I ask) he also is great about me buying tons of stuff for my addiction/hobby. And even better, he looks after the kid when I am teaching, and when we go to Arizona and I want to get together with other demo friends. Talk about lucky right?

I am off to bed, I have to get up tomorrow and help mom with a quilt for the kids bed before I teach another class in the afternoon. Hope you all are having a great weekend so far.

Step it up, card 2

2010-11-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

Well it took longer than I thought to get back on here. It's amazing how hectic life can get as soon as the road conditions are not great and snowy. Here is card 2 of 3. This one only has a slight change, but I love how much more the tag pops because of it. I punched out the Decorative Label Punch in Real Red and Old Olive and cut the pieces in the corners and added them behind the original one. Just that little bit extra makes the card that much nicer.

Stamps: Tags Til Christmas
Inks: Old Olive, Real Red (markers)
Papers: Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Real Red
Misc: Petals A Plenty Embossing Folder, 5/8" Real Red Satin Ribbon, Decorative Label Punch

I am off to teach a Christmas Card Class, but I will post the 3rd card later tonight. Hope you all have a great weekend.

Step it up, card 1

2010-11-17T22:36:00.002-07:00

I was making Christmas cards the other day and this one popped into my head. As soon as I was done with it I immediately figured out how I could make it look better. I decided to go ahead and turn it into a step it up card. My hubby was in the room with me, and looked at it and said, why don't you try this, so I did both. I will show you those tomorrow, and the next day. You will have to guess which idea was mine and which was hubby's.

Stamps: Tags Til Christmas
Inks: Old Olive, Real Red (markers)
Papers: Very Vanilla, Old Olive
Misc: Petals A Plenty Embossing Folder, 5/8" Real Red Satin Ribbon, Decorative Label Punch,

2010-11-15T01:06:00.003-07:00

What do you call it when you get over $375 in crafting and business supplies for only $107.50? You can call it an amazing deal, but we're calling it an amazing opportunity! From November 15-30, you can purchase either our Standard or Digital+ Starter Kits at 50 percent off the regular retail price of $215 (plus free shipping!), and enjoy these great benefits as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.

Earn additional income while sharing creativity.
Make new and lasting friendships.
Enjoy access to nearly unlimited creative ideas.
Receive a free subscription to our exclusive monthly magazine.
Receive a free two-month subscription to your own business website.
Opportunity to earn free products and incentive trips.

Both the Standard Starter Kit and the Digital + Kit are available at this amazing price! The standard kit includes a variety of paper crafting products, and the Digital + Kit is a great option to showcase both traditional crafting products and our exciting digital design software, My Digital Studio.

This irresistible offer is only available until November 30, 2010, so contact me by phone or email before it's too late!

Halloween Fun

2010-11-13T00:46:00.000-07:00

want to know what I love most about being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator? The fact that I HAVE to Scrapbook!! At least that is what I tell my hubby. Stampin' Up! has a great promotion on right now where you can sign up to be a demonstrator for HALF OFF!! The starter kit is normally 215.00, but from now until Nov 30th, you can sign up for only 107.50!! Talk about HUGE Savings! I will get into that a little later with my next post. For my Stampers Club this month we are doing scrapbook pages. I let them choose their theme, Fall or Halloween, so I did both LO's. This is the Halloween one, and I love that these pics are from last year! That means I'm only 1 year behind!!! WOOHOOO!! The LO is pretty simple for the most part, and I LOVE that most of the little figures are made from the owl punch! How awesome is that?? I saw the little mouse done somewhere online (I'm sorry if it's your idea, I have completely forgotten where I saw it, if you came up with this please let me know so I can give proper credit) and just had to try it. Then I figured why not try a cat, and it was super easy. The tail for both comes from the leaves and branch from the bird punch. The tombstone is from the designer label punch.

I painted over part of the candelabra with silver shimmer paint to give it a little more of a spooky look.
Stamps: Wicked Cool
Inks: Basic Gray, Whisper White
Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Basic Gray, Basic Black, Whisper White, Perfect Plum DSP
Misc: Owl Punch, Bird Punch, Bat Punch, Designer Label Punch, Top Note Die, Sponges, White Gel Pen, 1/4" Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Crop-A-Dile (cat's eyes), cricut

I had a lot of fun designing this LO. I love when you can use punches for more than one use, it makes them so much more versatile.

Christmas Stamp-A-Stacks spots still available

2010-11-11T21:40:00.001-07:00

I have a few spots left in some of my upcoming Christmas Stamp-A-Stacks.

Sunday November 21st, 2-5pm
1 Spot
Monday November 22nd 6-9pm
2 spots

Sunday December 5th 2-5pm
2 spots
Monday December 6th 6-9pm
2 spots
Wednesday December 8th 6-9pm
2 spots

In each Stamp-A-Stack we do 12 cards, usually 4 cards 3 of each design. Each month we do a different set of cards, so if you come in both November and December you will have 24 cards, at least 8 different designs. Phone or email me if you are interested in taking either of these fun Christmas card classes.

Pac Man....how cool is this???

2010-11-10T01:27:00.004-07:00

The Owl Punch that Stampin' Up! sells can be turned into almost anything!! I love how versatile this punch is. When I first saw it I said no way am I ever buying that punch....I don't like owls that much, and I have no need to put them on a card. WOW was I wrong, not only have I made cards just so I can put the cute little owl on them, I am finding more and more ways to use the owl as something else. My brother in law had a birthday a while back, and we like to poke a little fun at him for being the oldest (at least the oldest that lives in the same city). I also know he likes a lot of things from the 80's so I thought how cute would a Pac Man card be, and that darn owl punch would make the best ghosts for it. I also used it for the white dots, they are the middle sized eyes. This is probably the easiest card I have made in a while. It took less than 5 minutes, and I think it's awesome. I didn't play Pac Man too much when I was younger, but I think it's pretty close to what Pac Man looks like.

Stamps: Occasional Quotes (hostess level 3)
Inks: Basic Black
Papers: Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White
Misc: Owl Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Corner Rounder, googly eyes

what's black and white and red all over?

2010-11-06T11:41:00.004-06:00

a newspaper..... which was sort of what inspired this card. I love the newsprint DSP that Stampin' Up! has, but haven't gotten around to ordering it yet, so I pulled out some retired Night and Day DSP to create this card for another sister in law's birthday. I also used the Frost White Shimmer Paint and a sponge dauber to create the shimmery white texture on the black scallop circle.

Stamps: Fast and Fabulous
Inks: Basic Black, Real Red
Papers: Night and Day DSP, Basic Black, Whisper White
Misc: Stamp-a-ma-jig, 5/8" White Organza Ribbon, Scallop Circle #2 Bigz Die, Circles #2 Die, Dimensionals

I am off to enjoy the warm weather outside before it goes away again. There isn't too much better than playing with lots of kids outside on a beautiful day. We have a few of the cousins over for a sleepover and are having a blast, and taking lots of pictures to scrapbook later when it's not so nice out anymore.

fly me away....

2010-11-04T00:08:00.003-06:00

When I made this card I was wishing for much warmer weather, and hoping against hope for a return of spring like weather.... well I think it worked, since we have had beautiful weather here the last few days. This was another birthday card for a sister in law last month. I love the beautiful wings embosslits die, it is so easy to use and makes such a wonderful addition to any project, or you can use it like I did here and have it take center stage.

Stamps: Well Scripted (retired)
Inks: Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery
Paper: Whisper White, Rose Red, Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery
Misc: Color Spritzer Tool, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die

I sure hope this great weather sticks around for a few more days, it has been my inspiration for a couple scrapbook layouts that I hope to finish up soon.

You're a blast....

2010-11-02T16:02:00.003-06:00

I love the Pun Fun set, it makes the cutest cards, especially when you combine them with the sweet treats cups!! I made this card for my adorable nephew for his 6th birthday last month. I split up the stamp by inking only part of it for the spaceship, and then I stamped onto the tag behind the candy the saying from the spaceship..."you're a blast!" so when he went to eat the candy there was a little hidden message inside.

Stamps: Pun Fun
Inks: Whisper White, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Wild Wasabi
Paper: Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Brushed Silver,
Misc: Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Curly Label Punch, Corner Rounder, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Sweet Treats Cup, Dimensionals, embossing folder - tiny bubbles

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T04:19:00.004-06:00

I was hoping to get a chance to post these earlier in the month, but time just has a way of getting away from me these days. I will come back later today or tomorrow to add the recipies for them, but I had to make sure I got them posted before Halloween was over.

Hope you have a Spooktacular day!

Ohh how I wish I was there....

2010-10-29T12:52:00.003-06:00

It has gotten quite cold around here lately. You can really tell that it is now winter... fall is a distant memory. I sooo wish I was somewhere warm right now. I am sitting here literally freezing, and I don't see that changing until sometime in May! Unless we are lucky enough to get down to Mesa again for Christmas! This is the last of the watercolor series. I love this card, it reminds me of my honeymoon down in Florida. My amazing aunt let us use her condo for a couple weeks and this is what we saw when we looked out the window from bed each morning. Talk about paradise!

Stamps: Nature's Nest
Inks: VersaMark
Paper: Watercolor paper, Very Vanilla, Basic Black
Misc: Watercolor Crayons, Gold Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy, Dimensionals

Maybe if I wish hard enough the weather will warm up for Halloween!

Drips of delight....

2010-10-28T10:41:00.001-06:00

This is such an easy effect to do... you let the water drip down and make a beautiful background for you! I mean really how much easier can it get? When you need a great card in minutes this is a fantastic way to do it.

Stamps: Nature's Nest
Inks: VersaMark
Paper: Watercolor paper, Not Quite Navy, Basic Black
Misc: Watercolor Crayons, Black Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy, Dimensionals, water in a spray bottle, paper towel

I am off to take the kid to the bus stop, and then spend the day getting all the last minute stuff done for the Halloween Party. I love Halloween, I get to be a kid again!

Watercolor wonder....

2010-10-27T11:22:00.003-06:00

I love my Watercolor Crayons and I am always amazed at the beautiful results, even though I shouldn't be, since they have never failed me yet. Another wonderful blogger Sandi MacIver had this great tutorial on her blog ohhh about forever ago and I asked her permission to use these, and she graciously said yes. I will post 3 of them that I did in the next couple days. This is a great stamp set, the peacock feather is just beautiful and can be used on almost any type of card.

Stamps: Nature's Nest
Inks: Versa Mark
Paper: Watercolor Paper, Garden Green, Basic Black
Misc: Watercolor Crayons - Not Quite Navy and Garden Green, Black Embossing Powder, Glitter - Fine Cosmos and Fine Supernova, Embossing Buddy, Aqua Pen, Dimensionals, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, 2 way Glue Pen (for the glitter)

I haven't posted much lately, and I hope to fix that in the coming days. With Grams still in the hospital it is a little busier around here than normal. I also have been spending a bit of time volunteering in my sons class, and will spend 3 more days there next week. And here I though things would be less hectic once he started school.... HA! Hope you all have a less crazy week.

Decked out with Tinsel

2010-10-19T02:24:00.003-06:00

The new Tinsel Trim from the current Holiday Mini is FANTASTIC!! You can use it for so many things, and hanging the ornaments is just one of them. In case you missed one of my earlier posts, I LOVE the new Jewels too! both the rhinestones and the pearls. They add the perfect touch to any project and are cheap too!

Stamps: Delightful Decorations, Snow Swirled
Inks: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso
Papers: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Jolly Holiday DSP
Misc: Silver Tinsel Trim, Ornament Punch, Rhinestones, Boho Blossoms Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder, Stampin' Dimensionals

Lovely Christmas

2010-10-18T02:03:00.003-06:00

One of my all time favorite sets has got to be Lovely As A Tree. It can be used for just about anything, in fact I have yet to find a type of card it can't be for. When I saw this DSP Jolly Holiday and this pattern I knew I had to use this tree with it. I think the different shades of green look great with this tree. I still have so many ideas for Christmas cards, but only so many classes that I might end up scheduling another Christmas Stamp A Stack in December just so I have an excuse to make more samples.

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Christmas Punch (retired)
Inks: Old Olive, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Jolly Holiday DSP
Misc: Curly Label Punch, 1/4" Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

I am hoping to get a fair amount posted in the coming days, but life has thrown us another curve ball. My Grams broke her back late last week and we are having to care for her basically round the clock as the hospital here won't keep her until after a Dr can confirm that her old x-rays and her new x-rays are in fact different and then maybe they will see if they can do anything for her. I am so glad that she only lives literally a block away, it makes caring for her that much easier. It's also nice to have mom around helping out too. I will try my best to keep up with the blogging, but it might get swept to the side a bit int he next few days while we get this sorted out. Please bear with me and keep checking back.

Birds of a feather

2010-10-16T02:40:00.003-06:00

Peacock feathers are so beautiful, and I love that this paper pattern kind of looks like a peacock feather. That is why I chose it to go with this card I made for my Dad's birthday. It was last month, but my son didn't want to send the card to Papa, he wanted to give it to him in person, and he came out to visit us a little while ago. You should have seen the look on his face when he gave it to Papa, it was like he was giving him a million dollars. He really does love to help me out, and loves making his own cards. The only downside is he hates giving them away, so we are slowly working on that.

Stamps: Nature's Nest
Inks: Basic Gray
Papers: Whisper White, Basic Gray, Sage Shadow (retired), Nouveax Chic DSP (retired)
Misc: Basic Gray 5/8" Satin Ribbon (retired), Scallop Trim Punch

I should have a lot more to show you in the coming days, I finally got part of my computer working right again, so I finally got a ton of photos uploaded and watermarked. Now if only I could get the video software to work right.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

any other witches out there???

2010-10-13T21:39:00.003-06:00

My hubby always tells me I love this time of year so much because I really am a witch in disguise. He says I have the perfect witch cackle and all, so I decided I needed a broom to fly on. I made this little decoration for the Halloween party we are having later this month and there will be a few more made to give to kids as party treat bags with candy and fun stuff inside. It was a lot of fun to make, and super easy too. All you need is a paper bag, a bit of ribbon and paper, and a stick.

Stamps: Wicked Cool
Inks: Basic Gray, Pumpkin Pie, Lovely Lilac (retired), Green Galore (retired)
Paper: Very Vanilla
Misc: Paper Bag, Paper Snips, Black 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Stick

I have to run, I am in the middle of making more cards for my upcoming Christmas Stamp A Stack. There are still a couple spots left in the Sunday October 24th from 2-5 time slot. Email me if you are interested in joining us for a fun afternoon of card-making, great music, and tasty treats.

thanksgiving centerpiece

2010-10-10T14:17:00.002-06:00

This is only a small part of the centerpieces I did for thanksgiving, but I can not get them all in the photo box at once, so I will have to show them to you one at a time. I saw the pumpkin made of DSP in the catalogue and figured it would make a cute centerpiece, so I made one with my retired DSP. I cut the leaves out of Old Olive with my cricut, and made the vines from thin strips of Old Olive wrapped around my paper piercer.

Stamps: none
Inks: none
Paper: Pumpkin Pie Patterns DSP (retired) Old Olive
Misc: Sticky Strip, Cricut

I need to get going so I can get more goodies ready for our feast tomorrow, so far only the pumpkin pie tarts are made, I need to get making the zucchini cake and some other goodies, so I have less to do on Monday.

Circle Christmas

2010-10-09T21:23:00.004-06:00

I love geometric shapes for DSP, esp circles, so when I saw this DSP I knew I was going to do a card like this one. I love that is has circles in every element on the card, the DSP, the large scallop circle, and even the stamped sentiment has circles (dots) underneath it, and even the stamped tree has dots in the swirls. I hope you like this card as much as I do.

Stamps: Season of Joy
Inks: Old Olive, Early Espresso
Papers: Jolly Holiday DSP, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla
Misc: Scallop Circle #2 die, Circle Scissor Plus, 5/8" Old Olive Satin Ribbon

I also wanted to apologize for being gone so long. Things got crazy around here, and then my son got really sick and I just had no time left at the end of the day to get on here and show my creations, heck I didn't even have enough time to make any new creations. I am hoping that is changing, as I actually had time tonight to blog and to create a centerpiece for thanksgiving dinner on Monday. I will show that to you tomorrow. For those of you that are still coming back after I have been gone this long, thank you, I really appreciate it. I am still adjusting to a new schedule now that I am working 6 days a week, but hopefully soon I can get my crafting back to normal. Have a great night, and for all my Canadian readers out there, have a great Thanksgiving!

WOW has it already been a week....

2010-10-02T19:23:00.003-06:00

I can't believe it has already been a week since I last posted. I have been working on a new video, but the darn program is not cooperating. I have spent the better part of the last week trying to get it to work right. I have even filmed a new video and tried to edit that one, but it is not working either. If anyone has ant suggestions I am all ears. I currently use Movie Maker, but it is so frustrating, I have had it. It keeps freezing, or doing weird things when I try to add effects like flip horizontal, or speed up.

Currently I am writing this from the Children's Hopsital. I am here with my son, he apparently has some weird eye thing, and we are waiting for a specialist. I am hoping to get new stuff up soon, and if I had known when we left the house that it would take this long, I would have grabbed my usb stick with all my photos on it, so I could upload some while sitting here waiting.

a dashing good time....

2010-09-25T16:51:00.006-06:00

We have already done the first round of Christmas Stamp-A-Stacks, and this was one of the cards we made that night. We make 4 cards, 3 of each of them for a total of 12 cards. I love the Dasher stamp, and wanted to try something a little different, so we used the Champagne Shimmer Paint to ink it up. It is hard to see in the photo, but it is soooo shimmery and pretty.

I am hoping you can see the shimmer better in this picture.
Stamps: Dasher, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Cherry Cobbler, Champagne Shimmer Paint
Papers: Jolly Holiday DSP, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Misc: Champagne Shimmer Paint, Scallop Trim Border Punch, 5/8" Old Olive Satin Ribbon, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Dimensionals

I hope you all are having a great weekend, I am keeping this short so I can go outside and enjoy the wonderfully warm weather before it is gone.

I think my card worked...

2010-09-22T16:29:00.004-06:00

The last week or so it has been cold and dreary here, but today is nice warm weather again, so maybe my bright colored cards are working. This is another we did at our stamp club the other night.

Stamps: Fast & Fabulous
Inks: Rose Red, Early Espresso
Paper: Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight
Misc: 1/4" Daffodil Delight Grosgrain Ribbon, Brights Buttons, Scallop Edge Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Dimensionals

This has to be a short post as I am on my way out the door to work. Hope you all have a great night.

primary colors....

2010-09-22T01:25:00.004-06:00

I am on a huge primary color kick! I have actually had to make a concerted effort to stop using these colors, esp when I was designing the Christmas cards for my recent round of Christmas Stamp-A-Stacks. This is a card we did in out monthly stamp club, along with 2 other really cool cards, one full of candy! I will be posting those on my stamp club blog soon with all the measurements, and instructions, so those of you who missed class can still make these at home. I hope you love the bright colors as much as I do, they have been the only bright things I have seen most days since it is dreary weather here.

Stamps: Apple Blossom
Inks: Real Red, Daffodil delight, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Pacific Point
Papers: Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White
Misc: Linen Thread, Brights Buttons, Square Lattice Embossing Folder

Happy Birthday

2010-09-19T22:11:00.003-06:00

This is a card I received a while back in a swap, and I LOVE IT!! I love this set, it makes such great cards. I just had to case it when one of my nieces turned 14. I hope you like it.
Stamps: Extreme Guitar, Extreme Elements
Inks: Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive
Papers: Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White
Misc: Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

This is a short post since I am dead tired. I was traveling this weekend and only got home a little while ago.

Disney in MDS

2010-09-15T19:34:00.006-06:00

I made this page for a contest for demonstrators by Stampin' Up! 5 winners will receive a stamp set of their choice, so I really hope I get picked. The theme was Disney, something that was a favorite ride or character, and while this isn't a ride or character, the fireworks they do every night is probably my favorite part. It definitely was for this trip as it was our honeymoon, and there really isn't anything better than fireworks to celebrate a marriage. In the word DISNEY I put pictures of our favorite attractions and places like Epcot, a Star Wars at-at and other memorabilia, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the Castle, and Nemo and friends. I had a ton of fun creating this, and this will be the very first page in my honeymoon album.

Stamps: Greatest Moments, Canada Day, Snow Burst
Inks: none
Paper: Basic Black
Misc: My Digital Studio, Brads

First Day Pencil

2010-09-12T00:28:00.007-06:00

I saw this pencil box done by Ilina C on SCS and knew I just had to case it, so I bought the template from her and changed it a bit. Hers was not nearly tall enough for the pencils I bought, so I made it taller and I also made it narrower. I also added the cork side panels that are only half height. I filled it up and it held 72 pencils with room for a few more. I also included a bag with some push pins for the cork. I also used different colors.

Stamps: First Day
Inks: Real Red, Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Pumpkin Pie, Green Galore (retired) Versa Mark
Papers: Real Red, Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Basic Gray
Misc: Embossing Powder, Aqua Pen, Embossing Buddy, Cork Sheets

First Day of School

2010-09-11T22:00:00.005-06:00

I love this set, I think that bookworm is just about the cutest thing I have seen yet! I cased the idea for this card from Kim L on SCS, and I changed it a bit. I made this to give to my sons teacher the first day of school. I also made a pencil shaped pencil holder for her desk, and I will post that later tonight. All of the black on this card is embossed, to give it a little bit of shine.

Stamps: First Day
Inks: Pacific Point, Wild Wasabi, Green Galore (retired), Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Versa Mark
Papers: Whisper White, Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, Wild Wasabi
Misc: Aqua pen, Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy, Stampin' Dimensionals

Holiday Mini Swap

2010-09-09T17:33:00.006-06:00

I signed up to be a part of a holiday mini card swap, and this was what I sent in. I used the Jolly Jingles Jumbo Wheel, and this is what I came up with. I used the Poppin' Pastels Technique for the background, as well as the Color Spritzer tool. The new pearls are also showcased on here, I love them!! They are so pretty and add the perfect touch to any card or project. I distressed the edges of the Wild Wasabi with the distressing tool from the cutter kit and sponged the edges of the card with Early Espresso Ink.

Stamps: Jolly Jingles Wheel, Tags Til Christmas, Delightful Decorations,
Inks: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Versa Mark, Stampin' Pastels
Paper: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi, Very Vanilla
Misc: Ornament Punch, Scallop Trim Punch, Cutter Kit (Distressing Tool), Color Spritzer Tool, Sponges, Basic Pearls, Stampin' Dimensionals

Girls Night Out Stamp Club

2010-09-08T15:48:00.001-06:00

Do you need a few hours to express your creative self? Love to make handmade gifts, but don't seem to find the time, a quiet spot or enough space at home? Enjoy time out with friends, and good conversation? Enjoy Stampin' Up! products, workshops and parties, but can't have a workshop right now? Want to build your craft supply collection, but only have so much to spend?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, my monthly Stamp Club may be for you!

Here is what you get:

* A 2010-2011 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalogue ($11.95 value)
* At least $20 in FREE product and a hostess stamp set during your hostess month.
* FREE make and takes each month; including cards, scrapbooking and fun gift ideas. I will provide the space, do the prep work and clean up the mess!
* Learn a new technique each month, which can be applied to your card and/or scrapbooking skills. Even if you don't think you are artistic, I can help you make great projects!

Here's what you agree to:

* Commit to buying a minimum of $25 (before S/H and tax, based on 8+ members) a month for the duration of the club.
* If you can't make it to the club night, submit your order to me before the club date.
* Bring your own adhesive and scissors (these will be available for purchase at the first club if needed).
* During your hostess month, provide simple goodies and beverages to snack on while we create and chat. A perfect chance to share your favorite recipe!

Please feel free to pass this information on to family, friends or co-workers. The more members, the more benefits YOU get during your hostess month!

You can sign up by leaving a comment or emailing me. If you know my number, you can call too! If you have any questions, please let me know.

Going to the chapel....

2010-09-06T20:31:00.007-06:00

I saw this idea on Lynn Pratt's blog and knew that it would be a perfect idea for my cousins first anniversary. She and her hubby got married at a little church that looked a lot like this one. It opens up and you can put anything inside, but I chose to put a few pictures from her wedding day inside. I took most of them myself, but I grabbed a few from her facebook page. I waited to show it on here until I knew that she had received it. I added a few things to it and instead of the 1 or two pages inside I put 4 pages, 2 on each side. I also added a picture of the 2 of them kissing outside the chapel behind the 2 doors. I made them open up and added door knobs as well. The wedding bells above the door are a smaller version of what I made for her wedding sign that was on the podium that the MC used. I love when you can take a project like this and make it totally yours, or in this case a cousins.

Stamps: none
Inks: Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa
Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa
Misc: Sticky Strip, Brads, Bone Folder, Silver Adhesive Paper (non Stampin' Up!)

This is the two of them together...

happy happy happy

2010-09-05T22:36:00.005-06:00

My cousin got married a year ago, almost to the day and I made her a cute little card and a little photo gift (which I will show you later). I love using people's wedding colors to go their anniversary cards. Hers were red and black. I also cased this card from Kathleen H on SCS, and changed all the colors and a little of the layout. I used the direct to paper technique to make the background black and silver. I took brushed silver cardstock and embossed it then flipped it over and took the Basic Black ink pad and wiped it across the surface of the card. I also used Stampin' Ups! new Rhinestones for the middle of a few of the dots as well as the butterfly.

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Basic Black, Versa Mark
Papers: Real Red, Basic Black, Brushed Silver, Whisper White
Misc: Black Embossing Powder, Filigree Embossing Folder, Basic Jewels Rhinestones, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, Scallop Trim Border Punch

I will show you the mini photo album tomorrow.

Storing Your Re-inkers

2010-08-31T20:50:00.003-06:00

I know we are all looking for tips and tricks when it comes to storage ans organization, so I thought I would share how I store my re-inkers. My biggest problem when it comes to storing things is heat and sunlight. I am in a large bay window, which is great for natural light, but bad for storing. My wonderful hubby has re-done my desk for me to make it full of great storage, and lots and lots of drawers and shelves that slide. I put my re-inkers in one of these drawers, but I hated that I could only see the white tops, and not know what color was what. So I came up with a way to fix that.

If you have great storage for something please share it with us, and if you are looking for great storage ideas let me know and if I have a good idea I will share it here too.

Poppin' Pastels

2010-08-31T15:17:00.006-06:00

I love the aged antique look you can give to cards by using the poppin' pastels technique. Very Vanilla is a great color, but you can add a lot of depth to it, simply by dirtying it up a bit with ink or chalks. I chose to use chalks for this look, and I love that the image from the jumbo wheel very vintage is just barely visible on the background vanilla cardstock. Looking at this card now, I should have put a light dusting of the chalk onto the blue flower, it looks a little too bright. I made the blue flower from the 5 petal flower punch by layering 5 of them on top of each other after I had scrunched them up.

Stamps: Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel, Perfect Punches
Inks: Early Espresso, Marina Mist
Paper: Marina Mist, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, DSP,
Misc: Jumbo Brads, Scallop Trim Punch, distressing tool (from the cutter kit), Curly Label Punch, 5 Petal Flower Punch, Stampin' Pastels, Sponges, Cotton Balls

I will *hopefully* have a great organizing tip video for you later tonight, if it edits nicely for me.

Tripod setup for filming tutorials

2010-08-30T01:31:00.003-06:00

I have been asked several times how I set up my tripod, and last night on a message board I frequent a couple people were looking for a video on how to set tripods up for making tutorials. I said if they couldn't find one I would make one, so here we are.

This is a quick look at how I do it. I need to apologize for the shaky camera, I filmed this at about 3 am, and was quite tired when I did it. Also the lighting in the room is terrible, but I hope you can see well enough. My stamping room has the worst lighting.

The video camera I use is a Canon DC10, and my tripod is a Manfrotto 141RC, both are fairly old, but work great for me. I am also working on a couple of quick tip tutorials for you. Ihave filmed them, but have not had time to edit them yet.... soon I hope.

who doesn't love babies???

2010-08-29T03:05:00.004-06:00

I love babies, all babies. They are so cute and little, and smell so good. My cousin is having her first and I made this card a while back when I found out. I wanted to make sure she received it before I posted it, and then I forgot to go back an post it. I am so excited for her and her hubby. I chose to stick to gender neutral colors since they don't know what they are having yet. Sadly for you all, everything on this card is retired since I made it that long ago. I also used MDS to create the greeting on the card, since I do not own Nursery Necessities, and I enlarged it to cover the bottom of the card front. I really love MDS, it makes my life so much easier!!! I colored the flowers using a re-inker and an aqua pen.

Stamps: Nursery Necessities (MDS)
Paper: Sweet Pea DSP, Lavender Lace, Whisper White
Inks: Certainly Celery, Almost Amethyst
Misc: So Cool Rub Ons, Pretties Kit (flowers and pearls), Aqua Pen, So Saffron 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Horizontal Slot Punch

WOOHOO!!!! Another Tutorial!

2010-08-24T02:02:00.007-06:00

I FINALLY!!! got this last tutorial edited and uploaded! I swear it took me 4 days to actually edit this 5 petal flower tutorial. I use Windows Movie Maker and normally I only have slight problems with the audio and video syncing up, but this time OMGoodness.... it was horrible. I had issue after issue and nothing wanted to work properly. I even tried Adobe Premiere, but it was a little beyond my skills. I have never been so frustrated before... I was seriously thinking about going back and re-doing the whole video, just so I had a new file to work with.

Several of you had asked how I made the 5 petal flower on the card a few days ago, so I made this for you. It is really easy to do, but a little time consuming.

Stamps: none
Inks: Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive
Paper: Cottage Wall DSP (retired), Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive
Misc: 5 Petal Flower Punch, Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Silver Brads, 3/8" Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Brights Designer Buttons, Hemp Twine, Sponges, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, SNAIL

Even after all the difficulty I had with this one, I am planning a few more in the coming days, and I sure hope they are easier to do.

beautiful butterflies

2010-08-22T15:43:00.004-06:00

I think you all know by now that I love butterflies, and I love adding them to almost all of my projects. Stampin' Up! made that even easier for me to do when they made the Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die for the Big Shot. I love this die, it embosses and cuts out 6 butterflies in a matter of seconds. This was a card we did in my last class distressing, and while the card looks pretty without the butterflies, it looks great with them added on. I don't actually have my card to show you today, I ended up giving it to my mom to use, so I borrowed one she still had left over from class to take pictures of. Sadly I had a migraine that day and didn't realize how washed out the butterflies were until just now.

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Perfect Plum
Paper: Going Gray (retired), Whisper White, Perfect Plum DSP
Misc: Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Movers and Shapers Die, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, Manhattan Flower Folder, Sanding Block, Stampin Dimensionals

I am in the process of editing a video for you all, but unfortunately my regular editing program is not working right. It keeps adding video effects and skipping actual video and muting things. I am now trying to find another editing program to use, and I hope to have this sorted out by the end of the day tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Brayer Tutorial

2010-08-19T00:36:00.004-06:00

I have had a lot of requests to do a video showing how to do the gradation technique and I finally got some free time that was also quiet. I really do love using my brayer and I hope this little tutorial will show you all how easy it is to use. I will make another soon that show the whole making of a card with a brayer, but I wanted to give you all the tips and basic know-how so you could start playing with yours.

Stamps: none
Inks: Marina Mist
Paper: Whisper White
Misc: Brayer, Medium Window Sheet

If you have any questions, please leave me a comment or email me and I will do my best to help you out.

Holiday Mini Sneak Peak

2010-08-18T19:04:00.008-06:00

It's never too early to start your Christmas cards! I had a class this past weekend and we were doing distressing techniques, but I also wanted to show some of the lovely goodies from the upcoming holiday mini. This uses a brand new ornament stamp from the set Tags til Christmas and the jumbo wheel Jolly Jingles. I am loving these new jewels, and the pearls are just the perfect finishing touch on this card.

Stamps: Tags til Christmas, Jolly Jingles jumbo wheel, Delightful Decorations
Inks: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler
Papers: Very Vanilla, Wild Wasabi, Jolly Holiday DSP (brand new!)
Misc: Basic Pearls, Sponges, Cutter Kit (distressing tool), Ornament Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Wheel Guide

I love wheels, but I especially love them when they are lined up like this and can be cut apart if you want to. This one in particular can be taken off the wheel and cut into about 12 different stamps!! That is great value, 12 stamps for 10.50!! When I come across wheels like this I have a tendency to order 2 of them, one to cut apart and one to leave on the wheel.

Parisian birthday

2010-08-18T01:43:00.007-06:00

I know when I was 18 the idea of going to Paris was like a dream come true, so I tried to use that as the theme for this 18th birthday card for another niece. The paper used is Parisian Breeze DSP that is retired, but perfect for this card. I also don't normally sew on my cards, but I thought it kind of needed that extra touch. I chalked the edges of the 5 petal flowers with white craft ink, and layered a baja breeze button on the chocolate chip one.

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Whisper White Craft, Baja Breeze
Papers: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Parisian Breeze DSP (retired)
Misc: Corduroy Buttons (retired), Organza Ribbon, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Sponges, Sewing, 5 petal punch, Scallop Circle #2 Bigz Die

I had a lot of fun teaching classes this past weekend and I will start showing you those cards tomorrow. We have had lots of busy days here, and hopefully I can start planning some more classes and club meetings. I have several planned for September, but am needing to get the dates set for October and November. If you are interested in coming to some classes or joining one of my clubs let me know, they are filling up fast.

mmmm cake......

2010-08-16T11:15:00.008-06:00

I love cake but I really love making cakes, usually real cakes, but this card was sooo much fun to do. I have a couple nieces birthdays coming up so I was making birthday cards last week for them. I try really hard to make fun and special ones for the family that we don't see very often. I cased this one from Marie on SCS. I didn't have the stamps she used, but MDS does so I printed them out on whisper white cardstock and used dimensionals to add them to the card. I love MDS and love all the options it open up for me in my scrapbooking and card making.

Stamps: Party Hearty
Inks: Rose Red, Old Olive, Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie
Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Pacific Point, Whisper White, SAB DSP, Tempting Turquoise
Misc: Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Tag Punch, Large Tag Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Corner Rounder Punch, MDS, 1/4" Daffodil Delight Grosgrain Ribbon

it's the last one for a while....

2010-08-12T02:42:00.003-06:00

... I swear!! If you are sick of brayer cards, this is the last one for a while. I have a few other cards to show you soon, but I wanted to make sure they would have arrived before I posted them on here. This is the last from my last brayer basics class. It is just a very simple card, but I love it for masculine birthday cards.

Stamps: Inspired by Nature
Inks: So Saffron, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Basic Gray
Paper: Soft Suede, Whisper White, DSP (retired)
Misc: Horizontal Slot Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Brayer, Sponge Daubers

I am off to bed, I have to get up early to finish getting paper cut and ready for my classes this weekend. Then I have another meeting with the healthy homes people to do another home visit. I love this program, it really helps you to learn all the things you in your own home can do to help the environment and save money. The visit tomorrow is all about food and sustainable choices. I have learned a lot so far, and I really love all the new cleaning products that are 'green' and are also better cleaners.

If you are in the Calgary Area, I have one spot left for Monday night's class, it is from 6-9pm at my place, email me if you are interested.

I love my Brayer

2010-08-08T15:47:00.005-06:00

I know I have been showing you all a lot of different brayer cards lately, but I really do love using my brayer. Whenever I need to make a quick card I grab my brayer. This is very similar to one we did for my brayer basics class. I had to make a card very last minute (I almost forgot a birthday and needed to mail it asap) so I grabbed my brayer and whipped this card up. It took me literally less than 8 minutes to make the whole card and get it signed and in the mail. This uses the gradation and masking techniques.

Stamps: Nature Silhouettes, Occasional Quotes (level 3 hostess set), Sanded
Inks: Not quite Navy, Basic Black
Paper: Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, Basic Black, Night of Navy
Misc: 1" Circle Punch, Signo White Gel Pen

Remember the 80's??

2010-08-05T13:42:00.009-06:00

I normally choose not to remember the 80's, but that is what this background technique reminds me of. I cased this from linda on SCS, but changed a little bit and added some extra details like the punched out stars. I also misted the DSP with some water and crumpled it a couple times, I wanted the paper to look quite distressed, and ripped. I then sponged the edges with basic gray ink. This is another card from my most recent Brayer Basics class. It is a lot of fun to make.

Stamps: Extreme Guitar, Starring You (retired)
Inks: Basic Gray, Sage Shadow (retired)
Paper: Basic Gray, Whisper White, Sage Shadow (retired) and Nouveau Chic DSP (retired)
Misc: Star Designer Brads (retired), Brayer, Star Punch (retired), Sponge Daubers, Stampin' Dimensionals,

Simple Butterfly

2010-08-03T23:30:00.001-06:00

I LOVE my Brayer!! I really do, it is so easy to make quick and easy cards. This one is probably the fastest yet. It takes less than 5 minutes to do the whole card, and yet it looks like it took longer. This is another card from my Brayer Basics class, the first and easiest. If you are in the Calgary area and want to take this class, email me and I'll add you to my class mailing list.

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Almost Amethyst (retired)
Papers: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Sage Shadow (retired)
Misc: Organza Ribbon, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, Elegant Bouquet Impressions Folder, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch

Another scrapbook layout

2010-07-30T01:19:00.006-06:00

I am finally getting back into the groove of scrapbooking, and I got another LO done.... or at least mostly done! I am still trying to figure out what else this needs.... Every time I look at it, I think it needs something, but I have no clue what to add.

If any of you want to pass along a suggestion, please feel free to leave me a comment, I'd love some help figuring out what would finish off these 2 pages.

Stamps: none
Inks: Early Espresso
Paper: Bashful Blue DSP, Early Espresso, Almost Amethyst (retired), Sahara Sand DSP (retired SAB)
Misc: Colored Buttons (retired) Full Heart Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Linen Thread, Ric Rak (made using Design Studio and the Cricut), Sponge Daubers

I am off to bed, I have to get up early tomorrow to help hubby pack for a boys weekend away. Sadly I will still have the kid, or I could have had the whole weekend to scrap, that would be a dream come true.