LW Designs

Mixed Bunch Butterfly

2012-02-06T09:35:00.000-05:00

I finally got my hands on the new set Mixed Bunch along with the coordinating Blossom Punch. I must say, this set is even more fun to play with than I thought it would be. In one stampin' session I created several fun things including this card.

I just loved the idea shown in the Occasions Mini where they created a butterfly using this set, so I had to try one of my own. I stamped the flower image onto Glossy White card stock in Versa Mark ink and embossed with Iridescent Ice EP. I punched out the image and then sponged on Melon Mambo & Island Indigo ink. The result is sparkly and colorful. Here's a closer look.

After sponging on my ink I simply cut away two of the petals to get this butterfly shape, added some Basic Rhinestones for the body and attached it to a Pear Pizzazz butterfly die cut using the Beautiful Butterflies die.

Stamps: Mixed Bunch & Perfect Words (Hostess set)
Card stock: Pear Pizzazz, Melon Mambo, Island Indigo, Whisper White & Glossy White
Ink: Versa Mark, Melon Mambo & Island Indigo
Accessories: Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Iridescent Ice EP, Basic Rhinestones, Blossom Punch, Beautiful Butterflies die, Glimmer Brad (Brights) & Melon Mambo Scallop Dots Ribbon

In the coming days I'll be sharing more creations with this set...so come back and visit again!

Brayered Lovely Trees

2012-02-03T12:43:00.000-05:00

Still one of my very favorite sets after all these years...Lovely As a Tree. Even though it's one of my favorites, I hadn't used it in a while. I was inspired by this beautiful card I saw in the gallery at SCS to get it out and create this.

The background is brayered using Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze & Certainly Celery inks. I then used my Simply Scored tool to create some lines for added interest. The bottom of the Whisper White panel was cut using the new Edgelits Dies and then embossed with the coordinated embossing folder. Ribbon is Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding.

Have a lovely weekend!

Inlaid Up & Away

2012-01-30T12:15:00.000-05:00

Today I have a couple of cards using the Up, Up & Away set...both use the inlaid embossing technique for the background, but they each have a sightly different color combo and the birthday greeting is different. Here they are...

I created my background using the Tasteful Trim Die for the hills and the Create a Cupcake Punch for the clouds. I stamped the birds and the baskets for the balloons and then I ran it through my Big Shot using the Square Lattice Embossing Folder. I originally planned to use a banner die cut from the Petal Cone Die for my birthday greeting along the bottom, but it just didn't look as I envisioned. So I went with the Modern Label punch instead. The base of this card is Pear Pizzazz.

I decided to give this same design another shot using a Poppy Parade base and this time I made the hilly area at bottom a little larger with less sky area...this slight adjustment was just what I needed to make the birthday greeting on the the die cut pennant work. What do you think?

For the second version I also sponged some Lucky Limeade ink on the top of the Pear Pizzazz hill and some Island Indigo ink on the edges of the clouds. The sky on both cards is a layer of Pool Party.

Which version do you prefer? Thanks for visiting today!

Let the Sale-a-Bration Begin!

2012-01-24T07:06:00.003-05:00

Today is the day! It's finally time to SALE-A-BRATE!!! My card to share today uses my favorite two items from this years selection of items you can earn for FREE with a $50 order...the Fresh Vintage stamp set and the Everyday Enchantment DSP.

Stamps: Fresh Vintage & Happiest Birthday Wishes
Card stock: Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Calypso Coral, Very Vanilla & Everyday Enchantment DSP
Ink: Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Calypso Coral & Crumb Cake (for sponging on edges)
Accessories: Scalloped Edgelit Die, Pool Party Seam Binding Ribbon & Basic Rhinestones

I'm offering a FREE class using the new Sale-a-Bration set Fresh Vintage along with the coordinating Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Papers.

You will make a beautiful set of 3 cards, including the one above, plus 2 other designs. Here's how you can take part in this class:

If you are local: Place your Sale-a-Bration order* with me by January 29th and your order will be ready for pick up at class: Thursday, February 9th from 1 to 3 OR 6:30 to 8:30
Just choose the time slot that works best for you and come to stamp! (Please bring your own adhesive)

If you are long distance: Place your online Sale-a-Bration order* from my demo website between Jan. 24th - 31st and I will send you a card kit to complete the cards using your stamps, ink & adhesive from home. Be sure to contact me with both your shipping and email addresses. (instructions will be sent via email)

*$50 in SU! merchandise of your choice + shipping & tax

Elegant Apothecary Set

2012-01-23T11:50:00.000-05:00

We celebrated my Mom's birthday over the weekend so I made her a special card along with a cute set of matchbox drawers to hold the gift of jewelry we gave her.

I cannot say enough about the gorgeous new set Apothecary Art...coupled with the coordinating Framelits, it sure makes for some beautiful projects. As you can see, I've been getting lots of use out of them! Here's a closer look at the card.

I chose the colors Elegant Eggplant & So Saffron because my Mom loves those colors. I also added Wisteria Wonder for a nice contrast to the darker purple of the Eggplant. I used the same colors of Classic Inks to watercolor the image, which I first stamped in Basic Gray onto Very Vanilla card stock. The background is embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder. Here's a closer look at the matchbox...

I of course cut this using my Big Shot and the Matchbox Die...so much easier than the way I used to make them...cutting and scoring from scratch! I cut them and then used the Love Blossoms wheel (a carry over item from the Holiday Mini) to stamp the box. As you can see, the jewelry fit perfectly inside the drawers. The "For You" label on the top of the box is the smallest of the Label Framelits.

My Mom just loved the set and I hope you do as well! One more day until Sale-a-Bration!!!

Triple Treat Poppy

2012-01-20T09:57:00.000-05:00

I think this may be the first time I've used the color Poppy Parade for more than just a small accent. I guess I'm just not drawn to this color like so many others...but I must say, I rather like it with Pool Party. That's one of the things I love about SU! Designer Series Papers...many times it gets me to try new color combos I wouldn't have even considered! That is certainly the case with the new Everyday Enchantment DSP. These beautiful papers can be yours for FREE during Sale-a-Bration!

The Triple Treat Flower stamp is also available as a FREE selection during SAB. This stamp is fun because it works with three of the SU! punches...Fancy Flower, 5-Petal Flower (both used here) and 1/2" Circle punches.

I also used the Hostess Set...Happiest Birthday Wishes and another SAB set...Fresh Vintage, which coordinates with the Everyday Enchantment papers. And...since I couldn't possibly make a card these days without using one of the new Big Shot items...I also used the scalloped Edgelit Die with the matching Embossing Folder...in case I haven't said it enough...I LOVE THESE!!!

Have a wonderful weekend...we're in for a ccccold one here! I'm thinking I may hibernate down in my stamp cave...so check back next week for some new designs!

Elegant Tree

2012-01-18T12:21:00.001-05:00

Unfortunately I had to make some sympathy cards this past week. Those are always difficult. I hope they brought some comfort to the recipients. Here is one of the cards I made using the Thoughts & Prayers set along with (retired) Elegant Soiree DSP.

As you can see I used a few new Big Shot Dies here...the Labels Framelits and the Adorning Accents Edgelits with the matching embossing folder. I also did some paper piercing and punched a small hole in each scallop for extra detail. Here's a closer look...

Thanks for stopping by!

First Fresh Vintage

2012-01-10T11:28:00.000-05:00

It won't be long now, the BEST time of the Stampin' Up! year will soon be here...YES! Sale-A-Bration time! Here is a card using a couple of the exclusive SAB items that will be available starting January 24th.

The Fresh Vintage stamp set was used to create the main image and the Lucky Limeade stamped base. As you can see, I've been having lots of fun using the new Labels Framelits & the Edgelits with their coordinating embossing folders...I think I've used them on EVERY new card I've made recently! Hope you don't get sick of seeing them! I really love the pretty, distressed patterns in the Everyday Enchantment DSP, it coordinates so nicely with the Fresh Vintage set. Both of these items are FREE with a $50 order during SAB.

Other accessories I've used here are: Pool Party Seam Binding Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Designer Printed Brad, Mat Pack & Paper Piercer Tool.

Thanks for stopping by!

A Few of My Favorite Things

2012-01-06T17:14:00.002-05:00

Today I have a card to share using a few of my favorites: my favorite new stamp set... Apothecary Art. Favorite new Big Shot item... the Labels Collection Framelits; and finally, one of my favorite color combos...Elegant Eggplant & Wisteria Wonder.

I think the Elegant Lines Embossing Folder really compliments this floral image nicely. The phrases from the Three Little Words set fit perfectly inside the frame. Here's a closer look at the water colored image.

This new stamp set and coordinating Framelits are now available to order from the Occasions Mini Catalog.

Have a great weekend!

You Are Loved Duo

2012-01-03T00:06:00.006-05:00

Today is the last chance to order products from the Holiday Mini. If there is anything you've had your eye on, this could be your last chance to purchase it, as many of the products won't be available again. I'm sure glad I added the pretty set You Are Loved to my collection. I've found it to be a very versatile set, and it pairs up nicely with the Designer Frames Embossing Folders.

I used the rose image to stamp my background and my focal image. I cut along the edge of the embossed frame with my hobby blade so that I could add the lace behind it.

Here's a closer look at the other card as well...

During the same stamping session I also created a third card which I shared on this previous post. Have a wonderful day!

New Year...New Stuff!

2012-01-01T15:41:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year to you! May you be blessed in the coming year with much happiness, good health...and new stampin' goodies too! Here is a card I made with some of my new stampin' goodies.

I absolutely LOVE working with the new Framelits, Edgelits and the accompanying embossing folders, Adorning Accents...as you can see by my card! The Everyday Enchantment paper, a freebie during Sale-a-Bration 2012, totally rocks too! I chose my colors of Pool Party, Calypso Coral* & Lucky Limeade based on the colors of the paper.

* I originally stated here that the color used was Peach Parfait, which was incorrect...sorry about that! Guess I need to use those colors more so that I know the difference. ;-)

The Apothecary Art set that coordinates with the Labels Framelits, is so pretty and nice to watercolor. Since the paper is kind of distressed and toned down color wise in some spots, I think the Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding works fine since I didn't have any Lucky Limeade ribbon.

These products will all be available for you to order soon...starting January 4th the Occasions Mini begins and towards the end of the month, January24th, Sale-a-Bration starts...WOO HOO! my favorite time of the stampin' year!

Edited to add: After I made this post I realized that today is my Blogiversary! It's hard to believe that I have now been blogging for 5 years! Here's a link to my very first post. It's been a lot more fun than I expected and not only have I made some new friends through my blog, it's been a useful tool to myself to keep track of things I have created and for who & when I have created them. To those who read my blog regularly...thanks so much! For those who may have just stumbled upon my blog....hope you'll be back!

Sweet Pressed Cookie Box & Card

2011-12-30T10:04:00.002-05:00

Today is the day I can finally share the project I created for Craft Project Central! I used one of my favorite sets from the Holiday Mini Catalog...You Are Loved. Your Valentine will know they are loved when you give them this pretty window box filled with cookies along with the matching card!

This project is versatile enough to use for any holiday or occasion – just change the colors and stamps that you use! To get the instructions for my project (along with a recipe for my mom’s yummy shortbread cookies), just subscribe to December!

Have you tried the Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps yet? They really are a fun way to beautify your baking! I had so many nice comments on the Christmas cookies I baked using them...even my Dad noticed and said he like them.

Martha may not live at my house(and that's a GOOD thing!;-) but it looks like she does when I use the Sweet Pressed Cookie stamps! Have a sweet day!

Lots of GREAT Projects

2011-12-28T09:48:00.002-05:00

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! Ours was very nice, but it went by way too quickly as usual! Stevie enjoyed the Christmas tree (climbing it and getting down ornaments to play with!), all the ribbons tied to packages and the wadded up wrapping paper. Here is a cute photo of him with his stocking on Christmas morning.

Have you signed up on Craft Project Central yet for the month of December? What are you waiting for? Look what you are missing...

This gorgeous Birthday Calendar Desk Set can be used for many years to come! When you open it up you will find a perpetual calendar where you can write in Birthdays and other important dates to remember. Also inside are six birthday cards (three feminine and three masculine) with envelopes! This project is a great gift idea and a fun class or club project! This fun and functional project comes to you designed by Glenda.

Above is the December bonus project and it’s a pretty one! If you live in an area that is getting some storms this week, hopefully this project will give you a little sunshine! Project includes a box with a unique folding top and three bright and happy cards! This cheerful project comes to you designed by Sharon.

Are you in need of a quick and easy gift for your crafty friends, downline, neighbors, co-workers, teachers, etc.? Here is a great project that shows you how to take an inexpensive index card box and turn it into a gift of note cards and envelopes. Includes a selection of sentiments that can be adhered to the note cards later as needed. This quick and easy project comes to you designed by Regina.

Before you know it, it will be 2012 and you’ll be thinking of cute things to make your Valentines! Your Valentine will feel extra special when you dress up fancy candy in these cute mini circle boxes and pair them with the coordinating card. The boxes are so quick and easy to make and every piece of candy is its own little gift! The Ferrero Rocher candy is a great choice for Valentine’s Day, but if you want something for your younger Valentines, try stacking mini peanut butter cups in the boxes! This project is also a great club or class project. This sweet project comes to you designed by Julie.

To get the full, step by step tutorials for these projects & more, get on over to Craft Project Central and sign up for the month of December.

Beautiful Season Pair

2011-12-23T06:56:00.000-05:00

I like to make a few different card designs each year to send out for Christmas. I showed you one of them the other day, and this is the other card I sent this year.

I did some with the Cherry Cobbler embossed background (shown above) and some with an Artichoke embossed background (below) just to change things up a bit.

You cannot tell so much here, but I used Dazzling Details mixed with Cherry Cobbler re-inker to color the berries...it gave them a nice sparkle. In the new Occasions catalog they have Dazzling Details in Cherry Cobbler, so this would make it even easier because I wouldn't have to mix it! Here's a closer look to see the sparkling berries.

Have a beautiful day!

Vintage Ornament With Gift Box & Card

2011-12-22T08:54:00.000-05:00

This vintage inspired ornament is a perfect gift for a teacher, co-worker, or friend! Project includes instructions for the pretty vintage ornament, a keepsake box for it, and a matching card! This is a fun and easy project that you can do with your friends (while sipping on some eggnog or how about a peppermint martini!!) or do for a class project!

This beautiful project comes to you designed by Heidi. To get the instructions for Heidi’s project, just go on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to December!

Clearance Rack Blitz

2011-12-16T10:35:00.000-05:00

WOW! I cannot believe how many great items are on the Clearance Rack right now!

Go on over to my online store and check it out...you just might find yourself a Chistmas present or two...I know I did! ;-)

Sparkly Tree Trimmings

2011-12-15T09:31:00.000-05:00

It's such a busy time of year! Yesterday I got my Christmas cards in the mail, so that's one major thing I can cross off my list! I've got my Christmas shopping about done...except for a few odds & ends, the house is decorated and I've started my baking. But....I still have all my gifts to wrap! In the meantime, here is one of the Christmas cards I created to send this year.

As you can see, I used two different color combos...Baja Breeze & Not Quite Navy and Cherry Cobbler & Wild Wasabi. I even had some satin ribbon with a silver edge in my stash that is a pretty close match to Baja Breeze. The Glimmer Paper and the rhinestones make these cards really sparkle!

See how the rhinestones shine when the light hits them...

Which color combo do you like best? I think I'm partial to the blue & silver myself. Here's what I used:

Stamps: Tree Trimmings, Delightful Decorations & Season of Joy
Card stock: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Silver & Red Glimmer Paper
Ink: Not Quite Navy & Wild Wasabi
Accessories: Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, 1" Circle, 3/4" Circle & Ornament Punches, Basic Rhinestones, Mat Pack, Paper Piercer Tool, Stampin' Dimensionals, Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Ribbon (retired)

Thanks for visiting me today!

Snowman Gift Box Tower

2011-12-14T06:36:00.009-05:00

This adorable snowman gift box tower is the perfect way to shower someone special with gifts! Finished as shown this box is over 16 inches tall! Make just one hexagon box, a stack of three, or make it into a tall stack of four boxes and decorate it like a snowman!

This cute snowman gift box project comes to you designed by Amanda. To get the instructions for Amanda’s project, visit Craft Project Central and subscribe to December.

Gingerbread Treat Box & Card

2011-12-13T09:29:00.000-05:00

Give someone special something sweet! This gingerbread style treat box holds up to 10 Ghirardelli chocolate squares perfectly, or other treats and trinkets. This project is so quick and easy to make that you’ll want to make it for everyone! Great idea for teacher gifts, secret Santa, stocking stuffers, stamp camps and workshops!

This sweet project comes to you designed by Kim. You can get the instructions for this adorable set plus lots more fabulous projects when you go to Craft Project Central and subscribe to December.

Mr. Snowman Treat Box & Card

2011-12-08T06:11:00.001-05:00

Isn't this snowman treat box just adorable!? This is the newest project posted at Craft Project Central.

Just subscribe to the month of December and you'll get the complete instructions to make this darling snowman box and matching card created by Julie, plus all the other great projects shown for the month!

Birthday Pears

2011-12-07T06:26:00.031-05:00

Here's a masculine style birthday card created using the Always Thankful set from the Holiday Mini along with Well Worn DSP.

Stamps: Always Thankful & Happiest Birthday Wishes (Hostess set)
Card stock: Not Quite Navy, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla & Well Worn DSP
Ink: Black Stazon, Not Quite Navy & various other Classic Inks for watercoloring
Accessories: Perfect Details Texturz Plate, Top Note Die, Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Aqua Painter & Regals Brads

Thanks for visiting today!

CPC Christmas Projects

2011-12-06T08:07:00.001-05:00

I'm delighted to say that once again this month I am a guest designer on Craft Project Central! My project won't be shown until later this month, (so make sure to check back!) until then I can show you the first two festive projects that are available for the month of December.

Our first project for December is a a pretty little quick-and-easy ornament that you can hang on your tree or use as a pretty 3D gift tag. The matching mini gift bag and greeting card will make this a fabulous gift set for anyone! This project is also a fun class or club project!! This festive project comes to you designed by Monika.

This packet of hand made cards makes a perfect hostess gift during the holidays. They are so easy to make, you could make several sets to give to co-workers, friends, and even as teacher gifts! This pretty card set comes to you designed by Laurie.

To get the instructions for Monika & Lauries's fabulous projects, just subscribe to December!

Embossed Heart For the Newlyweds

2011-11-28T11:15:00.000-05:00

My niece got married over the weekend. I made this card for her and her new hubby using the You Are Loved set from the Holiday Mini.

The heart is embossed on Whisper White in Silver EP and then I cut it out. Makes me wonder if the new Heart Framelits that will soon be available in the upcoming Occasions Mini will work with this set? I cannot wait to get the framelits! Here's a closer look at the embossed heart.

The Very Vanilla layers are dry embossed using the Perfect Details Texturz Plate and the Big Shot. To create the scalloped square I used both the Scallop Trim Border & Scallop Trim Corner punches. I started with a piece of Whisper White cut into a 3-13/16" square, punched the corners first and with that measurement, it lines up perfectly. (most of the time! ;-)

The "For the Newlyweds" is from Teeny Tiny Wishes. It's also embossed and punched with Word Window & layered onto a Modern Label punched out of Brushed Silver card stock. Some White Organza Ribbon and Basic Rhinestones added the finishing details.

A Wheelbarrow Full of Wishes

2011-11-24T06:46:00.002-05:00

My wish to you is that you can spend the day with those you love, enjoy a delicious dinner together and maybe even find some time to enjoy a little stamping!

Stamps: Always Thankful
Card stock: Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla & Well Worn DSP
Ink: Black Stazon, Not Quite Navy & various Classic Ink to watercolor
Accessories: Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon, Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Word Window Punch, Linen Thread, Top Note Die, Perfect Details Texturz Plate,

On this day of giving thanks, I am thankful for you stopping by to visit my blog...and especially thankful to those who leave me a comment. Happy Thanksgiving!

Triple Treat Spice Cake

2011-11-22T12:52:00.002-05:00

When I first saw the Holiday Mini catalog, I knew I'd love the Spice Cake DSP because it coordinated with the Triple Treat Flower stamp. Combining the two, makes it easy to create a quick, yet super cute card for any occasion.

Stamps: Triple Treat Flower & Tiny Tags
Card stock: Pool Party, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla & Spice Cake DSP
Ink: More Mustard, Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party & Early Espresso
Accessories: Pear Pizzazz Seam binding Ribbon, Linen Thread, Perfect Pennants Bigz Die (scalloped circle shape) Basic Rhinestones, Fancy Flower, Five Petal Flower, Jewelry Tag & Scallop Trim Border Punches

Again this year, Stampin' Up! is offering some great deals during the Online Extravaganza!

You won't want to miss out on these exciting deals...just in time for holiday shopping for that crafter on your list, or maybe a gift for yourself! Happy shopping!

Rose Tiles

2011-11-18T09:58:00.000-05:00

The You Are Loved set from the Holiday Mini is much more versatile than just for Valentine's Day. I love the beautiful floral designs and the sentiments included. I used the pretty rose image to create this faux tile focal point on this card.

The Simply Scored Scoring Tool makes it easy to score the 3" square into a 1" grid to do the faux tile. Then stamp and highlight the edge of each "tile" with some sponged on color. In this case I used Crumb Cake. The background is rolled on with the Love Blossoms wheel.

I recently got the Ovals Sizzix Die, so now using the oval Embossed Designer Frame is so much easier. No more cutting out the oval shape by hand! The medium sized oval is the perfect size for the outside and the smallest one fits inside the frame. (as does the Wide Oval Punch)

The butterfly was cut using the Beautiful Wings Embosslit and then I sponged it and spritzed with Vanilla Smooch for some shimmer. A few Basic Pearls and some Chocolate Scallop Dots Ribbon and you have the finished card.

Enjoy your weekend!

Spicey Cupcake

2011-11-16T09:57:00.000-05:00

Mmmm...I just made myself hungry with that title! I've been craving apple spice cake like my Grandma used to make. This card using the Spice Cake DSP and the Cupcake Builder Punch might not taste as good, but it's definitely fat free and looks way cuter than any cake I could make. (Unfortunately I did not inherit my Grandma's cake decorating skills.)

Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes (Hostess Set)
Card stock: Peach Parfait, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla & Spice Cake DSP
Ink: Peach Parfait, Soft Suede & Pool Party
Accessories: Top Note Die, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Cupcake Builder & Boho Blossoms Punches, Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz, Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon & Basic Pearls

Thanks for stopping by today!

Grateful

2011-11-11T11:30:00.000-05:00

There's always something for which to be thankful. ~Charles Dickens
Today, on Veteran's Day, I am thankful for all those who have served our beautiful country, and for those who still do.

Stamps: Always Thankful
Card stock: More Mustard, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla & Spice Cake DSP
Ink: Black Stazon, Early Espresso & various other Classic Ink for watercoloring
Accessories: Two Tags Bigz Die, 1 3/4" Circle punch, Aqua Painter & Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding Ribbon

Have a wonderful weekend!

Always Thankful

2011-11-10T09:12:00.000-05:00

I've had the Always Thankful set and the fun Spice Cake papers for quite some time now and I've been dying to find some time to play with them. A couple days ago I went down to my rubber room to stamp and it was such a chaotic mess that I had to spend my "stampin' time" cleaning & organizing...that was quite a bummer! However, it sure was nice yesterday to spend the day in my clean space coloring the beautiful images in this set.

Not only are the images great in the Always Thankful set, but I couldn't agree more with the quote included..."There's always something for which to be thankful". At the moment I am thankful for the nice, hot cup of coffee I'm sipping while writing this post and my warm, cuddly kitten purring on my lap. Life is good, but it's cold this morning!

Stamps: Always Thankful, Teeny Tiny Wishes & Fall Harvest Wheel
Card stock: More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla & Spice Cake DSP
Ink: Black Stazon, Early Espresso, More Mustard & various Classic Ink for watercoloring
Accessories: Aqua Painter, Word Window & Decorative Label punches, Antique Brad, Linen Thread & Chocolate Chip Scallop Dots Ribbon

Have a wonderful day!

BOO!

2011-10-31T14:43:00.001-04:00

Today I have a BOO! banner to share with you. I created this to hang from my antique buffet.

I used my favorite SU! Halloween papers...Cast A Spell which are available as a digital download through My Digital Studio. I still have some left in my stash and love that it has purple in the prints, and it goes well with my other Halloween decor. The pennant and the letters were cut using my Big Shot and the Perfect Pennants and Serif Essentials Dies.

Embellishing my pennant was the fun part and I used all kinds of goodies...including plastic spiders hanging from the end of each pennant using fishing line. Glimmer Brads and Black Flourish Rhinestones added some sparkle to my project. I had just enough black ribbon with spiderweb design left in my stash to string the pieces together. Here's another look at my buffet decorated for Halloween.

I've recieved several nice emails & comments regarding my sweet kitten Stevie and how some of you love to see photos of him. Today I did a fall photo shoot with him in honor of his 1st Halloween. So for my fellow cat lovers, here's one of my favorite shots.

Happy Halloween!

Pick Your Poison Prizes

2011-10-26T06:06:00.003-04:00

This past weekend we had our annual Halloween party. We had so much fun! I love decorating for the party and seeing all the creative costumes my friends and family come up with! No Halloween party is complete without a costume contest, and I like to make the prizes. This year I made tombstone candy boxes using the Pick Your Poison DSP.

I started with foam tombstones I picked up from the Dollar Store. I painted the category and the year with white acrylic paint. The boxes were made by cutting down cereal boxes and then I covered them with Pick Your Poison DSP. I stamped "Happy Halloween" from the House of Haunts set onto Pumpkin Pie and embossed with Black EP. Punched it out using the Extra Large Oval Punch and layered it onto an embossed oval Designer Frame Embossing Folder. A couple black brads and some Razzleberry ribbon finish it off. Then I just used some craft glue to adhere the box to the front of the tombstone and they were ready to fill with treats (and a few tricks too!)

Here's a quick and easy project I made to decorate my witch's cabinet. I used the Pick Your Poison Embellishments Digital Downloads. This way I can print them up any size I want, and they will fit a variety of bottles I've collected. Here's a peek into my witch's cabinet.

This year my hubby and I dressed as rockers Alice Cooper & Rob Zombie...here is a photo of us out in our haunted barn along with the pumpkins we carved.

From the Kitchen of

2011-10-25T21:10:00.001-04:00

Since my post last week sharing my Sweet Pressed Pumpkin Cookies, I've had several requests for my Mom's Shortbread Cookie recipe. So here it is...

I used the From the Kitchen Of set to make the recipe card and decided to make a cute little recipe holder out of a binder clip, some scraps of Well Worn DSP and the cupcake punch. While I was at it I thought one of the sweet pressed cookies in a cello bag decorated for Halloween would be fun too.

I used Cajun Craze for the topper, along with a strip of Well Worn DSP. The Dark & Dreary set has the spider and Halloween greeting which were stamped in Basic Black and punched out using Wide Oval & 1/4 circle punches. The spiders were glammed up with a Basic Rhinestone each and you have an adorable way to give a tasty treat. Here's a closer look at just the recipe card in case you want to try these cookies with your Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps.

I also added a approx 3 drops of red food coloring (the liquid kind, because that's what I had on hand) and around 8 drops of yellow to the butter & sugar mixture to make my pumpkins orange. I rolled my dough about 1/4 inches thick and chilled over night. I pressed them with the stamp, and then cut them out with a glass the same size as the stamp, rather than rolling into balls and pressing. I sprinkled orange sugar on them before popping into the oven. I had a real easy time with my cookies and they tasted good too. I hope you like them.

Have a sweet day!

And the winner is....

2011-10-24T20:25:00.000-04:00

On my last post I shared the French Foliage set that I created for Craft Project Central, and said I was going to do a drawing on Monday for a free subscription for the month of October. I decided to get my cute little "helper" Stevie to lend his paw on choosing a winner. He loves to raid the trash can for wadded up paper and then plays with it. So...I wrote down numbers to correspond with the replies I received, wadded them up and let Stevie pick one.

So, what number did he choose???

Looks like number three was the lucky number! The 3rd comment was left by Fran Gottsch, so Fran please contact me so I can set you up with your free subscription.

French Foliage Folio

2011-10-22T06:06:00.055-04:00

I'm excited to finally share my project that is featured this month on Craft Project Central! I used the French Foliage stamps along with Well Worn DSP to create this Autumn themed set. Wouldn't this make a nice thank you gift to give your hostess at Thanksgiving? That's what I plan to do with the set I made.

These nature inspired designs work well as masculine cards and can be used for many different occasions depending which greeting you decide to use. I have to give thanks to my friend Pat for the inspiration on this project. She sent me the cutest set filled with note cards a while back and it was her design that I changed up to hold these full sized cards. Up to 6 cards can be stored in the folio...depending on the thickness.

To get complete step by step instructions on how to make these cards along with the matching folio to put them in, just go to Craft Project Central and sign up for the month of October. In addition to my project, there are many other great projects created by the talented designers.

In honor of my featured project, I am giving away a subscription to Craft Project Central for the month of October! Just leave a comment on this post and it could be you! I'll announce the winner on Monday morning.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Christmas Tree Pyramid Box & Card

2011-10-21T09:11:00.000-04:00

Here's another super cute project offered this month at Craft Project Central.

Cute little packages tied up in string – these are some fun holiday things! This little Christmas tree pyramid box is a sweet way to package small little treats or trinkets for the holidays – and when you open it up, the sides can unfold flat and make a pretty display. The matching card completes your gift ensemble with just a touch of Glimmer Paper bling and country charm with the Cherry Cobbler Baker’s Twine. This project is also a fun and easy club or class project! This cute set was designed by Rose. To get the complete instructions for these and many other great projects please visit Craft Project Central and sign up for the month of October.

Check back here tomorrow...I'll be sharing the project I designed for CPC!

Sweet Pressed Pumpkins

2011-10-20T06:06:00.005-04:00

I got busy yesterday and baked some cookies so I could try out the new Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps. I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered these, but was pleasantly surprised by how cute and easy to use these are. The quality is really top notch as well.

The stamps come with a few recipes to try, but I chose to use my Mom's shortbread recipe because I know we all love them. Any recipe that does not contain baking soda or baking powder is said to work well, as it won't rise and distort the stamped image. I rolled my dough out, refrigerated it, and then pressed the pumpkin design into the chilled dough and then I used a glass the size of the stamp to cut it out. (I don't have a circle cookie cutter so this worked for me) You could also roll into balls and press with the cookie stamps. I added a little yellow & red food coloring to the dough so my pumpkins would be orange and also sprinkled them with some orange sugar before baking. The results were so cute and oh so yummy!

These cookie stamps would be a lot of fun for kids to use...makes me wish for my boys to be little again and want to help me bake like they used to. They would have loved these! Now they just enjoy eating them!

Along with the pumpkin there is also a snowflake & heart design included in this set. To get yours, please visit my Stampin' Up! website and order yours today.

Edited to add: I created another post to share my Mom's Shortbread Cookie Recipe since I had several requests for it.

Craft Project Central

2011-10-19T09:07:00.000-04:00

Have you signed up for the month of October at Craft Project Central? Here are a few more of the great projects offered this month.

Make this super cute witchy treat box and matching pop-up dangling spiders card that will surprise the recipients! This great Halloween gift will be sure to capture their attention and bring a spooky smile to their face! Makes a fun club or class project too! This spooky fun project comes to you designed by Monika

Here’s the perfect gift for the person who is in need of a card. In other words…this project is great for everyone on your gift list! The box has one compartment that holds seven cards and envelopes, and another that holds Stampin’ Dimensionals, postage stamps, and embellishments to make simple, but beautiful cards. This is also a great club or class project especially with the Stampin’ Up! Simply Sent Kits promotion going on this month! This elegant and easy project comes to you designed by Sharon.

If you struggle with masculine cards, the Need for Speed is a great set to use. Make a set (or several) of cards with a matching gift box and give them away to the guys (the kids’ male teachers, male co-workers, etc.) in your life! Project includes instructions for a four different cards and a gift box to put them in! This project is also a fun club or class project. This great masculine card set comes to you designed by Kris from Australia.

These, and many other great projects are included during the month of October, so hop on over to Craft Project Central and sign up!

Spooky Luminary

2011-10-17T11:27:00.001-04:00

Here's a fun Halloween luminary I created using the Haunted Forest stamp. I used coasters so the sides are heavy and it will hold up for years of holiday decorating. Use a battery operated votive inside and the full moon glows.

I'm offering this as part of a class on October 26th, so if you live local sign up today.

Spa-tacular Halloween Party Ensemble

2011-10-09T10:21:00.000-04:00

Check out this super cute party set created by Julie . Wouldn't it be fun to have the girls over for a spa themed Halloween Party and give these away as favors? Such a fun idea!

To get the instructions for Julie’s fun project, just go to Craft Project Central and subscribe to October.

Haunted Forest Invitations

2011-10-04T06:46:00.113-04:00

We will be having our annual Halloween Party at the end of the month, so I'm relieved to have completed my stack of invites and got them in the mail. I used the Haunted Forest ala carte stamp from the Holiday Mini.

The image is inked in VersaMark and embossed in black. I masked off the center circle and sponged on colors for the background: Not Quite Navy, Perfect Plum, Pumpkin Pie & Old Olive. Then I removed the circle mask and sponged on Daffodil Delight & Pumpkin Pie. Lastly, I colored the trees with Early Espresso and the pumpkin with my Pumpkin Pie markers.

The Perfect Plum patterned paper was easily created using the Web Wheel inked in Perfect Plum. The bottom patterned paper is a piece from the retired Cast A Spell DSP pack. If you missed out on this paper, it is still available on My Digital Studio. I separated the two patterns using ric rac border from the Tasteful Trims Die. I printed up "creep on over" using my computer onto Pear Pizzazz and punched out with the Window Word punch and matted it on a Modern Label punched out of Basic Black and embellished with Basic Rhinestones.

TIP: I thought this stamp would be more versatile if I cut off the "Happy Halloween" sentiment along the bottom and mounted it separately from the image. Now I have 2 stamps for the price of one plus it really helped save time when mass producing my invite.

For the inside I used some images from the Dark & Dreary set and the pumpkin design from the retired Graveyard Gala set. Here's what that looks like...

Thanks for creeping on in today!

Punch Art Scarecrow

2011-10-03T20:16:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that it is already October! September sure was a busy month around here...so much so that I didn't get a chance to post very often. I will for sure be posting a lot more this month because I'm excited to say I am going to be a Guest Designer at Craft Project Central!

Check out the first project of the month designed by Kim.

Isn't this punch art scarecrow card matching treat box adorable? You can get the complete instructions for this project and all other projects for the month of October...so don't miss out! Please visit Craft Project Central and subscribe to October for only $10. Nine other projects will be posted to the site over the next 4 weeks.

Fifth Avenue Fairy

2011-09-23T09:56:00.001-04:00

I needed to make my little niece a card for her birthday and I was in the mood to watercolor so I pulled out one of my cute retired sets...Fairy Nice and paired it up with one of the flower images from Fifth Avenue Floral.

The fairy and the center of the flowers are nice and sparkly because I painted them with Dazzling Details after I finished watercoloring them. The Wisteria Wonder background design is from the new Love Blossoms wheel which is in the Holiday Mini Catalog...it's such a cute wheel! (The matching stamp set is super cute too!)

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, Fairy Nice, Pennant Parade & Love Blossoms wheel
Card stock: Bashful Blue, Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush & Whisper White
Ink: Black Stazon, Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush & various to watercolor
Accessories: Dazzling Details Aqua painter & Jewelry Tag punch

I also made her a name frame to hang in her room.

I used various patterns of retired DSP, and again used the Love Blossoms wheel on the Concord Crush background to make the letters pop. I used the Serif Essential Alphabet & Tasteful Trim dies along with the Beautiful Wings Embosslit and Boho Blossoms punch and of course some Basic Rhinestones to add some bling.. The ribbon is just something I had in my stash. Her favorite color is purple, so I'm sure she'll like this.

Have a great weekend!

Graveyard Smash

2011-09-21T13:07:00.001-04:00

It's getting to be that time of year...and I've already got Halloween on the brain! Been busy working on some scrapbook pages and getting ready for our annual Halloween party by designing some invitations. As you can see, even my blog has taken on a new look! Using My Digital Studio and one of the newest downloads - Pick Your Poison Embellishments, I've easily created a Halloween theme. I can't wait to make some scrapbook pages and decor items using this digital set! For now, I have a couple traditional scrapbook pages to share.

These photos were taken at last years Halloween party. I also included our invite here on the pages as well. Doesn't the Petite Pennant Builder Punch make a cute title? The letters from the Billboard Sizzlet Strip fit perfectly inside the punches. Here is the right side of the layout.

I used my most favorite SU! Halloween paper ever...Cast-A-Spell, which is retired in regular 12x12, but available as a download for MDS. I also used it for my blog design. Here's a look at the two page layout.

Two stamp sets I used here - From the Crypt & Eat, Drink & Be Scary are also retired as traditional stamps sets, but like the Cast-A-Spell papers, they are available as digital download stamp brush sets for My Digital Studio. Thanks for creeping on in today!

Medallion on Canvas

2011-09-19T09:13:00.000-04:00

We finally got done with a bathroom remodel project and I needed a couple small pieces of art to hang above my towels next to each sink. After numerous shopping trips, I either could not find the right size or the right color, or style I was looking for, so I decided to get out my stamps and create my own works of art!

I used a couple 8x8 canvases and basecoated them with my wall paint, which is kind of like a lighter shade of Baja Breeze. Then using acrylic paint I painted off a band of chocolate on the left side. I also used acrylic paints applied with a foam brush right on my stamps. The trickiest part was trying to get a nice clean image, because the canvas is stretched on the wood frame...so there is a lot of give. I found it easiest to place my stamp where I wanted it, and while holding it firmly in place, I flipped the canvas over and used my hands and bone folder to rub the canvas over the stamp. Stamps used: Medallion, Elements of Style & French Script background (retired)

Ater I had all my images stamped I antiqued it with some of the brown paint mixed with glaze. I rubbed it on and then rubbed off where I didn't want it as dark. I used an Antique Brad and some Chocolate Chip Scallop Dots Ribbon for the finishing touch. Here's what it looks like hanging in my bathroom.

I also have something, or I should say someone, else that is just so cute I have to share. Meet little Stevie. We just adopted him from the Animal Shelter, and while he's not much of a stamper or typist, he's the sweetest little thing! He meows until I pick him up to sit on my lap and then when he's bored with that he tries his hand, or I guess paw, at typing or running on my stamping table. He has yet to discover my ribbon...

Have a great day!

Birthday Foliage

2011-09-12T11:27:00.000-04:00

It's starting to feel like Fall here in Michigan, so this card using French Foliage seemed appropriate to share today.

I inked the largest Clear Mount Block (F) in Crumb Cake and "stamped" my Very Vanilla card stock to create the background for my leaves. The leaf images were inked using the Rock 'n Roll technique...ink stamp using the lightest color and then "rock" and "roll" the stamp in a darker color catching just the edges.

Stamps: French Foliage, Happiest Birthday Wishes (Hostess Set), Weathered Background (retired)
Card stock: Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke, Cajun Craze, Soft Suede & Very Vanilla
Ink: Always Artichoke, Cajun Craze & Soft Suede
Accessories: Decorative Label Punch, Soft Suede Polka Dotted Grosgrain (retired), Antique Brad

Goodbye...Hello Blossoms

2011-08-31T10:44:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that today is the last day of August, and therefore the last day to order from the Summer Mini Catalog! Where did the summer go?! My absolute favorite image from the Summer Mini has to be this super cute Hello Blossoms, so here's a few happy cards I made using this stamp.

This trio of cards all use the color combo of Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight & Basic Black. The DSP is from the Brights Patterns Paper Stack.

The next two cards use the 1/4 Circle Punch to punch centers for each flower. I then added a Basic Rhinestone jewel to the center of each blossom for a different look.

This way it makes the image more versatile so you don't have to have it say "hello" if you don't want. Plus, who doesn't like a little bling!?

I also used the Tiny Tags set along with the Jewelry Tag Punch on this set of cards. If you haven't already, make sure to order the Hello Blossoms stamp while it's still available.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Tall, Dark & Handsome

2011-08-26T11:07:00.000-04:00

Well, I guess two out of three aint bad!

Another creation using the Snow Much Fun set along with the Northern Flurry Embossing Folder. The Shimmery White Card stock adds a nice sparkle and is so nice to watercolor on.

Stamps: Snow Much Fun & Tiny Tags
Card stock: Pear Pizzazz & Shimmery White
Ink: Black Stazon, Marina Mist & Pear Pizzazz
Accessories: Marina Mist Scallop Dots Ribbon, Mini Jingle Bells, Jewelry Tag Punch, Basic Rhinestones & Northern Flurry Embossing Folder

Enjoy your weekend!

Wisteria Field Flowers

2011-08-22T07:17:00.000-04:00

Love the Field Flowers stamp set and the color combo of Wisteria Wonder & Concord Crush, so I really like how this card turned out.

I also used several other stamp sets to complete the collage look...Elizabeth inked in Soft Suede, French Foliage (the splatter marks) inked in Wisteria Wonder, Watercolor Wishes (retired) for the greeting inked in Concord Crush, and French Background (retired) inked in Crumb Cake.

Have a beautiful day!

Heart Shaped Balloon

2011-08-17T08:26:00.001-04:00

Today is my husband and my 26th wedding anniversary...hard to believe it has been that long! (I was just a child bride, haha!) Anyways...here is the card I made for him.

Up & Away is one of my favorite new sets. I like it because it can be used for so many different occasions and can be feminine or as in this case masculine. I used my Full Heart punch to punch out the heart and then ran it thru the Big Shot using one of the Texturz Plates inked with Not Quite Navy Craft Ink. The white circle was cut from Glossy Card stock and then sponged with Marina Mist ink.

Thanks for visiting me today!

Cutest Little Snowman

2011-08-15T13:02:00.001-04:00

I don't even want to be thinking about snow right now, but I couldn't resist inking up the super cute new set Snow Much Fun. I couldn't wait to pair it up with the Northern Flurry Embossing Folder for a simple one layer card that would be easy to duplicate for making multiple Christmas cards.

Tied to the center of the bow is one of the Mini Jingle Bells...which is just one of the new accessories that will be available in the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog.

Stamps: Snow Much Fun & Tiny Tags
Card stock: Certainly Celery & Shimmery White
Ink: Black Stazon, Marina Mist, Certainly Celery & various Classic Ink to watercolor
Accessories: Marina Mist Scallop Dot Ribbon, Mini Jingle Bells, Scallop Trim Border & Jewelry Tag punches, Basic Rhinestones, Aqua Painter & Northern Flurry Embossing Folder

Thanks for stopping by today!

Fabulous Floret Thank You

2011-08-08T08:35:00.000-04:00

A friend came over to stamp with me and brought a whole bag of fun stuff to play with...including the Fabulous Florets stamp set. I really need to get this set!

I love the long stem leafy image...I stamped it all over on the Wild Wasabi card stock with coordinating ink and then ran it thru the Big Shot using the Square Lattice Embossing Folder. The flower image was stamped in Rich Razzleberry and then sponged with Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo & Rich Razzleberry. The sentiment is from Three Little Words. I finished off the card with some of my favorite new ribbon...the Scallop Dots grosgrain in Basic Black and a Basic Jewel Rhinestone for the center of the flower.

Thanks for stopping by today and thanks to my friend Rachel for bringing her bag of goodies when she came to play.

Well Worn Cajun Field Flowers

2011-07-27T06:33:00.001-04:00

My favorite new DSP in the catalog has got to be Well Worn. For this card I've also used another of my new favorites...stamp set Field Flowers.

Like the card I showed you in this post, I've also used the Elizabeth stamp here. I also used my retired French Script stamp stamped lightly in Crumb Cake for the background.

If you're like me, I always have to open my new packs of DSP on arrival so I can drool over the prints. They always look so much prettier in person than they do in the small photo in the catalog. So I thought I'd share what the other prints in the Well Worn pack look like.

And here is the flip side...

They are nice masculine prints, but as shown on my card, you can also use them for a feminine projects as well. During the month of August, if you buy 3 packs of Designer Series paper you get one pack free! Cannot wait for that special!

I mentioned on Friday that I was going to see Paul McCartney over the weekend, I must say that it was an amazing night I will never forget! At 69 years old, Paul still looks and sounds fantastic! I'm glad that he's still doing what he loves best...sharing his amazing talent to make so many people happy.

Have a great day!

Triple Treat Flower

2011-07-22T07:06:00.010-04:00

How cute is this new single stamp, Triple Treat Flower? I love that it works with 3 different punches...the Fancy Flower, 5-Petal Flower & the 1/2" Circle Punches. I used a few of the latest In Colors to create these quick, but cute cards.

The Tasteful Trim die is a new to me item and I can tell I'll be using this one quite a bit. The scalloped circle die cut using the Perfect Pennant die. Another new product I tried here, but you cannot see by looking...is the Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets...don't know what took me so long to try these! I used it on the Calypso Coral ric-rac. It's perfect for those small, hard to adhere die cuts and punches. Just adhere it to your cardstock before running thru the Big Shot or punching...instant stickers! Just peal off backing and stick to your project! It's going to be great using it for the small letters I use on my scrapbook pages. Here's a closer look...

The birthday sentiment is from the Hostess set Happiest Birthday Wishes and the thank you is from Three Little Words.

Thanks for stopping by today...have a wonderful weekend! I have some exciting plans for this weekend...I'm going to see Paul McCartney in Detroit on Sunday!!! I'm so excited!!! I grew up loving the Beatles and I finally get to see one...WOO HOO!

Up, Up & Away In My Beautiful Balloon

2011-07-20T07:06:00.004-04:00

I've had that song stuck in my head since playing with this fun, new stamp set! So if it's now stuck in your head you can thank me! hehe The town I live in hosts an annual Balloon Festival, and I just love to see all the colorful balloons in the sky...it's such a happy sight. When I saw the Up, Up & Away set in the new catalog it was a must have set for me.

I also used a couple of my must have new accessories...the Scallop Dots Ribbon & the Designer Printed Brads...they are sooo cute! I used the Tasteful Trims die to create the hills for my scene.

Colors used: Melon mambo, Basic Black, Pool Party, Island Indigo, Pear Pizzazz & Old Olive (from the Brights DSP stack)

Have you ever been on a hot air ballon ride? I've never been in one myself, but it's on my bucket list of things I hope to do someday. Until then I guess I'll just have to be content playing with these stamps!

French Field Flowers

2011-07-18T09:36:00.001-04:00

I asked in my last post if you could guess which new stamp set I was most excited to play with? It was a tough choice...but Field Flowers won out. I was inspired by the card on the cover of the catalog which also uses the single stamp Elizabeth...here's what I came up with.

For the background I used the script & splatter stamps from French Foliage. I was so happy to see that stamp set in the new catalog because I hadn't purchased it when it was in the Holiday Mini last year and I was kicking myself. I was having so much fun stamping with these new stamps, that I had to try several other color combos.

Check back soon to see how I've used these other images.

Create!

2011-07-14T14:51:00.003-04:00

I just finished a project that I've had in mind since I first saw the new Perfect Pennants Die. This was a lot of fun to make and it's going to look cute hanging in my stampin' space.

I used a variety of DSP...some current, like the Regal Rose polka dot print from the Brights DSP Pack & Paisley Petals and some retired, such as Springtime Vintage & Elegant Soiree. As long as it fit into my color scheme of Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery, Regal Rose & So Saffron it was fair game! It's a great way to use up some scraps. Here's a closer look at the left side...

I just love the scalloped circle included on the Perfect Pennant die! Each pennant has 3 layers...one is chipboard, one card stock and the last one is dsp which I just cut off about 1/2 inch of the top so it makes a nice layer on the base. The chipboard just gives it a little more stability. Here's a look at the right side...

The letters were cut using the Simple Letters Dies. I used grosgrain ribbon and the frayed ribbon technique to make the little "tassels" on each pennant. Then I topped it with a button or brad. See the little polka dotted brad on the "c" & the "e"? Those are the new Designer Printed Brads...and they are sooooo CUTE! They are available only in the newest In Colors...but I figured the Pool Party looked close enough to Baja Breeze to work here. I was almost finished with my banner when UPS showed up with my 1st new catalog order! So I was able to use the brads and one other new item. Check out the last "e"...

That's one of the new Designer Frames Embossing Folders. I was surprised that they are smaller than I thought, but happy that the Extra Large Oval punch layers nicely inside. I used a variety of other dies, punches, etc to make my "create" banner, but I'm too excited to go play with my new stuff, so I'm going to wrap this post up. I'm sure you won't blame me...LOOK... It's like Christmas in July!
Can you guess which set of new stamps I'm going to play with first? Stop back by again soon to see. :-)

Little Birdie Says Thank You

2011-07-11T15:28:00.000-04:00

Here's a thank you card I made a while back but forgot to share with you. I used the Four Frames set along with the Paisley Petals paper.

I stamped the frame with the bird in it and then masked it using a post-it note cut to fit inside the frame. Then I wheeled it using the Very Vintage jumbo wheel inked in River Rock. Then I sponged around the edges using Baja Breeze. The Thank You sentiment is from the now retired Hostess set Silhouette Sentiments.

Thanks to Laura for nominating me for the "Stinkin' Cute Blogger Award". I think her blog, Laura's Crafts & More is stinkin' cute too... so make sure to check it out! Now I'm supposed to share a few blogs that I think are Stinkin' Cute...that's tough because there are so many great ones out there! Here are a few that I like to check out regularly:

Wendy's blog: It's All About Stamping
Pat's blog: Pat's Corner of the World
Renee's blog: Stamping For Sanity
Cindy's blog: Stamps, Paper & Ink
Kay's blog: Stamping to Share
Rachel's blog: Sidetracked

Thanks for visiting me today & make sure you stop by and see the Stinkin' Cute Blogs above.

Making Room For the New

2011-07-08T06:06:00.002-04:00

I've been busy cleaning and reorganizing my stampin' space to make room for new goodies. The page I made below using MDS shows photos of the newest sets I have for sale. Please visit my Retired Stamps 4 Sale Page for all the details on these items and other stamps and Simply Scrappin' Kits I have for sale.

All sets will be shipped in padded Flat Rate Priority shipping envelopes unless otherwise requested. I can only accept Paypal as payment unless you live local and want to pick up at my home and pay in cash. For all the details check my Retired Stamps 4 Sale Page.

Graduation Pennant

2011-07-07T11:22:00.001-04:00

A little bit of old stuff meets some new stuff...

I needed to make a graduation card so I pulled out my long retired set Tassel Time along with the new Pennant Parade set and matching Petite Pennant Punch. The school colors of the graduate are orange & black so that's where I got my color inspiration.

I can't wait to get my hands on the new scalloped polka dot ribbon...especially in black, but until then I made due with what I already had on hand. Since this card was for a girl I thought the polka dots on the embossed background, ribbon & DSP made for a more feminine touch.

Stamps: Pennant Parade & Tassel Time
Ink: Only Orange & Black Stazon
Card stock: Only Orange, Whisper White, Black Stazon & Brights Patterns DSP (Tangerine Tango)
Accessories: Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, 1/2" Circle &Petite Pennant Punches & Basic Rhinestones

I'm trying to make room for new goodies (due here next week!), so cleaning out and re-organizing my stampin' space. Check back soon for my updated retired stamps for sale list.

New Catalog Party

2011-07-03T10:41:00.002-04:00

The start of the new catalog year is always fun and exciting! My favorite part (besides getting NEW stuff!) is getting together with my stampin' friends to look over the new catalog and play with new goodies. I had my Catalog Pick Up Party yesterday (rescheduled from original date due to illness) and had so much fun visiting, talking about our new favorite offerings in the catalog, snacking and of course stamping! Thanks to everyone who came!

Of course the star of the party was the new catalog! Everyone received the catalog at 1/2 off or FREE if they placed an order. I made everyone a magnetic bookmark using the newest In Colors and the Pennant Parade stamps set. See the lacy scalloped circle? That is one of the shapes on the new Perfect Pennants Bigz Die. I use mine to hold my spot on the colors pages...which it seems I'm always needing to reference. It also makes it easier to read the chart.

I had a make & take ready for everyone...also using the latest In Colors and the adorable Hello Blossoms stamp.

Here are a few of the fruit and yogurt parfaits I made for our treat. I must say they were pretty yummy!

What's a party without prizes? And the winners are....

Roberta was excited to select the Sweet Summer set from my prize basket. Mary received Botanical Blooms for her online order and Julie was not here at the time of the drawing...so not sure what stamp set she will choose. Thanks again ladies...I hope you had as much fun as I did!

Have a wonderful & safe holiday weekend everybody!

Some Cheep Talk

2011-06-30T16:39:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that today is the last day to place an order from the current IB&C! That means many of my favorite stamp sets are retiring. Don't forget to place your order for any retiring stamps and accessories you may want, so you don't miss out on your favorites. I thought I'd share a card today using one of my favorite retiring sets that I haven't used in a while.

Stamps: Cheep Talk & Luv Ya Bunches (sentiment)
Card stock: Melon Mambo, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Daffodil & Mambo DSP
Ink: Melon Mambo, Lucky Limeade, Daffodil Delight & Black Stazon
Accessories: White Organdy Ribbon, Mambo Button, Scallop Trim Border & Boho Blossoms Punches, Basic Rhinestones

Thanks for stopping by today!

How Sweet It Is!

2011-06-24T06:26:00.007-04:00

I've been having a lot of fun with the new Hostess disk for My Digital Studio called Cheerful Treat. Not only did I re-design my blog using the papers & elements found on the disk...I also whipped up this scrapbook page.

My Mom & Iwent strawberry picking at a local farm on Tuesday morning, then spent the rest of the day making jam and of course...yummy strawberry shortcake. We hadn't been strawberry picking together in years, and we really enjoyed the day...even though it was a lot of work! My boys are happy to have some homemade jam again...they are so spoiled they won't eat store bought anymore. We are already talking about going again next year.

That's my beautiful Mom in the photo along with some of the strawberries we picked. The strawberry background "paper" was a closeup photo I took of the strawberries and then I just copy & pasted it a couple times to make a background paper. The teardrop shaped journaling block is one of the elements on the Cheerful Treat disk...I thought it kind of looked like a strawberry, so it was perfect.

The Level 1 Hostess Disk was first available to earn in the Summer Mini Catalog, but I'm happy to say it is also available in the NEW Idea Book & Catalog...along with a set of 12x12 papers for those who don't do digital paper crafting.

Have a sweet weekend!

Wisteria Tree

2011-06-23T10:22:00.000-04:00

I was inspired by the sample on page 160 of the new catalog using the Thoughts & Prayers set. I just changed up the colors and the embellishments but used the pretty much the same layout. I really liked how they used the tree as a background on the bottom strip. Here's my version of that card...

Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers, Tiny Tags & Linen Background (retired)
Card stock: Basic Grey, Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush & Whisper White
Ink: Basic Grey, Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush
Accessories: Matchbox Die (label), Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Scalloped Trim Border, Mat Stack & Paper Piercer
If you are a regular visitor to my blog, you may have noticed that it looks different? I've been busy working with the Cheerful Treat Hostess Digital Content CD for My Digital Studio. I'm lovin' the new papers & accessories with this kit! Yeah...PURPLE!!! I still have some tweaking to get my page to look how I want it...but hopefully I will get to it later. Thanks for visiting.

Merry Pennants

2011-06-22T11:30:00.001-04:00

Having fun playing with the new Pennant Parade set and coordinating Petite Pennants punch!

I purchased the clear mount in this set and it was so easy to stamp both the star & pot at the same time by lining them up on my block. The tree shapes were stamped and then punched out and popped up with dimensionals.

Stamps: Pennant Parade
Ink: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Lucky Limeade, More Mustard & Chocolate Chip
Card stock: Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Lucky Limeade & Whisper White
Accessories: Petite Pennants, Scallop Trim & Jewelry Tag punches, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon (so glad the seam binding ribbons carried over to the new catalog...{LOVE} this stuff!!!)

One down...49 + more to go! If I was smart I'd keep going with the Christmas cards so I'm not rushing to finish them in December. Someday I should really take my own advice! ;-)

Thanks for stopping by!

Matchbook for Dad

2011-06-17T07:06:00.007-04:00

After seeing the cute matchbook albums in the July issue of Stampin' Success I just had to try one! So instead of making a regular card for my Dad for Father's Day this year I made him this matchbook album/card using my favorite photos of him & I. The masculine prints and colors of the Woodland Walk DSP was perfect for this project. Here is the cover.

I used my new Simple Letters Bigz dies to cut the letters out of chipboard and DSP. Chocolate grosgrain ribbon and an Antique Brad with a little tag created using the Jewelry Tag punch embellish the cover.

I also used the Lots Of Tags Sizzlets for several of the tags. The family quote is from a retired set called That's Nice. The photo is of my Grandpa, Dad & I on Christmas.

I added a bit of Victoria Lace layered on Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon for the next page. A chocolate button tied with some Linen Thread and a tag punched out using the Round Tab punch finish off this page.

The last page is a more recent photo that includes my boys...so like the 1st photo, it is also 3 generations. I used the Top Note & Petal Cone dies to create the message area on the opposite page. I stamped my greetings and left room to write my Dad a personal message as well. I used the Weathered Background stamp (retired) and an image from Tiny Tags to add interest to my tags.

After I completed the pages, I pierced them, along with the cover, down the center scored line using the Mat Pack & Paper Piercing Tool. Then using a large craft needle and Linen Thread I stitched the pages into the cover. I hope my Dad likes it.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Hello In Colors

2011-06-13T11:15:00.001-04:00

I just love playing with fun, new colors and this years addition to the In Color family are no exception. This first card shows 4 of the new colors using the Hello Blossom stamp from the Summer Mini...it's such a cute stamp!

The base of my card is Pool Party and I stamped two corners using the large stamp from the Always Elegant stamp set. The other new In Colors I used here are Calypso Coral, Island Indigo & Lucky Limeade...aren't they just perfect for summer? Here's another version of this card using the 5th In Color...Wisteria Wonder.

I love all shades of purple, so I was excited to get this color to pair up with Concord Crush...they look really good together, don't you think? I also pair the two greens from the In Color collection - Pear Pizzazz on the leaves and Lucky Limeade on the scalloped border.

I'm also using another Sneak Peek item here...see the scalloped die cut at the top of the card? That is one of the shapes included on the Perfect Pennant Bigz Die...I think you'll be seeing me using that die quite a bit! Since I don't have any In Color patterned papers (yet!;-) I made my own using the Solid Stripes stamp inked in Concord Crush on the Wisteria Wonder card stock.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Inlaid Potpourri

2011-06-08T06:46:00.003-04:00

Have you tried the inlaid embossing technique yet? It's such a fun way to add texture to your project. I have two cards to share today using this technique. For this first card I stamped some flowers using the Punch Potpourri set and punched them out with the Boho Blossoms punch and some of the branches from the Two Step Bird Punch and adhered them onto my Crumb Cake card stock. Then, I ran it through the Big Shot using the Square Lattice Embossing folder.

I finished the card by layering the bird which was stamped in Espresso on Crumb Cake onto some leaves which were also punched out with the Two Step Bird Punch. The "thank you" sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes and punched using the Small & Large Oval Punches. I cannot believe SU! is retiring the smaller Oval Punch...I use that all the time! If you don't already have it, I'd highly recommend getting it while it's still available.

Using the same technique and various sizes of circle punches, here's a fun masculine birthday card.

The only stamping on this one is the scalloped Happy Birthday square. That image is from this years Sale-a-Bration set Punch Bunch. The colors used here are Pacific Point, Real Red, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight & Tangerine Tango.

If you haven't tried this technique, you really need to give it a shot! Thanks for stopping by today.

Just Believe Wedding

2011-06-06T06:06:00.050-04:00

We went to a wedding over the weekend and here's the card I made for the bride & groom.

The image was first stamped in Crumb Cake and then using my Stamp-a-ma-jig I offset the image and stamped it again in VersaMark. Then it was embossed using Winter White EP. To make the white image stand out even more on the Very Vanilla cardstock, I lightly sponged it with more Crumb Cake ink using a Sponge Dauber.

Stamps: Just Believe & Tiny Tags
Card stock: Very Vanilla & Whisper White
Ink: Crumb Cake & VersaMark
Accessories: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Winter White EP, Heat Tool, Basic Pearls, Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon, Jewelry Tag Punch & Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder

Thanks for stopping by today!

Saying Goodbye to a Great Friend

2011-06-04T12:02:00.000-04:00

June & July are the most exciting Stampin' Up! months! A few days ago we learned which stamps and accessories will be retiring to make room for exciting new goodies in the upcoming Idea Book & Catalog! Even more exciting... as a demonstrator, I got to see some sneak peek items and place an order for my favorite items. My new stuff will be here next week...along with my copy of the new catalog! Can't wait to see it and play with new stuff! Until then...here is a card I made using one of my favorite retiring stamp sets...Great Friend.

I made this card for a good friends birthday a few days before I knew which stamps were going to retire..I guess I had a sneaky suspicion this one was going to be on it. I also used:

Stamps: Great Friend & Tiny Tags
Card stock: Pear Pizzazz, Baja Breeze, Melon Mambo & Whisper White
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Baja Breeze & Melon Mambo
Accessories: Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder, Basic Rhinestones, White Organza Ribbon, Boho Blossoms & Jewelry Tag Punches & Oval & Scalloped Nestabilities

May Flowers

2011-05-23T10:05:00.000-04:00

Wow...I guess it's been a while since I posted! I've been keeping busy working around the house...both inside and out. When the the weather has been nice...working in my garden and on not so nice days painting and re-organizing indoors. That has not left me a whole lot of time for stamping, posting here or visiting my blogging friends...sorry. I did make a thank you card that I thought was pretty cute, so thought I'd take time out to share here today since it's been a while.

The color combo of Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait & Melon Mambo make this flower pot pocket card so cheerful, don't you think? I used the rock 'n roll technique on the butterfly from the Great Friend set. I also used the flower image from the Level 1 set Punch Potpourri along with the Boho Blossoms Punch for the center of each flower. Here's what the card looks like when it's pulled from the flower pot pocket.

I attached the die cut Simple Flower Embosslits with pop dots towards the top so they could slip over top of the pot. For more instructions on how to create this card see this older post I made here.

Have a wonderful day!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T10:31:00.000-04:00

Looks like we are going to have a beautiful day for Mother's Day here in Michigan! I'm lucky to be spending the day with my Mom. She is a quilter, so I like to incorporate that into my cards for her when I can. So I used the beautiful new Paisley Petals papers cut into 1" squares to make up my background "quilt" for her Mother's Day card.

I watercolored the flower image from Blessed Mother using Classic Inks and my aquapainter. I couldn't decide which sentiment I wanted to use, so I made an easel card so I could use them both! lol To make the easel base, just cut the card stock the same width as your card front (in this case 4 1/4") by 8". Then score at 2" and again at 4". Fold and then mount your card front to the easel base. It folds up to fit into an envelope. Here's another view to see the base...

I hope you have a beautiful day celebrating Mother's Day with your family.

Just Believe Birthday

2011-04-23T10:57:00.002-04:00

I hadn't used my pastels in a while so decided to use them for the poppin' pastels technique with this pretty image from Just Believe.

The DSP I used is from the Paisley Petals paper pack which is part of the Spring is Blooming April Promo. It truly is a beautiful set of papers!

Stamps: Just Believe, Teeny Tiny Wishes & Tiny Tags
Card stock: Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla & Paisley Petals DSP
Ink: VersaMark, Cherry Cobbler, Baja Breeze & Pear Pizzazz
Accessories: Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon, Beautiful Wings Sizzlets & Basic Pearls

Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

Bright Birthday Butterflies

2011-04-18T09:32:00.001-04:00

Here's a bright and cheerful card I made for a friends birthday. Bright and cheery sounds pretty good on this "Spring" morning since it's snowing and everything is turning white instead of green. :-( Last weekend it was 85 and let me tell you I was so ready for warm weather! Oh well, I'm sure this won't last long, and hopefully it will be the last snow...until at least November. Anyways...I'm sure you didn't come here to hear me complain, right? So here's the bright, cheery card I was talking about before my rant.

I punched out squares of patterned papers from the Brights Pattern stack...Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Tangerine Tango & Tempting Turquoise, and added a die cut butterfly using the Beautiful Wings Sizzlet. Each one is accented with a Basic Rhinestone. The birthday block was embossed with Black EP. I layered the black polka dotted ribbon over Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding Ribbon.

I hope wherever you are that you are experiencing much better weather!

Sweet Child O' Mine

2011-04-16T12:46:00.000-04:00

Today is my oldest sons Birthday, so I thought I'd share a scrapbook page I created using one of my favorite photos of him when he was just a little guy along with lyrics to one of my favorite songs.

The year he was born the song "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns 'n Roses was a huge hit. To this day, the song always reminds me of Chris who is still a sweetie and has "eyes of the bluest skies". This page was created using My Digital Studio.

Have a great weekend!

Sweet Birthday

2011-04-08T09:21:00.001-04:00

Here's a card I created for a friends birthday. I used the Level 1 Hostess Set Birthday Bakery along with the new Four Frames set.

The image was watercolored and then the icing and glass plates were coated with Crystal Effects. Here's a closer look...

Stamps: Birthday Bakery, Four Frames & Crazy For Cupcakes
Card stock: Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip & Whisper White
Ink: Black Stazon, Pretty in Pink & Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Scallop Trim Border, White Organza Ribbon, Chocolate Chip Designer Button, Crystal Effects & Basic Rhinestones

Have a great weekend!

Paisley Petals Best Wishes

2011-04-04T08:47:00.001-04:00

Here's a quick card using the gorgeous Paisley Petals paper and Four Frames stamp set which are part of the Spring is Blossoming special for April. The print I chose for this card is the other side of the paper I used in my last post.

I cut a mask for this cute bird frame image out of a post it note, and while that was in place I used the Very Vintage roller inked in River Rock to make the background inside the frame. Then I sponged a little Chocolate Chip ink around the inside edge before removing the mask.

Thanks for stopping by today,

I'm Seriously in Love!

2011-04-01T10:46:00.000-04:00

...with both the new Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper and the Four Frames Stamp Set! Does that make me involved in a love triangle? Seriously, I aint foolin'...(yes, today is April 1st so had to work that in somewhere) these are both must have items. Check out this card I made using the new paper and stamps.

I think my favorite stamp in the Four Frames set is the one I used here because it works so well with one of my absolute favorite stamp sets - Elements of Style. I also used the Watercolor Trio set for the sentiment. I hope that set makes it into the new IB&C...{LOVE} that set too!

Stamps: Elements of Style, Four Frames & Watercolor Trio
Card stock: Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White & Paisley Petals DSP
Ink: Black Stazon, Pear Pizzazz & various other Classic Inks for watercoloring
Accessories: Decorative Label Punch, Antique Brads, Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon, Aqua Painter & Nesties

The Four Frames stamp set and the Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper will be in the upcoming Idea Book & Catalog, but right now it's part of Stampin' Up!'s "Spring is Blossoming" April Special. If you want to know more about the Spring is Blossoming Special, you can read all about it right here.

Ice Cream Parlor Bliss

2011-03-29T10:01:00.000-04:00

Here are a few projects using the Ice Cream Parlor Papers and the Bliss stamp set that I forgot to show you. The Bliss cone was a little hostess gift made with the Petal Cone Die. I used the stamps from Bliss to add a pretty design to the Melon Mambo card stock. It's tied with ribbon from the Ice Cream Parlor Ribbon & Button pack.

I was surprised that these little cones actually can hold quite a bit of stuff. I filled this one with Dove chocolates (you can't go wrong with chocolate, right!?), a sample of the Ice Cream Parlor Ribbon & Buttons, along with some punched out images from Punch Bunch and a "to do list" magnet using the Eat Chocolate set. (We'll be making one of these at my Eat Chocolate Class on April 10th)

Here is a quick and easy birthday card I demoed at the workshop. It also uses the Ice Cream Parlor Papers, Ribbon & Button Pack along with the So Happy For You stamp set.

It's hard to believe that Sale-a-Bration is almost over! Only two more days...don't let it slip away before you get these cute papers, stamps and ribbons for your collection!

Birthday Peace Within

2011-03-24T09:36:00.001-04:00

Here's a Birthday card I made for my SIL. She loves cats and it is supposed to be Spring here so I thought this was perfect. Ahh...I long for the days when I can lounge outside and soak up the warmth from the sun like this little kitty cat.

Doesn't the Springtime Vintage pillow look cute? I don't think I've ever passed up the opportunity to paper piece this image when I've used it...that pillow just asks for it!

My Four Frames set showed up here while I was making this, so of course I was excited to ink that up! The Four Frames set is four stamps that coordinate with the Decorative Label Punch. The best part about these images is that, like the name states, they are frames with no greetings...so they can be used for any occasion. I think I'll be using this set quite a bit! Four Frames, along with some gorgeous new papers called Paisley Petals are part of Stampin' Up!'s April promo.

Stamps: Peace Within, Four Frames, Watercolor Trio (greeting)
Card stock: Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery, Very Vanilla & Springtime Vintage papers
Ink: Not Quite Navy and various other Classis Inks to watercolor
Accessories: Framed Tulips EF, Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Decorative Label Punch

Have a peaceful day!

You Mean So Much

2011-03-22T09:25:00.000-04:00

Here's another creation using the Blessed Mother set from the Occasions Mini. The color combo was inspired by the colors in the Springtime Vintage papers, but I ended up using my Square Lattice Embossing Folder instead of the paper. The little banner along the bottom with the stamped sentiment was cut using the Big Shot and the Petal Cone Die.

Stamps: Blessed Mother
Card stock: Baja Breeze, Always Artichoke, River Rock, Not Quite Navy & Whisper White
Ink: Black Stazon, Not Quite Navy & various other Classic Inks to watercolor
Accessories: Framed Tulips & Square Lattice Embossing Folders, Scalloped Rectangle Clearlit, Petal Cone Die, Always Artichoke Seam Binding Ribbon, Basic Pearls & Aqua Painter

Here's hoping that the weather reports for today are wrong...they have issued a winter storm warning...YUK! I was so hoping that we were done with winter weather. I guess good ol' Mother Nature hasn't looked at her calendar to know it's now "Spring!" Hope wherever you are is sunny...and send it my way!

Thoughtful Pup

2011-03-18T07:06:00.014-04:00

Not exactly sure what this cute little puppy is thinking about as he relaxes on this boot, but I thought he would be perfect for a "thinking of you" card.

This adorable puppy image is from a retired stamp set called For Father, and I stamped him in Black Stazon on Very Vanilla card stock. I used my Aqua Painter and Classic Inks to color him. I used Woodland Walk papers, so I used Garden Green ink to color the boot and tie in with the paper. Since this card was made for a man, I used Twill Tape in place of my usual ribbon. I held it in place with some brads and stamped the sentiment (from Level 1 Hostess set - Silhouette Sentiments) right onto the twill.
Thanks for stopping by today...have a GREAT weekend!

Good Luck Shamrock

2011-03-17T07:06:00.001-04:00

A quick post to share a quick & easy card that is perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

I used the heart stamp from Hello Again (FREE during SAB) and my Stamp-a-ma-jig to create this four leafed clover. The sentiment is from another SAB set...So Happy For You, and so is the dotted line I used for the stem. See the stamps I used here...

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Hello Friend

2011-03-16T09:15:00.000-04:00

What could be more cheerful on a gloomy day than some pretty daisies stamped in Melon Mambo & Rich Razzleberry? It's raining here this morning (better than snow at this point!) and I needed to play with a bright color combo to add some sunshine to my day. This card will be perfect to lift the spirits of a friend

Recently after using my Greenhouse Garden set for the first time in a long time, I've now used it several times since. I actually used the same card design as this card I posted recently, I just changed up the colors and the DSP. The "hello" stamp I used here is from the Hello Again set, which is a FREE set available during SAB.

Stamps: Greenhouse Garden, Hello Again, Tiny Tags & Botanical Blooms (2009 SAB set for leaves)
Card stock: Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White and Pumpkin Pie & Melon Mambo DSP from the Brights Patterns Pack.
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Melon Mambo & Certainly Celery
Accessories: Jewelry Tag Punch, White Organza Ribbon & Nestabilities

Hope your day is bright & cheery!

Baja Birthday Frog

2011-03-14T08:56:00.003-04:00

I just {LOVE} this adorable little frog with the watering can image! It's part of the A Flowers For All Seasons set...and it's FREE during Sale-a-Bration! I think this color combo is perfect for a Spring birthday, don't you? I made this card for a friend who loves frogs, so I'm sure she will like it.

Stamps: A Flowers For All Seasons & So Happy For You (both sets are FREE during SAB)
Card stock: Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery & Shimmery White
Ink: Black Stazon, Baja Breeze & various other Classic Inks for watercoloring
Accessories: Elegant Lines & Framed Tulips Embossing Folders, Scalloped Rectangle Clearlit, Aquapainter, Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon, Basic Rhinestone Jewels

Thanks for hopping on in today...ENJOY your day!

Deck the Halls Pages

2011-03-12T07:36:00.004-05:00

I bought the gorgeous Deck the Halls papers from this past Holiday Mini, but didn't have much time around the holidays to use them. Each design is so pretty it was almost hard to cut into them, but once I did, I was glad I did.

I used my hobby blade to carefully trim around the poinsettias so I could slide my matted photo under it. Here's a closer look at the left page...

On the right page I cut out a round frame with poinsettias from another sheet using my Coluzzle and turned it into an ornament with a Cherry Cobbler bow and line of Basic Pearls for the hanger. I used the Top Note stamped with the holly image from Bells & Boughs stamp set in Crumb Cake ink for my journaling.

If you like the Deck the Halls papers but didn't order them while they were available in the Holiday Mini, you can still get them as a download for My Digital Studio .

Thanks for visiting me today...ENJOY your weekend!

Blessed Baja Wishes

2011-03-10T09:48:00.001-05:00

The color scheme I used for this card was inspired by the Springtime Vintage papers, which I thought I was going to use when I watercolored this image. However, I started with Whisper White card stock instead of Very Vanilla and it didn't look so good with the paper because of that. Despite that little wrinkle in my original plan, I just love the way this turned out...hope you like it as well!

Stamps: Blessed Mother & Silhouette Sentiments (Level 1 Hostess Set)
Card stock: Baja Breeze, River Rock, Not Quite Navy & Whisper White
Ink: Black Stazon, Not Quite Navy & various other Classic Inks to watercolor
Accessories: Framed Tulips & Square Lattice Embossing Folders, Aqua Painter, White Organdy Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Jewelry Tag & Scalloped Border Punches & Beautiful Wings Embosslit

Have a wonderful day!

Celebrate Birthday Album

2011-03-08T10:08:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago a dear friend of mine celebrated her 50th Birthday. A bunch of friends got together for a Girls Night Out to celebrate. I'm always the photographer in our group, so I made her this little flip album to hold some of the photos from that night.

I'm having so much fun with the Build a Blossom stamps and matching punch! This big blossom was stamped in Melon Mambo and then Rock 'n Rolled in Cajun Craze before stamping on the Pumpkin Pie cardstock. After I assembled it, I sprayed it with some Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz for some nice sparkle. As you flip open the album, there are spots to add the photos and fun embellishments. Since I shared this with her before I added the photos, I also stamped the mats where the photos would go.

Here's what it looks like with some photos...

Don't you just love my friends birthday glasses?! lol She was a good sport and posed in the glasses & sombrero so I got lots of good photos. Here's a look at a couple of my favorite embellishments I added to the album.

The margarita glass was cut with a Sizzix die and the border along the side is one of the adhesive borders from the Ice Cream Parlor Scrappin' Kit (FREE during SAB).

I couldn't make a birthday album and not use my Build a Cupcake Punch, now could I? I didn't adhere the bottom part of the 50 to the page so that I could easily slide in the photograph under it. For this album I used the Brights Designer Series Paper Stack in Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie and Rich Razzleberry.

On May 1st I am offering a class to make another version of this album using the Springtime Vintage Papers. That is such a pretty paper pack, and it will make the perfect keepsake album for Mother's Day photos. So, if you are in my area, sign up now to hold your spot. I could also make this a kit to go class if there is enough interest.

Thanks for stopping by...ENJOY your day!

Retired Stamps & More For Sale

2011-03-06T20:09:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I was without power for most of the day. (Freezing rain must have done a number on the power lines.) Luckily we have a gas fireplace downstairs so we stayed warm. My stampin' space is down there but with no electricity it isn't too well lit, so it forced me to do other things...like sorting through some retired stamp sets and other craft supplies. I have so many things that just aren't being used. Time to part with them and find them a good home. Click here to see what I am letting go...maybe it's something you've been looking for.

*Edited to add: I will only accept payments through Paypal, unless you are local and want to pay/pick up in person.

Razzleberry Blessed Mother

2011-03-04T13:27:00.001-05:00

I just got this pretty new stamp set from the Occasions Mini called Blessed Mother. I immediately loved the sentiments and liked the images, but was unsure if they would be suited for traditional watercoloring since they seemed kind of dark and detailed in the catalog. The only samples I had seen were colored directly on the stamp vs stamping in black and watercoloring with inks, which is the method I enjoy most. Anyways, after playing with the set, I'm happy to report that it is a fun set to watercolor! I've made several sets of cards in different color schemes already...here is a couple using Rich Razzleberry paired up with So Saffron.

I stamped the main image in Black Stazon and used my aqua painter and Classic Inks to color it. Here's a closer look...

Here's another card using the other two stamps from the set, with basically the same color scheme. I just swapped out the Always Artichoke for Elegant Eggplant on this one.

I'm wishing now that I would have used the White Organza Ribbon on my first card as well, because it I like how it looks here over the Razzleberry Taffeta on my 1st card. I wish the Organza Ribbon came in more colors...I really like the mix of the sheer and silky solid down the center. The little banner I stamped the sentiment on comes from the Petal Cone Die. The main image is matted using the Scallop Rectangle Clearlit.

We haven't gone out in a while, so I think tonight we are going to dinner and to a movie. I want to see Rango...it looks really cute in the previews. It stars Johnny Depp, so I'm sure it will be good. (too bad it's just his voice! ;-) Hoping to get some stamping in too. Whatever your plans are...hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Baja Bliss

2011-03-02T09:49:00.000-05:00

The images in the Sale-a-Bration set Bliss are so pretty...especially the two that I used here. Combining these delicate, yet bold stamped images with the Framed Tulips Embossing Folder made a detailed card that came together in just minutes. The hardest part was cutting out the butterfly.

Inking the stamps in a light color ink and then adding a darker ink to the edges, using the Rock n Roll Technique is a quick and easy way to add detail. Here I used Crumb Cake & Baja Breeze for my lighter shade of ink and then inked edges in Not Quite Navy. I used coordinating colors of card stock and Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon and a few Adhesive Jewel Pearls to finish off the card.

I cannot rave enough about the Seam Binding Ribbon! It is so soft and easy to work with...plus it doesn't leave a bulky bump (which requires extra postage) when you put it in an envelope. Love, LOVE, {LOVE} it!!!

Have a blissful day!

It's March!

2011-03-01T10:34:00.001-05:00

Yes! That means Spring will soon be here! February may be the shortest month, but with the weather we have here in Michigan this time of year, it always feels the longest to me. So I'm happy to start this new month! However, with the start of March, it also means only one month left to Sale-a-Brate!

In the past week or so I've received the Stylish Blogger Award from three very talented blogging stampers who have visited my blog. First, I'd like to thank the Academy, my parents who always encouraged me to be creative, my wonderful husband who doesn't mind me spending all my SU! profits (and then some!) on new stampin' goodies...Oh wait, I think I've been watching too many awards shows!

Seriously, thank you so much for taking the time to visit me and for leaving such nice comments. Kim at Kim's Stamp Studio Patty at Roc Paper Stamps & Wendy at Its All About Stamping for giving me this award...I {LOVE} your blogs too!

When you receive this award you are to:
1) thank the person who gave this award and link it back to their blog
2) share 8 things about yourself
3) pass this award to 8 other individuals that you have recently discovered
4) leave a comment so that they can pass along the recognition!

8 Things about myself...

1. I cannot think of 8 things I have not already shared here about myself.
2. I would love to move to a warmer climate, but almost everyone I know & love lives here in Michigan.
3. One of my favorite things to do is going to concerts. My favorite band to see live is Aerosmith who I've seen at least 14 times. So glad I got to see one of my fav musicians - Stevie Ray Vaughan, in concert before his untimely death.
4. Top on my list of places I want to visit is Italy.
5. I spend most of the month of October each year "haunting" our barn and yard for our annual Halloween party.
6. I spend a lot of time during the warmer months going to garage & yard sales because I never know what kind of treasure I may find.
7. I'm in {LOVE} with my Big Shot who I've named Antonio.
8. The show Hoarders freaks me out...but I cannot stop watching it!

There are so many inspiring bloggers I like to visit, and after visiting many of them, it seems most have already posted this award. Since it is now 10:30, and I'm still in my jammies and I need to get in shower and get out for some groceries...I guess I'll have to skip that part. If you are visiting me now and want to play along, consider yourself nominated.

Have a great day...and thanks for stopping by!

Regal Blooms

2011-02-28T09:58:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the nice, reassuring comments on my blogs new look. I'm happy to hear that it is loading properly for you. I kind of wondered since it looks different on my laptop vs my desktop where I created it. I guess that is due to different sized screen. Anyways...today I want to share a fun project I created over the weekend.

I told you I have Spring fever! So instead of waiting for a foot of snow to melt and flowers to bloom I took matters into my own hands and created a little bouquet using the Build a Blossom stamp set and matching Blossom Petals punch. I stamped and cut out 15 petals for each flower - 10 large petals and 5 small ones. The two top layers of petals are stamped front and back since they curl upwards. Using the clear mounted stamps made it super easy to stamp even after the blossoms are punched.

I curled the tips of each petal gently around a pencil to get a more natural shape to my flowers. I glued them onto a matching cardstock base cut using the 1" circle punch. When I finished my top layer, I glued down a 1/2" circle punched out of matching cardstock to the center of the flower. This helps hold it all in place since it is just the inner tips of the petals that are being glued into place. I used Tombo Multi Adhesive for the entire project. For the finishing touch I used my favorite embellishments...the Antique Brads for the center.

I didn't bend back the prongs of the brads like I would normally do. This way I was able to insert them into the stems. Now you are probably wondering what I used for stems? They are the sticks sold in the candy making section of most craft stores, to make suckers. I hollowed out a hole in one end to fit the ends of the brad in, filled it with liquid adhesive and adhered the bloom into place. The white stick was covered in green floral tape.

The golden painted walls and accents of red in my kitchen were my color inspiration when creating my flowers. I used More Mustard, Cherry Cobbler & Rich Razzleberry cardstock and ink. For each petal I used the Rock 'n Roll technique when stamping, so the stamp was first inked in coordinating color to cardstock and then in a darker ink, so I also used Cajun Craze, Bravo Burgundy & Elegant Eggplant inks.
Thanks for visiting me today!

Springtime Vintage

2011-02-26T15:46:00.001-05:00

Guess what I've been doing? I've been busy playing with My Digital Studio and wishing for warmer, sunnier, springtime weather. Since all I see is white when I look outside, I was rather sick of seeing snowflakes when I logged onto my blog too! What better way to beat the Winter blahs than to work with some gorgeous new Spring themed floral papers. Not only did I update the look of my blog, I made a scrapbook page to share as well.

I loved the scrapbook page in the latest issue of Stampin' Success and as you can see, that was my inspiration here. It really shows off these gorgeous papers well and makes the perfect backdrop for one of my favorite photos.

For my blog banner, buttons and background, I also used the Springtime Vintage papers which are available as one of the newest downloads. I also used one of my favorite stamp sets, Vintage Vogue, which is also available in digital form. Just visit my demo website and they are easy to add to your collection.

Trust me, I am no computer whiz...so whenever I create a new blog design, I'm always concerned about technical issues. With numerous tweaks, it now looks almost how I want it on my screen....but I always wonder if the page will load properly on my visitors computers. So I'd love to hear any feedback.

Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy every moment of your weekend!

Vintage Garden

2011-02-24T10:15:00.006-05:00

Don't ask me why I have not used this set in so long? Greenhouse Gardens is such a beautiful set, but I just haven't used it much. I'm glad I brought it out to play because I think it compliments the new Springtime Vintage papers nicely.

Stamps: Greenhouse Gardens, Because I Care (Level 1 Hostess set) & Botanical Blooms (2009 SAB set for leaves)
Card stock: Always Artichoke, River Rock, Very Vanilla & Springtime Vintage paper
Ink: Always Artichoke, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Always Artichoke Seam Binding Ribbon, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Nestabilities Dies

They are saying we are going to get blasted with another 4-6 inches of snow and perhaps freezing rain. Looks like another good day to stay home and be creative! Thanks for visiting me today. :-)

Building My Own Spring Blossoms

2011-02-21T11:01:00.001-05:00

With another 8+ inches of the white stuff dumped on us yesterday, it looks like if I want to enjoy pretty Spring flowers I'll have to build my own!

I always love stamp sets and punches that go together, and the Build a Blossom combo is no exception! This card came together quickly using products from the Occasions Mini and a FREE set from the Sale-a-Bration catalog.

Stamps: Build a Blossom & So Happy For You
Card stock: Certainly Celery, Baja Breeze, Regal Rose Prints
Ink: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy & Rose Red
Accessories: Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon, Smooch Spritz Spray, Blossom Petals Punch

Thanks for stopping by today!

50 & Fabulous

2011-02-17T09:12:00.001-05:00

I'm happy to say that I've been doing some scrapbooking lately. These pages came together pretty quickly using the Ice Cream Parlor Papers and Accent Pack available for FREE during Sale-a-Bration and the adorable Build a Cupcake Punch.

I took these photos at my sister-in-law's 50th surprise Birthday party. When she walked in, we were all wearing the glasses with a fake nose. So of course I got a lot of fun photos of everyone sporting the glasses that night. Here's a look at the left side of the layout.

I used the Billborard Sizzlet Strip Die to cut the word fabulous and the Simple Numbers Bigz Dies to cut the numbers. The Swirly Sizzlet Strip was used for the border along the left side. It is cut from Daffodil Delight Patterned Paper & adorned with Basic Rhinestone Jewels. My favorite accent on this page is the little crown tag.

I used the Tiny Tags set and the Jewelry Label punch. The cute ribbon is is also a FREE item during Sale-a-Bration...it's part of the Ribbon Button Pack. You can see the cute flower buttons from the pack on the punched cupcakes on the opposite page of my layout.

The yellow scalloped border used on the tag here and on the photo on the opposite page is one of the Quick Accent Strips included in the Ice Cream Parlor kit. I used a few of the flowers on this page as well. They make adding a cute accent so easy because they are adhesive backed. Here's a closer look at my favorite detail on this page...

I used the retired set Whimsical Words for the sentiment here. This layout could be used for any birthday party photos, so contact me today to set up a time to come on over and make these pages or to place your Sale-a-Bration order and receive these items for FREE.

Have a wonderful day!

I {LOVE} Love Valentine

2011-02-14T10:06:00.001-05:00

Today I have a couple of different cards to show you. They are both created with the same supplies, but they are quite different. The first one is a traditional card.

I {LOVE} the new red Glimmer Paper! It's so easy to add a nice glittery accent to a project without the mess. I'm also loving a new set I recently got...Tiny Tags which goes along with the Jewelry Tag Punch. Not sure what took me so long to get these two items...they add such a cute touch to cards or scrapbook pages. Using the same supplies, but a a different fold and a neat trick with the Movers & Shapers Die, here is another card I created.

When you open the card, here's how it looks...

I also used the heart from the FREE Sale-A-Bration set So Happy For You & the Scallop Trim Border Punch on this one. The way you create the sandwich and run it though your Big Shot enables you to create this fun fold out window design using the Movers & Shapers Die. I watched this great tutorial on Kay's blog Stampin' to Share to learn how to do this. Thank you for your great instructions Kay!

Happy Valentine's Day to you!

Eat Chocolate Cone

2011-02-11T09:03:00.000-05:00

After seeing so many cute projects using the new Petal Cone Die, I knew I just had to have it! Here's my first project using it.

I also used the cute new set Eat Chocolate. I found this to be really easy to put together. I love the little banner that is on this die, and can see using it on cards and scrapbook pages. The little heart image is from the set Tiny Tags. I wanted to use the Decorative Label punch, with the stamp that had the border, but wanted the other saying. So I used my Regal Rose marker to ink up just the border and then used my Stamp-a-ma-jig with the "...I'm that friend" saying to get perfect placement.

Stamps: Eat Chocolate, Tiny Tags & Teeny Tiny Wishes
Card stock: Pretty in Pink. Whisper White & Regal Rose DSP
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Crumb Cake & Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Petal Cone Die, Decorative Label punch, Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Basic Rhinestones & CHOCOLATE!

Have a wonderful weekend!

You Rock!

2011-02-07T09:50:00.000-05:00

Here's a card I created for my hubby's birthday. I surprised him with tickets to see BB King, so of course had to use a guitar and some blue, right!?

The shade of blue I chose was Not Quite Navy. I like using the Perfect Details Texturz Plate with Brushed Silver cardstock because it looks like diamond plate chrome...which gives a nice masculine feel. Instead of using ribbon I used my crimper and added a strip of crimped black card stock. Both the guitar and "you rock" sentiment were embossed with Black Detail EP. The diamond shaped silver brads used to be part of the Vintage Brad collection, but that shape was retired a few years ago...still have a few left in my stash.

Thanks for stopping by...hope your day rocks!

Inlaid Cupcakes

2011-02-04T06:56:00.016-05:00

Are you ready for another cupcake card? Here is one I created using the inlaid embossing technique.

All you need to do is punch out and adhere your pieces to your background piece. Then run it through your Big Shot using an embossing folder with a pretty tight design...in this case I used the Square Lattice EF. The force of the Big Shot embeds the card stocks together and the result looks like an inlaid design...pretty cool, huh? Here's a closer look...

Stamps: Punch Bunch, Cupcakes wheel
Card stock: Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Certainly Celery & Tempting Turquoise
Ink: Pumpkin Pie & Melon Mambo
Accessories: Create a Cupcake, Eyelet Border & Scalloped Square Punches, Rich Razzleberry Satin Ribbon & Square Lattice Embossing Folder

Have a great day!