Hands On

Big Anniversary

2012-01-24T20:55:00.000-08:00

My aunt and uncle will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary next month and my mom commissioned me to make a card for them . I actually already made invites for a gathering that we will be having but forgot to take pics to share. But the colour scheme was the same as was the general idea. Lots of love! Perfect timing as I have all my valentine goodies out and ready to use.
I miss Taken With Teal. Such a beautiful colour but I have still a little bit left. I paired it with Early Espresso and Very Vanilla. All the Vanilla layers were sprayed with Champagne Shimmer Paint and the Teal layer was run through the Big Shot with an embossing plate and then I copied the details with Dazzling Details. Such a neat effect! All the hearts were cut with the new Heart Collection Edgelits and the Fashionable Hearts Embosslit.
I carried on a bit of the same ideas to the inside. I used the same Lace Border Punch and then added some Dazzling Details to it for some added pizazz. The sketch I used is from Pals Paper Arts challenge #127.
Thanks for stopping by!

Cupcake Toppers

2012-01-22T21:42:00.001-08:00

So here are the cupcake toppers to match the card I made for my daughter's birthday. I really had so much fun making these and you should have seen her face when she saw them. I used a few shades of pink, Melon Mambo, Rose Red, Pink Pirouette and Pretty In Pink to name a few. Some accents include, Silver Glass Glitter, Champagne Shimmer Paint, and 1/8" Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon. All the girls cousins kept theirs but of course the boys didn't have much interest in them so we got to take a few back home to play with.
So what did the pretty ballerina get for her birthday???
Meet the latest edition to our family. Ella, a 15 week old Labradoodle. It has been a crazy long day and we'll see how our first night together goes. Hopefully we'll get along well and she'll still allow me some stamping time. I really have enjoyed getting back into it lately. Till next time...happy stamping!

Loving These Edgelits!

2012-01-20T11:19:00.000-08:00

I am sooooooooooooo very happy SU! finally came up with these Edgelits. This is the Frame Collection and I am loving them to bits.

This is a birthday card I made for my daughter. She chose the ballerina theme for her party. I'll share the cupcakes toppers later(they're really cute). Anyways I turned the card into a shaker card using the retired micro beads. The paper I used was from Cheerful Treat and the Silver Glitter paper. I embellished the card with a Glimmer Brad and some Basic Rhinestones. She is gonna love this card. I can't wait to give it to her.
I've entered this in Hand Stamped Sentiments challenge #101 asking for a Shaker card. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a good weekend!

Sale-A-Bration Goodies

2012-01-17T22:22:00.000-08:00

Sale-A-Bration is almost here. Just look at some of the goodies you can get for free. Sheer ribbons, fun designer brads or beautiful dsp. I actually don't like orange and so the colour Cameo Coral has yet to appeal to me until now. I am really beginning to like the matching products using Cameo Coral in the SAB brochure.
I made this card for club this week. I wanted to give the ladies a chance to try out some new tools from the Occasions Mini and also see the goodies they can get for free starting very soon.
Products I used for this card:
*Edgelits Die - Adorning Accents
*Framelits - Labels Collection
*Adorning Accents Embossing Folders
*Tea Shoppe Stamp Set
*Sponges
*Clear Embossing
*Stampin' Write Markers

Can You Feel The Love???

2012-01-10T15:09:00.000-08:00

Well, can you? Let me tell you how much I do!First off it has been far too long since I have been in my craft room and I can't tell you how much I love being in there and love making stuff. Secondly, have you seen the new Spring Mini??? I am loving the new products in there. I literally piled them on. How much fun was that!! And last but not least, I entered Paper Players challenge #77 - All you need is love, Create With Connie & Mary colour challenge #183 - Blushing Bride, Pool Party and Soft Seude and Hand Stanped Sentiments #100 - pleats or ruffles. There is a whole lot of love going on here today.
Here is a list of fun new stuff I used here today:
*Hearts Collection Framelit Dies
*P.S. I Love You Stamp Set
*3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon - Blushing Bride
*Twitterpated Designer Buttons
*Hat Pins
*Large Pearl Basic Jewels
*Fashionable Hearts Embosslits Die
Like I said just a few new things! lol:) I hope I can go and play again soon! Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!

Spring Mini Is Here! And It's Good!!!

2012-01-06T22:29:00.000-08:00

It's so exciting. I am loving this mini. The new stuff is so much fun. Click on the photo to have a look!

Contact me to place an order or book a workshop!

Clearance Rack Blitz

2011-12-19T07:25:00.000-08:00

If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say "I wish I had that punch" I'd be rich. Well now is your chance to stock up on some of those punches. Stampin' Up! has updated their clearance rack and it has loads of punches and other great stuff for super cheap. Deals up to 80% off ribbons, buttons and more! Check it out here through my website where you can place your order online and have it shipped right to your door!

Day 12 Of 12 Days Of Christmas

2011-12-12T06:37:00.000-08:00

As my day 12 I wanted to wish you a very merry Christmas and show you one of my Christmas cards that I am sending out. I decided I wanted a photo card this year and so I dusted off my MDS and went to work. I am a total hands on kind of person, hence the blog name, and so I find MDS difficult and I can't seem to do what I want with a computer. It turned out enough that I am willing to actually send it out. lol. I got my husband's approval. He was generous enough to tell me though "you know it's not nearly as good as one of your cards though right?" Gotta love him. He knows me well. The other funny part is that we can never seem to get a good family photo. When one kid is looking the other isn't and when one child is smiling of course the other isn't. But once again, we decided it was good enough to send out and since I can't send one to all of you, finally here it is.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!!!

Day 11 Of 12 Days Of Christmas

2011-12-11T22:15:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know I am maybe over doing it a little with the luminary idea but I can't seem to get enough of them. This one is a double layer luminary.
I made the card with the snowflake as my luminary. That was my original idea but when it came time to adding a sentiment I wanted it in the middle but realized it blocked half of the light coming through. So now I had some thinking to do and also some work. I created a secondary luminary with my sentiment and then had to remove anything from the original card that was blocking the view of the sentiment once I decided where it would be.

I am starting to run low on Vellum Paper. I'm going to have to do something with my Vellum c/s soon instead. Hint, hint!

Day 10 Of 12 Days Of Christmas

2011-12-10T15:53:00.000-08:00

Here is card #2 of the Christmas cards I made for the preschool teachers.
I still have tons of retired stock to use up and this pack of dsp was one I really loved to use. I paired it up with the Red Glitter Paper and some old retired Real Red Ribbon. The Snowflake Die gets well used here at my place during the Christmas season. I love how I created depth here with it. Instead of using the actual punch out, I used the leftover and mounted it with dimensionals on some polka dotted dsp that I had previously sprayed with Champagne Shimmer Paint. The sentiment is from Four The Holidays.
Sorry I missed yesterday. Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Day 8 Of 12 Days Of Christmas

2011-12-08T18:09:00.000-08:00

Matching stockings! That's what I've got for you today. The Stocking Die is a fun one and makes super quick and easy cards and gift card holders.
I ran some c/s and dsp through the big shot and then just swapped pieces to make a matching set! A few quick accents and you're done!

Day 7 Of 12 Days Of Christmas

2011-12-07T22:30:00.001-08:00

Today I played along with Mojo Monday #218. It's been a very, very long time since I've played here. I needed to make some large cards for all the parents to sign for my daughter's preschool teachers. This is the first of 3 cards and Mojo Monday's sketch was perfect for my card.
This card was based on the beautiful pointsetta in the top left corner. I used the Blossoms Petal Builders Punch for each of the different petal sizes. After they were all punched I sprayed them with Champagne Shimmer Mist and then very lightly sponged the tips. I mounted them all on a 1 1/4" circle, slowly moving them inward. Once I had all the petals glued on I added some Victorian Crochet Trim to the underside and then some Basic Rhinestones to the front center. The sentiment is from The Sounding Joy. I embossed it with Clear Embossing and dressed it up with more rhinestones.Other then that beautiful flower, this card is pretty basic, but I thought it turned out nicely. Still love that retired dsp!

Day 6 Of 12 Days Of Christmas

2011-12-06T21:20:00.000-08:00

I made this card in "Movember" but never got around to sharing it.Thought this was kind of a fun Christmas card for a guy. I know my husband wouldn't really be into the flocking but I thought it was a fun way to jazz up the card. The stamp in the background is the Sparkle & Shine Jumbo Wheel. I stamped Many Mustaches on Whisper White c/s and then cut out the one I wanted. Then I adhered it to the stick and wrapped Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine around it.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great night!

Day 5 Of 12 Days Of Christmas

2011-12-05T22:22:00.000-08:00

I am making a little gift for each of my sisters and here is one now. This is a perfect example of where a picture just doesn't do justice. In real life it is so pretty and sparkly. This particular sister loves purple and I wanted to try a luminary with the Petal Cone Die so purple it was. Perfect Plum and Elegant Eggplant to be exact. I ran the Perfect Plum layer through the Big Shot with the Snow Burst EF and then took the Ornament Punch to it. Next I sprayed that layer with Champagne Shimmer Mist Paint. Then I adhered it to the Elegant Eggplant layer and then punched it again.

I punched out a few petal cones again with Vellum Paper and then cut them into separate pieces. I stamped each piece with an image from Simply Grace and then Clear Embossed them. I adhered them to the inside with Sticky Strip. The final touch was a star at the top punched out of Silver Glitter Paper and a bit of silver elastic in case she wants to hang it somewhere.
Have a great day and I'll see you again tomorrow!

Day 4 Of 12 Days Of Christmas

2011-12-04T21:16:00.000-08:00

Check out my new blog design I just picked out (didn't like the last one very much) and the funny thing is that my card for you today matches!!!
So the first layer is the Music Wheel rolled in Baja Breeze on Very Vanilla c/s. Next is the big stamp (badge, medallion - whatever you call it!) from Notably Ornate in Night Of Navy. The final stamp is the greeting from The Sounding Joy. Next I did some sponging with Crumb Cake. I had my sewing machine out so I did a little stitching around the edges. Personally I think the stitching makes the card. I love the effect. The final touch was a few Basic Pearls.

See you again tomorrow!

Day 3 of 12 Days of Christmas

2011-12-03T14:21:00.001-08:00

Love this!!! Isn't it pretty. I made one similar last year but it was alot tougher because we didn't have Silver Glitter paper. Now we do. Yeah! And I am loving it to pieces this Christmas.

So I started with Baja Breeze c/s and punched out 6, 1 3/8" circles with space around them. Next I punched the 2 3/8" Scallop Circles around them. Then I ran them through the Big Shot in the Snow Burst EF and sponged them to bring out the impression.
Then folded them in half and glued them together leaving one open. I folded my 6 snowflakes in half as well and glued them around some silver cord. Next I glued that last one shut from the Baja Breeze scallop circles around the snowflakes and on the silver cord. I added a few buttons and a Square Firestone Brad to the bottom and a Very Vanilla Velvet Ribbon bow with some Jingle Bells to the top.
I've entered this in 2 challenges.
Stampin' Royalty #100 - Anything but a card

Hand Stamped Sentiments #95 - Anything but a card Christmas ornament challenge.
Here are a few photos showing a few more details.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!

Day 2 of 12 Days Of Christmas

2011-12-02T21:51:00.000-08:00

I have a habit that when I make a card, I usually make 2 of them, changing one of them along the way. In this case I made 3!
I started with a Scallop Circle and an Embossing Folder. For each card I used a different folder. The next 2 layers were the Snowflake Die. Always a darker layer of c/s on the bottom and glitter paper on the top.
For the red and pink card the sentiment is from Tiny Tags punched out with the Jewellery Tag Punch and then topped off with a Jingle Bell. For the turquoise card the sentiment comes from Delightful Decorations.
I'd have to say the pink and black one is my favourite. I've entered it in SUO Challenge #33 - Favourite Holiday Colours.

12 Days Of Christmas

2011-12-01T21:08:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know this is a long shot but, I am gonna try posting for 12 straight days! Yes, I know my track record lately has not been good but I am gonna give it a go. So here we go...
Ho, ho, ho stockings!
Using the Holiday Stocking Die Cut, some Red and Silver Glitter Paper and some retired dsp I made 6 stockings. My accents include Winter Wishes Stitched Felt, Cherry Cobbler/White Baker's Twine and some buttons. The letters are from the Serif Essentials Alphabet. I also used 3 different embossing folders: Northern Flurry, Petals-A-Plenty and Snow Burst.

These could easily be made into real stockings by attaching another stocking to the back, then you'd be able to stuff a little something inside them. Maybe some candy canes???

A Blue Christmas

2011-11-29T21:19:00.000-08:00

Oh my, I haven't played with any challenges in such a long time. It sure feels good to get back at it. And what could be better than a blue Christmas card. I just love blue Christmas cards. They're my favourite! Colour Q #113 has an awesome combo of blues to try this week and the technique I wanted to try worked out great with Stampin' 411's sketch #231. Here is my card.
I don't know what the technique is called but it involves embedding Glass Glitter in Clear Embossing. Love the effect! The embossing powder is so thick that if you drop the glitter on the embossing the moment after you heat it and heat it quickly again, it literally melts into the embossing. Pretty neat to watch actually. Now the other cool thing is that the embossing is so thick that once it cools, if you bend it a little it starts to crack. I only did two layers but it was cracking with me barely touching it. It is such a neat looking card in person.
I sure hope I get the chance to play along with other challenges soon. I really had a good time and love the way I was inspired. Thanks for stopping by.

Telescope Snowman

2011-11-24T22:01:00.000-08:00

Have you seen this cute guy around??? I've seen him in a few places but the great Becky Roberts had a fantastic tutorial on him here and I had to make one for myself.
Her tutorial uses alot of B/S dies that I didn't have, so I changed his measurements a little to use more punches then die cuts. Pretty cute huh?
Let me know if you want my measurements. Have a great day!

Seriously Late Tutorial

2011-11-22T21:01:00.000-08:00

This tutorial is so long over due. My apologizes to those that having been waiting for directions for this snowman for awhile. Here is a photo of the finished snowman.
Hat: The hat is the 1 1/4" square with the top and bottom rounded by the large oval. The brim is a sliver of the large oval. The flower is cherry cobbler and it is one of the flowers from the boho blossoms punch. I layered 2 of them and then put a 1/4" circle of garden green in the middle and covered it with dazzling diamonds.
Face: The head is a 1 3/4" whisper white circle. His eyes are 1/8" basic black circles and his cheeks are 1/4" blushing bride circles. His nose is cut free hand from pumpkin pie c/s.
Body: Punch a 1 3/4" circle out of whisper white c/s and then punch a 2 1/2" circle around it for the body. His arms are the branches from the 2 step bird punch, but you need to trim all the leaves down to sticks.
Hope this is helpful and if you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

24 Hour Extravaganza Sale Items

2011-11-21T06:57:00.000-08:00

So here are the 2 items you can get for %20 off for only 24 hours. Till midnight tonight you can get the Simply Scored Tool or the Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps at a discount.

The rest of the Extravaganza is available till Nov. 30th. There are some great deals to be found here. There's stuff for sale up to %60 off. Check it out here. (please remember that they are not showing you the discounted price but when you place the order you will see the sale price) You can place your order online through my website here or place an order directly through me @ hands76@hotmail.com. I will be placing an order tonight for the 24 hour sale but you can add any of the sale items to that order if you'd like. Happy shopping!

Online Extravaganza Starts Today!

2011-11-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Attention all bargain hunters!!!

Online Extravaganza, SU!'s annual sale to kick off the holiday shopping season, will begin THIS Monday, November 21, 2011, and run through Wednesday, November 30, 2011.

Visit my Online Store on Monday, November 21, to take advantage of great savings, like FREE digital downloads valued at $42 when you buy My Digital Studio Express, 60 percent off select Designer Fabrics, and 30 percent off an exclusive ribbon bundle!

In addition, there will be two items on sale for 24 hours only (MONDAY, November 21, 12:01 AM - 11:59 PM [MT])--so make sure you don't miss the first 24 hours of Online Extravaganza!

Fun Cards For Club

2011-11-20T22:36:00.000-08:00

This last week has been something else. I was getting ready for a show while being sick and taking care of a sick family. I got some work done and had a great time at the show on Friday. So club was today and I needed something for the class so I decided we would make a gift certificate holder that always seems to be a big hit with the people at the shows.
The Top Note Die Cut has to be one of the most useful dies ever. It is what I used for the top of the purse but when you open it, you will see I used the cut outline to hold the actual gift card. Now is that useful or what? Nothing wasted here!
Ingredients: Top Note Die, Early Espresso C/S, Letters To Santa DSP, Corner Rounder, hHerry Cobbler Seam Binding, Jingle Bells
Be sure to come back tomorrow for the Online Extravagansza that is available till Nov. 30th and the special that is only available for 24 hours starting tomorrow.

Simple Saturday #30

2011-11-12T21:12:00.000-08:00

Time for another simple card. That seems to be all I have time for nowadays. But I really like this one. It's perfect for one of my sisters. She is a teacher and she loves to play scrabble. She also kicks my butt when we do play!
It's amazing what a simple straight stitch can do to a card. I love the effect on this card. I know I should pull out my sewing machine for crafting more often. It's just that when I do pull it out, I feel like I should be doing more with it then 10 seconds on a piece of paper. Not really worth going out and buying a machine just for a few simple stitches but if you've got one, give it a go on some paper. Hope you can have some fun with it!
Oh, I almost forgot the other super fun little thing I wanted to share with you! Did you know that Basic Rhinestones can be coloured?! Now our SU! Markers don't really work. The colour just rubs right off. However a sharpie works and you can buy them in a variety of colours. Another fun thing to give a try! Hope I've inspired you a little today. Have a great day!

New Classes

2011-11-06T20:56:00.000-08:00

I have a few new classes coming up this month and next. I will share 2 with you today. The first class is free with the purchase of the Simply Scored Scoring Tool ( $38.95 plus tax & shipping item #122334). You get to make this treat holder that you can make use yourself as a candy bowl or fill with goodies for a teacher or friend. The class will be available on Tues., Nov. 15th @ 7:30pm. (If you can't make this date I can make it available at another date.) RSVP by Nov. 8th.

The second class is for these 3 Christmas artisans cards.

The class is Tues. Nov. 22 @ 7:30pm. The fee is $35. This includes your own clear mount stamp set of The Sounding Joy and all materials to make these 3 cards. RSVP by Nov. 14th.

Simple Saturday #29

2011-11-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous Saturday morning it is. I love spending Saturday mornings in my craft room. The kids are playing or watching some cartoons and the hubby is still sleeping. The house is so nice and quiet and I am able to get alot done.
I love this little craft that I have to share with you today. It uses the 1" x 8" Cellophane Bags in the Holiday Mini, a bit of red ribbon, a sentiment from Tiny Tags and a Jingle Bell.
First I fill the bag with treats (not too full) and close it. Next I twist it in a circle and then punch a 1/8" hole at each end and string my ribbon through it and tie a bow. I adhered the tag and jingle bell with glue dots. Another quick and easy project. These might make it to my family's dinner table at Christmas. They're just so cute.
Hope you have a great day!

OPEN HOUSE!

2011-11-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

OPEN HOUSE!!!

Saturday, Nov. 5 at 10am-1pm

This a reminder that I am hosting an open house this weekend. I would love to have you over to my place to see some of the new Stampin' Up! products in the Holiday mini and even try some out! You will also get first chance at signing up to some of the new Christmas classes that I will be hosting in the next few weeks where seating will be limited.

There will be make & takes, door prizes, new samples and most importantly a grand prize worth over $100!

Ways to earn prize tickets are:
*be the first one in the door at 10am
*come out & meet me if I've never had the pleasure of stamping with you
*bring a friend that has never stamped with me @ my house
*book a workshop or class for you and your friends
*join a club
*place an order

RSVP @ hands76@hotmail.com to reserve your make & takes.

Everyone who attends will receive a gift from me! Hope to see you there.

It's Good To Be A Hostess!

2011-11-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

There's another great promotion going on at Stampin' Up!!! Now through Dec. 15th, anyone who hosts a workshop and has sales over $450 will qualify for an ADDITIONAL $45 in free products!

I would love to host a party for you! Why not invite some of your friends over for an informal get together with some holiday treats and I will demonstrate some fun holiday projects with a make and take or two! Or, invite your friends to my home and we'll do the same thing here!

Stampin' Up also announced that they are extending the BIG SHOT (or $100 of free products) promotion to Nov. 11th. If you sign up to be a demonstrator before Nov. 11th, you will get in on this amazing deal! In case you were on the fence before, there is STILL TIME for this!

I'd love for you to join my team. Contact me today!

Simple Saturday #28

2011-10-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

Here is a super simple card for Christmas. My girls will be making these for some of their teachers. They are always so eager to get their fingers dirty. Here will be their chance, of course, with a little supervision.
Rudolph's head is my thumb print. His antlers are the branch from the 2-Step Bird Punch and his nose is that awesome Red Glitter Paper. The sentiment is from Tiny Tags and punched out with the Word Window Punch that I shortened.
Literally a 5 minute card! Super simple. Love it!

Pumpkin Surprise

2011-10-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

How would you like to carve open a pumpkin only to find spiders inside? Creepy! Well in this case I thought it looked kind of neat. Of course if it was a real spider I probably would have dropped the pumpkin and run to get a shoe or something to squash it. Me and spiders only get along when they are squished and even then I will only pick them up with a wad of tissues.
I found a great sketch at PPA #116 that got me going with my card. I also played along with Colour Throwdown #164 and Colour Q #107 this week (think I missed Mr. Linky on those) The papers are from the Brights Collection DSP. I made the pumpkin using the 1 3/4" and the 2 1/2" Circle Punches. For the stem I just rolled up a scrap piece of c/s and for the vines I twisted some strips of c/s around my paper piercer. The spiders inside the pumpkin are from the set Out On A Limb.
The sentiment is from Tiny Tags. I stamped it over the spiders that are the same as the center of the pumpkin and punched it out with the Jewellery Tag Punch and attached it with a Mini Library Clip. I repeated what I did for the sentiment on the inside of the card.

Thanks for stopping by.

Simple Saturday #27

2011-10-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

So glad you could join me today for Simple Saturday. My upline, Kari Metzger, is the one who showed me what I have to share with you today.
Do you ever get frustrated with your Hemp Twine, Linen Thread or the Baker's Twine? It doesn't come on a nice spool like all the regular ribbons. Usually I end up with a big pile of Twine all in a knot and can't find the end so I just cut a piece off wherever. It bugs me! Well here is a solution.
Using an empty container from embellishments and the plastic piece from the center of your empty ribbon spool you can make your own twine or thread spool. Start by punching 2, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punches and adhering them to either side of the plastic spool. Then tape the end of your thread or twine to the spool and wrap it around. Next using your Crop-A-Dile, punch a hole in the side of the container. Place your handmade spool in the container and thread your twine through the hole you punched in the container. Place the lid on and your done. Unless, of course, you want to decorate it. Hope you find this useful. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a great day!

Christmas Star

2011-10-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

I am really liking this stamp set, The Sounding Joy. If you recall I made a Halloween luminary card last week and while making it I totally thought of this stamp set and how it would make a fantastic card in the same style.Isn't this pretty?! I didn't have any current Christmas dsp so I used last years dsp. The circle is a 2 1/2" Punch and then Vellum Paper behind it. I embossed the star image in gold right on the vellum. The ribbon is the new Vanilla Velvet. Oh so pretty! I have a thing for rounded corners. I can't seem to stop doing it. I think it dresses up a card in such an easy and subtle way.

And while I was making this card I wanted to play with Paper Players #68 but figured my card had too many other colours and they only wanted red and green so I just had to (such torture) play some more and make another Christmas card, of course using The Sounding Joy once again. More vellum and Red Glitter Paper! It just softens up that star a little so the sentiment can stand out just a bit more. There are those rounded corners once again! The ribbon is Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding with a few Jingle Bells for a touch of fun! I got the ribbon to stay put with Glue Dots. Love Christmas! And I'm so glad I can get started on celebrating it already. I've even gotten some shopping done already!
Thanks for stopping by. Have a real nice day!

Stocking Hobby Horse

2011-10-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

I am loving this Stitched Stocking stamp set. What a fun Christmas set but then the oh-so-clever Jackie Topa came up with this idea of using the stockings for a hobby horse.

Love it when something has more than one use. And what better to buy a stamp set and have it be useful for Christmas cards, kids birthday cards or baby cards in this case. I went with a neutral baby card and used Just Add Cake DSP so I could use neutral colours, So Saffron and Wild Wasabi. I started with the So Saffron layer and inked up my Striped EF. The next layer is the Scallop Circle out of dsp and then I cut a Whisper White circle with my Circle Scissor Plus and then embossed it with the Perfect Polka Dots EF.
The horses bridle is 1/8" Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon and the horse's mane is 3/8" Grosgrain Ribbon. The eye is a Mini Silver Brad and the stick is a lengthened Word Window Punch. My sentiment is from Word Play. I punched it out with a Large Oval punch and then layered it on the Decorative Layer Punch.
We made this card for club on Sunday and it was a big hit. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a great day.

Christmas Treat

2011-10-16T22:03:00.000-07:00

Licorice isn't exactly what I would call a Christmas treat but I didn't have anything else red in my cupboards and I wanted to play with this fun Christmas stuff I have sitting around staring at me:)
Love, love, love the glitter paper. Both red and sliver! The punches used are the 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch and the 1 3/4" Circle Punch. Then there is that super cute stamp set and matching punch, Stitched Stockings, in the Holiday Mini. (We made a real cute card at club tonight and turned the stocking into a hobby horse. I'll share later this week!)
I cut out the stocking bits from a sticky page and put them on the stocking and then dipped them in the Mica Flakes. My sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes and I flanked it with Basic Rhinestones. I curled the tips a little with my bone folder and attached the ends with dimensionals.
Did I mention I love that glitter paper. I am really looking forward to using it again soon. Till next time!

Simple Saturday #26

2011-10-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

Good morning Saturday stampers! I am loving the simplicity of this card today. I definitely achieved my goal of simple cards today. Without further adue...I have to say this Beautiful Wings Embosslit has to be one of my favourite things SU! has ever come out with. Some many things you can do with those fun variety of little butterflies.
I kept them really simple here though. If you wanted to, you could sponge them, stack them (2 or 3 high), crystal effects them, cover them with dazzling diamonds, this list goes on. Here is another card...
On this card the bottom butterfly is regular cardstock and then the 2 smaller ones are out of Cheerful Treat DSP. I versa marked Baroque Motifs behind them and then added a little Crystal Effects to the largest butterfly. The picture here doesn't do this card justice.The stark contrast of Melon Mambo on Basic Black is striking and then those pearls...it really is very pretty.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a fantastic day! I have a birthday party to run. Hopefully I'll get a chance to share later what we are making!!!

Luminary Card

2011-10-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

I don't give out Halloween cards but I saw this luminary card (by Kirsteen Gill) and knew I had to make it. And know that very soon I will have a Christmas one to share with you! Pretty simple card but the effect is really something. Photos don't do it justice. I started with a Basic Grey card and punched a hole in it using the 2 1/2" Circle. Then I adhered a piece of Vellum Paper over the hole from the inside. For the roof top I layered 3 strips from the Tasteful Trims Die and topped them off with a 1/2" straight strip. I used the clouds and the witch on her broom from the stamp set Out On A Limb. On the inside is the branch with some bats hanging down. My sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes mounted on the Modern Label Punch flanked by 2 Silver Brads. This is one of the cards we will be doing for club this Sunday and if you come you will get the sneek peek of my Christmas luminary card. Email me to reserve your spot.

Simple Saturday #25

2011-10-07T20:48:00.000-07:00

Do you love Sticky Strip? I do and I love Sticky Pages even more. It's almost like making a sticker any shape you like. I had only a little time to play this week. Just enough for a sweet and simple card. I cut a little square off a Sticky Page and using my Big Shot and the Movers & Shapers Die, punched out an Ornament Punch. I still have some Micro Beads (really miss you those) and after I removed one side of the sticky backing and I dipped it right in the container and covered it all up. Then I removed the other backing and stuck it right to my card. LOVE IT! Isn't it pretty?!? This would probably be pretty using Dazzling Diamonds or something else too!
I used 1/8" Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon as the string for my ornament and dressed it up with some Basic Pearls. When all was said and done, I sprayed the whole card with some Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint. Oh and love that gorgeous new Vanilla Velvet Ribbon. I love making Christmas cards and was so stoked to get started with such a quick and easy card. Hope you have a great day!

Finally Scrapping Again

2011-10-07T20:16:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I had a free-for-all scrap/card night. It took me a long time to get going. I knew where I wanted to start but couldn't find the photos to actually get going. So after spending some time searching and organizing I gave up on finding the photos and started somewhere else that I knew I had the photos for.
I actually got 6 pages done but this was my fave. The colour Pool Party is really growing on me and it just so happened to match this paper I have. I have to say I have a lot, I mean I have a lot of paper hanging around. In my pre-SU! years, I spent alot of money on paper and now it sits and sits. The only time it gets used is when I start scrapping. I better get on it and make room for some more stamps. My room is getting crowded!
Here are a few details to share. I added a few Basic Pearls to some runs of ribbon that I simply knotted to dress up.
Recognize the Top Note Die? Cut it out with the Big Shot, turn it and cut off both ends by running it through again, once for each side.
I need another scrap night. I really enjoyed getting back at it and I sure got lots done.

An Offer To Die For

2011-10-03T22:46:00.000-07:00

Free Big Shot Offer

If you've been looking for an opportunity to do what you love, while getting a 20 discount on your favourite products, now is the perfect time! During October, you'll get a FREE Big Shot when you join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator.*

Use the Big Shot die-cutting machine and Stampin' Up!'s exclusive dies to create uniquely beautiful projects in a flash.

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There are so many benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, including

•A 20 percent product discount!
•A free monthly issue of Stampin' Up!'s demonstrator-only magazine, Stampin' Success!
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•Invitations to exclusive Stampin' Up! events!
•Regular get-togethers to stamp!
•Free access to an online community of 30,000+ crafters/stampers and creative artists, as well as 160,000+ project samples!
•Plus, access to an exclusive video and training for your new Big Shot!
Don't miss this BIG deal! Contact me today to learn how you can take advantage of this great opportunity and get your FREE Big Shot!

2011-10-02T22:51:00.000-07:00

From October 1, 2011 - January 3, 2012 you can get Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps. This easy-to-use cookie stamp has a solid wood handle with three interchangeable stamp images: a heart, a jack-o-lantern, and a snowflake.

Just make your favourite shortbread cookie dough (or one of the two included recipes) and stamp away! Create beautiful, hand-stamped cookies in a flash. The stamp images are completely food-safe and child-friendly.

Use the Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps to create and add that personal touch to what you do, and see how easy it is to use-no ink required!

125152 - $20.95

Simple Saturday #24

2011-10-01T22:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Simple Saturday. Today I am sharing something that was actually a gift given to me by a super sweet lady in my downline. (thanks Jenny for the wonderful gift)
I love this tag and had to show it to you. Pretty simple but really nicely put togther. I really like how she reinforced the hole for the ribbon and then added that little bit of Linen Thread. That pear is a favourite stamp from the set Faith In Nature which you can earn for free by hostessing a workshop.
Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!

Thanksgiving Class

2011-09-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

Come on out and make these sweet table favours with matching napkin holders for your family or friends this Thanksgiving. I designed them to be super easy to make. I made 37 in no time at all! Where: My place (email if you need directions)
When: Wednesday, October 5th at 7:00pm
Who: You and a friend!
Cost: $3 a set (favour & napkin ring)

RSVP by Monday, Oct. 3 to reserve your spot.

Fun Night With The Girls (the little ones)

2011-09-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of providing the crafts for a friend's daughter's birthday last night. It's always refreshing to craft with kids. They take creativity to another level and somehow they always see things differently. We made some hodgepodge hardware bookmarks but they weren't dry by the time I left so I couldn't flip them over to take a pic of them. However, I could take pics of the photo frames we made. Here is my original.The mom found these sweet little photo holders and I made frames to match using Concord Crush and Melon Mambo. We used the stamp set Baroque Motifs and Cheerful Treat dsp. Every girl did something totally different. But I have to say the Rhinestones were the biggest hit!

Simple Saturday #22

2011-09-23T21:02:00.001-07:00

Welcome to simple Saturday! Today I have a super simple Halloween decoration to share with you. I can't remember where I saw this but knew how easy it would be to replicate that I hadn't bother to save the photo to my computer, hence not having a clue who made this. If' it's yours let me know so I can give you credit. (Sorry for the picture quality. Our windows are dirty on the outside from the house renos. They are clean on the inside but that doesn't seem to matter.) I started by cutting a circle out of a Window Sheet. Next I sent it through the Big Shot using the Spider Web Embossing Folder. The original that I saw had no sparkle to it but I wanted it to look like the morning dew had hit it so I decided to give it some pizazz.
My first try had me putting Crystal Effects on all the raised web parts and then sprinkling it with Dazzling Diamonds however, the Dazzling Diamonds just stuck to the whole thing. One big sparkly mess. When it was finally dry I tried to wipe some of the glitter off but static just kept a tight hold of it and it was useless.
My second attempt told me to be smarter and so I rubbed my Embossing Buddy over the web before using Crystal Effects and then Dazzling Diamonds. So yes, the diamonds didn't stick to everything but now my web was kind of smokey, foggy looking. Not sure what was better.
So what to do...well I had a box of new goodies to open so I put the project aside and thought I'd come back to it. As I dug through the things I just ordered from the Holiday Mini, I came across a little bottle. Not remembering what all I ordered I had to read it to remember what it was. Dazzling Details! Glitter in a bottle. The answer to my problem!!! Wow, this project just became too easy and with no mess. The glue comes out of that little bottle with such a nice small tip, perfect for little details. It was perfect! Can't wait to try it out on some more projects soon!

Just Around The Corner

2011-09-20T20:59:00.000-07:00

What's just around the corner? Halloween, of course. And it's about time I got some fun things going on around here. This Petal Cone Die is so versatile. There are dozens of ways to use this die. Well here it is as witch's hat filled with yummy treats. I made the hat in Basic Grey and sponged all edges with Basic Black. I cut one extra side, ran it through the Big Shot with the Spider Web Embossing Folder and did some more sponging. I added a strip of Rich Razzleberry dsp and some 1/8" Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon.
The rim of the hat is a 5 3/4" circle that I cut using my Circle Scissor Plus. I cut a smaller circle about 1 1/2" in the middle of the circle for getting your treats in and out later.
I placed the Petal Cone upside down in the middle of the circle and traced two of the sides of the cone. Next I removed the cone and cut the 2 lines using my craft knife. I slipped 2 of the flaps from the petal cone through the slits and adhered my sentiment from Sweet Centers, to one of the flaps.
I've entered this in...
Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge #85 - Impress us!
4 Crafty Chicks #55 - Embossing

Thanks for stopping by.

On A Roll

2011-09-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am on a roll. I've blogged three days in a row now. We'll see how long I can keep this up. My goal is usually 3 times a week but I had such a productive day yesterday that I have a few things to share still. This card here I made for technique club. I made it with a real harvest/Fall feel.
Wasn't too sure about this dsp, Spice Cake, when I first saw it but I have to say it has really grown on me. I think that lovely colour Pool Party has something to do with it. I definitely like the patterns and now that I have used them, I can't wait to get at them again.
I made the holes in the diorama using the 2 1/2" circle punch for the outside one and the 1 3/4" circle punch for the inside one.I attempted to make them look like pumpkins by giving them a Soft Suede stem that I ran through my crimper. I used the Vanilla background dsp to make the outside pumpkin look like one of those lovely ornamental pumpkins and the More Mustard dsp fro the inside for a more traditional looking pumpkin. In the background I stamped the line of trees from the set Lovely As A Tree on Glossy White paper. Next I sponged the coordinating colours randomly over the trees and then finished it off by filling in the holes with Soft Suede.
I really struggled to decide what sentiment to put on this card and in the end went with something super simple from Tiny Tags stamped directly on a leaf.
I've entered this card in Hand Stamped Sentiments challenge #84 - Fall theme.
So glad you stopped by for a view. See you soon!

Simple Saturday #21

2011-09-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to make up for my last 2 weeks of non-existence. But I have to admit. I am not suffering! I just love being in my stamp room. Just wish I had more time in a day. So, welcome to Simple Saturday. I struggled to keep this card simple today so let's just say the idea I want to share with you is simple! Got it?? It only took me about 3 or 4 minutes to do the part that I wanted to share with you. So here it is...
If you know me, you know I LOVE embossing folders. They have to be one of my absolute fave products to use. So today I used my Fifth Avenue Floral EF and then I pulled out that oh-so sharp craft knife and cut out a few of the petals. Watch your fingers with that knife. It is so crazy sharp it takes no effort at all to cut out those petals. Next I slipped in some bits of dsp behind the holes I created. Another great reason to love this technique. You get to use up all those little itty-bitty bits of leftover dsp. I glued them in place and trimmed off the excess from the edges. To finish it off I sponged a little bit of colour over the image to bring it out a bit more.
So here is the card. Like I said, I had a hard time keeping it simple. I used Stampin' 411 Sketch #221. It worked perfectly for my card.
Thanks for stopping by. I sure hope you'll be seeing more of me now that the kids and I are settling into our schedules. Have a great day!

Finally A White Spider Web

2011-09-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

Oh wow! Has it really been 2 weeks since I last posted? I felt bad when I thought it was only a week. Imagine how I feel now knowing that it has actually been 2 weeks. Ugh. Well club night is Sunday and it was time to get some work done. I have known since last club night what I wanted to share with my great group of ladies this week. A step card.
We made one of these a few years back but with the steps all on one side. I like this version where it really gives a spotlight to what is in the center panel, in this case my glittery spider web. Last year I used this embossing folder alot but always sponged it in black. Today it dawned on me that spider webs are white. Duh. So I sponged it in white and then to mimic the way it looks with the morning dew on it, I used my Versa Marc on the raised lines, then Heat & Sticked it and then covered it with Dazzling Diamonds. I was going for a bit of an elegant look so I chose this paper in Rich Razzleberry from the Brights Collection DSP Stack. The doubled up ribbons was another attempt to make this card seem like it belongs in some elegant castle. Of course which castle wouldn't have a spider or two hiding away in some corner?

I've entered this card in SUO Challenge #27. They are looking for ribbons and bows.

Simple Saturday #20

2011-09-03T08:04:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful Saturday morning it is. Total blue skies and sunshine streaming in my windows. Lots to do today but I wanted to share a quick Simple Saturday idea with you. Stampin' Up has come up with a lot of beautiful border punches lately. And they all have holes big enough to lace some ribbon in them! Here is one example I did today to show you. Here I used the new Ribbon Lace Border Punch. I used a 1/8" Black Taffeta Ribbon to string through the holes but I'd love to see how the 3/8" taffeta ribbon would look. A little scruchier but probably another neat effect.

I used Less Is More Challenge #31 of getting something metallic on your card and inked up my all-time fave, Baroque Motifs, and took some Silver Embossing to it. I also used the silver to emboss my sentiment which is on the Decorative Label Punch. Thanks for stopping by for a visit. I hope the sun is shining down on you too wherever you are. Have a great day!

All Grown Up Birthday

2011-09-01T23:38:00.000-07:00

Crazy how fast time flies. My eldest is turning 8 next week. Yes, only 8 but she is in a hurry to grow up. She has become super responsible this last year by helping me with her younger sisters and doing chores to earn extra money for non-necessities. I can't go clothes shopping for her anymore without her because she has an opinion now! I love making sweet little girl cards for her but lately she is all over my pretty grown up cards. Not that I want to encourage her to grow up any faster then she already is but I thought I would take some time and make her an extra special "big girl" card and box for her birthday!

I used a great colour combo from Colour Q #100 that includes her new "big girl" favourite colour. Gone are the pink days with her. It's all about some form of turquoise blue now. The card was inspired but the sketch from Paper Players #61 this week. The flower uses the Bigz Die Flower Folds and the box is the Pennant Cone Die. The pattern on the flower petals is the rose stamp from Elements of Style. The little flowers in the center of the flower are the Boho Blossoms Punch topped off with a In-Color Designer Printed Brad. That glorious ribbon is Calypso Ruffled Ribbon.
For the sentiment I used the hostess set Tagtastic. I used 2 of the stamps and then layered them. A little bling was needed so I added 2 more Printed Brads. The dsp on the box is Berry Blossoms. I softened all the edges on the box by sponging Early Espresso.The card uses most of the same ideas but instead of the Scallop Circle behind the flower on the box, I now used the Scallop Square Duo. There is also another ribbon on the card, 5/8" Early Espresso Satin Ribbon. Thanks for stopping by. It's been a few weeks since I have made anything and it sure was good getting back in the saddle. See you soon!

Holiday Mini Goes Live Today!

2011-09-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

The Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini is now available starting today. So many pretty new things to make great cards and gifts. Click on the photo to check it out.From Autumn to Halloween, from Christmas to Valentines. There are so many ideas. You can place orders directly through me or go to my website and have it delivered to your doorstep. Happy shopping.

Medallion Easel

2011-08-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

Here is another easel card we made at club the other day. When the card is flat you get the idea of a full card, but when you open it and prop it up it gives a different view of the card. I thought this was kind of neat. To add to the neatness I mixed some embossing powders together for an added effect to the Medallion stamp. Melon Mambo and Iridescent Ice. Love the pink but now it has a totally shimmery effect. We also used the same stamp set, Petite Pairs for the sentiment. Love how there is always a matching sentiment or continuing thought for the inside.

Butterfly Easels

2011-08-18T23:31:00.000-07:00

We played a little with the idea of easel cards at club today. I wanted to remind the ladies that you can turn any shape of card into an easel card and what better way to do that then with a totally different shape from square, oval, rectangular or circle.

For this first card I wanted to keep it simple and ink up my Paisley Petals stamp set and put my blender pens to use. The sentiment is from Petite Pairs.

For the next little card I used Cheerful Treat dsp and centered my sentiment on a shrinked down version of the Decorative Label Punch. I stuck to the same stamp set for my sentiment, Petite Pairs, for a little added note to the inside.

I loved the last little card so much I just had to try it with some other dsp. Paisley Petals! Guess what? I love it even more now. Gorgeous dsp.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit.

Monster Birthday

2011-08-12T22:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun card for you. I had to borrow the Make A Monster stamp set that I gave my niece for her birthday last year. I first saw this card by Monica Gale and had to case it.
Love this slightly different version of the Easel Card.

Happy Anniversary Dad & Mom

2011-08-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

Today is my parents anniversary. They have been married for 43 years. As a child there is nothing happier than seeing your parents so in love. With 43 years together under their belt there is always plenty of good advice to be shared. I wish them God's blessings for many more happy and healthy years together. So this occasion always warrants a special card. I started off with a great sketch from Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #129. SUO challenge #25 was looking for you to share your favourite new stamp set. Pennant Parade is definitely a favourite but not sure if it is my absolute fave yet. However, I can tell you without a doubt in my mind that Cheerful Treat DSP is most definitely my fave paper ever! I mean favourite I have ever laid my eyes on!!! LOVE IT! Love the colours, designs...just love it!
Enough about the paper. I also used an old favourite stamp set. All in The Family. Lots of fun there and the sentiment is from Occasions Alphabet. A great new one.
So glad you stopped by. You'll be hearing from me again soon. I need to make both a girl bday card for my niece and a boy bday card for my nephew by tomorrow, so see you soon!

Up, Up, & Away

2011-08-09T21:48:00.000-07:00

It is birthday central around here. I am in need of some serious cards which is the perfect excuse to get in some stamping time. Still haven't inked up all my new stamps yet and Up, Up & Away was my pick of the day! I used sketch #215 from Stampin' 411. Always a good way to get my mojo going and it has been far too long since I played with these talented ladies. I took one look at Colour Q's colour challenge #97 and knew I had to ink up their fun collection of colours. Some of the other new fun items I played with were the Fancy Fan Letterpress Plate and the stamp set Perfect Words.Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow cause this is only the first of a handful of cards I need before the end of the week. Till then...toodles!

Simple Saturday #20

2011-08-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

Good morning stampers. Here is another Simple Saturday idea for you. I love this fun Many Mustaches stamp. I love stamps that have repetition and a great way to use these stamps is to alter one image in the set. One great way to do that is simply to raise on of the images on dimensionals as I have done here. It simply adds POP although it is hard to see in this photo.
Another way to achieve the same purpose would have been to colour one a different colour, emboss one, crystal effects one, or if it was a female stamp maybe do one in glitter! I did this technique with a Father's day card here. I made one tie a different colour and then raised it on dimensionals. Here you can see the dimension.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend!

Things are busy round here

2011-08-05T15:01:00.000-07:00

No, we are not on holidays and yes we have not been home basically all week long. What have we been up too??? I don't even recall! How bad is that. Since we came home we have been out and about everyday. I finally took some time to make a little gift for a special friend whose birthday was today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELANIE!! Love you girl. I already gave her the gift yesterday when we went out for dinner so I can show now. Yes, another bookmark! But this one is with new products! And everything I used to make it is still available in the current catalogue. Oops, the stamp was a hostess set from the last catalogue but you can easily substitute that for any image you have. I am referring to the fact that hodgepodge hardware is no longer available and that is what I have been making most of these bookmarks from lately. Thanks for stopping by. I should be back here tomorrow for Simple Saturday. Till then...have a great day!

Ingredients used:
Bookmark: Beveled Window Panes, Designer Printed Brads, Bitty Buttons, Linen Thread, 3/8" Wysteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon, Dot, Dot, Dot stamp set and Cute By The Inch stamp set

Box: Blossom Box Die Cut, Brights CollectionPattern DSP Stack, Pennant Parade stamp set, Petite Pennants Builder Punch

Buy 3 Get 1 Free Promotion

2011-08-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

Dates: August 1-31, 2011

Promotion Details: During the entire month of August, you will get a FREE package of Designer Series Paper when you buy 3. This is a limited-time offer, so now is the time to stock up on all your favourites, including brand-new designs from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalogue.

Click on the photo to shop!

Simple Saturday #19

2011-07-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Simple Saturday. I know I have missed a few but it's Summer and there is no schedule in this house during this season. Can you imagine I tried teaching piano during the Summer before I had children and there were many lessons when no one showed up. Now that I have kids I totally understand. Schedules are out the door when the sun is shining and the kids don't have to be school.

Anyways on to what I have to share with you today. I love it when you find another use for a punch other then it's original intended use. In this case it is the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch. Now that is a mouth full. So this is a flower punch that can still be used in a ton of ways as far as flowers are concerned but when I first saw this punch used as a bow atop a gift, I fell in love with it and knew I wanted it. I've started out with a nice and simple and layout and then added a bit more as the cards go on. The first uses Crumb Cake, Indigo Island and Pool Party. The stamp behind the gift is Dot, Dot, Dot.For this card the colours are Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade, Baja Breeze and Early Espresso. The dsp is called Just Add Cake. I used the Perfect Polka Dots EF for some texture.
This last card I made for my sister for her birthday. She just loves primary colors so I used all of those from the Brights Collection as well as all the secondary colours too. Here I used the new Houndstooth EF. The sentiment is from Word Play.
Thanks for stopping by for a visit. Hope you get to play with your punches today but then again it's gorgeous outside here. Maybe just go do something fun outside! Have a fantastic weekend!

Manly Stripes

2011-07-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

Finally an embossing folder that screams MAN! I love this folder (Stripes) and doesn't it just pop by inking it up?!
I need another card this week for the man in my life. Can't add buttons or ribbon for him so it had to be a little plain as far as embellishments go but that folder really jazzed up the whole card that it doesn't need anymore then that anyways. I used the sketch from Paper Players #56 for both cards. The colours I used are Early Espresso, Island Indigo and Pool Party. Totally Tool came in handy again. Almost as handy as my guy! The sentiment is from Perfect Words. Just another new great word set from the new cattie.
Any other questions regarding the cards, don't hesitate to ask. Thanks for stopping by.

Weekend To End Breast Cancer Fundraiser

2011-07-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

For the last number of years my mom has walked the Weekend To End Breast Cancer with her girlfriend and last year my sister and my niece joined them. Such a worthy cause as we all know someone battling cancer or some one that has passed on due to cancer. This year I wanted to show a little more support. I'd love to join them in the walk but due to a bad knee I'm not sure I would make it. At least not at the speed at which my mom walks. So I came up with a little gift idea that any person we know can use.
My husband just loves this Pretty In Pink toilet paper! lol. Purex is already donating 25 cents from every package of TP sold but I will be donating half the cost of this class to the cause. The cost of the class is $6 for every set of TP roll and card. So I will donate $3 from every set to Weekend To End Breast Cancer. I know the card says "Save the hooters" but it can easily be changed to happy birthday or thank you so there is no excuse for not knowing who to give the gift to. Please come out and help me support a cause that I know we are all effected by. The class is Thursday, August 4th @ 7 pm at my place. Email me to reserve your spot and let me know how many sets you want to make.

Can't Get Enough

2011-07-27T07:29:00.000-07:00

I just can't stop making these. I love these bookmarks and keep getting new ideas for making them. They make great little gifts! I also wanted to share an added feature I found works and and another idea brought to my attention by a very smart lady.

I went on a holiday a few weeks back (time flies) and brought my book to the beach to read. Sometimes my books get a little damaged being that I constantly have my 3 little ones splashing me and asking for help and the book gets dumped in the sand or better yet the lake! However, I never really mind seeing that I only buy second hand books that weren't perfect to start with. But...a bookmark with paper and water soluble ink is another story and I was trying to brain storm another idea to keep the image in my bookmark dry and safe.

First I tried covering the entire image with the crystal effects that I used to adhere it with in the first place but found the image blurs and FADES rather fast in the sun.

So I came up with the idea of layering a thin window sheet on both sides of my image. That works well, it just makes the piece inside the hodgepodge a little thick.
My other idea came from one of my club members, Shannon. I love having her around she is always coming up with ideas to better mine. Love it! Her idea was to clear emboss the entire image. That way there is no added layer and everything is sealed nicely.

I can't wait for our next camping trip to see how these new and improved bookmarks will stand the test of the beach and lake!

Last Artisan Entry

2011-07-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

Here it is. My fave project from my artisan entries.
This one took the longest time to make. From cutting all those hundreds of flowers with my big shot, to layering them and pinning them on the styrofoam ball, to sitting and starring at it to decide how I should decorate the bucket, inside and out. It was also the first project I started to make and the last to finish. But it was worth my time and effort. I love everything about it. My biggest "ah ha" moment came when I finally brain stormed an idea to cover the oasis inside the tin that holds the stick in place. Those are 5 Petal Flower Punches! I pulled up all the petal, sponged them a little and put them in place with a glue gun. Love that fun effect of pokey grass!Hope you enjoyed my tour through all my artisan entries. After all is said and done now, I think I will enter next year again, just hopefully I will get my butt in gear and start working on it sooner then later :)

Back in the saddle

2011-07-22T13:42:00.001-07:00

Wow, I didn't realize how long it has been since I have actually stamped in my craft room. It's been a few weeks and no wonder I haven't gone there. What a mess. I've been wanting to stamp but was avoiding the huge mess. Love stamping...hate cleaning up when I'm done. Well, I needed a card for today as it is my FIL's 70th birthday today and we are heading on over for a bday BBQ. Yum, Yum! (love my MIL's potato salad. Best in the world, hands down! I think it's the pickle juice she adds.) Anyways, I saw this stamp Tool Shed in the new cattie and knew I needed it for some manly cards. I inked it up today and just love it! I used Pals Paper Arts sketch #103 and Paper Players colour combo #55 to get me going. I'll admit the colour combo threw me but I think I pulled it off in the end. Loved the stamp so much I decided it was worthy of being used on the outside and the inside. Adds a nice touch!The sentiment and measureing tape are from the set Totally Tools. Another super handy set for all the men in my life! Oh and don't forget those new tiny brads. Love 'em!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a sunny weekend!

Almost Artisan 3-D Entry

2011-07-21T22:19:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my 3-D artisan entries. A cupcake tray!

The bottom is a piece of chipboard covered with dsp. The rest of the holder is made of window sheets. The holes for the cupcakes are the 2 3/8" scallop circle.
The cupcakes are the perfect table settings die, clear embossed with a cupcake stamp and then topped with a half circle styrofoam ball covered with seam binding ribbon. I topped the cupcakes with some designer floral brads.The handle was made with 1 1/4" circles punched in a row. It's a perfect fit for your fingers and the tray was is miraculously balanced when you carry it.The cupcakes do open I just forgot to take a photo of them actually open.

Tomorrow I will have one last project to share with you. Hope you come back for another visit.

Almost Artisan Scraping

2011-07-19T22:35:00.000-07:00

It must have been way too late when I photographed all my artisan projects before packing them up to ship out in the morning. My photos are so bad it's rather embarrasssing so I can't even share my last card or 2 of my scrapbook layouts with you. This one is alright but not the best photo. However, at least the photo is somewhat clear and there is no glare on the photos. Lucky for me this was my favourite scrapbook page.
Continue to stay tuned for my 3-d projects this week!

Almost Artisan Card #4

2011-07-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

This was a fun card. I had kids in mind for this one but I know a couple of girlfriends that would love to get a card with Gobstoppers on it.
The cool part is that the candy machine comes off and you can refill it and use it as a fridge magnet. I used the same technique for the treat cup as my critters tutorial. This card was made with a variety of colours from the Brights Collection. The magnet is from the Magnet Sheets. These are very cool and super easy to cut.
Stay tuned for more almost artisan projects!

Artisan Finalist!!!

2011-07-16T22:59:00.000-07:00

Okay so we have already discovered that I didn't win the Artisan Award but I came home from holidays today to discover that I was actually a finalist!!! Very exciting for me to hear that. I'm sorry I wasn't at convention to hear it with my own ears.

I was hoping to share the rest of my projects this last week but internet wasn't working for us where we were at and I never got to blogging my posts ahead of time. (too busy packing) So I will continue to share with you starting today. Today is actually supposed to be Simple Saturday but this is pretty far from simple. However, when you start with a simple idea you can always lead to something like this.
Here is card number 3 that I made. It is a gate card. This was my card where I aimed for elegance. Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Rich Razzleberry and Always Artichoke! Couldn't get much more elegant then that.
This is a photo of the card opened.
Come back to check out the rest of my projects this next week!

PS
Want to learn to make a gate card? Come check out my club night tomorrow. Email me and I'll save you a spot!

Simple Saturday #18

2011-07-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Simple Saturday. This is my first card using this sweet Summer fun set called Summer Splash. I love that it has a wheel, Fish Frenzy, that works well with it. Today I wanted to share this card with you.
I love how wheels can give you a border background. It makes the theme carry across the card.
The dsp is called Cheerful Treat. Love this paper. The colors I used are Concord Crush, Pool Party and Island Indigo. The only embellishment is a silver Mini Library Clip.
Have a wonderful day.

More In-Color Art

2011-07-08T22:36:00.000-07:00

Here is a fun project I haven't shared with you yet. At my daughter's school they had a fair and one of the games was called Pick-A-Jar. You spin the wheel and it tells you what level of jar you can choose from. Well, where did those hundreds of jars come from? The kids made them and brought them to school. We made some cool canning jars into rocket ships and filled them with Rocket Candies. Anyways, recently I was making a suite of projects for a contest and one of the things was to make an altered 3-d item. I left the projects to the last minute and was really stumped as to what item to decorate. Turns out I still had some jars sitting on my desk and here is what I came up with.
Hope you have a sweet day!

In-Color Bookmarks

2011-07-06T22:12:00.000-07:00

I created a collection of bookmarks using all the In-Colors and some retired Hodgepodge Hardware. These are quick and easy gift ideas. I've made dozens of these and each and every time I make an extra for myself and now I have so many personal bookmarks I don't even know what to do with them. I guess I should spend more time reading! That would require some time on the beach though, cause that seems to be the only place I ever get that done. Soon!!!
I used First Edition DSP that is in the new cattie! Yeah! So happy that it was carried over. The stamps are also ones that were carried over into the new cattie, Clearly For You and You're A Gem. I entered this in Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge #74 for using buttons!

Hope you get a chance to look through my latest favourite book - The 2011-2012 SU! Catalogue. Tons of eye candy!

My Dear Kind & Wonderful Friend

2011-07-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

It was high time I found my way back to my craft room. Too many things keeping me away and I really longed to go there this morning. So after running a few errands with the kids, feeding them lunch and then getting them tucked into beds for naptime, it was finally my time! I still hadn't touched my box of new things and they were calling my name!
I pulled out some new dsp. It's called Cheerful Treat and it's one of the new products you can get as a hostess. I LOVE this paper. The colours are so me! And then there is the new Lace Ribbon Border Punch. Amazing! Oh the things I will do with that baby. So now it was time to get going and I did so with a few challenges. Pals Paper Arts #100 is looking for you to share your favourite technique and if you know me I love, love, love to ink up my texture plates, so that is what I did. I used the sketch from Card Patterns #122 and I also played along with Just Add Ink #74 and turned this card into a Gate Card as my "fun fold". There is also a pic of my card without the belly band. Thanks for stopping by and drop me an email if you have any questions regarding this card or how you can get your hands on the new 2011-2012 Stampin' Up Catalogue. Have a great day!

2011-2012 Catalogue is Live!!!

2011-07-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

The new catalogue is live!!!

Click on the photo above to view it! Check out all the amazing new products and stunning art work. I haven't decided on a favourite yet but I'm working on it.

If you want a hard copy, place a $50 order with me this week and I will give you one for free! ($12 value)

Stampin' Royalty #78

2011-06-29T06:35:00.000-07:00

This week at Stampin' Royalty we have a theme challenge for you. With Canada Day on Friday and Independence Day on Monday we challenge you to
GO PATRIOTIC!!!
Now I don't actually have any patriotic stamps so I had to get creative with this one and here is what I came up with.

I decided to make the card an actual flag but wanted to jazz it up a bit so I turned it into a Top Note easel card with a Treat Cup full of maple leaves. I am so excited that this Glitter Red Paper is in the new catalogue. Isn't it fun? Sure dresses up a colour real good.
I hope you play along showing us your pride for your country. Be sure to make a stop at Stampin' Royalty to check out the work from the rest of the Stampin' Goddesses.
Now on a sad note, I have decided to step down from designing for Stampin' Royalty. I have really enjoyed this last year but it is time I got my priorities straight. I have been neglecting my family a little and my own health and it is time for me to set it right. It has been a blast and I am so blessed to be considered worthy of designing for this challenge blog hoping to inspire you. Thank you to the rest of the DT. You are such an amazing group of talented ladies and I will miss working with you! I will be sure to come and visit though. Just try keeping me away!

Simple Saturday #16

2011-06-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

Good morning and welcome to Simple Saturday. Today's idea is, of course, a simple one. Spotlighting! Most often it is done with a circle, hence the name spotlight, but I wanted to show you that it can be a square too or a heart or star or any other shape you can come up with. This card is for my in-laws who moved yesterday. They built the last house and raised their family there. They have been in that house for 38 years. I had a tough time watching them drive away after their belongings in the moving truck. It will be a new chapter for our family as they are moving a bit further away from us kids and our families here.
Anyways on to the technique. I used a wheel and wheeled it 3 times. Once on the bottom layer, then made sure I had the image I wanted and wheeled it again on a small piece of Pacific Point c/s and once more on a scrap of white, again making sure I had the image I wanted. I cut the smallest to the size I needed and then layered it on the blue, matching the image, and then trimmed it with about 1/8" edge. Lastly I lined it up on the bottom layer and the image continues on both sides with a little frame around the house I have coloured.
I hope you give it a try with another shape. And I wish my in-laws much happiness & health in their new home.

Stampin' Royalty #77

2011-06-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

It's the week for a sketch from Stampin' Royalty!

I had all my In Colour c/s and ink out already from a suite of projects that I was working on for an Iron Stampers Competition once again and so I figured I'd have one last play with them before I put them back in their place. Funny how I chose to work with Poppy Parade because in all honesty I can't stand this colour. Even funnier is the fact that I actually like this card in this colour. Strange things happen once in awhile.
I hope you join us and play along with this sketch. Be sure to stop by Stampin' Royalty to check the work from the rest of the Design Team.

Pinwheel For Club

2011-06-21T21:48:00.000-07:00

I created this card for a meet yesterday but kept it in mind that I wanted to use it as one of the cards for club this coming Sunday.
I love these fun pinwheels and they are so easy to create.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!

Simple Saturday #16

2011-06-18T07:08:00.000-07:00

Good morning Saturday stampers. Welcome to my Simple Saturday where I try to make a quick and easy simple card with minimum layers or embellishments and possibly give you a new tip or technique along the way. I have a simple idea for you today if you haven't seen or tried it yet. I don't have too many border punches but goodness knows that I have a ton of other punches and and it is always nice to know they have more than 1 or 2 uses. Today I chose my Curly Label Punch and turned it into my border for both sides of my image . So easy to do! Punch a few labels and cut them in half. Line them up side by side and adhere them to the back of your image and that's that! Easy peasy as my daughter would say.

Some other great punches to try this with would be the Decorative Label, Designer Label, or even a flower punch. Hope you can give it a try and come up with something new!

Have a great day!

Father's Day Card

2011-06-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

It dawned on me today that I still hadn't made my Dad's Father's Day card yet and I really needed to get on it. Pals Paper Arts #98 had a simple sketch to go with what I had in mind. I used some retired SU! dsp paired with the new stamp set Best Dad Ever and came up with this. Nothing fancy but I love the colours and sketch and how well they worked for this stamp.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Hello Blossoms

2011-06-16T22:19:00.000-07:00

Well I found out what the name of this fun fold is...a Spring Card! Here is my first try. This time I wanted it to be wider but it still needed to fit in a regular size envelope so I had to play with measurements and here is what I came up with!I did a lot of playing with my Hello Blossoms stamp, Versa Marc Pen, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, and new Embossing Powders. The colours of this card are Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi and Melon Mambo. The grass is layers of the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch. Any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask.Oh, I almost forgot. If you know me I have a tendency to not leave well enough alone. The design is great as is but I still wanted a space to write a message. So, I added a little extra flap at the bottom like a regular card. Hope you like.

Stampin' Royalty #76

2011-06-15T06:36:00.000-07:00

This week at Stampin' Royalty we are challenging you with an inspiration photo.
The colours I took from the photo are Basic Grey, Rose Red, Whisper White and Pretty In Pink. My basic card was run through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots EF. For the Rose Red and Whisper White layers I used image 1 from the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch found in the Summer Mini. Then I added the image 2 from the punch in Rose Red and image 3 in Pretty In Pink. I stacked up the dimensionals here to give the flower layers a little pop. This is the first time I have used that punch. It's kind of neat!Next I stamped the swirl image from Baroque Motifs and then stamped my sentiment from Happy Greetings on top.
Hope you find some inspiration and play along. Check out the rest of the work from the DT here an have a super day!

What's My Style?

2011-06-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

Pals Paper Arts 97 has a bit of a neat challenge this week. They want you to share a card that shows your style. Well I created a card for the SU! Artisan Award that was totally my style. Obviously I didn't win so I can finally share this with someone. Not sure what style you call it but it has to be one of my all time favourite cards that I have ever made.

It has lots of layers which I have a hard time not doing. I love playing with ribbons and this time was no different. I used my Aqua Painter and Reinker and died my ribbon Pretty In Pink. This card also has some other fun accessories. I used some of my favourite products including Window Sheets, Pearls, Shimmer Paint and Crystal Effects to name a few.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a real great day!

Stampin' Royalty #75

2011-06-11T00:06:00.000-07:00

Yes I know, I am really behind this week. No, I am not ignoring you. I have been spending all my time and efforts on my daughter's school yearbook this week. We are almost done as it is due on Monday at the printers! It is going to look great. I can't wait to see the finished product.

Life however, goes on, and so did Stampin' Royalty. The theme for this week is Father's! Father's day is coming up and we want to see your projects for your Dads and husbands.

I made this card with my dad in mind as one of my entries for the Artisan Award. I wanted to play with the wood sheets and they did not disappoint! Hope you play along and share your work with us. Be sure to visit Stampin' Royalty and view the work from the rest of the DT. Any questions regarding the card, please don't hesitate to ask!

Fancy Fold For PPA

2011-06-07T06:41:00.000-07:00

Paper Pals Art 96 has a great masculine colour combo this week and I when I saw it I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. I've seen this fun fold a few times and thought that this single stamp, Sail Away, would do nicely nestled inside the main image area. Next time I'll change the measurements and make that area bigger to host the stamp better, but for a first try I thought this was pretty good. I already know what I want to do the next time I try this fun fold.
The sentiment is from Best Dad Ever. I stamped the words three times and shortened the Word Window Punch for each word. I needed to dress up the bottom piece and did this with a bit of Baker's Twine. Simple but effective.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!

Simple Saturday #15

2011-06-04T13:59:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Simple Saturday. I pulled out some goodies from the Summer Mini again today. Check out this beautiful embossing folder called Flower Garden.Only today, instead of using the traditional side which is popped out, I flipped it over and used the side that has the impression pushed into the paper. I also inked up the folder before I put it through the Big Shot so that I now have a darker impression. Love that effect.
Next I cut out image out and popped it up on some dimensionals for even more depth. For this card I saw that Less Is More -week 18- had a monochromatic challenge, so I paired up Certainly Celery c/s and Old Olive ink and ribbon. My sentiment is from the set Happy Greetings also found in the Summer Mini.

Hope you have a great day!

Time To Say Goodbye

2011-06-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

Here it is...the Last Chance List. These are the things we will be saying goodbye to as we await the new catalogue in July. This is your last chance to get that stamp set or die cut you've been eyeing and haven't had the chance to get yet, plus there are some really great deals to be found here. These will only be available June 1-30.

*Last chance wood-mount stamps

*Last chance clear-mount stamps

*Last chance accessories

*Last chance definitely decorative

* Last chance discounted products

Contact me to place your order. First come, first serve and while supplies last, so get your favourites will you can. You can also place an order online through my website here and have your order shipped right to your door!

Happy shopping.

Stampin' Royalty #74

2011-06-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

Time again for a Stampin' Royalty colour challenge. What a great bright colour combo for Spring. I finally got some goodies from the Summer Mini and pulled out the stamp set Flower Fest and some Melon Mambo Embossing Powder to play with. This stamp set is so easy to use because all the flowers coordinate with a punch. Today I used Card Pattern's Sketch #117. Check out the rest of the fab work by the design team at Stampin' Royalty. Ingredients
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo
Cardstock: Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Greenhouse Gala DSP
Stamp Set: Flower Fest, Occasional Quotes
Accessories: Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads, Melon Mambo Embossing Powder
Tools: Fancy Flower Punch, 5-Petal Flower Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Dotted Scallop Border Punch, Sponges, Heat Gun, Big Shot, Scallop Circles Die #2

Step Card Tutorial

2011-05-28T19:44:00.001-07:00

I've got the tutorial for the step card for you here. Here is my first attempt at this style card followed by my latest step card.
1. You will start with a standard size card, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"
2. Cut slits the long way 1 1/4" from the sides as shown, leaving 1" at one end and 1 3/4" at the other end. You can change how large you want your side panels by increasing or decreasing the measurement from the side. 3. Turn your cardstock and score at 1", 2", 3 1/2", 5", and 6 3/4"between the 2 cut edges. Then you will fold along the score lines back and forth to make an accordion of sorts as shown.4. Now decorate. Your side panels are 1 1/4" x 4 1/4" and you will need 2 pieces for the center. One piece 3" x 2" for the sentiment and one piece 3" x 4 1/4" for the back center piece.
Hope you have fun with this one.

Simple Saturday #14

2011-05-28T14:14:00.001-07:00

Welcome to my Simple Saturday

I have a simple idea for you today. You will need to coordinating punches. For instance with my first card I used an 1 3/4" Circle Punch and the 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch. Punch the smaller of the 2 (my circle punch) and then punch the bigger (2 3/8" scallop circle) around it. You end up with an outline and once you have cut out the same shape as the first punch you used on your actual card, you can place the outline around the shape for decoration on the outside of your card. Next you will stamp on the inside for a peek-a-boo effect. With this card I used the set Upsy Daisy.
For the second card I used the Heart Punch and the Scallop Heart of Hearts Sizzlit. On the inside I stamped the collection of hearts from the set Love You Much and a sentiment from Three Small Words.

I've entered these cards in Less Is More's Recipe Challenge #17 (Pick A Square). Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend!

Plenty O' Flip Flops

2011-05-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

I finally got some goodies from the Summer mini and couldn't wait to play with them. Colour Throwdown #143 had a wonderful colour combo to go with the stamps I wanted to use. So Saffron, Old Olive and Pink Pirouette. Plus add your own colours, so I added Daffodil Delight, Certainly Celery and Rose Red. Now I had a dark and light version of every colour to work with.
I absolutely love flip flops, so Sunny Fun was the first stamp set from the mini on my wish list. I stamped the flip flops a few times, coloured them in with my Stampin' Write Markers, cut them all out and popped them up on dimensionals. So I have also entered this in Just Add Ink's challenge #69 for Fussy Cutting. For the back piece I stamped the flip flops over and over again and then popped another set on dimensionals and covered them with Crystal Effects for an added pop!
My sentiment is from On Your Birthday. I seem to be using this set alot more and more. There is a birthday stamp in almost every size and suitable for all ages and gender.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a great day. Come back tomorrow for a tutorial on this version of the step card.

Stampin' Royalty #73

2011-05-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

We've got a sketch for you this week at Stampin' Royalty this week.
I'm kinda loving this masking technique lately with the First Editions DSP and really wanted to use it again with Pretty In Pink and black. I also still hadn't used my Elizabeth stamp and felt I really needed to ink it up so it was perfect for this sketch. First I embossed the image in black and then coloured it in with my Stampin' Write Marker. I added a few butterflies from the Beautiful Wings Embosslit and topped them off with some Basic Rhinestones.
Hope you get the chance to play along. Stop by Stampin' Royalty for more great inspiration from the DT!

New Club

2011-05-24T22:10:00.000-07:00

New Technique Club Starting

Well it is that time again as I look forward to the start of a new club and getting together with old friends and meeting new ones.

Are you looking for:
* an evening out with girls
* learning new stamping techniques
* making friends
* earning hostess rewards without the party
* and most of all having fun?

Then this is the club for you. Commit to spending $25 a month for 8 months. In return you get to come out to a free evening of stamping and visiting every month where you will learn new techniques, make cards for all occassions and great 3-d projects for gifts. Also you will get to have a month where you will recieve a free hostess level 1 stamp set and $20+ free merchandise of your choice. Hostess benefits are changing/increasing with the new catalogue in July and I will offer them to the first hostess in June. If you wish to further increase these benefits you can host a party and invite your friends to join in the fun at your place or mine!

Club starts June. It's just a week or so away so contact me at hands76@hotmail.com to reserve your spot right away. First come first pick for month of benefits. I will choose a day to host the club once everyone has had their input. Options are Sun., Mon., Tues., Wed., or Thurs. evening. I look forward to hearing from you!

Simple Saturday #13

2011-05-22T08:04:00.001-07:00

Yes, I know it is Sunday but I wasn't able to get Internet yesterday so I am getting to this today. I love how simple these cards are today. Actual one layer cards. I think I am starting to get the hang of it.

The simple little thing I want to share with you today is outlining your card after you have got your image stamped. For the standard size card I used a ruler and pencil to draw lines that were 7/8" away from the edge on all 4 sides, next I placed my sentiment in the top corner with my Stampin'-Ma-Jig and then went over the pencil with my Stampin' Write Marker.

For the scallop circle card I had a circle stencil from my old circle cutter and chose the size I wanted, again about 7/8" from the edge and went straight at it with my marker.
Love how these pics turned out. Wish I could take this stump home with me! Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful day.

Stampin' Celebration # 52

2011-05-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

We are celebrating Stampin' Celebration's 1st birthday. I haven't been with them from the start but I sure have enjoyed the ride these past few months. We hope you will come and play along with us this week. The flowers in the photos are so bright and vibrant. I just had to recreate them.
I decided to go with something different and turned my card into a horizontal gate card. I started by using my Daisies Die Cut, cutting 3 of each size, sponging all the edges, curling all the petals up and finally stacking them all up with a button in the middle. I centered the flower on the big stamp from Baroque Motifs.
On the inside I stamped the same image from Baroque Motifs after I first stamped it off once or twice. The sentiment is from On Your Birthday, punched out with the Decorative Label Punch.
Hope you get a chance to play along for Stampin' Celebration's birthday. Be sure to stop and check out the rest of the design team's beautiful work.

I've entered this card into Stampin' Up Only's Challenge #19 for May flowers.

Stampin' Royalty #72

2011-05-18T06:22:00.000-07:00

This week the Stampin' Royalty Goddess's are challenging you to a recipe challenge. This week's challenge is...
LET'S FLY AWAY! - To commemorate Spring we're featuring Birds this week.

I thought of Spring colours and nothing seemed to spur me on and then I thought of what happens in Spring and weddings was one of the things that came to my mind.
This little gift bag was a snap to create. Before I put the box together I punched the top edge with the Eyelet Border Punch. Then there was a whole lot of embossing going on. The first layer was done with the Perfect Polka Dots EF. Here is were I slipped in some 1 1/2" Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon. Next were 2 hearts using the Heart of Hearts Sizzlit. The birds from the 2 Step-Bird Punch were the last layer. One was embossed with the Elegant Bouquet EF and the other with the Square Lattice EF.
I doubled up their wings with a vellum layer to change it up and gave them eyes using Basic Rhinestones. The sentiment is from the set Teeny Tiny Wishes which I stamped on c/s and then made it to look a bit like a bow.

We hope you will play along with by creating your own project featuring birds. Be sure to head on over to Stampin' Royalty for a look at the work by the other Stampin' Goddesses.

Simple Saturday #12

2011-05-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Simple Saturday where I attempt at making a simple card by keeping the layers and embellishments to a minimum. Today I am sharing the masking technique with you again but with a twist this time. I first tried this technique here with this card and loved the effect it had and knew right away that was what I was going to share with you today.I start by punching out a number of the same shape, in this case the 5-Petal Flower Punch. Next, using dotto, place the punches on my dsp in random fashion. In this case I went with a much softer effect and brayered So Saffron ink on So Saffron dsp over the flower punches. Once you have brayered your paper as dark as you would like it, remove the punches and you are left with a lovely design. It's like finding a brand new dsp and it's totally customizable. Hope you like this and get a chance to give it a try. Have a great day!

Less is More

2011-05-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love blogger! There was an issue yesterday so I was not able to get this card posted in time, hence I missed the deadline. But this card it so stink' cute I just have to share it with you anyways. I can't take full credit for it though. Browyn Eastley has been making up a whole bunch of these sweet butterfly easel cards. I love 'em and had to make one of my own! I made it in white for Less Is More's challenge of "White On White". I cut out the butterfly with my big shot and then covered it up with buttons from the Sweet Buttons Sizzlit. Ain't it sweet??? Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend!

Stampin' Royalty #71

2011-05-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day was this last week but in all honesty we should celebrate our mothers daily. And so our theme for this week at Stampin' Royalty is still MOTHERS!

Here is the gift set I made for my MIL. She loves purple flowers. If she goes somewhere with a camera and sees purple flowers, guaranteed that the majority of her pics will be of the flowers.

I actually started with the bookmark. The stampset is Just Believe. I used the colours Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Elegant Eggplant and Rich Razzleberry. The others things I used are Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware and Certainly Celery Satin Ribbon and 3/8" Rich Razzleberry Taffeta Ribbon. Next I made the box, cutting down the Petal Cone Die. Stamped it with the same image as the bookmark and topped the box with Fun Flowers that I ran through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder. The top flower is from the Boho Blossoms Punch. All the edges of the flowers were sponged. For the card I started off with a monochromatic look plus roughed up edges. I used the same flower as the box and added Rich Razzleberry Satin Ribbon and a little sentiment from Messages For Mom. Come along and join us as we continue to celebrate our mothers! Make sure you check out the rest of the work from the Design Team.