Summery Thanks

Here's a quick thank you card w/a summer theme! The Pink Flamingo paper is perfect for this fun time of year! And some of the images are really great focal points- hence very little stamping! I used Real Red as the main color for the card. I did stamp a bird to sit on the back of the flamingo- just for fun and to give some dimension! The red flower is one of the Blooms die cuts and the turquoise is from the Boho Blossoms punch. One of my favorite parts is the little flip-flop brad:) Some ribbon and the 'thank you' sentiment top off the card.

Chic Boutique

I absolutely loved this set- Chic Boutique, when I first saw it in the new catalog. It's one of those super girly sets & I simply got it for my own pleasure! This is the first card I've created with it. I plan to do a whole set, so stay tuned! This first card was inspired by the SU sample on p.6 of the new catalog. I changed a few things. I love the swarovski crystals I added! The perfect touch for this fun, feminine card.

Details:

Stamps: Chic Boutique

Ink: markers- So Saffron, Orchid Opulence, Mellow Moss, Pretty in Pink, Tempting Turquoise

Cardstock: Mellow Moss, Orchid Opulence, Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron

DS Paper: Cottage Wall

Punches: Scallop Oval, Wide Oval, Eyelet Border

Other: So Saffron grosgrain, swavorski crystals, CM cutting system (for oval)

Cute Office Gift Sets!

I was recently asked to make 2 gifts sets for some ladies at an office. Each set included a small clip board (from the $ store) w/a stamped sticky pad, a bag or box (using my new Sizzix dies), & 2 little tins w/staples & paper clips in each. I thought these items would be practical and useful in an office setting.

I used my SU scallop circle punch to cover the top of each tin + some Flower Fusions. It was fun using my new Fancy Favor (SU exclusive) & Box #2 die. Surprisingly, they each had sufficient room for goodies. The purple set also features butterflies from the SU Beautiful Butterfly die, which matched the DS paper really well. My favorite part of the clipboards was the ribbon. I love ribbon and it just really tops off the boards! I had alot of fun with these projects and was very pleased with how they turned out. SU Designer Series paper is perfect for this kind of gift because it's double-sided & there's 12 coordinating prints in each package! I'm also inspired by the color combos. I hope these ladies enjoyed their gifts!

Technique Class #2

Another successful Technique class, wow. What a fun evening. I hope all of the ladies enjoyed:) The 4 projects we made are pictured. You can click on it to enlarge (it was a hastily-taken photo). The following techniques were practiced:
Stamping with Bleach (butterfly card),
Shaving Cream technique (popsicle card), Chalkboard technique (flower on black), & the Shaker card (turtles w/sand).
I really enjoyed seeing the various creative designs many of the ladies came up with for their cards. It's amazing to see so many different ideas made with the same supplies. Thanks to each of the 11 who attended and made this class such a success. Your enthusiasm is encouraging to me.

Go Team!

We made this card as a thank-you for Zeb's grandma who paid for him to attend a b-ball camp a few weeks ago. What an awesome gift. With Zeb playing a sport almost every season, I sure have got my use out of this 'Sporting' set. Very versatile and easy to use for any sport. The basketball is a misc stamp I've had. I used SU punches for the stars & popped everything up w/dimensionals. I also used the SU spiral punch for something different.

Zeb had fun, as he always does. Here's a pic of him this b-ball season.

DejaVu...My Own C.A.S.E!

You may have seen a similar card posted a few months ago on my blog, but I LOVE the Always set and Bella Rose paper, so I made this card again. It IS slightly altered- I changed it just a tad. I should probably make a whole batch of these, since they're so pretty and one of my favorites. We'll see.....

Stamps: Always (bird), Bella Blossom (sentiment)

DS Paper: Bella Rose

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, Ruby Red

Designer brads (Filigree) & buttons

Dressed-Up Cookie Package

Here's a cute way to decorate the top of disposable storage lids, if you're taking cookies or some kind of meal to someone. This is super simple and not elaborate. I used a piece of DS paper, rounded the corners, & topped it with some butterflies cut out of coordinating DS paper, using my Sizzix. I added a simple tag and ribbon. This probably took me all of 5minutes to make- much less time than the cookies.

Technique Class Projects

Here are the projects we'll be making at tonight's Technique class: Vitalized Vellum, Stamping on candles, Faux Silk, & the Dahlia fold. I think all of these turned out pretty well and I'm excited to see how the ladies respond! All of them are fairly simple. The Dahlia fold is a little tedious, but it's very pretty, so I hope it works for everyone.
Directions can be found on http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ under 'Resources'. I will also be holding a make-up class next week for those who could not attend this evening. Click on any picture to enlarge. Please email me if you're interested.



Stamped Candle

Faux Silk

Dahlia Fold

Vitalized Vellum

Pink Flamingo Graduation Gift

This is a graduation gift creation for a high school grad at my church. I thought the Pink Flamingo paper was fun and young looking! I really had fun putting this gift together! I hope she enjoys it!

I used a sturdy piece of cardboard for the backing. All of the paper is adhered using sticky strip, for extra hold. I purchased the corkboard at Michaels. Some of the flowers are cut out from the actual DSP and 'popped up' with dimensionals. I also used some SU Blooms Die Cuts in Real Red as well as some stamped images from Stitched Exotics (retiring). The tin features rub-ons from last years SAB. The clipboard is simply covered w/the flamingo paper and I used some SU butterfliy dies for the bottom corner. The flip flop brads are a fun addition!

Father's Day Wallet

Here's the first wallet I've ever made! I'm pleasantly please with how it turned out! This is for my dad for Father's Day. We're putting a DQ gift card inside (which I should have pictured) + some pictures of the kids. The pattern was VERY simple and basic dimensions can be found here. My Instructions:

The outside is 9"x3.5" w/all corners rounded. Find the middle and score 1/16th" on each side of the middle mark. This will allow for extra room for cards, money, etc. The inside is 8.5"x3.25". I slightly altered mine w/pockets only on one side. They're simply 1" & 2" pieces of cardtock the same width as half of the big wallet piece= 4.25". I used sticky strip to adhere all pieces. I paper piered the front and connected the holes w/choc.chip marker= faux stitching. The close to cocoa cardstock is sponged (inside and out) w/choc.chip & really rust ink.

Stamps used: Dad's Day

Welcome Cards

These are the welcome cards I created to give to new visitors at church. My husband is helping with implementing a new visitor follow-up system and these cards will be part of a home visit packet, along with homemade cookies. I think a personal touch like this can say alot. Plus, they're simple, easy to make a batch, and they're using my retiring DSP! I love this pattern- Urban Garden! Only while supplies last, if you're interested! The cardstock & flower ink is Baja Blue, which is also retiring. The flower stamp is a retired hostess and the welcome is from "Warm Words" w/Old Olive ink.

And check out our church website: http://www.cmcroanoke.org/.

Let me know if you have any questions or would like to visit!

Scene in a Garden- Love It!

I am totally in love with this set! It was featured in the recent Ocassions mini and I'm really hoping it makes it into the upcoming catalog. I think it's actually one of my top favorites of all time! It kind of has warm country feel to it. And all the pieces make it so much fun to play with!

This isn't a matching card set- just various colors and papers I've been playing around with. My favorite is the 'Welcome' card. I used the retiring Bella Rose paper and my new scallop oval punch! The other cards feature retired paper-from Sweet Always (choc.chip floral) nla

:( & some prints from the 08 catalog.

This card is for my dad. He was here 2 weeks ago and actually planted my garden for me. I immediately thought of this set when I considered making him a card. The simple layout and colors will be perfect for him! Here's a pic of my garden. YES, it's growing!







Click on any pic to view larger details. Let me know if you have any questions.

Last Chance!

Stampin' Up! has released the Last Chance Stamps and Last Chance Accessories lists. These are the stamps, inks, papers, and accessories that are retiring from the current line. All the Last Chance stamps will be available for ordering through the end of June. However, the accessories are only available WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. Please note that in years past, many of these items have sold out quickly, therefore if you see something you want, do not wait. Email me w/your order today.
Last Chance Stamp List



Last Chance Decor Elements

Last Chance Accessories

Canvas Art!

Here's the layout which will go on a painted piece of canvas to be hung in my freshly painted/remodeled kitchen! I'm excited about this piece! I LOVE the DS paper prints! It will really dress up my walls and add a personal touch! Click on the pic to view details.

All products used are SU:

Sweet Nothings SS kit

Bella Rose DS paper

Old Olive cardstock (watering can- made w/punches)

Real Red cardstock

Beautiful Butterflies bigz dies

Fleurettes- crocheted flower

Always stamp set (bird)

Button Bouquet designer buttons

Here's how it looks in my kitchen! I really love it!

Use Designer Series Paper!!!

Although this particular paper is not currently available (this year's SAB), this is a great example of how to use DS paper on your cards. For this sample, I've actually used 6 designs! And another great thing about it is that I can use my SU cardtock to perfectly match the colors in the printed paper!

Check out the catalog for many many beautiful options of DS paper and take advantage of the super sale going on through the end of this month (see post below)!

SU Scrapbooking Promotion

MAY IS NATIONAL SCRAPBOOK MONTH!

During the month of May, you can take advantage of these special offers:

1. Buy three packs of Designer Series paper - including specialty Designer Series paper - or 12"x12" textured card stock and get one FREE!

2. Buy the new Jumble Alphabet stamp set - a sneak peek from the upcoming 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog - at 20% off! Instead of $43.95, you pay only $35.16

Email me to take advantage of these awesome offers!

Sizzlits Lots of Tags Thank You

I love these cute little sizzlits tag shapes! Perfect for greetings! And exclusively SU! I made this thank you for my in-laws who kindly shared some cabinets that were given to them -AND- helped us install them in our kitchen!

I earned this stamp set-Thoughts and Prayers- for sales during Sale-a-Bration, and I love it! I used markers to color the rubber for the tree and branches before stamping them onto my paper. A designer flower button completes this card!

Loving SU DS Paper!

Yes, I'm loving SU DS paper! It makes cardmaking SO simple! Just pick a pack of your favorite paper and use several patterns layered on a card, like mine (also see my card in the post below). Add some stamped images and punch them out for interest. I also used my BigKick to cut the butterfly dies. I love these! The finished product: a quick and easy card!

Thinking of You--Always

I absolutely love this little bird in the Always stamp set! So pretty and so easy to stamp! I cut this one out to give the card some depth and dimension-after stamping it in chocolate chip. All products used are SU. The ds paper is Bella Rose and the cardstock colors are Pink Pirouette and Ruby Red. The flowers are punched with my SU flower punches and held together with Filigree Designer brads. The sentiment is showcased on the large and medium oval punches.

I made this card for my husband's grandma, aka 'Nanny.' Please keep her in your prayers as she has been in the hospital for several weeks and continues to fight infection in her body as well as healing from a broken hip.

Check out the Occasions Mini!

From April 1-30, when you buy $40 in product from the Occasions mini OR host a workshop of $150 or more, you'll get one item from the "Under $10" page (p.208) in the 2009 Spring Summer Idea Book & Catalog for FREE! Download the mini to check it out! This offer is only good through April. Email me to place an order!

Simply Scrappin' kit Options

Love Sparkles

&

Taylor Made

Sweet Nothings
&

Sunshine Garden

Rock-a-Bye Boy & Rock-a-Bye Girl

Petal Party

&

Best Ever

Hoppy Memories

Love Stories

2Sweet

Choose any one of the above kits and contact me for details about the Scrapbook in an Evening class. I will cut all materials and provide layouts for your choice of album size. A fun way to make an album in one evening!

SAB Delicate Dots Card

This card features the Delicate Dots DS Paper & the Ribbon Bundle from the Sale-a-Bration catalog. So pretty. I love this package and the springy colors: 4 each of 4 double sided papers (8 patterns total). And FREE with a $50 merchandise purchase! It's only available through Sale-a-Bration which ends March 31st. Email me for more details. And check out the other free merchandise you can get with each $50 purchase, including several exclusive stamp sets, by downloading the mini catalog on my sidebar.

Always Precious

Here's more scrapbook pages of Isabella! I think the title clearly says it all. My good friend Windy took these adorable pictures of Isabella when she was only 4 days old. She amazingly captured her first smile! The hearts in the bottom corner of the 2nd page are swatches from the fabric my mom used the make her nursery bedding. I used my sizzix to cut them out! Isabella's room is so pretty and special. The white shelf pictured in the collage photo was made by my dad. He also included a special message on the back of it. I'm sure Isabella will treasure it for years to come.

I think I will try to add a journaling box to one of these pages because I'd like to include some of the info I just explained above. After all, part of scrapbooking is capturing and telling a story.

I used the beautiful Always ds paper on these 2 pages. I love the colors and the pictures really coordinated well with it. The flower cut outs were made using my Sizzix and the exclusive Baskets & Blooms SU dies. I think the jeweled brads add a girly touch as well. And if you're wondering, the 'Precious' title is NOT part of the paper. It's actually a rub-on (K&Co).

Pretty Pages

Here's a couple of pages from Isabella's baby scrapbook. I actually have 11 pages completed so far! Pretty good since she's just now 10wks old! While I don't totally use all Stampin' Up products on my scrapbooks, I sure use alot. And I think everything on these 2 pages is actually a SU product. The paper is Bella Rose, Pink Pirouette, & Baha Breeze. The pretty flowers are Felt Fusions and topped with half-back pearls from the Pretties kit. I couldn't get a title to fit properly on this layout, but I think the journaling and pictures speak for themselves. I also added a pretty verse from God's Blessings stamp set. You can click on the pictures to enlarge the details. What do you think?

Sweet Stems Gift Set Complete

Thanks to the ladies who attended my card class Tuesday evening. I enjoyed chatting with you all:)

For those of you who didn't make it, here's the complete Sweet Stems gift set that we made, including the A-2 card box. All six of the cards we each made fit snuggly in the gift box. This makes an adorable hand-made set to give as a gift.

Interested in making a box for yourself? Check out the splitcoast tutorial here. So simple and a really great size for cards.

Sweet Stems meets Raspberry Tart

Finding time to play with my stamps has definitely been a challenge, lately. Here's a card set that I made with the Sweet Stems stamp set and Raspberry Tart dsp. Isn't it pretty? I love how the stamps coordinate with the paper. And the colors are so pretty! I used a variety of card sizes, for interest. I literally had only a few minutes to work on these cards, but creating them was a cinch since everything coordinated. My biggest challenge was deciding which paper patterns to use! Stay tuned for a coordinating notepad + box to top off this cute set.