Where Does the Time Go?

Happiest Birthday...

2012-02-06T10:35:00.001-07:00

Here's one of the cards that I made Friday night at my open-house weekend. By the way, I wanted to thank the ladies who came and spent Friday night stamping. They brought their own projects to work on. We spread out in the living room since there wasn't enough room in my stamp room. Well, there is but not when three people are working on scrapbooks plus me working on my cards. LOL. Luckily my sister brought her big folding table (which she kept all to herself) and we have moved our large kitchen dining table to the basement as well. It was too large for the dining area upstairs anyways. Right now, we have a small round plastic folding table up there with my stamp room chairs I bought from Costco. It's covered with a table cloth but it will be nice to get a real kitchen table. As soon as we find a decent one...on sale.

Anyways, back to the card since I digressed for just a bit. Sorry.

I stamped Apothecary Art in Rich Razzleberry on Whisper White cardstock and then cut it out using the Labels Collection framelits and the big shot. I sponged the edges using Regal Rose and Rich Razzleberry. I cut out the next size framelit in Basic Black.

I rounded the edge of a rectangular piece of Whisper White and Rich Razzleberry cardstock. I sponged the edges of the Whisper White using Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose and Rich Razzleberry. I sponged the edges of the Rich Razzleberry with Rich Razzleberry. I attached all the pieces together.

I used my word window punch to punch out two pieces that I cut into 4 total pieces. I sponged the edges and then added the brads.

I finished it up by drawing white lines around the edges.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Apothecary Art
Stampin' Up! Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose
Stampin' Up! Paper: Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White
Stampin' Up! Accessories: White Uni Gel Pen, Word Window Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Black Brads, Sponges, 1/16" Punch, Big Shot, Labels Collection framelits

Happy Valentine's Day...Almost

2012-02-05T10:24:00.002-07:00

This weekend, I held an open-house, come and stamp or visit, to celebrate my new stamp room. Friday night, we were up late stamping away and I completed two cards for Stamp Club on Tuesday and Saturday I finished my third project which I've shown below. My next two posts will share the cards I made on Friday.

Here's my first Valentine's project of 2012. It's 3x3and holds yummy candy hearts. Although it doesn't open, you could write a little message on the back.

Usually I prefer to make treat cups that are refillable but had my nieces in mind when I made this project and realized they wouldn't refill it anyways. lol. Or save the project.

First I stamped "Be Mine" on the pink pirouette. Then I punched out the heart. Realized afterwards that I was very silly to do that. Much easier to punch the heart and THEN stamp around the image. At least I think it will be. It was hard to see where to place the punch to make sure it lined up inside the image. I guess we'll see when I try it at Stamp Club on Tuesday.

Punched out the corners of the pink pirouette using the ticket corner punch.

I ran the pink pirourrete through the big shot using the Adorning Accents Textured Embossing folder that you can find in the Occassions mini catalogue. Love it. I ran it through three times in order to cover the entire piece. You'll probably notice that there are two rows where you can see the hearts but they're flattened. Not sure how to get around that (without cutting my embossing folder - which is a possibility).

I could have sponged around the edges of the pink but totally forgot until the end so I decided to leave it as it is. I still like it! Hmmm...now I'm picturing those hearts shimmered up with some shimmer paint. oooooohhhhhh!

Then, I removed the backing from the treat cup and filled it up. I placed the treat cup inside of the pink and used the pink to line up to the real red. At first, I tried to just place the treat cup in the center without using the pink as a guide. Big mistake. When I went to add the pink afterwards, it was too low. Luckily I hadn't put any pressure on the treat cup and was able to lift it off. Definitely a bit awkward to line these suckers up when they're filled with candy. Would be much easier to stick the treat cup on a larger piece of red, add the pink and then cut the red to size but that doesn't work when I'm doing this as a project for club or using the small Stampin' Up! trimmer. lol

I drew around the "card" with the white gel pen. Love this effect.

I punched out a small heart using the small heart punch, attached it to the treat cup, and drew around it using the Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details. Definitely make the Dazzling Details the very last step so you don't get it everywhere. Set it aside to dry...for a while.

Hope you like it!

Materials:
Stampin' Up! Stamps: Sweetheart
Stampin' Up! Paper: Real Red, Pink Pirouette
Stampin' Up! Ink: Real Red
Stampin' Up! Accessories: White gel pen, Ticket corner punch, heart punch, small heart punch, heart treat cups, Dazzling Details Cherry Cobbler, Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (Occassions Mini), Big Shot
Misc: Candy Hearts

Where Have I Been?

2012-02-04T19:27:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since I've had the opportunity to post but it really was for a good reason. When we built our house 5 years ago, we didn't have them finish the basement. Over the past 9 months, my husband has been at home working on finishing it. It's a lot of work for one person to do. I had all my stamping supplies in the upstairs spare bedroom but once he really got working on the basement, that spare bedroom kind of got full. I didn't have any room in there to work and it was a serious pain to dig through the piles to find my supplies. Basically, I only pulled my stamping materials out once a month to create projects for my stamp club. Since we took the summer and Christmas off, that only left me a few cards to create. The sad thing is that I didn't even post pictures of those! Yikes!

My husband officially finished on Thursday night (one week ago). We had the inspection on Friday (the next day). Then it was a mad dash to get everything placed properly because we were having a Poker Night at our house - in the basement - on Sat. I don't know what I would have done without the help of my sister and her family.

So now, I have a stamp room! A real one... Not just a spare bedroom that I've taken over. When we (I mean...he) built the basement, he built me a room just for my crafts! Woohoo!

I took some pictures to show it off. I was just thinking that I should have taken a picture of my overstuffed previous stamp room before we moved it all downstairs but I would have been too embarrassed to post it anyways.

Now I have no excuse for stamping! I'm so excited to have so much space.

It's not set up exactly like I want it yet but I thought I'd place everything and then, as I was using the room, I would find the perfect spot for each item.

Overall view of the room while standing in the door way. Yikes. Looks very messy already. You can see my corner computer desk, small tv with dvd player, cricut, etc.

An old computer desk makes a great extra work table. Right now, it has my sewing machine tucked away in it.

An old kitchen table saved from the last house we owned fits perfectly right here for my main work area.

What do you think about the ribbon holder? Hubby built it for me while he was placing trim in the basement. I think I'm going to need to switch out the doweling for stronger stuff.

The space on the right side of the closet door is actual closet space as well, about half way up, anyways. The space above it is the closet from the main foyer. Hubby figured he might as well build the space below it into my closet so I had even MORE space! Right now, it's hiding all the material for my sewing projects. Looking forward to working on those. I have some dresses to make for my sister and her daughters. I've had the material since the summer. Oops.

I just love the shelf that he built around the room. The separation between the basement foundation and the walls had this natural shelf anyways. You can find it around the entire outside wall of the basement. In the other rooms, it's my built in bookshelves but in here, I'll use it to store my crafting tools and supplies.

I'm using every inch of space. I've hidden my mannequin behind the door. Perfect spot for it.

I purchased these storage units from Michael's a while ago when they were on 50% off plus a 20% off coupon. Nice... I also have a short white bookshelf that will go with these but it's under the stairs right now. That's where we have everything stuffed that doesn't quite have a home yet. As soon as I have a chance to breathe, I will dig it out and place it in here.

Another Michael's buy. This sucker is HEAVY!!!! And...hard to carry. I'm not disappointed that they got it downstairs before I got home.

So, that's my room. Hope you enjoyed my little tour!

First Watercolor Crayon Card

2011-04-07T16:01:00.001-06:00

Another first for me...I've never played with the watercolor crayons before but since I unexpectedly purchased some, I figured I might as well.

I was playing around with the crayons and the butterfly stamp, stamping a bunch of times, hence the multiple butterflies. Figured I might as well use them! Definitely still learning. I would have liked more colors to show on the flowers but I think it turned out cute.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Upsy Daisy, Flight of the Butterfly
Stampin' Up! Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Pacific Point
Stampin' Up! Paper: Whisper white, Rich Razzleberry, Pacific Point
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Butterfly Punch, Designer Label Large Punch, Watercolor Crayons, sponges, Dimensionals

For You...SC327

2011-04-06T18:34:00.000-06:00

Today, I had a friend of mine from work and her cousin come over for an afternoon of stamping. It was a blast and I hope we can do it again soon!

I created this card for Splitcoaststampers Sketch Challenge #327. I have several packages of the Sale-a-bration Ice cream Parlor Designer series paper packages and buttons. I figured I better get using them up. As I was cutting the designer paper, I set it up so the flowers would show through on the second layer. However, when I was trying to decide on my sentiment, I realized that they would be covered up. So, brilliant mind went to work and decided to stamp and punch on the vellum. I've never done this before...I know...it's a shock! After I punched out the butterfly, I sponged the edges in whisper white. The Marina Mist cardstock is stamped with the background image from Fresh Cuts.

I hope you like it!

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Fresh Cuts, Fundamental Phrases
Stampin' Up! Ink: Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Marina Mist
Stampin' Up! Paper: Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Marina Mist, Ice Cream Parlor Designer Paper, Vellum
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Butterfly Punch, mini glue dots, Ice Cream Parlor buttons, sponges

Celebrate

2011-04-04T10:55:00.000-06:00

It's spring break and I'm actually finding time to stamp! Woohoo! I popped on over to Mojo Monday to use their sketch. Lo and behold, it's even a prize sketch this time. (Not that I even have a chance of winning) but it's always fun to play.

I had lots of fun sponging all the edges on this one. One of my projects this break was to create a sponge for every color. I got that done and they're all nicely labelled. I had fun creating the little flower as well although my hands have concorc crush ink all over them as a result. So much fun getting all inky!

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Tiny Tags, Fundamental Phrases
Stampin' Up! Paper: Very Vanilla, Concord Crush
Stampin' Up! Ink: Concord Crush, Early Espresso, Soft Suede, River Rock
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Jewelry Tag punch, Eyelet Border, Vintage Brads, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Sponges, Victoria Ribbon, Scallop Circle Punch, 3/4" circle punch

First Vintage Card

2011-04-02T15:06:00.000-06:00

I love the look of vintage cards but have never been brave enough to try one. However, when I saw this card, I just couldn't help myself. I pretty much completely cased it but changed up a few minor things like the stamp set.

I started by stamping HB once on very vanilla cardstock for the background and then once again on scrap very vanilla cardstock. I cut out the H and B and layered it on top of the first piece using dimensionals. I sponged the edges using river rock, soft suede and early espresso.

I layered this piece on another piece of very vanilla. I then layered these two pieces of a concord crush based that I had stamped with baroque motifs and then sponged with concord crush ink.

I added a piece of vintage ribbon with the antique brad placed through the middle of the bow. Then I stamped and punched the tiny tag piece, attaching with a mini glue dot.

When I was finished, I used saran wrap to sponge on frost white shimmer paint.

Hope you enjoy! Again, thanks CARDScrapbs blog for the inspiration!

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Engraved Greetings, Tiny Tags, Baroque Motifs
Stampin' Up! Ink: River Rock, Concord Crush, Soft Suede, Early Espresso
Stampin' Up! Paper: Very Vanilla, Concord Crush
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Vintage Ribbon, Tiny Tag punch, Vintage Brads, Mini Glue Dots, Sponge, Dimensionals, Frost White Shimmer paint

Canadian Crafty Blog Hop

2011-02-27T13:37:00.002-07:00

Join me in the Canadian Crafty Blog Hop!

Guess Who Loves You

2011-02-15T12:09:00.001-07:00

I created this card for my valentine's themed stamp club. This is the first time I've used the owl punch and I think it's too darn cute! I will definitely be using her again!

I ran the background cardstock as well as the front two panels through the big shot. Hope you enjoy!

Stampin Up! Ink: Chocolate Chip

Stampin Up! Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Garden Green, Designer Paper

Stampin Up! Accessories: Owl Punch, Bird Punch

Heartfelt Thanks with crimped ribbon

2011-02-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

This is one of the cards I made for my valentine's day themed stamp club this month. I was inspired by this card that JJ Rubberduck created. I changed up a few features for my class.

The ribbon has been attached to cardstock and run through the crimper.

Stampin Up! Ink: Cranberry Crisp (I forgot my Cherry Cobbler at home that day)
Stampin Up! Paper: Pink Pirouette, Cherry Cobber, Whisper White
Stampin Up! Accessories: Punch, crimper, crop-a-dile, eyelets
Stampin Up! Stamps: Sweathearts

Fun Projects

2011-02-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I braved the rain and snow to get to a fun event in Edmonton at my upline's home. Normally I can't make these events as they are on weekdays but this time I was able to go for a fun filled afternoon.

We created the following three projects: A journal, snowman treat container and a sour cream container. They are absolutely adorable!

Aren't they adorable?

Black Magic card

2011-02-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

When I saw this technique, I just had to try it. It's very similar to one I've done before where you use pastels. I followed the format of the card used in the demonstration quite closely, as you can see, although I used less layers. I just loved the look of the bright colors on the black.

Materials:
Stampin Up! Ink: Whisper White Craft Ink
Stampin Up! Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White
Stampin Up! Accessories: Punch, Watercolor Pencils

Instructions:

Stamp main images on dark cardstock using whisper white craft ink.
Allow to dry.
Color using very bright watercolor pencils.

That's it! Easy Peasy...

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-09T14:36:00.001-07:00

Another Christmas card for my Christmas card workshop. It was inspired by a variety of cards so I can't attribute this to anyone in particular. This is a simple but fun card that we were able to create quickly and easily.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Bells and Boughs
Stampin' Up! Ink: Basic Black, Garden Green
Stampin' Up! Paper: Garden Green, Basic Black
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Ribbon, circle punch, scallop punch

Santa's coming for a visit...

2010-12-06T14:08:00.003-07:00

When I saw this card created by Michelerey on SplitCoastStampers, I knew that I would be casing it...no questions asked. It was perfect for my Christmas card workshops. Simple but oh so adorable! I hardly changed it at all. I kept basically the same colors although I had to switch the belt up slightly due to the lack of cardstock on my part. I added "Merry Christmas" embossed in silver as an extra touch.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Jolly Old Saint Nick
Stampin' Up! Ink: Basic Black, Silver Encore
Stampin' Up! Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Basic Black
Stampin' Up! Misc: Real Red and Blush Blossom marker, Clear Embossing powder, heat gun, word window punch, Modern Label extra large punch

Merry Crittermas!

2010-12-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

Friday night, I taught a Christmas card workshop at a friend's house in Calgary, Alberta. It was a mixture of good friends, good food, and lots of stamping! This was one of my favorite cards. I just love those critters. It was also the one that required the most work.

I absolutely love doing this style of ribbon despite the amount of work and cramped fingers in can cause. Once you get the hang of it, it just zips through no problem, though. My attendees did very well on it. I was quite impressed!

When you purchase this stamp set, the raccoons are actually one stamp. I pulled out my trusty rubber scissors and separated them like Siamese twins.

Stampin Up! Stamps: Merry Chrittermas
Stampin Up! Ink: Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip
Stampin Up! Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Soft Suede
Stampin Up! Misc: White Unigel pen, various markers, Cherry Cobbler seam binding, sponge daubers, ticket corner punch

Hope you enjoy!

Cheers to You

2010-10-22T08:48:00.000-06:00

Today, we'll be looking at using a coffee filter and sponges to create a neat effect. I saw this used on a card and just had to try it. I'll look for the link again and share it here so you can see the card that inspired me. I thought it was on the Mojo Monday blog but can't find it so maybe it was a Splitcoast Stampers sketch challenge.. I know I have it written out at home. I'll update it this weekend.

Materials:
Stampin' Up! Ink: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Pacific Point, Pumpkin Pie
Stampin' Up! Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede, Very VAnilla
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding
Misc: coffee filter, sponges

First, take out a coffee filter. (duh!) You can either cut it to size first or last. I prefer to do the technique first and then cut it. It's more work but then I cut use the section of the filter that I want. Always cut your filter an inch bigger than needed. You'll be wrapping it around scrap cardstock to give it some strength. However, adding it without a base looks really cool too.

Start by sponging the lightest color all over the filter. Don't worry about trying to make it even. Then, sponge using the next lightest, leaving some of the first color showing through. Repeat with as many colors as you want.

Now, crumple and uncrumple your coffee filter.

Take your darkest ink (or another color) and lightly brush against the wrinkles. You just want the wronkles to be brought out.

Cut (if needed) and wrap around the scrap paper to give it strength. I use double sided tape to attach.

The Ribbon
Isn't this the coolest ribbon? I saw this on someone else's blog (will find link to it. Sorry). It's actually seam binding. Cut the seam binding to be way longer (I cut this one at 15") than you need it. You can always cut off the extra material.

Fray one edge slightly, just enough that you can grab a few of the middle threads. Hold those threads while pulling about halfway down the seam binding. It will start to bunch up. Work you way back up the seam binding until you have the ruffled effect. Once you're happy with this side (it can be adjusted as needed), switch to the other edge of the seam binding and repeat these steps. I have better luck if I work from both ends than when I tried to work only from the one edge.

Another Sample:
I created this card with my junior high mini design class. Actually, the sub did it since I wasn't there but this is the sample card I made for them. This one doesn't have the scrap cardstock attached to the filter. It just gives it a softer, wispier look (if that makes sense) IRL.

My First Special Design Pro Class....

2010-09-08T09:03:00.000-06:00

I've started a special group at my school that I have named the Special Design Pro Class. It's for students who want to learn how to make cards, scrapbooks, alter 3D items and more. Each time we meet, they will learn a new concept related to design. Then they will create a rough draft for a similar concept in their design journal. They can either buy the items they make at a very discounted rate (to pay for supplies) or their items will be sold at Parent Teacher Interview nights. Then, they will have to select on item that they enjoyed creating, and build their own workshop for it. One day in November, we will hold a mega workshop at the school and my students will teach community members. I'm crossing my fingers that this will work well!

So, I will actually be posting a lot lately as I will post all the items that I am teaching. Every post title will contain SDPC so that you know it's related to this class.

The one thing I need to mention is that all product will be SU only but due to the size of the class (21 students), I will be giving each group their own stamp sets to use. In order to make sure they have sets that work with the concept I have in mind, I will often be delving into my retired sets. As well, I will be using up lots of retired cardstock and ink pads. I will be keeping all the materials for this group at the school and I don't want all my current stuff there. So, I hope that using retired materials doesn't offend anyone.

The class went well once we got the materials sorted. I had all the cardstock cut up and seperated and stamp sets assigned ahead of time. But, the non consumable supplies that I ordered for the groups like bone folders, stampin scrubs, oh and mist and snail, didn't arrive until Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. It was so crazy at school that I didn't even have time to open the box until my class started. Boy, were they shocked to find out that the little box I brought in contained $560 worth of materials. I think that helped build an appreciation for the need to be gentle with the supplies.

This is the card we created on Friday in class. (I'll try to be quicker when posting...especially considering I have this class every 2nd school day)

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Nature's Silouhette
Stampin' Up! Ink: Early Espresso
Stampin' Up! Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Creamy Caramel, Designer Paper
Stampin' Up! Misc: White unigel Pen, sponges

So that's it! My first Special Design Pro Class. I really enjoyed it and look forward to all future classes.

Not exactly stamp related...

2010-08-18T16:51:00.000-06:00

Actually, it's not stamping related at all...but it is craft related. I haven't sewn anything other than a button since I was in high school but this weekend, I went out and purchased the materials and supplies to create a dress.

I was absolutely terrified about putting it together.

Here are all the materials I used...well, planned to use, actually. I didn't use anything but the pattern, material and thread. I lost the zipper I was supposed to use, and then skipped the interfacing and lining. The material works on it's own. Stupid white pencils didn't work at all.

This is what the dress looked like after I was brave enough to cut the two front pieces. Man, I wish I was that skinny!

This is the finished outfit. I'm not really cranky. The sun is in my eyes. It sure looks like the dress is longer on one side but I'm not sure if that's because of the way I'm standing. I think I'll do another dress and actually make the one side longer.

I was having trouble right at the end. The material around my arm was too loose. Talked to my sister in law and she was giving me great advice but not much of it made sense to a known sewer like me....lol. After fighting with it for about an hour, I gave up and decided to sew the straps together but this caused me even more grief. I couldn't get the lines to match up on the shoulders. One join line would be way lower than that. After fighting with THAT for about 30 minutes I came up with a much better plan. I tied them in knots! So, now it kind of looks like bows.

Well, that's my foray into sewing. I enjoyed it a lot and will use this pattern again but alter it slightly.

My next post will return to my regularly scheduled program.

Thank You Treats

2010-08-16T06:00:00.001-06:00

I wanted to create a quick, reusable project to give as a thank you when needed. I realized after I took and uploaded the photo that I forgot to add the candy so you'll have to use your imagination! lol The receiver can remove the brads and open the package up to get at the treats inside.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Sweetheart
Stampin' Up! Ink: Elegant Eggplant
Stampin' Up! Paper: Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant
Stampin Up! Tools: Heart Punch, Paper Piercer
Stampin Up! Misc: Whisper White Ribbon, Basic Black Brads, White Unigel Pen, Glue Dots, Heart Treat Cups, Scallop punch

Instructions:

Cut Whisper white card stock to 2.5x3.25"
Cut Elegant Eggplant to 7.5"x2.75"
Score the Elegant Eggplant at 0.5" and 4"
Turn the paper so that it is tall.
Fold the top down and the bottom up.
Use the heart punch to punch as far up as you can punch on the top/front.
Use the scallop punch the punch the bottom edge.
Attach the whisper white piece to the front of the cardstock.
Open up the entire project and flip over so you only see the elegant eggplant.
Use the heart punch to punch through the whisper white cardstock, using the current cutout as a guideline.
Flip back to the front side and stamp the heart outline and words.
Add dots with the white unigel pen.
Cut a length of ribbon.
Pull on a frayed edge of the ribbon. Keep pulling until the entire ribbon is frayed.
Tie in a knot and attach to project with a glue dot.
Place Treat cup inside of project.
Open project up again and place top up on paper piercing mat.
Pierce holes on sides of treat cups. Make sure to go through the treat cup.
Fill treat cup with treats.
Add brads
Close project up and pierce hole for bottom brad.
Add the brad.
Give project away as gift!

Dresser Card

2010-08-13T15:19:00.000-06:00

I discovered a great blog with amazing tutorials. My attention was drawn to her Side Step Dresser Card. It was so easy to make when following her video tutorial. When reading the written instructions, be careful with the first step. "Dresser Card Base: 5 ½” x 8 ½”. Cut down the centre (2 ¾”) starting at the 1” mark and stopping at 5 ¼”. Score @ 1” and 2” from one edge to the centre cut." The last statement should indicate that you are scoring @ 1" and 2" perpendicular to the centre cut. However, the video makes this obvious.

I just love the cat peeking out of the top drawer. If I had a cat, I can imagine it doing this! lol

Materials:
Stampin' Up! Stamps: Pun Fun, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Stampin' Up! Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Basic Black, Designer paper (retired)
Stampin' Up! Ink: Crumb Cake, Basic Black
Stampin' Up! Tools: Paper piercer, Word Window punch, heart punch, lace punch, Brads, dimensionals, sponge dauber
Other: Paper clip

Scrapbooking my trip to China

2010-07-15T20:57:00.000-06:00

Wow! I can't believe it's been around 3 months since I've had time to blog. You would think that once my summer holidays started I would have had plenty of time! I had to spend time cleaning out my spare bedroom/office/temporary stamp room to make room for stamping. Then, I had to prep for a great stamping weekend in Olds last weekend. That was awesome! I actually got started on a few scrapbook pages. If you've been following my blog, you probably realized that I don't scrapbook. My sister forced me into it once when we did a family reunion scrapbook but that's it. I don't scrapbook for myself.

During spring break, my husband and I went to China for 12 days with 3 teachers, 3 educational assistants and a trustee...my husband being the only guy in our small group. However, when we got there, we were actually assigned to a specific bus of about 35 people and there were 4 buses altogether so he was never truly alone. Anyways, many of us out of my small group, shared our pictures. I ended up with about 1500 altogether probably. I actually got my favorites printed out on Thursday (before the stamping weekend) and decided to take it with me. If I got to it that would be great...if not...oh well. lol. Luckily, I was sitting across from a stamping queen. She was making 3 books for her children so she was making 3 of every spread but she still managed to finish over 30 pages in the two days. Wow! She was very patient with me and willing to share advice and encouragement. She also snuck in a few non-stamping up embellishments onto my table. There was another woman beside me who had asian embossing plates and showed them to me when she saw me working on my pages. Although they aren't SU either, I just had to borrow them as well!

SOOOOO, Stampin' Up! police...please be forgiving! I know I'm not supposed to use any other company's products on my blog but I couldn't help myself. I never do this but I just had to this time.

You'll also notice that I have retired paper on my pages as well. I decided to try and use up some of my 12x12 paper designer paper and cardstock as I have a hard time using it.

So, if any of the above contraband bothers you, please stop reading now!

Please be gentle in your comments. It's obvious I'm not much of a scrapbooker but I do think I will have to keep it up. It was a lot of fun! I managed to get 15 two page spreads and a title page done in 3 full days. Oh, and I apologize that I didn't crop these photos. I figured with all the photos that I took it would take forever to crop! lol

Crumpled Background

2010-03-14T18:00:00.001-06:00

I was playing around with some pink pirourrette (sp?) paper and tried the crumpled background technique. However, after I brayered it, I changed my mind and decided I wanted to make a masculine card for stamp club so the pink paper went to the side and out came my old olive.

Materials:

cardstock
spritzer bottle filled with water
brayer
ink

Instructions:

Cut cardstock to size (maybe slightly bigger than you want it)
Spritz with water
crumple paper
uncrumple
recrumple
repeat steps until you are happy with the effect
leave uncrumpled
brayer ink over top until you get the desired effect
you will need to attach it with double sided tape as snail will not hold up well against all the crinkles

Shiny reinker tutorial

2010-03-11T18:00:00.003-07:00

Sorry about the lousy title. I'm not sure what the proper name is for this technique but wanted to share it with you. I attended Calgary Regionals last weekend and fell in love with this technique so I had to share it with my stamp club group.

Materials:

any color of reinker
shimmer paint
sponge dauber

Instructions:

Place a drop of shimmer paint onto a plate or small container
Place a drop or two of reinker on top of the shimmer plate. (NOTE: If you are using the silver shimmer paint then you will need more reinker)
Mix (but not completely)
Pick up the color with your sponge dauber and dab onto stamp.
Stamp image onto card stock. (NOTE: The stamp tends to be slippery so be careful when stamping)
Let dry.

Snow Globe Shaker Card

2010-02-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

I created this card for my February stamp club. It is the first Shaker card I have made. I think it turned out kind of cute!

Materials:
Stampin' Up! Ink: Whisper White Craft, Brocade Blue, Basic Black
Stampin' Up! Paper: Whisper White, Brocade Blue, Chocolate Chip, Basic Black
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Crop-a-dile, white eyelets, ticket corner punch, circle cutter, 1 3/4" circle punch, Big Shot, Dazzling Diamonds
Stampin' Up! Stamps: Cold & Cuddly
Others: Clear acetate, foam mounting tape

Instructions:

Cut a circle out of the acetate.
Cut a matching circle out of the brocade blue cardstock.
Punch a hole out of the cardstock.
Adhere the acetate the the cardstock.
Cut the foam mounting tape in thirds.
Remove the protective layer from the foam so that it is easier to manipulate.
Place around the backside of the circle. Make sure not to leave any gaps!
Stamp the image to show up inside the snow globe.
Place a small amount of Dazzling Diamonds in the middle of the image.
Place the snowglobe over top of the image and press down.
Complete the rest of the project.

Create a Photo Magic Cube

2010-01-31T06:00:00.009-07:00

I missed posting my Sunday technique video but I've been busy creating the following project. I lost my scotch tape and had to go buy more which caused a bit of a delay. Sorry! Also, I joined a Tuesday/Thursday exercise group and have been busy doing that as well!

I created this fun photo magic cube. It's just like a never ending card but using cubes. I have embedded the video tutorial for creating one. You need to start with 8 cubes created out of cardstock. I haven't created a video for creating the cubes but any style will work as long as they are cubes.

The first video just shows the completed project.

This second video shows you how to create it.

It was actually a lot easier to create than I thought. I've included a separate taping image below to help.

Giraffe Punch Card

2010-01-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

I saw these two adorable giraffe cards made out of punches at Stamp-n-Design that I just had to try! I didn't have all of the same punches but made due with what I had! I'm not at all happy with the way the legs turned out. before I give this away, I might cut some leg pieces out of cardstock to cover over the drawn ones.

Stampin' Up! Paper: Always Artichoke, Whisper White, Brocade Blue, More Mustard, Really Rust, Creamy Caramel, Regal Rose
Stampin' Up! Ink: Basic Black, More Mustard, White Craft Ink
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Big Shot, Texture plate, Word Window Punch, Horizontal Slot Punch, Small Oval punch, 1" circle Punch, crop-a-dile, Large Oval

Rather than re-explaining it myself, you can find the instructions on Stamp-n-Design's blog. She has amazing punch work. I will definitely be visiting her again for inspiration!

It's Your Day...

2010-01-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

I created this quick card for Mojo Monday #122. I kept it pretty simple as I wanted a very basic card. I wanted to use up some of my pink pirouette paper and thought it went well with the dp. Hope you like it!

Stampin' Up! Stamps: On Your Birthday, Vintage Vogue
Stampin' Up! Ink: Regal Rose
Stampin' Up! Paper: Sending Love specialty paper, Basic Black, Pink Pirouette
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Uni-gel Pen, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop circle punch, scallop edge punch

Live, Laugh & Love Double Embossing

2010-01-17T06:00:00.009-07:00

I can't remember for sure if this is the proper name for this technique but it's what I'm calling it for now. I found that the way I set up my texture plate on the Big Shot made it a very tight squeeze. I had to hold down the plate and accessories as I pushed it through the Big Shot or you end up with rougher edges around the scallops. This is because I have the multi-purpose platform closed all the way. I found, however, that if I left one of the tabs off, it didn't give a strong impression. I will keep playing with it to find the perfect depth. I followed the instructions from someone's blog on how to create this but they were using a Cuttlebug which is different.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: On Your Birthday, Flight of the Butterfly (on the inside of the card)
Stampin' Up! Ink: Elegant Eggplant
Stampin' Up! Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Texture Plate, Circles Scallop #2, Big Shot and accessories, Sponge Daubers, Eyelet Setter, Silver Eyelets
Other: Thick cardstock or chipboard (to make the template for the scallop circle

Instructional Video:

How to add Navigation Buttons to the top of your blog...

2010-01-16T13:20:00.003-07:00

I was asked to share how I added the Navigation Buttons at the top of my blog so I created a quick jing tutorial.

The Code:
1. Copy this code into a new HTML/Java gadget:

<a class="navigation" href="http://website address here">Title for button</a>

2. Change the website address. No spaces. Do not lose the quotation marks.

3. Change "Title for button" to a short button title.

4. Go to Layout and then Edit HTML.

5. Search (Control F) for the SECOND time the word skin appears. You’ll see: ]]></b:skin>

6. Right above that line, paste the following code
a.navigation {
background: #c1b8cd;
color: #ffffff;
margin: 1px;
padding: 5px 35px 5px 5px;
border-width: 0;
text-transform: uppercase;
text-decoration: none;
font-weight: bold;
}
a.navigation:hover {
background: #5d5d54;
text-decoration: none;
}

7. Want to change the colors? Change the 6 character code after each of the following. (You will need the code for the color you want to change it to. Try http://html-color-codes.info/)

The info in italics indicates what it will change. (Make sure to leave the # there but do not include a space after it.

a.navigation{
Background: #Background color of the button.
Color: #Text color

Then later in the code you see:
a.navigation:hover {
background: #this is the color the button changes to when you have the mouse over top of it

Owl...Emboss Resist and masking

2010-01-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

This was a fun card I made with my stamp club.

Stampin' Up! Ink: Summer Sun, More Mustard, Real Rust, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Versamark
Stampin' Up! Paper: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie
Stampin' Up! Stamps: Owl Together Now
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Versamarker, Circle Punch, Brayer
Other: Post it note

Instructions:

Ink up owl and branch in versamark. Stamp and Emboss.
Color in owl and branch.
Color over top with versamarker. Emboss.
Brayer over entire cardstock with Summer sun.
Wipe ink off of embossed image
Punch a circle out of the Post it note.
Lay over top of owl to represent moon.
Brayer More Mustard all over image.
Brayer Pumpkin Pie at corner edges.
Remove Post it note.
Stamp hearts in chocolate chip all over the other cardstock pieces.
Assemble card.

Card Purse

2010-01-14T06:00:00.001-07:00

When I saw this card purse tutorial, I just HAD to try one! Here's a very simple one that I made very quickly.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Fundamental Phrases, I {Heart} Hearts
Stampin' Up! Ink: Brocade Blue, Basic Black
Stampin' Up! Paper: Bella Rose, Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Brads, crop-a-dile, dimensionals, 1 1/4" square punch, square scallop punch, Very Vanilla ribbon

The instructions and a video can be found at the link above. I didn't think there was much point in repeating. The only extra thing I did was pop the "Celebrate" piece on dimensions. I also popped the "friends" heart on dimensionals, adding extra height to the outer edge so it would lay flat but higher than the square piece.

Treat Cup Card

2010-01-12T06:00:00.001-07:00

This is the first treat cup card I've created. I followed the instructions provided by Froggie Stamps although I had to adjust my dimensions as listed in the instructions based on the format of my card*. She includes a little pull tab so that you can fill the treat cup as many times as you want and you don't ruin the card when getting the candies out. You'll notice that I didn't put candies in mine...yet. But I will...

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Something Sweet
Stampin' Up! Ink: Real Red
Stampin' Up! Paper: Whisper White, Ridinghood Red (because I didn't have any real red)
Stampin' UP! Accessories: Ribbon, Treat Cups, White unigel pen, ticket corner punch, 1 3/4" circle punch, 1" circle punch, large oval punch, scallop oval punch, sponge dauber

Instructions:
*I had to adjust my pull flap pieces so that they were 2" x 4" not 2" x 2". My circle cutout is so high up that I needed a large flap, otherwise you would see my tab through the circle. (Hopefully that made sense!)

This is the video I followed when creating this card. It was filmed by Froggie Stamps.

Wiper Card Video tutorial

2010-01-10T06:00:00.002-07:00

I had fun creating this card for my stamp club members. It's very simple but I didn't have a whole lot of time or energy as it was just before Christmas holidays and I was exhausted! I just created the video tutorial for it so I thought that I would post both of them at the same time!

Stampin' Up! Paper: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip
Stampin' Up! Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Basic Black
Stampin' Up! Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Nature Silhouettes
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Brayer, 1" punch, sponge, Distressing tool
Other: Post it note

Instructions:

Punch a circle out of the post it note and place it where you would like the moon.
Brayer creamy caramel all over the cardstock.
Brayer Close to cocoa in the sky
Brayer Chocolate chip for the ground.
Sponge Basic Black on the edges of the bottom to darken.
Remove post it note.
Stamp deer in basic black
Use distressing tool to distress edges.
Assemble wiper card as per video instructions.

Shhh...Don't tell my mom...

2010-01-09T19:00:00.003-07:00

but I made this card for her. I'll be sending it out for her birthday, which isn't until March but I'm usually so late getting stuff ready that I figured I better do it now. I just received the new clear mount "Messages for Mom" stamp set and had to try it. Of course, I had to go borrow a clear mount block from a friend down the street as I don't have any. I used the Mojo Monday 120 sketch challenge.

When I showed this card to hubby, he suggested that I turned "Mom" so it would be at an angle. Originally, it was level. I like the change and he loves that he was able to help!

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Messages for Mom
Stampin' Up! Ink: Real Red, Whisper White craft Ink
Stampin' Up! Paper: Basic Black, Creamy Caramel, Sending Love specialty paper
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Big Shot, Texture Plate, Circles, Scallop #2, dimensionals, white eyelets, eyelet setter, ribbon, punch, white unigel pen, homemade shimmer spray

Instructions:

To create the creamy caramel background, you are going to slather (yes a very technical term there) whisper white craft ink all over the texture plate before placing the cardstock on top and running it through the big shot.
I also tipped the edges of the scallop circles using my whisper white craft ink.
I spritzed the scallop circles with my homemade shimmer spray.
I added dimensionals behind "Mom".

Everything...Emboss Resist

2010-01-07T06:00:00.002-07:00

I was just playing with my sponge daubers one day and ended up with this card.

Stampin' Up! Ink: Bravo Burgandy, Basic Black, Garden Green, Versamark, Brocade Blue, Bashful Blue, Brilliant Blue
Stampin' Up! Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Sponge Daubers
Stampin' Up! Stamps: Always

Instructions:

Stamp bird in versamark and then in Bravo Burgandy.
Stamp image on cardstock.
Emboss.
Color in the white portions of the bird using the versamarker.
Emboss.
Stamp branch images.
Wipe off any ink that got on the bird.
Use the sponge daubers to sponge bashful blue ink all over the cardstock.
Sponge Brocade Blue around the edges.
Sponge Brilliant Blue just in the corners.
Stamp "Everything".
Assemble and finish.

Fan Card Tutorial

2010-01-05T06:00:00.002-07:00

I had a blast making this fun card. The only thing that makes me sad is that I wouldn't want to mail it as it would probably get all squished up and look terrible.

Stampin' Up! Paper: Designer Paper, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa
Stampin' Up! Ink: Chocolate Chip
Stampin' Up! Stamps: Oval All
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Ribbon, sponge daubers

Instructions:

My fan was cut down to 10" long. I started with a full piece of paper so that I could trim to fit the cardstock I had. It started out at 3.5" wide.
I first used the eyelet border punch to punch the one end.
Then, I used my scoring blade to score at every 1/4".
Start with a valley fold. You need to be able to snail the first end piece to the cardstock.
Fan fold the entire cardstock.
Temporarily place the fan where you would like it to sit and trim the length appropriately. Make sure to leave the last piece flat so that you can tape it down.
Add double sided tape to the straight edge. you have two choices. I unfolded my fan and lay it across the whole straight edge. Others have left it folded up and placed it just on the edges. I wasn't sure how well this would hold long term.
Replace fan on cardstock and press to stick.
Finish the card.

Gift Box Video Tutorial

2010-01-03T13:00:00.002-07:00

I created this gift box for my secret sister to give her a few small gifts in.

Materials:
Stampin' Up! Paper: Pink Pirouette (Retired)
Stampin' Up! Ink: Regal Rose
Stampin' Up! Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly
Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Envelope template, double sided tape

Oh, and in the video, I say that you need a bone folder but I forget to use it. I was going to use it when folding the edges to get a neater line. Oops!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-01-01T09:37:00.002-07:00

I finally had the chance to play with our new clear-mounted stamp sets and I have to admit that I absolutely love them! I think I will be buying all my new stamp sets this way now. Not only, can you see where you are stamping, you can position multiple stamps on one block AND they take so much less space than the wood blocks! Oh, and you can't forget the price difference! After purchasing less than ten stamps, you've saved enough to buy the entire clear block set! When I sent my preorder in last night, I absolutely had to order this set as I had so much fun with it.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Vintage Vogue
Stampin' Up! Ink: Pumpkin Pie, More Mustard, Summer Sun
Stampin' Up! Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, More Mustard
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Sponge Daubers, Brayer

INSTRUCTIONS:

Ink up the background stamp from Baroque Motiffs in More Mustard and stamp on More Mustard cardstock for left panel.
Sponge More Mustard around the edges.
Brayer Summer Sun on Whisper White cardstock.
Brayer More Mustard on one half only.
Sponge Pumpkin Pie just on the edge of the More Mustard side.
Stamp the medallion image from Baroque Motifs in More Mustard all over this panel.
Stamp Cherish all over this panel using Pumpkin Pie.
Stamp Friends in Pumpkin Pie on a piece of Whisper White cardstock.
Sponge around edges using Pumpkin Pie.
Layer on black piece.
Assemble card.

When I was finished, I wished I had left a piece of black border around the entire card, not just around the right panel. Maybe next time!

Misting Spray Video Tutorial

2009-12-30T09:45:00.008-07:00

I am so excited! I have finally decided to begin video taping and posting tutorials. And...surprise, surprise...I actually got one done!

I apologize in advance...I was using the video camera setting on my digital camera in order to video this so the quality is not that great. I'll buy myself a video camera for my birthday but that's not until July.

I've posted 2 copies of the same video. One was compressed to save download time but, of course, it loses more quality that way. Let me know which you would prefer...faster download, less quality or slower download, higher quality.

I won't be creating videos every time but will intersperse them with my card making.

Thinking of You

2009-12-29T08:33:00.005-07:00

Yesterday was a fun filled afternoon of stamping at a fellow demonstrator's house. However, it did not start out that way. As I was carefully and slowly walking down into the basement, carefully balancing my bucket of supplies and a cup of tea, and just seconds after a warning to "be careful. The steps are slippery.", my feet flew out from under me. I slipped down a few steps, bumpity bump, my tea flew everywhere (down the stairs, across the walls, into my bucket) BUT I somehow managed not to drop anything. As far as I remember anyways. I don't think I hit my head...lol... Don't worry, though. Other than a stiff thigh, a scraped finger, a broken nail and one badly tea stained designer paper, everything was good. No stamps were injured!!! After a bit of cleanup, we quickly got back to the important stuff...stamping! Woohoo!

It's been a crazy semester so far. I've been teaching a new high school math course and my entire time has been spent creating help videos for my students. The only stamping I've had time to do has been creating for my stamp club. I didn't even have time, or the energy, to post those. Now that I'm on Christmas holidays, I'm going to spend some time creating and catching up on posting.

I've also decided that I'm going to create my own YouTube Help channel for stamping as well! After creating my own math help videos, why on earth shouldn't I be creating videos for stamping? It just made sense. And, I've been inspired by the many amazing stampers out there who have already been doing so. So, you can check out my blog soon for these videos. You'll also be able to subscribe to my channel and receive downloads right to your phone (assuming your phone has that capability).

ANYWAYS...enough chatter. Let's get on to S T A M P I N G!

After reading Michelle Zindorf's blog yesterday, I decided I wanted to use the same idea for my own card. If you have not yet signed up to receive her blog in your email, you really must because she is truly inspiring.

Stampin' Up! Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, More Mustard
Stampin' Up! Ink: Basic Black, Summer Sun, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Circle Cutter, Sponge Daubers, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Brayer, Stamp-a-ma-jig
Stampin' Up! Stamps: Upsy Daisy, Baroque Motifs, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Instructions:

Cut Whisper White paper to 4 x 5 1/4".
Brayer with Summer Sun
Using the Circle Cutter and a piece of scrap paper, cut a circle to act as a mask for the sun.
Place the circle where you would like the sun to be.
Ink up your brayer in More Mustard and brayer over the entire card stock.
Ink up your brayer in Pumpkin Pie and brayer over most of your card stock, leaving some of your More Mustard showing.
Ink up your brayer in Really Rust and brayer over the rest of the cardstock, leaving some of the Pumpkin Pie and More Mustard showing.
Use sponge daubers to sponge basic black in the corners.
Remove the mask.
Ink up the background stamp from Baroque Motifs in Pumpkin Pie and stamp across the background.
Ink up the flowers from Upsy Daisy really well in Basic Black and stamp.
I found that it came out way to light so I used my stamp-a-ma-jig to restamp over the image two more times until I was happy with how dark it came out.
Use your sponge dauber to sponge a basic black ground.
Stamp "thinking of you" on a piece of scrap whisper white paper.
Punch out using the Word Window punch.
Use a sponge dauber to lightly sponge More Mustard around the edges.
Use the Modern Label punch to punch out a piece of More Mustard cardstock.
Scrape against the More Mustard ink pad to ink up the edges.
Layer everything together.

Hope you enjoy this card as much as I do!

Flowers at night

2009-08-30T19:58:00.002-06:00

Another card I created while following a Zindorf tutorial. I love her blog. I'm not crazy about the sponging of the sky on this one and can't wait to try it again. I used a cheap makeup sponge I had and found it come out quite squarish. I've packed up my stamping room in the basement so hubby can start building down there. I was able to access my major stamping stuff but didn't see the sponge daubers anywhere. I love how the flowers turned out. I can't believe how 3D the white unigel pen feels.

As always, her tutorials are amazing and so easy to follow with pictures for each step!

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Wonderful You
Stampin' Up! Ink: Not Quite Navy, Brocade Blue, Bashful Blue, Basic Black
Stampin' Up! Paper: Basic Black, Brocade Blue
Stampin' Up! Accessories: White unigel pen
Other: Cheap yucky makeup sponges, post it notes

One person can make a difference...

2009-08-24T16:53:00.003-06:00

I found an amazing blog yesterday that you absolutely MUST visit when you get a free hour or two. Seriously. Once I found her blog, I couldn't help but go through many, and I do mean MANY, of her posts. So check her out at Freedom in Creating.

Today's card was created following one of her tutorials.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly
Stampin' Up! Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White
Stampin' Up! Ink: Basic Black, Brilliant Blue, Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Sponge Daubers
Other: Post it note

Instructions:

Tear a post-it note for the bottom of the cardstock in the shape of hills. (This will be replaced with Brilliant Blue ink later.)
Using Summer Sun, sponge daub around a circular area, leaving a white circle in the middle of your cardstock. This will be your sun.
Using More Mustard, sponge around the Summer Sun area.
Using Pumpkin Pie, fill in the rest of the sky.
Using Chocolate Chip, add color just to the corners.
Remove the post it note and fill in the bottom with Brilliant Blue.
Stamp the butterfly and the squiggly saying in Basic Black.

Here is a direct link to her original card that I cased to create this one. It includes a fabulous tutorial with very specific photos to help explain.

Thank You Card

2009-07-15T17:20:00.004-06:00

Oh my goodness! I can't believe I have abandoned my blog for so long! Blog abuse!!! I will do better now, I promise. However, I will be heading out to Manitoba for 3 weeks right away but I will try to post during that time as well.

This is the card I made today for the Sketch Challenge on Splitcoaststampers.

Stampin' Up Stamps: Fresh Cuts

Stampin' Up Paper: Basic Black, Barely Banana, Brilliant Blue, Glossy White

Stampin' Up Ink: Brilliant Blue, Barely Banana, Stazon Black

Stampin' Up Accessories: Word Window Punch, the lacy punch (can never remember the name of it), White Unigel Pen, sponge daubers

INSTRUCTIONS:

I stamped the images on the glossy paper using Stazon Black. Then, I used the sponge daubers to daub the ink all over the images. After that, I trimmed the main image to the size I wanted and punched out the thank you. I used the lacy punch to punch the bottom of the basic black. I also sponged around the Barely Banana strip. I also stamped on the brilliant blue background using the leaves stamp from the set.

Simple and easy, yes?

Hope you're having a wonderful summer!

Blog Candy Winner

2008-10-21T08:07:00.002-06:00

I used Random.org to select the winner for my blog candy of big shot die pieces!

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:3
Timestamp: 2008-10-21 14:07:11 UTC

The winner is....
StampinCathy said...
Great pizza box. Count me in on this super sweet candy. Right now it's to rich for my blood. I've seen so many beautiful things made with the new dies and I would love to play with them. Thanks so much for a chance.
October 10, 2008 5:17 AM

So, StampinCathy...email me your mailing addy and I will send you the prizes!

BLOG CANDY and TLC189 Mini Pizza Box

2008-10-09T20:00:00.000-06:00

I wanted to try creating a Mini Pizza Box for the Technique Lover's Challenge. (You can find the instructions in the first post on that link.)

It was very easy to do! I decided to keep the box simple this time. Well...I tend to keep a lot of things simple but that's the way I like them.

I used the Top Note Sizzix Die with my new Big Shot to create the top piece. I ran it through with the designer paper and the barely banana paper. I cut around the perforated edges on the barely banana and snailed it just inside the larger piece. I think this stamp set is just too cute.

I used the direct to paper technique to add up some texture to the top of the box.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Serene Spring (hostess)

Stampin' Up! Paper: Barely Banana, designer paper

Stampin' Up! Ink: Basic Black, Almost Amethyst

Stampin' Up! Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note Die, ribbon, punch, double sided tape

Now onto the blog candy info. I absolutely love my big shot as you can probably tell! I was thinking this afternoon that there are some out there who have not yet discovered this wonderful tool and that made me really sad. So, I thought, why not provide one lucky person with some pre-cut pieces from my big shot. I have the top note and pillowbox dies. I will cut 50 pieces for the winner of the blog candy. The winner can decide how many of each they would like. They'll be cut in an assortment of papers and colors....basically whatever I have.

So, all you have to do to be entered is post a comment to this post by October 19 at 6:00 pm MST.

Surprise Pop Up Card

2008-10-03T17:00:00.000-06:00

I love this style of card. I have created one before and just had to teach my stamp club how to create it this month. You can always tell when you're having a rough day. I made so many mistakes while demoing this card. Stuck things on before I should have. Forgot to stamp the front of the card until the end. Forgot to punch the whole for the brad until I had already attached the background. Forgot to punch the circle at the top until I had attached the thinking of you piece. And so on. Good thing my ladies are so wonderful! LOL

I am going to link to the tutorial on Splitcoaststampers because it explains the process much better than I could.

Materials:
Stampin' Up! Paper: Very Vanilla, barely banana, bravo burgandy
Stampin' Up! Ink: Bravo Burgandy
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Fiskars cutting tool with scoring blade, double sided tape, ticket punch, brads, 1/16" punch, 1 3/8" circle punch

Ink Pads

2008-10-03T15:00:00.026-06:00

For my next stamp club, we are going to have a few months where my members and I are going to "play" so that they can use the products they have purchased but not used yet. I have told them that they can borrow my tools. I thought posting the list on my blog would be much easier and can be kept up to date better than emails could.

Classic:

All 48 colors
Neutrals: Basic Black

Craft:

Whisper White
Basic Black
Very Vanilla
Chocolate Chip
Glorious Green
Real Red

Current In Colors:

Riding Hood Red

Other:

StazOn Black w/Cleaner

For Sale:*used a little

Wild Wasabi
Blue Bayou
Purely Pomegranate
Cranberry Crisp

Stamp Sets

2008-10-03T15:00:00.025-06:00

For Borrowing Only:*The only reason I am including the item number and price is for my customer's information. These are NOT for sale. I cannot sell these because they are NOT retired!

111562 Always in My Thoughts $20.95
109264 Baroque (Background) $20.95
111604 Best Yet (hostess: level 1)
109411 Brocade Basics $28.95
106700 Bugs & Kisses $30.95
111760 A Cardinal Christmas $23.16
109525 Celebrate Everything $20.95
111011 Embrace Life $28.95
111564 Flight of the Butterfly $37.95
111578 Flower Fancy $43.95
111634 Fresh Cuts $25.95
109513 Fundamental Phrases $42.95
105429 Heartfelt Thanks $36.95
111646 Heritage Holiday $24.95
111089 Happy Heart Day $24.95 (dormant)
109431 Holidays & Wishes $20.95
109383 Hugs & Wishes $20.95
101893 Itty Bitty Backgrounds $15.50
110992 A Little Birdie Told Me $30.95
104606 Loads of Love $24.95
107121 Many Merry Messages $39.95
109445 Pick a Petal $32.95
109489 Punch Pals $37.95
111028 Pun Fun $36.95
106598 Simply Said $30.95
104243 Summer by the Sea $33.95 (dormant)
111554 Teacher's Pet $22.95
111706 To You and Yours $22.95
107123 Warm Words $24.95 (dormant)
111181 Wonderful You 39.95
109238 Zoofari $24.95

For Sale or Current Product/Stamps Trade:*I cannot sell current stamp sets. If you happen to see one on this list it is there by mistake. Please let me know so that I can fix it.

Not Assembled: $10.00 each unless otherwise indicated

Delight in Life (2)
Friendship Blooms (2)
From the Garden
Happy Harmony
In the Spotlight
Lots of Thoughts
Jumbo Incentives (only 5 stamps left) $5.00
Lots of Thoughts
Make it Count
Merci
Older & Wiser
Party Punch
Perfect Presentation
Sidekick Sayings
So Many Scallops (2)
So Very
Stamped from the Heart
Word on Word

Gently Used:*These stamp sets have been assembled but do not have staining on the wood or the rubber as far as I can tell. I have not written anything on the stamp blocks or on the case.

Background Sampler $10.00
Bothway Blossoms $10.00
Big Blossom $10.00
Flowers for a Friend $10.00
So Many Sayings $10.00
Weathered (background) $20.00

Well Used:*Please note that when I first started stamping, I wrote my initials on each of the stamps so they would not get mixed up with other people's sets. I also often wrote the initials of the name of the stamp set on each stamp so that I would know where it belonged. Many of these sets will have that listed on there (but not all). These stamp sets have been used often in my classes and many will have a lot of staining on the wood.

Birthday Banter $15.00
Birthday Best $12.00
Cheesecloth (background) $20.00
Espress Yourself $30.00
Festive Four $10.00
Fresh Flowers $25.00
Headline Alphabet $50.00
Holiday Tag Team $30.00
It's Your Birthday $35.00
Itty Bitty Borders $12.00
Life's Special Moments (only roses are assembled but there is staining in one corner) $26.00
A Light Heart $12.00
Little Pieces $15.00
Looks Like Spring $35.00
Nice & Easy Notes $32.00
Polka Dots & Paisley $10.00
Solemn Stillness $35.00
Sweet & Sassy $20.00
Time Well Spent $15.00
Very Merry $10.00
Wanda's Wit & Wisdom $20.00
Whimsical Alphabet Lower $32.00
Wild Rose $42.00

Punches

2008-10-03T15:00:00.024-06:00

For my next stamp club, we are going to have a few months where my members and I are going to "play" so that they can use the products they have purchased but not used yet. I have told them that they can borrow my tools. I thought posting the list on my blog would be much easierand can be kept up to date better than emails could.

Item Number	Description	Price
101227	1/16" Circle	$11.25
104401	1-3/8" Circle	$19.95
104403	1-1/4" Circle	$19.95
109046	1" Circle	$13.95
107217	3/4" Circle	$13.75
107304	Small Oval	$19.95
107305	Large Oval	$19.95
105090	Word Window	$19.95
104400	1-1/4" Square	$19.95
103375	1-3/8" Square	$19.95
107214	Ticket Corner	$8.75
109047	3/16" Corner Rounder	$8.75
105934	Large Tag	$19.95
108264	Small Tag	$19.95
112091	Scallop Edge	$19.95
108340	Round Tab	$19.95
105088	Double Rectangle	$7.50
104388	Slit	$7.50
108341	Spiral	$13.75
109043	Scallop Circle	$19.95
105089	Horizontal Slot	$7.50
112081	Punch Scallop Square	$19.95

For Sale: None

Misc Tools

2008-10-03T15:00:00.022-06:00

Here are the misc tools that I own that you can borrow:

103954 Aqua Painter $19.95
102395 Brayer $14.95
105796 Color Coach $11.75
107066 Color Spritzer Tool $16.50
102264 Coluzzle Cutting System $23.95
104310 Crafters’ Tool Kit $49.95
101618 Crimper $24.95
108362 Crop-o-dile $37.95
105542 Stampin’ Pastels $30.95
102930 Tearing Edge $24.95
101879 Watercolor Pencils $24.95

Wheels

2008-10-03T15:00:00.016-06:00

For Borrowing:

Baroque Border (regular)
Bold Snowflakes (Jumbo)
See You Around (Jumbo)
Sweet Stars (Jumbo)

Ink Colors for Wheels:

Basic Black (regular)
Bravo Burgandy (Jumbo)
Only Orange (Jumbo)
Real Red (Jumbo)
Bashful Blue (Jumbo)

For Sale or trade for current product:

Delicate Design (regular) $5.00
Snowman Fun (regular) $5.00

Pillow Box and the new Big Shot!

2008-10-01T17:00:00.000-06:00

Oh....my....god!!!! I absolutely LOVE the big shot. I've never had a Cri-cut or a cuttlebug or any of those fancy tools since I try to stick to Stampin' Up! product. When the new Big Shot came out I was hesitant about purchasing it. It's a lot of money. I wasn't sure I would use it but...I had some extra $ in my account so I decided to get it. Wouldn't you know it though, my big shot arrived in the first set of boxes but ALL (let me say that again...ALL) of my templates have been backordered and won't arrive until Thursday! aaarrrggghhhh! How did I create this cute little project then without any templates? I sent out an urgent request to borrow somebody's (anybody's) template from this area and low and behold, one of my old secret sisters had the pillow box and was willing to let me borrow it! Woohoo!!! Foodsgal you are awesome! She showed me how to use it and off I went. I started with a simple project...just a basic Pillow box. I didn't have a lot of time to play before stamp club.

Here is my project:

I filled it with candy and will give it out as a door prize at stamp club. I appologize in advance if this paper is retired. I never remember and never think to look it up. If it is retired, please pretend it's something that's not!

Materials:

Stampin' Up Paper: Designer Paper, whisper white, apricot appeal

Stampin' Up Ink: Basic Black, apricot appeal

Stampin' up Accessories: Scallop punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, ribbon, sponge daubers, double sided tape

Now, I wish I had purchased the big shot kit instead of individual pieces. I wasn't crazy about the birds template though. Oh well.

The other funny thing about my order was the doctor's bag. I purchased it on the same order as the big shot and templates. However, it got shipped a day after the big shot did. In the UPS info, the package said 1 kg. Hmmm...suspicious. Seems a little light. When the package arrived, it was a small bubble envelope. Now, I don't think the doctor's bag could scrunch up into a tiny envelope like that but you never know. I open it up and.....tada! It's a hostess set...that I didn't order. Stampin' Up accidentally sent me a hostess set instead of a doctor's bag. Big difference in size AND price. LOL. Of course, I called them and they fixed it up right away. That's the great thing about Stampin' Up! They definately take care of us.

tlc183 Faux Dry Embossing

2008-08-25T11:52:00.003-06:00

I created this card for this week's Technique Lover's challenge on Splitcoaststampers.com.

Faux Dry Embossing is really easy and it looks so neat!

Instructions:
*Stamp image in white craft ink.
*Let dry or heat set.
*Ink up the same stamp with the same color as the paper you will be stamping on. (In my card, I inked up in Only Orange b/c I was stamping on Only Orange paper)
*Using stamp-a-ma-jig, stamp image slightly up down and to the left of the original image. You want it to line up to look shadowed.

That's it!

Materials:

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Zoofari, Celebrate Everything

Stampin' Up! Ink: Only Orange, Basic Black, Whisper White

Stampin' Up! Paper: Only Orange, Basic Black, Whisper White

Stampin' Up! Accessories: Sponge Daubers, black marker, white unigel pen, stamp-a-ma-jig

Hope you like it!

SC190 It's your birthday

2008-08-20T10:17:00.002-06:00

I created this card for Splitcoaststampers sketch challenge.

I stamped the bird on top of the two circles and then again on whisper white paper. I used watercolor pencils and blender pens to color that. I popped it up with a dimensional.

I'm not sure if you can see that I stamped it's your birthday randomly in regal rose on the left and birthday hats in almost amethyst on the top right. I used sponges to darken the edges of the regal rose pieces and the semicircle of almost amethyst.

When I finished it, I thought it could have used something around the circle. I thought the sponging would have been enough. I think I might go back later and try jazzing it up a bit more.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: A little birdie told me

Stampin' Up! Ink: Regal Rose, Almost Amethyst, Basic Black

Stampin' Up! Paper: whisper white, regal rose, almost amethyst

Stampin' Up! Accessories: Coluzzle, sponge daubers, dimensional

2-4-6-8 Acetate Box

2008-08-18T10:57:00.005-06:00

I participated in the TLC (Technique Lover's Challenge) this morning on Splitcoaststampers.com. What a great challenge they had today! I was so excited because I even got to complete the project right away since I'm still on holidays...for one more week.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: A little birdie told me, Simply Said
Stampin' Up! Ink: Cameo Coral, Elegant Eggplant
Stampin' Up! Paper: Cameo Coral, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Double sided tape, ribbon, cropodile, sponge daubers
Other: Acetate

The instructions can be found here.

Other samples can be found here but remember, they don't always include just Stampin' Up! product.

This was so easy and so much fun!

August 15, 2008

2008-08-15T13:29:00.005-06:00

Wow! Where on earth have I been? Well, it's been a very busy summer. I just got back from visiting my family in Manitoba. I didn't do any stamping there though I did do some oil painting with my mom as the instructor. She does a fabulous job and is currently in the works to get her Bob Ross teaching certificate so she can hold classes and workshops. To see her fabulous works, check out her blog.

I decided to hold a block barbecue party. We're in a new development so nobody has been on our block longer than a year. I thought it would be nice to get to know each other better so I'm hosting a barbecue at my house for anyone who lives on the block I do. Well, of course...I need invitations! I decided to use the demo planner challenge for September on Splitcoaststampers (I posted it a bit early).

Stampin' Up Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Cameo Coral

Stampin' Up! Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant, Cameo Coral

Stampin' Up! Accessories: ticket punch, white unigel pen, Elegant Eggplant Reinker, White ribbon, sponge daubers

Other: Shaving Cream, ruler

I don't have Cameo Coral ribbon so I made my own my using Cameo Coral ink, a sponge dauber, and white ribbon.

I used the shaving cream technique to make the background for this card. I also sponged the edges of You're invited with elegant eggplant. I think it turned out cute. Note to self: attach ribbon before snailing down piece. It's much harder to add the ribbon later. LOL

Well, I promise to start posting on a regular basis again. Hope to see you soon!

A final sample for Katrina's birthday invitations

2008-06-19T13:30:00.000-06:00

Here is my final sample for Katrina's birthday invitations. I really hope they like one of the cards I created.

I think they might find this one a little young. But, I wanted to play with this stamp set. Of course, we can always save it for when one of the other nieces has another birthday party! LOL

I paper pieced the main image.

Instructions:

Stamp image twice...once on designer paper and once on plain paper.
Cut out image on designer paper.
Cut on head of image on plain paper.
Use a dimensional to place the head on top of the body.

Materials:
Stampin' Up! Stamps: Pun Fun
Stampin' Up! Ink: Apricot Appeal, Ballet Blue
Stampin' Up! Paper: Ballet Blue, Basic Black, Apricot Appeal, Prints Pack
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Dimensionals, 3/4" circle punch, white unigel pen, basic black marker

A fourth sample invitation for Katrina

2008-06-17T13:26:00.000-06:00

Here is a fourth invitation for Katrina to pick from. I hope she likes one of them!

Materials:
Stampin' Up! Stamps: Summer by the Sea
Stampin' Up! Ink: Basic Black, Ballet Blue
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Ballet Blue and Mellow Moss reinkers, white unigel pen, basic black marker, water color pencils, blender pens, sponge daubers
Other: Coffee Filter, paper plate

Third Sample for Katrina's birthday invitations

2008-06-14T23:44:00.002-06:00

My sister said she liked the idea of the flip flop invitation but not the color combo. Instead, could I do it in red? And with that marble technique?

Sure...here's what I came up with...

Oooh....a warning...I did use a non Stampin' Up! brad on this project. All the ones that SU sells are way too small and I thought the large eyelet would look funny here.

Well, it's really late so i'm not going to post my materials right now. I should get to sleep. But I will come back and post them later.

Another Birthday invitation sample for Katrina

2008-06-14T13:23:00.005-06:00

Here is another birthday invitation for my niece Katrina. I used the frosted filter technique for this project.

Materials:
Stampin' Up! Stamps: Summer by the Sea
Stampin' Up! Ink: Basic Black, Ballet Blue
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Ballet Blue and Mellow Moss reinkers, white unigel pen, basic black marker, water color pencils, blender pens, sponge daubers
Other: Coffee Filter, paper plate

Frosted Filter Tutorial

2008-06-12T17:28:00.003-06:00

Isn't this an awesome background? I absolutely LOVE it!!!! AND, it's sooooooo easy! Really...I promise!

Instructions:

Place coffee filter on paper plate.
Drop 5 or 6 drops of each reinker randomly on the plate. Do not attempt to cover in white spots.
Spray with water bottle until reinkers are running together.
Set aside to dry.
Cut to size.
Attach. I use double sided tape just to make sure.

Materials:

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Wonderful Words
Stampin' Up! Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Ballet Blue
Stampin' Up! Ink: Ballet Blue, Sage Shadow
Stampin' Up! Reinkers: Ballet Blue, Sage Shadow
Stampin' Up! Accessories: White unigel pen, sponge daubers
Other: Coffee Filter, paper plate

Katrina's sample birthday invitation

2008-06-08T16:20:00.003-06:00

Before you read any further...beware! I have used one piece of ribbon that is NOT SU! Normally, I only post SU product on my blog but I received this ribbon and thought it would be perfect for this project.

My sister called me up and asked me if I would make her some sample invitations for her daughter's tenth birthday party. It's a beach theme. When I heard that the cake would be two flip flops I thought it would be cute to make flip flop invitations.

Please excuse the two little tears at the top. I had to remove the piece to reposition it and my sister is planning on checking my blog any minute for the sample so I didn't have time to recut a new piece.

The first image is the front of the invitation. The second image is the invitation opened.

Everything else is SU product.

I will post the materials later as I am in a hurry right now. Sorry.

Acetate and Tissue Card Tutorial

2008-06-05T18:32:00.003-06:00

I created this card so that I could try out the acetate and tissue technique combined with the demo planner challenge for June.

When I did the technique, I found that the reinkers I used were too dark to do the technique properly (tissue side out) so I turned it around and left the acetate side to the front. It gives it a totally different look but I really like it!

This is a 6x6 card.

Materials:

Stampin' Up! Ink: Black StazOn, Close to Cocoa
Stampin' Up! Paper: Very Vanilla, Mellow Moss
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Brocade Blue and Brilliant Blue Reinkers, Crystal Effects, Small and Large tag punches
Stampin' Up! Stamps: Loads of Love, Warm Words, Weathered background
Other: Acetate, tissue paper, small paint brush

Instructions:

Using StazOn ink, stamp image on acetate.
Set aside to dry for 3-5 minutes
Flip over and cover with Crystal Effects.
Crumple up and uncrumple tissue paper.
Drop a total of four drops of reinker on acetate
Use brush to spread all over
Carefully lay tissue paper and smooth out
Let dry and trim
Flip back to front and adhere to paper.
Finish.

Acetate Card Tutorial

2008-05-26T20:57:00.003-06:00

I have never done an acetate card before but I think it turned out ok. I really wish I had white StazOn ink but I only had black.

I created the card for Stamp Club.

Materials:

Stampin' Up! Paper: Whisper White, Pale Plum, Pretty in Pink
Stampin' Up! Ink: StazOn Black, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose
Stampin' Up! Accessories: StazOn Cleaner, mini glue dots
Other: Acetate Paper (transparency paper...thicker is better)

Instructions:

Fold transparency (cut to size) in half.
Stamp the image on transparency paper very carefully using StazOn ink. It will smudge very easily.
Set aside to dry for 3-5 minutes.
Stamp image on cardstock and mat for front of card.
Cut another piece for a mat but do not attach.
Use mini glue dots to attach the piece for the front of the card.
Open the card.
Apply mini glue dots to the corners of the cardstock that you can see through the transparency.
Attach the larger mat very carefully. (I would slightly close the card and then line up the mat from the front)
Repeat these steps for the back of the card.

Hi! This is not a REAL post again...but...

2008-05-26T20:41:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to let you know that I'm feeling much better right now. I have been out of commission for about a week and a half with a really, really, REALLY bad cold. I even took 2 days off work (although I considered taking off more).

I just wanted to make sure that you didn't forget about me here in blog land. I created two cards today for tomorrow night's stamp club. The only problem is that I still have a large portion of my stamp stuff at school (for decorating students' journals). I brought most of what I needed home today but I forgot to bring my adhesive and tissue paper.

So the tissue paper is a hint to what we will be completing tomorrow. I will post projects either tomorrow after school if I have time (before stamp club) OR Wednesday night.

Hope you're having a stampin' up time!

No real post this week...

2008-05-11T12:57:00.002-06:00

I'm sorry that I don't have anything to post this week. I took most of my stamp stuff to school. We are implementing the use of journals in CALM class. The counsellor supplied the journals and I am supplying the decorating supplies and tools for students to decorate their covers. We'll be working on it for several classes which means I won't be able to stamp at home for a while since everything is at school.

When my students are done, maybe I will take some pictures of the most interesting ones and post them so you can see what they're doing. No names of course.

Love SU and Looking for a Challenge?

2008-04-30T13:12:00.005-06:00

SU only Bloggers' Challenge Blog

A few of us on SplitcoastStampers have been participating in an SU! only blogroll. That means a group of us Stampin' Up! stampers post to our blogs and comment on others in our group.

One day, a smart cookie suggested a challenge for the rest of us. Then, we thought (since we all have blogs) why don't we start a new blog for challenges! Woohoo! This way, we can share our brilliance with the world! Mwhahahahahaha!!!!

I will be posting the challenges once a week on that blog. You can sign up there to receive email updates whenever I post the challenge. That way, you don't have to worry about missing out on a great challenge!

THE CHALLENGE:

Create a 3D item, card or scrapbook page that uses chipboard.

Then:

Post it to your blog.

Add the SU! only Bloggers' Challenge Blog Badge to your post.

Comment in the SU! only Bloggers' Challenge Blog with a link to your blog.

The Rules:

Don't forget to keep it to Stampin' Up! current product only!

The only exceptions are items such as tins, buckets, picture frames, etc as Stampin' Up! does not sell these.

Stamp Club Card and April Spring Fling gifts

2008-04-27T18:10:00.004-06:00

I promised my stamp club members that this weekend, I would post the cards we are doing on Tuesday. The first card we are doing is "Faux Leather" and can be found here in an earlier post. (See the first card)

The second card we will be creating uses "Faux Silk". This is the first time I've done this technique and I found it very easy.

Materials:
Stampin' Up! Stamps: Embrace Life, Fundamental Phrases
Stampin' Up! Paper: Cameo Coral, So Saffron, Whisper White, Pale Plum
Stampin' Up! Ink: Basic Black, Pale Plum
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Pale Plum and Orchid Opulence Markers, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop punch
Other: white tissue paper

Faux Silk Instructions:

Stamp on tissue paper
Color in images if desired
Crumple and smooth out tissue paper
Spread glue all over neutral cardstock
Lay tissue paper over neutral cardstock, smoothing out most wrinkles
Finish card.

Easy as pie, eh?

Please note that if you keep on reading, you will see contraband! But I just had to show you all my goodies!

I am participating in a Spring Fling RAK. For April, I had to send gifts to my bud (the person I buy for) that relate to April showers. I can't post what I sent her...just in case. But I did want to post a pic of the wonderful presents my flower (the person who sent to me) gave me.

A beautiful altered notebook, fuzzy stickers, stickles, backgrounds stamped on white cardstock, glossy cardstock, Crystal Light Peach Tea, an adorable card and yummy mint chocolate cookies. mmmm....

My flower was so sneaky...she listed the return address of the organizer so I wouldn't know! LOL...I posted a big thank you to the organizer and she sent me an email back telling me it wasn't her. Too funny!

LSC165: For You Square Card

2008-04-25T10:53:00.004-06:00

I created this card for the limited supply challenge. You had to use scraps for everything (except the base) and couldn't use more than one embellishment. I took a card I created for a thank you card workshop and used that idea to create this one.

The dots are added using a black marker and white unigel pen. I embossed the "For YOU" using whisper white craft ink and winter white embossing powder.

Because I didn't have any large pieces of black card stock left, I used elegant eggplant for the base and edged it using a basic black marker. But, I don't think you can see that very well in the picture. That little black piece on the bottom right hand side is actually just a shadow. Didn't notice it when I took the pic.

I love making those flowers using basic black for the background so I can use my white unigel pen. It's way too fun!

Here are the requirements for the limited supply challenge:

Make a square card. (Any size)
Use only scrap pieces of paper. (The base card doesn't have to be a scrap.)
Use ribbon or fiber scraps.
Use only ONE other embellishment.
Use any colors, stamps, and tools.

My card is 4.25 x 4.25". Great for the square envelopes (which I have a pack of but have never opened)

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Fundamental Phrases, Baroque Motifs

Stampin' Up! Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White craft

Stampin' Up! Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Basic Black, Cameo Coral

Stampin Up! Accessories: ribbon, basic black marker, white unigel pen, scallop punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, mini glue dots, winter white embossing powder, heat gun

TLC165 (Gift Card Holder) and CC163 (Color Combo)

2008-04-22T08:23:00.004-06:00

Yeah! It's a snow day! So the first thing I did was check out the color combo challenge and run downstairs to create something! I have a hard time with the color combo challenges and don't do them very often. But, today, I decided to take a chance!

I also promised to create another gift card so I combined the two challenges into one.

Today's color combo challenge required you to use chocolate chip, certainly celery and pretty in pink.

Here is my gift card holder:

Materials:

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Warm Words

Stampin' Up! Paper: Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink

Stampin' Up! Ink: Chocolate Chip, Cameo Coral

Stampin' Up! Accessories: Scallop Punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, white unibal gel pen

I hope you like it! I'm quite proud of it. I was thinking I might go back and add some ribbon to hold it shut but that's it.

TLC165: Gift Card Holder

2008-04-21T20:45:00.004-06:00

I created a very quick card for the technique lover's challenge today. I can't believe how neat this little gift card holder is! AND so easy to make!!!

I plan on creating a better card in the next few days as I only had a few minutes to work on this one.

I used the paper piecing technique to create the rhino. I stamped it 3 times, all on pretty in pink paper. I cut out the entire body and snailed it down. Then, I cut out the body again but left out the legs. I used a dimensional to pop it up on the body. Then, I cut out just the head and used a dimensional to pop it up on the body.

Materials:
Stampin' Up! Stamps: Zoofari, It's your Birthday
Stampin' Up! Ink: So Saffron, Almost Amethyst, Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant
Stampin' up! Paper: So Saffron, Almost Amethyst, Pretty in Pink
Stampin' up! Accessories: Ribbon, Word Window Punch, Scoring Blade, dimensionals

Instructions:
*Cut base cardstock to 4.25 x 11".
*Score at 3", 5.5", 8"
*Fold into W shape
*Punch using word window punch across inside fold.
*Snail inside piece together along edges.
*Decorate.

Like I said, I will create a much better gift card and upload it.

TLC164: Double Pocket Cards

2008-04-14T23:03:00.005-06:00

I was busy tonight! I can't believe how much I got accomplished!!! I created 2 double pocket cards for yesterday's TLC challenge. I also created a card for my Spring Fling bud (a spring themed gift exchange)! I don't usually accomplish that many decent cards in one night!

Of course, I can't show you the card I made for my Spring Fling bud because it's a secret! I will post it once the spring fling is over.

All of these double pocket cards use StampingQueenJar's tutorial. You can find it here...She is an AMAZING artist so you should definately check out her blog and subscribe!!!

Stampin' Up! Paper: Designer Paper, whisper white, chocolate chip
Stampin' Up! Ink: Chocolate Chip
Stampin' Up! Stamps: It's your birthday
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Double Sided Tape, sponges

This is the Masculine Card we will be doing at my Birthday/Thank you card workshop this weekend.

Stampin' Up! Paper: Bashful Blue, Very Vanilla
Stampin' Up! Ink: Bashful Blue
Stampin' Up! Stamps: Fundamental Phrases, Wheel
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Double Sided Tape, Wheel, sponges

Upcoming Birthday and Thank you card Workshop

2008-04-13T18:08:00.005-06:00

On April 20, 2008, I will be holding a Birthday and Thank you card Workshop. Participants will be creating 5 male birthday cards, 5 female birthday cards and 6 thank you cards.

Today, I created two of the samples...the female birthday card and the thank you card. I had a lot of fun with them and think they turned out pretty good.

This first card is obviously a thank you card and it's my favorite of the two.

I layered elegant eggplant on top of a black base and cameo coral onto a mini black base. Then, I punched out a scallop out of elegant eggplant and basic black and layered them on top of each other, slightly off so the petals of the black would show in behind. Then, I used the 1 3/8" circle punch to create the saying. Originally, I started out by saying "Kind", then changed it to "Happy Birthday" and finally to "Thanks Friend." It took me a while to decide which card it should be, obviously. It was after I created the second card that I decided this would be the Thank you card.

I used the direct to paper technique to brighten up the elegant eggplant. I sponged around the "Thanks Friend" circle to blend the colors a little.

Finally, I added dots and curls using my white unigel pen.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Fundamental Phrases
Stampin' Up! Paper: Basic Black, Cameo Coral, Elegant Eggplant
Stampin' Up! Ink: Cameo Coral, Elegant Eggplant
Stampin' Up! Accessories: white unigel pen, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop punch, sponge daubers

The next card is for the female birthday card. It was a lot more work with all the two step stamping. I tried to mount my stamps so that I wouldn't need the Stamp-a-ma-jig to line them up but after 30 minutes on one stamp, I gave up. I just couldn't get it. So, I had to use the SAMJ.

I stamped the large flower in Regal Rose and added the 2nd stamp in Regal Rose. Then, I stamped the flower again on scrap cardstock and cut it out to use as a mask. I obviously didn't trim quite enough inside the flower as there is still white space around the flower.

After placing the mask on the original image, I stamped the leaves using mellow moss and always artichoke. Then, I used my sponges to touch up the edges of the whisper white cardstock. I stamped another rose image onto the almost amethyst base using almost amethyst ink just to give it some texture. Finally, I stamped the saying in Perfect Plum so it would stand out a bit but not extremely.

I was perusing the gallery when I found this card created by stampwithbrenda.com. I changed a few items as you can see before coming up with my final project.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Wild Rose, It's your birthday
Stampin' Up! Ink: Almost Amethyst, Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke, Perfect Plum, Regal Rose, Rose Red
Stampin' Up! Paper: Almost amethyst, Whisper White
Stampin' Up! Accessories: SAMJ, sponge daubers

I still haven't finished the masculine birthday card yet. I don't have a lot of sets that would work very well with this theme. Plus, I always have a hard time creating decent masculine cards. So, I will keep working on it and show it to you when I'm done!

PS: If you're in the Delburne area and would like to attend, I do still have a few spots left but you need to email me ASAP!

LSC: DIY Designer Paper

2008-04-10T22:07:00.003-06:00

I created this card for the LSC Challenge: Do it Yourself Designer Paper.

I have a real hard time with designer paper. I just can't seem to use it effectively so why on earth I thought I should attempt to create my own I have no idea. But, it was fun!

I used a versamarker to create the lines and added white dots with my unigel pen.

I did mean to add a piece of ribbon to soften the transition between the bashful blue and apricot appeal paper but I forgot.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Zoofari, Little Pieces
Stampin' Up! Ink: Bashful blue, Apricot Appeal, Basic Black
Stampin' Up! Paper: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Apricot Appeal
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Sponge daubers, versamarker, 3/4" circle punch, corner rounder, basic black marker, white unigel pen

I hope you like!

Masculine Birthday Card

2008-04-10T18:56:00.003-06:00

I was playing around tonight trying to create a masculine birthday card. I'm not quite happy with it. It still needs work.

I used the crimper to crimp the squares (run it through both directions to get this effect).

I sponged on the rest of the color using Brocade Blue.

I used my watercolor pencil crayons and blender pens to color in the truck.

And that's about it.

Hmmm...this card still isn't growing on me. I guess I'll see what I can do with it in order to improve it tomorrow.

Stampin' Up! Paper: Brocade Blue, Whisper White, Basic Black
Stampin' Up! Ink: Basic black, Brocade Blue, Always Artichoke
Stampin' Up! Stamps: Loads of Love
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Crimper, Sponges, Watercolor pencils, blender pens

Chalkboard Technique

2008-04-09T13:38:00.002-06:00

I created this card for sketch challenge 171 on SCS. I decided to use the chalkboard technique. It's fun and easy to do.

Chalkboard Technique:

*Using white craft ink, stamp a solid image onto basic black cardstock.

*Use a sponge dauber to dab pastels onto the ink.

*Use the pastel eraser to erase extra

That's it!

Materials:

Stampin' Up! Stamp: Heartfelt Thanks

Stampin' Up! Paper: Cameo Coral, Basic Black

Stampin' Up! Ink: whisper white, basic black, cameo coral

Stampin' Up! Accessories: Sponge daubers, white unigel pen, basic black marker, coluzzle, pastels

Stacking Ribbon and Sketch Challenge Card...

2008-04-08T17:38:00.002-06:00

This is the card I created today. I used the shaving cream technique in order to create the background for the card and for the scallop punch. I just LOVE that technique. It's soooooo fun! I ended up creating 4 background pieces all at once so I wouldn't waste the shaving cream. So, I'm guessing you'll be finding a few other cards created in the next week or so with this background! LOL

I LOVE this sketch layout. It's sooo much fun and easy to use. I also decided to complete the technique lover's challenge which was a ribbon layering challenge this week.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Happy Heart Day

Stampin' Up! Ink: Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise

Stampin' Up! Accessories: Ribbon, scallop punch, basic black marker, Tempting turquoise reinker

Stampin' Up! Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black

Other: Shaving Cream

Thanks for checking out my blog! We're slowly working our way up the ranks!!!

Thank You Card

2008-04-07T18:50:00.003-06:00

Today, I decided to create another card for the demo planner challenge. This color combo was a hard one for me.

I used the paper crimper to add texture to the cameo coral piece. I ran it through many times in one direction and then switched the paper around and ran it through many times the other way. This way, I ended up with many little squares.

I used a scrap scallop piece to create the clouds. I'm still learning this technique so it didn't turn as well as I would have liked.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Happy Heart Day
Stampin' Up! Ink: Basic Black, Almost amethyst, Cameo Coral
Stampin' Up! Paper: Cameo coral, almost amethyst, rose red, old olive, whisper white
Stampin' Up! Accessories: paper crimper, scallop punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, brads

The big question you may be asking...Did I clean up my stamp room? Not yet. Today's spring break job was to shave my dogs so that's what I spent today doing. What a task!

Spring Break Organizing!

2008-04-06T16:30:00.000-06:00

Well, Friday was my last day of work before spring break! Woohoo! (And the kids weren't even as crazy as I thought they would be...double WOOHOO!)

One of my major projects this break will be to organize my stamp room. I've taken some before pictures and included them below. How messy is that! BLEGH!!!!!!

I'm going to go scope out all the cool stamp rooms on SCS for some inspiration. Each day, I'll post my progress until it is clean. I figured I better do that so I don't let myself get off track.

April VSN weekend!

2008-04-06T16:12:00.005-06:00

This weekend was VSN (Virtual Stamp Night). I've only been able to complete 2 of the challenges at this point. I will go back later and create a few more cards but I wanted to post the two I did create.

This first card uses the faux leather technique. I've never done it before but I think it's quite cool. I kept the card nice and simple for my first attempt because I really wanted to see how it stood out on the card.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Happy Heart Day

Stampin' Up! Ink: Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip

Stampin' Up! Paper: Chocolate chip, Creamy Caramel, Whisper white

Stampin' Up! Accessories: sponges, hodgepodge hardware

Other: Masking tape

Instructions:

*Rip up masking tape into small uneven pieces and cover cardstock. Overlay the pieces as you go.

*Take your classic ink pad and rub over masking tape.

Card #2:

This card had to have a red focus.

I used the marble technique to create the background because I love it and it's so easy.

I created the clouds by punching out a scallop using the scallop punch and using that as a template. I placed the template on the cardstock and lightly colored around it with the watercolor pencils. Then, I used blender pens to blend the coloring. I moved the template and repeated.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Summer by the Sea

Stampin' Up! Ink: Basic black

Stampin' Up! Paper: Real Red, Whisper White

Stampin' Up! Accessories: Blender pens, watercolor pencils, scallop punch, white unigel pen, empty stamp case

Other: Marbles

Thanks for looking!

Wax Paper Resist Tutorial

2008-03-24T20:00:00.002-06:00

Here is one of the cards we will be creating tomorrow night for stamp club. I love this technique. I think it gives the coolest background and it is soooooo easy!

Materials:
Stampin' Up! Paper: Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Apricot Appeal, Regal Rose, Glossy White
Stampin' Up! Ink: Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise, Apricot Appeal
Stampin' Up! Accessories: white unigel pen, black gingham ribbon, 1 3/8" square punch, 1 1/4" square punch, brayer, basic black marker
Other: wax paper, iron

Instructions for Wax Paper Resist:
*Cut two pieces of glossy cardstock.
*Layer glossy cardstock (glossy side up), wax paper and glossy cardstock (glossy side down)
*Iron
*Ink up brayer
*run over glossy cardstock

tada!!!!!

I wish I had placed the squares a little more to the right. It left too much empty space on the right. I used the ribbon to use up that space a bit.

I used the direct to paper technique to jazz up two of the squares.

I will post the other card we are doing in a few days.

Post-it-note holder

2008-03-19T20:24:00.005-06:00

I was sitting here tonight thinking that I haven't stamped in a week...an ENTIRE week! OMG! Usual story...tired, badminton practice (I'm now coaching junior high badminton at school b/c they couldn't find anyone else to coach and I'm a softy at heart...don't tell my students! LOL)

I was setting up this month's demo planner challenge on SCS. (Check it out here if you are on the demo side of SCS. Otherwise, you can't see it. It's tons of fun and there are hand stamped prizes given out each month!) I started this challenge about a year ago. In the beginning, you had to use one of the 3 color combos provided and one of the 2 sketch layouts listed. Then, we split it up into 2 challenges. A simple but sweet and a wow challenge. Today, I decided to add a new challenge. Last month I completed my entry. Then, I decided to take the basic layout and color combo to use on an envelope pouch. I thought it turned out cute. I posted it but knew I couldn't truly enter it b/c it wasn't a card. Anyways, tonight I was creating the thread and the files needed when I had a brainwave. Why NOT add a new category? This time it would be for non-card creations! So, I created this post-it-note holder as a sample so that anyone participating would understand what I meant. You can enter any project (as long as it is NOT a card) using one of the listed color combos and basic sketch layouts (slight changes could be made to meet size requirements). The old challenges are still there. I've just added a new one!

Hmmm...I had another brainwave. I suppose I could post those challenges here on my blog. Then, all you creative stampers could create along with me! I'll get on that this weekend. So, look forward to a post about the new monthly challenge! Woohoo!

ANYWAYS...onto the project! LOL (was that a little long winded?)

I realized after creating this and trying to put it in the post it holder that the ribbon made it too thick. So, next time I would shorten the height down so that the whole thing would fit. The ribbon is a pen/pencil holder.

I left the big empty space so that a small picture could be added.

I used paper piecing to create the flower and used a dimensional to pop it up on the outside of the holder.

I got this frame (and many more) from the dollar store. The dollar store ALWAYS has cool things to alter.

Stampin' Up! Paper: Certainly Celery, regal rose, apricot appeal, whisper white, tempting turquoise, basic black

Stampin' Up! Ink: basic black

Stampin' Up! Accessories: 1 3/8" square punch, ribbon, double sided tape, white unigel pen, dimensional

Other: post it note, 4x6 clear frame from dollarama

Blog Candy Winner!!!

2008-03-17T23:11:00.003-06:00

Wow! I had so much fun reading all of your posts about getting into rubbah stampin'!!! It was a nice treat for me.

Using an online random number generator, it was determined that mandianne is the lucky recipient of my chocolate lover's workshop projects! So congrats to mandianne and thank you to everyone who posted comments!

Please check back often for more blog candy and new ways to win!

Join me for some Blog Candy!

2008-03-09T16:50:00.000-06:00

Check it out! I'm going to hold my first ever blog candy contest! Woohoo!!!!

I'm really excited about this opportunity to give away free stuff! I hummed and hawed trying to think of what would be the perfect prize to give away. I figured I better not get too crazy for my first attempt. How on earth would I ever top myself then? LOL

So, after much brain scratching, chin scratching and butt scratching (J/K on the butt scratching!), I decided to give away some of the projects I did for my chocolate lovers workshop today!

So, what will you have to do in order to win this blog candy? In the comment section of this post, tell me when and why you started stamping.

I'll go first. A friend of mine signed up to hostess a Stampin' Up! workshop. I went to support her. That's it. I had absolutely no interest in stamping at all. Didn't even really know what kind of workshop I was attending! LOL! I went to the workshop. We had a blast. My friend and I signed up to be a demo pretty much on the spot. I have been stamping ever since.

Deadline: Please have comments posted by Midnight Monday March 17, 2008.
I will have a random generator select the winner.

Good luck!

Chocolate Lovers Workshop!

2008-03-09T16:41:00.009-06:00

Today, I held a Chocolate Lovers workshop. We created 5 projects although I can only show you 4 of them. Why? Because I plan on sending one of the projects to my secret sister. I don't know if she reads my blog or not but I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise.

Peak-a-Boo Box

This first box is a peak-a-boo box. Inside of it, you can find Belfine chocolates. I wish I had made the box a bit bigger as it can't hold too many chocolates.

Materials:

Stampin' Up! Paper: Basic Black, designer paper

Stampin' Up! Accessories: 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop punch, white unigel pen

M&M baggie

This is a quick and easy project. Not much required for this one!

Materials:

Stampin' Up! Paper: Creamy Caramel, Chocolate chip, whisper white

Stampin' Up! Ink: Close to Cocoa, basic black

Stampin' Up! Accessories: 1 1/4 and 1 3/8" square punch, small and large tag punch, slot punch, ribbon

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Cute as a Bug

Door Hanger:

I got this idea from SCS. I plan on putting it on my neighbours doors to welcome them to the neighbourhood. Fun to make but what a pain to cut out the flower! I forgot to put the Coffee Crisp thins inside this package for the picture. You'll have to imagine them there! LOL. Note to self, get thinner thins next time. Coffee Crisp thins are actually quite thick and it makes it difficult to fit 3 in there.

Materials:

Stampin' Up! Paper: More Mustard, designer paper

Stampin' Up! Ink: Close to Cocoa, Basic Black

Stampin' Up! Accessories: Coluzzle, corner rounder, sponge daubers

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Time Well Speng

Lindor Chocolate Box:

I bought some Lindor chocolates for the workshop. Originally, I was just going to create a band to go around the box but then I decided to recreate the box instead. I thought it turned out quite cute. Inside the box, you'll find 3 lindor chocolates.

Materials:

Stampin' Up! Paper: Real Red, whisper white

Stampin' Up! Ink: Real red

Stampin' Up! Accessories: 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop punch, sponge daubers, real red ribbon

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Happy Heart Day

Quick Mini: LSC158

2008-03-07T09:26:00.003-07:00

Since today is a Friday off for me (gotta love teaching!), I was excited to be able to stamp during the day. I raced off (well, first I slept in a bit...you gotta take advantage of those sleep in mornings when you can!) to SplitCoastStampers.com to check out today's Limited Supplies Challenge. I was excited to see it was one I could easily participate in. So, after getting all the instructions I needed, I raced downstairs and created this itty bitty card.

I'm sorry that it's so blurry. I have a cheap camera that doesn't like to get in too close to the object being photographed.

The basic requirements of the challenge were to create a quick mini. It couldn't be larger than 4.5 x 4.5, had to use scraps and basic tools.

I've had that round tab punch for about 4 months now and this is the first time I've used it. Sad I know. My goal is to use all the little used tools and paper in my supplies for the next while.

I used blender pens and watercolor pencils to color in the bird. I'm still working on my coloring technique but I think I am getting a bit better.

Materials:
Stampin' Up! Paper: Chocolate chip, creamy caramel, whisper white
Stampin' Up! Ink: Basic black, chocolate chip
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Round tab punch, ticket corner punch, blender pens, watercolor pencils, sponges

Happy Birthday Mom!

2008-03-05T20:02:00.002-07:00

Today is my mom's birthday so I created this card for her. Ever since she saw the first Ink, Spray and Smash card that I made, she has loved it. So, I thought I would take the last extra piece I had already made through my last cards and create a special birthday card for her!

Stampin' Up! Paper: Basic black, brocade blue, glossy white, whisper white

Stampin' Up! Ink: Brocade blue

Stampin' Up! Accessories: real red and brocade blue reinkers, white unigell pen, paper piercer and real red brads

So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! Wish I was in Manitoba with you celebrating!

Love,

your favorite oldest daughter!!!

Envelope Pouch playing

2008-03-04T17:34:00.004-07:00

I was sitting around thinking about what to do for my second demo planner challenge entry when I remembered the envelope pouch. Now, I know it's not really a card and probably can't count towards the contest but I decided to make it anyways. (If you are a Stampin' Up! demo who has access to the demo side of Splitcoaststampers, you can check out this month's challenge here. It's free to play and you can win hand stamped prizes!)

These bright colors are really hard to work with. It may be hard to see but I used gable green to edge the white envelope to give it a bit more color. The bow tie looking pieces are just the left over pieces of my corner ticket punch.

Hmmm...I wish I had added more green. I tried to do it using the direct to paper technique with my ink pad but I couldn't get into the corners! Should have used a sponge instead.

Stampin' Up! Paper: Real red, only orange, basic black, tempting turquoise

Stampin' Up! Ink: Basic black, only orange, tempting turquoise, gable green

Stampin' Up! Accessories: whisper white medium envelope, small tag punch, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" circle punch, corner ticket punch

Wishing You Happiness...Demo Planner Challenge

2008-03-02T19:13:00.003-07:00

I've been MIA this past week or so. I'm sorry about that. I started getting sick right before teacher's convention. Which, of course, meant that I didn't get as much out of teacher's convention as I should have. At least I managed to focus during a few of the sessions. It kept getting worse and worse. Finally, I went to the walk in clinic on Thursday afternoon. I figured he'd possibly give me some anti-biotics, definately tell me that I'll be fine and send me on my way. Instead, the doctor promptly told me to take the next two days off. I have an infection in my bronchials. (sp?) I'm not sure if that means bronchitis. He didn't say bronchitis. Hmmm...Anyways...I'm feeling much better now. I don't feel the need to sleep 24-7.

So, on to the card. I started this card about a week ago but had to put it aside so I could prep for stamp club. I just had to try the ink, spray and smash technique one more time. I think I'll be using this many, many, MANY times! (As soon as I get more glossy white that is!) I just finished it tonight. It uses one of the sketch layouts and color combos for the demo planner challenge I organize every month. Maybe I'll actually get picked this month for one of the top 3. LOL.

I have been reading Markie's Mom's blog a lot lately. If you aren't already signed up, I really suggest that you do. I was obviously inspired by her tutorial on ink, spray and smash but I absolutely love how she uses the white dots so much in her cards. I just had to try it tonight. I think it really jazzes up the card.

Materials:
Stampin' Up! Paper: Basic black, glossy white, old olive, not quite navy, real red
Stampin' Up! Ink: basic black, brocade blue
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Unigel pen, scallop punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, real red and brocade blue reinkers

TFL!!!!

TLC 155: Ink, Spray and Smash Technique

2008-02-26T08:18:00.002-07:00

One of the great things about joining a group like SplitCoastStampers is the daily challenges they give you. Every day, you can participate in a different style of challenge such as Learning a new technique, use a special color combo, use supplies limited to the list, scrapbooking, etc. I spotted this technique challenge several weeks ago but last night was the first time I had a chance to actually do it. It was so easy and so much fun that I decided to demonstrate it for stamp club tonight! I can't wait to show them!!!

This technique is called Ink, Spray and Smash. My fellow SCSer, Markie's Mom, developed the technique many years ago and shared it with us on her blog. She is an extremely talented stamper and I would highly recommend that you jump right over there and get signed up to receive daily updates!!! She is truely awe inspiring!

The Materials:
Stampin' Up! Paper: 2-10 pieces of Glossy white, basic black
Stampin' Up! Ink: Basic Black
Stampin' Up! Accessories: brocade blue and real red reinkers, aqua painter or spray bottle
Other: Newspaper

The Technique:
*Pick one piece of glossy cardstock to be your base card.
*Spray it with water or use your aqua painter (since I didn't have a spray bottle) to drip and rub water all over the cardstock. Don't forget the edges!
*Place small drops of each reinker on the paper. For this one, I only dripped 3 small drops of each color. This is a 4 x 5 1/4" sheet of cardstock. I would expect the more you drip, the more sheets you can make.
*Place one of your other pieces of glossy cardstock glossy side down on this base sheet.
*Squish, rub, smash your cardstock until you are certain you have a clear coverage.
*Remove your piece and be amazed!
*Grab a new piece of glossy cardstock and spray/smoosh with water. (Smooshing is a very technical term not to be mixed up with slooshing or splooshing!)
*Place face down on original base and repeat.
*This can be repeated many times until your colors start coming out mucky.
*You should put your pieces aside to dry but I used my heat tool to dry it a bit and also used a piece of paper towel to take off the really wet spots.

I can definately see using this technique many, many times. I've already started developing my next card using the original base piece.

Markie's Mom has the original instructions in her blog so, like I said, I would definately check it out because she is absolutely brilliant!!!!!

Create an Envelope Pouch

2008-02-18T20:26:00.004-07:00

I'm sorry I didn't post last week. My hubby (dear, dear, DEAR sweet hubby) bought me the bestest Valentine's gift ever! He bought me plane tickets to go to Manitoba to visit my family! I only ever get to see them during the summer time. He hasn't been back in about 3 years. So, he definately deserves the extra special hubby award for this one!

On to today's card. Well, it's not really a card. Actually, it's not a card at all. Today's SCS try a new technique challenge was to create an Envelope Pouch. Using two items (plus decorations), you can create an adorable pouch for giving a small gift to someone. It would be great for holding wrapped candies or chocolates as long as they don't roll around too much or a gift card!

I wanted to create a pouch that would be very quick and easy to recreate without going too indepth or getting too complicated. I wanted to show my customers that they could create a very simple project in less than ten minutes without even having to think too hard or plan too much.

Materials:
Stampin' Up! Stamps: Zoofari
Stampin' Up! Paper: a piece of scrap cardstock with a scallop punched out of it to use as a mask.
Stampin' Up! Ink: Close to Cocoa
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Scallop punch, sponge daubers, small tag punch, envelope

Instructions:
Go to Amanda’s Stampin’ Project Junkie’s blog to check out her tutorial on creating the envelope punch.

When you’re done creating the pouch, grab the scrap paper with the scallop punched out of it and place it on top of the envelope pouch. Use the sponge dauber to sponge inside the scallop. When you remove it, you will have the shape of the scallop sponged on your pouch. Stamp other images (I used the monkey from zoofari) all over the pouch. Then I used the sponge dauber to add color to the edges of the pouch.

I plan on creating another envelope pouch in the next day or too so I can play some more! I hope you find these as fun and easy to make as I did!!!

Busy day prepping for a sweetheart workshop...and playing with the Shaving Cream, 2-4-6-8 box and Marbles techniques.

2008-02-09T17:36:00.001-07:00

My poor fingers are worn to the bone. I've been prepping for a sweetheart workshop that I am holding tomorrow. To be honest, I was also designing at the same time. I know...shame on me. I should have had this done already but at least it's done now!

This first card uses the shaving cream technique. It might be a bit messy but it's a ton of fun! Really, it's not THAT messy. I don't think I even got any on me this time!

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Celebrate Everything
Stampin' Up! Paper: So Saffron, Lavender Lace, Whisper White, Gable Green
Stampin' Up! Ink: Pink Passion
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Ribbon, Pretties Kit, Pink Passion Reinker, Corner Rounder, Mini Glue Dots, paper piercer
Other: Shaving Cream, knife, ruler, paper plate

Instructions:
*Place a small dollop of shaving cream onto the paper place.
*Place two drops of reinker onto the shaving cream.
*Use the knife to swirl the reinker into the shaving cream. You can swirl lightly for lots of white effects, swirl lots, or even swirl it so that the shaving cream completely turns color, then add a few more drops to swirl in an even darker shade.
*Place the white cardstock face down into the shaving cream and squish. Make sure it is completely covered.
*Remove.
*Lay face up on scrap paper.
*Use the ruler to scrape off the extra shaving cream.
Please note that it does take a bit longer for ink to dry on this type of surface. Be careful...you don't want to smudge your ink on such a pretty background!

This is my first ever 3x3 card. I thought it came out very cute! I used blender pens and watercolor pencils to color the image in. I'm still trying to get the hang of shadowing.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Happy Heart Day
Stampin' Up! Paper: Basic Black, Ruby Red, Cameo Coral, Whisper White
Stampin' Up! Ink: Basic Black
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Sponge daubers

I found the pattern for this adorable 2-4-6-8 box on the blog Mocha Memories. (She has all the instructions there) I just had to try it since I've never done a 2-4-6-8 box before. I didn't use any stamps or ink. Just cardstock and patterned paper. Pretty cool, eh?

Stampin' Up! Paper: Close to Cocoa and More Mustard Prints Designer Series Paper
Stampin' Up! Accessories: 1 1/4" circle punch, scallop punch, double sided tape

I also wanted to play with the marble technique as well today. It's such an easy technique!

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Happy heart day
Stampin' Up! Paper: Sahara Sand, Night of Navy, Garden Green, Brocade Blue, Whisper White
Stampin' Up! Ink: Brocade Blue, basic black, versamark
Stampin' Up! Accessories: small and large tag punch, slit punch, brocade blue reinker, empty stamp case
Other: marbles

Instructions:
*Empty out a stamp case.
*Place 2 drops of reinker in the bottom of the case.
*Place 5-6 marbles inside the case and close.
*Shake the case for about a minute in order to get those marbles covered in reinker.
*Open the case and lightly snail the piece of cardstock to the lid so that the part you want to be covered with marbles is facing into the box.
*Close the box, flip upside down and shake until you get the desired effect.

Suspension Cards

2008-02-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

This is my third attempt at creating a curious george themed birthday invitation for my niece who's turning 2. I think out of the three cards I created that this one is my favorite. I made the base of the pixie pouch black but it might be switched to chocolate chip for the actual invite depending on what my sister wants.

I used paper towel to "sponge" the background with yoyo yellow and real red. I just eyeballed the letters. Don't worry. I'll use my SAMJ (Stamp-a-ma-jig) to line them up properly for the actual invites!

Stampin' Up! (c) Paper: Yoyo Yellow, Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White

Stampin' Up! (c) Ink: Real Red, Yoyo Yellow, Chocolate Chip, Basic Black,

Stampin' Up! (c) Accessories: Ribbon, Corner rounder, 1 3/8" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, slot punch, double sided tape

Other: dental floss

I promised to write up instructions for a suspension card so here they are.

For this technique, you will want to cover up the back of the cardstock you punch a hole in or you will see the dental floss. You can do this a couple of different ways. What I did was fold my yoyo yellow cardstock in half. The dental floss will be hidden between the two layers of yoyo yellow.
Take the piece of cardstock you would like to put the suspension circle inside of (in this case, the yoyo yellow paper) and punch a 1 3/8" circle in it. You will need to punch a matching hole in the other piece as well. If you folded your cardstock in half, do NOT attempt to punch through both pieces at once or you could wreck your punch! What I did was...punch in the front then fold it then use the original hole to line up your punch. You can now punch through both pieces as you are not actually punching out the first layer.
Stamp the two images you would like to spin with the 1 1/4" circle punch...one for the front and one for the back.
Lay one piece face down on the table.
Place a piece of dental floss on the circle so that you have about one inch hanging from each end.
Snail down.
Pick up the circle and attach it to the other circle. Make sure they line up!!!
Open up your "yoyo yellow" cardstock.
Use the double sided tape to attach the dental floss to the cardstock so the circles sit inside the larger circle punched out of the "yoyo yellow".
Close up the two parts of the "yoyo yellow" cardstock.
Finish up your card.
Before putting the card in the envelope, wind up your card by spinning the circle many times.
When the receiver removes the card from the envelope, the circle will spin.

I hope that tutorial made sense! I really should start taking pictures of each step for the more complicated tutorials. I think I will once I buy a new camera but it could be a while!

Thanks for reading! Let me know which of the two invitations (one from the last post) that you like better!

Trying to create a birthday invitation for my soon to be 2 year old niece...

2008-02-05T22:05:00.000-07:00

My sister enlisted my help in creating a birthday invitation for my cutie pie niece who is turning 2 pretty soon. The task was a challenging one! (For me that is) The theme...Curious George. Colors to use: yellow, brown and red. The technique: suspension card. And the big challenge...it needed to say "Tamara's turning 2" on it. Which (when you're using whimsical alphabet lower, is NOT an easy task to fit on a regular sized card! Luckily, she wanted it to be a longer than normal invite anyways!

When you pull out the pocket piece, the monkey will spin and you will see the number two on the other side.

What makes this even more challenging is the fact that I didn't even have the stamp set zoofari! Again, I lucked out. At a big stamping gathering, I stamped a ton of images onto white cardstock. So, I could decorate with the monkey quite like she wanted me to but at least I got it on the spinner part!!! LOL

I am completely exhausted right now so I'm not going to post all the details about the card. Tomorrow, I will post the instructions for a suspension card and more details about this card. Tonight, I had a stamp club meeting (where I managed to forget my versamark pad which I really needed for the one card. Luckily, I had my versamarker and that worked ok). Then, I spent an hour on the phone with my mom and sister going through the zoofari gallery on SCS. My luck would have it that the gallery was working excrutiatingly slow for me but not for them. Go figure. Then, I ran down stairs and came up with this card.

I would really appreciate constructive criticism as I am always looking for ways to improve!

Hmmm...I can't decide if I like that white panel or if I should make all the words on either whisper white or yoyo yellow.

Sorry this one is so blurry. Don't know what happened there! But, I am WAY too tired to fix it tonight!

Ooohhh...I almost published this post without uploading the card! How bad is that!!!

Dahlia Fold

2008-01-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

Today's technique lover's challenge focused on Dahlia folds. The instructions are quite complicated so I am going to include a link to the website with the original instructions instead of trying to explain them.

I'm not sure what happened. You should only need 8 circles to complete the design, however, I ended up with a gap so I used Green Galore paper to build a stem.

Materials:
Stampin' Up! Paper: Chocolate Chip, Green Galore, Very Vanilla, Designer Paper
Stampin' Up! Ink: Chocolate Chip
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Corner rounder, 1 3/8" circle punch

I can't wait to play with this technique some more and improve it.

TFL

Bleaching Tutorial

2008-01-24T20:11:00.000-07:00

I created the following card using the Bleaching Technique.

Instructions for Bleaching:

Select a dark cardstock to bleach. This will NOT work on a light color such as Apricot Appeal. Ask me how I know! LOL

Fold up a piece of Paper towel and place on the paper plate.
Pour a little bit of bleach onto the paper towel. You don't want it sopping wet.

Ink up your stamp in the bleach and stamp on the cardstock.

Wait a few seconds and your image will appear

Stampin' Up! (c) Stamp Set: Embrace Yourself

Stampin' Ink: Bashful Blue, Apricot Appeal, Regal Rose

Stampin' Up! (c) Paper: Bashful Blue, Apricot Appeal, Cameo Coral, Always Artichoke

Accessories/Extras: Bleach, Taffeta Ribbon, Snail, Paper towel, Paper Plate, Ticket corner punch, Brad

My mom is blogging...

2008-01-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! I just helped my mom set up a blog! Now, she's not into stamping like me. She's into a different craft...oil painting. She's been painting for a while and she's getting pretty good (no bias there! LOL) She even taught me to oil paint this summer.

I have pics of my fabulous paintings!

My mom would LOVE it if you would go and comment on her paintings as they are uploaded.

Her blog: my painting studio

Wednesday's Sketch Challenge...Too Much of a Good Thing

2008-01-23T19:13:00.000-07:00

Too Much of a Good Thing

I created this card for Wednesday's Sketch Challenge on SCS.

I thought it was quite a cute sketch and had a ton of fun playing with it. However, I really need to think about measurements before putting a card together. I set all three panels to be 2" wide. Of course, when you put that together, you end up with 6" and the card base, of course, is only 5.5". Duh!!! I had already layered each piece when I realized this so I just shorted the left panel and right panel.

I created the reverse scalloped edges using my ticket corner punch. I really like the look of this and will keep playing with it for a while, I think.

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Time Well Spent
Stampin' Up! Ink: Bravo Burgandy, Apricot Appeal
Stampin' Up! Paper: Bravo Burgandy, Apricot Appeal, Handsome Hunter
Stampin' Up! Accessories: Ticket corner punch, sponge daubers

I hope you enjoy the card!!!

TLC 152: Pixie Pouch

2008-01-21T19:43:00.001-07:00

How to create a Pixie Pouch:

I created this pouch as part of today's technique lover's challenge: Pixie Pouches. It's just like a pocket card but the seam/fold is on the left instead of on the bottom. When I was uploading the instructions for creating this card to my gallery on SCS , it shut itself down. I had done the smart thing and copied the info but it lost that too...grrr...

When I stamped the sentiment, I did it on a piece of scrap cardstock. I guestimated and cut off the extra on the right. Then, I used my trimmer to eyeball the bashful blue matting. Then, I realized, I probably should have measured everything because I hadn't even considered whether it would fit on the pouch! Thank goodness, it did! Amazingly enough it didn't need to be trimmed or anything. Talk about good luck!!!

So here are the instructions for the pixie pouch, again, from scratch. LOL

1. Cut a piece of cardstock to size 7"x7"

2. Score it in half so when folded it measures 7"x3.5"

3. Unfold.

4. Cut along the top part of the score approximately 1.5" down.

5. Score it so that top piece folds down.

6. Add double sided tape to the bottom and to the right hand side to give it extra support. This way when you put a small present (like suckers, gum, etc) inside the pouch, it will not fall apart.

7. Decorate as usual.

You may notice that I have some reverse scalloped edges. I did this by removing the guard of my ticket corner punch and punch as usual.

I colored my white ribbon using sponge daubers and apricot appeal ink. I no longer by colored ribbon (except for the stitched kinds). Instead, I can die my ribbon using reinkers, chalks or ink to the exact shade I need without having 48 different types of ribbon on hand. It's also fun to multicolor them as well!

Stampin' Up! Stamps: Time Well Spent

Stampin' Up! Ink: bashful blue, basic black, apricot appeal

Stampin' Up! Cardstock: very vanilla, bashful blue, apricot appeal

Stampin' Up! Accessories: double sided tape, white ribbon, sponge daubers, double rectangle punch, ticket corner punch, markers

VSN continued...Celebrating the Good Times!

2008-01-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Today:

This morning, I created another card for VSN (Virtual Stamp Night). The theme for this "Girls Night Out Challenge" was "She's Got a ticket to stamp" by arinstamps. You had to create a ticket related card so I decided to use my ticket corner punch. I haven't used the crinkle chalks technique in a really long time so I thought I'd use that this time.

Crinkle Chalk Technique:

Take a piece of Saran Wrap and crunch it up.
Smush it gently into the lightest color of ink and tap all over your cardstock.
Repeat with the rest of your colors. I always go from lightest to darkest.

That's it! It's easy as pie!

Stampin' Up! Stamps:

Celebrate Everything

Stampin' Up! Ink:

Yoyo Yellow

Only Orange

Real Red

Stampin' Up! Cardstock:

Whisper White

Real Red

Stampin' Up! Accessories:

Ticket Corner Punch

Real Red Eyelets

Eyelet Setter Tool Kit

Welcome Little One:

I created this card for absolutely no reason. It wasn't part of the VSN challenge. It just kind of forced itself out of my brain. And when you've got a card forcing itself out, you don't really have much choice!

I stamped the big star in yoyo yellow and used the star punch to punch it out. It's raised with a dimensional just to give it some extra oomph. The stars at the bottom are also stamped in yoyo yellow.

I used the marble technique (such a fun one) for the background. The instructions are listed below on using marbles.

Marble Technique:

Take an empty stamp box and add 2 drops of reinker.
Place 4-5 marbles inside the box and close it up.
Shake the box until the marbles have ink all over them.
Open the box and tape a piece of cardstock onto the lid. The side that you want to be covered needs to face the inside of the box.
Close the box and flip over.
Shake until you get the coverage you want.
Open and remove your cardstock.

Voila! Easier than pie!!!

Stampin' Up! Stamps:

Celebrate Everythign

Stampin' Up! Ink:

Tempting Turquoise

Yoyo Yellow

Brilliant Blue

Stampin' Up! Cardstock:

Whisper white

Tempting Turquoise

Stampin' Up! Accessories:

Star Punch

dimensionals

Tempting Turquoise Reinker

Empty Stamp Case

marbles