Birthday Whimsy

This is a whimsical looking card, but it turned out really cute. I don't know if you can tell on the pictures, but I punched small holes in the paper with a needle to show the butterfly and dragonfly's 'path', all twisting and turning. The butterfly is actually 2 butterflies, one flat on the card, and the other glued on in the middle only, so it's wings are raised for flying:-)

HOW TO:
Paper: Certainly Celery, Garden Green, Lavender Lace, Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, Barely Banana
Inks: Garden Green, Perfect Plum, Not Quite Navy, Summer Sun, Certainly Celery
Stamp Sets: Fresh Flowers, Fundamental Phrases
Embellishments: Stampin' Dimentionals
Tools: Paper Cutter, Scissors, heavy duty sewing needle

A zoom in trying to see the butterfly's path.

Fun!

Heartfelt Thanks

HOW TO:
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Whisper White
Inks: Close to Cocoa, Stampin' Pastels, VersaMark
Stamp Sets: Eastern Blooms, Fundamental Phrases, Heartfelt Thanks
Embellishments: Stampin' Dimentionals, Grosgrain ribbon
Tools: Paper cutter, scissors

Tri-fold Friend

This is a really cute tri-fold. The pictures don't really do it justice - it's hard to get all the angels in there.

HOW TO:
Paper: Certainly Celery, Perfect Plum, Whisper White
Inks: Certainly Celery, Perfect Plum, Summer Sun
Stamp set: Watercolor Garden
Tools: Paper cutter.

The inside.

Another front view.

Neat Idea, Ugly Card :-)

I'm actually not entirely thrilled with this card, but am posting anyway to show the pinwheel flower. I used some of the Designer Paper from stampin up, and next time I will use cardstock to avoid the 'breaks' in the paper fiber you can see on the fold marks (the white). Also, I made the mistake of affixing the flower and button before stamping the stem and leaves, and I was unable to get the close enough to the flower, because of the height of flower. Tip: Stamp first, then affix flower (with hot glue gun).

It's a good idea, so I will try again and do better next time!!

HOW TO:
Fold a strip of 12x12 paper into an accordion, glue ends together, and spread out. Attach to card using hot glue gun.

Black & White

This little card is a cinch to make in a hurry, but it still looks impressive!

HOW TO:
Paper: Whisper White, Ruby Red
Stamp Sets: Organic Grace, Fundamental Phrases
Inks: Basic Black, Ruby Red
Embellishments: misc ribbon I had on hand
Tools: Paper Cutter

Kids Parties!

I recently did a birthday party for a little girl turning 8. She is very crafty and asked her mom for a stamping party! We decided to make a little box to take home, they were all the same colors, but they had stamp and ink choices.

Mine, below, is much "cleaner" than the kids (15 kids ranging in age from 5 to 12), they opted to stamp-it-up!! So theirs were covered in stamps everywhere, ranging from candy canes to flowers and stars. They were all beautiful to their creators!

The kids had so much fun, and so did I, I would love to do something similar again! Cost would vary depending on what project will be made. I have lots of ideas and templates to choose from.

The tag was tied to a cellophane bag of candies with a purple ribbon (mine, stamped "celebrate" is just sitting on top). The cost for this project was $3.50 per child, which included everything except the candy inside the bags.

Stamping Workshop

This is the first workshop of this type that I am doing. I would like to start something like this on a monthly basis, and the cost would vary from $5 - $15, depending on the project we are making. It is not a "party", so there is no "sales pitch" from me, although I will always have catalogues available to browse through. It's just a time to get together, learn something new, make something cool, and eat!

I will be showing you, as we all go along together, how to do these new techniques. There will be paper, ink and stamp choices, so we don't have to make identical projects. All paper, ribbon, embellishments etc, is included in the cost, but please bring your own adhesive and a paper cutter and craft scissors if you have them to share (I have 2 paper cutters and 4 craft scissors, but the more the merrier, it saves time!)

I will be teaching 2 new techniques called masking, and something really cool called reverse spotlighting. We will be making a card (showing reverse spotlighting), with multiple layers of paper, ribbon, and greeting. It's a very beautiful and impressive card! And we will also make a "3D project", which will be a note or gift card holder, using envelopes, raffia and a paper crimper! It's a really cute way to give a note, or IOU coupon to a friend. We will show the masking technique on this one, and when the night is over we'll have 2 things to take home and show off our new skills! See a sneak peak here!

Cost: $7
What to bring: Adhesive (and a paper cutter and craft scissors, if you have them)
When: Friday, January 23rd- 7:30 to 9:30
Where: My house (924 Hugo St)

Please RSVP so I have enough space for everyone

Retiring Stamp Sets

Here is a list of the stamp sets that are retiring and will no longer be available for purchase. They are 10% off Dec 9-23, and will be regular price until Jan 18 '09.

Click on the image to enlarge it and see the sets listed. *Prices listed are the regular prices, not the sale price.

Free Shipping!!

Until December 23rd, there will be free shipping on all orders placed over $70 dollars!

Product Offer - SALE

Dec 1 - Jan 18 - Spend $20 and get 20% off from the fall-winter sampler catalogue. These are the stamp sets that are in that catalogue. Remember there is free shipping on all orders place by Dec 23rd.

111564 Flight of the Butterfly (31.95) now $25.56 (this set in Spanish is 12911)
111676 Puns from the Past (27.95) now 22.36
111624 Dreams du Jour (18.95) now 15.16
111700 Thank You Kindly (13.95) now 11.16
111714 Wow Flowers (12.95) now 10.36 (this set in Spanish is 112955)
111600 Bella's Bloom (12.95) now 10.36

You're My Favorite!

This is a quick and easy little card, with raised flowers to give it a little interest. I am really in love with the Not Quite Navy colour, it's one of my favourites!

HOW TO:
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Whisper White
Inks: Not Quite Navy, Certainly Celery, Ruby Red
Stamp sets: Eastern Blooms, misc set from 2006 (words), Mini Backgrounds
Embellishments: Not Quite Navy grosgrain ribbon, raised adhesive foam dots
Tools: Paper cutter, scissors, eyelet setter

Organic Grace

I tried out a new stamp set at my workshop last night. This is what I came up with, I think it's one of my favourite cards! I really like the colour combo, I just think it fits really well with the "feel" of the stamps.

HOW TO:
Paper: Sage Shadow, More Mustard, Perfect Plum, Whisper White
Inks: VersaMark, Stampin' Pastels
Stamp Set: Organic Grace, misc stamp set from 2006
Embellishments: brads
Tools: Paper Cutter, scissors

Christmas Card Workshop - Results

Last night some ladies came over for the Stamp A Stack workshop. Most worked on their own things, so I was helping them with some ideas for their own cards. In the process I made one for me too! I think this should be our Christmas card. Brian likes the Christmas trees one from the Stamp A Stack best, so I'll have to make some of each maybe!!

HOW TO:
Paper: Ruby Red, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Inks: Garden Green, Ruby Red, Summer Sun, Close to Cocoa
Stamp Set: Season of Joy, Beyond the Basics
Embellishments: eyelet
Tools: Paper cutter, scissors, eyelet setter



This one will have a raised tree with an adhesive foam dot (under the star), but I ran out of foam dots! It's easy to add later:-) And this is a practice one for sure, 'cause I smudged the writing. Oops!

HOW TO:
Paper: Always Artichoke, Creamy Caramel, Barely Banana, Whisper White
Inks: Certainly Celery, Summer Sun, Garden Green, VersaMark
Stamp Sets: Holiday Blitz, misc phrase from 2003 set, Season of Joy
Tools: Paper Cutter

How To: Mount New Stamp Sets

When you receive your new stamp set, it will look like this:

Stampin' Up! sells unmounted stamp sets for a few reasons, and the main one is so you can mount it the way you like - lining it up how you want to suit your own style. Each stamp set comes with the rubber stamps, maple blocks and stickers in a clear case.

First: Punch out the rubber images and match them up to the appropriate sized wooden block. If you have purchased an older stamp set, you won't be able to 'punch it out', you will have to cut the images out of the rubber. Use a good sharp pair of scissors and cut it out as close to the image as possible. Use picture below for an indication of how close to cut around the image.

Second: Peel the adhesive protector off, and affix the rubber image to the wooden block. This is where personal stamping style comes into play. Some put the image to the far right of the block, and some to the far left - to make it easier to line up on paper when stamping. I prefer to mount mine in the middle of the block.

If you are mounting words have a piece of lined or graph paper handy. Mount the image, but don't press it on too hard. Quickly ink the image and stamp onto paper. This will tell you easily if you mounted it straight, if not you can remove the word and reposition it. You can also do this with shapes and other designs, if you want.

In the end you will have a cute little stamp set, all ready to use!

Snowman Soup

This is a great idea for a cute little gift. Perfect for teachers, school bus drivers, sunday school workers etc. I got the idea and the little poem from another Stampin' Up demonstrator and put together my own, complete with "freeze dried snowballs"! Email me if you need a how to, or need the poem (I think you can see it if you enlarge the pic).

HOW TO:
Supplies: Small clear baggie, Hershey's kiss, candy cane, hot chocolate powder packet, mini-marshmellows
Paper: Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Stamp set: unknown (a mini Christmas set from 1998)
Inks: VersaMark, Stampin' Pastels
Tools: Paper cutter, circle punch, adhesive, stapler

Save the Date

Ever since I made my own wedding invitations for my wedding in 2003, I am always on the lookout for a nicely done "homemade" invite. This is a very classy Save the Date card. It's not for anyone or anything, I was just playing. It's not exactly stamping, but its crafty, so I thought I would post. I'd love to make wedding invites or programs, but I don't think I have enough ideas for each one to be different enough...maybe if I keep on collecting ideas someday...

HOW TO:
Paper: Certainly Celery, Basic Black, Whisper White
Tools: Computer, Printer, Paper Cutter

Stationary Box Workshop

I am taking pre-orders for a stationary box, which is pictured. The kit will include everything you need to make the box as pictured (Box, 2 cards, 2 gift tags, envelopes, pen...everything!). The cost for the kit and instructions to make it is $15 dollars.

I will be holding a workshop to make the stationary box, date to be announced...if you are unable to attend you will be able to make it on your own with the instructions provided.

Please let me know if you would like to order one of these kits, and I will let you know when all the supplies are in and what date the workshop will be held on. You can just email me, or whatever is easiest for you, and tell me how many kits you are interested in, so I am sure to have enough supplies ready! Payment not due until workshop, or kit is delivered.

The designer paper is patterned on both sides, your kit will be black and one of the following paper patterns...

Stationary box

A place for cards, gift tags, pens, a little address book, and a place for stamps

The box, and it's contents, 2 cards & envelopes, 2 gift tags & envelopes and a pen

Christmas Card Workshop

I will be holding a Christmas Card Workshop on Thursday, December 4th AND Saturday, December 6th, please RSVP for the date that suits you best, both evenings will be 7:30 to 9:30pm. If you place an order of $20.00 or more OR book a party, you may do the Stamp a Stack for $10.00!!




There are a few options for this workshop, please let me know which one you will be doing:

OPTION 1 - STAMP A STACK
We will create 15 cards for a cost of $20.00. This includes envelopes and all supplies and embellishments needed. We will be making the cards pictured, 5 cards of three of the designs (your choice). Everything you need will be supplied, except what is listed in the what to bring section.

If you would like to do the Stamp a Stack, but cannot attend you can purchase a kit with everything you need for $25, or $15 with a $30.00 order. (Kit would be pre-stamped, but completely unassembled). If I need to mail the kit to you, I'll let you know the postage costs.

What to bring:
Your own adhesive (glue tape runner is ideal, glue stick is acceptable if you choose)
paper cutter (optional: if you have one, so you don't have to wait your turn)
scissors (optional: a small sharp pair, so we don't have to share)

When you RSVP:
If you do not want to make each of the 4 designs, (ie: you only want to make "the Presents"), please let me know when you RSVP so I can have the correct supplies and paper available for you. You do not have to create an exact replica of the pictured cards, there is some flexibility on colors, sentiment, etc, so let me know what you prefer and we'll work it out!

OPTION 2 - DO YOUR OWN THING
If you already have your Christmas cards planned out, but are lacking a few supplies, you can come and bring the bulk of what you need (all your paper, embellishments etc) and for $5.00 fee you may use my stamps, inks, pastels, punches etc to complete your own cards.

What to bring:
Your own adhesive
Everything else you have to complete your project
paper cutter (if you have one, to save some time!)
scissors (if you need them)

When you RSVP:
Please tell me what you are planning, and ask me what stamps, ink colors etc I have, so we make sure you'll be able to finish your project.

OPTION 3 - I JUST NEED A BREAK!
If you have absolutely everything you need, but just need a chance to get away from kids and distractions to get it all completed, you are welcome to bring your supplies and join us for a night of stamping fun, at no charge!

Please RSVP (via email or comment to this post) so that I am sure I have enough space for everyone!

Stampin' Party Results!

I demonstrated making an 8x8 scrapbook page, with a picture and a place for journaling, showing the two-step stamping method.

HOW TO:
Stamp Sets: Heartfelt Thanks, Fast Flowers Stampin' Around Wheel
Inks: Close to Cocoa, Cameo Coral
Paper: Close to Cocoa, Blush Blossom, Bashful Blue, Barely Banana
Tools: Paper cutter, Stampin' Around handle & ink cartridge

*I was busy talking and messed up the last flower in the row, by forgetting to "stamp off" first. Oops!

I demonstrated making this little pillow box, and showed how easy it is to get a watercolor effect with the Stampin' Pastels!

HOW TO:
Paper: Close to Cocoa, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Stamp Set: Nice and Easy Notes, Fast Flowers Stampin' Around Wheel
Inks: Close to Cocoa, Stampin' Pastels
Embellishments: silver eyelet, raffia
Tools: Paper Cutter, Corner Rounder, Blender Pens, an eyelet setter, Stampin' Around Handle


Everyone made a card, I gave a little demonstration to show what it can look like, everyone used their creativity, so each person had a slight variation, and a cute little card.

HOW TO:
Paper: Ruby Red, Summer Sun, Whisper White
Inks: Ruby Red, Garden Green, Summer Sun, VersaMark
Stamp Sets: Watercolor Garden, Mini-Backgrounds, Fundamental Phrases
Tools: Paper Cutter

Another variation of the same card, using Cameo Coral paper & ink, and Barely Banana paper.

Birthday Balloons

HOW TO:
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Whisper White, Blue & Brown cardstock from the Rose Cottage paper set, and misc paper I had on hand
Stamp Set: Nice & Easy Notes
Ink: Stampin' Write Markers
Embellishments: Ribbon (not Stampin' Up), staple
Tools: Paper cutter, scissors, stapler

Unique Flower

I was inspired by another demonstrators site with a similar card to this one. So different and adorable! I will put a sentiment on the front...probably "Hello", or "Have a nice day", something to that effect, I just haven't decided what it should 'be for' yet!

HOW TO:
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, misc paper I hand on hand (background)
Stamp Sets: Eastern Blooms, Simply Said
Ink: VersaMark, Stampin' Pastels
Embellishments: Grosgrain ribbon, brad
Tools: Paper cutter, scissors, circle punch, corner rounder





Here it is again, everything is basically the same as above, I'll list the color differences...
Paper: Garden Green, Whisper White, misc paper I had on hand
Stamp Set: Eastern Blooms
Inks: Garden Green, Summer Sun

Welcome Baby

Using the blender pens and the stampin' pastels to color in portions of the stamped image, giving it a bit of a watercolor feel.

HOW TO:
Paper: Pale Plum, Barely Banana, Whisper White
Stamp Sets: Simple Somethings, Fundamental Phrases
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Stampin' Pastels
Embellishments: Barely Banana grosgrain ribbon
Tools: Paper cutter, Blender Pen

Eastern Blooms

This is another version of this quick and easy card. This one took a litte more time, as I used the Stampin' Pastels to color on a VersaMark stamped image.

HOW TO:
Paper: Certainly Celery, Blush Blossom, Whisper White
Stamp Set: Eastern Blooms, Fundamental Phrases
Ink: VersaMark, Stampin' Pastels
Embellishments: Stampin' Dimensional (adhesive foam dots)
Tools: Paper Cutter, scissors

Stampin' Workshop - Nov 7 & 8

I will be holding a Stampin' Up! workshop at my home to demonstrate some techniques and get you familiar with everything that Stampin' Up! offers. I've got wonderful tips and tricks for everything from crafts, to scrapbooking, and card making. I would love to teach you a few fun things that you can use when creating your projects!

Please come and have fun making a card or two, while learning something new! Invite your friends, if you think they'd be interested, and your young daughters are welcome too (ages 8 & up).

Details
Theme: I will be demonstrating making a 3D project with watercolors, a scrapbook page with two-step stampin', and we will all make a greeting card.
Date: Friday, Nov 7th or Saturday, Nov 8th (pick the one that suits you best)
Time: 7:30 - should be done by 9 or 9:30
Place: Darla's home, 924 Hugo St, Norfolk (email me for directions)
What to bring: Just yourself

Please RSVP (phone, email, or comment on this post) to confirm your space at the craft table for the date that suits you best!

NOTE: I am thinking of adding another date in Nov, so if you would like to come but can't attend Nov 7 or 8, ask me about Friday, Nov 14th

Hooray, it's simple!

Here is another super easy card I threw together in a couple of minutes. There are some projects that are very elaborate and take time, but you can also have a great result with only a few minutes and a few tools!!

HOW TO:
Paper: Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Stamp Sets: Nice & Easy Notes
Inks: Stampin' Write Markers
Tools: Paper cutter

Quick Card

This is a card I made last night, it took about 5 minutes. The fun part is that the flower is raised off the card, and it really gives it a nice touch.

HOW TO:
Paper: Old Olive, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Stamp sets: Eastern Blooms, Fundamental Phrases
Ink: Certainly Celery, Cameo Coral
Embellishments: Stampin' Dimensionals (adhesive foam dots)
Tools: paper cutter, scissors