Technique Tuesday

Happy Tuesday!  Every month I'll be holding a Technique class...and it will be on....Tuesday!  Come join us for some fun and learn new techniques while making cards and other great projects!  Visit my calendar to see when the next class is!  Here is sampling of what you might make at class...

Hello Card

Stamps: Embrace Life, Fundamental Phrases Paper: Pale Plum, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Old Olive Cardstock  Ink: Basic Black and Rich Razzleberry Ink, Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker Accessories: Perfect Details Texturz plate, Clear Rhinestones, Ice Circle Rhinestones, Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallap Edge Punch, Trio Flower Punch

 

 

This fancy fold card is called a Tri-Shutter Fold Card.  It looks complicated, but is pretty easy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly, Oval All  Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White Cardstock Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo and Basic Black Ink Accessories: Butterfly Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Movers and Shapers - SU! Punch Windows die, Paper Cutter and Stampin' Dimensionals.

Don't you love how perfectly the butterfly punch fits with the image of the stamp? I used the movers and shapers die again like the owl card below, but this time I didn't use it to create a window in the front of the card.  I only used the scallop oval die to create the perfect layer for the punched out Oval All image! How awesome is that?  And, isn't that designer paper yummy!!  I just love it!!!  :-) 

Joyful Animal Stories

I'm joyful because I had a chance to stamp and create a card AND because I've had time to update my blog AND because this card uses my new punch!  I love punches...they make things soooooo easy!  Look how perfect the ornament is!!  We still have plenty of time before Christmas is actually here, but it's never too early to get started on creating your cards.    This month I'll be starting my Christmas stamp a stack classes where we'll be making 12 cards (3 each of 4 different designs) each month.  By December you'll have a nice stash to send out to all your family and friends!  :-)  See my calendar for dates.  In fact, a card very similar to this one will be one of the cards we make this month!  Here are the supplies I used:

Stamps: Delightful Decorations (from the Holiday Mini); Paper:  Whisper White, Real Red, Kraft Cardstock; Ink: Real Red and Whisper White Craft Ink; Accessories: Ornament Punch (from the Holiday Mini), Pretties Kit, Real Red Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Elastic Cord (from the Holiday Mini), Perfect Details Texturz plate, stampin' dimensionals, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Glue Dots, Stamping Sponges

 

 

Animal Stories is one of the new stamp sets in the new Idea Book and Catalog.  It has adorable matching designer series paper - Tall Tales.  We made these cards at the open house and at a recent club get-together.

 

 

Stamps: Animal Stories; Paper:  Whisper White, Rose Red, So Saffron Cardstock, Tall Tales Designer Series Paper; Ink: Brilliant Blue Classic Ink; Accessories: Ornament Punch, Pretties Kit, Rose Red Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon,  Backgrounds 1 Texturz plate, stampin' dimensionals

 

 

 

 

 Stamps: Animal Stories; Paper:  Whisper White Texture, Old Olive, Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry Texture Cardstock, Tall Tales Designer Series Paper; Ink: Dusty Durango Classic Ink; Accessories: 1" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Modern Label Punch, Circle Scissor Plus, Movers and Shapers - Holiday Windows, Dusty Durango Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon,  stampin' dimensionals

The Movers and Shapers Punch makes window cards easy schmeasy!!  Position the die where you want the window, run the cardstock through your Big Shot and voila....a window that coordinates perfectly with one of our punches.  The designers at Stampin' Up! are just BRILLIANT!!

 

This card was made by my friend and downline, Jenise Schnell:

 

Stamps: Animal Stories; Teeny Tiny Wishes Paper:  Whisper White, Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry Cardstock, Tall Tales Designer Series Paper; Ink: Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango Classic Ink Refills; Accessories: Modern Label Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Crushed Curry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon,  Basic Small Grommets, stampin' dimensionals

 

Jenise used the baby wipe technique to create the giraffe image.  Come join me on Technique Tuesday to learn fun new techniques like this one!

 

 

Happy Stampin' everyone!  I've missed you!

Birthday Bash

It's always a good idea to have birthday cards on hand just in case.  Last month's stamp a stack featured birthday cards.  This first one was the token "male" card....I didn't do such a great job with the masculine part!  There's only a little bit of pink!  :-)

 

Stamps: Party Hearty; Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White Cardstock, Sweet Always Designer Series Paper; Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip; Accessories: Word Window Punch, 3/4" circle punch, stampin' dimensionals, Paper Snips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This one uses the new texturz plates for the big shot!!  I love these!

Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes; Paper: Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White Cardstock; Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette Ink, Regal Rose, Creamy Caramel Stampin' Write Markers; Accessores: Stampin' up! Backgrounds 1 texturz plates, Big Shot, Pink Pirouette striped grosgrain ribbon, stampin' dimensionals.

A stamp a stack is a great way to stock up on cards for when you need them.  It's also perfect for all you card hoarders out there.  We make 3 cards of each design, this way you can keep one and send out the other two!  :-)

Sale-a-Bration!

I've been a bit of a sale-a-bration slacker!  But, no worries, there are still 10 days left for you to take advantage of the sale-a-bration freebies!  Purchase $50 in fun stampin' stuff and choose one of six sale-a-bration items free...purchase $100 and get two...heck for all my supply hogs out there - purchase $300 and get them all!:-)  Here are some of the things we've been making with Sale-a-Bration items:

This fun bag we made with Delicate Dots Designer Series Paper-FREE (114674)!  The Daisy on the front is made by using the Daisy #2 Flower bigz die with the Big Shot...how did I ever live without it??  Also the So Saffron grosgrain ribbon for the handles is one of the SAB selections so it's FREE too and it comes with a roll of Certainly Celery poly-twill (114618)!  No stampin' on the bag but here's what else was used:

Accessories: Jumbo Eyelets (108431), Fresh Favorites Buttons 1 (107421), Eyelet Border Punch (113692), Crop-a-dile (108362), Flower Daisies #2 bigz die (114520), Sticky Strip (104294), Glue Dots (103683)  Paper: Certainly Celery (105125), Bashful Blue (105120), Kraft (102125)

Inside the fun bag are these:

 

Four little any occasion note cards with envelopes stamped to match (forgot to take a picture of those...but imagine a pretty heart that matches the bag!)  Isn't this a great little gift for someone you love??!!

Stamps: Polka Dot Punches (113788) FREE SAB set!; Paper: Delicate Dots Designer Series Paper-FREE (114674), Whisper White (100730), Certainly Celery (105125), Bashful Blue (105120), Kraft (102125) Cardstock, Note Cards (107311)-20 with envelopes; Accessories: Fresh Favorites Buttons 1 (107421), Eyelet Border Punch (113692), Soft Subtles Brads (106954), Flower Assortment Designer Brads (112583), Clear Buttons (105447), Ribbon Bundle (114618) FREE SAB item, Beautiful Butterflies bigz die (114507), 1 3/8" Circle Punch (104401), 1 1/4" Circle Punch (104403), 5-Petal Flower Punch (109041), Scallop Circle Punch (109043)

Last month we made this card using much of the same supplies...this is a full size card (5 1/2 x 4 1/4) unlike the note cards above.

 

 

Isn't it awesome how Stampin' Up! makes its paper and images to coordinate.  It makes creating so much easier for me!  :-)

 

 

 

 

 

This card uses the paper and ribbon again, but it uses a different SAB stamp set - Yummy (113782) and the Scallop Envelope bigz die (113462) which makes a perfect sized pocket for a yummy (hee, hee) Ghirardelli chocolate!

 

 

 

 

We're using yet another set at the Spring stamp a stack tomorrow, so look for that sample coming soon!  Happy Saturday!

Hearts and Skulls

Valentine's Day is creeping up!  Here's a card we made at Stamp Club last month.

 

 Stamps: Love You Much (113756), Holidays & Wishes (114984)

 Paper: Kraft (102125), Chocolate Chip (102128),  Pink Pirouette (111351), Riding Hood Red (111348), Holiday Treasures Designer Series Paper (retired)

 Ink: Whisper White Craft (101731), Riding Hood Red ( 111836)

 Accessories: Heart to Heart Punch (113694), Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder (101930), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

 

 

With just about every new catalog unveiling I participate in a swap with some fellow demonstrators and good friends.  It's a great way for us to collect ideas to share with all of our stampin' friends and to have an excuse to get together and catch up!  Here's a great card made by my friend Yolanda Vasquez.  I love this card because it uses a stamp set I thought didn't have much versatility...she sure showed me!  It also highlights one of the new hostess sets that you can get for FREE by hostessing a fun stampin' party or private class!

Stamps: Just Jawing (111660), not just for Halloween!, A Little Somethin'  (113415), Level 2 Hostess Set

Paper: Pink Pirouette (111351), Riding Hood Red (111348), Basic Black (102851), Candy Lane Designer Series Paper (113980)

Ink: Versamark (102283), Whisper White Craft (101731), Basic Black (101179)

Accessories: Heart to Heart Punch (113694), Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Pretties Kit (109114), Ticket Corner Punch(107214), Large Star (110710), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

 

More inspiration for those you love coming soon!

A Happy Heart

These beautiful cards were made by my friend Pam Downs. This stamp set is in the holiday mini, but will continue to be available in the 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog. Pam does a great job of using embellishments to really enhance a project! I’m sure you agree as you look at these! 

Supplies: Stamps - A Happy Heart (111758), Paper - Pink Pirouette (111351), Chocolate Chip (102128), Sweet Always (112468), Ink - Pumpkin Pie (105216), Regal Rose (105211) Accessories - Clear Buttons, Build A Brad (109128), Soft Subtles Brads (106954), 1/2" circle punch (104390) , Rose Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (111366) , Crop-a-dile (108362, Filigree Brads (112577), Scallop Edge Punch (112091), Crafters Tool Kit (104310), Clear Buttons (105447), Mini Glue Dots (103683)

Supplies: Stamps - A Happy Heart (111758), Paper - Real Red (102482), Old Olive (100702), Summer Picnic (111355), Ink - Old Olive (102277), Real Red (103133), Pumpkin Pie (105216), Accessories - Build A Brad (109128), 1/2" circle punch (104390) , Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109054) , Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), 1 1/4" circle punch ( 104403), 1 3/8" circle punch (104401)

A Happy Heart stamp set is perfect for Valentine’s Day, but don’t limit yourself to just that holiday….who wouldn’t love either of these cards…just because! :-)  Order any of these supplies here!

Leadership was fantastic and I look forward to sharing all that I’ve learned there. Unfortunately, I was not able to keep you all posted as I didn’t have all the right technology tools. Currently, there also is some discussion among demonstrators about what I am allowed to share and when according to Stampin’ Up! policy. It’s kind of gray area, so until I completely clear that up, I’m erring on the side of caution. I know you are going to love the catty and all the great new stamps, paper, embellishments and Big Shot dies!  My favorites so far are the Corduroy Buttons (OH MY!) and the Texture Plates for the Big Shot!

Pretty Pink

I'm in Orlando gearing up for Stampin' Up!'s Leadership conference!  I'm here with two good friends that I met through SU!  I made them a little gift over the holiday break.  I found these vinyl spa bags on accident after Christmas at HEB of all places.  They were the right price and I thought I might be able to use them.  They aren't as electric pink as they seem in this photo.  I couldn't get a good shot with the true color.  

  I used some Chocolate Chip Rub Ons to decorate the bag and metal tag.  All of this is retired, but could easily be substituted with stuff you have in your stash or with current product!  :-)

 

In the bag I included a chipboard calendar, these yummy chocolates, and a bag tag.  The chocolate is in a tin decorated with the new Love You Much Stamp set.  So easy!

 

 

 

 

At each Leadership or Convention, we receive a bag with our stamp set(s) and other goodies.  This year we'll also get the 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog in it!  Thousands of demonstrators with the same bag...oh my....so this is a way to help us tell our bags apart quickly.  :-) 

 

 

I got the tags from Oriental trading and decorated them using some of our pretty DSP, on board chipboard coated with craft ink and embossed using iridescent ice embossing powder, and some of our great designer brads!  Here's a closer look at one of them.

 

 

This paper is new DSP from the new catty.  It's called Rasberry Tart.  Of course I used a mostly kiwi kiss sheet on two of these...doesn't look very rasberry-ey or tarty!  The middle one uses the soon to be retired Maine Blueberry DSP.  My friend REALLY likes blue!  I hope they like their bags! 

I hope to report back to you later today new and exciting things coming our way!

Live Like You Mean It!

Happy New Year! 

This calendar is one of the projects we made at the gift camp (now months ago!), but perfect for January!  We used two chipboard coasters and covered them with gorgeous paper (Haiku in this sample) and cardstock on the back.  It's "bound" with ribbon.  The stamp set is one of the level 1 hostess free sets called "Live Like you Mean it" (and is only available until January 18th - quick schedule a party!)  I just LOVE that statement!  And, of course, I think it is perfect for a calendar so I (or a recipient of this as a gift) can be reminded to live every moment and not take anything for granted.  You can't see it too clearly on this sample, but 'live like you mean it" is embossed in black under the months.  I designed it so a photo could be added.  So perfect for any workspace!

I got the coasters from a demo friend who ordered a gazillion of them.  Mine are plain vanilla-ish in color.  They were super cheap, but I don't know where she actually purchased them.  I'm sure a quick google search will provide you with numerous sources!  Now, you could reuse the coasters you get when you go out to dinner at any of the great restaurants that use these types of coasters (Chili's and Outback come to mind immediately), I've been told that some restaurants will actually let you take some that haven't even been used...what a bonus!  I adhered the paper with my glue stick and punched holes with my crop-a-dile.  Colors on this one are Tangerine Tango and More Mustard.  The numbers are from a retired stamp set, Straight Up alphabet and numbers.  The calendar came from an excel template.  You can e-mail me if you need it.  Here are some other calendars made by....ummm...it's been so long, I don't remember!  Enjoy!

This one uses Maine Blueberry Paper

 

and this one uses Frosty Day from the Holiday Mini Catalog.

Domino Frame

This was another project we did at the gift camp.  Again, this was inspired by a swap I received at convention.  Unfortunately, I cannot find the name of the person who swapped this!  The frame is a $1 frame from Michaels (although apparently they are now in short supply here in the Austin area).  Images were stamped in Stazon and colored in with chalk.  At Saturday's camp, Lucinda shared that she has started sealing her dominos (she makes gorgeous jewelry with her dominos) with floor wax....BRILLIANT!!  If you keep floor wax in one of your aqua painters like I do, this is so easy to do!  Here are some of the ones that were made at camp:

Again, I missed several people's frames!

Stationary Box

Yesterday was the second round of Gift Camp.  I look forward to this camp every year, although I spend many months worrying if the projects will be as satisfying to everyone as last years, or the year before that, or the year before that... The stationary box was one of the projects this year I included and although it was a bit frustrating at first with some of the scoring and cutting, it was a great project and they turned out so beautiful!  One of my friends requested that I do this project in the gift camp and coincidently I received one in a swap at convention from Donna Henley.  The pattern from the box can be found here.  Here's the sample I made for the class:

I think some of the boxes left without being photographed (camera shy at such a young age!), but here are some of the great boxes that were created.  If you need details on supplies, e-mail me and I'll be happy to fill in the gaps.

It's been awhile since the first camp, I think this one is Jeanette's.

I think Mary Alice's.

Teri's

 

Nancy's

Ashley's

Lucinda's

I'll make corrections as my wonderful stampin' friends refresh my memory!  And, I'll post the others if I can get pictures of them.  Aren't they beautiful??!!

So Thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving! I love Thanksgiving because it is the perfect holiday (in my humble opinion)...there is no expectation of gifts, so no stress about finding the right present, just the gift of presence! Don't get me wrong I love presents...in fact, feel free to send me presents any time you want! I just love that we all recognize at least once a year to be grateful for all that we already have, not necessarily what we are about to receive! Like many others, I feel blessed that I have so much to be thankful for: I have two beautiful and vivacious children, a truly caring and loving husband, 2 devoted dogs who love us unconditionally, 2 cuddly cats who allow us to be in their lives, extended family who love and support us no matter what we do, and countless friends to laugh (and sometimes cry) with who have become much like family! I am grateful for all the people who give of themselves so we all can live safely (soldiers, police, firefighters, etc)! In a time of uncertainty in our economic world, I feel fortunate to have a job that I love and that is secure and that stretches me intellectually...I truly learn something new every day. After my recent trip to Ohio I am also reminded of how thankful I am to be living in Texas where snow and sub-freezing weather is so rare!!! And, of course, I'm grateful for stamping and the art of paper crafting in general! I have learned that even I can be creative and I'm quite sure I have been spared countless hours and thousands of dollars in therapy! (However, it really has impacted my ability to maintain a clean and clutter free home!) And then there are all the people I have been so fortunate to meet who share the same passion for creating! I am grateful for all of you! (especially if you are still reading!) Lastly (or at least for now), I am grateful for my health. I'm so happy I have the opportunity to wake up each day, breathe the wonderful (and usually warm and sunny) fresh Texas air, and do whatever is in store for the day! Isn't life great??

For those of you just visiting my blog for the ideas....here's a project we made at stamp club this month that suits the day.

This is a card portfolio made with large envelopes. Unfortunately, when we made this I didn't realize that Stampin' Up! no longer carries this size of envelope, but if you can't find them at your favorite craft or office supply store, SU does carry a large square envelope that works as well. You attach the two envelopes together and insert these note cards and matching envelopes into the two pockets.

I forgot to snap a picture of the inside of the portfolio, so if this doesn't make sense e-mail me and I'll try to give you improved directions! The cards were super simple. This project uses the Season of Friendship and Thank You Kindly stamp sets. The Autumn Vine DSP coordinates perfectly with the stamp set and the colors are pulled directly from there: Sage Shadow, More Mustard, Really Rust and Chocolate Chip. Circle Punches make putting the whole thing together fast and easy!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. I'd love it if you would leave a comment and share what you are thankful for!

Holiday Extravaganza Sale!

Images © 2008 Stampin’ Up

Oh my...just in time for your holiday shopping...what a great sale! You can take advantage of this via my online store, or by e-mailing me your order, or if you are attending the Holiday Gift Camp 2 this Saturday! Quantities are limited...I'm sure you'll find the perfect present for all the creative crafters in your life - or for you! Click here to see all the bundles!

More Holiday Cards

We made these cards in October at the Stamp a Stack!  Sorry the pictures are a bit shadowy.  I have to pay attention to what time I take pictures.

Stamps: Snow Swirled; Paper:Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Whisper White, Brushed Silver Cardstock; Ink: Versamark, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy Classic Ink; Accessories: Silver Embossing Powder, Pretties Kit, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Elastic Silver Cord, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Double Rectangle Punch, Snow Blossom Punch

Stamps: Holy Triptych; Ink: Stazon, Versamark; Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Shimmery White, Brushed Gold Cardstock; Accessories: Gold Embossing Powder, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Aqua Painter.

Stamps: A Cardinal Christmas; Ink: Always Artichoke, Riding Hood Red Classic Ink; Paper: Always Artichoke, Confetti Cream, Riding Hood Red Cardstock; Accessories: Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla 1 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon,  Big Shot, Top Note Die, Chunky Essentials Glitter, Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive.

Stamps: Jolliest of Holidays, Season of Joy; Ink: Basic Black Classic Pad, Real Red, Basic Black, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write Marker; Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black Cardstock; Accessories: Vintage Brads, Hodgepodge Hardware (retired), Chunky Essentials Glitter, Black Grosgrain Ribbon.

Bonus card: I made this one as part of a swap with some of my favorite demos!:

Stamps: A Cardinal Christmas; Ink: Stazon, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip Reinkers; Paper: Chocolate Chip, Shimmery White Cardstock, Ski Slope DSP; Accessories: Alpine Ribbon Originals, Big Shot, Scallop Circle #2 Die, Stampin Dimensionals, Stampin' Sponge