Another Anniversary

Hi there!  Another post - can ya believe it?  lol  Today is the last day to place an order for those products that are retiring!  Please contact me if you don't already have a Demonstrator.  I'd be happy to place an order for you.  My information is on the right side bar and at the top.

My to-do list is ginormous today to finish preparations for Open House tomorrow, so this will be super quick!  The card below was received from my friend and fellow Pieces of Heart team member, Mary Ellen Cope.  She sent this lovely card to commemorate my third Stampin' Up! anniversary earlier this month.  (Cuttin' it close, huh, since it's almost next month!)  Mary Ellen said the stamp set used is Love and Sympathy, which she lightly spritzed with water before stamping onto watercolor paper.  Thanks Mary Ellen.  Love it!

Must run.  Have a great day and thank you for stopping by!

Hi there!  I'm back.  Hope everyone had a nice holiday weekend.  I sure did.
Had some comments about a week slipping by without any new posts.  Gosh, there really are people out there reading my blog!  Sorry for the absence.  Life just got really busy.  I tried posting earlier today (then again earlier this evening) but couldn't get a connection.  Grrrr!  That was my sign to head out to the grocery store this afternoon. We were out of the basics!  Anyway here is the card for today, which was made with the Wednesday girls.  It's so bright and cheery!  The Lace Ribbon Border punch will only be available until the 31st.  So if you want it, get it now!  Love the way you can weave the ribbon through it.  The Daffodil panel was embossed with the Stripes Embossing Folder, then turned horizontally and embossed again.  It's a subtle look but I like it.

All Stampin' Up! supplies used unless otherwise noted.
Stamp:  Bordering on Romance
Paper: White, Daffodil Delight
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Old Olive
Other: Lace Ribbon Border punch, Extra-Large Oval punch (Wide Oval), Stripes embossing folder, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Designer Frames embossing folder, pearls, Daffodil Delight ribbon


Friday the new catalog goes live!   I will be hosting an Open House on Friday from 2-8 pm.  If you live in the St Louis area and would like to stop by to look at (or buy) the new catalog and see some new products, please contact me for directions.  Come mingle with other stampers, enjoy some light refreshments, and create a project.  I will also be selling some retired stamp sets.

That's it for now.  Time to get to bed.  Thank you for coming by today and for your patience awaiting my return!

It's A Wonder!

Hi there!  Hope everyone is having a good week so far.  I started cleaning/organizing my studio and what a major job that has turned out to be!  I am making some headway but it's slow going.  Must finish up tonight since the rest of the week is booked.  Anyway...... wanted to show you a couple of cards that I made using the One Sheet Wonder (OSW) technique that I forgot about. (The other cards made with this technique have been sent out and no photos taken.)  While at the Girls Getaway retreat back in April I was inspired by the color combination on my scratch paper as a result from some other stamping, so this is what I came up with.

The OSW technique is a fun way to make your own background paper.  Begin by stamping an 8-1/2 x 11 or 12 x 12 sheet of light colored cardstock in a random pattern using whatever stamps and ink colors that suit you.  Then cut that sheet up into different sizes and start making cards by adding coordinating colors of cardstock mats, embellishments, etc.  Give it a try!  The possibilities are endless.

Stampin' Up! supplies used unless otherwise noted:
Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Build a Blossom
Paper: White, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink
Other: Blossom Punch, Blossom Petal Punch, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Beautiful Butterflies die, Daffodil Delight seam binding, pearls

OK, need to watch Dancing With the Stars - gotta see who goes home tonight. lol  (Don't worry, I'll be working during the commercials.)  Thanks for stopping in for a visit today!

Sneak Peek - Betsy's Blossoms

Hi there!  Had a busy weekend and the week ahead looks just as busy.  Real quick - here is a card I made to congratulate Pam's daughter and son-in-law on their new home.  I wasn't able to attend the Open House but wanted to make a card to tuck a little something inside.

Inspiration - Betty Saccocia on Stampin' Connection

The background on the card base was made by stamping the leaves from the Betsy's Blossoms set (available June 1st) in Versamark ink.  An additional wing was stamped, cut out, and popped up with Dimensionals on the stamped bird.  The image piece was also popped up with Dimensionals on the card front.  The outside "Congratulations" sentiment was stamped with Craft White and the inside sentiment "On your new nest!" was computer generated.

Stampin' Up! supplies used unless otherwise noted.
Stamps: Besty's Blossoms, Warmest Regards (retired)
Paper: Garden Green, Night of Navy, Not Quite Navy, White
Ink: Night of Navy, Garden Green, Versamark, Craft White

Must run!  Thank you for stopping in today!

Happy Anniversary!

Hi there!  Today I want to post (belatedly) a card received from my good friend and upline, Pam D'Urso.  This beautiful card acknowledged my third Stampin' Up! anniversary on May 9.  Yeah, me!  I've been having a blast and can't believe it's been three years already!
Pam used strips made from the Triple Layer Doily Punch (retiring the end of this month!) to achieve the lace look.  So pretty!  The Tiny Tags set was used with the coordinating punch for the dangling sentiment.
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Here is the inside of the card.

How cute is this!  The little cupcakes are from the Create a Cupcake set.  Love how the cupcakes pop up. Thanks, Pam, for the beautiful card and for your thoughtfulness! 
I received other cards from my Stampin' peeps that will have to be posted when there's more time.  Sorry girls.  I loved all of my cards!
OK, must run to finish doing some necessary household chores.  We have our monthly Pieces of Heart team meeting tonight.  Looking forward to seeing everyone!  And Pam will be there!  She doesn't attend all of our meetings now that she lives three hours away.  Next month we have a weekend retreat stamping at her new home!  Fun, fun, fun!  So looking forward to that!   These are just some of the reasons I love SU!

Have a great day and thanks for coming by!

Last Stamp Camp Card

Hi there and happy Friday!  I'll conclude the week with the final Stamp Camp card from this past Saturday.  The inspiration for this V-Latch technique came from Barb Mullikin's site.  I wanted to use a standard A-2 size card so a minor adjustment to the top measurement was made.  To make it easier for the girls, I made up a template for them to use as a tool in making the correct measurements.  But if you want to try this, measure in 2" from the right side, then from the top of card measure down 2-1/8", which is the halfway point.  Adhere your 2" DSP strip to the right inside edge of card.  With card closed, poke a hole through both layers at that center point marking. Next place opened card front in your trimmer and make a diagonal cut from the center hole to the bottom corner of the card.  Flip around and cut the inside of card from the center hole to the top corner. (Be careful not to rip your DSP since the thickness of this cut is a little more.)  Now you have a V-Latch card!  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Here is the card open to give you a better idea what it looks like:

  

Stamps: Word Play (W-120308, C-120561)

Paper: White, Real Red, Night of Navy, Silver Glimmer, Big Top DSP – Red w/White stars * (122348)

Ink: Night of Navy

Tools:  Stars #2 die * (113461), Dimensionals, ruler, poker tool, hole placement template, acrylic block

V-Latch Fold Inspiration: Barb Mullikin at  http://www.barbstamps.com posted on May 19, 2011

* Available until May 31, 2012

Remember!  The new catalog comes out June 1st, so get those items on the Retiring Lists you've wanted before they're gone!

Well, if you read my post yesterday you know we took our granddaughter to the park for a little picnic and fishing.  She has become terrified of geese - and of course there were a couple that swam over and got out to come closer to us.  Wow, did that ever send our granddaughter into hysterics!  We could not convince her that we would not let anything happen to her!  Grandpa and I were trying to shoo the geese away.  I must admit, though, it was a bit unnerving when they'd hiss at me!  The geese finally wondered off when they figured out we weren't going to feed them.  But our granddaughter would not focus on fishing for fear that the geese would come back.  So the whole fishing thing was not too successful.  I asked her this morning if she had fun fishing and she told me no but she liked the picnic. lol

Whoo Hoo, my order just arrived so it's time to go!  Must check out my new goodies AND the NEW catalog!!!  Hope you have a fabulous weekend and thank you for stopping by today!

Happy I Do Day

Hi there!  It's another beautiful day here in St Louis so this will be a quick post.  The card below is a Stamp Camp card from this past Saturday.

Stamps: Word Play (W-120308, C-120651)

Paper: White

Ink: Black

Tools:  Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, 3/4" Square Punch, 2-1/8” Scallop Circle Punch (non-SU!), 1-3/4” Circle Punch

Other:  White 5/8” Satin ribbon, Dimensionals, Rhinestones, acrylic block

Inspiration: Deb Currier   http://artfeltimpressions.blogspot.com  posted Jul 31, 2011

Must run to pick up the granddaughter from daycare.  We plan to go to the park.  Grandpa wants to teach her how to fish.  So we're also going to have a little picnic at the park while we're there.

Have a great day and thank you for coming by! 

Baroque Wishes

Hi there!  On my way to stamp with the Wednesday girls.  But before I go, here is another card from Saturday's Stamp Camp showcasing two sets about to retire - Baroque Motifs and Heard From the Heart.  This card could be used as a bridal shower card or modified as a wedding card by changing the sentiment.

All Stampin' Up! supplies used unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Baroque Motifs * (113490), Heard From the Heart * (111644)

Paper: Basic Gray, Pink Pirouette

Ink: Basic Gray

Other:  Gray Satin 5/8” ribbon * (124326), glue dots

Inspiration: (Pinterest)  Julie Day  http://daydesigns.blogspot.com  Feb 24, 2011 post

* Available until May 31, 2012 

Have a great day and thanks for coming by today!

 

Faux Pinwheel Birthday

Hi there!  Running errands today so this will be quick.  This is another Stamp Camp card from Saturday that was CASE'd from Dee Slater.  Only made a couple of minor changes.

Stamps: On Your Birthday * (111664)

Paper: Real Red, Daffodil Delight, White, Big Top DSP

Ink: Real Red

Tools:  1-1/4” Square punch, Adorning Accents (hearts) embossing folder, 1-1/4” Circle punch, 1-3/8” Circle punch, 3/4” Circle punch, Dimensionals

Inspiration: Dee Slater  http://createwithdee.typepad.com  posted May 4, 2012

* Available until May 31, 2012

Must run.  Thanks for stopping in today!

 

Hi there!  Hope all the mom's out in blog land had a Happy Mother's Day!  I had the pleasure of a nice family dinner at our daughter's on Saturday after Stamp Camp since our son was in town then.  He BBQ'd and she fixed the sides and dessert.  It was yummy!
Yesterday a good portion of the day was spent on the phone catching up with friends.  Then my daughter in Miami and I had a marathon phone call for three hours!  We both have had really busy schedules so it was good to finally get caught up... for now.

Had a great group of gals at Stamp Camp on Saturday - and three new attendees!  (Hi ladies!)  Guess I'd better quit blabbing and get on with one of the projects!  The main focus of this month's Camp centered around Retiring Stamps and/or Accessories.
The card below showcases two retiring stamp sets - Autumn Days and Trendy Trees (sentiment).  Watercolor Wonder Crayons were used to make the background.  Most of the ladies in the group had not used watercolor crayons before so I was excited to introduce them to this new medium!

Stamps: Autumn Days * (115452), Trendy Trees – sentiment * (113258)

Paper: White, Black

Ink: Black, Watercolor Wonder Crayons – Pacific Point, Marina Mist & Wild Wasabi

Tools:  Water spritzer, Aquapainter, heat tool

Other:  Post-it Notes, paper towels

Inspiration: Andrea Hayes   http://www.stampinmoments.com  (has video Feb 5, 2011) 

* No longer available after May 31, 2012

That's all for now.  Need to do a couple of things before heading out to visit a friend recuperating from surgery.  Have a great day and thanks for coming by!

Baroque Butterflies

Hi there!  I have a sympathy card to share with you today.  These types of cards are never easy, especially when you need one.  I was inspired by a card in neutral tones that I saw on Pinterest.  I wanted a touch of color and achieved that with the Marina Mist card base and large butterfly.  The negative pieces from the Embosslit Die was used as a stencil to get the different sizes of butterflies over the Baroque Motif swirl.  (This set will no longer be available after May 31, 2012)

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Thoughts and Prayers
Paper: Marina Mist, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso
Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, River Rock, Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand
Other: Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Early Espresso 1/4" grosgrain ribbon

Must finish cutting paper for Stamp Camp on Saturday.  Have a great day and thank you for coming by today!

Sneak Peek - May Stamp Camp

Hi there!  What a gloomy day it is here.  Maybe a sneak peek of my upcoming Stamp Camp on Saturday will brighten things up a bit. 

If you're in the St Louis area and you'd like to join us for some stampin' fun on Saturday, please contact me (info on right side bar) to reserve your spot!

Today Demonstrators are able to place orders for the new 2012-2013 Annual Catalog!  I'll be placing my pre-order for catalogs AND new products that we can order this month!  You could enjoy this wonderful benefit, too, if you join my team.  And for only $99 for the Starter Kit, it's a steal of a deal!  Plus, you choose the items you want in your kit - up to $125 worth of product!  It's like free stuff - and who doesn't like free stuff!  Please contact me if you have any questions, or would like to chat more about this great opportunity (or anything else) over coffee.

Must run to place my pre-order!!!.  Have a great day and thanks for stopping by today!

Last Stamp Camp Card

Hi there and happy Friday!  OK, here is the last of the Stamp Camp cards from this past weekend. 
I was going for a masculine feel by using the Houndstooth embossing folder.  It's a versatile look that could be used for many occasions.

Stampin Up! supplies used unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Trendy Trees (W-113258 Retiring May 31, 2012) and Create a Cupcake (W-121915, C-121982)

Paper: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede

Ink: Soft Suede, Wild Wasabi

Tools:  Houndstooth Embossing Folder (123134), Simply Scored Scoring Tool

Wishing all the moms out there a Happy Mothers Day!  Thanks for coming by today!

 

Stamp Camp Card #4

Hi there!  Still dragging the Camp card posts out this week.  lol  So without further adieu, here is Camp card number four.

When I saw this card on Penny Thomas' blog, I knew I'd be CASEing it!  Love the way the colors just pop!

Stampin' Up! supplies used unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Mixed Bunch * (W-125535, C-125537)

Paper: Always Artichoke, White

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso

Tools:  Blossom Punch * (125603), Blossom Petals Builder Punch (121808), 1” circle punch, Adorning Accents Embossing Folder - hearts * (125601)

Other:  Stylus, Mat Pack, sponges, Dimensionals, acrylic blocks

Inspiration: Penny Thomas at http://penguinstamper.blogspot.com    posted April 11, 2012

* Denotes items that appeared in the Occasions Mini catalog that are on the Carryover list.  Yeah!

Today our youngest daughter turns 30!  Gosh, where did the time go????  Happy Birthday, Hon!

 

Stamp Camp Card #3

Hi there and happy Wednesday!  You know what that means - stamping with my peeps day!  But first, here is another Camp card from this past weekend.

Stamps: Bring on the Cake (W-121899, C-121958)

Paper: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Black, Mocha Morning Specialty DSP (122366 - avail until May 31, 2012)

Ink: Black

Tools:  1-1/4” square punch (to nip out tail on flag), 1/8" hole punch or poker tool

Other:  Black brads, template for brad placement, pencil

Inspiration: Mary Fish     http://www.stampinpretty.com

A little tip to make a template to evenly space your brads.  Cut a piece of copy paper the same size as the card stock that will have the brads.  Fold copy paper in half to get the center point.  Then measure equal distances  on each side of the center point - in this case it was 3/4" and make a mark.  Punch holes where marked.  Now use the copy paper template to transfer markings onto a piece of scrap card stock and punch the holes.  Voila! You now have a more durable template to equally space those brads.

Must run.  Have a wonderful day and thanks for checking my blog today!

Starter Kit only $99 and Camp Card #2

Hi there!  Gosh, there are so many exciting changes going on at Stampin' Up!  Beginning TODAY (and for the duration of the new catalog), Stampin' Up! will be offering a new, customizable Starter Kit at a lower price of $99!  When you purchase the kit, you can choose up to $125 of ANY (yes, ANY) current Stampin' Up! quality products.  You'll also receive a business supplies pack valued at $65.  The total value of the kit is $190 and it ships for FREE!  This is a fabulous deal, whether you are a hobby stamper or want to be a business demonstrator!  Please contact me at 314-779-9499, if you'd like to join my team or want more information!

I have another card from Stamp Camp this past weekend.

Stampin' Up! supplies used unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Bright Blossoms (New catalog sneak peek- avail Jun 1, 2012)

Paper: White, Real Red

Ink: Old Olive ink pad, Markers = Tempting Turquoise & Real Red

Tools:  Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Postage Stamp Punch

Other:  Daffodil Delight 5/8” grosgrain ribbon, acrylic blocks, Dimensionals, glue dots

Inspiration: Cristena Bagne  www.gettincrafty.com

That's all for now.  Have a great evening and thank you for coming by today!