Texas Two Step

A winning card!

2012-01-26T15:30:00.000-08:00

I entered this card at Leadership last week and it was one of the winners. I was very excited when I saw my name listed with the rest of the winners. I won designer paper, brads and sticker from the Sweet Shop line. This card features the new doily sizzlets die, the beautiful new pleated ribbon, and brads from sale-a-bration, buttons and dsp from Twitterpatted. The card base is blushing bride. The words are from the new set in the occasions mini called Baby Prints.

January Stampclub

2012-01-15T12:14:00.000-08:00

The new Occasions Mini catalog is filled with so many new and exciting products. Page 6 introduces the new Framelits dies, sort of like Nestabilities. This first card pairs the Labels Collections with the stamp set Apothecary Art shown on pages 24-25. You simply stamp your image, position the desired size framelit around the image, blade side down, sandwich this between two cutting pads, and run through the big shot on tab 2. The dsp is called Attic Boutique, shown on page 23.

This card features the new stamp set called Tea Shoppe. I paired it with the Domestic Goddess dsp from the big catty. The ribbon is in the SAB catty which you can order beginning January 24th.

This final card features the Large sizzlits die, Paper Doily (page 7). Don't let all those pieces that have to be popped out scare you away from this die. It cuts all the way through the card stock and the pieces pop out easily using a piercing tool. I used the flower stamp from Bordering on Romance, page 11.

Christmas

2011-12-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

Love this Doily background stamp embossed with white embossing powder.

Christmas Lodge

From the Merry and Bright stamp set

Pear Pizzazz for Christmas!

Layout inspired by Artistic Advenger

The stocking were hung by the chimney with care....

Such a beautiful stamp set, The Sounding Joy.

Here are the cards we made at the my Christmas Card classes this year. Hope you enjoyed them.

Quick and Easy Card Class

2011-08-31T11:30:00.000-07:00

Here are the samples of the cards from the class last Friday night. We had a good time making some quick cards that still looked like fabulous.

SASSSC make and take

2011-08-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

At Sasssc (Simple and Serious Stampers Swap Club) today I was in charge of the Make and Take. We made Gretchen Barron's Origami Star Ornaments. For the link to her tutorial, check out the post before this one.

We had a surprise guest today, Lynn's granddaughter, Maddy. She did a great job on her star.

Great job, SASSSC ladies!

Origami Star Ornament

2011-08-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

Gretchen Barron posted a free tutorial on making these origami stars. I had to try them. I love them and will be making more.

Here is the link to her tutorial

http://gretchenbarron.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/08/free-tutorial-for-the-folded-origami-star.html

Letters to Santa Countdown frame

2011-08-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

I was inspired to make this countdown frame when I saw the one at the end of this post. I used all Stampin' Up! materials except for the fame (which I found on clearance at my local craft store). I covered the frame with Letters from Santa dsp using Mod Podge. I cut out the Santa and glued it to some chipboard and cut it out again when it dried. I did the same thing with the "Naughty or Nice".
The words across the top were also found on the Letters to Santa dsp. I cut out each word, sponged the edges with Early Espresso and glue them down.

I made my own chipboard tags and covered them with dsp. I cut chipboard numbers with my big shot and covered them with red shimmer paper. I used the Stitched Felt pieces to embellish each tag.

I removed the glass from the frame and covered the back with cork board, thinking that I would need to put in push pins to hang the tags from. However, once I had the backing back into the frame, I discovered that without the glass there was a ledge space inside the frame for the tags to sit on. That was much easier than than hanging them.They just slip in and out.

This is the frame that inspired mine, I'm sorry I can't read the signature on the photo to give credit to.

Fall Wreath with rosette

2011-08-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with the wreath I saw at convention that was in a pot. This was soooo easy to make using the new Simply Scored that is coming out in the Holiday mini September 1st. You are going to want one!!I love it so much better that my Score Pal, and it cost less! Most of the rosettes are made using Spice Cake dsp (also in the Holiday mini).
For the large rosettes I used two 2 x 12" strips of dsp, scored every 1/2" and glued together with two-way glue pen. The smaller rosettes were 1 1/2" x 12, and the smallest was 1x12". They are assembled using hot glue. I started with sticky strips, but they only held for awhile. The large buttons are the Spice Cake designer buttons, really big! The Give Thanks is Hand-Penned Holidays (holiday mini) and the stamped leaves are from the set Gently Falling, also new.

Gently Falling Swap

2011-08-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

I love how this card turned out! I used the emboss resist technique and a new set from the Holiday Mini coming out September 1st. Lots of good stuff in there. My club members should be receiving your this week in the mail!!I used Pool Party card stock for the background and used the new Fancy Fan letterpress (see page 217 in IB&C). I'm not a big fan of the letterpress plates but THIS one is gorgeous and easy. SU recommends using craft ink, but I used classic for this. For the main image, I stamped the background En Francais with Soft Suede ink. I stamped the leaf with versamark and clear embossed it. I sponged pool party ink around the leaf and then added a shadow with soft suede. Be sure to rub the embossed leaf with a clean part of the sponge or paper towel to wipe the ink off. I used a strip of Spice Cake fabric for my ribbon. Look for it in the new Holiday Mini!

August Stamp Club projects

2011-08-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

I'm Back. I've had issues with Blogger not letting me post, but today I figured out the problem. There is a newer version that I had to switch to. Who knew? Not me!

The girls at Stamp Club learned how to make this wonderful plaid background using the stripes embossing folder, the big shot, and a brayer. First load the brayer with Blushing Bride ink (or any ink of your choice) and brayer the ink onto the inside of the embossing folder where the SU logo is. Layer your white cardstock onto the folder making sure it is straight with the stripes. Close folder and put through the big shot. Open folder and remove the cardstock. Re ink the brayer and embossing folder. Turn your cardstock 90 degrees and place into the folder and emboss a second time. Voila! Plaid. I saw Jan Tink demonstrate this at convention.

I just love the new Designer Fames embossing folders. Here I have used the oval. It also comes in a retangular frame. This card combines Pool Party with Lucky Limeade and Chocolate chip.

Don't you just love it when you find an "out of the box" way to use your "stuff"? Amy Celona showed how to make a wedding dress from the Mahattan Flower embossing folder. I embossed a square of white cardstock and then a square of vellum cardstock, placing the paper only over the area of the embossing folder that held the "dress". Using a bit of mono arcoss the waistline of the dress, I attached the two pieces together before cutting them out as one. The ribbon will cover the mono later. The pretty blue dsp is from Beau Chateau.

Terri's Swap

2011-08-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

Terri made this gorgeous swap for me at last months Glittern' Gals meeting. Isn't it to die for? Thanks Terri!

Glittern Gals Swaps

2011-07-25T13:25:00.000-07:00

Here's Cole, age 6months. (No he is not part of the swap, he's a keeper!)He came to stay last week while I was getting ready for my stamp club and sideline meeting. Even though he was sick with a cough, I was able to get lots of smiles from him. He has the biggest brightest eyes and is a real sweetheart! Love ya, Cole!

Karen is a brand new demonstrator and member of our group. Here she used the Crystal effect and re-inkers technique to make this stunning butterfly.

I don't know hoo did this card. Maybe Vicki?

This is by Delia. She used the new in color, Pool Party, and the Established Elegance set. She also used the Designer Frames embossing folder. The frame stamp fit it perfectly!

Luana took a trip to Napa with her lovely grapes.

Collete got "flirty" with this outstanding card!

Terry went for simple but elegant with Fabulous Florets.

Chris had an Elebration with this card! hahaha

I went vintage for my BFF

Karen brought this stunning sample to share with us!

I am a member of a great group of stampers who all share the same upline, sideline, and downlines. We have been together over eight years and when our upline retired from SU, we banded together and continued our great group. We met yesterday for our first planning meeting for our annual Customer Appreciation Open House which will be on Sept. 10th at Windsor Hills in Conroe, TX. If you live in the area and want to attend be sure to contact me in advance. We always swap at our meeting. I hope you liked what was posted today.

Stamp Club projects

2011-07-25T13:03:00.001-07:00

Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry are one of my favorite color combinations and it worked beautifully with this card using the single Hello stamp from the summer mini.

I just love the Faith in Nature exclusive hostess set. Here I used Chocolate chip, Pear Pizzazz, and More Mustard. The cardstock was cut 4 1/4 x 9 and scored at 3 1/2".

Here is a closed up of one of the new embossing folders called Designer Frames. It comes with two embossing folders, one oval and one rectagular.

I love the vintage look. I cased this layout from Diana Gibbs. I added the doily background, the ruffled Pool Party ribbon, and trinkets.

Convention Swaps

2011-07-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

I just returned from The Stampin' Up! convention in Salt Lake City. One of the perks of being a demonstrator is the opportunity of attending convention. It is filled with fun, swaps,ideas, prizes, free stamps,swaps, demonstrations, ideas, swaps, more ideas......get the picture! Now is a great time to become a demonstration during the "$99 sign-up" promotion. Sign up today HERE .

I mentioned that there is swapping going on at convention, and here are the cards I took to swap. Enjoy!

Flores suaves

2011-06-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Stampin' Up! has a Spanish Catalog? It features a lot of the same sets as what is in the big English catalog. But it also has sets that are only in the spanish catalog. I have always loved the images in this set called Flores suaves, and finally pulled it out to stamp with it. I paired it with Very Vanilla, Basic Grey and Blushing Bride.

Altered Frame for Alli

2011-06-15T14:20:00.001-07:00

I was given the task to alter this frame. I knew instantly that I would make it a frame with my only granddaughters picture. I have altered frames with her brothers pictures, but had never gotten around to doing one for her.

I first decided on the designer paper that I wanted to use. Since she was holding there gorgeous yellow tulips in the picture, I knew I wanted to use yellow. And of course I had to accent with pink for the girly girl she is. I added a line of scalloped Mellon mambo card stock, daffodil delight pompom trim, and crocheted lace ribbon.

Then I found this piece of lace that I had tinted with dies a long time ago. I added two of the SU vanilla roses and this cute butterfly charm that is a sticker!

I used the fancy flower die from Stampin' Up! to make this flower. After die cutting, I lightly misted it with our stampin mist and crumpled it up. Then smoothed it back out and add dazzling diamonds to the edges of the petals. A button and blossom in the center finished the blossom.

And of course I had to add pearls and a pink butterfly for a little whimsy to finish the frame.

Of course I got all my inspiration from this cutey putootey right here! I love you Alli!

Congrats Grad

2011-05-27T14:32:00.001-07:00

I needed a graduation card and have seen many using this owl. It really is a perfect punch to use and is quite easy to make. I used the red glitter paper that I have and paired it with Cherry Cobbler and Night of Navy cardstock( the school colors). The sentiment is from Happy Greetings.

Summer Mini card class samples

2011-05-27T12:49:00.001-07:00

For those of you who cannot make it to the class tonight, here are the cards we are making.

This card uses Bold Blossom for the stems and the new Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch for the flowers. The paper is from Beyond the Garden. I cased this from Sharon Burbert.

This card uses the new Flower Garden embossing folder. The colors are Concord Crush and Old Olive.

I love the level 2 Hostess set in the mini called Love & Care. Sharon Burbert inspired this card. I used Blushing Bride dsp and Newsprint dsp. The colors on the flower are Regal Rose and Old Olive.

This card features Fabulous Florets and Happy Greetings. The leaves were inked with Old Olive and then I removed the ink from the rose bud with my finger and ink them with a Mellon Mambo and Daffodil Delight marker. The two flowers were embossed with black embossing powder on Shimmery White and then colored with markers and blender pen. For a darker more dramatic color, you could use re-inkers and an aquapainter. The flowers were cut out and attached with dimensionals.

The next two cards were cased from Connie Barbert. This card uses the flower from Flower Fest and is punched out with the coordinating punch, love that!

This last card features the On the Grow set. I loved this little jar of flowers the moment I saw it. I stamped it on Naturals White and colored with markers and blender pen. I put a small bit of Dazzleing Diamonds in the centers of the flowers as well as pearls. Finally, I added some Crystal Effects on the jar along the lines only to give it more dimension.

May Stamp Club

2011-05-15T16:38:00.001-07:00

Stamp club members made cards from the Summer mini. There are many great new sets available now through August 31.

The Open Sea stamp set paired with the Nautical Expedition designer series paper.
Touch of Kindness stamp set paired with Beyond the Garden designer series paper.

Fun Flowers big shot die paired with Happy Greetings stamp set.

Aviary card class

2011-05-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

Hello there!
Thanks

With Love and Caring

You Who!

Thinking of you!

Always

In April I held a card class in which everyone received and used the Aviary stamp set. I promised those who didnt attend I would post the cards, so here they are. Most were cased from other wonderful stampers and then tweeked a bit. Thanks go to all those who I got inspiration from.

Stamp club projects for April, No fooling!

2011-03-31T11:32:00.000-07:00

First up is a card made with the gorgeous Strength and Hope set that will be available during the month of May from Stampin' Up! SU is donating $2 from the sale of each set to Breast Cancer Research. I saw this layout on Stampin' Connection. Mary had used Baja Breeze and Soft Suede dsp from Elegant Soiree, a lovely combination. I wanted to translate that into the new Paisley Prints dsp that is available for purchase this month. It is a gorgeous designer paper that will be in the new catty that comes out in July. You can order it now with a $20 order. I paired the dsp with Pear Pizazz and Soft Suede.

This card features Sew Suite stampset and the paper from Sweet Stitches. The cardstock colors are Melon Mambo and Pink Pirouette.

Here is another look at the gorgeous Paisley Prints dsp! I also used one of the stamps from Four Frames, a brand new set that will be in the new catty in July. You can purchase this now with a qualifying $20 purchase.

Last, I had to make a couple of these cute boxes that Mary Fish showed on her blog. There is a wonderful video tutorial that shows how to make them, so so easy! I totally cased them!

Stained glass with the lattice die

2011-03-14T14:46:00.000-07:00

Paisley Petals dsp, Cherry Cobbler, Baja Breeze, Black
Greenhouse Gala dsp, Early Espresso, Baja Breese, White

Newsprint dsp, Cherry Cobbler, Black, White

Paisley Petals dsp, Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz

The Glitterin' Gals are meeting here next Sunday for our Stampin' Up! downline (and sideline) meeting. We always swap and this month the theme was anything Summer. Some of us also volunteered to do a demonstration. I saw this tutorial by Southern Inkerbelles and was dying to try it. I am going to demo at the meeting, but if you can't wait, then check out the link now.

Punch Bunch and Create a Cupcake

2011-03-09T14:55:00.000-08:00

I've always wanted to try this sky. It is so easy and fun. Just punch out an xl scalloped circle from cardstock. Lay it on you card and sponge on color around the top only of the scallop. Move it around your card and repeat until you have the look you want. For a bold sky like this, I used Marina Mist. For a very soft sky, use bashful blue.

The dsp for this card was FREE from the Sale-a-bration catty. It's called Ice Cream Parlor and it's not too late to gets yours for free also! Just place a $50 order from SU and pick this dsp as your free product! But don't wait too long. Sale-a-bration ends March 31st!

Fun Flowers Die Glass Koosie

2011-03-09T13:57:00.000-08:00

I found this darling idea on the web and I have been searching to find it again to give credit where credit is due, but alas I can not find it. This is a glass koosie. It is made using the Fun Flowers die from Stampin' Up! and can be found in the occasions mini catalog. Contact me to order yours today! I placed with the pieces and came up with this tutorial on how I made mine.

The pieces were die cut from fleece, use white or ivory. Each piece was misted with a mixture of alcohol and re-inkers die. I filled a mini mister almost to the top with alcohol and added about 5 drops of re-inker. I misted both sides of the flowers and let them dry overnight. The die still rubbed off on my fingers as I ca making them. You may want to heat set the ink with an iron. Do not use your heat tool as it will cause the edges to start to melt and curl. The colors shown here are Tempting Turquoise, Rich Razzleberry (Melon Mambo is better but I misplaced it as I made the first one!) and Daffodil Delight. for the leave (forgot to show them in the picture) I used the Leaves #2 die and Old Olive re-inker.

Stack your pieces.

Pierce through the center.

Add a brad.

Leave the prongs closed and set it up like this.

Fold a scalloped circle of tulle or netting into fourths and place the point over the brad.

Fold a piece of ribbon and pierce to make a hole through both layers. Place onto brad and close.

Hot glue leaves over closed brad prongs.

Hot glue a piece of elastic over the leaves. I cut my elastic about 1" shorter than needed to go around my glass.

Adhere other end of elastic to form a circle.

Cover a felt circle with hot glue. I used the next to largest circle on the Circle #2 die.

Here is what is will look like from the back when you are finished.

Here is another look at the finished koosie. Isn't it the cutest thing? I am going to make enough to put on my glasses so that I can decorate the table with them at my next "supper club" dinner. Note: it is easier to put the koosie on by slipping it on from the bottom of the glass and sliding it up as far as you need to go.

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-03-06T17:48:00.000-08:00

What a surprise to receive this award and an honor too. Thank you Cherie Franklin. Be sure to visit her blog at stampcrave.

When you receive this award you need to:
1. thank the person who gave this award and link back to their blog
2. share 8 things about yourself
3. pass this award to 8 other individuals that you have recently discovered
4. leave a comment so that they can pass along the recognition!

8 things about me:

My favorite food is Mexican. I have it at least once a week, but could eat it almost every day! I love chips and salsa!!! I recently had dinner with Michelle Zindorf at Lupe Tortillas!
I live in the great state of Texas, but have also lived in Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Arkansas, and England.
I raised three sons who are now married and have sons of their own. Of my six grandchildren, 5 are boys BUT I do have one beautiful granddaughter! Yeah!
I recently retired from teaching kindergarten for 24 years. Now I can stamp anytime I want too.
You should never retire because you become busier than ever and don't have time to stamp! boohoo!
I love stamping and love sharing it with my friends! That is how I became a demonstrator. I may never build a successful business, but I will always love sharing the cards I make with anyone who wants to come over to my house and stamp!
I am a Stampin' Up! blog stalker! I mean it! Nothing is more rewarding than finding a new blog to cruise and case! I can spend hours and hours just surfing from one blog to another.
I am a 100% Stampin' Up! stamper and demonstrator! There is no better company to work for or stamp with! I love going to convention, leadership and regionals. It's fun, inspirational, motivational, and rewarding! (Free stamps!)

8 wonderful blogs I just recently found:

SU Only Challenges http://suochallenges.com/

Sandi Maciver http://sandimaciver.com/

Beth Crocker http://southerninkerbelles.blogspot.com/

Julie Edmounds http://inkrediblestamping.com/

Jakie Topa http://jackietopa.typepad.com/

Monica Weaver http://addalittledazzle.com/

Kerin Sylvester http://kerinstamps.com/

Connie Babbert http://inkspiredtreasures.com/

There are so many wonderful blogs out there. Be sure to visit these and check out their work. Thank you ladies for your hard work and wonderful inspiration.

Bliss from Sale-a-bration

2011-02-05T14:45:00.000-08:00

If you haven't placed your SAB order, you are gonna want to do that soon so that you can get this gorgeous set, Bliss, for FREE! I made several cards like this one for some sick friends. It was quick and easy and I think it looks stunning.
Set: Bliss (SAB)
Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Newsprint DSP, Big Shot, Tasteful Trim, rhinestones.
Thanks to Elizabeth Fedyna for the layout.

Q&A

2011-02-05T14:29:00.000-08:00


	Q&A Q: What can I do to keep my punches and scissors working properly? A: That’s a great question. Because Stampin’ Up! focuses on providing quality products your tools like punches and scissors are things that you’ll have and use for a long time. A little bit of care can help you get the best use and longevity from them. Punches Stampin’ Up! punches can punch out hundreds and hundreds of shapes for you without any special care. After time you may notice that the edges or part of a shape isn’t punching as cleanly as it did before or that it seems to stick a bit. No worries! To sharpen the punch get some standard kitchen tin foil, any kind will work, but the heavy duty kind is easier to use. Use the punch to punch the tinfoil about 15-20 times. Test the punch on some scrap paper and repeat punching another time if necessary. If your punch seems to stick a bit punch through standard waxed paper 5-10 times to lubricate the punch. Scissors Stampin’ Up! scissors are useful for so many projects and types of materials. You’ll get the best results if you use the scissors for their intended purpose. • Use the Paper Snips (#103579) for detailed paper cutting. • Get clean cuts on ribbon, paper, fabric, and card stock with the Craft and Paper Scissors (#108360). • Use the Craft & Rubber Scissors (#103179) for more heavy duty cutting like twine, rubber, wood sheets, wire, and more. Here are few tips to keep your scissors in tiptop condition. If any of the scissors get gummed up or dirty clean them with dish soap and dry thoroughly. The Craft & Rubber scissors can get really gummed up when you use them to trim rubber stamps, clean them with rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball. If cutting wire with the Craft & Rubber Scissors cut the wire at the back of the blade near the hinge for greater leverage and to keep the tips of the blade sharper. If, after time, you find your scissors have become a bit dull you can cut through tinfoil to sharpen them. If scissors need more sharpening they can usually be sharpened professionally because they are high-quality. Some fabric or kitchen stores have knife/scissor sharpening services or can recommend a reputable company. With a little care your punches and scissors will be around to help you create projects of all types for a long time! If you have more questions about caring for other Stampin’ Up! products, stamps, or tools, please let me know. One of the many benefits of having a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator is that I have access to lots of great resources, training, and knowledge that so that I can help you and provide you with great service!

© CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up!

Plane and Simple birthday card

2011-01-25T15:17:00.000-08:00

Today I made a birthday for one of my best friends. My hubby and I are going to help him celebrate with his wife, Sharon, at Landry's on his birthday. Hope it's a good one Jim. This set is from the Ocassions mini and called Plane and Simply. I don't have enough masculine sets so this was one I pre-ordered. The colors are Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, and Very Vanilla. The dsp is from Botanical Gazette.

Cute spinner/treat cup combo

2011-01-24T10:31:00.000-08:00

At leadership in Nashville, I watched a demonstration on combining the new spinners with the treat cups to make this adorable card. I am posting the photos for my crafty friends who want to try it. The cardstock is 3 x 6, scored and folded in half and embossed. The punched circles are 2 1/4" and 3/4". The insert is made from the white panel that comes behind our packs of dsp. It measures 1 5/8" x 1/2". A slit is cut in the center of each at 13/16". The tab at the top slides inside the folded card to keep the candies in until you are ready to eat them. It is made from a 2 1/2" circle punch and the round tab punch. The card is held together at the top with brads. To make the spinner spin well, slide your fingernails under the head of the brad to keep it from being flush with the paper. Next bend down the prongs. This will allow a little space between the spinner head and the treat cup and will make your spinner spin freely.

My Digital Studio

2011-01-24T10:15:00.001-08:00

This is the newsletter I created with My Digital Studio that went inside

my Christmas cards. I selected the background paper first, and added my header. Then I clicked on add a photo box and copied and pasted them into a nine photo grid. Next I selected my photos and dragged them into the boxes. I added photo mats around each. Added a text box under each photo, as well as my message at the bottom. I saved it on my computer desktop as a jpeg. Then I was able to e-mail it to Office Depot for printing. I will certainly do this again next year! So simple to do with MDS. If you don't have it, you can order your today.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER MY DIGITAL STUDIO!

New Ocassion Mini and more

2011-01-24T09:45:00.000-08:00

Sweet card featuring one of our hostess sets.

Judy's cute cupcake card. Love the simple color combo!

Cute cupcake card features rhinestones that were tinted with a standard sharpie pen!

Beautiful card by Terri featuring the new newsprint paper and vintage flower adornment.

I love how Karen gathered the seam binding into a flower for this card, so clever!

Cupcakes was a popular theme at the meeting. This one is by Collete.

Delia came up with the idea to stamp the pattern background stamp onto tissue paper to give it the look of a real dress pattern. Cool!

Chris's all white Easter card is a stunner! Lots of details.

This is my CASE of the handmade Shelli card I won at Leadership!

Terry was missed at the meeting but she sent her swap. Love this cheery color combo!

I love being a part of the Glittern' Gals, side and downline! They are a group of talented stampers. We met yesterday for our bi-monthly meeting to share the information several of us had gleaned from Leadership. We learned some Booking tips from Judy and Terri brought us up to date on some of the changes and challenges being made with SU. I shared some of the techniques I saw on the first night at the demonstrations. But the best part of the meetings is always the SWAPPING!

Sew Suite swap

2011-01-06T06:53:00.000-08:00

I didn't like this stamp set when I first saw it, but thought it would be popular with the masses, lol, so I bought it. Then I had to find a way to use it. I am taking this card to swap at Leadership next week in Nashville.

Set: Sew Suite, Tempting Turquoise, Rose Red, White, Sweet Stitches dsp, Rose Red seam binding, Sweet Buttons embosslits

Easter Blossoms Leadership Swap

2011-01-04T17:16:00.000-08:00

I am heading off to Nashville next Wednesday for the SU Leadership conference. I love to swap, it's one of the best things about the conference. I will also attend wonderful sessions and come back loaded with new info and motivated to build my business. I am especially looking forward to staying at the Opera Land Hotel where the conference is being held. My swap card is made using the Easter Blossoms set from the Occasions mini and features Blushing Bride, Pear Pizazz and Very Vanilla.

Filled With Love Promotion Going on Now!!

2010-12-31T09:06:00.000-08:00

From now until January 24, you can purchase the Filled with Love Bundle and receive a FREE package of Bitty Buttons. The bundle includes the Filled with Love stamp set and the exclusive Love Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack.

Filled with Love Bundle wood mount #124380 $32.90

Filled with Love Bundle clear mount #124381 $26.90

FREE Bitty Buttons with purchase of bundle

Love Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack

#124156 $9.95 when purchased separately

12 sheet total: three 12x12 sheets of two double sided

designs in Read Red and Pretty in Pink.

To order today click here!

Filled with Love

2010-12-31T07:21:00.000-08:00

I usually don't send out Valentines, mainly because I forget to put them in the mail in time. But this year I am ready with this ensemble. I think they really turned out nice. I started with the Filled with Love stamp set and coordinating paper that is on special for a short period of time. It comes as a bundle. Next I decided on a color combo. I had received a valentine swap from Terri Mills ( a fellow demonstrator in my side line) in Real Red and Basic Gray. I really liked the color combo and layout of her card, so decided to case it. Then I had to decide what paper designs I wanted to use. The paper comes in real red and pretty in pink (both look good with the basic gray). It was so easy to make a set of cards when you stick with a basic layout and color combo for all the cards and just swap out different dsp. Hope you like them.

Baby Blossoms

2010-12-30T06:52:00.000-08:00

I wasn't going to get this set but then caved in at the last minute and added it to my pre-order. I loved the papers and adornments, but wasn't sure if I'd use this set. However, I enjoyed creating the different flowers and pairing it with the designer papers. I started by stamping the frame on a length of card stock using different colors of ink. Then I stamped the flowers on each frame, using different combinations. Next I stamped different sentiments from the You're a Gem set and cut out each frame. Finally, I laid out different combinations of papers from Springtime Vintage to create the finished cards.

Two more Nature Walk

2010-12-29T09:42:00.001-08:00

These are the first two collage cards I made with this set. I have to give credit to Cherie Franklin for her inspiration for them. The cardstock is confetti white and very vanilla.

More Nature Walk

2010-12-29T09:18:00.001-08:00

I have found lately that I've needed some sympathy cards. By pairing Nature Walk and Thanks for Caring, I made these two sympathy cards today.

Both cards have Marina Mist as the base, and Confetti White for the embossed tulip frame. I stamped the images on a piece of Botanical Gazette designer paper.

This is quickly becoming a favorite stamp set. It is sooooo easy to make a beautiful card with this set, especially when teamed with the matching designer paper (Botanical Gazette).

Nature Walk

2010-12-24T11:09:00.001-08:00

Here's another card using Nature Walk. I colored the flower stamp with Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry and stamped it many times. I stamped the bird with Early Espresso and colored with markers and blender pen. Then I cut it out and popped it up with dimensionals. The dsp is the coordinating paper called Botanical Gazette.

Nature Walk with love and caring

2010-12-24T11:01:00.000-08:00

I am loving this set called Nature Walk that is in the new Occasions Mini catalog out soon for everyone. It lends itself well to a collage look. And it looks great framed with the embossed framed tulips embossing folder. Here I've used Rose red card stock and seam binding. The sentiment came from another new set called Thanks for Caring which will be great for sympathy cards or when you just need to send a note of caring to someone.

Build a Blossom set

2010-12-22T12:15:00.001-08:00

This set of cards was made with the Build a Blossom stamp set from the new Occasions Min due out in January 2011. The best thing about this set is the matching PUNCH!!! It punches out the petals and leaves! So easy to do. I stamped 10 petals for each flower. I curled 5 forward and 5 backwards with my bone folder. I laid down the 5 that were curled forward first and topped them with the others. (You might notice that the plum and pin flower only has 8 petals. That's because I only had room on the paper for 8.) I think it looks best with 10 petals. The center of the flowers are new fabric button brads that are in the new mini also. Each flower is mounted on a panel that has been embossed with the polka dots embossing folder.
Here is a view of each flower close up:

Perfect Plum on Pink Pirouette with Concord Crush ribbon.

Rose Red on Pink Pirouette with Blushing Bride ribbon

Daffodil Delight on So Saffron with Peach Parfait ribbon

Marina Mist on Bashful Blue with Marina Mist ribbon

Perfect Plum on White with Concord Crush ribbon

Bold Blossom

2010-12-21T10:46:00.001-08:00

Bold Blossom stamp set, Tempting Turquoise card base, Framed Tulips embossing folder, Brights Designer buttons, Pear Pizazz ink.

Here is a set of Thank you cards made from the new set Bold Blossom that will be available in January from SU. The new Occasions Mini catty is filled with lots of fun sets. I purchased most of them! This design was a play on a card designed by Mary Fish. I loved her use of the designer buttons for the flowers. These are from the Brights collection. Cardstock colors are: Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise, Rich Razzleberry, Pear Pizazz, Poppy Parade, and Daffodil Delight.

SASSSC swap

2010-12-21T07:14:00.001-08:00

For the SASSSC swap this month, we swapped stamps first. At our Christmas luncheon, everyone brought a stamp to trade with a fellow stamper. We drew names to determine whose stamp we got. I got this shoe stamp. I loved making this card. Now I have to look for more shoe stamps. I think this is Delia's stamp, but she brought it for either Olga or Margie since they were out of town. I found this great dsp at Lonestar Scrapbooking (can you believe they are going out of business? I've got to get over to their sale!) The black part of the paper is glossy. I stamped the script first onto a panel of Shimmery White and them stamped and embossed the shoe with black so it's shiny too.

I backed the stamped panel with black and blushing bride. The card base is basic black.

Valentine in a cage

2010-12-21T07:03:00.000-08:00

I needed a swap and the theme was Valentines. My pre-order for the Filled with Love set had not yet arrived, so I pulled out my Aviary set. This set was on my must-have list when the new catty came out, but I am just now getting around to using it! The card base is Rose Red. I embossed a vanilla panel with the Vintage wallpaper embossing folder with crumb cake brayered on it. I die cut the rose red tag and used some blushing bride wide striped ribbon at the top.

The cage is filled with hearts from the I (Heart) Hearts set, the "Got Love?" is from the Got Treats set. The DSP is Springtime Vintage and the adornment is one of the new Vintage Flowers (love them).

Northern Hearts Christmas

2010-11-24T09:36:00.000-08:00

Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive cardstock, stamped on Very Vanilla. Stamp was colored with markers, punched out with the XL scalloped circle punch and edges sponged with Old Olive.

Jolly Holiday designer paper.

Red Riding Hood ribon (retired) Big Designer Buttons (holiday mini)

Final Vntage card

2010-11-15T14:13:00.000-08:00

When you take coloring from Ilina Crouse and add touches of Tina Dyke and Amy Celena, here is what you get. .. a stamplaura creation. I use the stamp set Good Cheer, stamped with black ink onto Crumb Cake. I colored it with a blender pen and ink. Same goes for the poinsettias from Bells and Boughs. I especially like the way I stamped the inside of this card.

Very Vintage Card Class

2010-11-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

The medallion background stamp is stamped onto Newsprint dsp with Always Artichoke craft ink (only because I could get better coverage with the craft spot than I could with the full size classic pad). I punched out three xl scalloped circles from Deck the Halls dsp, fan folded them and glues them together to make this large medallion for the center.

I used a strip of red line tape and attached the Cherry Cobbler seam binding in a random pleat and adorned it with a pearl at each end. I tore a strip of the Deck the Halls fabric to make the box and added an antique brad in the center. It is attached to the card with a glue pop dot. It's hard to see in the photo, but there are pearls added to the xl large medallion to look like berries.

The top note was stamped with the background stamp Christmas Collage. Then it was embossed with the vintage wallpaper embossing folder, which had been brayed with crumb cake ink first.

The bow is two layers of Very Vanilla seam binding tied into a box and then separated. It is attached with glue dots to the strip of vanilla seam binding. This was inspired by Robin Merriman.

I colored the ice skaters from Winter Post with watercolor crayons and spritzed it with Log Cabin smooch spray.

I made this lovely flower from real red satin ribbon. I first folded a 24" piece in half and placed it on the Tasteful Trim die (from the Holiday mini) placing the folded edge inside the cutting blade. This gave me a 24" scalloped trim ribbon. I then heated the ribbon with the heat gun which caused the scalloped edged to curl. Next I covered a 1 3/4" circle of cobbler card stock with red tape. Then beginning at the outside edge, I began pressing the ribbon onto the tape going round the circle and finishing in the center. I used the antique brad to secure the end of the ribbon in the center. I covered the other side of the circle with more red tape and attached the gold waffle paper around the outside edge.

The background it the Christmas Collage background stamp again. I colored it with a blender pen and ink. The layout was inspried by Ilina Crouse. I love her vintage cards!

There is a wonderful tutorial on how to make this flower at Inspiration Ink.

I love this embellishment. One antique+one button+2scalloped circles. I placed it off center into to see the words that say "tis the season" on the cobbler circle.

Monica Weaver from Add a little Dazzle inspired this card. I just love her vintage look. The background is made by brayering crumb cake ink onto one side of the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder. Put the ink on the side that has the SU logo box. Lay you white card stock on the other side. Put through the big shot using tab one. You end up with a porcelain look to your card stock. Very pretty.

This is the inside of the card below.

Terri Gaskin inspired this vintage look. It combines Deck the Halls fabric and designer paper.

These are most of the samples for the Vintage card class I have scheduled for November 18th. I am waiting for one more stamp set to arrive in order to make the last one. Normally, I do 8 cards for a class, but these cards take more time to complete. Therefore we will only make 6 cards.

Angelic Joy

2010-10-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

This is such a beautiful angel stamp. I stamped it on water color paper and colored it with watercolor crayons and an aqua painter. Here are the colors I used:

Wings: So saffron and More Mustard

Under tunic: Creamy Caramel and Close to Cocoa

Over tunic: Old Olive and Always Artichoke (for the green) and Not Quite Navy for the blue

Hair: Close to Cocoa and Chocolate chip.

Christmas Card Frenzy card class

2010-10-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

Vintage Tag

Cardinal Christmas

Christmas Collage

Christmas Wishes from Gifts of Christmas

Angelic Joy

Merry Christmas Ornament from Tags til Christmas

Serene Christmas

cased from Nancy Riley

from Tags ti Christmas

from Sweet Season and Paisly Prints

I promised some of my stamp club members I would post these cards after the class. Hope you find some inspiration from them.

Rock Star

2010-10-19T14:33:00.000-07:00

I love it when I make a card for the guys. I never have enough of them!

This card was a case, but I added the dsp from Love Letters.

Stamp set is Grunge Rock and Extreme Guitar. I found these nailhead adhesive stickers at Hobby Lobby. Colors are: Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, and Very Vanilla

Spooky Coasters

2010-10-06T14:30:00.000-07:00

These are the coaster decorations that the SASSSC girls made at the Diva Retreat. Each was given a package that contained 6 4x4 coasters, the letters to spell out "spooky" that were die cut with the big shot, and one embossed spider web. Everyone used their own paper and additional embellishments. I think they turned out fantastic! I want to thank the designer of this idea, who ever you are!

Since I had already made a "spooky" set, I decided to make a "merry" set at the retreat.

SASSSC Weekend

2010-10-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

The Diva's

The SUV was loaded to the top. Lynn and I rode with Adriana. We all had projects to bring for the group to make, plus our luggage, garage sale items, party bags for the Divas, and all our supplies. We thought it would be better going home, but it was just as packed!

High Tea

Crafting Divas

Group shot Sunday morning on the porch

What a wonderful time was had at the SASSSC retreat at Premier Estates in Wallis, Texas. 10 of the SASSSC ladies were able to go. The planning committee had 5 projects planned. The theme for the weekend was Diva. We presented each member with a pink tiara to wear for the weekend and we named all the meal times with a "royal" title, such as Dinner at Buckingham Palace, the Royal Ball, Lunch at the Pub, the Queen's Brunch and High Tea. Many of us also squeezed in a shopping trip to Archivers before and after the retreat!

Butterfly Shadowbox

2010-09-05T16:28:00.000-07:00

Warning: SASSSC girl spoiler alert. Go no further!

I have wanted to do something with a flight a butterflies so ages. When I saw this idea at designsbybrooke.blogspot.com I knew I had to CASE it. I got the 8x8 shadowbox frame at Michael's...ON SALE...yeah! The whisper white card stock is 6 x 6. I used all the new in colors plus saffron and bashful blue.

Getting Ready for Open House

2010-09-05T14:51:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posted. Last month I went on a 7 day cruise with family and friends. Then my parents stayed over a week afterwards, so I have been unable to stamp until they left. Now I am busy, busy, busy getting ready for a customer appreciation Open House that I am participating in with my fellow demonstrators. If you are in the Houston area, drop by the Windsor Hills Clubhouse on 242 off I45 just north of The Woodlands, Texas, this Saturday September 11 from 10-2. There will be lots of demonstrations, a used stamp store, lots of displays so bring your camera. There will also be a make and take, but you need to rsvp immediately to be able participate in that. I'll be demonstrating some neat projects using The Big Shot!

Princess Ensemble

2010-08-11T13:19:00.001-07:00

I love making these fleece flowers. If you don't know how, Tami White has a wonderful video tutorial on You Tube. I made some with hair clips on the back that I found at JoAnns. I wanted to make headbands and finally found these really nice headbands at Party City this week. They also come in purple.

I saw a crown and wand that someone had made and displayed at the SU convention this year. I loved and so had to make my own. I used the In Color DSP pad, Silver Glass Glitter, and Pearls from the Pretties kit and the jewels.

Recent Swaps

2010-08-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

Notable Ornate, Deck the Halls dsp, Always Artichoke, Vanilla

Notably Ornate, Deck the Halls dsp, Silver Glass Glitter, Aluminum plumber's tape from Home Depot, Antique brad, punches

Just Believe, Newsprint dsp, Crumb cake and Espresso, punches.

I have fallen in love with the vintage look. Stampin' Up! has several wonderful stamp sets, paper, and accessories that lend themselves to the vintage look.

Birthday Bash

2010-08-11T12:59:00.000-07:00

This week I am having my first workshop in a long long time! I have clubs and classes, but not workshops. My daughter-in-law is hosting this for me. When I asked her what she thought her friends would like to see, see said "birthday", little treat boxes and decorations. Well, I just got back from Convention where I saw the Birthday Bash display and knew this would be the perfect jumping off place. Since none of her guests are "stampers" (yet), I am concentrating on items that are made using the Big Shot and our punches. EVERYONE can use the big shot!!!! At least I hope the workshop attendees will feel that way and want one!!!All materials are shown on pages 52 and 53 of the IB&C, 2010-11.

August Stamp Club

2010-08-03T09:27:00.000-07:00

This month brings some fun new paper, punches and wheels to try out.

Not Quite Navy, Crumb Cake, So Saffron, Naturals Ivory, Elegant Soiree dsp.

Two-Step Owl punch, 2 3/8" scallop circle punch, wide oval punch, Word Play stamp set, texturz plate

Tempting Turquoise, Pear Pizzazz, white cardstock, builder wheels: birthday and candle crazy, Pear Pizzazz 1/2" stitched poly ribbon

Crumb Cake, Marina Mist, Elegant Soiree dsp, Extra large scallop circle punch, 1 3/4" circle punch, two step bird punch, antique brads, victoria 5/8" crochet trim, espresso 1/8" taffeta ribbon.

I've been enjoying my summer with the family. My youngest son is moving his family from the DC area across the country to Mission Viejo in Orange County California. This is a job and career change for him. He just finished his 5 year commitment with the Navy. So they are driving across country this week and stopped over this weekend as they passed through Houston. They were only able to stay two days, but it was great to see the grandkids!!!! But now I have to get busy with stamp club, swaps, workshops and open house!!

Stamp Club for July

2010-07-09T12:30:00.000-07:00

These are the three cards we will make tonight
Friends Never Fade, Greenhouse Gala dsp, Chocolate chip, Crumb Cake, Real Red, Pear Pizzaz

Artistic Etchings with Cherry Cobble and Black

Studio Sketches in Pear Pizzaz and Greenhouse Gala dsp.

Also uses the scalloped oval from Perfect Punches.

Are you just loving the new catalog? Just the cover makes me smile. I love the vintage look! My club is meeting tonight and I can't wait to give them their new cattys. I've made each of them a folder full of things they will find helpful: Order form to take home for those times they want to fill t out in advance, the Color Renovation Color Kits flyer (so they can decide how they want to purchase all the new and in-colors), a chart of the new color families for quick reference, a chart to make what items they already have in each color, a key ring of the new colors and in-colors, pen and note pad, tabs to put on their catalog to make the different sections so they can find them quickly, a wish list, door prize form, AND a $5 gift certificate (good on a $50 order). NOW if that doesn't get them excited, then maybe the make and takes will finish the job. I will also have a table full of discounted stamps and products that have been retired by SU. So come on girls, be here tonight with your bells on!

More Baby Tees

2010-06-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

Still playing with the Baby Tees. Decided I had to make some in pink too. The top one has the itty bitty buttons with punched white flowers behind them. The bottom one was embossed with the square lattice embossing folder after I colored it. It has a wonderful textured look.

The pink square behind each tee started as a 3" square. Then I punched each side one time with the eyelet border punch by centering the punch on each side. Cool, uh?

Baby Tee

2010-06-29T15:51:00.000-07:00

Baja Breeze and Whisper White. Image is stamped on Shimmery White and colored with my aqua painter and ink. I use So Saffron and Regal Rose on the elephant.

Still playing with my new goodies. I love summertime when I am home and have no schedule to follow and have time to stamp!!!! Now don't gasp when you see what I did to my new Baby Tees wheel. I knew that this is what I would do to it when I ordered it! A friend of mine told me she does this to all her wheels....she turns them into stamps. And this is one wheel that I knew I would want to do that to. I found the seam on the rubber and peeled it off the wheel. Then I cut between each baby tee. I sprayed the back of each piece with stencil adhesive (because that is what was handy) and stored them in an empty clear case. Worked like a charm.

New Catty cards

2010-06-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

This card is one of my favorites. Stamp set is Artistic Etchings which has a french look.
Paper and Ink: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Pear Pizazz, Greenhouse Gala and Newsprint dsp, vanilla smooch, embossing folder.

This little group of cards measures 4 1/4 square and features the Studio Sketches set and Greenhouse Gala dsp. I featured some of the new colors: Pear Pizazz, Daffodil Delight, Baja Breeze, and Early Espresso.

Another card using the Greenhouse Gala paper and Friends Never Fade stamp set.

A peek at the Scallop Circle accordion fold flower.

Artistic Etchings, Newsprint dsp, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, and Black cardstock and ink.

I am so sorry that is has been like forever since I last posted. When school ended, I HAD to spend some time cleaning house, especially my stamping space. I am happy to say that I have made quite alot of progress although there is still lots more to do. However, when my preorder for the new Stampin' Up! catalog arrived last week, I had to find time to play with my new toys.

Elements of Style in Black and White

2010-05-23T19:37:00.000-07:00

This is my swap for the demonstrators meeting today. I used the Elements of Style and In a Word sets from the new summer mini.

Coconut Drink Card

2010-05-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

This is a retirement card for a co-worker at school. The theme was tropical. I used the big shot to cut a 4" circle from Chocolate chip and white cardstock. Next I put the chocolate chip through the square lattice embossing folder. Then I cut the top of both circles. I used the Punched Posies (hostess set from the Summer mini) and the five petal punch to make the flowers. The flower and straw are attached to the coconut with the rhinestone brad. The paper is Island Oasis. This is a big card...a full piece of cardstock folded in half.

Resurrection of Christ video

2010-05-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

Ron DiCianni was commissioned to paint the largest mural ever of the Resurrection of Christ. It is awe inspiring. Watch the video above.

Snetimental Journey Brief case Travel Journal

2010-05-10T19:11:00.000-07:00

Here's a peek at the next project for my scrapbooking group. It is a travel journal using the new brief case board book from SU's new summer mini catalog. It features the Sentimental Journey stamp set and the Travel Journal designer series paper.

Guest Book Simply Scrappin' kit layouts

2010-04-23T15:08:00.000-07:00

These two pages feature the new Silver Foil Smooch Spritz from SU. It has a lovely silver shine to it.

These two pages feature the Medallion and En Francais stamps and Basic Gray ink.

These two pages feature the patterns from Lynn Pratt's Wedding card. You can get a copy of it here.

This month's kit was the elegant Guest Book from Stampin' Up! It was perfect for me since I have my son's wedding in May. But it also lends itself well to anniversary, Communion, vintage, or just plan elegance.

SASSSC swap card with Summer mini

2010-04-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

I made this card for the "Vehicles" card for the monthly SASSSC swap. It features the motorcycle stamp and new embossing folder that will be in the summer mini coming out next month. The dsp is from the winter mini called Night and Day.

Awash with flowers

2010-04-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

This is the second card we did last weekend for stamp club. It features a brand new set that is available this month only from SU. It's really a neat set.

Vintage Nature

2010-04-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

This is one of the three cards my club members made last weekend. I saw a layout in the April/May issue of The Stampers' Sampler. Susan Eubanks did some wonderful cards with this set and technique. She used glossy "book paper" which I guess means magazines. But none of my magazines had full pages of type that were suitable for stamping the image on, so I made my own with the En Francoise background stamp and glossy card stock. Stamp the words on the glossy first. Rub on color where the blooms will be. Stamp the image in versamark and clear emboss. Brayer over everything with Chocolate chip ink. Wipe off the excess ink and you're done!

Awash with Flowers card class

2010-04-07T18:50:00.001-07:00

April card class featuring the brand new set Awash with Flowers. Make two of each design, that's 10 cards. The class fee of $40 includes the stamp set. E-mail to register for the class April 23 at 6:00.

Happy Easter Everyone!

2010-04-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

Jaxon's first egg hunt. He quickly got the hang of putting the eggs in the basket.

I've been mooned by Zindorf!

2010-03-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

Michelle and me at the workshop
The teacher

Michelle's sample

My first zindorf card!

Here is Michelle "mooning" the class, lol!

Here's my moon.

This is how she keeps up with her class samples and steps.

This is called Le Jardin Bontanique on a golden lake.

I was one of the lucky ones that was able to get into the Dallas area Zindorf brayer class today! This is the first Texas class that I have seen on her calendar. I barely got in and she had a looooong waiting list. She did 4 classes, two yesterday and two today. She does a beginner and an advanced. I got into the beginner only, but I will keep an eye out for her to come my way again so that I can get into that advanced class. Michelle was so much fun and her class was too. We were all amazed by our end products. There were many aha! moments. I'm sure you have drooled over her cards and often wondered how she gets those wonderful effects with her brayer. Well there IS a technique to it. I can't wait to demonstrate it to my down/side line and club members. I will let you in on a secret though ......start off the paper!

Bunny Gift card holders

2010-03-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say this was my design because they are so cute. But the truth is they we designed by Chat Wszelaki over at www.memystampsandi.blogspot.com. I plan to put in the target gift cards I bought for the grandkids to put in their Easter baskets. I think they will work perfectly. I used the ornament punch for the boys and the scalloped circle for the girl. The base if the petal die for the Big Shot.

A Thump in the Night

2010-03-21T16:33:00.000-07:00

The first time I heard that thump it went something like this......

THUMP, THUMP. THUMP, THUMP!
She said: Honey, do you hear that noise? It sounds like its coming from the attic!
He said: Yea, is it squirrels, you think?
She said: No, they usually run across the roof. This sounds like someone walking in the attic!
He said: What could it be?
She said: Sounds like a person. Do you think we have an intruder?
He said: Could be.
She said: Do you think a homeless person is living up there?
He said: What?
She said: What are you going to do about it?
He said: I think its an animal. I'll have to call someone tomorrow.
She said: Maybe I can scare it out.

So she opens up the attic, sticks her head in and starts screaming. ......Nothing happens. So she goes to the kitchen and gets a pot and wooden spoon and climbs back up the ladder to the attic and bangs away.

He said: What in the world are you doing?
She said: Scaring away the animal.
He said: Did it work?
She said: Nope.

Anyway after calling the pest control guy and having him come out and set a trap we finally rid our selves of the animal in the attic. He told my husband to cover the space in the garage attic that the animal was using to get into the house attic, but has he ever done that? No.
Sooooooo every so often, when I am sitting in my stamp room I hear:

THUMP, THUMP, THUMP, THUMP.
And I say: Honey, he's baaaaaack!

What is in the attic? This fellow and his cousins.

We caught this one on Friday night and another one on Saturday night. I'm sitting in my stamp room right now and thankfully do not hear anymore thumping, but it's early yet. Wish my hubby would just cover the way in! I am afraid to even look to see what damage they are doing in my stuff in the attic.

Sasssc Birthday Party

2010-03-21T15:51:00.000-07:00

The 2nd annual Sasssc Birthday Party!

these pictures are kind of out of order, but just excuse that and enjoy the show.

Time to party!

Self explainatory

For the main course we were served roasted pork, pineapple casserole, brocolli casserole and tomatoe casserole.

The birthday committee
Terry, Annie, Delia, Crystal,and Deb

Great job girls!

This was a darling shrink art charm that was on top of our pink flamingo cupcake. It was personalized so that we could add it to our key chain or bag tag.

Crystal made this wonderful salad with a homemade vinagerette dressing that was to die for.

Annie made these darling Pink Flamingo cupcakes.

We were supossed to play games but the rain didn't cooperate. Thank goodness or we would have had to bob for apples. Instead, Delia made us pose with an apple in our mouth wearing this pig nose. We were supposed to look like a roasted pig for the laua.

Deb was a roasted pig!

Delia's stuffed pig!

Mary's head on a platter!

Deb and Terry are making flowers for our hair.

Vegas doll

Appetizers

Can you see the raindrops on the welcome sign?

YUMMY PINA COLADAS

Don't you just love the cake!

This is Vegas in her hawaiian outfit

Yesterday was our 2nd Annual Sasssc ( pronounced sassy) Birthday Party. It was a Hawaiian Luau so we were all to dress in our Hawaiian gear. It sounded good at the time, but then I woke up yesterday morning to cold cold temps and rain. But being a trouper, I put on my flip flops, hawaain shirt and capris and headed over to the party. We had a great time even though we had to forego the outdoor games (what a shame, yeah). I was greeted at the door with a Pina Colada, yum, and a flowered lai. We had wonderful prizes, make and take, food and of course swaps. Here are some pics of our good time.

Birthday card for my hubby

2010-03-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

I made this card for my hubby for his birthday on February 21st. It turned out so well, that I made one for his brother who had a birthday on March 5th. Then since I had the stamp set out and the paper and ink and etc....I made 12 more for the SASSSC birthday swap today.

The paper is To The Nines Specialty dsp. The image is from a retired SU set called Classic Pickups.

Fancy Flower mojo

2010-03-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

Here is the card I made for the demonstrator's shoe box swap for Sunday. I used the Monday Mojo sketch for this card. I love they way they were using lots of different dsp. I made the flower by rolling the Very Vintage wheel and rose red ink onto some vellum paper. (I didn't have any tissue paper handy) I punched out 5 of the XL Fancy Flowers (punch) and stacked them and secured the center with a brad and Sweet Pea felt flower (just the circle). Lastly I scrunched up each flower to give it dimension. I also rolled the vintage wheel onto the rose red card behind the dsp. The dsp is from the Sweet Pea designer paper pad.

Happy B-day Simply Scrappin' Layouts

2010-03-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

I love using the Simply Scrappin' Kits for 12 x 12 pages. Here are the layouts for March's club.

Basket of Flowers

2010-03-13T12:54:00.000-08:00

How do YOU say Spring Break? Well it means I can play in my stamp room alllllllll week long, even though I SHOULD clean house and work in the yard and go through my stuff in my classroom that I want to sale ( I'm retiring this year, whoohoo). Just as I was leaving school yesterday, another teacher approached me and asked if I could make a BIG thank you card for them to use in the teacher's lounge when we get back from break. I had seen this card by Regina over at The Stampin' Bean and knew that I wanted to try it sometime. I decided it would be prefect and springy. I started with two of the tag board pieces that come in the packs of designer paper from SU. I cut a 4 x 12 inch piece of white card stock, scored it down the middle, and attached it tot eh 2 12 x 12 pieces of tag to create a hinge a make a 12 x 12 card. Then I covered the front and back with 12 x 12 dsp. The basket is So Saffron sponged with More Mustard. I used various scraps of card stock and my Daisy #2 big shot die to make the flowers. The little sign is made from a "hugs" note. I really like the way it turned out and I think my teacher friend will be pleased.

Easter Blessings

2010-03-01T18:36:00.000-08:00

I love the clean look of this color combo. I started to add an additional mat of pretty in pink with some dsp but it just didn't look right. When I removed it and saw this combo, I thought it looked perfect, clean and simple.

I used so saffron and barely banana on the flowers, and certainly celery and old olive on the leaves. I used re-inkers and my aqua painter. I used a wash of barely banana around the image.

This was my first successful attempt at using the scalloped trim border and corner punch. You should see the pile of paper I wasted trying to get this right. But now that I have the dimensions right, I've been able to duplicate this many times. Shimmer White: 2 1/4 x 3 1/2,

Old Olive: 2 1/2 x 3 3/4, Whisper White 4 3/4 x 3 13/16 before punching with the scalloped trim punch. I followed Julie's tutorial over at Paper Pleasing Ideas (see link on the side bar).

Can you see the Champagne Shimmer Mist I added to the petals and leaves. You can also she the shimmer paper. Very pretty in real life.

First Kiss

2010-02-28T16:13:00.000-08:00

Just had to share this sweet photo of my grandaughter's first kiss! Awwwwww!

Chocolate Bunny Easel and more

2010-02-28T12:24:00.000-08:00

I've seen so many cute easel cards, so of course I had to try one. I got this beautiful layout from Leadership and just made a few changes(paper) and turned it into an easel card. (btw: I don't know why the text is underlined, it just started that on its own and I can't figured out how to turn it off).

My hubby's birthday was this month and our good friend, Sharon made him this great card.

Eggcellent Eggs card

2010-02-28T11:49:00.000-08:00

While at Leadership, I was fortunate to see Patty Bennett's demonstration and samples made using the Eggcellent Eggs Kit from the Occasions Mini catty. When I saw this kit I immediately dismissed it from my want list since I have no children left at home to make Easter eggs for. However, when I saw the cute cards and 3-D items Patty have made using the kit, I decided to order it. I want my club members to see all the pieces that come in that small packet. TONS of tiny flowers in 4 beautiful pastel colors, 2 sheets of rub-ons, a sheet of die-cut leaves, and even a sheet of adhesive backed rhinestones. For this card I used the polka dot embossing folder, but brayered Bashful blue ink onto the folder before add my piece of Whisper white card stock. I used the ornament punch to make the flower pot. For the stems, I simply drew them with my Certainly Celery marker. For a final embellishment, I added on tiny embossed butterfly with one of the rhinestones on the body.

SASSSC Butterfly

2010-02-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

The Sasssc ladies met this past Saturday. Our swap theme this month was butterflies. I used the Shades of Spring dsp, and the colors Orchid, celery, pretty in Pink, and Baja Breeze. To see the rest of the swaps, you will need to click on this link to the Sasssc site.

Love Sparkles So Saffron Layout

2010-02-17T20:06:00.000-08:00

The Love Sparkles scrapbook class was last night. The ladies made 6 pages plus Shelli's layout with the kit. Here is the final layout. Of course it will look better with the photos. I love making these flowers with the fancy flower punch. Mist the cardstock after punching, scrunch them up, then smooth them back out again. Add a Sweet Pea felt flower center or corduroy button brad and you've got a great looking embellishment for your page.

Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers?

2010-02-14T17:53:00.000-08:00

I cased this card idea from Stamping Moon. You can see her original here. I need a card for a baby shower that I am going to next Saturday for a friend whose daughter is having her first child, a boy. My friend already has four grandsons and this will be number five! I think my proportion is off alittle and will adjust it on the next card. lol!

Shelli's Faux layout

2010-02-04T18:28:00.000-08:00

Shelli showed us an awesome layout while I was at the Leadership conference. I fell in love with it and wanted to try to duplicate it. Here is my feeble attempt and the original. Now I just have to get a great photo!

Love Sparkles

2010-02-01T19:21:00.000-08:00

Here are the second layouts from Love Sparkles for my scrapbooking class this month.

i (heart) u

2010-01-31T17:47:00.000-08:00

I am working on the layouts for my Scrapbooking class. This month we are using the Love Sparkles Simply Scrappin' kit.

Sending Love DSP

2010-01-28T17:21:00.001-08:00

I made this card for Stamp Club in February. It is an occasions mini bonanza!!! I got my inspiration for this card from Ann.
Paper: Sending Love dsp, Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink
Punches: Scalloped trim, small heart, designer label
Embosslits: Scalloped heart, Beautiful Wings
Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Pretty in Pink Epoxy brads
5/8" real red satin ribbon
SAB stamp set: Whimsical Words

Daisy on the lattice

2010-01-26T19:26:00.001-08:00

I have been meaning to use my lattice big shot die and keep forgetting. So when I was trying to come up with a background for one of these eyelet border punch flowers, I thought about how some flowers grow up lattices and decided to see what it would look like. Not bad. I used the Sweet Pea and Good Neighbor dsp for the flower ( Jenn Sannes inspired). The leaves are part of a five petal flower punch. The words come from the Vintage Labels set I got free with Sale-a-bration.

Flower power

2010-01-25T17:51:00.001-08:00

At Leadership, Shelli showed us some awesome flowers to make with fabric and paper.

This flower is made with the large flower punch (2) and one 1 1/4" and one 1 3/8" circles. Mist the punched pieces with water lightly and scrunch up. Smooth back out and ink the edges to give it a vintage look. Hold the pieces together with a brad. I covered the brad with a felt piece from the sweet pea felt pieces.

This flower is made using the Circle 2 die and the big shot. I cut two of each size circle. Then, using pearl floss, I stitched a big X in the centered and gathered it together, I sew all the layers at the back into a knot. Add another sweet pea felt piece in the center.

This flower is made with the big shot and the XL Flower Folds die. There is a link to a tutorial on Patty Bennett's blog. They are tons of fun to make!!

Things I Love file folder album

2010-01-24T17:59:00.000-08:00

I designed this album using the Thoroughly Modern File Folders, dsp, and lots of chipboard. There is a page for each month for you to save a special photo to remember what you love about 2010!

If you would like to purchase the instructions, please contact me via e-mail. When your paypal payment of $5.95 goes through, I will send you the instructions. leuenber@swbell.net

Love You Much swap card

2010-01-24T17:46:00.000-08:00

I just love making cards with the two-step bird punch from Stampin' Up! I also love using the Bride and Groom specialty paper.

Stamps: Well Scripted
Paper: Bride and Groom specialty paper, Real Red and Whisper white cardstock, Christmas Cocoa dsp, Ink: basic black,

Big Shot: polka dot embossing folder, movers and shakers Curly Label, XL two-step bird punch, small heart punch, top note die, curly label punch, white satin ribbon

Sweet Heart Candy Card

2010-01-24T17:40:00.000-08:00

I made this card for my Stamp club this weekend. I saw the layout at Leadership in Phoenix. One of my club members flipped the paper to the glittery side and left off the Pretty in Pink cardstock to come up with this final card.

Stamp set: Sweetheart

Paper: Sending Love dsp, Chocolate chip and whisper white cardstock

Ink: Chocolate chip and old olive

Chocolate chip satin ribbon, Pinking hearts border punch, full heart punch, Dove candy heart

Another birdhouse card

2010-01-04T05:23:00.000-08:00

This time I used Thoroughly Modern designer paper. I am expecting my pre-order today from SU and it should have some of the new designer paper for Valentines in it. Can't wait!

Birdhouse card

2010-01-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

This card was inspired by the birdhouse that Cindy B. at stampspaperandink made. She used the new Sweet Pea paper which I have not ordered yet. So I made my birdhouse and card using the Razzleberry Lemonade designer paper. The flowers on the birdhouse are just some primas I had on hand. I am saving my sweet pea felt flowers for a different project. The flowers on the card are from Vintage Vogue. I made a little "belly band" to help keep the card closed.

Two-step Bird Punch

2010-01-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

I am really loving this new punch. It's called the extra large two-step bird punch and you will find it in the new SU Occasions mini catalog available starting January 5th. It not only punches out the bird, but also a wing and leafy branch. This card is for an Anniversary themed swap. It could easily be a valentine or wedding card. The paper is from the Bride and Groom specialty paper and real red cardstock. I also used the top note die, white 5/8" satin ribbon and the small heart punch. The words are from Three Little Words.

Vintage Vogue for Regional

2010-01-01T08:54:00.000-08:00

Today's card features Vintage Vogue, Very Vintage wheel, and the new punch XL two step bird punch (which also punches the leafy branch). All will be in the new Occasions mini that begins on January 5th. The colors are one of my favorite combos: Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry. I punched the bird from Rich Razzleberry designer series paper. The ribbon is new too! The Occasions mini features 5/8" satin ribbon in nine different colors. It's really pretty and satiny.