Wednesday Stamp Club

Hello everyone!  Each Wednesday (or almost) I meet with a group of friends to make cards.  Someone will bring a card they made and the rest of us will create a facsimile of that card.  The following card is mostly non-SU! and I'm not sure who the originator is to give proper credit.  "Someone" (won't mention any names here. Wink, wink) forgets to write down where they got the idea!  lol

Love this card.  It was pretty labor-intensive but the results are stunning.  I think some changes could be made using SU! products to achieve the same look.  The colors are very similar to Pool Party and Early Espresso.  The SU! bird punch was used and the script on the aqua heart is from the Strength & Hope set.  The white heart was embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder.  I added some aqua under my bird's wing to make it pop more.  I like the punch used for the "nest" but will have to figure out what SU! punch or die could be used to replace it.  Maybe a few butterflies (vellum?) could be substituted for the bird and nest.
I had a card to share with the group but you'll have to come back tomorrow for that post.  Such a tease, huh?
Hope you're having a wonderful weekend.  Thanks for peeking in on me today!

Buddy Swap

Hi!  I've been so busy lately that I forgot to show you the card from my Swap Buddy this month.  (A group of us Demos sign up to participate to send out one or two cards each month to their assigned Buddy.  Many thanks to Karen Graff-Povis link to her blog for organizing it all every month.  I'm sure it's no easy task - all for the love of stampin'!)

My Buddy, Alicia Wiley, sent this pretty card.  Love the color combination!  They're the new In Colors and the stamp, Delicate Doilies, is new to the 2011-2012 catalog.  Looks like the sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set stamped onto Pool Party card stock and punched out with the Modern Label punch.  Thanks Alicia for such a pretty card!  And a big thanks to everyone in Blog Land for stopping by today!

The Open Sea and the Clock is Ticking!

Hi there.  We're experiencing another HOT day.  Ugh!  It just zaps the energy right out of a person when you go out - or at least out of me.  lol

Hurry - the clock is ticking!  You only have until Sunday to take advantage of the $99 Starter Kit promotion.  If you'd like to have fun while earning some cash, join the Stampin' Up! family!  To do so, go to my SU! website here.  It may be the best thing you ever did for yourself!

Thought I'd post another masculine card that went out this month.  This card was one of our projects at Pam's Demo Stamp Camp back in May, and was perfect for the recipient I had in mind. 

The base is Crumb Cake, then a layer of textured Not Quite Navy.  The stripe was cut from the gray striped pattern of the Nautical Expedition DSP (a Clipper is on the other side).  Wasn't that clever of Pam?  The round map on the focal piece was stamped with Crumb Cake ink.  The anchor was then stamped over it using Early Espresso ink and a knot was tied with our new Baker's twine. (Love it!)  The square was matted on Early Espresso then adhered to the card base.  A very nice masculine card.

Need to finish packing up the rest of my stuff for Stamp Camp tomorrow.  I have a couple of slots left if you'd like to join us and live in the St. Louis metro area.  Contact information is on the right side bar.  (I'll post pics of the cards as soon as possible.)

Stay cool and thank you for stopping in today!

July Stamp Camp Sneak Peek

Hey there!  Hope everyone is staying cool.  I am soooo ready for Fall.  Today is stamp club with the Wednesday girls so I'll be quick.  Here's your sneak peek of the projects everyone will make at Camp on Saturday (Jul 30).  If you're in the St. Louis area and would like to join us for an afternoon of fun, please contact me to reserve your spot.  We have such a good time!  (Contact information is on right side bar.)

Don't forget that you only have 4 days to take advantage of the $99 Starter Kit promotion.  It's a great time to join Stampin' Up.  You'll get to pre-order from the Holiday mini.  That's just one benefit!  Please contact me to join or for more information!
OK, must scoot on out of here.  Take care and thank you for stopping in today!  Hope you come back real soon.

Maculine Card

Hi there!  Had a few men with birthdays this month.  Here is a card that went out to a couple of them.

This card could easily be changed to a feminine one just by using pastel colors.  You could stamp a whole sheet of card stock then cut it down to size.  Wish I'd thought of that when I made this!  Duh!  It's still an easy card.

Stampin Up! supplies used unless otherwise noted
Stamps - Circle Circus, Perfect Punches
Paper - White, Black, Gray
Ink - Black, Gray, Cherry Cobbler
Other - Square Lattice embossing folder, Wide Oval punch, dimensionals

I'm almost finished preparing for Stamp Camp on Saturday.  I'll try to post a sneak peek for you later.  Thanks for stopping in and have a great day!

Another Belated Birthday Card

Hi there! Happy Monday to you.  Gonna make this a quick post since I'm still trying to get caught up.  Here is another belated birthday card that went out today. 

The stamp set used is Watercolor Trio, which is retired.  The embossing folder, yellow card stock,  and patterned paper are non-SU!  Mary Fish's card seen posted here on Jun 21 was the inspiration.

Thanks for taking a peek at my blog and, hopefully, I've inspired you in some way!  OK, gotta scoot on out of here.  Keep cool!

PLAYING CATCH UP

Hi!  Today I've been doing laundry, chores around the house, and addressing birthday cards to send out - mostly belated.  Even concocted a dish for dinner with ingredients I had on hand (yellow squash, diced tomatoes, whole grain penne pasta, canned chicken, and a bit of oregano).  It turned out pretty tasty if I say so myself.  Yum :)

Yesterday's Pieces of Heart garage sale was a huge success despite the extreme heat!  There were eight Demos participating - Wow!  Jayne Singleton was a sweetheart to bring breakfast doughnuts and a cooler of bottled water to make sure we kept hydrated during the day.  Thanks Jayne!  A big thanks to Theresa Tesson for providing our brunch after the sale!  What a treat that was to have some nourishment for our bodies after packing up and putting away everything.  And of course a HUGE thanks to Pam D'Urso, our friend and up-line, for always going above and beyond the call of duty for us girls.  She not only provided the location for this event but made these darling garden stakes for each of us!  Aren't they awesome?

A closer view

These ladies are the BEST!  (Now would be a great time to become a Demo so you can have fun with us.  You can join for only $99!  This price is in effect until the end of the month.)  We had so much fun at the sale talking among ourselves and with the customers.  I know the heat kept some people from venturing out.  It was hot even with fans providing some air flow.  Sooo, we're tossing around the idea of having another sale in the fall.  Stay tuned! lol

Would you like to see a card or two instead of me blabbering?  Thought so!  Well here are a couple of the belated cards that will go in the mail tomorrow.

This is what is called a step card.  The focal image is from the Nature Walk set and colored with Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, and Cherry Cobbler markers.  The butterfly was stamped on the White panel in black ink and another stamped on scrap White, colored, then cut out and popped up on dimensionals over the plain one.  (That way you don't have to cut out the antennae.)  A piece of Cherry Cobbler seam binding was tied around the panel for a pop of color.  The black card stock panels are embossed with the Square Lattice embossing folder and adhered to a Daffodil Delight card base.

This card is made from the Vintage Vogue set in Cherry Cobbler and Soft Suede.  The White panel was only partially run through the Big Shot using the Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder. The large flower was stamped with White Craft ink then heat embossed using white embossing powder.  The small flower was stamped in Soft Suede and the vine is Cherry Cobbler.  Soft Suede ink was sponged on for some definition.  The sentiment is from the Just Believe set stamped in Soft Suede then punched out with the Decorative Label punch.  I then made a mat of 2 additional Decorative Labels punched out in Cherry Cobbler, which were cut and adhered to the White label to form a larger label. The focal piece is matted on Cherry Cobbler then to a Soft Suede card base.

That's all for today folks.  Thank you for stopping in and hope you come by again!

BIG GARAGE SALE

Hi there!  Just a real quick post to let you all know I'm still alive and kicking.  Had a great time at my youngest daughter's Open House and spending time with oldest daughter during her whirlwind trip home.  Spending time with family and friends is so awesome!  Those late nights (early mornings, actually) kicked my butt, though! 

Now I'm getting ready for our BIG GARAGE SALE on Saturday (Jul 23) from 9 am - 1 pm, which will take place at Pam's (my dear friend and up-line).  There will be at least 5 Demos participating!  We're selling our retired inventory to make room for new stuff.  So if you live in the St Louis Metro area and want to stop by, contact me for location/directions.  (Contact info is on right side bar.)  Hope the heat doesn't keep you away. 

I will be back with some card samples later.  Need to finish deciding what to sell, then go pick up Miss M from pre-school for her weekly overnight visit.  Tomorrow we'll attend my uncle's visitation.  He was 95 and even though he led a full life, it's still a difficult time for the family. So sad.

Keep cool and thanks for coming by today!!

Animal Stories Baby-fied

Hi there!  Hope your week is going well.  Daughter #1 is coming in from Miami for a whirlwind visit this weekend.  Miss M, our granddaughter, doesn't remember her aunt since she was just a toddler the last time of D #1's visit.  Miss M refers to the photo of her aunt as "Aunt ___, who lives far away".  Youngest Daughter is having a dual purpose Open House for family and friends - to show off her new home and to visit with big sis.  The girls and I, plus a couple of cousins will be having a big ol' pajama party afterwards!  There will be no shortage of conversation and laughs - nor much sleep!  So, this week Youngest Daughter and I will be cooking up some good eats for the weekend and her Open House.  Looking forward to all of it!
OK, on to the card.  I wanted to send my friend, Jayne, a card congratulating her on becoming a grandma the fourth time but nary a baby card in my stash!  (Not a great demand for baby cards amongst my circle of friends.  Guess I should make some "grandparent" cards to be ready for the next one, huh?)  The next stumbling block was that I don't own any current baby-type stamps.  Not to be deterred, I used the retired Animal Stories set and CASE'd this card made by Kris McIntosh, with a couple of minor changes.  What is it about wanting to use your stamps sets after they've retired?  Oh well. 

Stampin' Up! supplies used unless otherwise noted.
Stamps - Animal Stories (retired), Teeny Tiny Wishes, Swirls & Curls Verses (inside)
Paper - White, Bashful Blue, vellum
Ink - Bashful Blue, Night of Navy (inside)
Tools - Beautiful Wings embosslit, embossing folders - Perfect Polka Dots, Finial Press, and Square Lattice, non-SU! circle & scallop circle dies

Thanks for peeking in today!  I'm not sure if I'll have a chance to post the rest of this week.  Just remember - I'll be back!  Have a great week.

Animal Stories Archeological Dig

Hi friends!  Here is another card "dug up" from my card stash.  The background entails a technique very similar to the Baby Wipe technique (to get the stripes).  Dampen a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol, then a dab or two of re-inker, then swipe it down a piece of glossy card stock.  Do one color at a time (lightest to darkest), using a separate cotton ball for each color.   If you find that the cotton ball becomes too dry, you can moisten it with a spritzer filled with some alcohol.  (No, not tequila!)  You don't want to saturate the cotton ball nor contaminate the remaining contents of the rubbing alcohol in the bottle!  The horse image (looks like a funky swayback but I like him!) was stamped onto White and the edges were sponged with Not Quite Navy.  The stamped piece was then matted to Rich Razzelberry and Crushed Curry.  (See, I told ya it was a dig!  Crushed Curry retired last year. lol)  Set two jumbo eyelets in the corner (make sure you leave enough room between your holes so the eyelets will fit - voice of experience here).  Run some ribbon through the back of the eyelets to the front and tie in a knot.  Adhere the focal piece to your hand made background panel, which is matted to a Crushed Curry card base.  Add a layered oval sentiment popped up on dimensionals.

Supplies used:
Stamps - Animal Stories (retired), Teeny Tiny Wishes (sentiment)
Paper - Glossy card stock, Crushed Curry, Rich Razzelberry
Ink - Not Quite Navy, Crushed Curry, Rich Razzelberry, Old Olive
Tools - Crop-a-dile. oval punches (smallest is retired now)
Other - Jumbo eyelets, ribbon (non-SU!), alcohol, cotton balls, sponges, dimensionals

Thank you so much for visiting today!  Hope you're inspired to try a new technique or resurrect an old one!

Vintage Vogue

Hi everyone!  It's Saturday and I'm back to post a birthday card for one of our niece's upcoming birthday.  We have a number of family members and friends celebrating birthdays or other occasions this month.  It seems that even though I make cards, I don't have the "right" one for the recipient.  Decided it was time for a "just do it!" attitude - pick an appropriate card and get it in the mail.  Soooo, I have been pulling out cards from my stash.  Do you find yourself missing a birthday or other occasion even though you hand make cards?  Crazy, huh?  Guess it's like the Cobbler's children have no shoes type story.  lol
Here's one from my card stash using the "Vintage Vogue" stamp set, which made it to the new catalog.  Yes!  (This is such a pretty set - need to drag it out again to show it a little love.)  Anyway, I inked up the flower swirl image using White craft ink and stamped in a random pattern on the Crumb Cake card base and focal piece.  I then used Soft Suede ink to stamp a few times over the stamped White images on the focal piece.  Mat focal piece to Soft Suede card stock and tie a Very Vanilla ribbon around it before securing to the card base.  The outside sentiment is from  "Just Believe".   Inside I used a sentiment from "On Your Birthday".

Inspired by Lisa Maco

Here are the measurements:
Crumb Cake cardbase = 5-1/2" x 8-1/2", scored at 4-1/4 and folded in half
    focal piece = 2-1/4" x 3-1/4"
Soft Suede mat = 2-1/2" x 3-1/2"


Stampin' Up! supplies used unless otherwise noted.
Stamps - Vintage Vogue, Just Believe, On Your Birthday
Paper - Crumb Cake, Soft Suede
Ink - Soft Suede, Craft White
Tools - Oval punches
Other - Very Vanilla 3/8" taffeta ribbon (retired)

Off to excavate my archeological site - digging from the card stash!  Thanks for checking in today and hope this inspires you to mail out your cards!

Strength and Hope Great Friend

Happy Friday everyone!  Thought I'd post a card made last week with the Wednesday girls.
A Whisper White 4" x 5-1/4" panel was embossed with the Framed Tulips embossing folder and then layered on an Early Espresso card base.  The focal piece is another layer of Whisper White (edges inked with Cherry Cobbler) on an Early Espresso mat. The butterfly and swirly image are from the "Strength & Hope" stamp set.  The sentiment is from the retired set "Great Friend".  There was some spray used giving it a speckled effect but I don't know the brand or color.  It was something one of the girls had with them.  The color spritzer would achieve the same look but, of course, I didn't have it with me! 

Stampin' Up! supplies used unless otherwise noted.
Stamps - Strength & Hope, Great Friend
Paper - Early Espresso, White
Ink - Bashful Blue, Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy
Other - Framed Tulips embossing folder, Basic Rhinestones, dimensionals, color spray (non-SU!)

Thanks for coming by today and have a great weekend!

Happy 4th!!

Hi there.  Hope everyone is having a good 4th of July!  I've just been relaxing today - had lunch with a friend and did a teeny bit of shopping.  Other than that, a pretty low key day.
This morning I started working on my July Stamp Camp projects.  While flipping through a stack of "inspiration" cards, I came across a couple of cards that were misfiled (how'd that happen?) and never got posted to the blog.  These girly-girl cards were made with the weekly Wed stamp group (aka, the Wednesday girls).  Monica Gale's princess card is just too cute!  Thank you Monica for the inspiration.  You can view her card by clicking here.

Here is the first card:

Blushing Bride version

Punch out the bodice using the Tab punch.  Use the 3/4" circle punch to scoop out the neckline.  I punched out vellum with the Scallop oval punch (if you use some card stock scraps under the vellum, the punch will work better.  If I had SU! vellum that wouldn't be necessary!).  I then ran the ovals through my Big Shot using the Vintage Wall embossing folder.  Glue 3-4 ovals to bottom portion of tab bodice (don't worry the tab won't show after you adhere all the vellum layers).  Glue 2-3 more on top.  Add a bow at the waist and pearls at the neckline to finish off your frilly dress.  This would make a cute bridal shower card or a girls birthday card - especially if she does ballet.  Can you say tutu! lol

Crumb Cake card base  = 5-1/2" x 8-1/2"
White layer = 4" x 5-1/4"
Blushing Bride DSP = 3-3/4" x 5"
White layer = 3-1/4" x 4-1/4"
Crumb Cake layer = 3" x 4"

Stampin' Up! supplies used unless otherwise noted.

Paper: Crumb Cake, White, In Color DSP, Vellum (non-SU!)

Tools: Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Tab punch, Scallop oval punch, 3/4" circle punch

Other: Pearls, 1/4" pink ribbon (non-SU!)

Here is the same card - different color:

Bashful Blue version

The patterned paper for this version is retired Bashful Blue DSP - sorry!  The ribbon is non-SU!  Everything else is the same as the pink card.  If you decide to make Monica's card, I'd love to see your version.
OK, gonna scoot on out of here for today.  Enjoy what's left of the holiday and be safe with those fireworks!  Thanks for stopping by.

Open House and Starter Kit Promotion

Hi there!  I want to thank everyone who attended my Open House yesterday.  We had a good time visiting and the girls liked the project.  I did take a few pictures before anyone arrived but totally forgot to get pics of the girls!  Bummer!  If you weren't able to join us, here is a photo of the project.

I used the new In Colors, Wisteria Wonder and Island Indigo.  The border was made with the new Lace Ribbon border punch. Love it!  I also love the new stamp set "Delicate Doilies".  The Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder and pearls added the finishing touch to the card.

You know we stampers (and scrappers) enjoy our snacks while we work.  Since the July 4th holiday weekend is upon us, I thought my traditional Flag Cake would be appropriate.  Plus it requires no oven to heat up the house.  The no oven bit was very appealing to me since we're experiencing 90+ temps right now!   I've been asked to share the recipe, so here it is.

FLAG CAKE 

1 Angel food cake (14-16 oz)

1 large container Cool Whip

1 pkg cream cheese (8-oz), softened

1/2 cup sugar

strawberries, cut in half (approx 1 quart ? - depends on size of berries)

blueberries

Mix cream cheese with sugar in large bowl.  Fold in about 2/3 of the Cool Whip to cream cheese mixture.  Break cake into small pieces and add to bowl.  Stir to coat cake pieces.  Pour into 9x13 pan and mash down to form “crust”.   Gently spread the rest of the Cool Whip on top.   In the upper left corner,  lightly sketch a rectangle in the Cool Whip as a guide for the placement of the “Stars” (blueberries).  Fill in the area.  Add “Stripes” with the strawberries.  Refrigerate until ready to serve. 

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Become a Demonstrator or Hobby Demonstrator for only $99!  Receive a Christmas Keepsake project kit absolutely FREE!  Stampin' Up! is offering an AWESOME promotion this month!!!  Here is what you'll get in your starter kit:

Easy Events Clear Mount Stamp Set (pg 57 – or alternate)

Pennant Parade Wood Mount Set (pg 69 – or alternate)

4 Classic Stamp Pads of your choice

Brights Assorted Card Stock

Whisper White Note Cards

Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper (or alternate)

Chocolate Chip 1/2” Scallop Dots Ribbon (pg 195)

1 Blender Pen

Clear Mount Block – size “C”

SNAIL Adhesive

Get a FREE Christmas Keepsake project kit (a $40 value).  Kit includes everything to make this beautiful exclusive Keepsake box.

A Hobby Demonstrator receives the same benefits as any other Demonstrator.  Sign up today to receive Demonstrator Discounts and Benefits through Dec. 31, 2011 with NO obligation to purchase anything further or hold a workshop.  

There's no obligation to sell or hold workshops and no penalty if you decide to drop!

You keep all your discounted purchases.  If you wish to maintain benefits beyond the first full quarter, a $300 sales minimum is required. This amount also includes your personal purchases.

If you would like to join the fun, click here to sign up on-line to receive benefits instantly.

Thanks for stopping by today!  Have a fun and safe holiday weekend! 

Happy New Year!

In the Stampin' Up! world, that is.  Today the 2011-2012 IBC (Inspiration Book & Catalog) goes live.  This will be a short post since I know it will be crazy busy today having an Open House.  Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Oh, and here is the last card the girls made this past Saturday at Stamp Camp. It is a buckle card using the Pick a Petal stamp set - another favorite of mine.  I sound like a broken record, huh?  Gosh, it occurred to me that the younger generation may not even know about records - as in vinyl.  Showing my age here.  lol

Close-up of buckle open

Stampin' Up! supplies used unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Pick a Petal (retired Jun 30)

Paper: White, Poppy Parade, Early Espresso, In Color 6 x 6 DSP (retired Jun 30), Old Olive

Ink: Poppy Parade

Tools: Punches - Word Window, Scallop Trim border, Blossom Petal, 1-3/8x5/8 Small oval (retired Jun 30), Crop a Dile corner chomper (non-SU)

Other: Embossing Folders – Square Lattice, Perfect Polka Dot

Tomorrow is the Last Day to Order - Party Hearty!

Hi there! Thought I'd post again in case I don't get a chance to do so later.  Tomorrow is the last day to order from the 2010-2011 Catalog.  Hurry to get those items you want!!

Friday is my New Catalog Release Open House!!  Whoo Hoo - new catalog, new goodies!  If you would like to stop in, please contact me so I'll know an approximate number of project kits to have on hand for the free make n take.

Here is another card the girls made at Stamp Camp this past Saturday.  Like how I've been dragging it out all week?  tee hee  This card was made using the Party Hearty set.  I like this set!  Too bad it made the Last Chance List.  Oh well, lots of other great sets to be had!

Stampin' Up! supplies used unless otherwise noted

Stamps: Party Hearty

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, White, Greenhouse Gala DSP (retiring Jun 30)

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight

Tools: Scallop circle punch, 3/4” circle punch

Other:  Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine, glue dots, dimensionals

Inspiration: Sue Noetzel - click here and scroll down to May 1st post to see her card

That's all folks.  Thank you for peeking in today!