Tinkerin In Ink with Tanya

Sweet Friend

2012-02-18T00:00:00.000-06:00

I know this is a retired set, but I still love it :) I made this card to show my niece and nephew, Kaylee and Austin, how to do the Poppin' Pastels technique. Really fun technique and it looks great with this set. To do Poppin' Pastels, you just stamp an image with Versamark ink, then apply different colors of pastels to the image. The Versamark makes the pastels stick just where the image is!

It is also a gate fold card, meaning it opens in the center of the cardfront. This is also a very simple variation from the traditional card fold. The kids and I had a great time playing around making this card, and I showed them the Faux Suede technique too! They did great for a 9 y/o girl and a 5 y/o boy!

Stamps:You Are Loved
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Soft Suede, Whisper White
Ink: Versamark, Pretty in Pink, Soft Suede
Other: Big Shot with Hearts Framelits, 1" Square punch, Modern Label punch, Signo white gel pen, Stampin' Pastels, Stampin' Dimensionals, Qtips

I used the sentiment that came with this set to finish it off on the inside. Such a great thinking-of-you phrase!

USWDAF- Rustic Wedding Decor

2012-02-17T12:42:00.001-06:00

Wow! It's time for a new event already!! I designed another fun project for UStamp, and this time I went crazy with the butterflies! The tutorial for my project was posted on the Big Shot Round Up event on 2/16/12. Go check it out!

Doesn't this look fun? One of my girlfriends wants me to make this for her niece's wedding in Montana. I think that would be perfect!!

Valentines for Sons

2012-02-16T00:00:00.000-06:00

I was not as prepared for Valentine's Day as I should have been this year. I had quite a stash of cards to sell at work last year, but not this year. Oh well. One of my co-workers did come to me last weekend and told me she needed 4 cards. One of them would be for her adult son. She has been getting cards from me for about 3 or 4 years now, and her son had made a comment about them a couple years ago. He told her that she was finding the most amazing cards! I used to think guys didn't notice this stuff, but even the guys at work want to use my cards because they are "special" and "little works of art". Now, I don't let that go to my head, because I know that I am not the most talented card maker out there. Not by a long shot! But who doesn't love some admiration of their efforts?!

All that being said, I really like how this one turned out. I am rather enamored with cutting birch bark with my Big Shot dies right now, and those birch bark hearts really made this card for me! And it will be going to that lovely son of Bekki's, who recognizes art when he sees it ;) (BTW, this young man is a Harley mechanic...)

I really think the Letterpress Plates are missing out on the love from most of us. They are such and awesome tool, and I love the look they give. I find myself using them just as much as the embossing folders. Check out the "son". It is form the Family Reunion set, which I earned with my sales during Sale-A-Bration last year. I love being a demonstrator :) So many great perks! There 24 stamps in the set, and 19 of them are family relation names! Bet you didn't know there were that many to use!

The birch button was cut using the Buttons #5 sizzlit. You do have to peel the birch bark to a couple layers thick for this to work, but the results are awesome! And if you are like me, and burn wood to heat the house, then you don't have to go far to find birch bark. Otherwise, you can find it online in lots of places. Or maybe you know someone else that has some you can use. And Tombow liquid glue holds the birch bark just fine!

Stamps: PS I Love You, Family Reunion
Paper: Naturals White, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, black pen
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Other: Big Shot with Buttons#5 sizzlet, Hearts Framelit, Lots Of Love Letterpress Plate, birch bark, Signo white gel pen, Stampin Dimensionals, Early Espresso Baker's Twine

I Love You More

2012-02-14T13:55:00.002-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!! I am a bit of a romantic, as is my hubby. So you would think this day would be a big deal for us. It's not, because we like to do little acts of kindness for each other most every day. But maybe we should make it more special... we all like an excuse to do something extra special for those we love!

This is the card I made for my hubby. There is a little private meaning to this :) We get into a little playful fight with this phrase, and the winner is the one we says it last. Silly , I know. But silly is good for the soul. Really. It is. Look it up. ;)

I finally broke down and got the Houndstooth embossing folder, and it is so perfectly masculine, I just love it! ANd reinked my Craft White inkpad and used the back of a plastic spoon to really rub it in. Boy Howdy, what a difference that made!

I will have to think of something witty and sweet to put on the inside, before he gets home in 4 hours! I don't think I will share that with you all, it might get a little X rated, even after all these years ;) We have been together for 23 years, will be 24 this summer, and will celebrate our 22nd anniversary this June. How did time go so fast?!
I hope you all have a great day, whether it is with a honey, or blissfully free of commitment!

Stamps: Woodgrain BG, I (Heart) Hearts, PS I Love You
Paper: Naturals White, River Rock, Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, River Rock, black pen
Other: Big Shot with Houndstooth EF and Hearts Framelits die, Word Window and 2-3/8 Scallop Circle and Jewelry Tag punches, Silver Mini brads, 1/16" punch, Stampin Dimensionals.

Sweet Madison Rae and SA Sketch Challenge #71

2012-02-04T00:00:00.000-06:00

It's the first Saturday of the month, so you know what that means! It is time for another Scrapbook Sketch Challenge over at Stampin' Addicts :) I went for a more simple sketch this time, trying to embrace the "white space". I tend to want to fill the page with stuff, so this was a real challenge for me, lol!

Here is the sketch, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover some goodies in my embellishments that I didn't realize I had! They are from the Noteworthy digital collection you can earn as a hostess benefit from the main catty!

And here is my example. This is the newest member to my hubby's side of the family. Our new little niece, Madison Rae born on Nov 28th, 2011. This picture was taken on Christmas and she is just such a sweet baby!! I really miss the babies....I only get to play with sick babies at work...and I usually have to make them cry.
I even got tp play with my Vintage Overlays, which I fell in love with but never really used. It took me a while to figure out how to make them look the way I wanted..just because I was being dense! I had forgottn that you can change the opacity of your images on MDS, duh!

This entire page is done on My Digital Studio, which you can get a free 30 day trial of now!! How exciting is that! Go check it out at mydigitalstudio.net now!

Stamps: Cheerful Treat, Vintage Overlays
Paper: Blushing Bride, Twitterpated DSP
"Ink": Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, Basic Black
Embellishments: Rhinestones, Twitterpated Designer Buttons, Doily Triple Punch, 5 Petal Flower punch
Font: Bored Showers

Show us what you made!! Post it on the challenge forum or link to yours in a comment here :)
Pretty please!

Field of Birthdays

2012-01-31T00:00:00.000-06:00

This was supposed to be a sympathy card. I really thought it would make a nice sympathy card. But I think it is too cheery...So I decided it would be better suited as a birthday card.

I am back to outlining again. It almost adds another layer to those limited layer cards. That ribbon is part of the offerings in the Sale-A-Bration brochure!! ♥ it!

Stamps: Field Flowers, Happiest Birthday Wishes
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Lucky Limeade, Naturals White
Ink: Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose
Other: Big Shot with Adorning Accents Edgelits and Labels Framelits, Lucky Limeade 1/8" Organza ribbon, Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz, Clear Coat Accent Ink, Frost White Shimmer Paint, sponge, Signo white gel pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything got a little layer of shimmer in some way or another. The white strip on the side was spritzed. The label and banner with shimmer painted, and the main flowers were accented. Wow, that's a lot of shimmer! Too bad it doesn't show up in the photos :(

I've gotten pretty good at getting the 2 layers of the flower lined up without really trying! I need to use this stamp set more. So, do I need to add a little bit of stem to this flower?

Stampin ' Addicts SAB Blog Hop- Ribbin & Brads pack

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

Woo- Hoo!! It is SAB time again!! Lots of free stuff to earn, and boy howdie! Did Stampin Up! every come out with some yummy stuff this time. I think this is my favorite SAB ever! And my Stampin Addicts friends and I are going to show you the fun stuff you can earn during SAB this year. There are 18 stops on this hop, you can find the full list here. It you get lost along the way, this will help you find the way again :)

If you started at the beginning of the hop, you just arrived here from Paula's blog where she featured the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series paper. Didn't she do an amazing job with that delicious paper?! I am stop #4 and there may be a little overlap with some of our projects as I am featuring the Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad pack, which-as the name suggests-was created to coordinate with the paper :)

First up, I recently started a journal for myself. I wanted something pretty and this is what evolved. I still have a stash of theses spiral bound pads from the local print shop that are about 5x7½, perfect journal size!
We use a wood stove to heat our house, so I had no problem finding birch back to play with, and thought I would try cutting out some fun shapes. This ♥ this butterfly!!! I used a 3" length of the Lucky Limeade Organza ribbon to make the antenna, and a Lucky Limeade brad for the head, then some rhinestones for the body. Isn't it fun?!
I also used a length of the Dotted Ribbon punched Pool Party and stitched it with more of the organza. Also used the organza to wrap one of the Labels Framelits and then made a pretty double bow with the butterfly brad at the knot. All kinds if fun uses for the Ribbon and Brad pack!

(Click on the photo to see it bigger for better details)
Now this little number took me much longer to make than it should have... I blame that on my spacey-asthma-prednisone head. Lots of stitching on this though. I couldn't resist adding more and more! Have you ever tried ribbon embroidery? It is really easy and so pretty! Those hears are cut with the Heart Framelits and then the stitching began! I am txhinking of making a variety of seasonal things to put it this frame. I think I got it at Walmart for $2 and it was in my stash cabinet. The cardstock measures- 4-7/8x12 - what a lovely surprise :)
And that big Old Olive button? You can get the Brights Button pack free during SAB also!!

I purposely left a sentiment off of this card so I can use it for anything :) The First Edition hearts are actually leftovers from my Hearts & Snowflakes banner from a few days ago. The bottom Poppy Parade piece is texturized with the Lots of Love Letterpress Plate. I pulled out the Watercolor Wonder Crayons and an Aquapainter to color the large heart.

I was hoping to get one more project done fro you all, but I spent way too much time playing with the ribbon embroidery ;)

On to the next stop, Yapha's blog where she will dazzle us with her projects using Sprinkled Expressions!

Or you can go backwards to the previous stop, Paula's blog, to look at the fun with Everyday Enchantment DSP again :)

Grassy Sympathy Card

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

There is just something about the image of tall grass swaying in the wind that makes me think of peace and contemplation. Both of these thoughts together make me think of sympathy cards. We are trying to convey peace to the bereaved, and are often contemplating the life that has passed, and how our lives will now be changed. Some passings are a thing of peace, and that in itself is something to celebrate. So says the ER nurse who has seen death in all kinds of forms.... I no longer fear death like I used to, and I am pretty sure it has more to do with my job than my age :)
Wow, these are pretty deep thoughts for a stampin blog! Better get to the Happy!!

I decided to use the Adorning Accents Edgelit in the opposite direction this time, offering a peek at the cardstock beneath. It feels more masculine this way, don't you think? Really, what makes something masculine? It is sometimes not quite definable. But this feels like it. I was going to add some kind of embellishment to the right side of the oval, but decided I liked it this way just fine :)

Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Thanks for Caring (retired)
Paper: Always Artichoke, Early Espresso, Naturals White
Ink: Always Artichoke, Early Espresso
Other: Big Shot with Adorning Accents Edgelits and Labels Framelits, Wide Oval punch, Always Artichoke Seam Binding ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

You can almost hear the wind softly blowing, can't you. This would make a great masculine card for any occasion, not just a sympathy card.

I wish the Thanks for Caring set had not retired. It has such a wonderful sentiment, very timeless. If you have one, you have quite a little treasure in your stash!
And here is hoping that no one I know, including myself, needs a sympathy card any time soon....

Elegance in Blue

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-06:00

This was my first attempt at a swap with Elementary Elegance but it didn't feel quite right. I do like how the small elements fit on the Jewelry Tag punch.

I used some Cherry Cobbler embossing powder and then sponged over it to add more depth. I did stamp the little elements first and then punched them out.

Stamps: Elementary Elegance
Paper: Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, Pear Pizzazz, Naturals White, Twitterpated DSP
Ink: Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, Pear Pizzazz, Versamark
Other: Big Shot with Adorning Accents Edgelits, Curly Label punch, Jewelry Tag punch, Stampin Dimensionals, sponges, Signo white gel pen, Cherry Cobbler embossing powder, Embossing Buddy, Heat Gun

I did a little bit of fussy cutting around the main image and the sentiment is also embossed.
I hope to find just the right person to give this to!

Don't forget, Sale-A-Bration starts tomorrow and you can ear this stamp set with a $50 purchase (before shipping and tax) !

Hearts & Snowflakes

2012-01-22T21:54:00.002-06:00

I saw some cute Valentine's banners today while pottering around on my newest obsession, Pinterest. You girls have created a monster!! You all know who I mean. My family of stampin friends is a wonderful source of joy....and new ways to waste time, lol! Seriously though, if you haven't tried Pinterest yet, you need to go check it out. It is like having a favorites button for the whole internet!! Love it!

Now, I realize this pic is a little yellow. Sorry, couldn't get that fixed with my humble Photoshop skills. But, I thought I would share with you how I made this beauty. It is NOT Glimmer Paper. It is Poppy Parade with Romance Red glitter (retired) applied with Versamark and Heat & Stick powder on both sides!! This was the first time I used the Heat Stick powder with a satisfactory result. I think I was trying to do too fine a detail work before, but it works fab like this!

This is simply the First Edition DSP die cut with two of the Heart Framelits. Fun way to use up some scraps and I just can't get enough of this paper :)  It is dangling on some Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine and held on the string with a Mini Clothespin.

This is my favorite part of this little banner. I used some of the brown packing paper that comes in my shipments from SU and die cut it with the biggest Heart Framelit. Them I stamped it up and outlined it!

Stamps: Distressed Dots BG, I (Heart) Hearts, PS I Love You
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Blushing Bride
Other: Big Shot with Hearts Framelits and Snowflake die, Signo white gel pen, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Mini Clothespins

One more fun pic of the banner. Loving this, even if I did hang it up a little early :) We have actually been going through a rough spot with our daughter. She is dealing with some heavy issues, and hit bottom over the holidays and is getting the help she needs. Actually making some wise choices again! She is a beautiful young woman and has a personality as big as the world. She can warm the heart of a scrooge! Yeah for my girl! I felt the need to "show a little love" today, so here it is :)

Layers of Shimmer Wedding Card

2012-01-21T00:00:00.000-06:00

I am surprised to say that I never really considered February to be a popular wedding month, but I just now realized that I know 3 family members who were married in February . Wait, make that 4! I guess Valentine's Day trumps frigid weather and many inches, if not feet, of snow in Minnesota, lol!

I was on a Letterpress kick again. They add such a touch of elegance to a card. Who van resist the word love in so many different fonts? The Blossom punch makes a very nice fluffy flower with the Waffle paper, which is just gorgeous!! How about the flowers spilling down the side of the cake? Yummy! and the layers of the cake are highlighted with the Clear Coat Accent ink. Why oh why did I wait so long to get that stuff! It is amazing!

Stamps: Love & Laughter
Paper: Naturals White, Whisper White, White Waffle Paper, Pink Pirouette, Twitterpated DSP
Ink: Basic Gray, Pink Pirouette
Other: Big Shot with Hearts Framelits, Adorning Accents Edgelits and Embossing Folder, and Lots of Love Letterpress Plate, Corner Rounder punch, Blossom punch, Basics Glimmer Brads, Clear Coat and Silver Fox Accent Ink, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper Piercer and Mat Pack

This was a really hard card to photograph. I tried 3 different methods, and still the colors seem washed out and off. In real life, it is quite lovely.

Even the inside of the card got some bling! I had to add shimmery centers to all of the flowers. Now I need to make a pile of anniversary cards!

Tea Thanks 3x3

2012-01-19T11:18:00.000-06:00

The new Tea Shoppe set is so scrumptious! And irresistible to me, since I drink tea all day everyday! There is just something so soothing and centering about making a cup of tea and enjoying it during the hussle bussle of life.

I know it is hard to see, but I used the Fancy Fans Letterpress Plate to add texture to the Baja Breeze layer of the card. Looks great in real life of course :) And more of the Twitterpated DSP. I didn't think I was going to like it, I only got it because it came in a preorder bundle at a discount (one of the many reasons to be a demonstrator!) and didn't realize I had changed my mind until I had used it on 3 cards!

Stamps: Tea Shoppe
Paper: Naturals White, Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White
Ink: Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White
Other: Big Shot with Adorning Accents Edgelit, Labels Framelits, and Fancy Fans Letterpress Plate, Marina Mist 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Large Oval punch, Modern Label punch, Pearls Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

I seem to be a dimensionals kind of gal lately. All kinds of poppin action going on here :) Don't you love this DSP?! So fresh and fun!

Inside the card, I could not resist adding a little tea cup and accenting it with dots of Riding Hood Red marker.

This was another of my swap cards that I made before Christmas, and I am trickling them out over this month.

Blooming Corsets!

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-06:00

Who is ready for a little support?! I love this stamp set, and these 2 stamps in particular!

I could not resist making a shaped card with the Labels Framelits. I had to some more texture to the River Rock layer to make it work with this card. I also inked the emossing to set it off more. The Coral card base is also stamped with the corset image.

Stamps: Rue Des Fleurs
Paper: Calypso Coral, River Rock, Very Vanilla, Lucky Limeade, Watercolor
Ink: Calypso Coral, River Rock, Very Vanilla, Lucky Limeade, Poppy Parade, Sahara Sand, Early Espresso, Jet Black Stazon
Other: Big Shot with Labels Framelits, Wide Oval punch, Pear Pizzazz Pleated Satin ribbon, Blender Pen, Moonlight Pearlized Accent Ink, Pearls Basic Jewels, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals

I made a few extras of this one to take to work to sell, but I wonder if that is the right crowd, lol!

Full of Love

2012-01-15T00:00:00.000-06:00

My Big Shot sure got a work out with this card! It is another of the swaps I made and one of my favorites! I wish I could make Valentine's Day cards all the time. I like making them more than any other kind of card! Call me a romantic :) I do see my favorite Valentine everyday!

Remember how exciting the Beautiful Wings embosslit was when we got it? Well, there is a new sensation on the block, the Fashionable Hearts embosslit! Lots of hearts on this card. I made my own DSP with a bunch of stamps.

Stamps: PS I Love You
Paper: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Blushing Bride, Whisper White
Ink: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Blushing Bride
Other: Big Shot with Heart Pressed Letterpress Plate, Adorning Accents Edgelit, Scallop Heart embosslit, and Fashionable Hearts embosslit, Whisper White Satin ribbon, Modern Label punch, Word Window punch, Large Heart punch, Signo white gel pen, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals

I was going for a more rough edge kind of look with the ribbon on this one. I am thinking I should have frayed it a bit, that may have added an interesting bit of texture.

Isn't it wonderful how Crumb Cake takes ink?! I had no problem using almost every stamp in this set on this card. I may have to give this one to my sweetie :) GOod thing I haven't shown this one to him yet!

Box Full of Love

2012-01-13T00:00:00.000-06:00

This is the last of the Blog Hop projects. I did add a little something more on this post. I didn't have any nuggets in the house when I made this project originally so I didn't have anything to fill this little box with!

After I got some nuggets, I was able to add the It's a Wrap Holidays stamped address labels to some nuggets and toss a bunch in the box. I only decorated the top 3. I have had too many people tell me they were too pretty to eat when I gave them away. Not the goal!! Eat the chocolate, people!
You do have to cut your white paper to size and score it before die cutting the doily, then I just put the doily on a piece of scrap paper and quickly zig-zag my liquid adhesive over the back of it. Then I glue it to the inside of the box.

Love that you can use just portions on the doily , like the Early Espresso piece here. I spritzed it with the Blushing Bride Smooch Spritz.

Stamps: PS I Love You, It's a Wrap Holiday
Paper: Blushing Bride, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Red Glimmer
Ink: Blushing Bride, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso
Other: Big Shot with Box #2 die, Hearts Framelits, Paper Doily Sizzlet, Large Heart punch, Small Heart punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, address labels

The box is Spritzed with the Vanilla Smooch Spritz. Loving this stuff again!

Look at how that Smooch Spritz even looks pink on the Early Espresso!! ♥ ♥ ♥

OK, now I can stop worrying about getting the Blog Hop stuff better explained. Good thing too, it is almost time for the next hop!!

Strawberry & Doily

2012-01-12T11:00:00.000-06:00

I am still trying to get all of the Blog Hop stuff caught up, for anybody that wanted more details :)
This one has the center of the doily cut out and the doily is popped up.

The cardstock base is stamped with Distressed Dots BG with Frost White Shimmer paint, then the Whisper White 2½" circle is stamped with Distressed Dots BG in Blushing Bride. I have been trying to use up my scraps of Cherry Cobbler.. I made 150 matchbox books for a wedding last spring and have a TON of scraps of Cherry Cobbler about 2½" wide.... good for punches! That is what I matted the Strawberry with.

Stamps: PS I Love You, Distressed Dots BG
Paper: Blushing Bride, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
Ink: Blushing Bride, Cherry Cobbler, Lucky Limeade, Early Espresso
Other: Big Shot with Paper Doily Sizzlet, 2½" Circle punch, 1¼" Circle punch, 1-3/8" Circle punch, approx 2" circle die (Framelit style), Signo white gel pen, Cherry Cobbler Scalloped Dots ribbon

This card could be used for a variety of things, thank you, thinking of you, birthday, party invite, valentine...

Can you see the shimmer pain polka dots a little better here? Shimmer Paint is still one of my favorite things to add a little bling with. I can tell you I have already gone through at least 1½ bottles of each color! It might even be time to order another of the Frost White and Champagne Mist.
You can also see a little better that the doily is popped up on dimensionals. I cut them really little to fit behind it.

I even stamped some Distressed Dots on the inside, but with Blushing Bride this time. and another strawberry. I had made a few strawberries for a different project and ended up using them up on this card :)
Well, I think I only have one more Blog Hop project to sneak in some time soon! Hope I am not boring you all with these :)

Elementary Elegance Swap Card

2012-01-11T10:16:00.001-06:00

I was a swapping maniac right before Christmas, and this is my Sale-A-Bration swap. I am so excited that SAB starts soon! SO many yummy new things, that you can earn for free!

I used a lot of the new things here. Love the Twitterpated paper, and the new Blushing Bride Smooch Spritz! It has amazing coverage. I accidentally ordered 2 bottles of it, but I don't think that is going to be a problem ;)

Stamps: Elementary Elegance, Bordering on Romance
Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, Naturals White, Twitterpated DSP
Ink: Soft Suede, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz
Other: Big Shot with Labels Framelits, Adorning Accents Edgelits and embossing folders, and Beautiful Wings embosslit, Curly Label punch, Signo white gel pen, Blushing Bride Pleated Satin Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Frost White Shimmer Paint, Sticky Strip

I am not really a girlie-girl, but I think I am channeling my inner girl with this mini!

SA Scrapbook Challenge- Christmas Scoobie

2012-01-07T13:15:00.002-06:00

The new year has begun and it is time to get back to our Saturday Scrapbook Challenges over at StampinAddicts! The first weekend of the month is my turn to come up with a sketch challenge, and here it is!

Lots of fun shapes and a definite winter feel.

And here is a page I made using the sketch. My kids won this great big Scoobie Do at the County Fair a couple years ago, and gave it to their Dad. I got tired of tripping over him and sent him out to the garbage cans to be thrown away. The kids threw such a fuss, I had to tell them they could keep him if they found a use for him. Well, Dakota went and found a chair for him to sit in, and started dressing him for the weather and the season and made him a kind of mascot for the front door..... I wonder how many people have a Scoobie guarding their front door! In this picture, I was actually testing spots for our family picture, the one I posted on Christmas day.

Supplies: MDS - Christmas Jingle DSP, half circle punch, snowflake punch, flag punch, antique brads, Digs My Hart font
Colors: Crumb Cake, Real Red, Old Olive, Early Espresso, Whisper White

Let's see what you all come up with! Check out the challenge here.

Lacy Treats!

2012-01-03T20:36:00.000-06:00

A little more follow up on my blog hop projects. I actually found some pretzel rods and made them up. I was hoping they would fit in the 1"x8" cello bags SU sells, but they are a little too big. Oh well...

For the embellishment on this one, I punched out a large Soft Suede heart and stamped the strawberry image in Soft Suede. Then I outlined the heart with Signo white gel pen stitches. Crystal Effects adds a lovely raised gloss to the chocolate dipped part, and the Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details makes the top of the strawberry look so luscious!! There is also a Small Heart punch of the Red Glimmer Paper popped up on a dimensionals. I tied the top with a piece of Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine and adhered the heart with a dimnesional. This looks so yummy to me!! And the whole thing fits in a quart sized ziplock.

The Large Heart of the this one was stamped repeatedly with a stamp from PS I Love You in Cherry Cobbler and Blushing Bride, then punched out. The love you is also stamped with 2 different images from the same set in Blushing Bride and Soft Suede and die cut with the smallest of the Heart Framelits. The middle heart is punched using the Heart to Heart punch, then glittered up witht he Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details. ♥ that stuff!! This one is tied with Early Espresso Baker's Twine.

One more shot of the yummy-ness. I am having a hard time keeping the guys out of these pretzels!! I gues salty and sweet is the combo for my guys :)

Paper Doily Camouflage

2012-01-03T10:13:00.001-06:00

I got many requests for a tutorial on how I made the camouflage with the Paper Doily Sizzlet, so here I decided to do one quick. I thought you might like a closer look at the card since we are limited to 4 pictures during the hop :)

You can see the embossing and dimension of the card a little better here. The labels are both popped up.

I tried to keep it pretty simple since it is a guy card. No ribbon or bows, flowers or bling :)

Stamps: Bring on the Cake
Paper: Chocolate Chip, River Rock
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke, River Rock
Other: Big Shot with distressed texture plate and Labels Framelits and Paper Doily Sizzlet, sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals

Inside I put another little strip of camo and sponged the edges of the River Rock with Choc Chip.

OK. Now for how to make the Camo!

Start with this mess of supplies (ink pads for the pictured sponges too)

Paper Doily die cut
piece of River Rock cardstock
Soft Suede ink and sponge
Crumb Cake ink and sponge
Always Artichoke ink and sponge
River Rock ink and sponge
Chocolate Chip ink and sponge

I am really just using the masking technique here. For your first sponging, use the darkest inks only and scatter them around. I am just holding the mask down with my fingers while I sponge. It does not matter if it slips while you are sponging.

This is what it looks like after you move your mask. You can clearly see the paper doily and a variety of color around it.

Now, put the mask back on the paper, shifting it so that you will be sponging a different area. Use the lighter colors in this round of sponging also.

Here is what round 2 looks like. Still lots of unsponged stuff showing, and now we are starting to get some layering of the colors.

Place your mask again exposing more of the unsponged areas and use more of the dark inks this round, but continue to use all of the inks.

It is really starting to look like camo now!

One more time, place the mask over your paper and sponge with all of the inks. Use your judgment for what you need more of at this point. Every time you do this technique, it is going to look different.

For the last sponging, I did not use the mask. I took the Crumb Cake and River rock inks only, and sponged all over. This was to soften all of the remaining unsponged areas. Now your piece can be used in your project!

I would love to see what everyone makes with this, so please post a link to your creation!

SCORE! with USWDAF- TEa for Two~Party in a Box

2012-01-02T10:34:00.000-06:00

At last! The event we have been waiting for since August when the Simply Scored arrived! If you want DOZENS of ideas for projects using the Simply Scored, then this event is just perfect for you. And since the new Occasions Mini and Sale-A-Bration are just around the corner, you will find lots of ideas using the new stuff too.
I got quite a surprise when I logged in to the first day of the event and saw that my project was the second one posted! Woo-hoo!!

This fun box will hold a couple of tea cups with tea bags, or a cup with a small can of loose leaf tea and an infuser, or a couple of disposable hot cups and some tea bags, or...a lot of different things!! There are a couple of great tricks to try with our new Framelits dies in the tutorial too!

Come check us out, you won't regret it!

SA Occasions Mini Blog Hop-Paper Doily Sizzlet

2011-12-30T05:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the first stop of the HOP! This mini is so full of fun. Stampin Up! continues to amaze me! This mini has a new style of dies (I have sooo wanted these for ever) and lots of romance. A little Steampunk (my daughter could not believe I even knew that term, let alone what it meant...silly girl ;) ) and some bold, yummy, food themed stuff. Some new baby stuff, and some "a-maze-ing" stuff .

And my friends & I from Stampin' Addicts are here to show you some of the yummy goodies from the new Mini and some unique ways to use them :)

If you are starting at the beginning, just keep clicking the links to the next stop. And have no fear, if you get lost along the way. Here is the link to the masterlist of the hop!

I am going to show you a few things with the Paper Doily Sizzlet. It is such a yummy new toy! And I confess that I have Valentine's on the brain today :)

For someone who is deathly allergic to strawberries, I sure do love this image! It is from the PS I Love You set. I cute the center out of the paper before I cut out this doily and then popped it up on dimensionals. The background is the Distressed Dots BG stampied in Frost White Shimmer Paint.

How about a little box lined with a doily? And did you notice the lacy bit behind the hearts? It is the center of the doily on the previous card! I played with the Blushing Bride Shimmer Mist and the Heart Framelits here too :)

Next up, some treat wraps. I think these are adorable, and they would look fab with some of those big pretzel sticks dipped in chocolate and sprinkles, don't you? I added some of the Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details to the strawberry and the middle heart on the pink wrap. SO YUMMY!

And last but not least , I had challenged myself to find something masculine to do with the doily. Can you see it? I used the doily as a mask to create the camouflage! I even impressed my boys with this :) ANd I snuck in some of the new Labels Framelit dies. I'm telling ya, you have to check out this MINI. It is chock full of yumminess!

Be sure to come back later this week for more details on these projects.
Now, on with the show! Check out Paula's blog for the fun stuff she does with the Edgelit Dies and Matching Embossing Folders, gorgeous!

And if you are going backwards through the loop, you need to go to Yapha's blog next where she did wonderful things with Candy Conversations!

With Sympathy Card with Sneak Peeks!

2011-12-28T13:09:00.002-06:00

There is new stuff coming!! The Occasions Mini starts on January 4th, and boy, are there some great things in store for all of us!
I got my box of pre-order goodies the first week of December and have been dabbling with the new stuff ever since. I am in LOVE with the Labels Framelits dies.

This is the first project I made with my new goodies. Someone had just ordered a sympathy card, and this was just perfect. The sentiment is from a retired hostess set from a few years ago, but the rest is NEW! I was able to cut the card base with the new dies to create a fun shaped card. SO much potential with these lovelies :)
I stamped the main image in Early Espresso on a scrap of Daffodil and then trimmed out the banner, then stamped the sentiment on it. It is popped up on dimensionals also. Lots of layers on this card. I ♥ layers.

Stamps: Apothecary Art, Warmest Regards (retired), Woodgrain BG
Paper: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Naturals White, Daffodil Delight
Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight
Other: Gold Lame' Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink, Big Shot with Labels Framelits, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sponge, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint

It does fit nicely in an envelope also.
I believe this ended up going to the widow of one of the police officers that worked in the ER I work in. He had retired last year and had advanced Parkinsons disease. His widow is one of our receptionists and it has been a really tough year for her.

Ok, now on to some fun news!! The Stampin' Addicts Occasions Mini Blog Hop starts on Friday! Be sure to come back for all of the amazing projects with all sneak peeks of the goodness to come!!

http://www.stampinaddicts.com/forums/general-stampin-talk/8666-join-us-2011-occasions-mini-blog-hop.html

Merry Christmas Every One!

2011-12-25T21:27:00.001-06:00

Well, I hope it has been a very Merry Christmas for everyone! I know it has been for us. We spent Christmas Eve at the Neyssen's (Jamie's mom & stepdad) and nearly everyone was there. Amazing! It was so fun watching the little kids open their presents, and holding the new baby, Madison. She is 1 month old, and so sweet! And I have been trying to get a good family photo for our Christmas card this year, and I finally got one! This evening jsut as the sun was going down, lol!

Here we all are. We are all smiling and not wearing our coats at 31° F. Yup, we are Minnesotans :)

And who can resist this face! Shelby got blocked in between the piano and the tree as we were passing out the presents. What a sad little puppy dog face!

And what is a post without a little project. I made this little purse last month with some of the scrumptious Spice Cake fabric and lined it with muslin. my Amazon Fire fits in it quite well :)

Inside there are a couple of nifty pockets. I was able to use just one fat quarter of this print to make the bag. So cool :) I found the pattern on Etsy.com

Ok, time for this girl to go to bed... I must work in the morning and 5:30 comes mighty early :)

Frosty Gift Card Holder

2011-12-11T11:47:00.001-06:00

Well, I just finished one of the many Christmas celebrations for this season! This one was with my Mom's side of the family. It was my turn to host this year and my house got a cleaning it had been sorely needing for a long time now. You know, stamping usually takes priority over scrubbing walls and cupboards ;)

And now it is time to get back to stamping! I got a great big box full of pre-order goodness earlier this week and have not had a chance to do more than assemble the stamp sets (all 15 of them), put everything away, and make a sympathy card for a co-worker (she needed to give someone else the card).

I did want to show you more of what we did at club this month also. This is a gift card holder I came up with.

I used the prongs of a mini brad for the closure, which works really well! The embossing was so yummy on the card we made, I just had to keep using it :) There is White and Pewter on this card.

Stamps: Snow Swirled
Paper: Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Ink: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Versamark
Other: Simply Scored, Decorative Label punch, Corner Rounder punch, Paper Piercer and Mat Pack, Silver Mini Brad, Embossing Buddy, White Detail embossing powder, Pewter embossing powder, Heat Gun, Stampin' Dimensionals, Big Shot with Snow Burst embossing folder

Here is the inside of the gift card holder. It is very easy to make, so you could make as many as you need for the season very quickly!

For the gift card, you will score across the bottom 1" from the edge, then at 1" and 4¾" the other direction.

You can get 3 gift cards from one 8½x11 sheet of paper with this template. I hope you all have fun making these!

December Club Card & We Have a Winner!

2011-12-06T21:49:00.001-06:00

First off, the winner for the Blog Candy is Miriam Pratner! Congratulations Miriam! Be sure to email your mailing address to me so we can send your candy :)

I got a little carried away with the embossing this month, but is sure is pretty! I couldn't resist adding more stuff either. Those little joggle bells were just begging to be used. :)

Don't mind the wet corner... and don't leave your projects on the kitchen table. Bad things happen to paper on kitchen tables....
This was a great way to do some emboss resist. When I finished this, I just had to add the white sowflake in the middle. The snowflake told me so. ;)

Stamps: Winter Post, Christmas Greetins
Paper: Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink: Versamark, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red
Other: Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Mini Jingle Bells, Square punch (any size will work), sponges, Stampin Dimensionals, Corner Rounder punch, Big Shot with Northern Frost die, needle, Embossing Buddy, Heat Gun, Pewter embossing powder

And you get a peek at the inside here. I also stamped the sentiment from Christmas Greetings and embossed that too.

I got my preorder package for the Occasions Mini and Sale-A-Bration today. It is going to be so hard to wait until after Christmas to share stuff with you! I already made one card with my new goodies. I still have to do Christmas stuff yet though, so I better learn to alternate, lol!

USWDAF Blog Hop~CD Envelope Treat Holders

2011-12-01T19:30:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the Hop! We are going to blow you away with all of the awesome projects and tutorials this weekend! I am so pleased to be part of this very talented group of women :) Everyone has such amazing ideas!

Dec 2-4,

2011 Holiday

Up on the Rooftop

Blog Hop!!

* The FABULOUS UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! Design Team will have awesome projects for you to enjoy at their blogs!!

* Every project will include a link for a downloadable PDF tutorial.

* Every Designer will have BLOG Candy at their blogs and YOU could be a winner!!

*We will have FUN Creative Challenges where you can share your projects

*LIVE Chats with prizes

* Talent Search...would you like to be considered for a Guest Designer spot for the UStamp with Dawn & Friends!! Design Team?? Get your Holiday MoJo going because details will be announced Dec 2nd.

I am stop #25 on the hop and if you are following in order, you have just come from Betty Traciak's blog where she shows us a gorgeous Window Box Display!

For my projects, we will be using Window CD Envelopes to create treat holders with a gift card holder attached to the back. This gift card holder is also a stand alone project, and we can never have enough ideas for gift card holders, can we?!

This is the first version of the project. Love those little snowmen! They remind me of marshmallows :)

And this the gift card holder on the back. Don't miss the tutorial, I have a nifty idea for the closure!

Here is the second version of this project. I couldn't stop with just one, lol!

And the gift card holder for this one.

Can't you just see these being used for teacher/coach/busdriver/neighbor gifts?!

As a Special Thank You for stopping by my blog I am giving away BLOG CANDY!!

Please leave a comment about my project to be entered for a chance to win a great goodie bag of current Stampin' Up! products. I will randomly select a winner to be announced on Tuesday, so please check back to see if you are the lucky recipient!

AND there's MORE...LOTS MORE!!

You have the opportunity to get the downloadable PDF Tutorial for my project FREE!! It's a GIFT from UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! Woohoo!! See the blinkie below to access the FREE Blog Hop Website.

In the Spirit of the Holiday Season, you have the opportunity to get in on "Special Holiday Pricing" for the upcoming UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! SCORE!! Event. The Stampin' Up! Simply Scored Tool is HOT STUFF and SCORE!! will feature 40+ projects, all created using the Simply Scored Tool. SCORE!! is a MUST NOT MISS Event!! See the blinkie below to join and get in on the Early Bird savings.

And now for the most exciting giveaway of the season...

Everyone that joins the new and exciting upcoming event - SCORE!! - with "Special Holiday Pricing" will be entered into a Drawing to win 1 of 3 FREE Passes for an ENTIRE YEAR of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events!!

YES!!

You read that right!!

YOU could win a whole year of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events FREE!!

***Special Holiday Pricing of just $19.99 ends Dec 8th***

Winners will be announced on Friday, Dec 9th.

Click the Blinkie below to join SCORE!! with Special Holiday Pricing

and a chance to win a FREE Year of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events!!

Click the blinkie below and you will be taken to

THE UP ON THE ROOFTOP BLOG HOP WEBSITE!!

Of course it's ***FREE*** to join and

there you will find the tutorials for ALL the blog hop projects,

PLUS live chats, challenges and more prizes!!

You will even have an opportunity to be considered for a spot as a Guest Designer!!

Yes!! It is all FREE, so tell all your friends and

join the fun with UStamp with Dawn and Friends!!

Ok, on with the show! You can click on the banner above to get to the tutorials for this event. And to continue on with the hop, use the links below.

Christmas is Coming!

2011-11-30T11:51:00.000-06:00

Christmas is coming, Christmas is coming! I love this time of year, but there never seems to be enough time to do all of the things I want to do for Christmas! This is the card we made for November club. We will be having club on Thursday this week for December and I can't wait! More fun with the girls!!

I had just gotten Merry Winter when we had club this month and I couldn't wait to use it. Those little snowmen have been working hard for me too :)

Stamps: Merry Winter, Borderlines
Paper: Naturals White, Poppy Parade, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake
Ink: Poppy Parade, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Poppy Parade DSP
Other: Scallop border punch, Doily triple punch, 1" circle punch, 2½" circle punch, 2-3/8" Scallop circle punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Dazzling Details glitter glue, Paper Piercer and Mat Pack

Love hoe the snowmen sit on the sled! And the polka dots work jsut beautifully on the Crumb Cake strip! I used the Dazzling Details in the centers of the snowflakes, the buttons on the snowmen, and the dangly ends of the snowmens' hats. And of course, I inked all the edges with an Early Espresso marker!

Now, don't forget to come back tomorrow for the UStampwithDawnandFriends Blog Hop. You will not want to miss the fun!

Summer! Matchbox Mini Album

2011-11-21T13:33:00.000-06:00

I have a bunch of awesome pictures from a visit with my niece and nephew this summer and I wanted a fun way to share them with their mother. I saw this style mini album on the Workshop Wow DVD I bought at convention this year and it fit the bill.

These colors are just perfect for luscious summer memories :) This one is sized for wallet sized photos, but you could really make it any size. Plus, I just used a leftover from a different project to make the main body of this mini album :) The leftover was 3¼"x11"

Score the 11" piece at 4¼", 4½", and 9½".
Stamp with the Woodgrain background stamp.
Use the Scallop border punch on the the bottom flap and 1" wide x 3¼" long strips of coordinating colors. Adhere strips to flap.
Cut a 3"x3½" piece of Early Espresso. Then a 2¾"x3¼" piece of Naturals White. Stamp the white piece as shown. Adhere this to the front of the matchbook, allowing room for the part that will tuck under the flap.
Cut a 1-1/8"x2-3/8" piece of Early Espresso and a 15/16"x2-3/16" piece of Naturals White. Punch corners with Corner Rounder punch. Stamp your title on the white piece and adhere to the Espresso piece.
Punch out 2 of the 4 petal flowers with the Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack 4 petal flower punch. Set flowers on mat pat foam and push down in the centers with the handle end of your paper piercer to add some dimension, adhere to each other offset. Punch out 2 leaves/branch shapes with the Build A Bird punch, trimming off or not punching out most of the long part of the branch. Adhere to the back of the flower. Apply a Rhinestone to the center of the flower. Adhere to the title piece.
Adhere title piece to the mini album cover with Stampin' Dimensionals.
Cut out desired number 2¾"x4½" pages, I used 6. Embellish as desired.
Fold bottom flap up, insert pages, and tie a ribbon around the flap to secure the flap closed. I then used a little Sticky Strip under the ribbon to ensure it does not slip off. Now you can tuck the cover into the flap!

This will even fit into an A2 envelope! I am sure it will cost extra to mail though :)

Here are all the pages tucked into the mini album. I call this picture Shake Your Booty!! Fun with the Slip-N-Slide.

I did put pictures on both sides of these pages, so there are 12 in this little album. I like it so much, I may have to make one for me! I did have to get 2 of each print, cuz that's how they sell wallet size pics where I get my pics processed.
Wouldn't this make a wonderful Christmas card for someone special? Different colors and theme of course, lol

Stamps: Borderlines, Woodgrain BG, Season to Season (retired)
Paper: Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Poppy Parade, Early Espresso, Naturals White
Ink: Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Poppy Parade
Other: Scallop border punch, Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack, Build A Bird punch, Corner Rounder punch, Mat Stack and Paper Piercer, Lucky Limeade Ruffled ribbon, Basic Jewels Rhinestones, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals.

USWDAF Knock Out Punches- To Go Punch Kit

2011-11-19T12:00:00.000-06:00

I am excited to share my next project for UStampwithDawnandFriends! It is a really fun and useful project if I do say so myself :)

I frequently bring stamping supplies with me when we go out of town for the weekend to visit family. I do projects with different family members and I just can't stand to be idle, so it gives me something to do while everyone else is taking naps etc :) But I always want punched shapes and punches take up so much space and weight so much! I came up with this solution. I bring pre-punched shapes in neutrals and the colors I am most likely to use and put them in small containers all ready for me to use! I even recycle by reusing existing containers. And there is a gift bag to put them all in if you want to give these away to a crafty friend.
The event this is for is the Knock Out Punches event and it is going full swing right now! My project is being featured today, so if you want the details of how to do it, head on over and get signed up for the Knock Out Punches Event.

Grateful Leaves Tag

2011-11-02T11:29:00.000-05:00

As promised, another tag! My hubby says this is too detailed to be just a tag, that it should hang on a banner or something, so that you can use it all season. Wasn't that sweet of him?! It was another use of scraps from my scrap bins, and I thoroughly enjoyed creating it, even the fussy cutting :) I think if I could get away with it, I would probably use the Woodgrain background stamp on every project I ever create. I just get such a warm cozy feel from it! I live in a log house, we have two woodstoves to heat our home, and I grew up in a woodworking household, so it is "ingrained" in me! Get it? Ingrained! I know, I am so corny, but hey, this is my blog. I can be as corny as I want!

The more Mustard shape is actually from the Peekaboo Frames die, and I love that shape. You don't have to use the door :) I am so happy this leaf stamp set made it into the main catty. But I would not be surprised if it retires this year to make room for some other fantastic leaf stamp. They must know by now that I will buy every leaf and snowflake stamp that Stampin' Up! creates. I just cannot help myself! 

I used my blender pen to color the leaves with More Mustard and Cajun Craz and there is still a little bit of Champagne Shimmer Paint on my blender pen from a previous use and it added a touch of shimmer to the leaves that is just perfect in its subtlety. I did not manage to catch it with my camera though.

Stamps: Autumn Splendor, Grateful Greetings, Woodgrain BG
Paper: Naturals White, More Mustard, Cajun Craz
Ink: Early Espresso, Sahara Sand, More Mustard, Cajun Craz
Other: Scallop Trim border punch, 1¼" Square punch, Corner Rounder punch, Big Shot with Peekaboo Frames die, Sponges, Signo White gel pen, Stampin Dimensionals, Blender Pen

Frosty Pinecone Tag

2011-10-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Almost time to start cranking out those Christmas tags! It is so fun to add a gorgeous tag to a gift to jazz up your presentation and it uses up lots of scraps :)

It's so satisfying to reach into my scrap bin and start pulling out pieces to use on a project, and when they work so well together. And through the magic of punches, this came together VERY quickly. The pinecone image is inked up with markers and a little "snow" was added with the Illumination Top Coat Accent Ink. I am never so glad for my stash of stamps as Christmas time :) The hole in the top is the circle punch from Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack, which really is a must have.

Stamps: Pines & Poinsettias, Christmas Greetings, Winter Post
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Naturals White, Red Glimmer paper
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip
Other: Scallop Trim border punch, 2-3/8" Scallop punch, 1¾" circle punch, Scallop border punch, Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Stampin' Dimensionals, Illumination Top Coat Accent Ink

I tried to catch the shimmery snow on the pinecones, but it looks so much better in real life. There may be more tags making appearances here soon ;)

Tea Stains and Leaves

2011-10-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

Playing with leftover buttons, I had to make some birthday cards for this month. I have, sadly, still not sent any of them out...must do that! I also finally started to play with the Distressing Kit. Love It! Knew I would, just didn't pull them out until now :)

I think I may have overdone the distressing ink, and I used the Tea Stain and the Mahogany. Had fun with the different punches too :) How fun is it to find new ways to layer them together for a great focal point?!

This is the inside of the overly distressed one :) I believe I used Bring on the Cake and I think it fits really well.

This is the less distressed version. A little clearer and crisper. I might have to keep one of these to pet :)

Inside is a little more simple too, but I still like it. Really like it! It is not always about the layers :)

Stamps: Gently Falling, Bring on the Cake, Happiest Birthday Wishes
Paper: Naturals White, Soft Suede, Pool Party, River Rock
Ink: Soft Suede, More Mustard, Pool Party, Pear Pizzazz, Tea Stain, Mahogany
Other: Big Shot with Buttons #5 die, Designer Label punch, Doily Triple Layer punch, Distressing Essentials kit, Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Stampin' Dimnesionals

Dem Bones, Dem Bones!

2011-10-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

Another spooky card for you, since Halloween is almost upon us! I am especially drawn to this skeleton guy, maybe it is my career as a nurse, or the macabre sense of humor I was born with that makes me fit in perfectly with my fellow ER nurses and cops, lol! Just ask us about full moons! Or not ;)

This card was the first one I made with this set. I made it blank so I can use it for whatever I want. Over the Hill birthday, Halloween, or just themed to the season Thinking of you.

I dressed it up a little with the Dazzling Details on the spider web and the Baker's Twine. I cannot believe I lived this long without Baker's Twine! It adds such a great touch without the bulk!!!

Stamps: Piece of Poison, Wicked Cool
Paper: Peach Parfait, Soft Suede, Whisper White
Ink: Peach Parfait, Soft Suede, Early Espresso
Other: Big Shot with Spiderweb embossing folder, Dazzling Details, Signo white gel pen, Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Champagne Shimmer Paint, Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

Spooky Surprise

2011-10-25T14:13:00.004-05:00

OK, I am not sure how I missed posting these, but I guess this is a better time to post them than in August anyway! I participated in a swap for the Holiday Mini and I picked Pieces of Poison to do my swaps with. I really wanted to use a few new things and wanted to do something cool with the Peek A Boo die, so I came up with this.

But I realized that we demos want cards we can demonstrate using just one stamp set.. less overwhelming to our customers that way :) I mean, we demos have it all, or almost all. But our customers haven't been converted to demos yet, so they are a little more limited. So....

This is what I actually did for the swap. Only one stamp set used for the whole thing! I have a thing for Crumb Cake if you all haven't noticed this yet. And I must say, I was mighty pleased with this card :)

The cupboard has some Stripes embossed doors on it complete with little knobs! Those mini brads are awesome! I did some stitching with my sewing machine around the edges for some more detail and texture. Really easy to do now that I moved my sewing machine up to the stamping/crafting area.

There he is, that smiling ghoul to greet you! So let me know which is your favorite!

Stamps: Hello Doily, Hand-Penned Holidays, Piece of Poison
Paper: Old Olive, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Naturals Ivory, Rich Razzleberry DSP (Bold Pack)
Ink: Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso
Other: Big Shot with Peekaboo Frames die and Stripes embossing folder, Designer Label punch, 1-1/4" Square punch, Paper Piercer, Silver Mini Brads, Distressing Tool from Cutter Kit, Stampin' Dimensionals

Stamps: Piece of Poison
Paper: Old Olive, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Naturals Ivory, Rich Razzleberry DSP (Bold Pack)
Ink: Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede
Other: Big Shot with Peekaboo Frames die and Stripes embossing folder, Designer Label punch, 1-1/4" Square punch, Paper Piercer, Silver Mini Brads, Distressing Tool from Cutter Kit, Stampin' Dimensionals

Christmas Ornaments

2011-10-22T22:42:00.003-05:00

I think it is time to revisit this fun project using the Wood sheets and a whole host of supplies from the Holiday Mini. I made these for the Holiday Mini Hop in August and I think we will be making these next month is club.

I actually ran out to my yard on a cool windy October morning and set these ornaments in a little 3ft baby Red Pine growing in my yard. Sure was hard to catch a clear shot between the brisk gusts of wind and fast moving clouds shifting from too much light to dappled, to just right, all before the ornaments blew off the tree!! But I think these pics were so worth it :) My little 1.04 acre home is surrounded by forest and has a large variety of trees is a full range of age. Time to use my resources!

I love the sparkle of the snow on the roof of this one, so peaceful winter morning...

And the rhinestones really add a festive punch to this great tree. I think this tree is fantastic and will use it on a TON of stuff :)

I have been very slowly starting a little new venture... my own Etsy shop, where I am starting to list some of the creations I make for the pure enjoyment and then need to find a home for! I hope that as I get used to posting stuff there, I will get faster at it :) I did just list this grouping if you are interested :)

Stamps: Christmas Lodge, Four the Holidays, Grateful Greetings
Paper: Naturals White (on gift box)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler
Other: Big Shot with Perfect Pennants die, Wood Sheets, Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin and Seam Binding ribbons, Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta ribbon, Dazzling Details glitter glue, Rhinestone Basic Jewels

SA Big Shot Blog Hop: Buttons #5

2011-10-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome! I hope you came ready to be inspired and to think outside the box with us all here on the SA Blog Hop. We have tons of great ideas for you all using the wonderful world of the Big Shot :) If you are going in order from the beginning, you just came from Twila's blog where she did some amazing stuff with the Two Tags die. I know, she always dazzles me too,lol!
Afraid you are going to miss something? Don't worry, you can find the full list with links here.

I will be featuring the Buttons #5 die. I love this little gem, you can do so many things with it! I love to use buttons, but I don't always want the bulk, or frankly, the expense on something I know will not be kept. So my solution is to make paper buttons :)

The idea for this card came to me while I was driving to work and passed a field of round bales. I thought "OMG I can make round bales with my button die!" Yes, I really did think OMG. Lame I know... welcome to my mind. It's kind of scary in here ;) The scene was really easy to color with my blender pen and I added a little Moonlight Accent Ink on the clouds. OK, so it is a little much on a masculine card, but I don't care :-p I also used a texture plate on the second layer of River Rock and stamped the wheat in River Rock in the lower corner. I figure I can use this for any occasion for a guy.

And I had to make a button snowman! He is missing arms, but the points of the square button kind of look like elbows, so does that count? And his tiny hat is actually the 4 petal Itty Bitty Shapes punch with one petal cut off.

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I had to make something for the hop remembering this, so I came up with this Votive Candle Boat. This is not a new idea, but a bit of a forgotten one lately.
Don't the buttons make a cute way to secure the ends together?

For my last project, I used to buttons to add a little dimension to the wheels of the ATVs from Loads of Love and combined the Daring Adventure set. They also work surprisingly well together, don't you think? Love the new Pewter Embossing Powder too!

Well, did I achieve inspiration for you? Leave me a comment. I live for comments ;)

Now, on with the show! Go check out what Cindy does with the Stocking die- she is one "die-namic" lady, isn't she?!

October Club Projects

2011-10-11T15:02:00.002-05:00

Our club meeting went very well this past week, I had a lot of fun with everyone! And we got to eat our cookies too :) We used the Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps and made some cute Halloween cookies first...

Then we moved on to make these quick and easy cookie sleeves with the creepy Halloween set. The sleeve is super easy :)

Stamps: Piece of Poison
Paper: Copy paper
Ink: Crumb Cake, Basic Black
Other: 2½" Circle punch, Corner Rounder punch, Stapler

Cut a piece of copy paper into (2) 4½"x8½" pieces.
Round Corners on one end.
Fold over not quite in half so that the front is about ½" shorter than the back, the back is the part with the rounded corners.
Punch a partial 2½" circle from the top edge of the front.
Stamp as desired.
Staple sides closed.

I found you can fit 2 of the shortbread or the sugar cookies in this sleeve.

The special this month is buy 2 Simply Sent kits and get a coordinating stamp set free, so we made a card with the Simply Sent Great Day kit and I goofed and used the Perfectly Penned set here instead of the coordinating It's Your Day set

The 12x12 page this time was something a little woodsy. I love the Frostwood Lodge paper, LOVE IT! I paired in with the Pines & Poinsettias set from the Holiday mini and can't wait to take a new family photo to put on this page! The mat will hold a 5x7.

Stamps: Pines & Poinsettias
Paper: Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake
Other: Big Shot with Tasteful Trim and Perfect Pennants dies, 1¾" Circle punch, Bird Builder punch (leaves/branches), Cherry Cobbler Quitled Satin ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Distressing Tool from the Cutter Kit, Illuminate Top Coat Smooch Accent Ink

We used to Top Coat Accent Ink to add a little dazzle to the tiny flowers in the medallion. I had just got it and hadn't had a chance to play with it until the ladies came over and Robin was the first to try it!

Until next time, Happy Stampin!

September Club Projects

2011-10-06T11:18:00.001-05:00

I know, I know... it's October now! I've been a little busy. Life threw my family a curve ball the last month with my mom and her husband and that has taken all of my non-work time... I am hoping things will settle down a bit and I can get back to my crafting :)
So on with the show!

First off, the new Spice Cake Suite is just gorgeous and I had to feature it in the projects for September, just so I could play with it :) You may recognize it from my Sketch Challenge for September at Stampin Addicts, but I finally got my photos on it.

Paper: More Mustard, Pool Party, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Spice Cake DSP
Ink: Soft Suede, Crumb Cake
Other: Big Shot with Simple Letters and Simple Numbers dies, Sweet Buttons embosslit, ribbon, sewing machine, Distressing tool on Cutter kit

And I found this awesome idea from Chic'n Scratch. I just had to share it with you :) The Halloween DSP is retired, but there is new stuff in the catalog, and the nuggets are decorated with the new It's A Wrap Holiday set in the Holiday Mini. THe greeting is is Teeny Tiny Wishes. If you don't have this yet, you really should! It has 24 greetings covering just about any occasion, and this set never leaves my crafting desk!

Stamps: It's A Wrap Holidays, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: retired Halloween DSP, Basic Black
Ink: Lucky Limeade, Basic Black
Other: Scallop Circle punch, Word Window punch

More Halloween treats! I love the new 1"x8" cellophane bags, they are so fun to fill with treats :) And I got to play with the new adorable Out On A Limb set! I used the Scallop Circle and 1¾" Circle punches for the toppers. I have discovered that Tootsie Rolls fit is these bags too :)

Stamps: Out On A Limb
Paper: Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard, Old Olive
Other: Scallop Circle and 1¾" Circle punches, 1"x8" cellophane bags, stapler

And last but not least, this is the card for September. Again a reuse of a project as I used this for the Operation Write Home virtual card making birthday party where I hosted a color challenge.
One quick trick that I learned at convention... take your clear Bitty Button and slide it over your sanding block to give it more definition and a frosted look. So slick!

Stamps: Gently Falling, Perfectly Penned
Paper: Pool Party, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla
Ink: Pool Party, Cajun Craze, Soft Suede
Other: Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Bitty Button, Sanding Block, Distressing Tool on Cutter Kit, Stampin' Dimensionals

And we have our October Club Meeting tonight! We will be using the newly available Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps, yummy!

Tea & Crumpets and a Sketch Challenge

2011-09-30T23:03:00.000-05:00

It is the first Saturday of the month again and time for me to give you all another scrapbooking sketch to play with!

And here is my example. I was recently in Seattle and had some new pictures to scrap, and the newest ones are sometimes the most fun to play with :) And the leave it to the ultimate tea addict that I am to find tea in the coffee capitol, lol! That crumpet was just delicious too!

MDS: Crumb Cake,Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso, Cheerful Treat DSP, Tasteful Trim die and Curly Label punch

Have fun using this sketch and be sure to post yours with a SASCRAP58 label!

USWDAF Paper Parade event- Northern Lodge Logbook

2011-09-27T13:29:00.003-05:00

I did a little designer for Dawn and UstampwithDawnanFriends.com and my project is up today! I love the new Frostwood Lodge DSP, it is just perfect for my woodsy side :) I designed some projects that are just great for a cabin retreat!

I also used the Christmas Lodge stamp set, which is good for much more than Christmas! There are cork coasters, napkin rings, and a playing card box from our fabulous Wood Sheets too! The card can be used for anything... I purposely left off a sentiment so I could use it for whatever I end up needing it for!
The full details and tutorials are available at www.Ustampwithdawnandfriends.com on the Paper Parade event!

Seattle!!

2011-09-21T19:32:00.001-05:00

So today is my first full day in Seattle and I have already had a lot of fun, and a few run-ins with strawberries... on the plane ride here, they had strawberries in the little snacks you could buy and the lady next to me got one. I had to ask her to move and eat it fast! I don't know how many strawberries were out in the 737 we were flying in, but my lips started to swell and I had to pop some benadryl and hope I didn't need to resort to my epipen! Then at breakfast, there were strawberries on the fruit platter and I only walked into the room and then back out right away. Too late again! Oh, strawberries... why have you betrayed me so! I hope to not need to take benadryl again for the rest of the trip!

I took the Monorail from the Space Needle to Westlake Center, then walked to Pike Place Market, which was marvelous!

I sopped and had a crumpet with ricotta, almond butter, and bitter orange marmalade at the Tea & Crumpet shop.

And later I had an artist make a portrait of my hubby and I. Jamie wasn't there so he did Jamie's off of a photo. It would be closer to what Jamie looks like if he had been there, but he still did an amazing job! He sure made me look good :) The artist was a very nice gentleman originally from Georgia, Russia named Nick Elazar. Very charming old world style about him, sure made me smile! Of course, we both were talking about the love of our lives, our spouses. It always warms my heart to meet someone else who is still hopelessly in love with their spouse :)

I also brought some stamping supplies and I hope to make some goodies to show you soon! Right now I need to get ready to go out to dinner at Ivar's Salmon House. Should be tasty!

Operation Write Home Virtual Cardmaking Party:Autumn Patriot

2011-09-10T22:26:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Operation Write Home! Help us celebrate this weekend and help get more cards in our Hero's hands. This is such a wonderful cause, and we get to do our favorite thing, stamp! And then share our creativity with others in a very special way.
So, are we having fun yet?! I am sure you all having a very productive weekend with all this inspiration :)

For my challenge, I wanted something that kept a taste of the season, but could be used anytime. These colors look surprisingly good together, don't you think? Very cool fall day :) I am thinking of camp fires, and cozy cups of tea/coffee/hot cocoa on the deck in the mornings and evenings, watching movies, football games, and leaves fall from the trees. Reading a great book and enjoying those last tastes of summer. So many wonderful things! I hope you get to enjoy at least one of these today while you MAKE A CARD for this challenge!

Here is mine, a nice all occasion card with lots of love.

All supplies Stampin' Up

Stamps: Gently Falling, Perfectly Penned
Paper: Pool Party, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla
Ink: Pool Party, Cajun Craze,Soft Suede
Other: Early Espresso/White Baker's Twine, Stampin' Dimensionals, Itty Bitty Buttons, Sanding Block, distressing tool on Cutter Kit

Be sure to add a link to your creation to be entered in a chance for some great prizes from Operation Write Home!

Holly's Pillow Box Owl

2011-09-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

My fab friend Holly Krautkremer did a wonderful tutorial for this little pillow box owl. He is just so cute! Check it out here.

I know, I seem to be a little stuck on the Spice Cake stuff. But really! It is so fun and versatile! And I had to wait to play with it so long because of other commitments, that I just couldn't stop...

Paper: River Rock, Soft Suede, Peach Parfait, Naturals Ivory, Spice Cake DSP
Other: Big Shot with Pillow Box die, Large Oval punch, Pinking Hearts border punch, 1" and ¾" Circle punches, Five Petal punch, Petite Pennant builder punch, Sticky Strip

Have fun with cute owl!

And don't miss out on Sept 10 & 11! Operation Write Home is having a virtual cardmaking party and I am hosting one of the challenges!! It is a great cause, check it out :)

Gently Falling Notepads

2011-09-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

I am in heaven with the new Spice Cake Suite!! The colors are fresh and beautiful, and who can resist the prints in that paper! And then there is the fact that I have never been able to resist anything with leaves, especially fall leaves :)
Fall is more about fresh starts to me than spring. Maybe it has to do with the start of a new school year with new clothes and shoes and school supplies, and training camp for VOLLEYBALL!! I miss volleyball...
Or that my first 2 kids were born in the fall. My birthday is in the fall too :)
Or that there are awesome fresh fruit and veggies from the garden and we always butchered and had fresh meat in the fall growing up.
It is also the start of the major Holiday Seasons! Time to kick the crafting in high gear!
Or, maybe, just maybe, because spring in Minnesota is about mud, snirt (snow+dirt), more snowstorms and ice, and grayness until the last couple of weeks of May...

Well, today I am sharing some more of the fun little notepads I made last fall. We always have lots of things we need to keep track of in the fall, see above!
I added the quotes from one of the new sets in the main catty that I just HAD to have...

Stamps: Gently Falling, Pursuit of Happiness
Paper: River Rock, More Mustard, Very Vanilla or Pool Party, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla
Ink: Soft Suede, Pear Pizzazz, More Mustard, Pool Party, Crumb Cake
Other: small notepads from local printshop- they sell them for 10 cents a piece in a variety of sizes and papers from cardstock to linen paper to the old green and white striped computer paper :)

Here is the link to the tutorial I did last fall for these.

Here is the River Rock version

And the Pool Party version.. which is your favorite?

Mini Book Tutorial

2011-09-07T13:23:00.002-05:00

Finally! I found my Adobe Photoshop Elements disc and was able to install it on the new computer (purchased after 2 laptops got a bad virus and were sent to the computer doctor- free at our co-op, and a great sale at Wallyworld-can give it to our son who will start college soon). I have been struggling with the inability to edit my pics on the same computer that has a card reader for about 2 weeks now. I never knew how much I need my computer!

So, I am able to finally give you more details on at least one of my Blog Hop projects :)

The completed project can be used for so many different things. This one is a "what are you thankful for" book for Thanksgiving. The one I did for the hop was a Gift List book with a tab for each person I am likely to be shopping for with their favorite stuff, wish lists, and sizes listed on the front, and then I will write what I got for them on the back of the tab.

First off, decide how many pages you will want. I did an 8 page and a 10 page.

Then stamp as desired, remember to stamp the little flap on the other side, as this will show also.

Apply Sticky strip to the inside edge as shown here and fold the sides in to adhere. Do not fold the small flap in. Apply Sticky Strip to the other side of the small flap. Repeat with all of the pages.

I have found that the pages line up best if you hold then like this to attach to each other. Attach each flap to the next page.

This is what it should look like as you go.

On the last page, put Sticky Strip both sides of the flap and adhere flap to it's page.

Now take a 2"x2¼" scrap of paper and on the 2" side, score at ½", 1¾", and every 1/8" in between. Love that Simply Scored!!

Apply Sticky Strip to the front page also and adhere to book as shown.

The tabs are from the Two Tags die with about ¼" off the end so it fit better in the pockets. Decorate those as desired. All Done!

SASCRAP54 Sketch Challenge

2011-09-05T06:09:00.001-05:00

Wow, how does a month go by so fast! Saturday was time for the Scrapbook Sketch Challenge again at Stampin Addicts, and here is the Sketch I came up with for you all:

This sketch just popped into my head. Usually I have to think a little about what I want to do, so this was a pleasant change :)

And here is my example page, still waiting for the pictures I ordered from Walmart and picked up yesterday... I was too busy canning the whole 6 pounds of tomatoes I had recently harvested. I kept finding things I needed, so I had to break down and drive to town and had to make the trip worth the gas so I got groceries for the week too.... Walmart is always crazy in our town, but it was really really busy yeterday and what would normally take me 30 minutes, took me 2 HOURS! Ugh! No ime to scrap after that. So imagine pictures of me and my daughter at the park with the trees in their full glory of autumn color :)

PS: Sorry for the infrequent postings. My hubby and I both got our laptops hit with the same virus right before the last blog hop and they are still in the repair shop, so I limping along with my ancient desktop and a really cheap laptop we picked up recently... no Adobe Photoshop Elements on the new computer, no card reader on the old computer, and no Microsoft Office on the new computer!! Talk about a pain in my butt! I have a bunch of stuff to post when things get back to normal :)

Stampin Addicts Holiday Mini Blog Hop

2011-08-26T09:24:00.001-05:00

Have you been waiting with great anticipation for this Hop? I know I have! I can't wait to see all of the amazing ideas and the sneak peeks for the new Holiday Mini, which is always my FAVORITE mini of the year :)
The master list for the hop is here. Or you can just keep hitting the next blog buttons! If you started at the beginning, you just arrived from Kim's blog where she did wonderful things with the Frostwood Lodge paper! LOVE that paper! And it coordinates very well with the Christmas Lodge set, which is what I am featuring :) I live in the Northwoods so this is a perfect set for me for all kinds of things, it is so not just for Christmas to me. I wanted to make a scrapbook page or 2, but I ran out of time...work interferes with my playtime again! LOL!

First up is a card I made combining the new Borderlines set from the main catty with the Christmas Lodge images. Change the sentiment and take off the rhinestones, and it would be a good masculine card too!

My next project is a little book to keep handy with all of the Christmas shopping I must do in the next few months! The pull out tabs are from the Two Tags die, and I will do a tutorial for the book later this week, using the amazing new Simply Scored Tool! Love that thing too!! The Baker's Twine wraps around the book and around the mini brad to keep it closed while stored in my purse :)

And I could not resist making some ornaments for the tree with the Wood Sheets, the Perfect Pennants die's medallions, and the Christmas Lodge images! I added some dazzle with the new Dazzling Diamonds glitter glue and some Rhinestones. I used the new Cherry Cobbler Quilted ribbon on one, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding ribbon on another, and Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta ribbon on the last one.

You have probably seen these little boxes all over now. Brian Piller showed us how to make them at convention. I discovered a little twist on the project though... if you crease your score lines well, you can push the top down and it will stay closes on its own! The box on the left is closed and the right is sort of open. Sort of because you can pull it open farther to access the inside of the box! This box is made with the Mini Milk Carton die.
And the ornaments I made will fit onside of this box!!! I bet you could put cookies in there too. I can think of a ton of uses for this box, and I hope you all do too :)

Come back later this week for more details on these projects! I can wait to share more with you!

Next up is Jen Timko at Stampin' on the Fly where she did fabulous things with Bright Hopes!

And if you missed Kim's post, you can go back here.

Raining Flowers with Faux Linen

2011-08-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

Ok, so when I got the Raining Flowers set at convention, I didn't think I liked it. When I picked it up on Friday to do a club project with it, I still wasn't feeling the love for it. But after I paired it with some of my current favorite colors and the Faux Linen technique, I can say that I do now carry a fondness in my heart for this set :) I just needed to stretch a little with it!

We made this cute little 3x3 card, which are ever so useful, and a coordinating box, which I will get to later. The Faux Linen technique is really very easy, but you might want to wait for the paper to dry before mounting it to the cardfront with dimensionals.... mine kind of bows into the center even with a dimensional there... lesson learned!!
For the Faux Linen technique, here are the steps:

Cut a piece of tissue paper a little bigger than your finished piece will be. You will be gluing this to a white cardstock base. Stamp your images on the tissue paper.
Apply a thin coat of liquid adhesive all over your white cardstock piece and stick your tissue paper to, making sure you have wrinkles in the tissue paper and that the wrinkles are glued down. Fold the tissue paper over the edges and adhere to the back.
ALLOW TO DRY ! :) Then use as desired on your projects.

OK, now for the supplies for this project

Stamps: Raining Flowers
Paper: Pool Party, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, tissue paper
Ink: Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Crumb Cake, Lucky Limeade
Other: Calypso Coral ruffled ribbon, Stampin Dimensionals, Sticky Strip (to attach the ribbon)

See awesome this looks?! Now don't you love Raining Flowers too?

And here is the little box I made to go with the card. Ad can you guess what I made it with? The Mini Milk Carton die!! Brian Pilling showed us how to make this at convention, but I discovered something else cool about this box.... if you crease the score lines well at the base of the top, you can push the top down into the box a little and it will stayed closed! How cool is that idea?!!

This is "open"- the crease line I am talking about is the top edge of the flat portion under all of the "peaks"

So you push down like so....

And it stays down and looks like this! I love this... maybe I'm just easily amused though ;)
My club ladies were super excited about this and thought of all kinds of uses for it!

Ok, that's it for today! Still trying to get back on track with more frequent posts. Hopefully I will get some productive time in in the next day or so cuz I work 6 out of 7 days starting Tuesday. Just keep smiling!

July Club projects

2011-08-19T23:50:00.000-05:00

Well, I guess I should have posted these last month, but better late than never! The card for July was a one layer card, but is really turned out amazing! I just hope I can do it justice here :)

I did a little bit of clear embossing over the stamping to give is an added level of detail. It was a real wow at club! Nobody minded that there was only one layer.

Stamps: Array of Sunshine, Kindness Matters
Paper: Naturals White
Ink: Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade, Versamark
Other: Embossing Buddy, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Lucky Limeade ruffled ribbon, Sticky Strip

I think you can see the embossed butterflies, at least I hope you can!

and here is the inside. This is one of my current favorite color combos :)

We also made this fun little treat holder. We inked the embossing folder with Rich Razzleberry ink before running it through the Big Shot. This is a super easy and fast project! It will hold a candy bar, a little lotin bottle, chapstick, etc...

Paper: Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Other: Big Shot with Top Note die, Little Leaves sizzlet and Simple Flower embosslit, and Square Lattice embossing Folder, brayer, Word Window punch, and Rich Razzleberry satin ribbon (retired)

And I have a little surprise! I am giving away TWO free passes to anyone who has never been to a U Stamp With Dawn And Friends event before. SO! Leave me a comment and I will be picking 2 people from comments on my blog on September 9th.

USWDAF I Heart the Holidays! Cornucopia

2011-08-15T14:37:00.000-05:00

My project for this event was posted early this morning! I really love how this turned out. This was almost the project that didn't happen... I was trying to create a cornucopia out of waffle paper, and it just was not happening the way I had envisioned it... so on to plan ! Actually it was more like D or E, but who's counting ;)

This is the complete ensemble. If you want to know how to make this yourself, head on over the UStampWithDawnandFriends.com and check it out! You always get at least 40 tutorials like mine for the price :)

Like my pear? It's in the tutorial :)

How about a pumpkin? It's in there too!

And a fun little flower...

Some journaling slips too!

And what I'm thankful for...

The card...

And envelope...

I love the limitless ways you could fill this little basket!

One last shot of just the cornucopia.

Let me know what you think, I live for the love ;)

Field Poppies

2011-08-11T19:27:00.000-05:00

Ok, I have been way too absent this summer! I am going to have to do better... so here is a project I whipped up this morning. I have gotten a lot of new rubber lately and sometimes when that happens, I get a little overwhelmed and I don't MAKE anything. I have also been working on projects that I can't post yet...stuff for swaps and blog hops and UStampWithDawnandFriends.... BTW the next UStamp event started today!! Woo-hoo! And since I get to see them all before they go live, I have to tell you there is a lot of great stuff going to be shared :)

Alrighty then! Time to get back to this project. I earned the stamps used here doin some stampin stuff and it just came in the mail on Tuesday and I just couldn't wait to play with these 2 sets.

I even used the new Simply Scored tool that will be available on Sept. 1st. LOVE IT! It is so much nicer than the Scor-Pal, which I own but rarely use since it does not have score lines every 1/8"! I created a frame around the flowers by scoring at 5/8" all the way around, then stamped the polka dots from Borderlines around the edge. I did the same for the inside.

Stamps: Field Flowers, Borderlines
Paper: Calypso Coral, Naturals White
Ink: Calypso Coral, Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso
Other: Simply Scored, Stampin' Dimensionals

Don't you love how the Calypso Coral and Poppy Parade coordinate so well?! And then I just had to make a treat to go with this...

A little Candy Wrapper with a belly band!

Don't you just love it?! I sure do. Now I have to figure out who gets this little duo :)

stampin Addicts New Catty Mega Blog Hop- Dinoroar!

2011-07-29T08:10:00.003-05:00

Welcome to our Hop! Our goal is to inspire you with all the new goodies in the catalog released earlier this month. I know I sure have been inspired!! My wish list is a mile long, and I am so glad I have a whole year to get my have to haves. And I have a feeling we will be adding to all of your wishlists ;)

If you are going through this hop in order, you will have arrived from Sarah's blog where she is featuring Jack of All Trades... wowsa, that girl has talent!

I will be featuring Dinoroar. As soon as I saw this set, I new I had to have it. It is just so darn cute! Probably the best dinosaur set I have seen in a long time. And how can you resist the sentiment "ROAR! (that means happy birthday in dinosaur)" I love it!! Too bad my boys are all to old for this anymore :(

Gotta use that sentiment right off the bat, don't I?! I also used the new embossing folder, Stripes. The artist that designed these stamps did a great job showing us where to add darker coloring too.

And then I went a little crazy... I made this mobile that has the image on each side of each circle.... that's a lot of dinosaurs to color!! What can I say.
Wouldn't this be cute in a boy's room, or in a baby boy's room? Or at a birthday party over the table...

Think how fun these little coloring books will be at a birthday party, on a long road trip, or in a waiting room. Just the right size for little hands.

I had lots more ideas, but not enough time to make them all. I guess you will have to came back another time to see the rest of them ;)

Now, it is time to go on over to Carmen's blog to see the GORGEOUS projects she made with Zoo Review.

Blog Hop Order:

1) Adriana (escape2stamp) -- Ain't Love Grand -- http://escape2stamp.com/
2) Debra (webdeb) -- Triple Treat Flower -- http://heartfeltinkspiration.com/
3) Trina (Pepesmom) -- Many Mustaches -- http://stampsandwhiskers.typepad.com/weblog_su/
4) Rhonda (rhondag) -- Polar Party -- http://thestampinbunny.blogspot.com/
5) Sara (lilyinkpad) -- Easy Events -- http://www.lilyinkpad.blogspot.com/
6) Heidi (hlw966) -- Under the Big Top -- http://runningwscissorsstamper.blogspot.com/
7) Jennifer (jentimko) -- Up, Up and Away -- http://stampinonthefly.com/
8) Twila (tjdstampsalot) -- Sweets for the Sweet -- http://stampalittlelonger.blogspot.com/
9) Cindy (CindyE) -- Pennant Parade -- http://heartsdelightcards.blogspot.com/

10) Sarah (willsygirl) -- Jack of All Trades -- http://sarahsinkspot.com/blog/
11) Tanya (tanya27) -- Dinoroar -- http://tinkerin-in-ink.blogspot.com/
12) Carmen -- Zoo Review -- http://stampingaddiction.blogspot.com/
13) Kim (s1itcher46) -- Raining Flowers -- http://stitchinnstampinonpaper.blogspot.com/
14) Lisa (genesis) -- Creative Elements -- http://addinkandstamp.blogspot.com/
15) Betty (kittystamp) -- Sunflower -- http://www.kittystamp.blogspot.com/
16) Yapha -- Occasions Alphabet -- http://yaphamason.com
17) Holly P (HollyLogic) -- Perfect Pennant Die -- http://inkpaperstamps.com

SASCRAP 48 A Few of My Friends

2011-07-27T14:59:00.000-05:00

Stampin Addicts is at it again with a great Scrapbooking Challenge! Every Saturday is another challenge. I finally got around to doing another one and this one was a product challenge...to use Baker's Twine. that wasn't too hard, since I love the stuff :) It was a great excuse to get some of my Utah photos scrapped. I did it all with MDS, which I am lovin more and more. I didn't use any stamps this time, even though I intended to use the GROW stamp on it somewhere....

Paper: Domestic Goddess, Pool Party, Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral, Basic Gray, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black
Embellishments: Tasteful Trims die shape #1, Modern Label punch, Whisper White Baker's Twine, Basic Stitches in Basic Black and Whisper White
Font: Claudia Jean

And look what else we have in store for you!

Remember to stop by ans check it all out, we will have a ton of fabulous ideas for you all :)

12x12 Scrapbook swap

2011-07-21T18:02:00.000-05:00

We can always use more layout ideas, right! Well I signed up for a scrapbooking swap at convention and got some great ideas. I didn't actually use any stamps on this one, but it just didn't need any!

This is page one. The large photo mat is for a 5x7 and the 2 squares are 3x3 I believe. There is a 3" strip of First Edition DSP behind the Lace Ribbon punched strips. You can't see them very well in the photo, but there are pearls dotting the Lace Ribbon punch strips also.

Page two has a 8x8 piece of DSP with more 3x3 photo mats. And see how well the Blossom Triple Layer punch coordinates with the Lace Ribbon punch! I did ink all the edges with the coordinating inks too.

Paper: Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Indigo Island, Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder, First Edition DSP
Ink: Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Indigo Island, Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder
Other: Lace Ribbon border punch, Blossom Triple Layer punch, Basic Black marker, Signo white gel pen, Pearls Basic Jewels, Chocolate Chip Scalloped Dot ribbon

Until tomorrow!

Pink Doilies Swap Card and a Little of My Garden

2011-07-20T21:47:00.000-05:00

Time for more of my swaps! I got home Sunday evening and was so tired and I needed to wash my sheets before I slept in them. It is VERY humid in Minnesota, and even worse lately. Our main level of the house is a walk-in basement and our bedroom is in the very back corner. The floor in one corner was wet and the linen felt soggy! I actually went a bought a dehumidifier yesterday because it was getting so bad for my asthma in there. You really don't want mold to get a hold.
And you should see my gardens! I'll add some pics at the end of this post.

Don't the black doilies look great against the Crumb Cake? I went a little crazy with sponging the edges too, but it looks so good! Lots of layers, of course.

This was my prototype, so you can see that my white outline is really close to the edge. I initially had a narrower layer but didn't like it so I trimmed it down.

Stamps: Delicate Doilies, Pennant Parade
Paper: Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake, Naturals White
Ink: Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Craft Whisper White
Other: Big Shot with Perfect Pennants die and Vintage Wallpaper EF, Doily Triple Layer punch, 1¾" Circle punch, ¾" Circle punch, Signo white gel pen, sponges, Stampin Dimensionals, Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Ok, now for garden pictures!

Here I am standing right in front of my tomato plants. They are taller than my shoulder!! I have never seen tomato plants so big and they have so many tomatoes on them! I will have tomatoes coming out of my ears is a couple weeks, lol.

This is just one of dozens of clusters of tomatoes, some much larger already.

They look rather jungle-ish don't they. Quite overflowing the raised beds. The bed on the right is broccoli, then beans, then onions and carrots, then spinach and lettuce, and last is peas. The spinach and lettuce are out of control and need to be pulled out and replanted.

This is what broccoli looks like if you wait too long to harvest it. I should have harvested it before I left for convention but I knew the boys wouldn't eat it. My cauliflower went too long too, bummer!

This is corn, pumpkin, squash, cucumbers, and sunflowers. The squash starts in the left back corner and comes out the right front corner. The pumpkin starts in the right back corner and comes out the left front corner. The cucumber starts in the left side and comes out the right front. It's a good thing the grass around it does not grow very tall!

Back to working on my upcoming deadlines :)

Thank You to Hotel Housekeeping

2011-07-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

So, I didn't bring any finished cards to convention, only cardfronts to swap. When it was time to start packing last night, I decided to make a card quickly with the supplies I had on hand. I had thought ahead to bring some prepunched stuff to work with if I had any time to stamp.

So I rifled through the selection and picked out a couple things.

And this is what I came up with. Not terribly fancy, but I think it is kind of cute. I used stamps we got at convention.

Here is a little bit of a close up of the sentiment. And now, a few more pics of the displays at convention. So much cute stuff, I may be showing highlight pics for weeks!!

Lacey Hearts Swap card and Day 5 in Utah!

2011-07-16T09:23:00.000-05:00

Wow this is my last day in Utah. We fly home tomorrow morning. It always goes so fast!! I still have a ton of pictures to take and one more day of classes and general session to enjoy though :) I had some wonderful classes yesterday and learned some cool new tricks to show you all!! Yesterday I did have leave convention for lunch as they were serving a strawberry salad....bad news for Tanya! My lips have started to swell just being near strawberries the last couple of months. I know, crazy!! So my hubby and I went out to the Gateway Mall and ate at Thaifoon, just yummy!! Then back to convention I went..about 2 hours after lunch was done to avoid the strawberry fumes, lol. I ran over to Momento Mall so I could do a little shopping for my convention buddy, Holly (aka hollylogic on SA). Of course I ended up buying more stuff for myself too!
That evening we went out to eat with the SA girls again, and James too, at Tucanos Brazilian Grill. OMG. Awesome! It is n all you can eat place and they make about 17 different grilled meats that they just keep bringing to the table on ginormous skewers until you tell them to stop! More laughter, more fun!
Ok, maybe you want to see more about the card and maybe a couple pictures of the displays ;)

This was my prototype. Loved it. But is needed some more doilies!!

This is what my final version looks like. The hearts have a layer of Lace Ribbon Border punch on top. I just punched hearts out of it and glued them to the tops of the hearts. Now, you wouldn't have to do FIVE of them on a card. The Cherry Cobbler strip is embossed with Perfect Polka Dots and popped up on dimensonals, as are the hearts.

Stamps: Delicate Doilies, Word Play
Paper: Naturals White, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake
Ink: Craft White, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip
Other: Lace Ribbob Border punch, Small Heart punch, Big Shot with Perfect Polka Dots EF, Corner Rounder punch, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Stampin Dimensionals

Ok, and some display pics....Enjoy!

Day 4 in Utah

2011-07-15T08:29:00.000-05:00

So, yesterday was AWESOME!! So many amazing announcements and so much fun :) I am going to be so broke with the new mini coming out. I think I need everything in it! And seriously, there are 43 pages.... And I have only gotten a couple of things from the new Main cattie! Maybe I should have stayed home from convention, I would have had a lot more money to spend of stamps! Nah! This is way too much fun.
I did have a minor run in with a strawberry yesterday... but someone noticed very quickly and I got my butt away from it :) Thank You MARY!! My lips swelled just a little bit, but it was ok. Now today is another story. They are serving a lunch with a strawberry salad...... I will not be able to even be there for lunch.
We will see if it is safe fro me to return in the afternoon for general session. Jamie and I went out for dinner with the SA gang and laughed so hard I thought I was going to pee my pants! Man, those ladies are funny!!
Jamie did not make it to motocross last night but he had fun exploring downtown Salt Lake yesterday. We did manage to get to Tony Caputo's market right before they closed. We have to go again when we have ore than 2 minutes to may our cheese selections :)
Ok, I need to jump in the shower so I can go back to convention in about 20 minutes.

This is my Treat Cup Swap. I love it. I hope everyone else does too! I did not use a new set, but I did use the new In-Colors and a new die :) And I have recently discovered a love for hot air balloons! I even looked into taking a ride in one here, but it is VERY expensive...

And this one has a little secret. The clouds hold the back access flap closed!! Do you love it?!

Ok one more pic of the treat....

And some of the new stuff... I don't have time to write anything about them right now. I will have to come back later and edit this post with more info on the next pictures, but enjoy then just the same. I do have to say Birch Bark Paper!!!!!!! LOVE IT!!!!!!

Day 3 in Utah!

2011-07-14T07:55:00.001-05:00

This was my view for Breakfast yesterday... heaven! This was at Ruth's Diner which is down in a canyon about 25 minutes away from downtown Salt Lake City! Now, if the view isn't enough, the food is delicious, and the service is fast and friendly. If you ever have the opportunity, go check it out!

Then on our way back to the hotel, I saw a sign for the Red Butte Gardens and wanted to go check it out. I knew they held concerts in an outdoor auditorium and thought it would be cool to check it out. Well, we found the gardens and arboretum and it is FANTASTIC!! We ended up spending 3 hours there. You may not know this, but one of my other passions is nature. LOVE it, can't get enough of it! There is a reason we live in the sticks, lol!
So this is just one of the dozens of little hidey-holes they have tucked into the gardens. Wonderful mixture of cultivated, exotic, native, and wild areas throughout the gardens. The recommended path through it is about 1 mile and you can walk it or take a tram tour. Of course we walked it and went down all of the little side trails. At one point we were literally off the grounds and in the wilderness. Ironically if you take away the mountains, the vegetation was very similar to what we have in our backyard! Minus the mosquitos of course! I can't believe the lack of annoying insects! Now I understand a little better why out of state people go on so much about the pests. They just don't have them!

This is another of the wonderful little water gardens, so peaceful! Apparently arriving just after 9:00 am is a great time if you want the place mostly to yourself!

And this is under the plant roofed area...fantastic view of the city with the mountains in the background. I took 240 pictures in this place. It is really hard for me to chose just a few!

Ok, now this is for Holly (catrules). She says I should use this as my avatar. I don't think so. It does show me in my natural state...talking...but the hair! And the dazed look in my eyes!! OMG! I look like I just came off a bender!!! And I am so not a drinker, lol!

And with the hubby :)

OK, last one of the gardens, for now... heavenly!

We left the gardens at about 12:30 and then I needed to get my butt over to the convention center and get my bag and stamps and hit Momento Mall! Cute stuff this year! I didn't have time to take any pictures of those yet, because I had the Stampin Addicts Meet & Greet at 2:30. And I left my extra camera battery in the room, so I didn't get many more pictures in before it died... I promise I will have some more good ones of actual convention tomorrow!!We had such a great time, and talked and laughed! I ended up walking back to the convention center with Holly and hanging with the SA gals at the Kick Off party, and sweet Trina gave me a ride back tot he hotel. Everyone was pretty pooped by then :) Now, I need to get my butt in gear again and get ready to hit the Main Floor!!! Later everybody!

I Scream, You Scream!

2011-07-13T00:00:00.035-05:00

Day #2 in Salt Lake City!! Today's agenda includes a tour of the Timpanogos Mountains Caves in the morning and the Stampin Addicts Meet & Greet in the afternoon. Lots of swapping will be going on! And Jamie will be going out to see some Motocross this evening. I will try to go with, but it is only for 2 hours and I will still be at the Meet & Greet when he leaves. Oh well, I can't do it ALL can I. I am enjoying myself immensely, and I so needed this getaway :) I haven't even really had time to do any non-convention stamping the last couple weeks. And this girl needs her stampin therapy :)
Yesterday we flew in at about 10:30 am Salt Lake time and on the flight from Minneapolis I had quite a pleasant surprise! Kim Bolzenthal actually had the seat right next to me!! Talk about a small world, lol! We talked the whole way there while my husband sat on the other side of me with a slightly glazed look in his eyes... poor guy. But once we got here and got the car (a Taurus SEL- fancy-smancy!), we tried to check in early, couldn't so we went up to Park City Rafting and went white water rafting, fun!!! We went last time we came here too, but it was so mild we barely got wet that time. This time we went in a rougher river (Weaver River) and the water is REALLY high this year. LOTS of whitewater. I am happy to report that I did not fall backwards into the guide's lap this time....just forward once....but that was all and I even did a good job paddling :) Cole was a great guide! I am 20 pounds lighter this time too, that does not hurt! I did not bring the camera this time, which is good because although the views were amazing, I am sure I would have ruined the camera, or lost it overboard!
Ok, now on to the card! This is another of the swaps I made. Doesn't it just look good enough to eat?! Especially with the heat wave everywhere lately!

I went a little crazy with the layers again. But they really make a card look fantastic!! I did some embossing and then I inked up a texturz plate with River Rock and Whisper White thru the Big Shot with it. Love that effect! The ice cream is textured also with the other side of the same plate. I had to add a little bling with the Champagne Glass Glitter :)

Stamps: Pennant Parade
Paper: River Rock, Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Pink Pirouette, Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White, Soft Suede
Ink: River Rock, Soft Suede
Other: Big Shot with Elegant Lines EF and Perfect Details Texturz Plate, Cupcake Builder punch, Petite Pennants punch, Crystal Effects, Champagne Glass Glitter, Stampin Dimensionals

Until tomorrow!! I will try to have some pictures of my trip for you all soon, too!

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

2011-07-12T00:00:00.022-05:00

I am boarding the plane to fly to Salt Lake City at 06:15 today!!! Stampin Up! Convention is an amazing experience and I can't wait to get there :)
I thought I would share my swaps with you this week, so I can make you all wish you were here with me ;) Here is the first one!

This was the prototype. It still needed something and I played with it for a while before I just put it aside and went to bed. It did not help that my asthma was totally out of control that night so I couldn't hardly breath, let alone think. I ended up not sleeping and went in to the ER for a breathing treatment and steroids at about 4am. I got home around 5:30am (I know, super fast ER visit!) and then I could only sleep a little bit. The steroids were sure keeping me up! But on the upside, I whipped up 5 really cute card designs later that day!

And this is the final version of this one. I ended up making 17 of these, and this year I already set aside my copies of my swaps. I learned my lesson after the last convention I went to and didn't have any of the ones I made!
I really enjoyed working with this set. It has a very modern feel to it. Lots of soft curves and botanical glory. The new Scalloped Polka Dot ribbon is awesome to work with too, soft and flexible and fun! I wanted some paper buttons on this card, so I used both of the button dies and layered them all together!

Stamps: My Friend
Paper: Lucky Limeade, Chocolate Chip, River Rock, Naturals White
Ink: Lucky Limeade, Chocolate Chip
Other: Big Shot with Buttons #2 die and Sweet Buttons embosslit, Signo White gel pen, Stampin' Dimensionals, Chocolate Chipped Scalloped Polka Dot ribbon, Corner Rounder punch

I will have another swap to show you tomorrow!

Tie a Yellow Ribbon

2011-07-02T07:00:00.040-05:00

Welcome Everybody! I am so honored to be taking part of this fabulous event. Who can resist a weekend of challenges, and such an amazing cause! I am rather new to the OWH scene, but I hope I can inspire a few cards to send their way :)

My Challenge to you is to use these colors to make a card. It would be really awesome if you then sent that card to OWH, wink, wink!

Remember that old song? I think of it every time I think of Operation Write Home and think it is a perfect way to think of our troops. They need more "Thinking of You" cards to send home too!
Here is my example:

I love that double seater-chair image!

Stamps: Have a Seat, Word Play
Paper: Naturals White, Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait
Ink: Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight
Other: Daffodil Delight 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Distressing tool from Cutter Kit, Itty Bitty Shapes punch bunch, Stmapin' Dimensionals, Pearls Basic Jewels, Early Espresso marker

Now, let's see what you can come up with! Just link to your creation below with Mr Linky and enter to win a prize!

SASCRAP45 Delight in the Day

2011-07-02T00:00:00.003-05:00

Time for the July Stampin Addicts Scrapbooking Sketch Challenge again! I hope you love this one as much as I do. Forgive the attempt at patriotic colors on the sketch. Now that I look at them with a rested soul, I think it is a little over the top, but I love this sketch :)

Lots of spots for photos and space for extra embellies and journaling, and I think this sketch would "play well with others"! Others being other layouts,lol.

I whipped up this sketch and my page in about 1 hour with My Digital Studio. I usually take hours on one page.... I like to savor the experience ;) And I knew the Sunset Serenade stamp set for MDS was something I would love. That is where the clouds and water droplets came from... they are not about rain here, but the water fight!!

Stamps: Sunset Serenade, Chat Room Thoughts of You
Paper: Ice Cream Parlor DSP, Sweet Details DSP
Punches: Tasteful Trims die #1

All on MDS!
Now, I want to see what you all come up with! Post a link to yours in the comments section and enter to win a prize! (could be ribbon or a small stamp set)

Virtual Card Making Party Ahead!

2011-06-30T02:24:00.001-05:00

I'm at it again! I am taking part in another new-to-me project this weekend!

I have been working hard on swaps for Stampin Up convention in less than 2 weeks so I haven't had time to make anything to share with you all, but this means I HAVE to :) Operation Write Home is and amazing project and I would love to have you all at least check it out. So please join us this weekend to celebrate our soldiers and our country!

SA Retiring Stamps Mega Hop- From the Crypt

2011-06-17T01:00:00.002-05:00

Hello everybody and welcome to another amazing Stampin' Addicts Blog Hop! There are a lot of fantastic ideas waiting for you on this hop, so buckle up and hop safe :)
We are saying good-bye to lots of stamps this month as Stampin' Up makes room for more NEW stamps in the new catty coming out on July 1st. We want to make sure you all see the goodies that you have this Last Chance to get before they go away!
This is the first stop in the hop, which is a first for me :)
I will be featuring From the Crypt, which I think is an awesome set not just for Halloween. I have used it for birthdays too. I think it would work well for a Monster themed party, and for all those tweens and teens (and let's face it, adults!) who are obsessed with zombies and such! It would work for any project for them!

These are the cupcake wrappers made with the Perfect Settings die. It was so fun to make these! I sponged all of them with the coordinating ink, or Whisper White Craft ink on the black paper. They all look so spooky! All they need is that fake spiderweb stuff draped over it :) I used Wild Wasabi, Tangerine Tango, Rich Razzleberry, and Basic Black paper, and white gel pen to make stitch marks. And yes, I made a pile of cupcakes to do this photo. My family was just heartbroken about that ;) They were banana, chocolate, and carrot cupcakes by the way :)

Then I took some toothpicks and stuck the Bitty Bat punches to them. Do you know how quick and easy that was?! The skull in stamped in Rich Razzleberry and sponged around with Wild Wasabi, Tangerine Tango, and Basic Gray. The scallop behind it is from the Perfect Pennants die.

I have seen pop-up boxes before and I just HAD to make some pop-up bats! These would be fantastic party favors :)

I don't have any new cards to show you, but here are a few links to some of the other projects/cards that I have made with this set in the past.

Halloween Treats

2007 Halloween page

From the Crypt card

Trick-or-Treat

And for the next hop you will be visiting Sarah's blog where she will featuring Cardinal Christmas! She always has such great ideas!!

If you are going in reverse order, you will be going to Jen Timko's blog to see what she has done with All Holidays. I am SURE you will love it!

If you want to get to the master list of the hop, you will find it here.

Flag Day Giveaway Blog Hop Winner.....

2011-06-17T00:00:00.001-05:00

is Jen Mueller!! Congrats Jen! I hope you enjoy your prize as much as I did making it :) And here are some close-ups.

You can see the tutorials for these projects here.

French Foliage Father's Day

2011-06-16T00:00:00.003-05:00

There is still time to enter to win for the Flag Day Giveaway Blog Hop! Check it out on this post.

This Father's Day card features a stamp set from the Holiday Mini from 2010 that I took far too long to get. French Foliage is such a wonderful set, I am really decided to get it before it went away.

I used the new In-Color Lucky Limeade that will be available July 1st. It's like a really juicy Kiwi Kiss! ANd I seem to be using a lot of Baker's Twine lately. It's pretty awesome stuff :) And the peek to the inside of the card shows that I stamped more leaves in Crumb Cake in the same pattern. I love that you can mount a collage of clear mount stamps on a big block and stamp them all at once :)

Stamps: French Foliage
Paper: Crumb Cake, Lucky Limeade, Early Espresso
Ink: Crumb Cake, Lucky Limeade, Early Espresso
Other: Ticket Corner punch, Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Stampin' Dimensionals, Signo white gel pen

Another day closer, are YOU ready for Father's Day?

Join me tomorrow for the Stampin' Addicts Retiring Sets Mega Blog Hop,! There will be tons of ideas for all the stamp sets you don't want to miss. And you never know, there may be more Blog Candy!!

Travel Log Father's Day

2011-06-15T00:00:00.004-05:00

Don't miss the giveaways from the Flag Day Giveaway Blog Hop! You can still sign up until June 17th. Check out my post here for more details.

More Father's Day!! I know that it is getting really close now, and I really need to get my boys to pick which card they want to give my hubby, so I can send the other 3 cards out to the Dad/Grandpas!
This one is done with the Travel Log set and the new colors Island Indigo and Pool Party, which I love!! Pool party reminds me of a cross between Cool Caribbean and Soft Sky, and I really loved both of those :)

I used the new Pennants punch and the good old ¾" circle punch to punch out the stamped modes of transport. The Pool Party is stamped with the map stamp from the set. Lots of dimensionals at work here and I poked holes in the pennants with my paper piercer and strung them on some white Baker's Twine with a needle. And you can just see the bottom of the inside of the card peeking out, and I stamped the modes of transport along the whole bottom edge.

Stamps: Travel Log
Paper: Crumb Cake, Pool Party, Island Indigo, Soft Suede, Poppy Parade, Naturals White
Ink: Crumb Cake, Pool Party, Island Indigo, Soft Suede, Poppy Parade
Other: Petite Pennants Builder punch, ¾" Circle punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, White Baker's Twine, Signo white gel pen

Tell me what you think! I love to get comments! And a quick head's up, there is a fun blog hop happening this weekend! The Stampin' Addicts Retiring Sets Mega Blog Hop, so don't miss out!

Flag Day Giveaway!

2011-06-14T00:05:00.001-05:00

Happy Flag Day everyone! I hope you all have come to be inspired as well as to sign up for a chance for some cool free stuff!!
ETA: I apologize for not including more info :) In my defense, I was putting this post together with my hubby standing over my shoulder wanting me to hurry up and come to bed last night...
Holly stated it very well that as Americans, Flag Day represents so much of what our ideals are, and how these ideals have enabled us all to live very blessed lives. Even the our poor live better than some of the rest of the world's average familes. And I know that I have been VERY blessed in these hard times as my hubby and I both have a good income, 4 healthy kids, and a home to call our own. I would love to share some blessings with all of you!

I will be giving this set of projects including a gift bag, 3x3 card, a boxed set of tealight candles, and a mini milk carton filled with Skittles. I will also be including a ribbon bundle of Certainly Celery and So Saffron ribbon rolls (~10yds each)
You can find the instructions for these projects are right here :)

If you would like a chance to win this Blog Candy, just leave a comment! Sorry, US residents only please....
ETA:
Drawing will be held on June 17th at 11:00 pm CST . The lucky winner will be contacted and name will be posted on my blog on June 18th. I must be able to contact the winner, so please be sure to include some way to contact you in your comment :) Winner is then responsible to provide shipping information by June 21st so that I can ship out the prize! It is already packed up in a box just waiting for an address :)

To see the rest of the fantastic giveaways, here is the link back to the master list

Old Truck for Father's Day

2011-06-14T00:00:00.002-05:00

Father's Day is coming soon! This weekend in fact :) I will have a few Father's Day cards to show you over the next few days, and then it will be time for the Stampin Addicts Mega Retiring List Blog Hop! Exciting, I know ;)

Ok, now whose Dad doesn't love a great old truck?! Whose Dad doesn't HAVE a great old truck, lol! This stamp is so awesome, I have used it for all kinds of occasions, even a birthday card for a girlfriend!

The truck is watercolored with Pear Pizzazz and one of the new In-colors for 2011, Lucky Limeade!

Stamps: Countryside
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, River Rock, Pear Pizzazz, Water Color paper
Ink: Stazon Jetblack, River Rock, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Lucky Limeade, Pear Pizzazz, Basic Gray
Other: Designer Label Punch, Aquapainter, Stampin Dimensionals, Real Red and Basic Black brads, Signo white gel pen

I cut the Designer Label shape in half and added those as accents with the brads and the outlining that I am still addicted too :rolleyes:
I am not sure which of the 4 men in my life that will get this card for Father's Day... that will determine what it says inside :) They all love/have old trucks, so that doesn't help me any! Although I did use this image for my Dad's birthday card this past year. Think he would notice if he got it again? He is a guy...they don't always pay that much attention, lol!

Winners and More Chances to Win Stuff!

2011-06-13T22:45:00.000-05:00

And the winner of my Blog Candy is.....

MARTHA HADDOCK!!! Congratulations Martha! I am SURE you will love the USWDAF event I heart Holidays

And now I have a little heads up for you.. Tomorrow I will be participating in a Blog Hop featuring a whole bunch of giveaways in honor of Flag Day! Come back tomorrow to see what the blog candy will be :)

USWDAF World Showcase Blog Hop Gerbera Daisy Wreath

2011-06-10T11:00:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! World Showcase Blog Hop.

Did you start from the beginning? Then you just left Gilda's blog and her wonderful projects!

If you are just joining the Blog Hop, no problem as you can start at any point. All the Designer's Blogs are linked together so you will be able to see ALL the super projects we have for you.

I have a fun wreath to share with you. I have really grown to love making my own seasonal wreaths. These fun Gerbera Daisies really feel bright and sunny which is perfect right now :)

Wouldn't this look fabulous in pastels for a nursery gift, pinks for a baby girl, Fall colors for Thanksgiving, or purple and black for Halloween?

See all the dimension in this project? It looks so wonderful in real life, even my brother-in-law was impressed with it and had to closely examine the flowers. He said they looked real! It really says something when your manly-man relatives notice the details :)

As a Special Thank You for stopping by my blog I am giving away BLOG CANDY!! Please leave a comment about my project to be entered for a chance to win a FREE PASS to the next UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! session - I ♥ the Holidays!! I will randomly select a winner to be announced on Monday, so please check back to see if you are the lucky recipient. If you have already joined I ♥ the Holidays!! for the Special Party Pricing and you are selected as the winner, you will get a FREE Pass to the NEXT event after I ♥ the Holidays!! which will launch in the Fall.

AND now for the really cool part!! You will NOT want to miss out in THIS!!

By clicking this really cute blinkie...yeah...go ahead and click it!!...

you will be taken to

THE WORLD SHOWCASE BLOG HOP WEBSITE!!

Of course it's ***FREE*** to join and there you will find the tutorials for all the blog hop projects,

PLUS live chats, challenges and more prizes!!

You will even have an opportunity to be considered for a spot as a Guest Designer!!

Yes!! It is all FREE, so tell all your friends and join the fun with UStamp with Dawn and Friends!!

AND last but certainly not least, please hop on over to NEXT BLOG where you will find Jackie and her amazing Spa by Mail. I would sure love to get one of these myself!

Thanks again for stopping by!!

June 10 - 13: FREE World Showcase Blog Hop

2011-06-09T11:33:00.001-05:00

June 10 - 13: FREE World Showcase Blog Hop

* The FABULOUS UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! Design Team will have awesome projects for you to enjoy at their blogs on the Worlds Showcase Blog Hop.

* Every project will include a link for a downloadable PDF tutorial.

* Every Designer will have BLOG Candy at their blogs and YOU could be a winner!!

*We will have FUN Creative Challenges where you can share your projects

* Talent Search...would you like to be considered for a Guest Designer spot for the UStamp with Dawn & Friends!! Design Team?? Get your MoJo going because details will be announced June 10th.

So don't miss this fun FREE event!!!

SASSCRAP41 Geoffrey Growing Up!

2011-06-04T13:50:00.000-05:00

It's Scrapbooking Sketch Challenge Day again at Stampin' Addicts. I decided to do a page of my youngest son with it. My Digital Studio is so awesome!! I did the whole thing with it :)

Here is the sketch I came up with for the challenge. I sure had a lot of fun putting this together :)

Here is my boy...he turned 15 this year. I can't believe how much he has changed in such a short time! All those soft edges have turned into angles and muscles... I suppose the football, tennis, and Tae Kwon Do might have something to do with it, lol!
I am currently in Little Falls with my husband so he can go fishing with his brothers and stepdad. Usually we have all of our boys with us, but they all baled on us. They had their own plans back in Bemidji! Not even the promise of fishing was enough to entice them away from their graduation and birthday parties. Oh, well. I have been stampin away with my niece Kaylee. When she saw all my stampin stuff in my trunk and immediately got all excited and had to go grab her stuff and bring it over so she could stamp with me :)

Swap Showcase part 2

2011-05-31T17:03:00.000-05:00

Back with more Swaps! I gotta say, there are lots of fabulous ideas in these swaps!

Loving this new Nautical stuff? I know I am! And look what Paula Wright made with it :) (Nautical Expedition DSP #122343 $10.95 or as digital download #124111 $4.95 and The Open Sea stamp set WM #123030 $26.95 CM #123032 $18.95 or digital download #124112 $3.95 and White Baker's Twine #124262 $2.95)

And a fabulous Medallion (#115223) with fun bling in the center :) This may have been a swap from the 2009 Stampin Up! convention I went to, but it is still good, and was made by Kay Lynn Kibbel. I was not able to find a blog for Kay....

Feel like some fresh ocean air and the wind whipping through you hair? That's what I think of when I see this :) (Sail Away #123013 $9.95) This one is a Trina Caraway creation!

Another wonderful idea for teachers... W have about 10 days of school left here so this is something I could use! (builder wheels Elementary Alphabet #123229 $4.50 and For Teacher #123230 $4.50)

My favorite part about this card is that the flowers look like little thought bubbles, lol! Pamela Clarke made this adorable card. Sorry, no blog for Pamela either...

Wheee! Looks like a fun afternoon in the sun to me :) Charissa Syvinski aka Crissy made this one. (Recess WM #123090 $22.95 CM #123092 $16.95 and Celebrations DSP #117164 $9.95)

Wow! Love the pastels technique on this one! This uses the new Flower Garden embossing folder (#123113 $7.95) Another Trina Caraway creation! I can't wait to try this one myself :)

Swap Showcase part 1

2011-05-30T21:36:00.000-05:00

I had put all of my recent swaps on display for the last club meeting and the ladies requested that I post them on my blog, so I will be doing that over the next few days!
This card was made by Cindy Elam and I just love the dramatic look of the black, red, and white here. (Occasional Quotes- level 2 hostess set and Flower Garden embossing folder #123113 $7.95)

This little lovely was created by Paula Wright! Love that new punch and she chose such juicy colors for this card too! ( Blossom Bouquet punch #122464 $23.95 and Hello Again #1137820 $12.95)

And are you looking for a way to make a difference and craft? Well look no further! For every Strength & Hope stamp set Stampin Up! sells, they will donate $2 (wood mount #118100 &17.95 clear mount #123660 &13.95) to the Breast Cancer Research Fund! How awesome is that!
And look what Sara Mattson-Blume made! It is so beautiful :)

I am sorry to say I do not have the name of the creator of this beautiful card, there was no info attached to the back when I looked and I know I didn't make it :) If it was you, let us know and I will add the info! This was made with the Elements of Style set (WM #118611 $27.95 CM #120045 $19.95). LOVE LOVE LOVE that set still! And I believe this is colored with watercolor wonder crayons.

My friend Kim Bolzenthal made this one, looks perfect for a teachers card to me! Or anybody that loves nice juicy apples :) She used the new builder wheel For Teacher (#123230 $4.50) and Tart & Tangy (#111514 $12.95)

This is another one done by Sara Mattson-Blume highlighting the new colors in embossing powder (Melon Mambo #123223 and Wild Wasabi #123224, also available in Tangerine Tango #123106 at $4.75 each) and the new Summer Splash stamp set (WM #123035 $22.95 CM #123037 $16.95)

You know, I didn't really like this set, until I saw this card of course!! Adriana Benitez made this one and I LOVE it!! (Proud Peacock WM #122020 $15.95 CM #122031 $11.95)

Ok, that's it for today! I hope you have been immensely inspired, as I have been!

Dazzling Friends

2011-05-26T13:05:00.000-05:00

We are having Stamp Club tonight, but this isn't what we are making :) I thought we needed a little bling in our day today so this is what I am sharing today! I love this poppy-ish flower in Friends Never Fade, and I have seen a few things with the Sweet & Sour DSP lately so I wanted to use those colors.

The feel of lush flowers cascading down the side was what I was going for. I made it a birthday card as I will need about 12 birthday cards in June! That's a whole lot of birthdays, huh! The Baker's Twine just felt like the perfect touch.

Stamps: Friends Never Fade, Word Play
Paper: Rose Red, Whisper White
Ink: Pumpkin Pie Rose Red, Early Espresso marker
Other: 2 way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Rhinestone Basic Jewel, Early Espresso Baker's Twine

Inside are more poppies scattered at the bottom and plenty of room to write the recipient a lovely note :)

If you would like to order any of the supplies used in the card, just head on over to my demo site and you can order at any time!

Baudette Vendor Adventure!

2011-05-22T15:04:00.000-05:00

Today I am in Baudette at a Vendor Adventure!! Kind of like a mini vendor fair. I decided to have a make and take and this is what I brought.

Please excuse the poor photo quality, I took it with my Blackberry without my usual set up for lighting :) I used some more of the Mellow Moss from the Grab Bag I got last month and finally inked up the Fast and Fabulous set :blush: I have had it since the new catty came out and just now used it! I actually really love it in the green tones as a bushy kind of plant here.

Stamps: Fast and Fabulous, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Woodgrain BG
Paper: Mellow Moss (retired), Naturals Ivory, Soft Suede
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, River Rock, Soft Suede
Other: Designer Label punch, Large Oval punch, Word Window punch

So, if you are in the Baudette area today, stop by the VFW until 5 pm for our open house! And remember you can order anytime on my demo website :)

So whatever happened to that Shopping List?

2011-05-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

Why am I showing a picture of an old project? First off, I apparently didn't take any individual pictures of the shopping list, lol! And I have to give you a little update on this project. I hung the shopping list on my fridge shortly after making these projects in July last year. We ran out of paper on it about a month ago and my boys keep reminding me that we need more paper in it! They use it all the time to write stuff that we have run out of or just need. And it still looks just as good as the day I hung it up there (except my little butterfly fell off :( ) Well, I still had a little stack of the paper left, so I popped the staples out of the finished project, used my perforating tool from the Cutter Kit to make them tear-out-able like I did before, stapled the new stack together, and used Sticky Strip to attach them back into the project. I had stapled the first pad in, but there is a magnetic strip there now and I just don't think the stapler would go through that.

Here is what I wrote in the Blog Hop post for this project:

In keeping with the whole Earth-friendly theme here, I made the notepad out of all those pages leftover in a notebook at the end of the school year and cut them down to 3-1/2" x 10-1/2". I then perforated the top with the cutter kit and stapled them together. I stamped the leaf image all over the Tangerine Tango paper. I even added ribbon loops on the bottom to hold a pen or pencil! The little butterfly is sponged with Shimmer paint for a little extra shimmer, and there are rhinestones in the centers of the flowers. Don't forget, you can click on the picture to enlarge it!

Stamps: Funky Four
Paper: Tangerine Tango, Early Espresso, Pear Pizazz, Whisper White
Ink: Tangerine Tango, Pear Pizazz, Early Espresso
Other: Clearlits Scallop Rectangle and Beautiful Wings Embosslit with Big Shot, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Basic Rhinestones, Pear Pizazz stitched polytwill ribbon, magnet sheets, Sticky Strip.

Everything on this project is still available and you can get them on my demo website :)

SIlly Faces page

2011-05-20T11:08:00.000-05:00

I am trying to use my MDS more, and one of the most recent available downloads was a whole pile of stitches! For those of you who have followed me for a long time, you know that before I outlined everything, I put stitches around everything :) So fancy stitches of all sorts just gets me all giddy!! I only used a couple kinds of stitches on this page, but you can't use them all at once, now can you?
The journaling reads:

Charlene and Kaylee are cousins but they really act like auntie and niece. I love that they love each other so much! I think Kaylee will jump on Charlene until forever :)

I used the Cheerful Treat Digital DSP and a whole bunch of digital embellishments, including Delightful Digital Tape, which I love!

Simple Stitches & Corners #126025 $4.95

Delightful Digital Tape #125752 $3.95

So, if you want to purchase these wonderful downloads, just head over to my demo site and order them and you can download them right away! Don't have My Digital Studio yet? Don't worry, there is an Express version that you can purchase and download too. Check out all the specials for National Scrapbooking Month while you are at it!

Woodgrain Nature Walk for Father's Day

2011-05-18T13:01:00.000-05:00

Does everyone else love the Woodgrain background stamp as much as I do? I think it is so versatile. It can convey a feeling of nature, strength, green/conservationism, or masculinity. LOVE it!
I thought I would try it with Nature Walk for a Father's Day card and I like how it turned out.

I did the same thing with the inside of this card as I did for the Bees for Father's Day card cuz I love that too :) I believe I used Crumb Cake ink for the Woodgrain here.

Stamps: Nature Walk, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Woodgrain BG
Paper: Mellow Moss, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Naturals Ivory
Ink: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede
Other: Decorative Label punch, Signo white gel pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

I got the Mellow Moss in a grab bag over on the Clearance Rack, which was chock full of card bases and embellishments from previous kits SU had put together. Pretty cool, huh?!

And I challenge you all to get that Woodgrain stamp out and make some goodness with it :P

Go Grad Circles!

2011-05-17T11:36:00.000-05:00

Graduation time is upon us! Time to pull out all 2 of my graduation sets ;) I didn't even buy this set until it retired, I don't know why since I had a kid graduate myself last year, and 2 the year before!

I have seen alot of lines of circles lately and I really like it! I mixed it up a little and added texture to the circles, Perfect Polka Dots on the large circles, and Lattice Square on the small ones. The Baker's Twine adds so much, I think :)

Stamps: Go Graduate, Word Play, Grunge Rock
Paper: Peach Parfait, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Whisper White
Ink: Jet Black Stazon, Peach Parfait, Basic Gray, Soft Suede, various others
Other: Big Shot with Perfect Polka Dots and Lattice Squares embossing folders, 1-3/8" Circle punch, 1¼" Circle punch, 1" Circle punch, Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Stampin Dimensionals, Signo white gel pen

Inside the card is a flap to hold money, a check, or a gift card. I cut the cardstock 7x8½" then scored at 3½" and 7". This fit well in the long envies I bought on clearance somewhere a while back :)

So, have I got you thinking about getting your grad cards done? Oh, and the Go Grad set is still available as a download for My Digital Studio, so if you love it and don't have it, you can still get it that way ;) Just go to my demo site and order online!