A Fun Popsicle Card

This is the perfect summer card! Very unique (unless you've been surfing stampin' blogs). This card is simple and I think it's really cute. I was inspired by several blogs, but actually got the measurements from PattyStampinsSpot. The scallop circle punch was used to make the "bite" in the corner. These cards work great in a variety of colors or with different greetings.

Baby Shower Invites

These are the baby shower invites that I made for my sister's baby shower, which is scheduled for the end of July. I've made about 20 so far. I didn't turn the flash off for this pic, so it turned out a little bright. I may take another one, if I get a chance. I used the "By Ones & Twos" set from the Ocassions mini b/cause the sample card inspired me. I stamped the onesie 2x. Once onto white and once onto DS paper from the Baby Boy SS kit. I then popped the DS paper one up over the one on white. These cards were actually very time consuming b/cause of the scallops and the paper piercing along the top and around the circle scallop. There's alot of pieces that make up this card, but I was really pleased with the result.

Stamps: By Ones & Twos

Ink: Gable Green, Basic Black

Paper: Wild Wasabi, Soft Sky, Barely Banana, Whisper White, & DS paper from Baby Boy SS kit

Other: Wild Wasabi striped ribbon, scallop and circle punches, paper piercing tool, corner rounder punch

"Welcome Little One" Baby Card

I love making baby cards! They're so sweet! This one is for my cousin who just had a little boy last week. Unfortunately, the picture didn't upload as clear as I thought it came out, but I think you can get the basic layout and idea. These colors are perfect for a new baby and the Wild About You set always works! The circle image on the left says "welcome little one" and a baby diaper pin is punched and popped up in the center.

Stamps: Wild About You, Riveting

Ink: Apricot Appeal, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery

Paper: Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, DS Prints, other

Accessories: Fresh Favorites buttons, circle punches, ticket corner punch, gingham ribbon

Flower Fusion meets Bali Breeze!

Here's a pretty birthday card that I recently gave a friend of mine. I LOVE the exotic and fresh Bali Breeze DS paper's colors! And if you haven't tried the Flower Fusion felt flowers, you're really missing out! They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, have a hole already punched in the center (perfect for brads), and are super easy to glue onto your surface! I've used these on both cards and scrapbooks. They come in packages of 130, three colors, and 14 flower designs. I think they can really add alot to a card. I whipped this up in under 5 minutes! Here's what I used:
Stamps: none (on the outside)
Paper: Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie, Bali Breeze DS paper
Ink: none (on the outside)
Other: Flower Fusion felt flowers, gold brad, Tempting Turquoise grosgrain, & other polka dot ribbon (from last catalog's hostess SS kit)
PS. I did stamp a birthday greeting on the inside:)

Introducing Stampin' Up's NEW Decor Elements!

Stampin' Up just announced a NEW product line called Decor Elements. This line consists of vinyl wall elements that coordinate with Definitely Decorative stamps. They're easy to apply and remove. These large wall decorations will add color, flair, dimension, and style to your walls, frames, mirrors, lampshades, and anything else you can think of! They come in a variety of sizes and designs. Make a personal statement with these elements! Click on Decor Elements to view the product line preview brochure. Contact me to order.

A Father's Day Album for Grandpa!

Well, since I was on the Father's Day album kick, I decided to make an 8x8 for my boys to give my dad. Therefore, the Grandpa album was created! Needless to say, it was the perfect gift for him. My parents live in Ohio and we only get to see them about once a month. They're both crazy about their grandsons and already have tons of pictures and momentos around the house to remind them of the boys, so this album will fit right in! We miss them and wish they lived closer to us and I know they wish the same.

I was pleased with how this album turned out, although it was a challenge to fit all of the pictures onto an 8x8 page! I really should have made a larger size, but it worked out, in the end.

The first photo features paper and die cuts from the Boho Blends Simply Scrappin' kit.

In the page below, I used Summer Picnic DS paper and die cuts from the Summer Days SS kit.The boys also each made a picture for the cover page, which was a great personal touch.

I wish these photos of the album pages would have turned out better, but I guess I was in too big of a hurry.

Did you scrap any special memories for Father's Day? If not, it's never too late to begin! You don't need a holiday to give a gift of photos:)

Say Good-bye! The 2008 RETIRED STAMP LIST is here!

Yes, it's that time of year! A new group of stamps are retiring--meaning they'll be gone for good--to make room for a whole new group of stamps! August 9th is the last day you will be able to get any stamps on the RETIRED LIST. Check it out and please let me know if you'd like to place an order! Be sure to email me for my personal specials this month!

click below:
2008 RETIRED STAMP LIST

Father's Day Cards!

Here's 2 styles of Father's Day cards that I made for Sunday. I thought they both turned out very "manly" yet bright and interesting. Both were simple and quick. I thought the Hodgepodge hardware added some style and dimension. I used the Dad's Day stamp set. The Designer label punch is perfect for the image I used. DS paper East Coast Prep (retiring) and Notations No.2 (retired) were also used.

Father's Day Scrapbook Pages

I've decided to make Dave a Father's Day scrapbook album with pictures of the boys. I think he'll love it, but of course I've waited until the last minute! I'm off to a pretty good start, though, mostly thanks to the super easy Simply Scrappin kits! Wow! They sure make putting a page together quick and simple. Here's one using the Summer Days kit. Very bright and fun! Here's another using a retired hostess from the last catalog, Creative License. It's definitely great for a boy theme.
The top photo, however, features the East Coast Prep DS paper, Bold Bright buttons, and some misc embellishments. You can click on any picture to enlarge and check out details.
I'll add more pictures as I get them put together. The next one will be a "Gabriel page" using the Boho Blend Simply Scrappin' kit!
Scrapbooks, even small albums, make great gifts for loved ones. Preserving memories is absolutely priceless! If you're trying to come up with a Father's Day gift for Sunday, consider scrapbooking something! If not an entire album, you can always choose one or two pictures and stamp or embellish around them. Frame something or create a card around a picture! Be creative and have fun!

"You're So Nice" Card

Here's a pretty card using a current hostess set Sweet Dreams + the Afternoon Tea DS paper. I love the flower image in this set because it's so simple and makes an easy image for a card. I used markers to color the flowers and stems. The words are from part of the greeting stamp in this set.

Stamps: Sweet Dreams

Paper: Afternoon Tea, Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi, Soft Sky

Ink: Green Galore, Sage Shadow, Cameo Coral

Other: Circle punches, Photo corner punch, heart brad (non-SU)

More Garden Whimsys for the kit

Here's more cards for the Garden Whimsy card kit. I had previously posted 2 others back in March--here. The card pictured above is a 4x4 size. Very cute. These colors make a pretty palette: Wild Wasabi, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, and a bit of Rose Red. My sample, however pictures Really Rust in place of the Rose Red, which is an alternative that you can try, if you like.

The last one is a standard 4.25"x5.5" size card. Simple yet pretty. I didn't use the Rose Red for the base or 2nd butterfly's ink in this sample either. However, the kit includes the Rose Red, which I think is much prettier. Use the celery marker to ink the small butterfly as well as the words.

All supplies received with the kit will be pre-cut and seperated for each card design.

Other: circle & scallop punches, photo corner punch, paper piercing tool, rhinestone brad

Voila!

Here's a fun recipe book that I made for a bridal shower gift. I used a 5x5 On Board journal and Apple Cider Designer paper to cover it. The chef from "Voila" is perfect for this project. I pieced his clothing from the designer paper to add some color and design. I used the "From the kitchen of" stamp set for the actual recipe cards. The round tab punch works well for the category dividers.

Everything really came together for this gift when I found this adorable little chef kitchen timer. And coordinating towels topped everything off.

Blooming With Happiness!

What a fitting name for bridal shower card! I love this retired hostess set and can't bring myself to part with it. This dress image is dainty and pretty and perfect for special occasions.
I like this card overall, but I wasn't super happy with the ribbon. I left it as a last resort. However, I love the small pearls down the scalloped edge. Definitely a "bridal" effect.
Stamps: Blooming with Happiness
Paper: Soft Sky, Soft Sky Prints, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Basic Black, Regal Rose, Barely Banana, Sage Shadow
Accessories: Pearls, taffeta ribbon
Other: Marvy Giga punches, corner rounder (for scallop)

My Version of the Carousel Note Purse

Yes, after receiving all of my supplies, I've finally been able to put together my version of Jan Tink's incredibly adorable Carousel Note Purse! This was such a fun project for me. I'm really excited for the ladies who are participating in my class next week to try this out too. We will also be making 2 cards and it's not too late to sign up, if you're interested.
I specifically made my purse for a Mother's Day gift for my mom. I think she will love the Afternoon Tea designer paper's colors! I'm going to fill it with pictures of the boys, which I know she'll love:)
This purse will hold at least 5 pictures. The green and guava cardstock mats on each side of the folded out purse will each hold a 4"x3" picture. The Soft Sky cardstock mat in the middle will hold a 4.5"x2" picture, and the 2 pull-out carousel notes will each hold a 4.75" circle picture. These notes convenientally slide into the actual envelopes that come with the carousel notes, which are the base for the whole purse.I used my CM circle templates to cut the cardstock and will use them for the pictures as well. However, if you have the Coluzzle or another circle cutting tool, that should work fine too. Below are some closer pictures of each side of the opened purse as well as the middle. You can click on any of them to enlarge.



The purse is actually larger than I thought it would be; front and back are 6.25"x6.25". I used 3 carousel notes and 2 envelopes + lots of DS paper and cardstock. Here's a picture of the back. The embellishments can certainly be personalized the way you want them, which is the fun part! Here's the supplies I used:
Stamps: Live Your Dream, Baroque Motifs (cherish), & retired So Very (sweet)
Ink: Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava
Designer Paper: Afternoon Tea
Punches: Circle Punches, Photo Corners, 5-Petal Flower, Boho Blossoms, Designer Label, Round Tab
Other: brads, jumbo eyelets, hodgepodge hardware, double-stitched ribbon, paper piercing tool

A Pretty Thank You Card

I LOVE the new Afternoon Tea designer paper! It's so pretty! I've already used it on several pages of a scrapbook. In fact, the Soft Sky and Wasabi green printed papers are perfect to add to a sweet baby boy's album. I also love my new "Live Your Dreams" stamp set, which I used on this card! It coordinates so great with this paper. What an easy card! I think I'll be using this set alot! In fact, this is the set I'll be using to make my Mother's Day cards and scrapbook purse. My carousel notes should be here tomorrow! So check back soon for pictures of my project....

Cute Kid's Cards

Kids love to give and make their own cards. Here's 2 little sets that I made which would be perfect! The images are stamped in black and ready to be colored with crayons or markers. I used kid-appealing bright colors and simple embellishments. The "God Is Love" stamp set is great for this idea. I also used one of last year's SAB sets "Very Punny."

I'm still playing around with the Love and Happiness rub-ons from SAB. They are really new to me, as I haven't used rub-ons before. However, they're really growing on me! I've had fun with these projects! I think the rub-ons really jazzed up these votive holders, giving them color and texture. I added the coordinating ribbon to complete the look.
The card is basically CASE'd from "sparklegirl" on splitcoast. What a resource of ideas! If you haven't checked this website out yet, you really need to. I have a link on my sidebar. Anyway, I changed a few things on my version. I really like the colors and the "patchwork" look. The big flower and the words are both rub-ons. This card is going to my grandma in Ohio who's recently been in and out of the hospital. I hope it cheers her up. Here's what else I used:
Rub-ons: Love and Happiness
Paper: whisper white, real red, old olive, bashful blue, pumpkin pie, tempting turquoise
Other: 3/4" punch, red brads, paper piercing tool/mat,
As a side note--I recently ordered the rub-ons that coordinate with the Boho scrapbook kit, so I'm looking forward to "branching out" into that area too! I will most definitely post pics!

Spring Solitude

I love the name of this set and of course it's perfect for this time of year! This is a hostess set from the current SU catalog. I've really been wanting to play around with it and just recently got the chance. I basically CASE'D it from the catalog sample picture-a great source of inspiration! Although the card requred alot of cutting, it's worth it because I think it turned out to be really pretty; perfect for a variety of occassions.
Stamps: Spring Solitude + retired sentiment stamp
Cardstock: Old Olive, Whisper White, Blue Bayou + East Coast Prep Designer Series paper
Ink: Apricot Appeal, Olid Olive, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Not Quite Navy
Other: 1-1/4" punch, hodgepodge hardware, apricot appeal grosgrain, Fresh Favorites I button
I also made a mini notepad book, using this set. I made a couple of these not too long ago. Check out my older post here. Inside the book is a small legal notepad. Very simple to make. Let me know if you'd like the pattern.
Stamps: Spring Solitude
Ink: certainly celery, choclate chip, almost amethyst
Paper: almost amethyst, wild wasabi, whisper white, so saffron, & retired designer series
Other: silver mini brads, wild wasabi double-stitched ribbon, scallop circle punch, 1-1/4" + 1-3/8" punches.

Softspoken Thoughts

-'

It's always an unfortunate time when sympathy cards are needed. Here's one that I made today. The LeJardin paper easily lends itself to a quiet theme. I pieced together several patterns of the double sided paper for a different look. This card is perfect for writing special thoughts or verses on the inside.
Stamps: Refuge and Strength, Happy Harmony (retired)
Ink: Creamy Caramel, Brocade Blue
Cardstock: River Rock, Brocade Blue, Very Vanilla, So Saffron
Le Jardin Designer Series paper
Other: Brads, Photo Corners punch

A Special Easter Card

My son Zeb made this special Easter card for me and his dad! He is quite a good artist and a very thoughtful son! Here's a picture of Zeb and Gabriel on Easter morning.

Tart & Tangy Kit

Spring has arrived and summer is just around the corner! How about celebrating with a bright and fun card kit!

The Tart & Tangy Kit

Tart & Tangy stamp set (4)

Summer Picnic Designer paper (1/2 pack)

On Board clipboard (4-1/2"x9")

Paper, ribbon, & embellishments for the following projects:

8 Cards, Notecard box, Clipboard, & 1 surprise project

Class date will be Monday, April 14th. Please have the fee to me by March 29 to participate in the class. Otherwise, I will take orders for this kit through May.

Optional supplies include: Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, and Bashful Blue markers ($3.25ea).

More Easter Ideas!

Here's cute little pail from Walmart that I altered for an easy Easter gift! I used Regal Rose ribbon and of course the cute little chick from "A Good Egg" set. The pail is filled with candy and stickers for my secret sister at church.
Every Wednesday, Splitcoast has a project or technique tutorial with step-by-step instructions and pictures. Check it out here. Yesterday, I tried the cute little peek-a-book treat holder and have decided to add it to the Easter projects for our class on Monday! Here's a picture of the inside, however, I didn't have the little chocolate bunny treat to put in it, so you'll just have to imagine! This is really cute and very easy! I'm also posting a picture of another Easter card we'll make. It's very soft and simple and I love the message! Please email me to sign up for the class. Check out some of the other projects we'll also make--here. This weekend is your last chance!