Merry Christmas, Champ!

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

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!
*********************************
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
******************************************
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?!"

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

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

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!!
*****************************************************
STAMP SETS: DASHER; COLORS: REAL RED, BASHFUL BLUE, WHISPER WHITE, CHOCOLATE CHIP; ACCESSORIES: BUTTON LATTE, LINEN THREAD, CHUNKY GLITTER

School's Out!

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

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

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.
***************************************************
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 ...

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

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!!!
*******************************************
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!

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!

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!

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?!

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

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.
*******************************************
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

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

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!
*********************************************
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

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.
********************************************
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!

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

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.
***************************************
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 ...

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.

************************************************************************************

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

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

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

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.
*******************************************
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