Imagine & Inspire

Stamp Therapy

2012-01-24T08:03:00.000-06:00

click to enlarge

Well today, Jan 24th, is another BIG day. The beginning of the Sale-a-Bration promotion!!! This sweet door hanger I made uses the beautiful Everyday Enchantment DSP, as well as the coordinating Ribbon and Brad Pack found in the Sale-a-Bration mini catalog.

These items can not be purchased. You can only earn them for FREE when you place a qualifying order of $50! Spend $100 and choose 2 items in the SAB mini for FREE, spend $150 and you qualify for hostess benefits AND you'll get a 3rd SAB item as well as an exclusive shopping tote for Hostesses only. Visit my website to see more and place your order today, or if you'd like to take it to the next level and invite your friends to a workshop, call/text me and we'll get you on my calendar!

Stampin' Supplies

STAMPS - Jayne's Type Alphabet, Rough Edge Alpha (retired)

INK - Poppy Parade, Soft Suede, Pool Party

PAPER - Everyday Enchantment DSP*, Very Vanilla

OTHER - Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack*, Heart Punch, Adorning Accents Edgelits, Paper Daisies

*SAB Exclusive

Sally

214-354-7685

Leadership/Regional Notes

2012-01-24T00:37:00.001-06:00

I just got back from the annual Stampin' Up! Leadership conference. It was my second time to attend, and just like last year...it was amazing! I traveled to San Antonio with my sister Barbara and her downline Laura; since we're in Texas, we drove.

The 3-day event included make-n-takes, swaps, business tips and classes, and lots of sharing! Step one at any Stampin' Up! event is to pick up your "bag." This year they gave us this cute tote.

The make-n-takes were the first day and they gave us NINE of them with two stamp sets. The bag they came in had a little disclaimer stapled to it. "...you won't be able to make all of them...save the rest for later." LOL

We also had gifts from Shelli Gardner (CEO and Co-Founder of SU!) on the table when we walked in! Three kinds of CHOCOLATE and this little folio that matches our bag! Thank you Shelli!!!

The first project I did was a card they gave us double supplies for. One for me, and one to donate to The Ronald McDonald House. They had a basket set up so we could leave them for Stampin' Up! to make one big donation. Here's the one I kept, isn't it cute?

Mixed Bunch stamp set and Blossom Punch from the Occasions Mini

Here are pictures of some of the other projects I've completed since then. I only got one other card started that night. It was actually after I got home when I finished it and did these other projects! :)

Click on images to enlarge

There were some gorgeous displays to see, so Laura and I walked around and took pictures of the displays before returning to the room. There were different themes showcasing the stamps, fabrics, and accessories in the Occasions Mini. Here is just a small sample of what we saw...

Everyday Enchantment - earn it free with a $50 purchase

Day 2 and 3 both began with a general session followed by classes. We had colored wristbands for the prize patrol, but no one in our group won...although Shelli always gives us free stuff anyway! The first giveaway to everyone was a breathtaking stamp set called Everything Elanor...I can't even show you because it won't be available until the new 2012 catalog! They bundled it with some Large Basic Pearls. Shortly after that her daughter Sara gave out some Basic Pearls, Basic Rhinstones, the Sale-a-Bration Content CD for My Digital Studio, and a roll of Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon!!!

My sister Barbara and I with our stamps and pearls freebie

I want to give a shout out to Carrie Cudney Donna Griffith and Patsy Waggoner! Carrie's class was entertaining as well as informative, we did a lot of laughing in there. It was called Why Women Buy and it gave true insight into the female mind.
I also really enjoyed the class presented by Donna and Patsy called Retaining & Engaging Your Downline. She provided some great ideas for staying connected with my downline and providing them with motivation when they need it. Thank you ladies for all your hard work!

Laura, me, Barbara, and my friend Dee...we four hung out together through most of Leadership

Saturday was the San Antonio Spring Regional. We stayed for that too since it would be silly to miss it, right!? There were 2 more make-n-takes for the Regional. I think everyone was eager to make the little kite card...so precious!!! You can turn the wheel and change the kite image on the front!

It was Barbara's lucky day at the regional. She won a stamp set and paper pack from the prize patrol! Yay Barb!!! No free stamps for me, but you KNOW all of us got something that day prize patrol or not! We all got a 5x5 art journal with a challenge list of 15 things to do inside it. I'm excited about doing mine! The rules are (1) Don't go in order and (2) Don't compare yours to others.
Have a look at Carrie Cudney's art journal (sorry it's blurry, this is a photo of the big TV screen when she held it up), it says "create" on the cover. Love it Carrie! Oh and Shannon, yours is FABULOUS on the inside! ;)

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T13:21:00.001-06:00

As it says in the photo, I have been BAD!! A couple of months back I set up a Facebook page and I have done pretty good at keeping it updated, but the month of December did me in and I get a big fat F on blogging!
There were some crafty creations that I shared over on Facebook, here's a few:

But a GREAT DEAL of my time in the month of December was spent searching online for a store that had these dolls in stock. Clawdeen Wolf was much harder to find than

her friend Cleo de Nile!

I also made plenty of chocolaty things to give to friends and neighbors, it is our family tradition to make fudge and toffee...and the chickens have trained well for when they'll be doing it on their own someday!

I sure hope you had a wonderful holiday season, and I wish you the BEST for 2012!!!
Stampy Hugs,
Sally

Graves R Us

2011-10-26T12:16:00.005-06:00

Halloween is just around the corner so I have been working to move the graves from the backyard (they were in the back for Sydney's party) to the front, and beef up the decorations. I have much, much more to do, but it's starting to look pretty good! :)

Years ago I made a tombstone to add to our collection from simple plywood. It's the large one with "Carrie White" written on it. I decided that Carrie needed a hand coming out of the ground, so I whipped one up using a rubber glove stuffed with tissues and a toilet paper roll for her lower arm/wrist. I've always liked making things with paper-mache. I stapled a long wire to a small piece of wood that's inserted inside the arm. To dry I just stabbed it into the ground in the sunshine. This is Carrie's hand, palm up.

Once I painted it with a combo of white, black, and blue paint, I let it sit in the sun another hour. Then I dripped and smeared Riding Hood Red ink on her hand, and added some fake nails with hot glue. Click on the image below and zoom in.....not too shabby, right!?!

The hand isn't waterproof though. I have had to rescue it a few times from the rain, but that's a small price to pay for this little detail. I could probably have coated it with something, but I'm not overly worried about it. When it ends up weathered I might like it even better, or I can just make myself a new improved version!

So, anyway, we only had 5 graves that I was moving to the front, and on Sunday I was eyeballing a couple of small plywood scraps in the garage. They were just the right size for a few new headstones! My original DIY grave isn't anything that great, but after cutting and painting 3 new ones I had a "DOH!" moment. Why not STAMP the names on them!? Ta da...

Jack's headstone is actually embossed with VersaMark and Gold Embossing Powder! It's got good visibility in daylight, and at night with the red spotlight it really shimmers (pic below)! I tried Silver EP on Annie Wilke's grave. It's not as easy to read from every angle, but it looks pretty cool too! Silver would be FABULOUS on a plain black headstone. :)

The third gravestone is Norman Bates...bet you recognize that one! lol I stamped his name with Real Red Craft ink and embossed with Clear EP. I was pretty happy with it that way, but Gabe (the husband) wanted to outline the letters in white, so he did. They are certainly each unique!

So here's a trivia question for you. Do you know who Carrie White is? If so, do you know what she has in common with Jack and Annie? Leave me a comment, I'd love to hear what you think!

Can't wait to crank up the fog machine!!! Happy Haunting!

Stamped COOKIES!!!

2011-10-02T15:15:00.001-06:00

We just had another Halloween themed birthday party for my daughter, Sydney. We have a really fun time decorating the whole house and backyard for her parties. Since she has a September birthday at the end of the month, we have done the Halloween theme venue a few times before. This one celebrated her 10th birthday!

Sydney in her mummy costume

I made her invitations using My Digital Studio. I just layered a few elements digitally and printed them on my printer. Once trimmed out with my chocolate bar measurements I wrapped them up for delivery to the potential party guests. And since MDS uses Stampin' Up! punches and images I was able to coordinate her cake with it. I used my Bat Punch* with a black sugar sheet to punch bats for her tombstone cake!

Party day is always so crazy I try to do as many things ahead of time as I can. The easiest was making these snickerdoodles, which happen to be the birthday girl's favorite cookie!

Snickerdoodles made with Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps

I didn't put pumpkin faces on them using just any old cookie cutter or mold. These are reminiscent of my post on pie stamping. Stampin' Up! has released a new product for the holidays, Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps!

They are super cute and easy to use. They're sold as a trio, so you get all three of the stamps above along with a beautiful wood handle that they easily slide on and off of. Here's a flyer with more info about Cookie Stamps! =)

The only real trick to them is to use any recipe that doesn't have a leavening agent in it. My snickerdoodle recipe listed baking soda, so I just omitted it. They came out fine. Not as puffy as usual, but still delicious and with cute pumpkin faces!!!

Here's my recipe...

SALLY'S SNICKERDOODLES
Makes 3 dozen

1 Cup Butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2-3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda (you can leave it out)
1/4 teaspoon salt
---------------------------------------------------------
2 tablespoons sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 400. Cream together butter and sugar, eggs and vanilla. Blend in flour, cream of tartar, soda (if using) and salt. Shape dough by rounded spoonfulls into balls. Roll balls into sugar-cinnamon mixture.

Place dough balls on ungreased cookie sheet and press with cookie stamp. After pressing they won't spread during baking. If not using cookie stamps (and if you included baking powder) make sure you space your cookie balls about 2 inches apart so they can expand and rise.

Bake 8-10 minutes depending on how soft you like your cookies. Eat them all!

*Bat Punch retired 2011

Lighting the Way to Halloween

2011-09-17T13:07:00.000-06:00

This is a lantern made from card stock. I made myself a simple template on one sheet of card stock and then I used it to trace onto Basic Black sheets. I was able to get 2 sides per sheet so there are 2 tabs that hold the whole thing together.

Click me to see a larger view

The windows are filled with Vellum on 3 sides, and Designer Series Paper in the back one. For the Vellum windows I used the Spider Web Embossing Folder to give them texture :)

Use flame-less candles for safety...they really flicker too. At night no one will know the lantern is paper, and no one will know the candles aren't real! ;)

For Stampin' Supplies visit my website:

http://sally.stampinup.net

Roses are Red...Sometimes

2011-08-29T21:29:00.000-06:00

It was a little over a year ago, last Summer, when I made my first paper rose. That's it below. I was pretty pleased with the results...a pretty color combo and the resulting flower looks almost real, especially when you photograph it sitting on a climbing plant! LOL

Paper roses are beautiful attached to gift boxes and bags instead of bows, and they are easy to make. I have received many compliments on the original rose, so I decided it was time to make another one with my club members! We did a red rose using Real Red card stock edged with Cherry Cobbler Classic ink. We used a total of 18 petals to create the whole flower.

The hardest part of the whole process is taping the petals down. I recommend double stick tape since it's strong...but maybe a little liquid adhesive for the final center pieces since the "tab" holding them down is kinda small.

Here's a rundown of the process:

Punch 18 petals in any color of card stock using the Ornament Punch (119847 $16.95).
Use the "Direct to Paper" method to ink the edges of your petals. Make sure you do BOTH sides! Sponging works too, but I didn't find it very effective on darker colored card stock.
Punch a circle in the same color card stock as your petals. I used the 1-3/8" Circle Punch (119860 $15.95).
Curl your petals around the handle of a stipple brush, a marker, a pencil, or anything that you have on hand.
Begin taping them down to the circle, layering 4 petals that aren't as curled (you can flatten them some leaving them slightly curved), then adding 4 more in a staggered pattern.
Keep building in sets of 4, staggering each time and ending with the last 2 petals in the center. They should have the most curl!

Here's a view from the bottom of a paper rose...

Stampin' Supplies (Red Rose):
PAPER - Real Red
INK - Cherry Cobbler
OTHER - Ornament Punch, 1-38" Circle Punch, Stipple Brush (for curling), Double Stick Tape

Just 3 More Days...

2011-07-29T11:47:00.001-06:00

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/sally/promotions

Altered Art and Secret Compartments

2011-07-09T21:30:00.005-06:00

A really, really, REALLY long time ago I did this challenge where you take a hardcover book and convert it into a unique photo frame. I actually thought it was so long ago that I hadn't ever blogged about it, but I checked my archives, and wow, it is in there: http://stampinsally.blogspot.com/2007/07/read-any-good-books-lately.html

In all the time I've had this fun frame within view, I've often thought, why not carve out the INSIDE of the book and make myself a SECRET COMPARTMENT?! Everyone should have little hiding places for their treasures, and while this particular book is just begging to be picked up and held, I couldn't resist altering it further!

I didn't want the compartment to be just inside the cover so I skipped a few pages before I started cutting. I used a metal ruler and a craft knife to cut into the pages as many at a time as the knife would penetrate. Once you have the first few pages removed you don't need a straight edge anymore. But you do have to hold the cover "up" to keep the pages straight as you're cutting. To be honest my hand got pretty tired before I made it to the end, so I set this project aside for a couple of days before I completed the cutout.

Once I had all the pages cut to my preferred depth, I began adhering the pages together, starting with the back pages. I was using a liquid glue with a foam brush at first, but the pages were puckering a bit so I switched to Snail Adhesive. Either way is very time consuming, and I'm actually not really done yet, but the end result will be worth it!

I never throw anything away, and if you are a true crafter, you are probably hoarding some things for "that special project" that will come along someday. I used a lot of these cut out pages to make a layered die cut flower.

Of course I sponged them with ink to give them more appeal before I layered them together. The flower stem is also made of paper. It's a card stock strip that I just folded in half lengthwise and pinched it all the way up to distress it a bit. It's actually inserted into the bottom three or four layers through a small hole and then the rest of the flower is layered on top holding it all together.

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Love & Care*
PAPER - Tangerine Tango, Certainly Celery, "First Edition DSP"

INK - Peach Parfait, Tangerine Tango, Distressing Essentials Tea Stain

OTHER - Glass jar, Sponge, Top Note Bigz Die, Fun Flowers Bigz L Die, Textured Impressions Vintage Wallpaper, Satin Ribbon, Button
*Summer Mini

Stampin' Up! has many GORGEOUS packs of Designer Series Paper. One 12x12 pack called First Edition would give you the same look as above and also be archival safe. That's a pretty important feature when you plan to use it in your scrapbooks with photos. Here's a look at this paper pack:

Item No. 121878 - 24 sheets for $12.95

Best Dad Ever

2011-06-15T18:49:00.006-06:00

Here are a few cards suitable for Father's Day. My daughter Sydney (she's 9) said the perfect Father's Day card should have footballs and beer on it! LOL Well, that is a good thought, I'll have to see what I can come up with for next year. Maybe she will draw them on the card she makes! ;)

This first card we made at Stamper's Club last Friday. It's a matchbook card...a fun card style I hadn't done in a while. The front of the card is tucked into a small flap at the bottom, just like a matchbook! To do this yourself, you just need to score and fold about 1" on one end and then measure 5.5" to the next score and fold. The center section is the back of the card.

I used an 11.5x4.25" piece to start. The front of the card should be a little short...you don't want it to meet the bottom fold, you'll have to leave it about a half inch shorter than the back so you can staple the flap up and have room to tuck it inside. My staples are hidden under the ribbon, but there are two of them under there!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Best Dad Ever*, All Holidays** (inside)
PAPER - Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Perfect Plum

INK - Wild Wasabi, Perfect Plum, Marina Mist, Baja Breeze

OTHER - Curly Label Punch, Marina Mist Grosgrain Ribbon, Paper Crimper
*Summer Mini
**Retiring as of 6/30/11

The second one is another variation of the same card...even without beer and footballs I love this stamp set! It's called Best Dad Ever. The neckties are one stamp, and that's how I used it on the card above. I figured since I was using my markers to make them each a different color, why not stamp them one by one!?

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Best Dad Ever*
PAPER - Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Perfect Plum

INK - Wild Wasabi, Perfect Plum, Marina Mist, Baja Breeze, StazOn

OTHER - Marina Mist Grosgrain Ribbon, Paper Crimper
*Summer Mini

I kinda hid this one at the bottom of this post...my dad isn't one of my blog subscribers, but he is on Facebook and I don't want him to see it until I give it to him! :)
I spent every Summer as a kid at the lake or sailing the ocean because of his love of boating! When I saw this "a la carte" stamp in the Summer Mini I fell in LOVE with it!!!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Sail Away*
PAPER - Confetti White, Not Quite Navy, Early Espresso, Bravo Burgundy
INK - Not Quite Navy Craft
OTHER - Cherry Cobbler/White Bakers Twine*, Textured Impressions Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool
*Summer Mini

Happy Father's Day to all you GREAT dads out there! :)

3D Flower Medallions

2011-06-13T12:11:00.000-06:00

The first trick to making one of these is to cut your card stock into a long strip. This one was 1-1/2" wide by 9" long before trimming.

Choose a punch to use down the length. In this example I used the Scallop Trim Border Punch. Scallops always work, but so could nearly any design. Punch along the length of your paper strip.

Then using your bone folder, score at small intervals all the way down your paper strip. I use my paper trimmer, just run your bone folder into the cutting grove. Score at the "valleys" for scallops, with other punches look for the repeating pattern and choose a "natural" location for the folds.

Fan fold the whole strip...don't worry if it's not perfectly even, it won't matter!

Now look at your ends, feel free to trim a small amount to even things up, and attach the strip end to end creating a circle.

Next we "flatten it" and use a liquid adhesive on the peaks of the paper folds.

Glue it down to a paper scrap that measures at least 1"x1."

Hold your medallion between your fingers for a few minutes to let it set.

You need to sandwich your flower Medallion for stability. So repeat the process with a punched circle or any other "flower center" you'd like to use. Here I tried out the new Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch. Have fun with these medallions, they can be used to decorate many different items.

Here's a card adorning a flower medallion. This one was the full 11" long. It passed the envelope test, but I wouldn't recommend trying to mail a card with one this thick. Did you also notice the rich color of the stamped butterfly? It's embossed with one of SU!'s new colored embossing powders, Melon Mambo.

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Bold Blossom*
PAPER - Pear Pizzaz, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Melon Mambo

INK - Pear Pizzaz, Daffodil Delight, VersaMark
PUNCHES - 1-3/4"Scallop Circle Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, 1" Circle Punch

OTHER - Melon Mambo Embossing Powder*, Basic Rhinstones

*As featured in the Summer Mini
Sale Dates May 1 - Aug 31

Try making one of these today...it'd be a fun Summer activity to do with the kids! :)

Mini Scrappin'

2011-05-28T11:37:00.007-06:00

Travel Log is a really fun stamp set! We love to take road trips as a family every year and I can see myself using it on lots of scrapbook pages to come. It's on page 12 in the Summer mini and it includes 8 stamps. This little 6x6 scrapbooking page uses 5 of them.

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Travel Log
PAPER - Pacific Point, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Rich Razzleberry

INK - Pacific Point, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Rich Razzleberry

OTHER - Decorative Label Extra-Large Punch, Pacific Point Marker

May is National Scrapbooking Month...just 3 days left to order any of the 10 select stamp sets offered for 30% off! Visit the Promo Page of my website for more details.

This is another little 6x6 that I stamped with the beautiful flourish image from Strength & Hope.

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Strength & Hope
PAPER - So Saffron, Paisley Petals DSP

INK - Peach Parfait

OTHER - Scallop Trim Border Punch, Trinket Keys, 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon

Strength & Hope
Stampin' Up! is donating $2 from every purchase of this stamp set to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. BCRF is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.

Something for Thomas

2011-05-10T15:19:00.001-06:00

A little card I whipped up for my bosses birthday last month. :)
Click on the image to see it in more detail.

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Birthday Bliss, Medallion
PAPER - Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Basic Gray (textured)

INK - Real Red, Basic Gray, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White

OTHER - 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper Snips

A Quick Card and a Sneek Peek

2011-04-13T20:39:00.004-06:00

This was a quick card we did at my last stampers club workshop. This pretty designer series paper is called Paisley Petals and the stamped image is from Four Frames. It coordinates with the Decorative Label Extra-Large Punch which I love and have used often!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Four Frames, All Holidays
PAPER - Sahara Sand, More Mustard, Whisper White, Paisley Prints DSP

INK - Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy

OTHER - 5/8" Blue Grosgrain Ribbon, Decorative Label Extra-Large Punch, Eyelet Border Punch

Both the stamp set and the DSP will be available with the release of our new catalog this Summer...however, when you spend $20 you can order the paper and/or the stamp set right now! This is a special only during the month of April, after that you'll have to wait for the new catalog in July.

Visit my website (sally.stampinup.net) and click on [SHOP NOW] to see all the stamps and fun paper crafting accessories available. If you have any questions, or need help with ordering, don't hesitate to contact me.

Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper
12 sheets of 6 double sided designs:
item 122367 | $9.95
Featured Colors - Bravo Burgundy, Tangerine Tango, Marina Mist, River Rock, Old Olive, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke, Early Expresso and Whisper White.

Four Frames Stamp Set
Wood Mount: item 123440 | $20.95
Clear Mount: item 123442 | $15.95

Decorative Label Extra Large Punch
item 120907 | $16.95
Featured in the Occasions Mini
Sale Dates Jan 4 - April 30

Cool Beans!

2011-04-13T20:02:00.000-06:00

Grab a bag of Stampin’ Up! products! Only available through online orders on my website, you can choose $5, $10, or $15! The $15 Grab Bag contains at least $60 worth of discontinued products. It won't have stamps or tools, but you can expect to receive any combination of products like the following:

Ribbons
Accents & Elements
Chipboard
Designer Series Paper
Simply Sent kit components

No refunds or exchanges are available, all grab bag sales are final.

I'm Stylin' ;)

2011-04-05T14:10:00.002-06:00

I had a little surprise in my email inbox yesterday...My friend Norma gave me kudos in the form of a blog award! Thank you so much Norma, I'm honored to be one of your recipients! I'm surprised she picked me when I've been such a bad blogger lately. I didn't even post ONE thing last month...can I use my birthday as an excuse? lol

As a "Stylish Blogger" I am supposed to share 8 things about myself and pay it forward to 8 other bloggers.

I have been trying to eat better, but the weight loss that should come with it is not happening as fast as I'd like it to.
I spent almost the entire day outside Sunday...did a little yardwork, but mostly just enjoyed being outside sitting on my patio watching the wind blow through the tree branches.
I am so far behind on laundry I'm wearing my last pair of clean undies today.
One of my long time dreams is to go skydiving, I'd really love to learn to fly a plane, but I think skydiving is a more obtainable goal!
I ran the dishwasher on Saturday and still haven't unloaded it...that's what kids are for. lol
My favorite "holiday" is Halloween!
The last movie I saw on the big screen was Tangled.
I love life and tend to look at the bright side of every situation.

Here are 8 blogs for you to check out that I really enjoy:

Too Many Pictures!

2011-02-28T22:08:00.003-06:00

I had a crop yesterday, and I feel somewhat accomplished since I managed to complete a double page spread. I have several incomplete layouts that I pulled out to focus on, but it just wasn't in me to finish any of them. I also had some fun Easter photos from 2007 to work with...a bazillion of them actually, so that's what I did!

I started with one of my sketches, but mainly I just looked at it for positioning, and moved on. If I'd had a printed copy it would have been the exact same layout, but it's pretty close. I love these Big Designer Buttons, aren't they fun!?

I used the Color Spritzer Tool with a Garden Green marker and refill bottles of ink in Tangerine Tango and Melon Mambo to make drips and spots on my Newsprint Designer Series Paper. I also blotted it with a paper towel, which made some pretty neat textured spots too! You should have seen my paper towel afterwards...looked like I had a MAJOR nose bleed! lol

This is the second page. Because I had sooooo many pictures, I decided to make a mini album right on the page. I cut some card stock 4" high by 7" wide, scored it at 1" intervals and then fan folded it so I could use it to mount the pictures on.

I used my 2-1/2" Circle Punch to make tabs for turning the pages.

Here's another look with the mini book opened up. I had a lot of fun working on these pages! :)

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Word Play, Well Scripted
PAPER - Very Vanilla, Poppy Parade, Pacific Point, Newsprint DSP, Sunny Garden DSP

INK - Ruby Red (to edge the paper), Tangerine Tango, Garden Green, Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight

OTHER - Sizzix Naturally Serif Alphabet, Decorative Label Extra-Large Punch, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Sweet Stitches Big Designer Buttons, Pop Up Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals, Yellow Grosgrain Ribbon, Color Spritzer Tool

A Small Change with BIG Impact

2011-02-20T10:00:00.001-06:00

This is my small area in our shared "studio." It has evolved over the last two years and I truly love my space, but there is so much more I'd like to do in this room to make it more functional. One thing I thought would be simple was mounting a towel bar to the wall to hang my punches on. I have seen many other crafters post pictures using this idea and I have been in love with the idea ever since.

BUT...yeah, here's the thing...I used a stud finder to check for studs to mount the bar, and it wasn't going to work. POO! So I've had these bars stashed in the corner with the intention of figuring out an alternative, and I have! After the patio cover we built last Summer I was looking at these leftover pieces of plywood and my light bulb went off...I could mount that to the wall and then it won't matter where the wall studs are!

I bought myself some pretty fabric to cover the board and had my handy husband screw it right to the wall. We mounted two bars, and loading them up with these punches I was able to empty out two of my "skinny" drawers. I'm so happy!!! :)

Isn't it awesome? Here's a closer look:

Scrapbooking With Faux Silk

2011-02-18T14:53:00.004-06:00

Happy Friday friends! My stampers club members are coming over tonight to make the two cards I shared with you yesterday, and now that I've posted today's sketch on SplitcoastStampers I can reveal the 3rd project.

This 8.5x8.5" scrapbook page based on the sketch above. I kinda cheated with the photo I slapped on. You can click on the picture to see a larger version if you like. It's my daughter hanging on the head/horns of a Texas longhorn statue. LOL I had another photo in mind originally, but couldn't find a print of it...I will probably switch it out and add journaling in the white space this weekend. :)

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Bliss*
PAPER - Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Early Espresso

INK - Baja Breeze, Tangerine Tango, Old Olive, Early Espresso (Markers - Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie)

OTHER - Orange Ribbon, Tissue Paper, Key Tag Punch**

*Only available FREE in the Sale-a-Bration Mini Catalog
**Retired (oops)

I'll be showing them the Faux Silk technique which is the piece under the photo stamped with flourishes. It's such a pretty technique, and WAY easy to do! Here's a closer look:

All you need is a good stamp, tissue paper and a glue stick!

Cut a piece of card stock to the size you want
Cut a piece of tissue paper and leave it slightly larger than the card stock
Stamp all over the tissue paper
Crumple it up
Smear the glue stick all over your card stock piece
Smooth the tissue paper over it
Trim off the excess tissue paper
Step back and admire your awesomeness!

Try it with different colors, it's so easy! You can also stamp directly on the card stock before you layer the tissue paper...the image underneath ends up much softer, but you'll want to stick with a light color for the bottom card stock piece so it is still visible.

Wanna see more pages created with this sketch? Click this link:
SBSC274 Gallery

Mini Catalog Creations

2011-02-17T13:17:00.001-06:00

Have you seen the Occasions Mini Catalog yet? I decided to use a couple of the new stamp sets featured to create these cards for my next club meeting. Also, you should know that the Sale-A-Bration Mini Catalog is also in full swing. For every $50 spent you can choose a SAB freebie!

This is a fun birthday card using the new Take a Spin stamp set and the little Game Spinner Hands to make it functional. Too fun!!!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Take a Spin
PAPER - Real Red, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, Celebrations DSP

INK - Marina Mist

OTHER - 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Scallop Border Punch, Game Spinner Hands

This one is my fav! I love the color combo and I think using the rock-n-roll technique for the flower petals was pure genius, yay me! lol

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Build a Blossom, Word Play
PAPER - Whisper White, Peach Parfait, Daffodil Delight, In Color DSP (Hostess level 1)

INK - Peach Parfait, Daffodil Delight

OTHER - Blossom Petals Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Framed Tulips Textured Impression Embossing Folder, Decorative Label Extra-Large Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Crafty Kids

2011-02-11T14:30:00.001-06:00

The first week of February we were hit with an INSANE winter storm that had our whole family banished to the house for FOUR DAYS!!! There was no school, and Gabe and I stayed home from work!
We really enjoyed ourselves the first couple of days, but cabin fever struck and we were tired of TV, tired of board games, tired of everything...but then, AH HA! Why not get ready for the inevitable school V-Day party!? So I covered cereal boxes with paper tied on the ribbon, and the girls finished them out with punched hearts and some stamping! They are always ready to create!!!

I snapped these pictures before I took them to school...guess I should have taken a few, Nat's eyes are closed. *sigh* But I wanted to hurry since Sydney had wet hair.

We started the valentines too, but only Natalie's got completed in time for delivery to school today. Sydney will work on hers over the weekend and get them ready for Monday. The design is the same for both girls, but Sydney chose a blue paper for hers.

All I did was cut 12x12 DSP down to 4x4. Then folded the sides in and the bottom up to overlap it just enough for the punched label. I so love my Eat Chocolate stamp set!!!

Happy Valentine's Day my crafty friends!

Cold Cards

2011-02-11T13:00:00.003-06:00

The card above was one of the projects we did at club last month. I realized yesterday that I'd never photographed it, so I took this photo on my patio in the snow! haha

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - XOXO
PAPER - Whisper White, Real Red, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Red Glimmer Paper

INK - Real Red, Early Espresso

OTHER - Chipboard Frame (Mix & Match On Board), Satin Ribbon, Bitty Buttons, Red Thread

This next card is a copy cat card, or as we say, "I CASEd it." CASE stands for copy and share everything!

I did my own version of a card from the last promotional flyer (image on right). I thought it was pretty cute and I would have made it exactly the same if I'd had the green ribbon they used. This was the project for my first "Cards and Coffee" workshop, which was also last month. I plan to be doing these workshops on a more regular basis...I'll be posting more about that soon! ;)

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Filled With Love
PAPER - Whisper White, Pink Pirouette,Love Patterns DSP

INK - Real Red, Pear Pizzazz

OTHER - Scallop Border Punch, Bitty Buttons, Linen Thread, Green Grosgrain Ribbon

I'm so sorry if you missed this promotion, the DSP (item 124156 $9.95 for 12 double sided sheets) and buttons (item 118761 $4.95) are still available for purchase and the stamp set is available as a digital download (item 123995 $5.95), but I guess the ship has sailed when it comes to the actual stamp set. But maybe it will show up in the new catalog this Summer!

Stampy News Update

2011-02-11T12:43:00.000-06:00

After I returned home from Leadership I went through a couple of weeks of horrible back pain. couldn't stand upright if I sat too long, and was pretty much useless when I wasn't laying down.
I found out I have scoliosis in my lower back, but my awesome doctor has been adjusting my spine regularly since. I'm pretty much pain free now allowing me to sit at the computer again for more extended lengths of time...so please forgive me for not posting more fun things to share sooner and get ready for multiple posts today!

LEADERSHIP!!!

2011-01-14T00:34:00.000-06:00

I arrived in Nashville Tennessee yesterday and made friends with a couple of fellow demos as we exited the plane, one of whom lives in Frisco! :) We're staying at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, this place is AMAZING!!! You could easily wander aimlessly around and never find your way back to your room. lol
The festivities began last night, with a Manager's Reception. All 5 of my roomies are Managers so while they went out on the town, I had dinner with my new friend from Frisco, Dee. We rounded up 6 other ladies to dine with and then sat in on a class "Manager's Reception: Be There Next Year." It was fun as well as motivating.
This morning they gave us a super cute bag before we began a day full of other classes. Here's a pic of my sister Barbara and me in front of the main stage.

A various times during the day prizes are awarded. We each received a button with a color on it, and if the prize patrol calls out your color you get goodies! Mine is Daffodil Delight and I won a stamp set and coordinting punch today! :)

Tomorrow is our last day of classes and the whole thing wraps up with some time to play. We'll get the Clearly For You stamp set and spend a little time doing make and takes. I'm having a blast!

Crafting with Fabric

2010-12-11T15:16:00.009-06:00

Once December is here I usually find myself pressed for time but trying my best to pay it forward and show my appreciation to friends and family. It's always a challenge for me to give something to all the special people in my life, but with just a few minutes even store bought treats can be transformed into something more personal to give. These are both super quick, inexpensive, and easy projects.

I used a Big Shot Die with felt to make this small gesture seem BIG!
The words are inked in different colors with markers before stamping.

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Tags Til Christmas

PAPER - Whisper White

INK (markers) - Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive

OTHER - Red Felt, XL Scallop Circle Die, Square Scallop Punch, Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Crop-a-dile, Gold Cord

For a larger gift, you can decorate simple lunch sacks with your stamps or stencils.

I used a Jumbo Wheel to add a whimsical background before adhering an embossed snowman tag. The "ribbon" is a strip cut from our new Designer Fabric featured in the Holiday Mini.

Make sure you load the bag before you tie the ribbon on. If you don't have time to make homemade cookies, rum balls...etc. Try putting the pre-measured dry ingredients together in a baggie to give. Just tuck an altered version of the recipe in there too so your recipient will know how much of the "wet" ingredients too add and how to bake it.

I just folded the top of the bag down about an inch, used a small circle punch to make three holes across the top of the bag, then threaded the ribbon through...

Lay the ribbon on your work surface and set the bag on top of it (flap side down) centered over the ribbon. Push the ribbon through the holes on the ends from the front to the back. Then push both ends from the back to the front through the center hole and make a bow!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Tags Til Christmas, Whimsy Jumbo Wheel, Four The Holidays
PAPER - Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Real Red

INK - Bashful Blue, Real Red, Pacific Point

OTHER - Baskets and Blooms XL Die, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Candy Cane Christmas Designer Fabric

Snowglobes and Glitter, How Can I Go Wrong?

2010-12-10T14:26:00.001-06:00

I totally adore snowglobes and this little guy is available a la carte! The stamp is called Sweet Snowglobe, it comes with a wood mount block and it's only $8.95 (item no. 120868). I actually used it with the Sweet Treat Cups to give it dimension and create a display worthy scrapbook page full of bling!

We've had so many overcast afternoons, that this photo doesn't do it justice, but it's truly fantastic in person! If you click on the image you can zoom in and see it larger. :)

I started by sponging around the edges on a square piece of Crumb Cake card stock with Early Espresso ink, then I used Shimmer Paint to stamp snowflakes all over the background and followed up with a nice layer of Smooch Spritz. The inside of the snowglobe has Smooch (AKA fun in a bottle) painted on the "snowy" parts, and I filled it with Dazzling Diamonds.

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Jayne's Type Alphabet, Sweet Snowglobe, Serene Snowflakes

PAPER -Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Chocolate Chip 12x12 Textured Card Stock

INK - Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler

OTHER - Smooch Pearlized Top Coat, Smooch Spritz, Shimmer Paint, Circle Punch, Top Note Die, Sweet Treat Cups, Stampin' Dimensionals, Dazzling Diamonds

Now see what you can create with this super simple layout, here's the sketch:

Charming Gift Idea

2010-12-07T15:56:00.007-06:00

With the Simply Adorned Charms and Chains you can give something handmade and they're really sweet. The 1x1-1/4" Charm and 24" Chain (pictured above) is on promotion for 20% until December 16, 2010! It's a bundled gift set that also includes Charming pictured below for the special price of $39.88. Use item number 124076 to get them all together. If you place an online order for a Simply Adorned Charm, I'll personally create you a Winter insert like mine below. All you have to do is order this or any of the Simply Adorned Charms in the month of December. But remember, you only have until 12/16 to get the promotional price for the set.

Charming wood mount stamp set - item no. 116519 $19.95

I've had my 1x1" charm for a while now, but had not even removed it from the box until my recent purchase of the Vanilla Pearl Bauble and the 34" chain. I made the snowflake image for the beveled side and my monogram is on the other side. I hear that's what our co-founder and CEO Shelley Gardner did with her's too! :) You can see more Baubles in the Holiday Mini Catalog, they're only $3.95...I think I'm going to need them all! lol

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Serene Snowflakes, Circle Circus, Jumble Alphabet

PAPER -Bashful Blue

INK - Bashful Blue, VersaMark, Marina Mist Marker

OTHER - Silver Embossing Powder, Color Spritzer Tool

I'm cooking up a nice "Valentine's" version as we speak, I plan to make seasonal inserts to switch out. And now that I think of it, why stop there? I'll be making much more than that since they are just little 1x1" squares...so easy to update and change on a whim! I have a feeling I've just found my new favorite necklace.

Holiday Cards

2010-12-05T21:28:00.000-06:00

There are from the two workshops I did last month. I really love the Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper, and have used a piece on each of these cards. It's such a great color combo too!

The one on the left has an embossed silver tree in the background...much cuter in person. The ornaments are stamped, gently watercolored and trimmed out. Then I "hung" them on the little branches, and of course put a star on top! :) I made it using only one stamp set, Holiday Happiness.

The center card has an embossed background using the Sizzix Big Shot. And the punched ornaments have hand drawn strings.

The last card is my favorite. I put Smooch on the wreath so it shimmers in all the right spots. The sentiment is edged in Old Olive ink and popped up on a Dimensional, and I just used a ruler and my green and red markers to add some interest and balance it out with a few lines in the corners.

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Holiday Happiness, Tags Til Christmas, Delightful Decorations, Northern Hearts (hostess), All Holidays

PAPER -Jolly Holiday DSP, Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler

INK - Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, VersaMark

OTHER - Silver EP, AquaPainters, Red Seam Binding, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Ornament Punch, XL Decorative Label Punch, Smooch Pearlized Top Coat, Stampin' Dimensionals, Green Satin Ribbon

Simply Amazing!

2010-11-15T11:44:00.001-06:00

Starting today and running through the end of the month you can sign up as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for only $87.50. Even if you have no plans of running your own crafting business, this is an amazing deal for all the items you will receive! Did you know that many demonstrators sign up as a hobbyist? What that means is you can enjoy the demonstrator discount for your self without the added pressure of holding classes and workshops, but let me tell you, that part is actually really fun! Contact me anytime if you would like to know more about this opportunity. I'd be happy to talk you through what signing up would mean and help you decide if it's right for you!

Click on the flyer to enlarge

Wickedly Fun

2010-10-26T10:23:00.035-06:00

One of the Stamper's Club projects for October was this little paper coffin. The paper itself is to die for and using some in this way was really fun! I have plenty left to make a super cute scrapbook page, and I'm sure I'll have no problem coming up with other projects to use it for as well. It's called Wicked Fun and these first pages below have "fuzzy" raised images, the bats are my fav!!!

The rest of the paper pack is double sided...

I found the coffin pattern through Family Fun. They send me emails with recipes and other fun craft ideas that almost always get my wheels turning! :)

It's not too difficult to assemble, but I recommend using Sticky Strip to hold it together since the double thickness of the card stock layered with DSP will add additional stress to the flaps that hold it together. I used one 12x12 sheet of DSP for the inside of the box. One side of the paper in the bottom of the coffin and the reverse (a purple stripe) on the inside of the coffin lid...looks AWESOME!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Baroque Motifs, All Holidays

PAPER -Basic Black, Wicked Fun DSP

INK - Whisper White Craft

OTHER - Chalks, Sticky Strip

Punch Pumpkins

2010-10-19T22:08:00.001-06:00

Don't you love things that are easy? These little pumpkins are just that. All you need is an Oval Punch and you can make one in 20 seconds! I did two different sizes here, and I just used the flat side (not sharp) of my scissors to curl a strip of card stock and make the vines. This is what we're doing at Ladies Night this Thursday...you should come! Read HERE for more details.

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Jumble Alphabet, Day of Gratitude

PAPER - Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Old Olive

INK - Pumpkin Pie Craft, Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, More Mustard

OTHER - Oval Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Green Satin Ribbon, Color Spritzer Tool, Stampin' Dimensionals

Pssst, a new promotion started today!
Handmade Holiday

Getting in the Spirit of Things

2010-10-13T11:45:00.000-06:00

Halloween is my favorite holiday! My whole house is decked out in true fashion this year because I convinced my 9 year-old to have her party (she was born on 9/25) in October and make it a costume-birthday party! Also with everything out this year, my oldest is inspired to have her own shin dig too; she's never had a costume party and we might as well make the most of it all! :)
The photo above is a small representation of my Spooky Town. I have the whole village set up on the dining room table and you might recognize the paper I used as the backdrop. Yup, it's the packing material you get when a Stampin' Up! order arrives via UPS! hee hee

This is the cake I made her. Using these cookies as tombstones was not my original idea, but the way I saw them they had "RIP" and things like that written on them. Cute, but I wasn't going to do that on a birthday cake. I also crushed up a bunch of Oreos for the top of the cake. It tasted even better than it looks!

I did some super fun invites using the Fang-tastic Stamp Set (Vampire on some, and a Witch on others), and I also had some done with the Make a Monster Set...so cute. I'm sorry to say I can't share a pic today though, I guess I miscounted because we gave them all away!!!
This is Sydney, AKA Vampire Girl, with her graveyard cake...

...and now for something crafty using paper! ;)
This is an 8-1/2 x 11" scrapbook page using the new Waffle Paper as well as other goodies in the Holiday Mini...LOVE it!!! The spider web was done super easy using the Big Shot, and if you like the Designer Paper I used here, you will love the whole package, too! The spiders were done by trimming off select parts of snowflakes from a Sizzlits Die 4-Pack...yeah they only have 6 legs, but aren't they cute!?

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Make a Monster (for eyes), Fang-tastic (treat bags in background)*

PAPER - Pumpkin Pie, Waffle Paper Assortment 2*, Whisper White, Basic Black, Night Owl Designer Series Paper*

INK - Pumpkin Pie

OTHER - Textured Impressions Spider Web*, 1" Circle Punch, White Gel Pen, Snowflakes Set #2 Sizzlits Die 4-Pack (3 used)

*Items from the current Holiday Mini Catalog (Sale Dates 9/1/2010-1/3/2011)

A Page and a Smile

2010-10-07T17:47:00.003-06:00

I created this sketch at the end of July and have been eager to use it ever since. Over the weekend I was feeling the need to pull out some photos and get a page done, and the cute photos I found were made for this sketch!

The page I did includes some super cute and sparkly paper from our last catalog and I had the WHOLE package unused. That's such a crime. I have a ton of paper to use up, so I'll be sprinkling old things with new things in my posts from time to time...especially when I'm scrapping!

Click on any image to get a closer look

Anyway I wanted to share some details about this page. First you may notice the unusual shape of the Chocolate Chip paper. It wasn't tricky to do it. I just traced a bowl on the wrong side of my 12x12 card stock and then used my paper trimmer to cut a straight line up to the edge of the "arch." After that I just trimmed it off with my scissors, lined it back up on the trimmer, and did the other sides.

The distressed paper piecing was something I've been wanting to experiment with for a while. I simply took some thin strips of Old Olive card stock that I had and I crumpled them along their edges and used snail adhesive to stick them down onto my page. Easy!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Broadsheet Alphabet, Short Order Numbers

PAPER - Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink

RETIRED - Sending Love Specialty DSP, Barely Banana
INK - Real Red, Chocolate Chip

OTHER - Basic Rhinestones, Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware, Stampin' Dimensionals, Designer Label Punch, Scallop Trim Border

To see more pages done with this sketch visit the SBSC248 Gallery. Why not add yours? :)

Simple Gift Idea

2010-09-24T20:42:00.001-06:00

The new Holiday Mini began this month and I am a BIG fan of paisley!!! So the first thing I ordered was this cute stamp set called Paisley Prints. It's a set of 5 with a leaf, a pumpkin, two different size hearts and a little Christmas tree! :) You can look at the mini on my website click HERE to download your own .pdf copy.
I guess I was inspired by the image in the mini, because the first project I did was a candle using 3 leaves in different colors, and that's exactly how they featured it. I honestly didn't remember the catalog version when I created mine...it must have been buried in my subconscious LOL. My club members really enjoyed making their "gift sets!"

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Paisley Prints, Day of Gratitude

PAPER - Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Confetti Cream (inside card)
INK - River Rock, Pear Pizzazz, Gold, Cajan Craze

OTHER - Hemp, 5/8" Crochet Trim, Gold Embossing Powder, Word Window Punch, Green Satin Ribbon

SU! Regional

2010-09-12T23:09:00.001-06:00

Saturday was the SU! Regional Event at the Fort Worth Convention Center. I just had my 5th anniversary as a demo and amazingly I've never attended a regional event before. Well, let me tell you, you'll have to lock me up to keep me from attending another one. That was AWESOME! It was like an intimate version of convention, which I couldn't attend this year, so I'm not feeling as sad about it now. :)

We had 6 make-n-take projects to complete and there were lots of inspiring presentations to watch throughout the day. Business ideas, and fellow demonstrators that went on stage to show us their "workshop wows." I really love being part of the Stampin' Up! family!!!

Twila, her mom, Sally, Laura, Sherry, Barbara, Mary, Jena

After the Regional was over we went to Twila Mooneyham's house for an after party. She was MORE than generous with BBQ, treats, and even THREE projects for us to do while we sat around her kitchen table chatting. As we were finishing the bird (pictured below) I was floored when she said there were two more projects for us to do. WOW Twila, really? We had a GREAT time, but were truly exhausted driving back after a full day of fun. Thanks again Twila, you ROCK!!!

The paper bird we made is somewhat similar to one in our Catalog on p.173, although I honestly think this is a cuter version with the beak, eye, and ribbon detail. The one in the IB&C is more rounded and I checked the corporate website to see if there were instructions for their version, and they have a bird, but it's a little different. It's really cute too, so I'm sharing...see below. Twila found her template on another blogger's site that was her inspiration. We affectionately referred to our birds as Twila Bird while we were making them! lol Here's a link to her blog post about it. She doesn't give instructions, but she gave us each a template to take home, so I'll probably do one for a Future Ladies Night. I really like my "Twila Bird!" :D

Paper Bird (July 2010 Art Show)

(These are the instructions on the SU! Corporate Website)

Cut out bird body, tail, and chest from Very Vanilla card stock using this pattern (Other Pattern #13 from Pattern Library). If the link isn't working, email me and I'll send it to you!
Repeatedly stamp artistic circle image in Baja Breeze ink on bird body. Apply Crumb Cake ink to bird body using sponge dauber.
Pierce holes along edge of bird pieces using paper-piercing tool and Mat Pack. Sew bird pieces together using needle and thread. Spritz bird using Color Spritzer Tool and Soft Suede marker.
Cut flowers from Baja Breeze textured card stock and Newsprint Designer Series paper using Big Shot and Island Floral Bigz die. Punch hole in center of each flower using 1/16" Circle punch. Layer flowers, and secure with Antique brad. Adhere flower to bird.

tweet tweet

Celebrations Par-tay!

2010-09-09T22:51:00.000-06:00

I've been working hard on the invites for one of my little birthday princesses. Two of my three daughters have a birthday this month, so I'm up to my eyeballs in party planning! I ordered the super cute coordinating Celebrations Party Banner, and Party Hats for the first event and also the Quick Accents and matching Designer Series Paper to scrap the whole thing after the party is over. You should see the cute photos on page 52 in the catalog, there is so much you can do with these!

The first thing I did was punch out the party hats so I could use the leftover card stock on my invites. Who could let this super cute paper go to waste?

I had lots of leftover card stock after punching out the banner pieces too. In the catalog it simply says you get over 100 letters etc. with multiples of popular letters. I decided to take invetory and give you the specifics here.
The set includes 30 white brads for assembly and the following letters/numbers:
4 letter "A," 3 letter "B," 3 letter "C," 3 letter "D," 4 letter "E," 4 letter "F," 3 letter "G," 3 letter "H," 4 letter "I," 3 letter "J," 3 letter "K," 3 letter "L," 3 letter "M," 4 letter "N," 4 letter "O," 3 letter "P," 2 letter "Q," 3 letter "R," 4 letter "S," 3 letter "T," 3 letter "U," 2 letter "V," 3 letter "W," 2 letter "X," 3 letter "Y," 2 letter "Z,"and 2 party hats and 2 stars. It also has 2 of each number 1 - 9 and 1 zero.

After punching it all out I'm amazed by how much excess patterned card stock I have to play with, so I punched some stars from the various patterns to use on the insides of the invites too. Her birthday is Sunday and the party will be on the 25th. All I need to do now is finish typing up the details for the insides and put them together. My goal is to make sure they'll be ready to pass out on Monday when I bring cupcakes to share with her classmates. What 'cha think? I'm lovin' them!!! :)

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Party This Way, Short Order Numbers

PAPER - Real Red, Whisper White, Pacific Point, Bashful Blue
INK - Real Red, Pacific Point, Pear Pizzazz

OTHER - Star Extra-Large Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, White Gel Pen, White Thread

Little Scrappy Things

2010-08-23T11:00:00.001-06:00

We always do a 6x6 page at Club and I'm sure you've noticed how much I love doing them. They are so quick and easy since you really only need one photo. I have a bunch of them in a small album and they represent a nice variety of family pictures over the years that my girls can easily enjoy...not to mention share with their friends without me fearing for the pages inside! ;)
The heart image you see was done with the emboss resist technique. You stamp with VersaMark (a clear pigment ink), heat emboss with clear embossing powder, then brayer a dye based ink in any color over the top. The ink doesn't stick to the embossing powder, but you do need to wipe the excess off with a damp paper towel. This image was prefect for this technique.

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Baroque Motifs, I {Heart} Hearts

PAPER - Greenhouse Gala DSP, Always Artichoke, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
INK - Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Versa Mark

OTHER - Full Heart Extra-Large Punch, Clear Embossing Powder, Brayer with Rubber attachment

At my last Ladies Night we made this fun little mini scrapbook. I may just be putting first day of school stuff in there, but really haven't decided yet.

Here's what the inside looks like...

...and the back matches the font. I LOVE this paper!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - In a Word, Upsy Daisy, Paradise

PAPER - Greenhouse Gala DSP, Daffodil Delight, Baja Breeze, Real Red, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
INK - Baja Breeze, Real RedWhisper White, Certainly Celery

OTHER - Scallop Oval Extra-Large Punch, Embosslits Beautiful Wings, Assorted Ribbons

Blissful Birthday

2010-08-22T11:40:00.001-06:00

This card was created for my brother Bruce, and my Stampers Club enjoyed recreating it when we last met. It was really easy to do thanks to the Big Shot and all it's really fun die cuts and embossing folders! I'm Finally posting today since I'll be giving it to him in a few hours.

I chose my color combo right from the new Color Coach. I really like how it has a "Dynamic Duo," "Creative Combination," and "Sweet Set" for each color. The Color Coach will continue to be an invaluable tool for my crafting.

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS -Birthday Bliss

PAPER - Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
INK - Chocolate Chip, Markers: Marina Mist, Certainly Celery

OTHER - Sizzlits Swirly Decorative Strip Die, Textured Empressions Perfect Polka Dots

Digi Dabble

2010-08-05T22:37:00.003-06:00

It's almost time to make another calendar. That was a big project last year, and since then I have only used My Digital Studio to make a few 12x12 pages. My only excuse is my undying love for ink and paper. ;) But I will continue to dabble, it's a lot of fun!

MDS can scratch that crafty itch likety split. I really like the built in templates, you can just drag and drop photos in. It's amazing how quickly you can do a page!
Templates are set up as "albums" with multiple coordinating pages. You can also choose one or two by just deleting the extra pages before you build your "project." And the template will still be there for later use if you decide to build additional pages from it. These are from the Designer Template Sunny Day 12x12 album.
I really liked the look of this page the way it was, but I only had one photo I wanted to use. Once I started tweaking things I couldn't stop! LOL Actually I didn't spend too much time on this. An easy thing to do with an existing layout is copy and paste items to move around. That saved me time from browsing through all the other various embellishments available. I also added more background paper and several drop shadows for dimension. Not the best quality photo, but I LOVE it!

Stampin' Supplies:

My Digital Studio™118108 $79.95

For more information about what My Digital Studio can do, visit my website.

COOL Creations

2010-07-19T21:53:00.001-06:00

Here are two yummy little cards made with the Sweet Scoops stamp set in the Summer Mini.

The set has 8 images and is available in both wood mount and clear mount...rubber stamps that will cling to acrylic blocks. They come in a case the size of a DVD box. It's a great option for space saving and I like being able to see what I'm stamping on a little easier. Or should I say I can see it more clearly. :)

W 117078 $18.95
C 120078 $14.95

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Sweet Scoops

PAPER - Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Very Vanilla
INK - Daffodil Delight, Chocolate Chip, Melon Mambo

OTHER - Scallop Edge Punch, Textured Impressions Square Lattice, Clear Embossing Powder

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Sweet Scoops

PAPER - Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Very Vanilla
INK - Daffodil Delight, Chocolate Chip, Tempting Turquoise, Sahara Sand

OTHER - Scallop Edge Punch, Machine Stitching

The Good Stuff

2010-07-11T16:32:00.001-06:00

Today I had an open house to celebrate our brand new catalog and give everyone a taste of some of the new things. I used new Designer Series Paper on both projects and everyone's favorite was the Newsprint DSP!

The card is a little square 4-1/4 x 4-1/4 card. I intentionally left it without a sentiment so it can be used for just about any occasion. I call this a "5 minute card" since it can be done super quick...especially since I had the supplies pre-cut for everyone! ;)

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Inspired by Nature, Circle Circus

PAPER - Basic Black, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Newsprint DSP
INK - Basic Black, Daffodil Delight

OTHER - Scallop Circle Punch, 5 Petal Flower Punch

This is a mini scrapbook page. The photo spot is 4-1/4 x 5-1/2, and I used just one glue dot under the photo corners so it will be easy to add a fun picture at any later date. Isn't this paper "funky fabulous" too? I love it!!!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Awash with Flowers (2 step stampin')

PAPER - Baja Breeze, Greenhouse Gala DSP, Crumb Cake, Pumpkin Pie
INK - Baja Breeze, Marina Mist, Certainly Celery, Wild Wasabi

OTHER - Photo Corners Punch, Textured Impressions Square Lattice

One more thing. I just had my 8 year-old assistant pick a name from the jar. The winner of the doorprize is Jayne! Congratulations Jayne!!! :)

Sister Love

2010-06-26T19:13:00.002-06:00

Today is my sister's birthday! Happy Birthday Barbara!!!

I gave her this card last weekend at a family celebration, and she LOVED it! :) I can't take credit for the layout, or even the color combo. I CASEd a card I thought was BEAUTIFUL, and why reinvent the wheel, right!? The card I saw was a thank you card made by a fellow SU! demonstrator, Chris Smith. I made a few changes of course. lol

Copy
And
Share
Everything

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Vintage Labels, Candle Crazy builder wheel (Summer mini)

PAPER - Only Orange, Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip
INK - Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette

OTHER - 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Corduroy Button, Big Shot Texture Plates Kit#4, Textured Impressions Perfect Polka Dots, Flower Daisies #2 Die

real RED whisper WHITE & brilliant BLUE

2010-06-15T11:34:00.002-06:00

Here is a fun little 6x6 scrapbook page suitable for a single photo, a little trio, or even a collage. I really LOVE my little 6x6 album and have lots of fun pages in there that span a large time frame. It's portable and would make a great gift too! Since we have family plans for the 4th this year, I'm expecting to take the usual 400+ photos so I'll likely mount this onto a 12x12 and morph this into a DPS...but I don't have to! ;)

The page was made with Textured Card Stock as the base, and two of the accents are stamped images using the rock-n-roll technique. All I did was ink the image in red, then I carefully rock-n-rolled just the outer edge of the image in blue before stamping! Totally easy, really cute effect!!!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - July Fourth (Summer mini)

PAPER - Brilliant Blue textured, Whisper White, Real Red
INK - Brilliant Blue, Real Red

OTHER - Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Buttons, Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Curly Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Glad to Have Dad

2010-06-11T07:52:00.002-06:00

This is for my father-in-law. This was the first time I've spritzed the paper with a little water before using a texture plate. The difference is amazing. I got a really good impression, and then I smeared ink over it to add even more depth!
I think I'm going to add a fishing hook and some line before I send it to him, but since it will be a workshop card tonight, with a birthday sentiment option, I didn't want personalize it too much. So you'll just have to use your imagination to envision the final awesomeness of this card! LOL ;)

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Forest Friends, Enjoy Every Moment, Jumble Alphabet

PAPER - Kraft, Brocade Blue, Whisper White
INK - Old Olive, Brocade Blue, Close to Cocoa

OTHER - Top Note Die, Distressed Texturez Plate

I don't think I could ever make a card worthy of my wonderful father, but I hope he will like this one. I went with a checkerboard pattern using nine 1x1" squares. The game pieces are from a stamp set called Game Night, and my dad LOVES to play games!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Game Night, Medallion, Jumble Alphabet

PAPER - Confetti Cream, Summer Sun
INK - More Mustard, Night of Navy, Close to Cocoa

OTHER - 1/2" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Friday ya'll!

Sally

Stampers Club Projects

2010-06-08T17:02:00.001-06:00

The little beauty on the left is a fun size, 4 x 4" square and I made it using only ONE stamp set, Simple Friendship. I love these stamps, and you'll be happy to know this set isn't going anywhere! :) I stamped the butterfly on my scratch paper and then edged the stamp with a Close to Cocoa Marker before stamping it on the card stock. Click on the image below to see it up close (there are also flowers stamped in the background).

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Simple Friendship

PAPER - Whisper White, Barely Banana, Close to Cocoa. Kaleidoscope DSP
INK - Bermuda Bay, Barely Banana, Close to Cocoa

OTHER - Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Paper Piercer

The birthday card was made using my favorite technique, polished stone! I really like the result I got with these colors. For a tutorial on this technique, click HERE. And look at me, again I only used ONE stamp set! lol

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Upsy Daisy

PAPER - Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry, Glossy White, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
INK - Dusty Durango, Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Metallic Gold, StazOn Jet Black

OTHER - 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Rubbing Alcohol, Clear Acrylic Sealer

Lastly we did a fun little treat holder. It's made from a Big Shot die called Pillow Box, and I just punched a window to reveal what's inside! :)

Stampin' Supplies:

PAPER - To the Nines Specialty (designer card stock)

OTHER - Pillow Box Die, Curly Label Punch, Chocolate 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

P.S. Wanna join us for some crafty good fun? I'm currently looking for members to join the July - December club. Members get FREE stuff for being in the club, and you have to do is place a monthly order and have a good time! Click HERE for more info!

Last Chance List!

2010-06-03T16:48:00.001-06:00

The Last Chance List is here!!! If you have your eye on a specific stamp set, June might just be the last month you'll be able to order it. You'd better check your list and check it twice!

Stampin' Up! has also released a list of retiring Decor Elements (self adhesive vinyl art) and a list of accessories, which is being depleted quickly and updated daily. For more info on these limited Accessories, visit my website. The best way to get 'em is to order online!

Samantha's Card

2010-06-01T16:56:00.003-06:00

One of my nieces got married a couple of Saturday's ago and I have been holding off on posting this card, so she wouldn't see it here first. The bride was absolutely GORGEOUS and she and her new hubby are so happy! :)

The card was made with the colors from her wedding, Handsome Hunter and Sage Shadow. I wish I could have really captured the sparkle on this card in the photograph. The dress is made up of two layers. Very Vanilla card stock with Vellum over the top. The Vellum layer was embossed using a template for the Big Shot, then I traced over it with Two Way Glue and dusted the whole thing with Dazzling Diamonds. I also coated the hunter piece with Smooch Sprtiz! :)

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - All Holidays

PAPER - Very Vanilla, Vellum, Handsome Hunter, Sage Shadow, Cottage Wall DSP
INK - Handsome Hunter

OTHER - Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions, Scallop Circle Die, Dazzling Diamonds, Two Way Glue, 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Rhinestone Brad, White Gel Pen, Smooch Spritz

Creative Catch Up

2010-05-20T15:24:00.011-06:00

Well as I mentioned before, there have been many things to cross my craft table that I haven't shared here yet. Sadly a few of them found homes before I thought to photograph them, but here are a few things I can share with you now...

This is a birthday card for a sweet little man in our lives. He just turned the BIG 3 and he LOVES trains! I wish I had taken more than one photo, this one is a bit blurry and you'll have to excuse the background, but I am thrilled with the way the card came out *patting self on back* and so I just had to share it with you anyway! ;)

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Headline Numbers*

PAPER - Only Orange, Basic Black, Going Gray, Whisper White
INK - Going Gray Craft embossed with Silver, White Gel Pen

OTHER - 1" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Corner Rounder, Word Window Punch, Key Tag Punch*, Silver EP

*retired

One of my newest cool toys is an embossing folder for my Big Shot. They make such a wonderful deep impression and were designed with cards in mind, so you can run a 5-1/2 x 4-1/4 (or smaller) piece through and get great results...but in this instance I used a 6x6 piece of card stock and created a mini scrapbook page. I also dredged the paper across my White Craft Pad to make the flowers pop even more.
The tulips were created using the bird wing from the 2-Step Bird Punch, just punch three of them, edge the paper with a darker shade, and voila. It's so easy!This is going to be GORGEOUS with the right picture on it!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Extra Postage
PAPER - Almost Amethyst, Brocade Blue, Sage Shadow, Whisper White
INK - Ballet Blue, Whisper White
OTHER - Textured Impressions Elegant Bouquet, Two-Step XL Bird Punch, Dimensionals

Now even though my Mom passed away more than 10 years ago, there are still many special women in my life and I try to celebrate them too! We sent this card to my husbands mother earlier in the month, and she loved it! :) I love the Circle Circus Stamp Set!!!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Circle Circus, Jayne's Type Alphabet

PAPER - Orchid Opulence, Pale Plum, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
INK - Orchid Opulence, Pretty in Pink, Summer Sun

OTHER - Gold Brad, Summer Sun Corduroy Button, Butterfly Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, 1" & 3/4" Circle Punches, Small Heart Punch, Dimensionals

One of my favorite pastimes is reading. It can be a challenge to find time for it, but at the very least, there are plenty of bedtimes stories read around here...even if we don't always do it at bedtime! LOL This is a bookmark that used to be available in our catalog, but even now that it isn't it would be pretty easy to cut your own simple rectangle, punch a hole and round the corners. It measures about 5-1/4 x 2". Or even better make one using the Two Tags Bigz Die for the Big Shot!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Of The Earth, Flight of the Butterfly

PAPER - Whisper White
INK - Bermuda Bay, Summer Sun, More Mustard

OTHER - Brown Grosgrain Ribbon

Lost in a Fog

2010-05-07T12:20:00.000-06:00

For some reason April was a whirlwind of a month for me. The month wasn't void of crafty things though. I had club night, ladies night, posted many a sketch on Splitcoast, but between the crazy weather and all the home improvement stuff I was working on, my blog suffered!

I still have several things that I need to photograph and post, so stay tuned for more craftiness to come!

For now I'll leave you with today's sketch:

To see pages created with this sketch, visit the SBSC237 Gallery!

Color Renovation

2010-04-08T11:53:00.007-06:00

The new catalog will be here in just a few short months, and the anticipation builds for a new group of In Colors. Well guess what? There's a whole lot more going on. Stampin' Up! has done extensive research on the sales of the existing colors and the decision is in...it's time for a change! So hold onto your hat, get your big girl panties on, and say goodbye to the following colors:

Pink Passion           Almost Amethyst       Glorious Green
Pixie Pink               Bordering Blue          Handsome Hunter
Pale Plum               Brocade Blue             Sage Shadow
Orchid Opulence    Ballet Blue                 Mellow Moss
Lovely Lilac           Brilliant Blue             Green Galore
Lavender Lace        Taken with Teal         Gable Green

Barely Banana        Ruby Red
Yoyo Yellow           Cameo Coral
Summer Sun           Blush Blossom
Apricot Appeal       Creamy Caramel
Only Orange           Close to Cocoa
Really Rust             Going Gray

Well they aren't exactly out the door just jet, but these colors will only remain available through the end of June 2010. With that in mind you'll want to get yourself a reinker and/or pick up some more paper while you still can! Visit my website for easy online ordering.

The remaining colors are being re-categorized into 4 groups of 10. We'll have 5 NEW colors in addition to the In Color Collection and some In Color's from past catalogs are making a comeback!!!

Image - "Rainbow Ocean" by Thelma 1 at deviantart.com

Chocolate Bunnies Rule!

2010-03-29T15:33:00.009-06:00

Isn't this cute? The Chocolate Bunny stamp just screams "EMBOSS ME" so I did! I think it makes him look like real chocolate!!! I also embossed the entire card front with a floral background stamp. After adding satin ribbon, the whole card is shiny and delicious!!! But don't eat it! ;)

Stampin' Supplies:

STAMPS - Chocolate Bunny, Bella Toile
PAPER - Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink
INK - Chocolate Chip Craft, VersaMark

OTHER - Green Satin Ribbon, White Embossing Powder, Clear Embossing Powder

Here we have a simple little scrapbook page perfect for showcasing a fabulous egg hunt picture! It's a 6x6, my favorite brag book size, so adding a photo (or even 2) is a cinch!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Inspired by Nature

PAPER - Green Galore, Kaleidoscope DSP, Whisper White
INK - Green Galore

OTHER - Large Oval Punch

Coaster Creations

2010-03-12T13:53:00.001-06:00

This is a simple tumbled tile that you can buy at any hardware/home improvement store. They have a distressed finish and rough edges. And I'm guessing they're about 3x3" although I admit I haven't measured them.
For stamping on tiles the trick is to make sure they don't have a shiny smooth surface, or that they don't have a coating on them...these were actually very "chalky" when I bought them, which is normal. You just need to rinse them and let them dry before you attempt to make them beautiful.

I did two different versions both using the Medallion Stamp that I love so much, but the possibilities are endless! If you'd like to give it a go, I'm having a class on Saturday March 26th at 2:00 PM. Visit my website for the details!

Mmmm Mmmm Yummy

2010-03-09T16:22:00.002-06:00

Can you believe my Gloria will be 13 on St. Patty's Day!? Where has the time gone? Cuz we all know I'm NOT getting old! LOL
We had her party last Saturday and I attempted to make a "Wonderland cake." It was the theme since we kicked off the party with Alice In Wonderland in IMax 3D...loved it!!!

Anyway, she really likes the topsy turvy cake styles so it was fitting for a "Wonderland cake." I just didn't have time to make a rabbit/pocket watch/tea cups/grinning cat...etc. so I decided "funky shapes" would have to suffice. It's a collaboration of myself and the birthday girl. We had a lot of fun getting it decorated, but what a relief when it was finished!

This little basket is pretty punchy. It's sportin' a sweet little bird punched with one of our new punches, it's only available until April 30th and it's quite popular! I also used the Scallop Trim Border Punch I got FREE with my last order...can't beat that! And I even used a Circle Punch to make the basket handles, too easy!

Oh, and lookie what's inside...

Stampin' Supplies:
PAPER - Creamy Caramel, Pixie Pink, Pink Passion, Kaleidoscope DSP
INK - Creamy Carmel (to edge the basket)

OTHER - So Saffron Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, XL Two-Step Bird Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch*

*Get yours for FREE when you spend $50 on anything!

Here Comes Spring

2010-02-27T18:28:00.002-06:00

For Stamper's Club we always do three projects. Usually a 6x6 scrapbook page, a card, and a 3D item of some sort. This month we did a bigger page and 2 cards...one packed full of techniques!

An 8.5 x 8.5" scrapbook page. I punched a stamped image from Enjoy Every Moment with the 3/4" Circle Punch and it made a perfect center for this flower from the Pretties Kit, then I also punched the center of the journaling image so I could edge it in Certainly Celery first. The butterfly was just punched using a nice stripe from Welcome Neighbor before edging it in Pixie Pink!

Stampin' Supplies:
PAPER - Pixie Pink, Certainly Celery, Welcome Neighbor DSP*
INK - Basic Black Craft, Pixie Pink Craft, Always Artichoke Craft, Certainly Celery Craft, Crushed Curry
STAMPS - Enjoy Every Moment
OTHER - Crushed Curry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Butterfly Punch, Pretties Kit Flower

*Get yours for FREE when you spend $50 on anything!

I try not to use more than one stamp set when I make a card (aside from sentiments). But on this card I wanted different foliage to go with my birdie so I pulled out Paradise again. I really LOVE this set! :)

Stampin' Supplies:
PAPER - Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
INK - Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Bermuda Bay
STAMPS - Paradise, Oval All, Cheep Talk
OTHER - Scallop Oval Punch, Markers

This little card is packed with techniques. After a good rub with my Embossing Buddy, I stamped the flower petals on Bravo Burgundy Card Stock and heat embossed them with White Embossing Powder. Then I bleached out the flower petals with some household bleach and a Q-tip. After some drying time I scribbled on the darker areas with a Perfect Plum Watercolor Pencil, and inside the flower with Pixie Pink. I used an Aquapainter to disburse the color and soften the look. The center of the flower is dry embossed as well as the pink card stock layer...I used my Big Shot of course!

Stampin' Supplies:
PAPER - Gable Green, Pixie Pink, Bravo Burgundy, Summer Sun
INK - VersaMark, Basic Black
STAMPS - Pick a Petal
OTHER - Textured Impressions Perfect Polka Dots, Textures Plate Kit #4, White EP, 1" Circle Punch

Marking the Territory

2010-02-18T16:08:00.001-06:00

I've been having fun using my markers lately to ink up stamps and add detail. These particular projects are for Ladies Night tonight and we're gonna have FUN!

I love the Good Neighbors Stamp Set* from the Sale-a-Bration Mini. This is such a sweet little card to show it off too! I stamped the two story house in StazOn so I could watercolor it, and since I used a marker for the little yellow roof, I was able to make the chimney brown!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - *Good Neighbors, All Holidays

INK - More Mustard, Old Olive, Real Red, Close to Cocoa, StazOn
PAPER - Kraft, Real Red, Very Vanilla

OTHER - Sweet Pea Stitched Felt, Scallop Edge Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Corner Rounder

*Get yours for FREE when you spend $50 on anything!

What can I say about this? I really enjoy 6x6 pages because they are so easy to whip up and my brag book is filled with a large variety of different pages. The square of card stock in Cameo Coral is exactly 4-1/2" x 4-1/2" and when using an embossing folder for your Big Shot, this is the maximum width. It was designed with greeting cards in mind. You can emboss an entire card front lickity split!

Stampin' Supplies:
PAPER - Tempting Turquoise Textured Card Stock, Cameo Coral, Welcome Neighbor DSP*
INK - Basic Black Craft, Basic Black Marker
STAMPS - Stem Sayings
OTHER - Sweet Pea Stitched Felt, Textured Impressions Perfect Polka Dots, Oval Punch, Corner Rounder

*Get yours for FREE when you spend $50 on anything!

Ladies Night is every month on the THIRD Thursday from 7-9PM. You can join my Meetup group to get email reminders of all events, and it makes RSVPing a snap!

It's Not 2009 Anymore

2010-02-15T12:24:00.000-06:00

...and it's not January anymore either! lol

That was one of the projects for Stamper's Club last month, and I should have posted it sooner, but I had it "packed away" in a pile of crafty stuff and it was overlooked! You'll be happy to know it is unearthed from it's hiding place and now happily resides on a shelf where I can see it every day! :)

I used cardboard drink coasters and covered the surface. Then stamped a large image from the Brocade Basics Stamp Set in Rich Razzleberry...YUM! The calendar pages are each also stamped with another image from the same set, but this time I stamped off before I stamped the page, then I went ahead and stamped it two more times without re-inking. I love that look!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Brocade Basics
INK - Rich Razzleberry
PAPER - Rich Razzleberry, Welcome Neighbor DSP*

OTHER - 1/2" Library Clips

*Get yours for FREE when you spend $50 on anything!

Felt Flowers Make EVERYTHING Better!

2010-02-10T12:57:00.001-06:00

Isn't that the cutest thing? These flowers are called Sweet Pea Stitched Felt. You get a package of 52 pieces for $7.95, it's a GREAT value!
I thought this was the perfect accessory for this little handcrafted photo frame I did. I was able to use some of the paper I got FREE from the Sale-a-Bration promotion! Totally simple, totally easy to make. Don't you just love it!?

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Stem Sayings, *Good Neighbors (leaf in center)
INK - Chocolate Chip, Old Olive
PAPER - *Welcome Neighbor DSP, Certainly Celery, Bali Breeze DSP (polka dot, retired)

OTHER - Sweet Pea Stitched Felt, Sanding Block

*Get yours for FREE when you spend $50 on anything! (s-a-b mini page 6 & 7)

A Page for the Season

2010-02-05T09:54:00.001-06:00

I've had these brads from the Occasions Mini for over a month now. They're called Sending Love and I think they are really cute! Apparently so does my 8 year-old Sydney, she helped herself to about 8 of them when I hadn't even opened the package yet.
If you look at them in the mini you'll noticed they have a silver rim...they're brads. Well I guess she wanted to use them differently because she pried the Epoxy centers off the brads and had them fixed in fours on bottle cap embellishments. Yes what she did was cute, but I was not too happy to make this discovery since she did not have my permission.
I managed to recover 5 of the brads and put them back together, but three of them no longer had a brad that I could find. Fortunately they still had plenty of "stick" so I was able to use them like stickers and put them right on my page! So I guess the lesson here is that you can use them either way, and they are a little less bulky this way!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Jumble Alphabet, Rough Edges Alphabet
INK - Real Red, Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip
PAPER - Real Red Textured Card Stock, Whisper White, Love Sparkles Simply Scrappin Kit

OTHER - Big Shot Top Note Die, Clear Embossing Powder, Sending Love Epoxy Brads (Real Red 1/2")

P.S. It's Friday, so how about another sketch? I'd love to see what you do with this layout. Leave me a comment with a link if you use this one! :)

January Sales

2010-02-04T13:55:00.000-06:00

I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who placed an order with me last month. I sold three I {Heart} Hearts stamp sets as well as raised an extra $61 to send to the Red Cross for the people in Haiti. It may be just a drop in the bucket, but I'm glad I can help! The I {Heart} Hearts stamp set is available through April 30th, but to make it count and have Stampin' Up! contribute $2 from the order you need to get yours before February 28th (see this post for more info).
Again, thank you!!!
Crafty hugs,
Sally

Austin Adventures

2010-01-31T15:02:00.000-06:00

Friday's sketch came in handy at my crop yesterday. I made it into a double page spread using 6 photos from 2003. I wish I had done a better job writing the title, but it's done and I'm ready to move on and tackle some more old pictures!!!

This is the page that follows the sketch. I used a background stamp to kiss the solid images from the Pardise stamp set. This gave them the same texture as the leaves stamped right on the page. I think my photo is a little too bright. The paper on the sides has a stripped pattern and the leaves are all different shades of green.

The title page is just a standard linear design that works well anytime you have three photos cropped to 4x4!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Paradise
INK - Green Galore, Certainly Celery, Garden Green
PAPER - Certainly Celery Textured Card Stock, Whisper White Card Stock, Just Delightful Simply Scrappin Kit (Striped Card Stock)
OTHER - Rose Red Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Rose Red Marker

The Paper Lantern Technique

2010-01-22T17:06:00.003-06:00

I've been playing around with the paper lantern technique. It's so easy and I love cards with texture!
You can stamp any repeated image, like I did with this flower in Melon Mambo and then pass the card stock through a crimper. After that gently pat the whole thing with a black ink pad, or drag the ink pad to get more dramatic stripes. I actually did both! lol

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Love You Much, Vintage Vogue*
INK - Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Basic Black
PAPER - Melon Mambo, Old Olive, So Saffron, Whisper White
OTHER - Yellow Polka Dot Ribbon, Scallop Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Paper Crimper, Scallop Trim Corner Punch*
*NEW inside the Occasions Mini Catalog

Here also is a super simple 6x6 scrapbook page. This Designer Series Paper is so yummy! I haven't found the perfect picture for it yet, but I will! :)

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Razzle Dazzle (It's Good To Dream)
INK - Whisper White, Brocade Blue
PAPER - Brocade Blue, Razzelberry Lemonade DSP, Regal Rose
OTHER - 1/4" Blue Grosgrain Ribbon

More to the Story

2010-01-22T16:24:00.006-06:00

When you purchase the cute I {Heart} Hearts stamp set (pictured below) Stampin' Up! will donate $2 to the American Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund. The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

Product Name	Item #	Price
I {Heart} Hearts – clear-mount (block D recommended)	118571	$18.95
I {Heart} Hearts – wood-mount	117010	$26.95

I'm glad I didn't get this set yet!! I'll be placing an order for my club next Friday and guess what I'm going to buy!?

*You can click on the flyer to enlarge it*

Hurricane Relief

2010-01-20T14:11:00.001-06:00

I am really touched by the generousity of the people who have dropped everything to help the people in Haiti. Unfortunately I'm not in a position to go and offer my support in person, but I hope to make a nice contribution with your help.
For every Stampin' Up! order I receive through January 31, 2010, I plan to donate 100% of my commission to the Red Cross disaster relief. All orders will qualify...you can use my website, call me, email me, or attend a workshop this month and place an order, you will be making a difference!
I'll post a follow up in February and let you know how much we raised. Thanks in advance for your help!!!

It's CLEARLY Possible

2010-01-14T13:41:00.002-06:00

Hopefully you have a copy of the new Occaisions Mini by now! If not, you can download a .pdf version here on my blog. Just click on the image in the sidebar! You also won't want to miss the S-A-B mini. For every $50 you spend until March 31st you can choose something free, see the catalog for the full details!

I'm posting today because I want to introduce you to the wonderful world of Clear Mount Stamps. Many "stamp enthusiasts" have unmounted their stamp sets from wood blocks so they can be used with clings and acrylic blocks. This is certainly a space saver when it comes to storage, but another REAL advantage is simply the ability to see through the block. This helps you place what you're stamping in pretty much just the right spot!

"Starting with stamps in the 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog and the 2010 Sale-A-Bration Brochure, Stampin' Up! now offers our exclusive stamp art in both traditional wood-mount, and the new clear-mount option. Our new clear-mount rubber stamps are the result of extensive research with the intent to maintain the very best image quality in the stamping industry, while at the same time offering the ease-of-use and storability inherent in repositionable clear-mount rubber stamps."

Clear-Mount Rubber Stamp Features

Nine different sizes of clear blocks available individually or as a discounted bundle.
Blocks have ergonomic grooves on all four sides for easy grip and traditional wood-mount feel.
Stamps and blocks are durable and easy to clean with your Stampin' Scrub and Stampin' Mist.
Optional image labels on stamp backs let you decide if you want to see the image through the block or not.
Tight die-cutting for easy image positioning.
Large clear blocks can be used to create collages or spell words with alphabet sets.
Stamps store easily in standard, DVD-type cases with artwork on front and spine, making organization easy.

I'll be uploading a little beauty created with my first set of "unmounted" SU! stamps...stay tuned!

Also starting with the new 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog and continuing with all new punch designs going forward, Stampin' Up! has adopted a new body style for our punches! I am really excited about this one, this is going to make traveling to a crop so much easier!!! lol

A few features of the new punch style:

Low-profile, rectangular punch body allows for easier stacking and storing
Punches lock shut for easier storage and transport
Dual labels on top and end allow for easy identification and selection when stored
Available in three sizes: small, medium, and extra-large
New punches allow for larger punched images and more intricate designs while providing greater ease of use.

Extra -large punch images also allow for two-step designs like the Two-Step Bird punch in the Occasions Mini Catalog

Corner punches allow you to punch a corner design along the inside edges of a page, not just corners
larger, whole-hand handle design provides better leverage for easier use

Are you excited? I am!!!

One for the Money

2009-12-15T19:07:00.003-06:00

This is a fun way to give someone a "non present." I really like how simple this gift card holder is to make and you could easily adapt it for birthdays and other occasions as well.

Start out with a piece of card stock that measures 4-1/2 x 7" and score it twice to create the pocket and the cover. The fold lines should be at 2-1/2 at one end, then 1-1/2 at the other. Use a bone folder to get a nice crease and secure the pocket with Sticky Strip to make sure it can handle the stress of a gift card.

I secured a ribbon on the back to tie it shut and decorated the flaps with patterned paper. The front also features the ornament stamp from Delightful Decorations. It has a coordinating punch too...so easy!

Happy Hanukkah, and Merry Christmas! I hope you all enjoy being with your families and have a WONDERFUL holiday season!!!

Glitter and Shine, you are MINE

2009-12-01T17:43:00.004-06:00

These are fun...take some clear glass ornaments and transform them into sparkly little beauties. Just put 20 or more drops of any ink color you wish inside the ornament and turn it over to let it coat the inside and drip any excess out. Then add a teaspoon or so of Dazzling Diamonds to bring out the BLING! Just make sure you shake the glitter inside to prevent clumping. You can also take this idea up a notch and add rub ons or Decor Elements on the outside on the ornament. I tried several colors and LOVE them all!

102023 Dazzling Diamonds $4.50

Back into Grove

2009-11-28T15:40:00.008-06:00

I developed these pictures last week and put them to good use with my newest sketch, yay me! To see more pages done with this sketch and/or to use it and share, look at THIS. Actually I think this was another form of procrastination, but it was nice to take my time with a page and I'm pretty stisfied with the outcome. One page down...4 million 200 seventy-seven to go! hahaha

Journaling says:
September 2009
Natalie cried after her right ear was pierced.
...but she left the store smiling!

Stampin' Supplies:

Stamps: Cheep Talk, Jumble Alphabet

Paper: Windsor Knot DSP, Pink Flamingo DSP, Orchid Opulence, Pacific Point

Ink: Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: White gen pen, Sizzix BIGZ Flower Dasies #2, Scalloped Border Punch, Perforating Tool, Corduroy Buttons, 1/16" hole Punch, Corner Rounder, white acrylic paint

Techniques: machine stitching

Making Holiday Plans

2009-11-16T15:50:00.010-06:00

The holiday season can be overwhelming, and without my multitude of lists I would be LOST! Every year I tote around my shopping list, a list of who to send cards to, and a list of those who shall receive chocolaty goodness from my kitchen! I also tend to keep my Christmas stamps and any receipts with my lists. This helps me stay on top of things...or so I delude myself to believe! lol

Originally I carried an envelope around with all my lists and such, but since that's not very crafty I made myself a little "pocket folio" one year that's held up pretty well. It was super simple, made from an 8-1/2x11" sheet of cardstock decorated with pretty papers, and it has been well loved!

This year I've decided to make a new one. I saw a version done with a standard manila file folder sometime in December last year, so I knew that's what I'd be doing in 2009.The photo above is the front when it's all tied closed. Below is how it looks when it's opened up.
The design is really simple and easy to duplicate. Mine is a letter sized manila folder with a center tab. I opened it up, scored and folded the bottom up 4". Then scored each side at 4-1/4" to create the additional panels with pockets. I decorated most of it with Designer Series Paper sandwiching in some ribbon so the whole thing can be tied shut. Of course I've also included some fun stamped images! For more details on the colors and products used to make this organizer, visit my website.

My First MDS Project

2009-11-11T16:19:00.011-06:00

I've been dabbling with digi scrapping for almost two years now and even though I still have a deep love for true paper crafting, I just HAD to get myself a copy of My Digital Studio, from Stampin' Up! As a demonstrator I went through a certification process so I could learn about it and have the knowledge to help others. It's so easy to use; I can see myself doing many projects with it. Some all digital and a few hybrid things.
As part of my certification I had to create something using the software, so I decided to make a 2010 calendar. It's not only practical, but it came together quickly. The elements available are so easy to drop in and there are even templates you can use to help you with your layout. Here's a screen shot:

It's the lead in page for the month of June. The pictures folder is on the left side and I just dropped my photo in, selected some "stamped" images, and added a ribbon. The small preview images along the bottom are all the pages of the calendar, and you can simply click on any of them if you need to make an edit. This image below is the calendar page itself that coordinates with the one above.

There are designer papers to use as well and I incorporated them into several of my other pages, but I didn't want every page to be "the same." I'm super excited to get it. The printing/shipping service is really fast. I uploaded it for printing on Saturday evening and it'll be here tomorrow. I can't wait to hang it in my kitchen!

Want to know more about My Digital Studio? Watch the video on my website! There are also two great promos this month that include My Digital Studio:

Get 50% off My Digital Studio when you host a workshop totaling $400 or more
Spend $50 on anything in the Gift Giving Guide and receive a free Decor Element ($16.95 value)

Let It Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow...

2009-10-15T17:02:00.010-06:00

This weekend I'm hosting a Stamp-a-Stack!

Miss Procrastinator Extraordinaire That I am, the cards were just barely completed yesterday and photographed! *whew* We'll be doing the cards in multiples which is why I call it a stamp-a-stack. There are three designs and everyone makes 4 of each...leaving with a dozen cards ready to go postal!

This first one uses the chalking technique. The trees were stamped in Craft White and then using daubers I added the different colored chalks.

This one is the "bling" card! lol How can you stamp those gorgeous snowflakes and not think about Dazling Diamonds!? You should see it sparkle in person, it's wonderful!

The last card might be my favorite. The bottom section isn't stamped, it's patterned paper with flocking...so neat, I had to use it on a card!!! It's very simple, and I'm in LOVE with this Designer Series Paper!

Contact me to RSVP:

Sunday October 18, 2009
2:00 PM
Frisco, TX
(214) 354-7685

Cool Crisp October

2009-10-09T15:14:00.028-06:00

It's here alright...just wish it would stop raining! Uggg I have a few fun Halloweenish things to share.
I could have posted this one last month, but I didn't want it to be lonely! It needed friends, yeah that's it!
I did this little candle for Stamper's Club last month and tonight we'll be making 2 other super cute things that I'm sharing with you now.

Stampin' Supplies:
INK - Black Craft
STAMPS - From the Crypt
PAPER - Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant
OTHER - Black Gingham and 1/4" Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Cord, 1" Circle Punch, Curly Label Punch

I originally saw these spiders on a crafting website...or two...and multiple blogs..I think everyone did them last year, except ME! lol
I made one as an example for Stamper's Club tonight. Sydney loved it and she made the one and then added a little pink bow she made all by herself! I also promised the girls they'll get to make up a bunch too. 19 for Sydney's class, another 23 for Natalie. That'll work, they actually come together so quick once you punch all the pieces! They'll be fun to give to their friends at school!

Stampin' Supplies:
INK - White Gel Pen
PAPER - Basic Black, Orchid Opulence, Whisper White
OTHER - Scallop Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 1/4" Circle Punch, Photo Corners Punch

This last item is a Halloween treat bag. I did the cracked glass technique over the center image. Love doing that technique. You basically coat the entire surface with VersaMark and then clear embossing powder. A minimum of 3 coats, I did 4. Pop it in the freezer a few minutes, then CRACK!
This bag is perfect to "boo" a neighbor with! You can easily fit a few treats inside and for fun add a note and a ghost picture for them to hang on the door. Never been "booed" before? I put directions below...

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Twick or Tweet
INK - VersaMark, StazOn, Close To Cocoa and Creamy Caramel Marker
PAPER - Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White
OTHER - Fancy Favor Bigz Die, Clear Embossing Powder

How to "boo" your neighbors:
Some people refer to it as "Haunting" but it's just a fun surprise gift that is left on someone's door without them knowing who left it! Print out the poem below or make up your own, gather a few treats, and make a little sign that simply says "BOO" on it, or a cute little ghost picture with "BOO." Then put them all in a little treat bag or basket and leave them on someone's porch - don't get caught!

Here's one version of the poem that comes with a "printable:"

<<BOO!>>

Keep an eye on nearby front doors to see how far and fast it spreads by Halloween.
,
Sally

Ho Ho Ho

2009-10-07T15:19:00.010-06:00

I did another Christmas card and am in the designing phases for several more to come...workshop on the 18th!!! Click HERE for more info! :) This one is for my Friday night Stampers Club and was inspired by a card from my downline Laura. It's so simple and stunning at the same time. I just had to share it!!! I adore this reindeer stamp and it looks AWESOME gold embossed. Running paper through my Big Shot in the Impressions Folder was AMAZING, can you really tell how deeply embossed the flowers are?

Stampin' Supplies:
INK - VersaMark, Real Red (envelope)
STAMPS - Dasher, Best Yet (envelope)
PAPER - Whisper White, Real Red
OTHER - Sizzix Petals-a-plenty embossing folder, Gold EP, 5/8" Real Red grosgrain ribbon

Visit my website for prices and how to order:
sally.stampinup.net

AND one more thing...
The DEAL of the week is back!

...and September has left the building

2009-09-30T17:56:00.015-06:00

September is one of the busiest months we have around here. Around the first the kids were still getting acclimated to school life (as was I), we had to run out and get additional school supplies based on the teachers needs for certain classes...middle school is still somewhat of an anomaly. Anyhow we get that under our belts and it's party planning central!!!

Two of our three girls were born in September and one of them shares her b-day with my husband. There is also a niece and one of my three brother-in-laws named David (yes I have 3 BIL's named David)! lol In addition to our girls having parties there was a "Roe family" celebration, and I also have couple of dear friends that invited us out to celebrate them as well! September is exhausting!!! I always try to photograph the cards that I make, but I was lucky to make cards this month let alone capture everything that crossed my craft table.
My 5 year-old's party invite was made with the fun stamp set called Pony Party. Sadly I gave them all away thinking I would whip up one more "perfect" one to post here and save for the scrapbook...it hasn't happened yet! BUT I did make a cute card for her that coordinates...too bad I didn't use my Stamp-a-Ma-jig to get the party hat centered just right, but it is a pretty pony nonetheless!

STAMPIN' SUPPLIES
PAPER: Taken with Teal, Pink Passion, Summer Sun, Whisper White
INK: Encore Gold, Black StazOn, Bermuda Bay, Pixie Pink
STAMPS: Friends Rock, Medallion, Pony Party
OTHER: Aqua Painter

My daughter Sydney's party invite was inspired by my need to use up some things that I can no longer order or demonstrate with. I had this cute paper lying around that I knew I could work around and I came up with this sparkly creation that was easy to duplicate. Sadly I never followed though and gave her a card with her gift, but in my own defense I did endure a sleepover with EIGHT eight year-old girls which included a mini pedicure for each of them...good thing I had my 12 year old assistant! :) Sorry about the crooked photo....I'm a mess!

STAMPIN' SUPPLIES
PAPER: Misc patterned paper, Pink Pirouette, Apricot Appeal, Pink Passion
INK: Lavender Lace
STAMPS: Seriously Sassy
OTHER: Scallop Edge Punch, Crystal Effects and glitter (I mixed them on a paper plate and painted it on with a paint brush)

The card I made for my husband was fun to do. I love to distress things, and I really went to town edging this paper! I also busted out with my paper crimper, I should use it more often!

STAMPIN' SUPPLIES
PAPER: Tempting Turquoise, Pacific Point, Chocolate Chip, Autumn Meadows DSP
INK: Chocolate Chip
OTHER: Distress Tool, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Hemp Twine, Paper Crimper

Santa Made Me Do It!

2009-09-10T10:06:00.004-06:00

It's been so long since I posted it's almost Christmas! lol
OK, well not really, but I've decided it's time to start playing with Holiday stamps and colors. It'll be here before we know it! This is just one of the cute projects we'll be making this month at my Stamper's Club and at Ladies Night. Aside from the card stock, everything I used is only available in the new Holiday Mini Catalog, LOVE that ribbon and the new Ornament Punch is sooo cool! If you didn't get your own copy of the mini, click below for an electronic version!

2009 Holiday Mini Catalog

STAMPIN' SUPPLIES
PAPER: Old Olive, Night of Navy, Rose Red, Whisper White
INK: Old Olive, Night of Navy Craft
STAMPS: Delightful Decorations, Four the Holidays
OTHER: Clear EP, Sleigh Bells Ribbon, Ornament Punch

One For the Road

2009-08-14T15:18:00.011-06:00

We're gearing up for our annual trip to the beach, and I have just a few things to share before I go! First this page I did inspired by a Scrapbooks Etc. sketch but I changed the photo placement and opted for a BIG title instead of a tiny one under the pictures. I still really like the original sketch, but I just didn't have the right combo of pictures at my fingertips. The bracket was made using the Big Shot. I used the Bigz Top Note Die twice and then did the polished stone technique to create the marbled look to the paper. Check out this tutorial I did for more info on this awesome technique:
Polished Stone

Stampin' Supplies:
INK - Encore Ultimate Metallic Gold, Real Red Craft
STAMPS - Medallion, Varsity Alphabet
PAPER - Whisper White, Cameo Coral, Glossy White, Flamingo Designer Series Paper
OTHER - Bigz Top Note, Assorted Pink and Red reinkers, Rubbing Alcohol, Cotton Balls, Clear Acrylic Sealer

Next I have a special treat. This month the SU! promotions are all about kids and we have a brand new Decor Elements item I had to buy myself!!! It's a growth chart you adhere right on the wall. I'm totally squeemish about marking the wall with my daughters height, but I have a couple of creative ideas on how to get around that.

I can use stickers and mark the date on them. This way I can even do one color for one child and another color for the other and track them both!
My other idea is just to take a photo each time of them in front of the chart. Since I am a scrapper, I can easily see the potential for cute layouts with the chart as the backdrop!

Here's the skinny on how to get your hands on one, it's just too cute!

Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE the UPS man!?

2009-08-04T14:35:00.008-06:00

Isn't this the cutest!? I think I might have to scrap it when I get a print! I was even a little surprised he let me take the picture. He is such a nice guy to appease the crazy Stampin' Up! lady! Yes, I mean me. ha ha ha
He brought me more catalogs and my last workshop order...YAY two packages in one day!!! So if you're in my stamper's club, HEADS UP, orders are in!

Well, you might remember we are painting the exterior of our house. You can actually see the purty color we choose in my last post below! :) My husband started this two weekends ago but with all the rain we had right after, the project got stalled. Last weekend I moved on to interior reorganization (closets) because we've also been trying to agree on the outside trim color before we move forward. Yesterday I painted a sample area and we've agreed that one was NOT it! lol
Anyway, my craftin' hasn't been plentiful...but I do have a layout in the works. Nothing is taped down yet, but I'm pretty sold on the layout...just need to add journaling and some finishing touches. But it will have to wait...I'm on my way out to enjoy the sunshine with my girls at the pool.
TTFN

Well I did one...

2009-07-31T15:00:00.009-06:00

I've only just scratched the surface using the Medallion stamp. I managed to play with it just once, stamping the image in Rose Red. I hadn't originally planed on a whimsical look, but after I cut the image in half the card just took on a life of its own! Anyway I have a scrapbook page brewing in my head that I hope to find time to start on this weekend!!!

Stampin' Supplies:
INK - Rose Red, Perfect Plum
PAPER - Rose Red, Summer Sun, Perfect Plum, Whisper White, Pale Plum
STAMPS - Medallion, Great Friend
OTHER - White Gel Pen, Scallop Edge Punch, 1/16" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Also...it's FRIDAY! I've posted a new DPS for sketch number 200 over on Splitcoast:

SBSC200 Gallery

So Sexy...

2009-07-28T15:28:00.007-06:00

I just cracked open a box from Utah yesterday, and I have a new love! Meet Medallion, she's from Stampin' Up! of course and also Shelli's Signature Collection. I can't wait to get a few moments after the laundry is done and dinner is over to make something GRAND! Stay tuned...

P.S. The LAST deal of the week was posted yesterday. Until July 31st get this fun punch for just $10.99—that's more than 30% off the regular price of $15.95!

Visit my website to see more promotions, have you seen the Country Living Summer Cookout Kit? sally.stampinup.net

Stamper's Club is BACK!

2009-07-25T13:20:00.012-06:00

Back on my monthly agenda is Stamper's Club. Our first meeting was last night, and it was FUN! We did the thank you card from Ladies Night (see my last post) along with two additional projects, a 6x6 scrapbook page and we stamped on a 2x2 ceramic tile and made little magnets!

This is the magnet we did. So quick and super easy! Everyone had a choice of what they wanted to stamp on their tile. Several opted for a butterfly image...they all came out cute!
Stampin' Supplies:
INK - StazOn, Red Sharpie Permanent Marker
STAMPS - Game Night
OTHER - Cermic tile, Heat Tool, Magnets with adhesive backing

The last project was this sweet little scrapbook page. This was really easy and quick to put together thanks to the Big Shot and I think this was my favorite project of the evening. To add a photo where the Top Note Die is, I suggest an image approximately 2-3/4 X 4."

Stampin' Supplies:
PAPER - So Saffron textured 12x12 trimmed to 6x6, Tempting Turquoise, Razzelberry Lemonade DSP
INK - Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink, and Melon Mambo Marker
STAMPS - Cheep Talk
OTHER - Glue Dots, Scallop Circle Die, Top Note Die, Chipboard heart (On Board Essentials)

My girls liked this one so much they wanted to make one too, so this morning I cut some Certainly Celery Card Stock into 6x6 pieces. Then I gave them some retired paper to choose from so they could do their own versions. Aside from using the Big Shot, Sydney made hers without any help from me...and she even added a photo!

Natalie also let me help her tape the paper in place, but the stamping is 100% NitNat!

Fun With Friends

2009-07-25T12:49:00.005-06:00

Last Thursday I had my monthly technique workshop I call Ladies Night. We made two cards and did two techniques.

This first card uses one of my favorite sets in the new catalog, Lots of Bots. We simply stamped the robot image and water colored it with the Water color pencils. It was nice to also do a card with an interesting fold. The completed card is square and measures 4-1/4" X 4-1/4" when closed. The base is 8-1/2" X 4-1/4" and it's scored at 2-1/8" on either side to create the opening.
Stampin' Supplies:
PAPER - Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Whisper White
INK - StazOn, Going Gray Classic Ink
STAMPS - Lots of Bots
OTHER - Water Color Pencils, Aquapainter

For this thank you card we used a couple of punches a little paper piercing and I incorporated the bleach technique. Can you tell I'm in with the Razzle Dazzle stamp set?

Stampin' Supplies:
PAPER - Rich Razzelberry, Apricot Appeal, Gable Green, and Orchid Opulence
INK - Rich Razzleberry, and "bleach"
STAMPS - Razzle Dazzle
OTHER - Stampin' Dimensionals, Eyelet Border Punch, Paper Piercer and Mat Pack

22 Days Later

2009-07-25T12:21:00.007-06:00

Summer is in FULL swing at my house! Let me tell ya, it's amazing how much damage 2 kids can do while you're at work during the day! lol Anyways, I haven't stopped crafting, I've just been unable to get time on the family computer to share my creations. So today while Gabe is out in the scorching heat painting the house, I'm going to play catch up and add a few new posts!

First I'm sharing a sweet baby card I did for two dear friends. Darcy who had her little boy Xander in June, and Laura who is due in September with Gavin! I used the brayer to add Classic ink over the embossed image, and I colored the giraffes spots with a marker!

Stampin' Supplies:
PAPER - Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Whisper White
INK - So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White
STAMPS - Wild About You, Sweet Little Sentements (Spring-Summer 2009 Catalog)
OTHER - Chocolate Chip Ribbon, Brayer, Sizzix Big Shot, and Fiskars Texture Plates II Assortment Pack (Palm Leaves)

Starry Eyed

2009-07-03T12:25:00.006-06:00

I haven't had a lot of crafty time since my open house, but I want to go ahead and share today's sketch with you! Happy 4th!!!

...and here's where you can see the pages as they get uploaded to SCS:

SBSC196 Gallery

Deal of the Week

2009-07-02T10:41:00.008-06:00

Stampin' Up! has introduced the DEAL OF THE WEEK
Every Monday a new product will be featured, and the first goody of the new catalog period is the Scallop Edge Punch! Get it while it's HOT!!! It's on sale 30% off until Sunday 7/5/09.
You can order yours online directly through my website!!!

Happy Birthday Dear Sister!!!

2009-06-26T16:22:00.007-06:00

TODAY is my big sister Barbara's birthday! LOVE you sis!!! The rest of our family celebrated last weekend while we were out of town, so today I'll be giving her this card I made for her! I adore my new Texturz Plates for the Big Shot and "had" to use two different patterns to create this card. Both were accented with white craft ink to make the texture pop, and I couldn't resist using a yummy Corduroy Button! So sad to see Pacific Point retire! :(

Stampin' Supplies:
PAPER - Pacific Point, Whisper White, Pink Passion, Tangerine Tango
INK - Whisper White, Tangerine Tango, Pink Passion Marker
STAMPS - Razzle Dazzle (in the NEW 2009-2010 IB&C)
OTHER - Corduroy Button, Sizzix Texturz Plates (Small Dots, Flourish), 5 Petal Flower Punch

AND...here's today's sketch!

SBSC195 Gallery

Happy Father's Day...Yeah Summer!

2009-06-19T19:55:00.012-06:00

Yesterday was my monthly Ladies Night workshop and I had two projects lined up. First we tackled this fun Fathers Day card.
Using the Big Shot we ran some card stock through with a Texturz plate. Then adding layers of different colors to create a faux woodgrain. Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, Riding Hood Red, and Chocolate Chip Craft! It was fun to color and cut out the little tools from the Totally Tool stamp set and mount them with dimensionals.

I designed the following sketch earlier this week with a dual purpose. It's not only the basis for the second Ladies Night project...a Summery 12x12 scrapbook page, but it's what I posted this afternoon as today's sketch challenge on Splitcoaststampers!

SBSC194 Gallery

...and here's my Summer page!

Stampin' Recipe:
Stamps: Big Deal Alphabet, Just Beachy, Lazy Days Jumbo Wheel

Paper: Whisper White textured paper, Pink Passion, Summer Sun, Tangerine Tango, Walk in the Park DSP

Ink: Basic Black, Pink Passion, Summer Sun, Whisper White, Tangerine Tango, Lovely Lilac Jumbo ink cartridge

Accessories: Baja Breeze Double Stitched Ribbon, So Saffron Ribbon, Texturz Plates #4 for Big Shot (Paisley), Clear Bigz Flower Die, Pink Passion Marker, Black Journaler, Stampin Dimensionals, 1" circle punch

Ooooo Pretty Colors!

2009-06-11T15:47:00.004-06:00

I'm ready to yell from the rooftops - I got the New 2009-2010 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog today! HOORAY!!!

It came with some sneak peek items I preordered...notice the pretty new In Color colors? Anyway, I was so excited to share the news I haven't even cracked it open yet. I'm actually going to run off to Staples and get it spiral bound before I do...wish me luck! ;)

PS, don't forget about my open house on the 28th. This'll be your chance to look inside and reserve your copy too! More details HERE.

Last Chance

2009-06-01T21:43:00.005-06:00

After June 30, 2009, these stamp sets will be gone for good!

There is also a somewhat extensive list of accessories that will be no longer available. These items will show as unavailable on my website as they sell out.

It's Not For Lunch

2009-05-22T17:18:00.016-06:00

Last night I hosted my monthly Ladies Night workshop. We did these little paper bag books in honor of National Scrapbooking month. Everyone started with the same supplies, but I encouraged them to plan the assembly their way and play with the different papers before adhering anything down. Each book was a unique masterpiece!

The alphabet stamped on the cover, Jumble Alphabet, is on sale this month as a special sneak preview. It's 20% off until May 31, 2009. Regularly $43.95 it's on sale for $35.16. Paper packs are also on sale right now buy 3 get one free. For more details visit my website! I love my book and can hardly wait to add photos of my girls!!!

Here's the rest of my book...

It features two pull out pages within the book.

There are several ways you can bind a paper bag book, but I like to sew them. The photo above shows the stitched center, and you can see how the book lays nice and flat when open! Other methods are cute, but can limit the usable space left inside as well as make the book less functional.

Stampin' Supplies:
PAPER - Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla, Washington Apple Designer Series Paper
INK - Riding Hood Red
STAMPS - Jumble Alphabet, Schoolbook Serif Numbers
OTHER - Flower Brads, BIGZ Top Note Die, 1-3/4 Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Tab Punch, ModPodge, Foam brush

Also, before I forget...here's today's sketch!

SBSC191 Gallery

Sketches a Plenty

2009-05-18T11:21:00.008-06:00

Every Friday I put up a sketch on SplitcoastStampers, but I usually don't post it again here unless I have a layout to share. Call me silly, but I feel obligated to include a "crafty example" since this is where my creative projects are displayed for all (What I really need to do is scrap more! ). Anyway I'm planning to change that, so hopefully you will see more of my sketches here without the need to find them in the SCS Challenge Forum.

I like to use LOTS of photos when I scrap, and so a lot of the time my sketches will reflect that. This was the DPS I posted on May 8th...a layout ready for a special event or another time when you have an abundance of pictures to use.
A few scrappers have taken this one for a spin, check this out:

SBSC189 Gallery

Last Friday, however, I posted a DPS that isn't too overloaded, no special sizes or crazy cuts required...and go figure, I used it too!!! lol

Here's the sketch
And here's my layout...

If you'd like to see more examples, check this out:

SBSC190 Gallery

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ALSO, don't forget about my May Contest! Another sketch for your scrapping pleasure, visit the original posting HERE to see the sketch and get the low down on how YOU can win!

Hugs,
Sally