IT'S TIME TO STAMP!

Sprinkled Expressions Valentine

2012-02-05T22:59:00.001-06:00

Basic Grey, Blushing Bride, and Whisper White are featured in this card layout along with the Twitterpated Designer Series Paper from the Occassion Mini Catalog. The stamp set (Sprinkled Expressions) is available free with a $50 purchase during Sale-A-Bration. I used lots of puches on this card including the label punch, the scallop circle punch, the 1 3/ 8" circle punch, the mini heart punch, the triple heart punch and the punch. I also used the blushing bride ribbon with the white edging. This design can be used with each of the stamp images from the Sprinkled Expressions stamp set. Watch for another version of this same card in the next few days.

Apothecary Art Stamp Set

2012-02-04T22:59:00.000-06:00

I just love this new set--Apothecary Art--in the Occassion mini catalog, and the new lable framelets die with its various sizes is a perfect companion accessory for this stamp set. I embraced the polka dots of this particular image when I embossed it in white and used the polka dot embossing folder on the Elegant Eggplant frame as well as the whisper white card front. I finished it off with some black polk dot ribbon I recently purchased from the Stampin' Up! clearance rack. Enjoy!

Fresh Vintage--Create With Connie and Mary and Stamping 411 Challenges

2012-01-22T17:21:00.000-06:00

I spent the last few hours in my stamping refuge, and it was so wonderful to have time to be creative. I took the time to get ready for my Sale-A-Bration Open House on Wednesday and then just started using my stamp sets, decorative paper, embellishments and tools from the Occasions Mini Catalog and Sale-A-Bration catalog. What a relaxing way to spend the day.

I decided to particpate in this week's Create With Connie & Mary Color Challenge and the Stamping 411 design challenge so here are the details.

Stamp Set: Fresh Vintage (Sale-A-Bration)

Card Stock: Whisper White, Peach Parfait, Cayipso Coral, Lucky Limeade

Ink: Peach Parfait, Calypso Coral and Lucky Limeade Markers

Miscellaneous: iioly Triple Layer Punch (cut each one in half and attach to white circle), Boho Blossoms Punch, Circles #2 Die (largest circle in white), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing folder, Everyday Enchantment ribbon and brad (Sale-A-Bration), White 1/8" Taffeta, Dazzling Details

Apothecary Art

2012-01-16T22:21:00.000-06:00

The new Occasions Mini Catalog is filled to the brim with some beautiful stamp sets, decorative paper and some new embossing tools. One of my favorite new sets is called Apothecary Art and goes perfectly with the new Labels Collection Framelits. I combined those two items with the Twitterpated Designed Series and the Adorning Accents Edgelit Die on my

envelope and card, and here is what I came up with.

My color scheme is Blushing Bride, Whisper White and Baja Breeze. I used the Stazon to stamp the image and greeting and used my markers (Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzaz) to add some color.

Enjoy!

Sneak Peak Sprinkled Expressions

2012-01-13T21:25:00.002-06:00

Sale-A-Bration begins on January 24, and here is a great set called Sprinkled Expressions that you can get free with a $50 purchase. It includes a flower, a heart and this star along with some greetings. I created the shiny textured background with the houndstooth embossing folder along with aluminum foil glued to whisper white card stock. It makes a great background with lots of shine to it. Here's the details. Enjoy!

Stamp Sets: Sprinkled Expressions, Happiest of Birthdays

Card Stock: Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Real Red

Other: Aluminum Foil, Houndstooth Embossing Folder

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge 235

2011-12-31T15:44:00.001-06:00

This week's Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge 235 made me reach for a soon to be released Sale-A-Bration stamp set called Sprinkled Expressions. It features three sayings and three images (which will be featured in future cards). Here are the details for this card:

Stamp Set: Sprinkled Expressions

Card Stock: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black, Regal Rose

Ink: Black Stazon

Accessories: Real Red 3/8" taffeta, Neutral Brads, Small Heart Punch, Full Heart Punch, Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Dimensionals

I'll be posting some additional cards using this set in the next week so stay tuned. Happy New Year!

Snow Swirled--CCMC179 and Saturday Sketch Challenge 233

2011-12-14T06:29:00.000-06:00

I had a few extra minutes to stamp yesterday and decided to use the Create With Mary and Connie and Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge as inspiration. I'm so glad these ladies do these challenges because they are such an inspiration to me particularly when life is really busy, and I don't have much time to get the cr

eative juices going. This non-traditional color scheme for a Christmas card turned out nicely, and I liked the simplicity of the design.

Enjoy!

Stamp Set: Snow Swirled

Card Stock: Whisper White, Poppy Parade, Lucky Lemonade, Basic Grey

Ink: Versamark

Accessories: Scallop punch, 1 3/8" punch, white embossing powder, Rhinestone jewels

Stampin' Up! Online Extravanganza

2011-11-20T07:31:00.000-06:00

Stampin' Up!'s Online Extravaganza begins Monday, November 21, 2011, and will run through Wednesday, November 30, 2011.

Be sure to log in to my Online Store on Monday, November 21, to take advantage of great savings like...

FREE digital downloads valued at $40 when you buy My Digital Studio Express

60% off select Designer Fabrics
30% off an exclusive ribbon bundle!
PLUS...two items, on sale for 24 hours only (Nov 21, 12:01 AM - 11:59 PM [MT])

SO...make sure you don't miss the first 24 hours of Online Extravaganza!

Watch for more detailed information to come on November 21!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Stamping!

Snow Swirled Stamping 411 SSC228

2011-11-09T20:38:00.001-06:00

It's been a busy fall at school so although I have been stamping like crazy to get ready for craft shows, I haven't had much time to post on my blog. So, with a few extra minutes in my day, I decided to show you what I have been up to. I'll start with a card I did for a trade ealier this week using the inspiration from Stamping 411 and then move on to the craft show pictures.

Stamp Set: Snow Swirled

Cards Stock: Night of Navy, Bashful Blue DSP

Ink: Versamark

Accessories: White embossing powder, scallop oval punch, Basic Rhinestones, white organza ribbon, snowburst embossing folder

Now, on to some posts from a craft show a fellow demonstrator and I did last weekend. We got lots ideas from around the web, so if you see one of you great ideas, let me say thank you in advance. Most of our stuff was a hit with the shoppers!

Aviary--Stamping 411 Sketch

2011-09-22T15:00:00.003-06:00

I love this set but don't use it often enough so I pulled it out to create a card for the Stamping 411 Sketch this week and used the stripe paper from the Just Add Cake DSP. Enjoy the rest of the week.

Stamp Sets: Avairy, Petite Pairs

Card Stock: Marina Mist, Delightful Daffodil, Wild Wisabi, Poppy Parade, Just Add Cake DSP

Stamp Pads: Poppy Parada, Marina Mist

Other: 2 3/8 Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/4 Scallop Circle Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, white gel pen, Stripes embossing folder, Marina Mist 1/8" Taffet ribbon

Day of Gratitude

2011-09-19T15:21:00.000-06:00

I hope your week is starting out well. I decided to take on two challenges at once in this card--the Create With Connie and Mary Color Challenge 167 and a new one I found last week called Stampin Queen's Sketch Challenge I pulled out the Day of Gratitude stamp set as we had a little frost the other night so some of the leaves are beginning to turn already and Cajun Craze and Old Olive worked nicely into this card along with the neutral Basic Grey.

Stamp Set: Day of Gratitude
Card Stock: Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Basic Grey, Whisper White

Markers: Cajun Craze and Old Olive

Other: White grossgrain, antique brad, perfect polka dot embossing folder

Gently Falling--Stamping 411

2011-09-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

We're having our first fall day in Minnesota so I thought it would be fitting to use Gently Falling for my submission to the Stamping 411 challenge this week. I love this color combination--Pool Party, Soft Suede, Chocolate Chip and More Mustard. This is the first time I purchased the Stampin' Up! fabric, and I am loving the way it looks. It can be used like ribbon but doesn't have the bulkiness that sometimes occurs with ribbon and costs extra postage to mail. The Petitie Pairs is a new set for me, and I am really enjoying it's flexibility. Enjoy!

Stamp Sets: Gently Falling, Petite Pairs

Card Stock: More Mustard, Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Spice Cake DSP

Stamp Pads: Pool Party, Chocolate Chip

Other: Small Oval Punch (retired), Large Oval Punch, Extra-Large, Oval Punch, Hemp Twine, Spice Cake Designer Fabric

Delicate Doilies and Petite Pairs--CCMC166

2011-09-13T15:30:00.000-06:00

I continue to grab the Delicate Doilies stamp set on a regular basis. I just love the many different looks you can achieve with it. This card was submitted for the Create With Connie and Mary Challenge 166 and uses Soft Suede, Marina Mist, and Blushing Bride. The polka dot ribbon was an accident about a year ago. I left my black stamp pad open and apparently had a piece of melon mambo polka dot ribbon stretched across it. It absorbed all that black ink and presented itself as soft suede!

Stamp Sets: Delicate Doilies, Petite Pairs

Card Stock: Soft Suede, Blushing Bride, Marina Mist, Very Vanilla, Beau Chateau DSP

Stamp Pads: Soft Suede

Other: Marina Mist and Blusing Bride markers, Antique Brads, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, sponge, dimensionals, ribbon

Upsy Daisy with New In-Colors for Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge 210

2011-07-05T12:53:00.000-06:00

I'm back from a wonderful July 4th weekend and wanted to share another card with you using the 2011-1013 In-Colors that were just released from Stampin' Up! I used them for the first time in my previous post, and I couldn't wait to try them again. I am submitting this card for the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge 210. This card uses the Upsy Daisy stamp set that has been around for a while, but I love how it lends itself to featuring multiple colors and the use of markers. The specifics for this card are listed below:

Stamp Sets: Upsy Daisy, Happiest Brithday Wishes (new hostess set)

Card Stock: Calypso Coral (8 1/2 x 5 1/2 and 3 1/2 x 3), Whisper White (4 x 5 1/4 and 3 1/4 x 2 3/4), Wisteria Wonder (5 1/4 x 1 1/2), Pool Party (5 1/4 x 1 1/2)

Markers: Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeage

Stamp pad: Versamark

Other: white embossing power, Polka Dot embossing folder, Scallop Circle punch, Eyelet Border punch, 2-way glue, dazzling diamonds glitter, dimensionals

Enjoy!

2011-2013 In-Colors Using Fabulous Florets

2011-07-02T07:17:00.000-06:00

I finally had the time to take the shrink wrap off my new 2011-2013 Stampin' Up! In-Colors, and I am loving them. I decided to play along with the Pals Paper Arts (PPA 100) challenge this week and used the Fabulous Florets stamp set found on p. 107 of the Idea Book and Catalog. I love to cut out and layer flowers like this for special cards, but one wouldn't want to make a large quantity of these as they do take time (great cutting project while watching television). Here are the specifics:

Card Stock: Calypso Coral ( 1 piece at 10 1/2" x 5 1/4", 1 piece at 4 3/4" x 1 3/8"), Pool Party (1 piece at 4 3/4" x 1 3/8"), Wisteria Wonder ( 1 piece at 4 3/4" x 1 3/8"), Whisper White (1 piece at 5" x 5", 1 piece at 1/2" x 4", miscellaneous pieces for flowers)

Stamp Pads: Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade

Accessories: Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Basic Pearls, Dimensionals

Enjoy!

The New Catalog Has Arrived

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

Here it is...what we have all been waiting for...the new 2011-2012 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog. Just CLICK HERE, and you will be transported into a shopping experience like no other. The stamp sets, the die cuts, the accessories and new colors are exceptional, and I will be posting samples on a regular basis during the next few months (school is out, so the teacher can play). Shop online or email me directly to place an order.

A New Catalog and a New Deal

2011-07-01T05:00:00.001-06:00

CLICK HERE for more details.

$99 Starter Kit
Contains over $180 in products and business supplies--including new products from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog! All items below are recommended, but a new demonstrator can substitute a similar item of equal or lesser value.

Page	Item	Description
57	123225	Easy Events Clear-Mount Set*
69	122740	Pennant Parade Wood-Mount Set*
177	102277	Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
177	105216	Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
177	103133	Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
177	119706	Brights 8-1/2" x 11" Assorted Card Stock
180	101179	Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
182	107311	Whisper White Note Cards (20)
185	124339	Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper*
195	124142	Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon*
203	122129	Blender Pen (1)
205	118486	Clear-Mount Block C
206	104332	SNAIL Adhesive

*New to the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog!

Business Supplies
The business supplies in these promotional mini kits will be the same business supplies that are in existing starter kits; no alternative selections can be made for business items.

Getting Started DVD
Getting Started Guide
Guest Invitation Postcards (100)
2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog (8)
2011 Summer Mini Catalog (8)
Stampin' Up! logo vinyl
Décor Elements applicator
To My Hostess Envelopes (10)
My Digital Studio Marketing DVD
Recruit Folders (5)
Recruit Brochures (20)
Customer Order Forms (50)

Contact me to get additional information and find out the added benefits of joining my team. It's so easy. Then you can CLICK HERE and Join the Fun as a new Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Create With Connie and Mary and Stamping 411 Take Two

2011-06-27T16:00:00.001-06:00

The Delicate Doilies stamp set will soon make its debut in the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog, and I used one of the stamps from this set along with some retiring DSP and ribbon to make this card. The Color Challenge at Create With Connie and Mary along with the design from Stamping 411 inspired this card. Enjoy!

I used the following supplies to make this card:

Card Stock: Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, Old Olive
Stamp Pad: Tangerine Tango
Punches: 2 3/8" Scallop Circle, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch
Other: Turquoise Fire Square Brad, Tangerine Tango polka dot ribbon, Square Lattice embossing folder

Thanks to both Create with Connie and Mary and Stamping 411 for their inspiration.

Have a great week! I'll be back when I return from a few days of vacation.

Stamping 411 Challenge

2011-06-25T21:44:00.000-06:00

I love having the time to participate in some of the great online card challenges, and summer is my time to do that so I turned to one of my favorites today. The Stamping 411 website is a great inspiration for me so here is my take on this week's challenge. I used Whisper White, Real Red and Basic Black along with the new Delicate Doilies stamp set which will be in the 2011-2012 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog. I embossed white on black and black on white and added an antique brad and a 1/8" real red taffeta bow for this one. I also used the Polka Dot embossing folder for the background and finished it off with Happy Birthday from Tiny Tiny Wishes embossed in black and punched with the Word Window Punch. Enjoy!

Another Lace Border Punch Bow

2011-06-19T21:05:00.000-06:00

I decided to play with this lace border punch a bit more today and came up with a pretty box and bow combination. I started with melon mambo 12 x 12 card stock (which you can't see) and scored at 2" on each side. I created the bottom of the box. I them used the Beyond the Garden DSP from the Summer Mini Catalog (and making a showing in the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog) and scored at 2 1/16" on each side to create the box top. Use another piece of 12 x 12 melon mambo and punch several strips using the lace border punch the ribbon and make the bow. Secure the bow using a brad through the melon mambo along with the DSP. This will be a great gift box for a birthday gift for a friend of mine. Enjoy!

Sneak Peak Lace Ribbon Border Punch

2011-06-19T08:34:00.000-06:00

I have finally had time to play with a few new items from the 2011-2012 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog. This cute box was inspired by a UStamp with Dawn & Friends Blog Hop. It uses the scallop envelope die. I then decided to put my new Lace Ribbon Border Punch to work to create a ribbon for my box. I punched two strips of 12" Paisley Petals DSP--one for the bow and one for the ribbon around the box. I connected it all with a brad. It just so happened that the 12" ribbon fit perfectly around the box so I was just able to slip it on. I also included a picture of my practice bow/ribbon using a retired piece of DSP. Enjoy!

Say Goodbye to Some Really Great Products

2011-06-01T20:30:00.000-06:00

This time of year at Stampin' Up! is bittersweet. Some of your favorite stamp sets and accessories are being discontinued, but you still have time to stock up and purchase that stamp set or two you have been thinking about getting before it is retired. Follow the links below to get to the retired clear mount stamp set list, wood mount stamp set list, accessory and definitely decorative lists. The accessory and definitely decorative lists are "while supplies last" only so don't delay. The stamp sets will be available until June 30. You can order online by clicking HERE or email me at bemjar@comcast.net

Bunny Pillow Box

2011-03-23T19:59:00.000-06:00

When I saw this

bunny at Carla's Scraps, I knew I had to make some. They are door prizes for a upcoming workshop I am going to have. Carla has a great tutorial on how to make the bunny with Stampin' Up! punches. Enjoy!

Milk Carton Box

2011-03-21T21:10:00.000-06:00

I found the pattern for this box at Creativity in Progress. I just love the way it turned out using two milk cartons. The melon mambo card stock was used along with the Ice Cream Parlor DSP. I used the 1/8" punch to punch holes on each fold at the top and threaded some silver cording (retired) to close the top of the box. I filled this with candy, but it would be a great gift box for some jewelry or other small gift. I want to make a few more of these and will post them when I do. Enjoy!

Flower Pot Card Set

2011-03-21T18:55:00.000-06:00

With spring just around the corner, I thought I would share this project we did at a recent card club. We started with a 4" clay pot and painted it using acrylic paint. I have countless bottles of this in my basement from the myriad of projects my kids did in school over the years. The open ended envelopes measure 6 3/4" x 3 1/2" so I cut 6 of the Old Olive at 3" x 11 (fold in half), cut 6 Whisper White at 5 1/4" x 2 3/4", cut 6 of the Celebrations DSP at 2 3/4" x 3", 6 Old Olive at 2 1/4" x 3 3/4" and 6 Whisper White at 2" x 3 1/2". I used a retired set for the image and greetings but there are so many sets you could use. I'll be posting another set with a different design in a few days. These make a great gift for Mother's Day, teachers gifts, and a spring birthday gift. Once the cards are gone, the recipient can use the flower pot to plant something.

Elements of Style

2011-03-20T10:32:00.000-06:00

I saw this sample by Laura G Lin on the Stampin' Up! demonsgtrator website. She used Riding Hood Red in place of the Elegant Eggplant. I loved how she used the Big Shot embossing folders to bring interest to all the different elements of the card.

Stamp Set: Elements of Style, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Card Stock: Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant, Marina Mist

Stamp Pad: Basic Black, Marina Mist, Elegant Eggplant

Accessories: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8 Circle Punch, 1 1/4 Circle Punch, Modern Punch, Word Window Punch, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Petals-A-Plenty Embossing Folder, 2-Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter. Corner Rounder, Blender Pen

I also ran the flap of the envelope through the Petal-A-Plenty embossing folder. It makes a great finishing touch to the card and envelope.

Inlaid Embossing

2011-03-18T09:17:00.001-06:00

I really love the inlaid embossing technique outlined on the Stamping 411 blog. I have used it several times, and I will be demonstrating it at my workshop on Saturday. Here'e the recipe for this one:

Stamp Set: Word Play

Ink: Poppy Parade

Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Concord Crush, Poppy Parade, Very Vanilla, Tempting Turquoise

Accessories: Boho Blossom Punch, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Pearls

Enjoy!

Satruday Sketch Challenge #194

2011-03-17T22:13:00.003-06:00

It's so good to be on spring break for a week. I've spent quite a bit of time in my stamping room getting ready for two stamping workshops this weekend. I also had a chance to play around with the Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge for this week.

Stamp Set: Punch Bunch

Card Stock: Pacific Point, Ice Cream Parlor DSP, Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo, Delightful Daffodil, Old Olive, Whisper White

Stamp Pad: Melon Mambo

Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, Scallop Square Punch, 1 3/8 Circle Punch, 1 1/4 Circle Punch, Boho Blossom Punch, Square Fire Rhinestone Brads

Stop back over the next few days for more samples. Enjoy!

Upsy Daisy--Two for One

2011-03-05T08:31:00.001-06:00

It's been a while since I posted as life is very busy. This morning I had a little extra time and decided to participate in the Stamping 411 Challenge and Stacy's Curtain Call Color Challenge with this card.

Here are the details:

Stamp Set: Upsy Daisy

Card Stock: Crumb Cake, More Mustard, Cherry Cobbler, So Saffron, Whisper White

Markers: Crumb Case, So Saffron, Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard

Accessories: Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Mat Pack, 2-way glue, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

I'm hosting a Chicks, Chocolates, and Cards workshop on Saturday, March 19. If you live in the Minneapolis area and would like to join me between 9:00 a.m. and 2 p.m., please email me for more specific details. I'd love to have you join in the fun. We'll be stamping 10 cards (2 of 5 different designs) for $15.00.

Light Up the Night

2011-02-10T20:00:00.001-06:00

My stamp club met on Tuesday night, and this was one of our projects. I originally saw this idea on Inking Idaho. The pattern can be found at this site, and this was really a fun card to make. We used paper from the Level 1 In-Color Hostess paper pack of DSP. I attached the top half of the ribbon on the bottom of the lamp shade and cut a sliver of ribbon off the bottom edge. Then, just make the fringe for the lamp. I also used the dotted embossing folder on the black lamp base. Enjoy this fun project!

Big Shot Project #4

2011-01-15T16:36:00.004-06:00

I borrowed the idea for this card from someone's blog but I can't find who it was right now. The Avairy set is so cute, and I love how it looks like the bird cage is hanging from a branch cut using the Little Leaves sizzlits die. I decided to use a wooden frame to surround the image on this card using the polka dot embossing folder. I put my very vanilla card stock into the embossing folder and then put a rectangular wooden frame which I purchased at a craft store for about $1 on top of the embossing folder and ran it through the Big

Shot. This technique allows the center of the wooden frame to be free of the polka dots which creates a perfect spot for stamping in the middle of your card. My color combtination is pacific point, garden green and peach parfait. Enjoy!

Big Shot Project #3

2011-01-08T18:52:00.001-06:00

This gift card holder is perfect for a all ages. I started with a 5 1/2" by 8 1/2" piece of Rose Red which I folded in half. I used the Top Note die cut and placed the fold right below the edge of the die so a fold remains on 5 1/2" side. I then ran both sides through the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder. I then used Very Vanilla card stock to cut out a Scallop Circle and ran it through the Perfect Polks Dots embossing folder Next, I used the Springtime Vintage DSP from the Occasions Mini to cut out the larger of the circles from the Scallop Cricle #2 die cut. I just folded the circles in half and attached the DSP on top of the Very Vanilla. I used the Crop-A-Dile to punch a hole on the fold equal distance from each side and then threaded pretty in pink grosgrain through the holes and tied a knot to secure the ribbon.

The flowers on the bottom right are cut out of the DSP (attached with a dimensional), and I used a pretty in pink retired coduroy button.

For the inside, I used the Top Note again to cut a single piece of rose red and ran it through the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder. I cut it in half and then attached it on the edges with mono-adhesive. I used the Short and Sassy stamp set for the greeting and punched it out with the oval punch and then punched a piece of the DSP with the scallop oval.

I'll share the last two projects from my Big Shot workshop in the next few days. Enjoy!

Big Shot Project No. 2

2011-01-07T06:27:00.005-06:00

This is the second project from my Big Shot Class I held last night. The new Framed Tulip Embossing Folder is just beautiful, and I combined it with the new Baby Blossoms stamp set and the Springtime Vintage designer series paper to create this card. All of these products are in the new Occasions Mini Catalog. The flower are just cut out from one of the pieces of paper. I used Not Quite Navy card stock and ink...simple and clean but I really liked how this card turned out. You'll be seeing more samples using the Baby Blossoms and Springtime Vintage paper in the near future. They make a great combination. Watch for Projects 3-5 in the next few days. Enjoy!

Happy New Year

2011-01-06T06:39:00.000-06:00

It's been a while since I posted last, but I am having a Big Shot workshop tonight and wanted to share one of the projects we are going to make. The rest will follow over the next few days. For this one, I used the brayer to cover the texture plate with poppy parade ink before I ran it through the Big Shot. I love the effect it creates. The color combination of poppy parade and concord crushed worked well for this, and I love the Friends Never Fade stamp set. I added some dazzling diamonds glitter to the two flowers. Enjoy and watch for more samples in the days to come.

Bells and Boughs

2010-11-21T20:02:00.001-06:00

One of the current Stampin' Up! specials features the Bells and Boughs stamp set and the Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper. I took out several of my die cuts and made this quick and easy card. Cherry Cobler and Almost Artichoke card stock coordinate with this DSP perfectly. I used Versamark and gold embossing powder along with the arways artichoke, cherry cobler, crumb ckae and more mustard markers to color the image. Enjoy!

Holiday Purse

2010-11-11T16:55:00.000-06:00

This purse pattern from Becky Roberts at Inking Idaho is a great addition to your stamping resources, and I decided to make it using the Candy Cane Designer Series paper. The picture doesn't do it just, but the sparkle in the pape

r adds such a festive flair to it. I used garden green, real red, and whisper white card stock as the coordinating colors. The Oval All stamp set was used for the greetings along with the large oval and scallop oval punch. I ran the Whisper White through the polka dot embossing folder to give it some dimension. What a perfect teacher gift, co-worker gift or something to bring to the party host during the holidays. Enjoy!

Royal Blog Candy Winner

2010-11-09T06:08:00.000-06:00

Thank you all so much for visiting my blog during the Royal Blog Tour. I hope you make a habit of coming back on a regular basis. The winner of the blog candy is Ola. She wrote:

"I love the gift card holder.... all of your creations are gorgeous!
Thank you so much for sharing & the chance to win!!!"

I will be emailing you to get your mailing address so I can get this to the post office.

I also wanted to post an item I sold at a craft fair I participated in this past weekend. I love these file folders and used directions I had gotten several months ago to put these together. The directions were given to me at my upline's meeting, and I just created the ones shown here by using that sample, but I did look online just before I posted this and found a tutorial HERE. I used the Pawsitively Prints II DSP to add a little more interest to the folders. The small legal pads fit perfectly into the pocket created by the folds. They would be great to use for grocery shopping--coupons on the left side, list on the right. I think they will make great teacher gifts. Enjoy!

Royal Blog Tour

2010-11-04T20:20:00.007-06:00

Welcome to the next stop on your journey through the Royal Blog Kingdom. As one of the princesses, I must say I am thrilled you decided to accept the invitation to visit my special spot in the castle. As you stroll through this beautiful countryside, you are sure to see many wonderful sites. I really hope you enjoy this one.

I am very excited to share my creations with you in my first ever blog tour. When I was asked to pick a Stampin' Up! set to use, I decided to challenge myself by choosing one that was somewhat out of my typical stamping mode so I choose Countryside. This set has a masculine flair and lends itself well to water coloring. I spent many hours sketching ideas, stamping, and starting over so here is what made the final cut. Enjoy each of the samples and make sure you sign up for some blog candy after the last one.

It is so good to finally have fresh water available in the castle. This next sample uses the water pump image, and it made me think of pumping water from a well so why not make a Get Well Card. The right side with the image on it opens up as does the real red piece of card stock on the left. I used the Curvy Verses set on the inside to convey a get well message.

Now I might want to give the handsome prince a gift card for all his hard work around the castle so I used the top note die cut along with the Woodland Walk Designer Series paper to make this next sample. I used cajun craze measuring 4 1/4" by 6 1/2" (scored at 2" on each side). I used my markers to color in the image and fastened it shut with a circular velcro dot.

Some princesses follow the rules all the time, but I sometimes need to think outside the box a bit and that prompted me to create some "diva chickens" to display on a faux film strip. Who said chickens need to be traditional colors anyway!

I hope you enjoyed your stop at this end of the Countryside. This definitely challenged my creativity, but we all need to step out of our comfort zone once in a while. I am giving away some blog candy for U.S. residents visiting this tour and in order to qualify for it, you must
1. provide me with your name and email address so I can contact you if you are
the winner by emailing me (see email me on the right side of my blog) or
2. leave a comment with your name and email address

Now it's time to travel to the next stop on the Royal Blog Tour. Happy Traveling!

Final Royal Blog Tour Clues

2010-11-03T20:39:00.002-06:00

Here are clues five and six for the Royal Blog Tour. Can you figure them out? Did you submit your guess for the chance to win some great prizes?

Join me on Friday, November 5-8 for my stop on the Royal Blog Tour.

Royal Blog Tour Clues

2010-11-03T05:38:00.000-06:00

Here is clue number three for the Royal Blog Tour.

And how about clue number four. Any ideas yet?

Royal Blog Tour Clues

2010-11-01T21:11:00.000-06:00

The Royal Blog Tour starts in a few days--November 5--and here are a few clues to help you toward your chance to win some great prizes.

Watch for two more clues tomorrow.

Bells and Boughs

2010-10-18T07:52:00.002-06:00

Here's another gift box with cards using the Bells and Boughs stamp set along with the Deck the Halls Designer Series paper. The Scallop Envelope die makes this a quick and easy gift item to make. You can see the first one of these I made here with the "fall theme" using Day of Gratitude.

Stamp Set: Bells and Boughs
Card Stock: Whisper White, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler
Markers: Cherry Cobbler, Always ARtichoke, More Mustard
Other: Cajun Craze and Early Expresso Markers, Early Expresso 1/8" Taffeta, 2 3/8" Scallop and 1 3/4" Scallop Punches, Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper, Scallop Envelope Die, Polka Dot Embossing Folder, mini glue dots

Day of Gratitude Gift

2010-10-17T07:29:00.000-06:00

My craft show is just a few weeks away, and here is another item for the table. I modified a design at Dawn's Stamping Thoughts where she made a cover for post-it-notes. I wanted to do a similar design with the half of a small legal pad so I changed the 7 3/8" x 3 1/4" base to 7 3/8" x 8 1/4". Check out her video tutorial here as it is very easy to follow.

Stamp Set: Day of Gratitude
Card Stock: Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla
Stamp Pads: Cajun Craze, Versamark
Other: Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke and More Mustard Markers, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch, Autumn Spice Designer Series Paper,

Day of Gratitude Gift Box and Notecards

2010-10-14T19:14:00.008-06:00

My stamp club met at my house on Tuesday night, and this is one of the items we made. It's great for cards and Ghirardelli chocolates fit nicely in the box, too.

Stamp Set: Day of Gratitude
Card Stock: Cajun Craze, Early Expresso, Wild Wasabi, More Mustard, Very Vanilla
Stamp Pads: Cajun Craze, Early Expresso, Wild Wasabi, More Mustard
Other: Cajun Craze and Early Expresso Markers, Early Expresso 1/8" Taffeta, 2 3/8" Scallop and 1 3/4" Scallop Punches, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" circle punch, Autumn Spice Designer Series Paper, Scallop Envelope Die, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, mini glue dots

Organize Your Recipes

2010-10-09T10:47:00.011-06:00

I have had these metal tins in the basement for several years and finally decided to pull them out of the box and make something. With the holidays approaching, I thought I would make a few gift items to have on hand. I used the Pawsitively Prints II Designer Series Paper to cover the tin and clip board and accent the recipe dividers. I used modgepodge to adhere the paper to the clipboard and sticky strip on the tin.

The alphabet set Lovely Letters Alphabet was used to stamp out RECIPES. I created a Word file with the different categories of recipes and used the Round Tab Extra Large Punch to punch out the dividers. I was pleased to discover the clipboard fit inside the box for easy gift giving. Enjoy!

Autumn Splendor

2010-10-05T20:06:00.008-06:00

Fall is in the air in Minnesota, and the colors in my neighborhood are beautiful. This inspired me to make this card for my sister.

Stamp Set: Autumn Splendor, Perfect Punches
Card Stock: Garden Green, Very Vanilla, Cajun Craze, Chocolate Chip
Markers: Garden Green, Cajun Craze
Other: Word Window and Wide Oval Punch, pearls, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Crystal Effects, sponge, dimensionals
Stamp Pads: Garden Green, Cajun Craze, More Mustard

I wanted to add dimension to the card so I cut out two of the oak leaves and two of the maple leaves along with a set of acorns. I used dimensionals to raise them up and then added crystal effects to make the leaves shine.

Holiday Series--Stamping 411 Challenge

2010-09-25T06:34:00.008-06:00

I guess it's time to start gearing up to holiday stamping so here is the first of several posts using the Bells and Boughs stamp sets from the Holiday Mini Catalog along with the beautiful Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper. I was inspired by the Stamping 411 Weekly Design. I wanted to achieve a "vintage look" for this card so I colored the pearls with the cherry cobbler marker. Of course, the color doesn't adhere in a uniform way and looks somewhat peeled off like an antique bead would look.

My color combination for this card was Almost Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler and Crumb Cake along with a little Very Vanilla. I love the new Chantilly Crochet Trim. It gives it such an antique look.

Enjoy the sample and your weekend.

Scallop Punch Flower

2010-09-19T07:05:00.000-06:00

I saw the idea for this card somewhere online, and I want to thank whoever was my inspiration. I wish I had written it down. Anyway, I used my 1 3/4" and 2 3/8" scallop circle punch then cut between the scallops to get the petal effect.

With summer winding down in Minnesota, I then decided to change the color scheme for a more fall look. Enjoy!

Stamp Set: Perfect Punches
Card Stock: Card 1--Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Delightful Daffodil, Pacific Point; Card 2--Very Vanilla, Delightful Daffodil, Tangerine Tango, Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke
Ink: Card 1--Delightful Daffodil and Pacific Point Markers; Card 2--Delightful Daffodil Marker
Other: Polka Dot Embossing Folder and Scallop Oval Punch; Card 1--Pacific Point Corduroy Brad (retired), Melon Mambo Polka Dot Ribbon (retired); Card 2--Chocolate Chip Corduroy Brad (retired), Chocolate Chip 5/8" grosgrain(retired)

Take Note

2010-09-18T18:42:00.005-06:00

I have been really busy the past few weeks getting back into the swing of teaching, adjusting to the early morning start time, and getting ready for my very first craft show. I have been making these altered composition books and thought I would share them with you today.

I used the Greenhouse Gala Designer Series paper and cut two pieces at 6" x 10" and one piece of coordinating card stock at 4" x 10". I used lots of monoadhesive and attached the DSP to the edge of notebook and then added the card stock. I did trim the edges a bit and added a ribbon. The coordinating pens are filled with DSP as well.

I'll be sharing a few other projects as I get them completed. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Friends Never Fade Meets Perfect Punches

2010-09-06T04:15:00.000-06:00

I am really liking the color combination in the card. Cajun Craze was not my favorite color but when you get the right colors to use with it, it really works well. The Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper has such a wide variety of colors and patterns, it can be used so many different ways, and the Friends Never Fade stamp set is one of my favorites.

Stamp Set: Friends Never Fade, Perfect Punches
Card Stock: Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake Whisper White
Ink: Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake and Marina Mist Markers
Other: Wide Oval Punch, Marina Mist 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper

Holiday Mini Catalog

2010-09-01T09:32:00.005-06:00

Could Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas be right around the corner? The new Holiday Mini released today has a wonderful supply of stamp sets, papers, embellishments, etc. to help you get ready! Grab a cup of coffee or glass of ice tea and enjoy a walk through the Holiday Mini. I'll be posting samples from the catalog over the next few weeks. Enjoy!

Thoughts and Prayers

2010-09-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

Every six to eight weeks, I hold a 10-10-10 Card Workshop at my home. This involves up to 10 stampers, making 10 all-occasion cards that take about 10 minutes each to make. This is one of the cards we made, and I'll be posting the rest of the cards over the next few days. If you live in the Minneapolis area and would like to join me for the next 10-10-10 Workshop, just email me by clicking on the link to the right.

This card design was inspired by the Stamping 411 challenge last week. I made the card but never got it posted. Oh well, I'm back to work after a great summer and sometimes the day just gets by me before I get everything done on my list. Anyway, enjoy the sample and your week.

Stamp Set: Thoughts and Prayers
Card Stock: Garden Green, Very Vanilla, Early Expresso, Crumb Cake
Markers: Early Expresso, Crumb Cake, Garden Green
Other: Woodland Walk designer series paper, Medium Scallop Die, White Gel Pen, Circle Scissors Cutter

Just Believe

2010-08-28T06:00:00.002-06:00

I am going to put the Just Believe stamp set away for a while, but here is just one more sample before I do. Like the previous post, I used the Woodland Walk DSP. I just love the colors in this package of paper. This time I also included a matching envelope following the video instructions from Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty. Enjoy!

Stamp Set: Just Believe
Card Stock: Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip,
Markers: Garden Green, Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake
Other: Woodland Walk Designer Series Paper, 1/2" Chantilly ribbon, Basic Pearl Jewels, sponge

Just Believe

2010-08-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

Here's my favorite new set again--Just Believe, and I combined it with the Woodland Walk Designer Series Paper. I designed this card for a card club trade I participate in on a monthly basis, and it was well received.

Stamp Set: Just Believe
Card Stock: Wild Wasabi, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Poppy Parade
Markers: Wild Wasabi, Chocolate, Crumb Cake
Other: Woodland Walk Designer Series Paper, Modern and Word Window Punch, Poppy Parade, 2-way glue, dazzling diamonds glitter, Poppy Parada 1/2" Stitched-Poly ribbon, Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die, Basic Pearl Jewels

Curtain Call Color Challenge Act 44

2010-08-26T05:00:00.001-06:00

This week's Curtain Call Color Challenge was a great one that I really enjoyed putting together. It fit perfectly with the Build A Bear Workshop Pawstively Print II Designer Series Paper.

Stamp Sets: Simply Said, Heard From the Heart
Card Stock: Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Poppy Parade
Stamp Pads: Tempting Turquoise, Poppy Parade
Other: 1 1/4" square and corner small punch, circle ice brads, Build A Bear Workshop Pawstively Print II DSP

Upsy Daisy--CCMC 112

2010-08-25T06:00:00.011-06:00

This morning I decided to get up early and stamp before I went to work. My inspiration was the color challenge from Create With Connie and Mary. They are two very talented stampers!

So here is the card I came up with. I love the new dotted scallop ribbon border punch and, of course, there is nothing like a little glitter to bring an image to life. Enjoy your day!

Stamp Set: Upsy Daisy
Card Stock: Basic Black, Pacific Point, Bashful Blue, Delightful Daffodil, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White
Markers: Pacific Point, Bashful Blue, Delightful Daffodil, Wild Wasabi
Other: Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch, Scallop Oval and Large oval punch, 2-way glue, dazzling diamonds glitter

Elements of Style

2010-08-24T20:06:00.010-06:00

Sometimes I just like to color! It takes me back to when I was a kid and loved getting all those new crayons at the start of school. I enjoyed it again when my kids were little and love incorporating it into my stamping once in a while.

Stamp Set: Elements of Style
Card Stock: Delightful Daffodil, Blushing Bride, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Stamp Pad: Basic Black, Delightful Daffodil, Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, Pink
Other: Blender Pen, 2-way glue, dazzling diamonds glitter, Blushing Bride 1/2" stitched-poly ribbon, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch, 1" Circle Punch, sponge

Box It Up

2010-08-22T12:15:00.008-06:00

I found a tutorial for this cute little box on the right at Tina's My Therapy, My Creations so I made one using some Designer Series Paper from a few years ago when Tangerine Tango was an In-Color. I then decided to increase the size to accommodate a little bigger gift or more candy!

Here are my changes from Tina's tutorial for the larger box .

Start with cardboard covered with cardstock at 4 3/4" by 4 3/4".
Use the large scallop die to cut out the two large circle scallops.
Cut the designer paper at 11 1/4" by 2 1/2" and 11" by 2".
Score at 1/2" lengthwise and cut as outlined on the tutorial.
Cut the inner circles with the Circle Scissors Cutter using the 12th line from the center.
Adhere the large scallop circles to the designer series paper circles using crystal effects.

Enjoy!

Just Believe--Sample 3

2010-08-13T05:00:00.000-06:00

The Just Believe stamp set continues to be front and center on my stamping table so I decided to try a different color combination to showcase this set.

Stamp Set: Just Believe
Card Stock: Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise Crumb Cake, Garden Green, Whisper White
Markers: Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise Crumb Cake, Garden Green
Other: Square Lattice Embossing folder, Word Window and Modern Punch

Elements of Style

2010-08-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

I love this color combination--Elegant Eggplant, Marina Mist, and Melon Mambo which I used in this simple card. It took me only about 10 minutes to put this one together.

Stamp Set: Elements of Style
Card Stock: Whisper White (3 3/4" x 5"), Elegant Eggplant (8 1/2" x 5 1/2"), Marina Mist (4" x 5 1/4")
Stamp Pads: Elegant Eggplant, Marina Mist, Melon Mambo
Other: Basic Pearls, Large Oval and Scallop Oval Punch, White Organza Ribbon

Upsy Daisy--Two for One--CCMC110 and Curtain Call Challenge Act 42

2010-08-10T05:00:00.001-06:00

I decided to combine the color scheme from Stacy's Curtain Call Color Challenge and the layout from Create with Connie and Mary to make this card. Once I used my markers to create the floral image on the very vanilla cardstock, I used the versamark pad to ink up the entire circle, sprinkled clear embossing powder with dazzling diamonds glitter in it and used the heat gun to set it. I was really pleased how it turned out and thank both these websites for their inspiration.

Stamp Set: Upsy Daisy
Card Stock: Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzaz, Early Expresso, Very Vanilla
Markers: Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzaz, Early Expresso
Other: Versamark, Clear Embossing Powder with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter in it, Large and Scallop Oval Punch, Scallop Circle Die, Circle Scissor Cutter, Pear Pizzaz 1/2" Stitched-poly Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Polka Dot Embossing Folder

Just Believe--Sample 2

2010-08-09T06:00:00.003-06:00

I found this color combination on the back of the color coach for Cherry Cobbler, and I really like it so hear is another sample using the Just Believe stamp set--one of my new favorites.

This is my submission for the Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge

Stamp Set: Just Beleive, Elements of Style (for you)
Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler, Early Expresso, Delightful Daffodil, Whisper White
Markers: Cherry Cobbler, Early Expresso, Delightful Daffodil, Garden Green
Other: Scallop oval, 1" and 1 1/4" circle punches, Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Basic Pearls, dimensionals, 2-way glue, dazzling diamonds glitter

Lovely As a Tree

2010-08-08T06:00:00.009-06:00

I am using one of my all-time favorite stamp sets today--Lovely As a Tree. It has been in the Stampin' Up! catalog for about five years now, and it is one of the best sets ever. Today I chose the layout from Mary Jo Price-Williams' Monday Lunchtime Sketch and decided to go with a holiday theme. I guess it's time to begin thinking about Christmas card ideas so I won't be rushing at the last minute. Enjoy!

Stamp Set: Lovely As a Tree, Short and Sweet
Paper: Concord Crush, Always Artichoke, Whisper White, Brushed Silver
Ink: Concord Crush, Versa Mark
Other: Silver Embossing Powder, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, 3/16" Corner Small, Scallop Oval Extra-Large, Small Oval and Large Oval punch, Square Ice Brads, Concord Crush 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon

Morning Cup

2010-08-07T06:55:00.006-06:00

This cute little stamp set along with the Build-A-Bear Workshop Pawsitively Prints Designer Series Paper (Who said it has to be for little kids?) came together nicely in this gift set I made. I love the fresh, vibrant color combination. It's just screams "SUMMER" to me, and it has been very hot in Minnesota recently. I filled the box with some coffee beans and gave it to a friend of mine. Then I decided to make another card with the supplies I already had on my stamping table using the beautiful wings butterfly die. The box is made using the tutorial I posted in July. Enjoy!

Stamp sets: Morning Cup, Just Believe (thank you)
Card Stock: Poppy Parade, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight
Ink: Poppy Parade, Basic Black
Other: Poppy Parade, Tempting Turquoise and Daffodil Delight Markers, Ticket, Word Window, Modern, and Circle Scallop Punch, Poppy Parade 1/2" stitched-poly ribbon, 5/16 white brad, silver elastic ribbon (retired), beautiful wings embosslit die

Just Believe--Curtain Call Color Challenge

2010-08-05T16:27:00.006-06:00

This wonderful set has so many possibilities, and I will be posting some of my ideas over the next few days. The first card is one I did for Stacy's Curtain Call Color Challenge (Act 41)

Stamp Sets: Just Believe, Tiny Tiny Wishes
Card Stock: Night of Navy, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Marina Mist
Ink Pads: Night of Navy, Marina Mist
Other: Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (I just love this!), Night of Navy 1/4" grosgrain ribbon

Friends Never Fade

2010-07-28T07:56:00.005-06:00

I haven't posted for a while, but summer is my time to travel so I have been to Atlanta to see my daughter, camping with my husband and will be at a scrapbooking retreat tomorrow with some great friends.

This sets "Friends Never Fade" is really one of my new favorites and I must say that it wasn't when I started using it. As demonstrators we are able to pre-order from a select group of stamps sets prior to the release of the new catalog, and I hestitated a bit when I ordered this one. I am happy to report I am so glad I purchased it and am using it all the time.

Stamp Sets: Friends Never Fade, Tiny Tiny Wishes
Card Stock: Basic Grey, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink
Markers: Pretty in Pink, Basic Black
Other: Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Ticket Corner Punch, Word Window Punch, Modern Punch, 5/8" white organza ribbon, Basic Pearl

I hope you enjoy this card and be watching for more regular posts when I return from my retreat where I'll have lots of time to stamp and scrapbook!

Gift Box and Tutorial

2010-07-16T08:40:00.000-06:00

As promised, here is a tutorial of the gift box from yesterday. I also made another one to share with you. I love the black and white combination with Melon Mambo. Here's what you will need

Card Stock: 9" x 12"

Score horizontally at 1 1/2", 4 1/2", 7 1/2", 10 1/2"
Score vertically at 3" and 6" and at 1 1/2" and 7 1/2" just where shown.

Cut as shown.

Decorative Paper: 2 pieces of 2 3/4" x 2 3/4", 6 pieces of 2 3/4" x 1 1/4"

Attach DSP as shown below.

Put sticky strip on the inside of the box as shown.

Attach the 1 1/2" flaps so they are on the outside of the box and fold in.

Insert a brad at the top of each box side. I didn't use a ribbon on the teal box, however, I attached the melon mambo polka dot ribbon (13") to the black and white box.

Cut a piece of elastic cord (SU sold this a few years ago) Fold it in half and tie it at the end. Attach it to the brad, wrap it around the box and attach it again to the same brad. You only need the brad on the other side so it matches the other side.

The flower is made by cutting out four pieces of melon mambo using the scallop punch. Follow the instructions as outlined by Anne Krashel at My Creative Mess. Use a couple of dimensions to attach the bow once you have filled the box.

And there you have it! Have fun making and using these.

Gift Box

2010-07-15T07:33:00.000-06:00

I designed this little box to package small gifts including candy, coffee beans, tea bags, jewelry, etc. I am working on a tutorial to share with you which I will post in a day or two. I also made the flower using the scallop punch and crimper.

Vintage Vogue

2010-07-13T19:19:00.001-06:00

I really had a great time making this card for the Curtain Call color challenge. It's a color combination I have not used before but will certainly use again. I love using this set when I have time to cut out all the flowers and highlight the beautiful details with layering and dimensionals.

Stamp Set: Vintage Vogue, Short and Sassy
Card Stock: Regal Rose (1 1/2" x 3 3/4"), Certainly Celery(1 1/2" x 3 3/4"), Pumpkin Pie (8 1/2" x 5 1/2"), Rich Razzelberry(1 1/2" x 3 3/4", Very Vanilla (4" x 5 1/4", 1 1/2" x 5")
Stamp Pads: Certainly Celery, Rich Razzelberry
Other: Pretties Kit (vanilla half pearls), large and scallop oval punches, Little Leaves sizzlit die, Polka Dot Embossing Folder

Pocket Silhouette--Monday Lunchtime Sketch

2010-07-12T07:53:00.006-06:00

I decided to use my square lattice embossing folder for this card using the technique described by Lee Conroy at Stampingleeyours and participate in Mary Jo Price's Monday Lunchtime Sketch challenge at Technostamper.

Stamp Sets: Pockett Silhouette, Tiny Tiny Wishes
Card Stock: Baja Breeze, Real Red, Whisper White
Markers: Real Red, Baja Breeze
Stamp pad: Real Red
Other: Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Round Tab Punch, real red brads, red gingham ribbon, brayer

Baroque Motifs--PPA50 Challenge

2010-07-12T06:38:00.001-06:00

Today's post uses the colors in the Pals Paper Arts color challenge for this week--Chocolate Chip, Basis Grey and So Saffron. Here are the details:

Stamp Set: Baroque Motif, Because I Care (Thank You)
Card Stock: Basic Grey (8 1/2" x 5 1/2"), So Saffron (5 1/4" x 4"), Very Vanilla(5" x 3 3/4"), Always Artichoke
Other: Trio Flower, 1/4" circle, two-step bird extra large, scallop oval and large oval punches, 1" double sticked chocolate chip ribbon

Friends Never Fade

2010-07-10T08:30:00.000-06:00

My take on the Stamping 411 design for this week uses the color combination of Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight and Old Olive.

Stamp Sets: Friends Never Fade, Oval All
Markers: Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive
Other: Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Greenhouse Gala DSP, Large Oval, Scallop Oval, Tangerine Tango (retired 2009)

Curtain Call Color Challenge--Friends Never Fade

2010-07-09T20:58:00.005-06:00

It's so nice to be off in the summer from teaching so I can have more time to stamp. Here is my submission for the Curtain Call Color Challenge.

Stamp Set: Friends Never Fade, Short and Sweet
Card Stock: Melon Mambo, Barely Banana (retired), Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Markers: Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip, Melon Mambo
Other: Melon Mambo Polka Dot Ribbon, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Medium Oval and Scallop Oval Punch

A New Card With the Same Design

2010-07-09T07:29:00.000-06:00

My post today uses the same design and color scheme as yesterday, but I wanted an anniversary card this time so I grabbed my heart punches and the card stock I had left on the table. I also added the punched hearts in the inside of the card. Enjoy!

Stamp Set: Tiny Tiny Wishes
Punches: Word Window, Modern, Full-heart extra large, Heart Small
Other: Polka Dot Embossing Folder
Marker: Poppy Parade
Card Stock: Pear Pizzaz (4" by 4"), Poppy Parade, Concord Crush (4 1/4" x 11"), Blushing Bride, Peach Parfait, Whisper White (1 3/4" x 1 3/4" & 4" x 5 1/4")

2010-2012 In Colors

2010-07-08T08:40:00.006-06:00

Stampin' Up! introduced 5 In-Colors on July 1 which will be around for 2 years. I wanted to show all of you a glimpse of all of them at once so I took my inspiration from Nancy Riley's blog--iStamp. Nancy is a source of much inspiration for me and I love her weekly iPICKS. So here is a look at the new In-Colors all together.

Stamp Set: Heard From the Heart
Card Stock: Concord Crush, Pear Pizzaz (4" x 4"), Poppy Parade, Blushing Bride, Peach Parfait, Whisper White (4 1/4" x 11", 1 3/4" x 1 3/4")
Marker: Poppy Parade
Other: Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, 1/2" Circle punch, Flower Daisies #2 Die

Greenhouse Gala DSP

2010-07-04T12:46:00.005-06:00

I had a little time today to make a card using the Stamping 411 design.

Stamp Set: Tiny Tiny Wishes
Punches: Modern, Word Window, 5-Petal Flower
Card Stock: Real Red, Certainly Celery, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White
DSP: Greenhouse Gala
Ink: Marina Mist
Other: 1/4" Grosgrain, Baja Breeze cordoruy button, dimensionals, crimper

Ribbon Shares Available

2010-07-04T12:26:00.002-06:00

Don't you just love ribbon and want all colors and sizes that match your Stampin' Up! paper? Here's an opportunity to get just that, but not spend a fortune. I've set up the following ribbon shares. Prices include tax and shipping for local orders. An additional $2 will be charged to mail this outside the Minneapolis area. Please contact me using the link above if you would like to partipate.

1/8" Taffeta Ribbon--available in 13 colors, 2 yards of each color for $18.25.

3/8" Taffeta Ribbon--available in 13 colors, 2 yards of each color for $21.50

1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon--available in 13 colors, 3 yards of each for $15.25.

5/8" Satin Ribbon--available in 13 colors, 3 yards of each for $27.50.

1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon--available in the 5 new In Colors, 3 yards of each for $10.50.

Stampin' Up! 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog Has Arrived

2010-06-29T12:18:00.006-06:00

It's finally here, and it is a work of art. Stampin' Up! continues to amaze me with their beautiful images, excellent creativity and superb quality. Grab a big cup of coffee or large glass of ice tea, click on the catalog to your right, and wander through the 200+ pages of this great new catalog. You can do this online or email me to get a catalog of your very own.

Friends Never Fade--Sneak Peak

2010-06-29T12:03:00.005-06:00

Here is another post using one of the countless new stamp sets Stampin' Up! is featuring in the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog which will be availble tomorrow. This set is called Friends Never Fade. It is a set of four images for $13.95 (clear mount) or 17.95 (wood mount). The decorative paper includes some of the new colors--Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight, and Baja Breeze. To make this card, you will cut card stock using the following dimensions: Pear Pizzazz (5 1/4" by 4 1/4") Whisper White (4" by 10 1/2"--fold in half and then fold the front back to meet the first fold line), Chocolate Chip (2 3/8" by 3 3/4") Greenhouse Gala DSP (2 1/8" by 3 1/2") Pumpkin Pie (1 7/8" by 3") Whisper White (2" by 2 1/2"--stamp the image and then trim around the border). The vertical lines on the right side of the card are just pieces of card stock cut 1/2" by 4". This fold can be used with so many different stamp sets. Stop back tomorrow to see the new catalog! Enjoy.

Because I Care--Sneak Peak

2010-06-29T11:49:00.006-06:00

The 2010-2011 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog is set to debut on July 1. I do have a copy of the catalog, and it is full of wonderful new stamping images, beautiful decorative papers and accessories along with some great new colors. This card is stamped with one of the new Level One hostess sets called Because I Care. This hydrangea is so beautiful and offers endless opportunities for watercoloring and a dimensional look. I'll be posting some other samples with this set in the days ahead.

Stampin' Up! New Color Palette

2010-04-07T19:55:00.009-06:00

Stampin' Up! recently announced that starting July 1, 2010 there will be a new color palette in the catalog. You will have to say goodbye to some of your and my favorites, welcome back some of the past in-colors from previous years, and say hello to some great new shades. Take a look at the color chart below and remember that you can still get paper, ink refills, markers, etc. of those favorites you will have to say goodbye to at the end of June. Contact me to place an order.

Christmas Card Box

2009-11-25T15:08:00.010-06:00

This card box was inspired by a project by Andrea Walford. Real Red card stock and Christmas Cocoa Specialty designer series paper was used to create this box I also used the Serene Snowflake stamp set and the real red classic stamp pad to stamp the snowflake on the card box and note cards as well as the medallion. The scallop circle punch was used in conjunction with the Sahara Sand card stock and the 1 3/8" punch with real red card stock to frame the snowflake medallion. Use a little Dazzling Diamonds glitter to add some sparkle.

Stampin' Up! Holiday Extravaganza

2009-11-25T14:01:00.012-06:00

Get up to 50 percent off select products and product bundles. But hurry—the Online Extravaganza ends November 30!

Visit my Online Store to get great deals now!

Stampin' Up! Deal of the Week

2009-10-03T06:53:00.012-06:00

Item #109183, Trio Flower Punch
reg. $15.95, NOW $10.99

Item #110709, My Way Punch
reg. $15.95, NOW $11.99

Iem #109041, 5-Petal Flower Punch
reg. $15.95, NOW $10.99

Click here to SHOP NOW for these punches and the entire Stampin' Up! line of stamping and scrapbooking products.

Autumn Days

2009-09-13T18:48:00.004-06:00

This card uses the Autumn Days stamp set. I started with a base card in chocolate chip and ran it through the Big Shot using the filigree pattern in the Backgrounds I texture plates. I cut a piece of More Mustard card stock 2 1/4" by 5 1/4" and stamped using the berries stamp in More Mustard. My Whisper White card stock pieces measure 1 3/4" by 1", and the Chocolate Chip pieces measure 2" by 1 1/4". I sponged around each piece of the Whisper White. I stamped "just for you" from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set in More Mustard and punch it out using the Word Window punch. I used the Modern Label punch for the More Mustard and added gold brads and the 5/8" Chocolate Chip grosgrain.

Circle Circus

2009-09-13T18:31:00.002-06:00

This is a fun new set from the 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog called Circle Circus. I started with a piece of Tempting Turquoise card stock and stamped the bubble type image in the same color on the right front of the card. I cut a piece of Melon Mambo (In-Color) 5 1/2" by 1 1/4" and used the eyelet border punch on one side of it. I used a 2 1/2" by 5 1/2" piece of Crushed Curry (In-Color) card stock and a piece of Whisper White measuring 5 1/2" by 2 1/4". I used the Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo, and Tempting Turquoise classic pad to stamp a variety of circles on the Whisper White. I then used a 6" piece of Melon Mambo polka dot ribbon to attached to the back of the stamped image and used another piece to tie a knot. I framed a piece of Whisper White card stock measuring 2 1/4" by 2" with Crushed Curry (2 1/2" by 2 1/4") and Melon Mambo (2 3/4" by 2 1/2") I used the same color markers to color the greeting from the All Holidays set. The Melon Mambo is much pinker than it appears on this picture, but I couldn't quite get the image photographed showing the true color.

A Light Unto My Path Stamping 411

2009-09-13T18:12:00.004-06:00

This stamp set "A Light Unto My Path" retired from Stampin' Up! a while ago, but it is still one of my favorites. It is especially great for the masculine cards. I used the design featured on the Stamping 411 site for this card. Here are the measurements I used.

My base card is natural white (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").
Retired navy DSP is 4" x 5 1/4".
Night of Navy card stock is 4" x 2 1/4"
Real Red card stock surrounding the lighthouse measures 2 3/4" x 3 3/4"
Natural white lighthouse piece measuring 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"

I also used
1/4" Real Red grosgrain ribbon
Filigree brad
Red fire square brad
Stamping pastels

Pocket Silhouette Stamping 411

2009-09-05T10:01:00.004-06:00

I have recently discovered a great blog which inspires and helps direct me in the design of cards. You will want to visit Stamping 411 for great ideas, measurements, and an opportunity to post your creations. This card starts with a piece of Dusty Durango measuring 4 1/4" x 5 1/2". To add texture to the card and carry through the polka dot theme from the ribbon, I ran it through small polka dot Stampin' Up! textured plate from the Backgrounds 1 (114512). I then cut a piece of Sahara Sand patterned paper from the DSP III series (level 1 hostess benefit) measuring 2 3/4" x 3 3/4". I cut a piece of Always Artichoke paper measuring 5" x 2 3/4". I used a 5 3/4" piece of Dusty Durango 1/2" polka-dot grosgrain ribbon (115609) and another piece to create the bow. I then cut a piece of dusty durango card stock measuring 1 1/5" x 4 3/4" and a piece of sahara sand at 1 1/4" by 4 1/2". I stamped the image using the Pocket Silhouette stamp set (111672) using Dusty Durange, Always Artichoke, and Soft Suede class stamp pads. I stamp the "thanks so much" on Sahara Sand card stock and punched it out with the Word Window punch (105090)and then punched a piece of Dusty Durango using the Modern Label punch (116630). Use your 2-way glue and some dazzling diamonds glitter, and you are all set!

Autumn Days

2009-08-24T21:33:00.002-06:00

I've been out of town for a week bringing my daughter to college and then to back to work after a great summer. Here is a holiday card I made using the Autumn Days stamp set. This set is really versatile and you'll see some additional projects using it in the days to come.

Oval All Card Box

2009-08-10T14:57:00.002-06:00

Here is another card box using the oval all stamp set and decorative paper. The original pattern for this came from the Stampin' Up! demonstrator web site, and I altered it a bit to accommodate the 4 1/4" by 5 1/2" cards rather than note cards. I used a retired decorative paper along with taken with teal, apricot appeal and green galore card stock. This is a great gift item for anyone.

Wedding Card

2009-08-07T17:33:00.003-06:00

The Manhattan Flower set and the Top Note Die Cut go so nicely together. I made this wedding card for a upcoming ceremony I will be attending. I gave the flower some dimension by stamping it several times and cutting out different parts of each for each layer. I also used Teenie Tiny Wishes for the greeting.

Notecards and Box

2009-08-04T15:46:00.007-06:00

I have been using up some retired DSP and thought I would make a couple of the notecard and box sets featured on Stampin Gal Val's blog. I did need to modify the measurements to accommodate the traditional 5 1/2 by 4 1/4" cards. These make great gifts and are quick and easy to make. I used the Lovely Letters Alphabet set for the initials.

Quilt Cards

2009-08-03T08:19:00.003-06:00

I spent the weekend at a scrapbook retreat in Wisconsin (White's Wildwood Retreat), and two to the ladies in attendance were quilters. I think I may take up quilting when I retire, but for now I thought I would keep it short and sweet on a couple of cards. You start with a 4 1/4 by 5 1/2 inch piece of card stock. Cut out a 1" square and adhere it so it looks like a diamond in the middle of the paper. Cut 1" strips of decorative paper (Razzleberry Lemonade and Merry Momements used in these samples) and begin to attach them using mono-adhesive until you completely cover the card stock. Use the Top Note die cut in the Big Shot, and embelish the center and the rest of the card as you choose. For now, this is my quilting project. Enjoy!

Oval Punches Birthday Card

2009-08-03T08:06:00.005-06:00

With summer quickly passing by, I thought I would create a flower card using my oval punches and the new Razzleberry Lemonade decorative series paper. The base of my card is Rich Razzleberry. I used the small and large oval punches to create the flower, and I dyed the white organza ribbon by running laying my ribbon on the rich razzleberry stamp pad and then rubbing a sponge over the top of the ribbon. You will need to let the ribbon dry for a while before you put it on the card as the ink will transfer to your fingers as you are working with it and then will transfer unto everything else you touch! I used the Boho Blossoms punch and Melon Mambo card stock for the center flower and attached it with a Circle Fire Rhinestone Brad. I finished off the card using the Rich Razzleberry stamp pad using one of my favorite sets--Sincere Salutations.

Stampin' Up! Deal of the Week

2009-07-27T12:43:00.007-06:00

The Stampin' Up! Deal of the Week is the Heart to Heart to Heart Punch. The regular price of this punch is $15.95, and this week you can purchase it for $10.99. You can order directly this from my website or click on contact me on the right side of this page.

Stampin' Up! Deal of the Week

2009-07-20T11:07:00.002-06:00

This week Stampin' Up! is offering the Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware which normally sells for $29.95 for just $18.95. This product is great to use for cards, scrapbook pages, and gift items. Each kit contains approximately 100 embellishments and 100 3/16" brads. The offer is good through Monday at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. You can order directly from Stampin' Up! by clicking SHOP NOW in the upper right hand corner of this page or you can contact me directly to place your order.

Mojo 95 Sketch Eastern Blooms

2009-07-19T20:43:00.007-06:00

Here is my submission for Mojo Monday using Dusty Durango and Crushed Curry along with the design inspiration. I used the Eastern Bloom and Oval All stamp set along with the Razzleberry DSP and scalloped oval punch.

Manhatten Flower Watercoloring Technique

2009-07-19T07:44:00.002-06:00

Summer is such a great time for me. As a teacher, I have the summers off and have had some time to try out several new technique I found online over the winter. I have seen some wonderful samples using the Manhatten Flower set and finally ordered it a few months ago. Check out Patty's Stamping Spot for a video tutorial and samples of this beautiful technique

Reverse Silhouette Technique

2009-07-19T07:31:00.007-06:00

The next three images use the reverse silhouette technique but instead of using a brayer for the background color, I used sponges. For the Autumn Days card I used creamy caramel, crushed curry, and dusty durango with whisper white card stock and brayered over the image with soft suede. For the Upsy Daisy card and Pocket Silhouette cards I used tempting turquoise, melon mambo and rich razzleberry and brayered with basic black. I used whisper white card stock on the Upsy Daisy card and glossy white on the pocket silhouette card.

Sweet Sunday Challenge

2009-07-19T07:21:00.005-06:00

I decided to try the Sweet Sunday Challenge for the first time. I used Simply Said with some retired DSP. Enjoy!