stampin-with-laurel

April Club Projects - Stencils 3 Ways

2010-04-22T23:14:00.003-04:00

These are our stamp club projects for April. Not my usual combinations, but I wanted to highlight Decor Elements Elegant Trio Stencil Collection and use retiring color combos. We used the stencils in 3 ways. From left to right: emboss resist, heat-n-stick powder with fine cosmo glitter, and traditional sponging.

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Ruby Red, Blush Blossom, and Close to Cocoa will all retire in June. They make a pretty color combination, I think.

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I think the flourish from Baroque Motifs works perfectly with the fleur-de-lis stencil. I love Taken with Teal, and this fine glitter - so fun! Not so fun cleaning it up after the kids managed to get into it!

Rennovating SU!

2010-04-08T21:49:00.000-04:00

There's a Color Rennovation going on at Stampin' Up! I couldn't be more thrilled at the fresh, modern, beautiful color collections. There are made up of some of our current favorites, returning In Colors, AND 5 brand new colors ... all coming to your stampin' desk when the new catty comes out in July.

Wooo hooo SU!

April Club Projects

2010-03-21T18:06:00.000-04:00

Hello!!! Yes, it's been a while :) In case your link to my blog is broken, it's because I stopped paying for domain names - you'll have to put in the whole address to get here: it's www.stampin-with-laurel.blogspot.com So, fix your homepage settings Mom & I'll try to put up more pictures :) Here was our March Club Projects. We made this wonderful little basket using the Sizzix Scalloped Envelop die. The handle is punched with the Scallop Trip Edge (a SAB product). Do you love my brayering?! I took a beginning brayer course from Michelle Zindorf last week, and had to share the technique with the gals. I love this color combination - it's all based off the Shades of Spring DSDP in the Occassions Mini.

January Club Projects

2010-01-15T15:02:00.001-05:00

Here are our first Club projects of the New Year! So pretty, even if I do say so myself! I like the bright, sophisiticated colors of these Valentines projects. How many Occassions Mini products to you see? How about the XL Bird punch, the beautiful Real Red Satin Ribbon, and the Something Sweet stamp set? The mailbox is from Target's Dollar Spot. I covered it with a 4" x 8" piece of Designer Paper; this measurement will allow you to cover FOUR mailboxes with one sheet and very little waste. I simply traced the lid shape and cut it out.

We have TWO open spots in the next Stamp Club! Call or e-mail to join today!

Fox and Friends

2010-01-13T12:54:00.002-05:00

Well, it's leftovers for me today :) The left-most card was one of my Stamp-A-Stack projects. I love this owl with the sentiments from Owl About You! This morning I decided to stamp through my leftovers, and used the exact same colors, cardstock, Sweet Pea DSDP, and Fox & Friends in 4 other ways. Of course, I had to mix up the embellishments! Which is your favorite, Mom?
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Hapy New Year

2010-01-12T15:58:00.001-05:00

Shaker card. Here's to an inspired New Year for us all!

Merry Christmas, Champ!

2009-12-11T10:10:00.003-05:00

You may not know, but I have another passion besides stamping. {It's true!} I also play tennis! I took a break from the sport after High School - you know, the whole joining the Navy, getting married, having 3 kids, & moving 4 times sort of took up most of my recreational time. But, in the past 2 years, I've played with the best bunch of sweeties on a USTA team called No Strings Attached. We had the most fun, and even made it to Regionals this year! Go, girls!
I wanted to make them a special Christmas Card. I thought the SU! Lattice Die had a little resemblance to a tennis net - my first though was to shrinkey dink them and interpret it literally ... but it didn't work out. This is what I ended up with, and I really like it. The Just Tennis set is so cute ... and will be one of the free set choices for Sale A Bration rewards! Inside it says "Merry Christmas Champ!"****************
STAMP SETS: JUST TENNIS, SPORTING, MANY MERRY MESSAGES (INSIDE); CARDSTOCK: REAL RED, GARDEN GREEN, WHISPER WHITE, KRAFT; INK: BASIC BLACK, REAL RED; ACCESSORIES: SU! BIGZ LATTICE DIE, SU! TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS PERFECT POLKA DOTS; 5/8" SATIN RIBBON

A Full & Happy Stampin' Table

2009-12-01T13:07:00.003-05:00

I know I post about my Stamp Club all the time. If I'm blogging, it's usually about the Club! Well, we had a banner meeting last week. 1st, we were finally ALL together! 2nd, we had my Mom (far left) as a GUEST STAMPER, all the way from sunny Florida. What a treat! 3rd, we made 3 projects - a stamped candle, side-step photo card, and an embossed card with omitted oval. Plus, thanks to a few outside orders, we also had a record order (which translated to a bunch of free sets plus $95 in freebies to the lucky hostess!).
This meeting was just 2 days before Thanksgiving, and having a full and happy table of stampers really started my holiday off on a blessed note. Thanks so much, ladies! I {{heart}} you gals!
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STAMP SETS: HOLY TRIPTYCH, SCENIC SEASON; INK: REAL RED, CHOCOLATE CHIP; CARDSTOCK: REAL RED, SOFT SUEDE, WHISPER WHITE, SHIMMERY WHITE, CHRISTMAS COCOA DSDP; TOOLS: PETALS A'PLENTY TEXTURZ FOLDER (WITH OVAL CUT OUT OF CENTER), THE BIG SHOT, HEAT GUN; EMBELLISHMENTS: REAL RED RIBBON, BOLD BRIGHTS BRAD, (RET) HODGEPODGE, CRYSTAL EFFECTS & DAZZLING DIAMONDS GLITTER
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Please visit Sandy MacIver's blog to check out her tutorial for the Side-Step Card. I used her template and wonderful tutorial to create my photo card. Plus, she's done some crazy fantastic things with the Texturs Folders and Ornament Punch!

Isn't this artwork just "So Tweet?!"

2009-12-01T12:35:00.008-05:00

This past month, we gave our daughter a new room - complete with beautiful new bedding from Target called "Love and Nature" by Circo. And, you what Stampin' Up! product we used to create our wall art? Why, the "So Tweet" Chipboard set, of course!

I took the pillow to a local craft store and matched it's colors with a bunch of tempera paint. Then, the kids and I sat down to paint a bunch of little chipboard pieces different colors & let them dry.

We used Stampin' Up!'s grid sheets and packing paper to protect the dining room table from such enthusiastic creativity! The kids all had a wonderful time - they were in art bliss!

I CASE'd the landscape and then Rylee and I collaborated on the elements. I used Crystal Effects dimensional enamel to adhere the chipboard and it's glued solid. This little work of art coordinates perfectly, and yet, I made it on a reclaimed canvas out of inexpensive materials we already had in my craft closet.

Best of all, my daughter LOVES it, and brags to all her friends that she made it with her mommy!

Christmas Topiary

2009-11-12T11:13:00.001-05:00

Hiiii, Mom! How are you?? You'll be happy to see how I've used that little Tree Trimmings set we received *free* at Convention. The topiary is not an original idea. I CASE'd this card from kmemmott on SCS though I really liked the little beads and background I added. Enjoy! I can't wait to stamp with you in a couple weeks!

Snow Shaker Dasher

2009-09-13T22:26:00.002-04:00

Hi, Mom! I thought you'd enjoy this darling Dasher card. We made them at my first Christmas Stamp A Stack. It's a shaker & you know how I love the shaker cards. The landscape is just a torn paper placed down and the blue sponged over. Super easy!! Make one of these when you get your Top Note die from the UPS man :)

I'll post more SAS cards soon!!
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STAMP SETS: DASHER; COLORS: REAL RED, BASHFUL BLUE, WHISPER WHITE, CHOCOLATE CHIP; ACCESSORIES: BUTTON LATTE, LINEN THREAD, CHUNKY GLITTER

School's Out!

2009-06-15T23:05:00.001-04:00

This is what we worked on last week - little gifties for the kids' teachers and bus driver. I filled the backpack with a set of 3"x3" notecards, a jumbo paperclip, stampin' spot, small stamp, pencil and gum. You can see the splitcoaststampers.com tutorial HERE. The little Pun Fun rocket is perfect for the notecards - seeing as how they're the Ridge Elementary School Rockets! I stamped; the kids colored. It was a lot of fun.

The bus was a little more tricky. I don't have a schoolbus, so I adapted the van from a retired set called Travel Time, and filled it with people from Loads of Love. The adorable boy and girl holding the sign look just like my son and daughter, waiting for the bus!

Retiring Doodles & more

2009-06-01T10:23:00.003-04:00

For the next few posts, I'll pay homage to all the beautiful, fun Stampin' Up! sets that are on their way to retirement. The Last Chance list was just released this morning, and Doodle This (see on this scrapbook page) was on the list.

Check out all the other retiring sets, papers, and accessories on my business site HERE! You'll find a selection on sale at 25% and 50% off!

Branch Out

2009-05-28T11:05:00.001-04:00

Real quick - this is my latest creation. I made it from the scraps I had left over from my last Club meeting, where we made one of the Carousel Note purses. The color scheme is from the Parisian Breese Textured Specialty Designer Papers. I like the paper piercing and staples with this one.
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STAMP SET: BRANCH OUT; CARDSTOCK: KRAFT, CHOCOLATE CHIP, BAJA BREEZE, WHISPER WHITE, PARISIAN BREEZE DSDP; INK: CHOCOLATE CHIP, BAJA BREEZE, SAHARA SAND; ACCESSORIES: SMALL OVAL PUNCH, JUMBO EYELETS, PAPER PACK

Possibly my very fave ...

2009-05-04T11:25:00.006-04:00

Honestly, this may be one of my favorite cards of all time! I just LOVE this set (sadly, retired) and the sponged oval background is so soft and elegant. The monotone colors make it so easy to choose your color combination. And, best of all - it's a very easy and quick card to make.

Don't you think it would make a wonderful Mother's Day card? I stamped the purple one first a long time ago, and decided to try it in different colors.

This one is Pink Pirouette and Regal Rose with just a touch of Dazzling Diamonds Glitter in the center of the flowers. The stem is Old Olive. To get two colors on one stamp, I used Stampin' Write Markers on the rubber itself, huffed, and stamped.

Lastly, I tried Apricot Appeal and Pumpkin Pie with Always Artichoke Stems. Then I challenged myself to use this same awesome treatment and template with CURRENT SU! sets. Which do you like best? Flight of the Butterfly? Eastern Blooms? Embrace Life?

I have to admit, I made EIGHTEEN of these designs this weekend alone! I'm getting Sponger's Fatigue in my hand, but it's well worth it!

PRETTY WORKSHOP PERKS

2009-04-22T12:56:00.003-04:00

I'm so thrilled every time someone asks me to do a workshop for them. There's the fun of a night out of the house, the excitement of teaching guests new stampin' technique, and ... I always get at least one scrapbook page finished! You see, I always incorporate a little scrappin' demonstration, using the same colors, papers or embellishments as our main project. And this little colorblocked beauty was the demo at my last workshop. The hostess recieved one just like it to complete with her own photos. I do adore this color combination!!!
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CARDSTOCK: BASIC GREY, BAJA BREEZE, CAMEO CORAL & WALK IN THE PARK DSDP; EMBELLISHMENTS: PRETTIES KIT, WHISPER WHITE SATIN RIBBON, STYLED SILVER HODGEPODGE HARDWARE, CORNER ROUNDER

Such a cutie!

2009-04-03T10:56:00.000-04:00

Here is one of the designs I used in the Leprechan Lily goodie bags. I do hope that a couple of the recipients actually enjoy and use their cards. I do adore this color combination ... and especially love this little animal set from the Occasions Mini. This is such a simple card, but hey - I had to make 50 of these and 250 others ... simple & cute was the mission!*************************************************
STAMP SET: MATCHBOX MESSAGES, FOREST FRIENDS AND THE BRANCH FROM BEST BLOSSOMS (RET); CARDSTOCK: CAMEO CORAL, BAJA BREEZE, WHISPER WHITE, WALK IN THE PARK DSDP; INK: BASIC GREY, CAMEO CORAL; ACCESSORIES: EYELET BORDER PUNCH, SCALLOP CIRCLE PUNCH, WIDE OVAL PUNCH

Branch Out for Spring!

2009-03-20T11:51:00.001-04:00

Well ... I'm finally coming up for air after a workshop, stamping 301 full cards for goodie bags, and stamp club last night. I am so pleased to share our Club projects ... not only because they are super-cute (if I do say so myself) but also because if you look closely - you will find two sneak peeks from the Occasions Mini Catalog - going live in just 2 weeks!

The card on the left was my swap this month. Club members made this adorable 6" x 12" corkboard and the Top Note cork card on the right. I think everyone loved these projects, and, you know what - they went together so fast! We stamped both cork pieces during the same turn, with the same inks - stretching our products and shrinking the time! So, try that next time you sit down to stamp - make a card AND a gift tag or bookmark with the same items.****************
STAMP SET: BRANCH OUT, CURVY VERSES, HAPPY EVERYTHING; INK: ON SWAP, SAHARA SAND, REGAL ROSE, CERTAINLY CELERY & SO SAFFRON CLASSIC, AND ROSE RED CRAFT WITH HOLOGRAM HIGHLIGHTS EP; ON CLUB PROJECTS: CHOCOLATE CHIP, WHISPER WHITE, REGAL ROSE AND ROSE RED CRAFT; CARDSTOCK: WHISPER WHITE, SO SAFFRON, ROSE RED, REGAL ROSE; ACCESSORIES: PIGATAILS RIBBON, EYELET BORDER PUNCH AND AWESOME NEW HARDWARE ...

One little booth ... many handmade cards!

2009-03-05T10:56:00.002-05:00

Boy, oh boy - have I been busy!!! Can you believe I've been stamping too hard to take a break to blog?! More accurately, my die-cutting has kept me busy. Sorry about that ... but here's one of the projects I've been working on. See, I signed up to place something in 300 goodie bags for the Consignment Sale I mentioned in the previous post. And, as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, don't you think my "something" must be handmade?! Well, there's nothing like Stampin' Up!s exclusive Designer Papers & Top Note and Bigz Beautiful Butterflies dies to make even an easy project look elegant and fancy. So far, I have made 49 of these cards & bookmarks, in different colors and papers. I hope they make an impression on the goodie-bag getters.
<<<<<-----If they've made an impression on you, check out my Big Shot Special --- there's only four weeks to get your Sizzix Big Shot at a 20% discount PLUS Sale-A-Bration Sets FREE.

Isn't she WONDERFUL?!

2009-02-27T12:31:00.007-05:00

Okay, gang - I've been so busy getting ready for a couple upcoming workshops and classes and events that I haven't posted a project in a week or so. But, today I have something almost better than a hand-stamped card to share:

I need to RAVE about this amazing web ad done for me by someone I didn't even know. Aimee, aka hoosiermama from Splitcoaststampers, helped me by creating this eye-catching ad for me. Isn't it fantastic?! It will be posted on the Leprechan Lily's Website through the summer. Little did I know, that Aimee used do this for a living - developing ads for some big-name companies. I am so humbled and grateful that she put her time and talents to use on me - if you're in the market for an ad or banner, look up Aimee!!! Click here to check out her blog!

Retro February

2009-02-20T19:45:00.002-05:00

Hey, everyone!!! I just want to share our Stamp Club projects from last night. I was motivated to use my brand new Cheep Talk, So Tweet Chipboard, and the Retro Fresh Style. The paperclip bookmark is so easy and cute - and the card was a hidden message slider.
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STAMP SET: CHEEP TALK; CARDSTOCK: SUMMER SUN, PUMPKIN PIE, CHOCOLATE CHIP, PACIFIC POINT, VERY VANILLA; INK: SUMMER SUN, PUMPKIN PIE, CHOCOLATE CHIP, PACIFIC POINT; ACCESSORIES: CHIPBOARD, JUMBO EYELETS, 1 1/4", 1 3/8" & SCALLOPED CIRCLE PUNCHES, CROP-O-DILE, RIBBON

Top Note Quilts

2009-02-09T10:09:00.002-05:00

Okay, I just have to share what I worked on this weekend. Check out these Top Note Quilts!!! SO cute! We made the top left (or bottom right) versions at my SAS this weekend, and the other 3 are the variations I came up with for some of by bestest stampers. These are the EASIEST cards! Super FAST! And, better yet - they're GREAT at using up your scraps or extra strips of Double-Sided Designer Papers. Simply gather your scraps, punch out 12 squares with your 1 1/4" Punch, place on another scrap paper (approx. 3 3/4" x 5"), then run through your Big Shot using the Stampin' Up! exclusive Top Note Die. If you like, give it a little faux stitching using the Gel Pen - the die leaves you with the perfect perforations for this technique. Then, stamp once, punch a couple times, tie a ribbon and ... BAM! Sorry, I don't know who to credit with the original Top Note Quilt idea - they're all over the 'net now, but if you were the inventor of this technique, let me know. I want to thank you!

PB-Inspired Baroque

2009-02-05T19:42:00.004-05:00

Well, I don't normally get a catalog inspiration, but this morning I was flipping through the newest Pottery Barn catty and was struck by a new organic bedroom set. I loved its plays on whites & neutrals, the texture, the classic simplicity. So, I translated it into this card. The scanner doesn't pick up the textured white c/s, but it's there. I paper pierced down the left side, next to Kraft ribbon. The designer tag sentiment is from the new Taste of Textiles by SU; the sentiment is embossed white (again - more texture). I really like this card - and will be teaching it at my Stamp-A-Stack this Saturday. Hope you can make it!
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STAMP SET: BAROQUE MOTIFS, ELEGANT CHEER; CARDSTOCK: KRAFT, TEXTURED WHISPER WHITE; TASTE OF TEXTILES; INK: SAHARA SAND, VERSAMARK; ACCESSORIES: KRAFT TAFFETA, WHISPER WHITE EMBOSSING, MAT PACK, STYLED VANILLA HARDWARE, DESIGNER TAG PUNCH

Love You Much

2009-02-02T20:02:00.003-05:00

Valentines has always been one of my favorite stamping seasons ... my first ever stamping event was a Valentine's Stamp-A-Stack way back in 2004 (wow - can it really be 5 years ago?!). Anyhow, here's one of the projects from my last SAS. It's a CASE of a project on page 27 of the Spring/Summer '09 Catty. Don't have a catty yet? Download it HERE or - better yet - take advantage of SU!'s current special - get a FREE copy of our full-color, project-packed catalog with every online purchase. And, during Sale-A-Bration, there's no better time to shop online through my website: stampinwithlaurel.stampinup.net

It's a perfect little project - fast, fun, interesting, and oh-so-cute.
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STAMP SETS: LOVE YOU MUCH; CARDSTOCK: REAL RED, PINK PIROUETTE, WHISPER WHITE & BASIC BLACK TEXTURED; INK: BASIC BLACK CLASSIC, OLD OLIVE, PRETTY IN PINK & REAL RED STAMPIN' WRITE MARKERS; ACCESSORIES: SCALLOP BORDER PUNCH, FLOWER FUSION TOO, TEXTURED FLOWERS DIECUTS

My DH and our DE!

2009-02-01T23:55:00.001-05:00

Last Friday night, my DH helped me put up my first piece of Stampin' Up!'s vinyl wall embellishments, called Decor Elements. Once we got the piece centered and leveled, it was SO easy to apply. We "redecorated" in just a matter of minutes. And, you know, I totally love it! Why, oh why, did I take so long to give these a try?! P.S. - This was FREE as a hostess benefit of a recent club order. Check out the entire Decor Elements line HERE!!!

My little sign is so cute ... and so is my wonderful family, if I do say so myself. Love you guys!

Buzzin' through swaps

2009-01-30T17:32:00.004-05:00

I've been stamping my stinger off this week - I had a super swap to get done - for GTWT Junkie's Convention Quality Swap. Everybody does crazy good work for these swaps ... I just try to keep up. Anyway, this is a sneek peek at a card SIMILAR to one of my CQ Swaps. (The actual one had a interactive element.) These bees are SO adorable. Here, they're just stamped in Basic Black on Whisper White textured cardstock, colored in with a Summer Sun SW Marker, with a little Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamond glitter on their wings. You can't see from this picture, but the dripping honey is also glazed with CE - giving it a very sticky look. Hope the gals like it! It's beeee-tter IRL.
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STAMP SET: JUST BUZZIN BY; CARDSTOCK, BASIC BLACK, SUMMER SUN, WHISPER WHITE; INK: BASIC BLACK, SUMMER SUN, WHITE GEL PEN; ACCESSORIES: CE, DAZZ DIAMONDS, WHITE GEL PEN, ROUND TAB PUNCH Stamp happy, Laurel Matthew

Where a CASE can go ...

2009-01-27T12:06:00.003-05:00

We made the top left "honey" card at my last Stamp-A-Stack. I totally needed inspiration that day, so I completely CASED this card by what's_her_name on scs. And, I loved it! But I had a bunch of leftovers from the event, and this weekend I stamped through them. That original card led to the next three, then I changed the card orientation, and came up with the next two ... all out of the same buch of pre-cut supplies.

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STAMP SET: JUST BUZZIN BY; CARDSTOCK: REGAL ROSE, WHISPER WHITE (PLAIN & TEXTURED), KRAFT, CAMEO CORAL, RASPBERRY TART DSDP; INK: BASIC BLACK, OLD OLIVE, REGAL ROSE, CAMEO CORAL, CREAMY CARAMEL & CLOSE TO COCOA SW MARKERS; ACCESSORIES: CRYSTAL EFFECTS, DAZZLING DIAMOND GLITTER, KIWI KISS SATIN RIBBON, KRAFT TAFFETA, ROSE GINGHAM.

January's Stack

2009-01-25T13:17:00.005-05:00

Here are the cards from my monthly Stamp-A-Stack last week. Aren't they adorable? I would like to credit what's_her_name for the pink Buzzin' By layout and bkeenan256 for the Love You Much layout on the top left. The top right card is my version of the Love You Much card on page 27 of the SS09 Catty. The Bugs and Kisses card is using the color scheme Retro Fresh Style Watch. Of note, the Inspired by Nature set, used in the bottom center card, is one of the many sets on the Dormant List. Thanks, gals, for coming & working with the last minute schedule change. I had a blast!

If YOU would like to join our next Stamp-A-Stack (or other stampin' event), join my new MeetUp group! where you can RSVP, prepay & track future events.

Inspired by Stamp Club

2009-01-15T23:25:00.005-05:00

I've said it before, but I love getting inspired for my Stamp Club gals. They're so sweet & fun & give me something to stamp for every month. Miss you Terri - feel better soon Rhoda! I'm just in love with these colors & the Inspired by Nature stamp set. Shame it took me so long to start using it. And, YES - it's another shaker card! LOL. I can't seem to stop. But putting real thistle seeds in there just made me giddy. Such a bright beautiful sight in the middle of this super cold winter week. ************************************************* STAMP SET: INSPIRED BY NATURE, AIDA CLOTH BG; CARDSTOCK: PINK PIROUETTE, ROSE RED, CHOCOLATE CHIP, VERY VANILLA; INK: ON CARD, PRETTY IN PINK, ROSE RED, ALWAYS ARTICHOKE, CHOCOLATE CHIP SW MARKER; ON TILE, ROSE RED, ALWAYS ARTICHOKE, CLOSE TO COCOA, CERTAINLY CELERY & BASIC BLACK CRAFT

Pretty Monkey Swap

2009-01-14T12:17:00.002-05:00

For all the sock monkey doubters - you have to admit ... this is one pretty monkey. Subtle colors, flirty eyelashes, pearl earrings, and a flower behind her ear. This is actually my contribution to my Stamp Club Swap - the assignment was to CASE the "thank you" card on page 127 of the Fall/Winter '08 Catty.
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STAMP SET: SOCK MONKEY; CARDSTOCK: CHOCOLATE CHIP, KIWI KISS, VERY VANILLA PLAIN & TEXTURED, & HAWAII PAPAYA DSDP; KRAFT: INK: CHOCOLATE CHIP AND CLOSE TO COCOA & CREAMY CARAMEL SW MARKERS; ACCESSORIES: DOUBLE STITCHED CHOCOLATE RIBBON; PUNCHES; FLOWER FUSION; STYLED VANILLA HODGEPODGE BRADS; WHITE GEL PEN

Dream Big, Baby

2009-01-09T20:52:00.008-05:00

This is my masterpiece for today. I made if for my DH, while he was off taking his oral and practical exams for a Commercial Pilot Rating. It's been a long time coming - he's studied and flown for almost as many hours and I've spent stamping!!! I'm so proud of my man.

The plane is a retired set, By Air. I hand drew the outlines, cut out & embossed the prop, put glassy glaze on the little windows to make them pop out. Inside it says "live big."
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STAMP SETS: LOADS OF LOVE ACCESSORIES; BY AIR; THINK BIG; CARDSTOCK: SAHARA SAND, OLD OLIVE, BAHA BREEZE, WHISPER WHITE; INK: SAHARA SAND, BAJA BREEZE, SW MARKERS; ACCESSORIES: SCALLOP EDGE PUNCH, RED BRAD, SU RIBBON.

Princess Monkey

2009-01-08T12:28:00.003-05:00

I am on such a shaker card kick!!! Made this gussied-up Sock Monkey for a friends DD's birthday. Pretty eyelashes, earrings, smiling cheeks, and bling on the crown - this monkey is kind of purty, don't you think?
************************************************************************************* STAMP SET: SOCK MONKEY & ACCESSORIES - CROWN IS FROM RET. UNFROGETTABLE; CARDSTOCK: REGAL ROSE, PINK PIROUETTE, BASIC BLACK, WHISPER WHITE; INK: BLACK STAZ-ON, GOING GREY, PRETTY IN PINK & YOYO YELLOW SW MARKERS; ACCESSORIES: FIRE SQUARE RHINESTONES, WIDE PINK PIROUETTE RIBBON, WHITE GEL PEN, TOP NOTE DIE, WHITE GEL PEN, RECLAIMED PLASTIC FOR WINDOW SHEET

Shake-it Bear

2009-01-07T11:39:00.005-05:00

I wasn't going to post this ... because autumn colors and leaves are "out of season" and all ... but I couldn't help myself. It's my very latest & greatest. I'm on a shaker card kick after the Sock Monkey below. For the longest time, I avoided even trying shaker cards - they looked soooo complicated, but guess what?! They're not that tough after all! The hardest part of this one was creating the little leaves - they're stamped on shrinkey dink, colored, cut out, and baked. But, they're perfect, don't you think?

The inspiration here is my dad (Ted - aka T-Bear) who spent his weekend raking leaves with his kids and grandkids. I live too far away to have been there, so I suppose this is my way to participate vicariously.
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STAMP SET: UNDER THE STARS, AUTUMN HARVEST, CANVAS BG; CARDSTOCK: MORE MUSTARD, CLOSE TO COCOA, WHISPER WHITE; INK: MORE MUSTARD, CHOCOLATE CHIP; ACCESSORIES: WATERCOLOR PENCILS, RET. HARDWARE, DOUBLE STITCHED CHOCOLATE CHIP RIBBON, SHRINKEY DINK, AND THE WINDOW IS FROM A RECYCLED CLAMSHELL BOX!

HAPPY NEW YEAR ... of stampin!

2009-01-05T16:29:00.002-05:00

Well - one of the most wonderful holiday seasons ever is over. I didn't mail as many hand-made cards (complete with adorable current family pictures) out as I wanted. But, I stamped my tush off and made some adorable gifts for family & friends. Even better, I was blessed with the wonderful, warm chaos of tons & tons of family - mom, dad, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, friends, dogs ... the works! I am so grateful for every minute of it!!!

But, it's over, and the New Year is here! Yippee!!! I've gotten a great start on a couple of my resolutions already! I worked out, called some friends I've mean to call, spent 1-on-1 time with my son, spent a morning stamping, and blogged a post! 2009 is lookin' good already!
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STAMP SET: SOCK MONKEY, CHEERS TO YOU, HOLIDAYS & WISHES: CARDSTOCK: BASIC BLACK, GOING GRAY, WHISPER WHITE; INK: STAZ ON BLACK AND PINK PASSION, PRETTY IN PINK, & SO SAFFRON SW MARKERS; ACCESSORIES: CHUNKY GLITTER, WHITE GEL PEN, RIBBON ORIGINALS (RET)

"But I'm not a Christmas Set!"

2008-12-19T11:50:00.002-05:00

All this blogging must really be subconscious procrastination of my endless list of projects, including: our own family Christmas Cards (to make, address, write in, take pictures for, and mail), gifts, thank you notes, club projects, etc. But, what the heck ... I want to post a few non-Christmas-sets. I just love when I learn how to use a stamp set in an "out-of-the-clamshell-case" kind of way. This is a case of a card by detour3 on scs. There is a gold embossed sentiment inside.
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STAMP SET: DOODLE THIS; INK: VERSAMARK; CARDSTOCK: HANDSOME HUNTER, REAL RED, BRUSHED GOLD; ACCESSORIES: CORNER NOTCH PUNCH, GOLD EP, BRADS.

Christmas Card*inal, Take 4

2008-12-19T11:01:00.002-05:00

This was our Stamp Club project from last night ... and my last take on a Cardinal Christmas for a while. I've been truly inspired by this set, and have used it SO MUCH. It's one of those absolute classics for me - I hope it makes it into the new catalog! For this technique, stamp the holly image in VersaMark on a Pacific Point panel, dust with Winter White Embossing Powder, and use the heating tool to set the embossing powder. Then, appy VersaMark over the entire panel, and emboss with Irridescent Ice Embossing Powder. It's so beautiful & shimmery in real life!**************************************
STAMP SET: A CARDINAL CHRISTMAS; INK: VERSAMARK, BAJA BREEZE; CARDSTOCK: BAJA BREEZE, PACIFIC POINT, WHISPER & SHIMMERY WHITE; ACCESSORIES: TICKET CORNER PUNCH, VINTAGE BRADS, JOIN THE CHEER DECORATIVE STRIP DIE

Christmas Card*inal, Take 3

2008-12-03T15:16:00.002-05:00

Here's a suprisingly lovely no-layer card. The reverse masking technique and tear of the right-hand edge give it dimension that belies the fact that there are no layers to this card. I threw a bunch of these together for a door prize.

For the reverse masking, make a mask by cutting an oval out of the center of a card-front sized piece of scrap cardstock. Place this mask on your cardfront, and hold in place while you sponge Old Olive onto the card. Keeping the mask in place, stamp an image - I used the holly stamp and kept the Old Olive color light by stamping off once onto scrap, then stamping inside the oval. Then, just remove the mask, and stamp a focal image in a darker color on top.
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STAMP SET: A CARDINAL CHRISTMAS
CARDSTOCK: NATURAL WHITE
INK: OLD OLIVE, BASIC BLACK
ACCESSORIES: OLD OLIVE POLYTWILL RIBBON

Christmas Card*inal, Take 2

2008-11-30T15:07:00.004-05:00

I really LOVE this card. I can't put my finger on it, but it's lovely, classy, and simple!! It's a CASE of a KristaTracy card I saw on scs. I used Real Red, double stitched Chocolate Chip ribbon and a Botique button. The Top Note Die for my SU Big Shot cuts this lovely Kraft panel in no time!!!
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STAMP SET: A CARDINAL CHRISTMAS
CARDSTOCK: REAL RED, KRAFT
INK: REAL RED & CHOCOLATE CHIP CLASSIC
ACCESSORIES: TOP NOTE DIE, DOUBLE STITCHED CHOCOLATE CHIP RIBBON, BUTTON BOTIQUE

Christmas Card*inal, Take 1

2008-11-30T09:22:00.004-05:00

Thanksgiving is over, and Christmastime is officially here!!! But I know I'd better get a move-on with my projects. My usual crafting time has been drastically cut back this year. My son's 8th birthday (& party) is coming up next week, we're having a SIL and her 3 kids stay in town for over a week, my Stamp Club to prepare for, family Christmas Pictures to take & develop, and 40 cards to stamp and send. Plus, there's the decorating, wrapping & mailing of gifts. Yikes.

But I'm still not set on a design. Here's Take 1 - a Free Standing Pop Up Card, and I've wanted to try one forever, but it looked too complicated. Guess what?! It's really VERY simple, thanks to this splitcoaststampers tutorial . I've used my favorite set from the Holiday Mini - A Cardinal Christmas - and a Faux Stained Glass Technique.
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STAMP SET: A CARDINAL CHRISTMAS
CARDSTOCK: OLD OLIVE, BASIC BLACK, WHISPER WHITE, VELLUM CARDSTOCK
INK: OLD OLIVE, CHOCOLATE CHIP, REAL RED, SO SAFFRON SW MARKERS
ACCESSORIES: OLD OLIVE WIDE GROSGRAIN RIBBON, BLACK HEMP TWINE, BLACK DETAIL EMBOSSING POWDER, HEAT TOOL, STICKY STRIP

Elf Packaging

2008-11-25T21:49:00.003-05:00

There are genius stampers out there ... with artistic eyes that can look at the Bag on a Box pattern below ... and translate it into the most adorable Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Elf bags. I am not one of those genius ladies ... though I can do a pretty good CASE! I saw these by Patti Lee on splitcoaststampers.com & added real Hodgepodge buckles, Pretties pearls & Boquet buttons. TFS, PattiLee!***************CARDSTOCK: REAL RED, BASIC BLACK, OLD OLIVE, TEXTURED WHISPER WHITE; ACCESSORIES: SCALLOP EDGE, ROUND TAB & SCALLOP CIRCLE PUNCH, KIWI KISS RIBBON, BUTTON BOQUET, BUILD-A-BRAD, PRETTIES KIT

Bag on a Box

2008-11-24T21:48:00.001-05:00

Hello, again! I'm back! Here's one of my Stamp Club projects from last week - it's an adorable Bag on a Box Gift Bag. The tutorial came from splitcoaststampers.com resource forum. This is just a simple, easy and FAST project ... and what a way to package your gifts this season.
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CARDSTOCK: REAL RED, BAJA BREEZE, CHOCOLATE CHIP DSDP; ACCESSORIES: BAJA BREEZE STRIPED RIBBON, ROUND TAB PUNCH, SCALLOP EDGE PUNCH, BUILD A BRAD, SNOW FLURRIES, GEL PEN, AND LOTS OF STICKY STRIP!

Mini-Man in Summer Sun

2008-10-31T10:55:00.000-04:00

Well, this has to be one of my absolute favorite projects! This is my son, Ranger, dressed as a Lego mini-man.

I color matched the little plastic guy to our exclusive colors and Summer Sun is the perfect mini-figure shade!! The head is a recycled toy packaging, lined with Summer Sun 12" x 12" textured cardstock. I cut out the glasses with my SU Hobby Blade, and put a panel of Whisper White behind the glasses, with holes punched with my 1 3/8" Circle Punch. His hands were free cut, laminated, and then I used coordinating Summer Sun brads to secure elastic to the cardstock. This lazer is Basic Grey!

We all had such fun with this costume - I love my SU! and my adorable mini-man!

MEMORIES (of all sizes) BEGIN WITH THIS

2008-09-06T00:59:00.015-04:00

YIPPEE! After long last, I've got an official Crop Night! I've found a small group of fun, friendly girls, and we got together at the neighborhood clubhouse to scrapbook.

I demonstrated a 6" x 6" scrapbook page, and let the other croppers make one of their own. The Bonus Layout on the Demo Website was perfect for these pictures of my happy Reesie-Pie and his favorite pool noodle.

I love putting on events like this, because it challenges me to create - to complete pages & preserve these beautiful memories piling up so fast.

I wanted to take the original page into larger sized layouts. Here, I added pictures of Rylee and Ranger, more rub-ons, chipboard dates and what I think is an awesome circle collage at the bottom - see the textured cardstock, covered chipboard, Build-a-Brad tops, and crystal effects dots.

Next, up to a 12" x 12" layout. Another picture - this time all 3 of my little darlings in the pool together, swimming with those famous noodles. I added Pacific Point stitched ribbon, another half circle, and a few more of my Crystal Effects droplets.

I can't tell which one is my favorite - but I can say I've gotten 3 pages done even BEFORE the crop starts, and I'm pretty happy about that!

STAMP CLUB - August

2008-09-05T09:14:00.005-04:00

I'll admit, I hadn't stamped too much since coming home from Convention. We had family trips, appointments, and the back-to-school chaos. There's nothing like an upcoming Stamp Club meeting to get me motivated again.

Here are our stamp club projects - are they gorgeous? The bookmark was a convention project - I just changed up the colors and Designer Papers. The card is a case of the Embrace Life card on page 91 of the Fall/Winter 08 catty - down to the bleaching technique behind the main image. Bleaching our heavywieght cardstock brings a different look to different colors: Blush Blossoms turns white: Sage Shadow turns a perfect vanilla; and apparently Not Quite Navy turns grey! It's a fun technique to experiment with.
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STAMP SET: EASTERN BLOOMS, CARDSTOCK: NOT QUITE NAVY, BASIC GREY, KIWI KISS, WHISPER WHITE; INK: BASIC GREY, KIWI KISS, BAJA BREEZE; ACCESSORIES: BASIC GRAY TAFFETA RIBBON, BUTTON BOUQUET, CRYSTAL EFFECTS

New Catty Glee

2008-08-16T00:56:00.002-04:00

Well, I know I've been quiet lately. Don't want to bore you all with my trips, travels, turmoils. Just now getting around to posting some of my convention pictures. Here's my mom and I, pouring over the beautiful, brand-new Catalog. See how happy it makes us?!

HAPPY DEMO DAY

2008-05-31T17:57:00.003-04:00

This was NOT the card we weres supposed to make at today's Stamp-A-Stack. You see, I'd spent a whole week researching, designing, and preparing projects for this class. I even had a whole Faux Wood project (20 of 'em) cut and prepared to do today. The only thing I was missing was the For Father stamp set from the current Mini. Well, my mom said she had it, and mailed it Priority up from Texas. I should have known better than to count my chickens before they hatched (or, stamps before they were inked). Anyway, when Mom's mailer arrived, I found Dad's Day, instead of For Father. Oh, no!!! An absolutely different style: watercoloring classics vs. modern bold. I was in trouble. My prepped material wouldn't work with this set. I was going to have to come up with something new altogether. I went to bed super-worried, but woke up with the idea of reworking this template from swente with a color combo I liked from the last Stampin' Success. So, here it is - my last-minute save that turned into my fave of the day.
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STAMP SET: DAD'S DAY: CARDSTOCK: MORE MUSTARD, BASIC GRAY, BASIC BLACK; INK: MORE MUSTARD, BASIC GRAY; ACCESSORIES: SPIRAL & DESIGNER LABEL BUNCHES, JERSEY RIBBON ORIGINAL

BROCADE - revised

2008-05-25T11:38:00.002-04:00

I asked for the critique, and I sure got some. I was going to give up on this card and never look back again, but I just couldn't. So, I took my stamp camp leftovers, and changed the Ugly Duckling a bit.
BECCA'S TIP: MOVE SENTIMENT TO THE RIGHT, SO THE WORDS FLOW TOGETHER BETTER; LYNDA'S TIP: TIGHTEN UP THE THREE POINTS OF INTEREST TO MAKE A "TRIANGLE OF INTEREST" THAT'S EASIER ON THE EYE ... AND TONE DOWN THE RIBBON; CAROL'S TIP: RECONSIDER THE COLORS (OR QUANTITY OF EACH). *THERE IS A GALLON/QUART/PINT RULE TO COLOR COMBOS. JENNIFER & MARA'S THOUGHTS: THE ORIGINAL WAS GOOD (OR SALVAGABLE?) So, just like the dancers from DWTS, I applied the critique. I do think this one is better. Do you?

UGLY DUCKLING?

2008-05-22T21:37:00.006-04:00

Okay, I've got to know ... what do *you* think of this card?!

It was my Stamp Club design for the month. I was trying to accomplish three things here: 1) use a challenging, different color combination, 2) feature chipboard, as it's on sale this month, and 3) demonstrate a new technique called Grid Technique. It's different, granted - but I still think it's kind of cool.
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STAMP SET: BAROQUE MOTIFS, WONDERFUL FAVORITES; CARDSTOCK: PURELY POMEGRANITE, BRAVO BURGANDY, OLD OLIVE, PALE PLUM, VERY VANILLA, KRAFT; INK: PURELY POMEGRANITE, PALE PLUM & OLD OLIVE CLASSIC; BRAVO BURGANDY CRAFT; ACCESSORIES: ON BOARD ACCENTS, IRR. ICE EP, PEWTER HH & JUMBO EYELETS, GROSGRAIN RIBBON, & SU! PUNCHES

TUG, TUG DADDY!

2008-05-22T21:29:00.005-04:00

Our stamp club challenge was to CASE the card on page 44 of the catty. Here's my take - a colorful, fun Father's Day card. Cute, huh?
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STAMP SET: BOATLOADS OF LOVE, WONDERFUL FAVORITES; CARDSTOCK: OLD OLIVE, BASHFUL BLUE (TEXTURED), PUMPKIN PIE, WHISPER WHITE, SUMMPER PICNIC DSDP; INK: BASIC BLACK & OLD OLIVE CLASSIC PAD; GOING GRAY, OLD OLIVE, REAL RED, PUMPKIN PIE, BASHFUL BLUE STAMPIN' WRITE MARKERS; ACCESSORIES: VINTAGE BRADS, PEWTER HODGEPODGE HARDWARE, RED GROSGAIN RIBBON

GENUINE DAD

2008-05-21T20:48:00.004-04:00

Here's another Father's Day submission, using the Stamp of Authenticity Stamp Set. I like it's simple & casual thrown-together look ... like I just went out to the garage for the rivets and labels and twine! The rectangle around the "D" is actually a window, so when you open the card, there's the library card panel, with plenty of room for sentiment.
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STAMP SETS: STAMP OF AUTHENTICITY, ROUGH EDGES ALPHA; CARDSTOCK: ALWAYS ARTICHOKE, MARIGOLD MORNING (RET), REALLY RUST KRAFT, VERY VANILLA; ACCESSORIES: BRADS, EYELETS, BLACK GROSGRAIN, HEMP TWINE, PAPER PIERCING TOOL & TEMPLATE

FATHER'S DAY FLAIR

2008-05-21T20:31:00.006-04:00

I messed up Mother's Day. That's the truth - just completely blew it! That's usually one of my most stamp-a-riffic holidays. I love sending hand-stamped cards to my favorite moms - my actual moms, my sistas and SILs, my friends, my customers. But, this year, there was too much going on. I got a few out, but not nearly enough.

So, I'm determined to redeem myself on Father's Day (usually my least-stamped holiday). So, to get the creative juices flowing, I'm starting a Father's Day card series here on the blog. This is my first entry: Father's Day Flair.

I'm in love with this card, so don't dog it. The belt idea is from reneejul1 on splitcoaststampers. The oval shape on the belt end is from the Large Oval Punch. Pocket is a Large Tab Punch. And the "flair?" It's a 1 3/8" Circle Punch embossed three times over with Glassy Glaze EP, and bent in a little in the middle, in an attempt to mimic a campaign/brag button. Did it work?
***************************************************** STAMP SETS: CLASSIC BGS, CANVAS BG, SHORT ORDER #S, WONDERFUL FAVORITES; CARDSTOCK: SOFT SKY, BLUE BAYOU, CREAMY CARAMEL, CHOCOLATE CHIP; INK: SOFT SKY, BLUE BAYOU, CHOCOLATE CHIP; ACCESSORIES: ANTIQUE BRASS HODGEPODGE, 1 3/8" CIRCLE PUNCH, LARGE TAG PUNCH, LARGE OVAL PUNCH

KIND RESIST

2008-04-25T18:23:00.004-04:00

I can't believe how long it's been since I stamped. Good think I've got my wonderful stampers club to keep me motivated! This was our card project for Stamp Club this month. We used the gorgeous Essence of Love stamp for this soft & subtle emboss resist technique.

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STAMP SET: ESSENCE OF LOVE

C/S: BASIC GREY, SOFT SKY, WHISPER WHITE, SPRING SILHOUETTES DSDP

INK: BASIC GREY, SOFT SKY, WILD WASABI

ACCESSORIES: WASABI DOUBLE-STITCHED RIBBON, BASIC GREY TAFFETA, PHOTO CORNER PUNCHES, CLEAR EMBOSSING POWDER & VERSAMARK

HEARTFELT BROCCOLI

2008-04-25T17:00:00.000-04:00

This was my 6" x 6" recipe card for a swap this month. This curry broccoli salad is fantastic, by the way, but I'm really posting to brag about how I made this broccoli bunch from the Heartfelt Thanks stamp set! Who would have thunk it?! It's a darn good version of the real thing, wouldn't you agree?! I'm amazed by how truly versatile this set can be, and now you can add broccoli to the list of cool uses for it!

THE BIG 4.0

2008-04-14T11:10:00.004-04:00

I don't think 40 is really "over the hill" anymore, do you? It's more like "almost on top of the world." I mean, by the time you're 40, you've got the kinks worked out of life, you've got a good job, you've found a mate, the kids are out of diapers, you've probably even scored a home and a 401K. Life's just gettin' good! (At least, that's what I'm counting on!) I made this for a wonderful friend's hubby. Hope he likes it ... just as soon as he recovers from the party & opens it!
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SS: LOADS OF LOVE, LOL ACCESSORIES, HEADLINE ALPHA #S, 'BIG' FROM RETIRED SET
CS: WILD WASABI, BASIC BLACK, BASIC GREY, WHISPER WHITE
INK: WILD WASABI, BASIC BLACK, BASIC GREY, VERSAMARK
ACCESSORIES: WHITE GEL PEN, CLEAR EMBOSSING POWDER, SW MARKERS, BLENDER PENS

HOKIE DREAM

2008-03-24T20:55:00.003-04:00

It's been a super-busy week, what with the kids home from Spring Break, a family gathering, Easter, yardwork, tax returns, etc. But, I had good cause to stamp today ... my SIL's birthday. She and my brother are die-hard Virginia Tech Hokies ... so it's only fitting I create a special "Hokie Dream" card for her. Pumpkin Pie and Bravo Burgandy are the absolute perfect colors for my alma mater. Happy birthday, Cathy!!
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STAMP SETS: LIVE YOUR DREAM
INK: BRAVO BURGANDY, PUMPKIN PIE, & OLD OLIVE STAMPIN WRITE MARKERS
CARDSTOCK: BRAVO BURGANDY, PUMPKIN PIE, VERY VANILLA, KRAFT
ACCESSORIES: PUMPKIN GROSGRAIN RIBBON, RIBBON ORIGINALS (RETIRED), HODGEPODGE HARDWARE

BUNDLE OF JOY

2008-03-15T11:51:00.004-04:00

What's a SU! demo to get for the mom-to-be who has everything? Well, hand-stamped announcements, of course! I made a set of these little beauties for a great friend. 136 punched corners, sponged sides, 136 eyelets & brads, 34 hoard-able flower slides, 408 dollops of glue & glitter ... you bet she's a great friend! Congrats, Terri!

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STAMP SET: BUNDLE OF JOY (RETIRED)

INK: WILD WASABI, BASIC BROWN, CLOSE TO COCOA & PRETTY IN PINK

CARDSTOCK: WILD WASABI TEXTURED, CLOSE TO COCOA & PRETTY IN PINK, WHISPER WHITE

ACCESSORIES: WASABI DOUBLE -STITCHED RIBBON, PINK TAFFETA RIBBON, FLOWER SLIDE (FROM THE *NEW* STYLED SILVER HODGEPODGE HARDWARE), SILVER EYELETS. PLUS A TIDGE OF DAZZLING DIAMONDS GLITTER

SWEET CLUB!

2008-03-14T12:35:00.003-04:00

Club night again! We had a guest (thanks for coming Angie!) and a really "sweet" time! I had brand spankin' new stuff and just *had* to demo it. Clubbers made this cute criss-cross card and the pop-top gift can. I showed them how to make a scratc-n-sniff embellishment, using Glassy Glaze EP and sugar-free Jell-O!
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STAMP SETS: TART & TANGY, FULL OF LIFE
INK: REAL RED, OLD OLIVE, BASHFUL BLUE SW MARKERS, REAL RED CRAFT
CARDSTOCK: REAL RED, BASHFUL BLUE, WHISPER WHITE & SUMMER PICNIC DSDP
ACCESSORIES: ROUND TAB, SCALLOPED CIRCLE & CIRCLE PUNCHES, EYELETS, BRADS, WIDE GROSGRAIN RIBBON

WANT TO SWAP?

2008-03-12T22:43:00.002-04:00

For our club swap this month, we CASEd the Embrace Life card on p. 84 of the catty. Nice pick, Michelle! Actually, this color scheme started from scraps! I had extra panels from the swap card below. I just flipped them over to reveal this cool Wasabi pattern, punched the corners, and mounted it on Chocolate Chip. The "faux scalloped" border is punched circles mounted on the back of the patterned paper. Let's see ... the large flower had been inked with White Craft Ink and embossed with Irridescent Ice EP.
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STAMP SET: LIVE YOUR DREAM, PAISLEY BG
CARDSTOCK: KRAFT, CHOCOLATE CHIP, SOFT SKY, AFTERNOON TEA DSDP
INK: CHOCOLATE CHIP, SOFT SKY
ACCESSORIES: CIRCLE PUNCH, CORNER PUNCH, PRETTIES KIT, BUILD-A-BRAD, PEWTER HODGEPODGE, CHOCOLATE CHIP TAFFETA

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT

2008-03-08T21:08:00.002-05:00

Fundraising is hard work! They didn't tell me this when I signed up for the 26-mile Avon Breast Cancer Walk in Washington, D.C., on May 3rd & 4th. I figured all the walking would be the challenge, but it's really getting out of my comfort zone and asking my friends & family to donate towards the $1,800 *minimum* required to participate! Well, what's a SU! demo to do?! Stamp about it! Here's the first of a little pink series I'm working on. I'm going to include one of these cards with each donation coupon I send. Hope the little bra doesn't offend the the older crowd! LOL.
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STAMP SET: FASHION STATEMENTS (RETIRED HOSTESS)
CARDSTOCK: PURELY POMEGRANITE, PRETTY IN PINK, CHOCOLATE CHIP, WHISPER WHITE, BERRY BLISS DSDP
INK: PURELY POMEGRANITE, PRETTY IN PINK, CHOCOLATE CHIP
ACCESSORIES: POMEGRANITE SATIN RIBBON, SCALLOP CIRCLE, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" PUNCH, SOFT SUBTLES EYELETS, WHITE GEL PEN

OCCASSIONAL COLORS

2008-03-08T20:50:00.003-05:00

Sooooooo, we've got a new Mini Catalog - you all knew that, right?! If you haven't seen it yet, check out the link to the left. Stampin' Up! has given us another gorgeous selection of stamps, paper & accessories. Here are the new Double-Sided Designer Papers, and their coordinating colors. The card below has a panel of Afternoon Tea - pretty, don't you think?!

AFTERNOON TEA: Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava, Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi
SUMMER PICNIC: Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red

STAMP YOUR DREAM

2008-03-08T19:29:00.000-05:00

Here's my submission for GWTWJunkie's 4th Convention Quality Swap. I love these swaps - I am so challenged to put out real artist-quality cards with lots of techniques and embellishments. I adore the color pallette of Afternoon Tea DSDP, but I haven't decided whether or not I like the half-pearls from the Pretties Kit on this card.
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STAMP SET: LIVE YOUR DREAM, PAISLEY BG
CARDSTOCK: CHOCOLATE CHIP, SOFT SKY, AFTERNOON TEA DSDP, GLOSSY WHITE
INK: WHITE CRAFT, CHOCOLATE CHIP & GROOVY GUAVA CLASSIC
ACCESSORIES: SANDING BLOCKS & SPONGES (FOR LINEN TECHNIQUE), WHITE EMBOSSING POWDER & HEAT TOOL (FOR EMBOSSED BACKGROUND), PRETTIES KIT, VINTAGE BRADS, CHOCOLATE CHIP TAFFETA RIBBON & FLOWER SLIDE HARDWARE FROM NEW OCCASSIONS MINI - WHEW!

MORE TO PRETTIES THAN MEETS THE EYE

2008-02-23T18:24:00.000-05:00

I just came across these pictures of my daughter, all dressed up for her pre-K Thanksgiving Feast. The teacher sent home a paper bag with which I was supposed to make a nice, traditional, crayon-decorated Native American fringed vest.
Well, with me being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and my daughter being quite the girly-girl, we couldn't help but go a little over the top. She was quite the Indian Princess, don't you think?! And, she was so happy in her costume!
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CARDSTOCK: TEMPTING TURQUOISE, REGAL ROSE, REGAL ROSE DESIGNER PRINTS
ACCESSORIES: FLOWER PUNCH (RET.), ICE RHINESTONE BRADS, PRETTIES KIT, NON-SU FEATHERS, NON-SU PAPER BAG, ONE ADORABLE LITTLE GIRL

EMBRACE the "CASE"

2008-02-22T10:31:00.000-05:00

Here's a closer look at my Club Swap card. The challenge was a CASE from the "smile" card on p. 48 of the current catty. The flower was stamped in Basic Black, colored in with Groovy Guava & Ruby Red, cut out & then covered with 2 layers of Glassy Glaze EP.
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STAMP SET: EMBRACE LIFE
INK: RIVER ROCK, BASIC BLACK, GROOVY GUAVA, RUBY RED
CARDSTOCK: RIVER ROCK, WHISPER WHITE, GINGER BLOSSOMS DSDP
ACCESSORIES: GROOVY GUAVA DOUBLE-STITCHED RIBBON, PAPER PIERCING TEMPLATE, HEAT TOOL, GLASSY GLAZE EP

YIPPEE - STAMP CLUB!

2008-02-22T09:09:00.001-05:00

I'm happy! Stamp Club met for the first time last night & it was so much fun. I wanted to share our projects. Clubbers made the "h" card, the 5-in-1 gift box, and the gift card purse. They also recieved the pen, paperclip and "embrace life" card as gifties! Good job, ladies!
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STAMP SETS: EMBRACE LIFE, HAPPY EVERYTHING
INK: RIVER ROCK, BASIC BLACK
CARDSTOCK: RIVER ROCK, BASIC BLACK, RUBY RED, WHISPER WHITE, GINGER BLOSSOMS DSDP.
ACCESSORIES: GUAVA DOUBLE STITCHED RIBBON, STICKY LETTERS, SILVER SHINE GLITTER, HEMP TWINE, BUTTONS, PRETTIES, PUNCHES & RUB-ONS

SCRAPPIN' THE WALLS

2008-02-12T21:55:00.001-05:00

Here's what kept me busy today. I wanted to make something unjque and meaningful for a super-special friend of mine. She has the most adorable baby, who celebrated her 1st birthday a couple weeks back. I got my hands on a couple of the pictures, and made a 12x12 scrapbook page. It's in a shadow box for the wall. It got rave reviews, and I was really thrilled. Happy Birthday, JM! Love ya, girl.
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INK: CERTAINLY CELERY, CHOCOLATE CHIP, BASHFUL BLUE, REGAL ROSE, & BLUSH BLOSSOM
PAPER: SAME & PETAL PATCH DSDP (RET. UNFORTUNATELY)
ACCESSORIES: YOU NAME IT! HODGEPODGE, BRADS, EYELETS, RIBBON, BUTTONS, CHIPBOARD, SANDING BLOCKS, ETC.

STAMPIN' THROUGH SUPPLIES

2008-02-08T22:55:00.000-05:00

Here's one of the cards we made for my last Stamp-A-Stack. It's a CASE of the Unfrogettable card in the Catty. My stampers thought it was cute! I had some supplies left over, and decided to get them stamped up. So, I switched to Always (can you tell that set is my favorite these days?!) and ... voila!

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STAMP SETS: UNFROGETTABLE OR ALWAYS
CARDSTOCK: ALWAYS ARTICHOKE, SO SAFFRON, REGAL ROSE, VERY VANILLA
INK: BASIC BLACK, AND ALWAYS ARTICHOKE, SO SAFFRON, REGAL ROSE SW MARKERS
ON THE ALWAYS CARD, I GAVE THE HEART A LAYER OF VERSAMARK & IRRIDESCEN ICE EP.

WHAT? NO STAMPING?!

2008-01-31T13:10:00.000-05:00

Here's this morning's card - inspired by the Dalia fold, a SCS sketch challenge, and my need to try the rub-ons! I like it ... even though there's no stamping at all.
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STAMP SET: NONE!
CARDSTOCK: ROSE RED, PUMPKIN PIE, TEMPTING TURQUOISE, BALI BREEZE DSDP
ACCESSORIES: 1 3/8" CIRCLE PUNCH, SCALLOP CIRCLE PUNCH, PAPER PIERCING TEMPLATE & TOOL, FELT FLOWERS, PRETTIES KIT, URBAN WEST RUB-ONS

IN-COLOR COMBOS

2008-01-31T10:47:00.001-05:00

Ya'll know I'm lovin' the new Designer Papers just released in the S-S '08 Catalog! I think the color combos are brilliant and beautiful. Well, you can create the same wonderful looks, using the In-Color Combination Chart provided by Stampin' Up!.

The combination on the top left looks like the inspiration for Bali Breeze DSDP. See if you can find the combo for Ginger Blossoms using the link, above.

HAPPY DAY

2008-01-30T22:37:00.000-05:00

I had a happy stampin' day today. One of my dear friends came over and we spent the afternoon covering a chipboard album together. She was so thrilled and pleased with the final product ... well, it just made me happy. It was a day just like this Pick-A-Petal card, so I thought I'd post it!
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STAMP SET: PICK A PETAL, HAPPY EVERYTHING
CARDSTOCK: WILD WASABI, CLOSE TO COCOA, PUMPKIN PIE, SUMMER SUN, PURELY POMEGRANITE, WHISPER WHITE
INK: WILD WASABI, SOFT SKY, PUMPKIN PIE
ACCESSORIES: SCALLOP & CIRCLE PUNCHES, SPRING BOQUET PUNCH (RET)
COMMENTS: TREES ARE THE SOLID PETAL, MIDDLE OF THE SUN IS STAMPED IN PUMPKIN PIE CRAFT AND EMBOSSED WITH IRRIDESCENT ICE; EDGES ARE SPONGED.

PAPER PALETTES

2008-01-29T19:13:00.000-05:00

The following is a list of Double-Sided Designer Papers from Stampin' Up!s Spring-Summer 2008 Collection, and the exclusive Stampin' Up! colors that coordinate with them. These beautiful papers are offered in the versatile 12"x12" size, with 2 pages each of 6 designs. Use your Designer Papers to: create quick cards, make beautiful scrapbook pages, cover journals, tins, coasters, and more!

AZURE: Brilliant Blue, Very Vanilla
BALI BREEZE: Taken with Teal, Purely Pomegranate, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, River Rock, Soft Sky, Regal Rose
BERRY BLISS: Pretty in Pink, Purely Pomegranate, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip
CUTIE PIE: Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Rose Red, So Saffron
EAST COAST PREP: Tempting Turquoise, More Mustard, Real Red, Wild Wasabi
FALL FLOWERS: Old Olive, Really Rust, Sahara Sand, Soft Sky
FLOWERS FOR YOU: Certainly Celery, Lovely Lilac, Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise
GINGER BLOSSOM: Groovy Guava, Cameo Coral, Ruby Red, River Rock
JERSEY SHORE: Brilliant Blue, Bashful Blue, Wild Wasabi, Pumpkin Pie
LE JARDIN: River Rock, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke
NOTEBOOK: Kraft, Soft Sky, Very Vanilla
OLIVE PRESS: Very Vanilla, Old Olive
PORCELAIN PRINTS: Blue Bayou, River Rock, Wild Wasabi
SPRING BREAK: Soft Sky, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Blue Bayou
SPRING FLING: Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, Sage Shadow, Certainly Celery
SPRING SILHOUETTES: Soft Sky, Certainly Celery, Wild Wasabi, Very Vanilla
WESTERN SKY: Rose Red, Soft Sky, River Rock, Ruby Red, Blue Bayou

OFFICE PARTY

2008-01-29T04:40:00.000-05:00

I was on an Office Accoutrement kick a couple weeks ago, and here's a quickie I came up with for an "office party" look, using the new Bali Breeze Double-Sided Designer Paper. I like how the corner rounder punch worked out on the bottom flaps of this card.

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STAMP SETS: OFFICE ACCOUTREMENT, POLKA DOTS & PAISLEY

CARDSTOCK: CRAFT, TEMPTING TURQUOISE, BALI BREEZE DSDP

INK: PUMPKIN PIE, ROSE RED, BASIC BLACK

ACCESSORIES: SPIRAL PUNCH, CORNER ROUNDER, ROUND TAB, HODGEPODGE, TURQUOISE GROSGRAIN RIBBON

RIBBON ORIGINALS

2008-01-28T15:17:00.000-05:00

On my latest "Always" card, I used a lovely snippet of Rose Red stitched ribbon from the Fairy Tale Ribbon Originals. As a helpful resource, I've listed the entire line of Ribbon Originals from the Spring-Summer '08 Collection below, along with the Stampin' Up exclusive coordinating colors.

BEACHFRONT: Whisper White, Sahara Sand, River Rock, Very Vanilla, Basic Gray
DISTRICT: Pumpkin Pie, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Blue Bayou, Sage Shadow
FAIRY TALE (pictured): So Saffron, Rose Red, Certainly Celery, Regal Rose, Almost Amethyst
JERSEY: Basic Black, Real Red, More Mustard, Wild Wasabi, Brocade Blue
SHERBERT: So Saffron, Groovy Guava, Purely Pomegranate, Mellow Moss, Soft Sky, Very Vanilla
THEATRE: Always Artichoke, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, River Rock, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip

ALWAYS stampin'

2008-01-28T12:59:00.000-05:00

I haven't put this set away since the day it arrived! I just love this heart - so beautiful with a bunch of techniques. I'm in a Convention-Quality Swap ... I'm a little intimidated by the other swappers, but this is my submission. What do you think? ********************************************************************************
STAMP SET: ALWAYS, CANVAS & FLORAL BGs
CARDSTOCK: WHISPER WHITE, ROSE RED, BASIC BLACKINK: ROSE RED CLASSIC & VERSAMARK (FOR THE EMBOSSING)
ACCESSORIES: SHERBERT RIBBON ORIGINALS, PRETTIES KIT, FELT FLOWERS, WHITE MULBERRY PAPER, EYELETS, PAPER PIERCING TOOL & TEMPLATE, WHITE GETL PEN, EMBOSSING POWDERS (WHITE, CLEAR IRRIDESCENT ICE)
COMMENTS: FOR THE HEART, I STAMPED THE IMAGE IN VERSAMARK AND EMBOSSED WITH WHITE EP. THEN, I COVERED THE WHOLE HEART IN VERSAMARK AGAIN AND EMBOSSED WITH IRRIDESCENT ICE EP, THEN CUT OUT. I USED A BLENDER PEN TO TRACE AROUND THE HEART ON MULBERRY PAPER. THE BLENDER PEN WETS THE APAPER AND ALLOWED ME TO TEAR IT OUT IN A SHAPE. THE BLACK PANEL IS CANVAS BG STAMPED IN VERSAMARK AND EMBOSSED WITH CLEAR EP.

MY 1ST STAMP SESSION

2008-01-17T12:43:00.000-05:00

For my first stamp session of 2008, I created this stack of Valentine's Cards to send to a platoon in Iraq near and dear to my heart. The sentiment is, "Always on my mind, forever in my heart." I like how they came out ... sort of rough and soldier-y. Hope they make it in time!
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STAMP SET: ALWAYS, HOLIDAYS & WISHES, CANVAS BG
CARDSTOCK: OLD OLIVE, KRAFT, ROSE RED
INK: OLD OLIVE CHOCOLATE CHIP
ACCESSORIES: BRADS, 5/8" WIDE GROSGRAIN RIBBON

DEEP BREATH ...

2008-01-16T11:19:00.000-05:00

YES! YES! YES! The UPS lady brought me my box of brand-new product from the Spring-Summer '08 Catty! OMIGOSH - I just love new stamp days!

"Okay, deep breath, Laurel." Now, here's what Rylee & I dug out of that beautiful brown box:

GLITTER!!!! Goodie goodie gumdrops!

Oh, yea ... and a *few* other things:

STAMP SETS!

BOHO BLOSSOMS PUNCH!

STICKY LETTERS!

SIMPLY SCRAPPIN' KITS!

RUB ONS!

FELT FLOWERS!

Cool, huh?! What's going to be in YOUR first order?!

ISN'T IT PURDY?!

2008-01-14T14:26:00.000-05:00

*** Well, it's been a quiet, wait-ing kind of weekend. I'm waiting to hear from my darling hubby, I'm waiting for my 1st shipment of Spring-Summer '08 product to arrive, I'm waiting for the kids to wake up ...

*** So I figured I'd better stamp a little to kill time! I was inspired by a stamper named Cathy LeDonne and her Valentine's wreath card. I changed the color scheme a bit, used my slightly neglected Office Accoutrement Stamp set and ... VOILA!

*** I'm just tickled with how this card came out!

Now, I just have to wait 'till Mr. Brown brings me goodies ... 24 hours and counting!

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STAMP SET: OFFICE ACCOUTREMENT, WONDERFUL WORDS

CARDSTOCK: ROSE RED, GOING GRAY, WHISPER & SHIMMERY WHITES

INK: ROSE RED CLASSIC & CRAFT (EMBOSSED WITH IRRIDESCENT ICE EP), BASIC GRAY

ACCESSORIES: PRETTIES PEARLS, ROUND TAB PUNCH

GET YOUR STAMP ON!

2008-01-08T21:59:00.001-05:00

Finally, after long last, I'm forming a Stampin' Club!

I'm looking for 6 dedicated stampers to kick it off with. We will meet once a month for six months. At each meeting, I'll provide two fantastic, fully-embellished projects to create. Each member commits to purchasing $25 or more in Stampin' Up! products each month, and each will take a turn at being the "hostess" - picking the project theme or technique and recieving the Hostess Benefits for that month's collective order (to include FREE stamp sets and merchandise!!!)

In addition to getting FREE stuff, each member will also receive:
* A FREE catalog
* A hostess-only coupon book
* A standing $5 discount to any other stampin' event during club duration
* Special hand-crafted gifts
* A fun, productive, crafty girls'-night out with friends!

SIGN UP BY JAN. 31ST!

COLOR CODES

2008-01-01T18:00:00.000-05:00

For the birth announcements above, I printed the inside message on my home computer in Chocolate Chip brown, to match the colors. How, you might ask?! Well, it's the coolest thing. Some genius ladies on SCS have collaborated and put together the following custom computer RGB (red, green, blue) codes for each of SU!'s exclusive colors. Try it out sometime!

2007-2008 IN-COLORS
Blue Bayou R-83 G-134 B-142
Soft Sky R-182 G-229 B-223
Wild Wasabi R-133 G-179 B-113
River Rock R-210 G-198 B-141
Groovy Guava R-244 G-159 B-140
Purely Pomegranate R-176 G-74 B-107

SOFT SUBTLES
Almost Amethyst: R-189 G-189 B-255 OR H-170 S-255 L-222
Apricot Appeal: R-255 G-184 B-73 OR H-26 S-255 L-164
Barely Banana: R-248 G-250 B-156 OR H-44 S-230 L-203
Bashful Blue: R-215 G-235 B-255 OR H-149 S-255 L-235
Blush Blossom: R-255 G-226 B-204 OR H-18 S-255 L-230
Certainly Celery: R-125 G-153 B-63 OR H-56 S-106 L-108
Lavender Lace: R-215 G-215 B-255 OR H-170 S-255 L-235
Mellow Moss: R-111 G-136 B-60 OR H-57 S-100 L-98
Pale Plum: R-215 G-173 B-211 OR H-217 S-88 L-194
Perfect Plum: R-125 G-61 B-119 OR H-217 S-88 L-93
Pretty In Pink: R-250 G-181 B-201 OR H-243 S-223 L-216
Sage Shadow: R-147 G-187 B-115 OR H-66 S-88 L-151

BOLD BRIGHTS
Brilliant Blue: R-46 G-46 B-182 OR H-170 S-152 L-114
Gable Green: R-197 G-254 B-154 OR H-67 S-250 L-204
Glorious Green: R-57 G-155 B-66 OR H-89 S-118 L-106
Green Galore: R-159 G-253 B-89 OR H-67 S-249 L-171
Lovely Lilac: R-170 G-54 B-255 OR H-194 S-255 L-155
Only Orange: R-254 G-103 B-0 OR H-17 S-255 L-127
Orchid Opulence: R-182 G-109 B-255 OR H-191 S-255 L-182
Pink Passion: R-255 G-83 B-169 OR H-234 S-255 L-169
Pixie Pink: R- 255 G-118 B-194 OR H-232 S-255 L-187
Real Red: R-212 G-0 B-0 OR H-0 S-255 L-106
Tempting Turquoise: R-113 G-252 B-255 OR H-129 S-255 L-184
YoYo Yellow: R-251 G-229 B-19 OR H-38 S-247 L-135

EARTH ELEMENTS
Cameo Coral: R-255 G-113 B-143 OR H-246 S-232 L-155
Chocolate Chip: R-66 G-28 B-28 OR H-0 S-101 L-47
Close To Cocoa: R-147 G-97 B-69 OR H-15 S-92 L-108
Creamy Caramel: R-214 G-160 B-88 OR H-24 S-154 L-151
Garden Green: R-57 G-125 B-55 OR H-84 S-99 L-90
More Mustard: R-216 G-175 B-0 OR H-34 S-255 L-108
Not Quite Navy: R-0 G-79 B-118 OR H-142 S-255 L-59
Old Olive: R-149 G-146 B-0 OR H-41 S-255 L-75
Really Rust: R-199 G-77 B-9 OR H-15 S-233 L-104
Ruby Red: R-212 G-29 B-30 OR H-0 S-194 L-121
Summer Sun: R-242 G-204 B-16 OR H-35 S-229 L-129
Pumpkin Pie: R-232 G-138 B-0 OR H-25 S-255 L-116

RICH REGALS
Always Artichoke: R-68 G-79 B-55 OR H-62 S-46 L-67
Ballet Blue: R-97 G-134 B-205 OR H-156 S-132 L-151
Bordering Blue: R-155 G-155 B-168 OR H-170 S-7 L-158
Bravo Burgundy: R-100 G-15 B-35 OR H-245 S-188 L-58
Brocade Blue: R-135 G-176 B-219 OR H-150 S-137 L-177
Elegant Eggplant: R-108 G-0 B-77 OR H-255 S-255 L-54
Handsome Hunter: R-15 G-51 B-23 OR H-94 S-139 L-33
Night of Navy: R-0 G-0 B-75 OR H-170 S-255 L-38
Regal Rose: R-251 G-129 B-175 OR H-239 S-239 L-190
Rose Red: R-255 G-27 B-130 OR H-236 S-255 L-141
So Saffron: R-246 G-210 B-127 OR H-29 S-221 L-187
Taken With Teal: R-0 G-156 B-152 OR H-126 S-255 L-78

NEUTRALS
Going Gray: R-150 G-150 B-150 OR H-170 S-0 L-150
Sahara Sand: R-149 G-151 B-121 OR H-46 S-32 L-136
Whisper White: R-255 G-255 B-255 OR H-170 S-0 L-255
Very Vanilla: R-249 G-248 B-224 OR H-40 S-172 L-237
Basic Brown: (using Chocolate Chip) R-66 G-28 B-28 OR H-0 S-101 L-47

Your view of my PRE*view

2007-12-12T21:14:00.000-05:00

Today marked the arrival of my demo-only PREorder from the Spring-Summer Catalog, to be released in just a few short weeks!!!

I'm here to tell you ... get your stamp space ready for some of the most beautiful, inspiring stamped images, color combinations & accessories you have ever seen from Stampin' Up!

Top Left: Images from the Embrace Life stamp set, and the Bali Breeze double sided designer papers.

Bottom Left: Images from Celebrate Everything and Ginger Blossom double sided designer papers.

Christmas came early for SU! Demos

2007-11-28T13:31:00.000-05:00

November brought me a suprise stamp set from Shelli, co-founder and CEO of Stampin' Up! Every current demonstrator received this adorable 12-piece set (a hostess-only set from the upcoming 2008 IB&C)! What a great gift.

I adore the double-line doodle-y look - it's great with many techniques, & the sentiments are so sweet: "too much of a good thing is a GOOD THING" & "time spent with friends is time well spent."

Free stamps - one of the great perks of hangin' in there as a demonstrator!!! Artwork copyright Stampin' Up!

Thankful for Apple Cider

2007-10-19T11:02:00.001-04:00

Yes, it's true - I'm thankful for Apple Cider Double-Sided Designer Papers! But that's not all. This season, I'm thankful for:
- Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Mini Catalog
- Inspiration (my banner is taken right out of the mini)
- Craft shows & other events to give me a creative deadline
- Empty tin cans that I can cover & make seasonal pencil cans with
- Faux stitching
- Chipboard. Yes, chipboard!
- Mini composition books on sale - ya'll know I love to alter books!
- Twill Tape & Hodgepodge Hardware (where would I be without them?)

Seriously, I'm one lucky demonstrator. I get such satisfaction from creating, but I get even more blessings from the people I've gotten to know.
- My customers who always push me to keep going & do more!
- My downline - keep on stampin' girls!
- My upline, Lynda - who taught me so much
- My adorable children, who always make the best brag book subjects!

I'm all warm & fuzzy about life this fall. Great friends, good health, glorious family & a generous supply of Apple Cider. Who could ask for more?!

AUG '07 Stamp-A-Stack

2007-08-19T14:03:00.001-04:00

Artwork by Laurel Matthew. All images copyright Stampin' Up!
This week, I taught my monthly Stamp-A-Stack. I get the challenge of coming up with 5 projects, and precut, score, and prepare all the products for my stampers. Each guest then stamps 10 cards & envelopes themselves.

With such a variety of layouts, colors, and styles ... there is a project for every taste.
But usually, my guests like them all!!

I just pre-ordered this fantastic NEW from the Holiday Collection. It's not even available to customers yet. BUT, I loved it so much, I had to let my SAS'ers have the first go with it. We used Really Rust, Groovy Guava, and River Rock. The underlying strip is a coordinating Double Sided Designer Paper. Cool, don't you think?!

I have been extremely blessed with some of the most compassionate, understanding, helpful, generous, thoughful, and fun friends in the world. I had fun putting together these projects, and had a friend in mind behind each of them. So, check the mail, girls. I'll be RAKing my BFFs this month.

And, you could too, if you come to my NEXT Stamp-A-Stack and make some of these beauties for your friends!

Swappin' with my DLs

2007-07-15T17:01:00.000-04:00

Artwork by Laurel Matthew. All images copyright Stampin' Up!
DLs = my downline. Demonstrators that have signed up with me. They're "my girls". My stampin' students. My creative, crafty, crazy little crickets. Having a Stampin' Up! downline feels SO good. They're motivating, validating, and great company!

Each month, we have a swap. In a swap, each member (aka swapper) comes up with one idea (usually based on a theme or template) and makes a bunch of the same thing. Then, we mail them to the hostess, who swaps them out, and returns one of each design to the swappers. It's fun and a great way to share ideas.

In July, my mom hosted. She's pictured, left, at her 1st ever stampin session with me. As a librarian, she loves books and bookmarks, of course. And, as a fledgling Demonstrator, she wanted to learn how to use her stamping supplies to make bookmarks & coordinating projects. Thus, we were challenged to design a bookmark and card from the same stamp set & supplies.

So, here's my little set. It's a bookmark collection & gift envelope. I featured all-new exclusive supplies from the Fall/Winter 2007 Collection, just released in July. I just ordered all these great accessories and HAD to use them all.

Stamp Sets: Garden Silhouettes. Colors: Groovy Guava, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, River Rock. Technique: Emboss Resist. Accessories: Jumbo Eyelets, Pretties flowers, Ribbon Originals, Eyelets, Hodgepodge, Double-Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon.

And, no. I did not come up with this whole thing by myself. I CASE'd it from a project featured in a Feb. 2004 issue of "Stampin' Success," our monthly publication for demonstrators. The project with the flowers, left, is the original, suggested as a Stamp Camp project. The Christmas tree version is my first CASE. Both flower and tree image are from the Nice and Narrow stamp set, now retired.

Contact me for the Pattern Template and make your own CASE of this great bookmark project. Better yet, become a demonstrator yourself, and you'll have access to this pattern, and countless more great ideas, techniques, and patterns available to Stampin' Up! demonstrators.

Coordinating Colors for 07-08 DSDP

2007-06-08T14:43:00.001-04:00

Brocade Backgrounds: Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, River Rock

Cerise: Real Red, Very Vanilla

Charbon: Basic Gray, Very Vanilla

Creepy Crawly: Basic Black, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust

Cutie Pie: Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Rose Red, So Saffron

Darling Doodles: Brocade Blue, Groovy Guava, Rose Red, Wild Wasabi

Dashing: Old Olive, Real Red, River Rock, Very Vanilla

Fall Flowers: Old Olive, Really Rust, Sahara Sand, Soft Sky

Flowers for You: Certainly Celery, Lovely Lilac, Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise

LeJardin: River Rock, Soft Sky, So Saffron, Very Vanilla

Linen Prints: Apricot Appeal, Cameo Coral, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Pink Passion

Notations No.2: More Mustard, River Rock, Very Vanilla, Wild Wasabi

Outlaw: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Really Rust, Sage Shadow, Very Vanilla

Petals & Paisleys: Certainly Celery, Cool Caribbean, Rose Red, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, Taken with Teal

Prints: Monochromatic papers available in Almost Amethyst, Always Artichoke, Blue Bayou, Brilliant Blue, Certainly Celery, Close to Cocoa, Groovy Guava, Lovely Lilac, More Mustard, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, River Rock, Rose Red, So Saffron, Soft Sky, Tempting Turquoise

Porcelain Prints: Blue Bayou, River Rock, Wild Wasabi

Uptown: Almost Amethyst, Basic Gray, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi

Wintergreen: Always Artichoke, Certainly Celery, Sage Shadow, Soft Sky

HOKIE HOPE

2007-05-15T20:56:00.000-04:00

There are a lot of stampers' taglines that say "stamping is cheaper than therapy." It's alternative medicine all right, right up there with exercise, yoga, pedicures, and chocolate. Well, more than once, stamping has actually been effective therapy for me. I've stamped to gain confidence, to prove I can still do beautiful things, to forgive, to remember, to reach out, to get out and socialize ... and in May 2007, to plain ol' deal with senseless, horrible tragedy too close to home.
These are the cards I made in honor of the Virginia Tech massacre. Must have made a hundred. Could have made more. Swapped a bunch at Virginia Beach Regionals. Gave the rest to the families left behind to grieve.

And here I am. Virginia Tech graduate of 1998. Daggum. 10 whole years ago. I love that school, and every day I was there. I love the people I met, the way I could ride my bike across campus like a banshee, how I had no fear to take a nap right there on the quad.

So, sure - stamping has been my therapy. Whether or not it's actually cheaper ... that's still up for debate. But there's no other way for me. I just "stamp it all out."

Wedding Ensemble

2006-05-31T21:32:00.001-04:00

I was the Maid of Honor in one of my best friend's wedding. She helped me deliver my second child while my husband was away on deployment in the summer of 2003. She kept me sane and happy and helped paint the baby's room. I figured it was the least I could do to stamp her a few things for the ceremony. The only item not pictured was a last-minute guest book.

Paint cans inspired by all the brave artists on splitcoaststampers. Wedding sentiment non-SU.

This awesome DVD tin journal inspired by Donna Downey's "Yes, It's a Journal." I love these.

We did do the name plates for each guest, and ran them through the computer. But, the pillow boxes fell off the "to do" list ... thank heavens ;)
Stamp Sets: Flowers for a Friend (ret.), Fine Lace BG, and Much Appreciated.
Colors: Almost Amethyst, Lavendar Lace & Sage Shadow.

Stampin's done ... now it's time to relax with my beautiful flower girl.