It’s only Tuesday, and It’s been a very LONG Week!

Happy Birthday Uncle Jim! Don’t know if you’ll see this, but you know you’re my fav… hope it’s a good one!

Can you believe it? It’s only Tuesday… and I feel like it’s Friday (or perhaps I wish it was Friday… ) I finished up all the wedding favors and menu/place cards I’ve been working on for Sarah’s wedding today, and had repair people here at the same time… I waited until 10pm this evening for one of them when he finally called to say he was on his way (are you kidding???). Oh well, tomorrow is another day….

And then, before you know it.. it will be July 1st and the launch of the New Stampin’ Up! Idea Book and Catalog! I’ve been working with some of the new sets for my 1st Wednesday card club… and trying to find a time to do my open house and Rubber Stamp Garage Sale Event, and of course need to work on my July calendar too… work, work, work… and all I want to do is Stamp, Stamp, Stamp!!

This is a card we did at the stamp a stack last weekend…. it’s actually a pseudo case of a card from my friend Debbie… she gave me the card as part of a Christmas gift (set of cards) a year or so ago, and I had totally forgotten about it until she sat here in my house and said.. gee, this looks like a card I made! Guess what, I believe I case’d her card and didn’t even remember! Stuff just hangs around my brain way too long…

The next card is one we’ll be doing at the 1st Wednesday Card Club.. It has an autumn theme, but I just couldn’t resist! Love the colors, Really Rust, Very Vanilla, and Chocolate Chip. The wheat image was stamped with versamark… and everything punched and mounted with stampin’ dimensionals. (do I sound tired, ‘cause I am!)

I love the little maple leaf image in this new stamp set, part of a sneak peek provided to demonstrators only, called “Autumn Days”. I think they’re going to love making the card at club too… now I have to come up with another project or two… tomorrow!

Gosh.. it has been a really long day… I’ve got so much photography to catch up on, and specials to post July 1…. and the Royal Blog Tour to work on too I think you’re really going to love the projects I’ll be sharing!

See you soon!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: autumn days,stampin up,royal blog tour,wedding cards

Two new cards to share with you… Flores Suaves, and Sense of Time…

I love the Flores Suaves stamp set which is available only in the Spanish Catalog Supplement “Celebrando Creatividad”. The images in the stamp set include a gorgeous long stemmed tulip, an intricate bee, a scripted background stamp, and the graceful butterfly seen on the card shown (below).

The background on this card is stamped with Crushed Curry Classic Ink using the Pretty Petals Background stamp. I chose it because I could envision the butterfly flitting around a garden, along with all the tiny butterfly images on the background stamp.

The technique used on this card was called ‘masking’… basically I stamped my butterfly on a piece of scrap printer paper and then cut it out. I like to cut out about 1/8' to 1/16”larger than the actual stamped image. The next step is to stamp the butterfly on your Card Stock, and then place the printer paper mask over the identical image. The printer paper is thin, Yet it protects the butterfly image and doesn’t get in the way when you re-stamp the cardstock with the background “script'” stamp. You can do the same thing with a post it note… but I find it just as easy to use printer paper… If you find it ‘moving’ a bit, simply add temporary adhesive such as dotto, and it will be held in place just fine.

This card is a swap made last month by fellow demo Tammy… she used the ‘cracked glass’ technique to distress the clock image from the Sense of Time Stamp Set. The swirls are from the fabulous and fun Baroque Motifs Stamp set… it’s a great set to use for birthdays, weddings, thinking of you… just about any occasion you can think of! Didn’t she do a nice job?

I’ve got so much on my plate right now, I’m not sure exactly how I’m going to get it all done!! I’m getting ready for the Royal Blog Tour, and my First Wednesday Card Club, and have several wedding favors and menu place cards to complete! First things first, got to finish Sarah’s wedding favors,etc… and then work on the club stuff because they meet on the 1st this month! I know I haven’t updated my classes and schedule for July and really need to get rolling on that too. Please be patient as I complete all my commitments and get back to the business of posting and creating just for YOU!

Thanks a bunch, and see you tomorrow too!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: celebrando creatividad,royal blog tour,sense of time,card club,flores suaves

One more share.. Jacksonville Starz Meetup and Swap

Drove to and from Orlando yesterday, and met some really fabulous people and new friends in the Florida Stampers Group, many of whom will be attending Michelle Zindorf’s class at my Jacksonville, Florida home in February, 2010… we’re going to have soooo much fun! BTW… I know the classes are waaaaay out there… but, they are also filling up fast! The classes will be on Saturday 2/21 and Sunday 2/22. Class size is limited to 10 students per session allowing for complete hands on and thorough training/tips from Michelle. At this point in time, the Saturday Afternoon 2p-5p Beginning brayer class is completely filled, and the afternoon only 4 slots remain. The Advanced class on Sunday has two slots remaining, and the Sunday morning Beginner Brayer class has a few more… BUT… if you’re planning on attending, please reserve your spot ASAP… It’s a great opportunity, and a fabulous way to improve your classroom techniques and brayer skills too! Email mzindorf@aim.com to reserve your spot before they’re all gone, less than 15 remain!

So… as promised here are more of the downline meetup swaps (except for mine which cannot be published until July1)

Tammy with Circle Circus..

Tee…

And Lee….

Gee, July 1 is just around the corner… I’ve got a bunch of new catalog stuff to share!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: jacksonville meetups,downline,meeting

Jax Starz Meetup, Downline Meeting and Swap.. Pictures to Share

This was so much fun… check out the swap contest submissions from the Jacksonville Starz Meetup and Swap! We host a contest for best swap every month, and here are the submissions!

Eva’s Swap:

Lisa’s Swap:

Angela’s (Winning) Swap:

Joy’s swap:

More tomorrow.. I’m off to stampfest in Orlando.. so this is short and quick… hope to bring back lots of great new ideas to share!

Sharon

Jacksonville Starz Meetup and Swap

Once a month, the Jacksonville Starz Group Meets to swap, share business tips, ideas, friendship, and food… This month it was at the Golden Corral Restaurant on Beach Blvd. near San Pablo Road. Oflcourse, not everyone can always attend the meetings, and if you're interested in becoming a demonstrator and checking out the 'opportunity' you are more than welcome to join us, simply click Email ME in my side bar >>>>>>>>

He're we are all busily working on an innovative punchy lamb by Joy and Tee...


As usual, a fun time was had by all! We had demonstrations, make n take projects, and even played a round of Family Feud! The winning participants were awarded with gorgeous Stampin' Up! Glitter in a variety of colors..


Of course, even the losing team had a good time too... as you can see by their smiling faces!


This month, we used a Stamping 411 card layout for the challenge… You can view the sketch HERE. My swap used a stamp set that is NOT in the new catalog preview... so I cannot show it to you until July 1 (oops). It was a little different than my usual style, even though my friend and fellow demo Susan picked out which one was mine right away (and I thought I was fooling them... :-)

We had lots of fun again this month... as you can tell from the photos, this one missing our photographer (Lee)... and remember... if you're having a bad month, you need us (come to the meeting), if you're having a good month, we need you (come to the meeting)!

Want to see more cards from the downline meetup and swap? Check back tomorrow!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: jacksonville starz,jacksonville,meetup

A Beautiful Day for RAK

It’s always a beautiful day when you receive beautiful cards in the mail… and this week I’ve been fortunate enough to receive THREE!! 

This first one is from the lovely and talented Esther… I think she wondered if I would recognize this stamp set (and of course I do).  The flowing tulip is a two step stamp from a few years ago, and one of the first Stampin’ Up! stamp sets Esther purchased from me!  I love the beautiful purple tones, and the dotted textured background.. what a pleasant surprise to receive in the mail!!

 

 

The next RAK is from a fellow demonstrator, Cheryl.  Cheryl has been battling cancer… so I sent her a card full of hope, wishes, and prayers last week.  She is a very strong lady, and talented stamper too as you can see!  I love the DSP, double scallop punched trim, and oval all stamp on this card… the colors are so fresh and fun, reminds me of spring!

 

I can tell you that the third RAK was from Clara, but I’ll be darned if I can find the card right now.. my stampin’ room is a mess after working and designing most of the day.  I cleaned up (a bit) quickly before one of my downline came over so we could work on an upcoming event she will be hosting on Friday, and must have scooped Clara’s card up in the frenzy.  I’ll be sure to post it when I locate it.. of course, it’s quite lovely, so you’ll want to see it too!

Be back tomorrow with my swap and others from our “local” downline meeting… I’m sure I’ll have plenty to share!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: stampin up,rak,downline,shop Now

Paper Plate Inspired and Fun with Punches and Scraps!

Cleaning up after techniques class last week, I noticed a lone paper plate on my counter and immediately though “That will make a great card!”  So, I whisked the plate away to my stampin’ room and had some fun with scraps and punches!  My friend Debbie (an Accountant) says accounting brains just don’t work that way… good thing I didn’t become an accountant I guess!

Here is the Dixie Plate that inspired my afternoon stamping, the colors are actually Kiwi Kiss and turquoise:

 

And here is my card in Gable Green and Bermuda Bay!  Now… if you see some lady rifling through the paper plates at the local supermarket, perhaps it will be me!

Working with the paper scraps and punches was fun, so I decided to make yet another card… this time with the oval scallop punch, Cameo Coral, and Gable Green… reminds me of a swimsuit my DD had when she was little.. funny!

 

The punch at the bottom is layered with the new Modern Label Punch and Magnetic Movers and Shapers exclusive Stampin’ Up! Sizzix Die Cut!  The new Movers & Shapers nest exactly with the Scalloped Oval, Heart, Star, and Designer Label Punches.  All will be available on July 1 with the new catalog release.. pretty cool!

See you tomorrow… Just a few more days until the new catalog release… You can pre-order yours at the top of the page, and it will be sent directly to you!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: movers and shapers,scallop oval,paper plates,stampin up

How to Make an Ice Cream Cone… and a Real Stamp Camp Hit!

This one really caught me off guard… I was struggling NOT to put ribbon on the card for a certain stamper camper who will remained un-named, but you know who you are… and decided to stick an extra ‘embellishment’ in the lower right corner of the card.  EVERYONE raved about this simple, quick and cute card.  I think they all ran home to make a dozen more.. so if you get one in the mail in the next week or so, you’ll know they may have been at my camp this past Saturday!

The top layer of Vanilla Ice Cream is sponged along the edges with pretty in pink classic ink using a sponge dauber… and although most layers are glued to the whisper white cardstock base, the very top (beneath the cherry) is attached with a stampin’ dimensional dot… making the whole thing ‘pop’ in person.

To make 8 ice cream cones at once…

• Cut Kraft Card Stock 3 1/4” x 4 1/4”
• ink up your Sanded Background Stamp with Sahara Sand Ink, an stamp the Kraft Card Stock
• Now put the corners of the card stock in the channels of your paper trimmer and cut on the diagonal.
• I held the two pieces together, and rotated to cut on the opposite diagonal too… putting the points in the channel of the paper trimmer again.  At this point you will have 4 weirdly shaped triangles…
• Put the longest point of the triangle in the channel of your paper trimmer, with the flat edge butted along the top of the paper trimmer… and cut all 4 triangles in half.
• You’ll have 8 equal sized ice cream cones!  NOTE:  the top of the cone is slanted, but it is covered by the ice cream.. so don’t worry about your ice cream falling out!

Supplies:

Kraft Card Stock Base:  5 1/2” x 8 1/2” scored at 4 1/4”

Pretty In Pink Card Stock:  5 1/4” x 4”

Chocolate Chip Mat:  2 1/2” x 4 1/2”

Pretty in Pink Mat:  2 1/4” x 4 1/4”

Whisper White Mat:  2” x 4”

1 scallop circle punch each:  Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip

3 Scallop Oval Punches:  2 Chocolate Chip, 1 Whisper White

Assemble the ice cream sandwich layers (scallop oval punches) before attaching to card with stampin’ dimensionals.

Let’s Celebrate was borrowed from the “On Your Birthday” stamp set, and stamped in Chocolate Chip Classic Ink.

The tiny cherry was borrowed from the “On a Pedestal” stamp set and stamped with Rose Red Classic Ink.

Hope  you enjoy it as much as my stamper campers did!  See you tomorrow!

Sharon

 

Technorati Tags: ice cream cone card,ice cream sandwich,card,quick n easy,pretty in pink,on your birthday,how to make an ice cream cone

Sending Worm Wishes Your Way… one card two ways and a few TIPS for YOU!

While prepping for last weekends’ stamp camp “Quick N Easy” Summer Cards, I realized that I had too many steps in my first draft card… and went back to the drawing board to simplify the card I had just created!  The theme of the camp, after all was “Quick N Simple”… not a lot of layers, not too complicated; just fresh and fun.

This is the card we ended up making in camp… using a lot of colored classic ink.  Scroll down to see the original card.

Whisper White Card Stock:  5 1/2” x 8 1/2” scored at 4 1/4”

Certainly Celery Card Stock:  1 3/4” x 5 1/2”, stamped with versamark and the large grassy background stamp from the Inspired by Nature Stamp Set… and then three ants from Bugs N Kisses in basic black.

TIP:  I tie my bows/knots around my ring finger all the time in camps… don’t even think about what I’m doing.. just pull out the ribbon, loop it around one or two fingers, and tie a knot.  When I slip the ribbon loop from my finger, I then cut the center of the loop on a diagonal… to form the bow!

TIP:  Stampin’ Up! Mini Glue Dots are perfect for adhering bows and ribbon… especially narrow ribbons.  Narrow ribbon often seems to stretch or grow after attaching to a card.. why?  I don’t have a clue… but to work around the problem, I put a glue dot behind the bow, one on each end of the card stock piece (on top of the cardstock at the edges), and one on each end of the ribbon.  I attach the bow to the center of the card, then the ribbon to the two glue dots at either edge of the card, and finally wrap the ends around to the back of the card to stick them down.

TIP:  When working with an assortment of images, begin stamping with the largest ones… and then fill in the blanks with the smaller images.  On this card I stamped the caterpillar with old olive classic ink, the worm in More Mustard Classic Ink, and the snail in Creamy Caramel Classic Ink.  It was easy to fill in with the tiny lady bugs in Real Red Classic Ink. 

TIP:  When using solid image stamps, rub or scrub them across the surface ink pad, and then tap three times to properly ink the image.  TURN IT OVER to see if there really is ink all over the image… the ink will appear wet… dry spots indicate that ink is missing.  When in doubt, practice on grid paper or scratch paper to see that you have inked the image… then re-ink and stamp on your card base.

TIP:  If you have somehow “missed” an area when stamping with your solid image stamps, you can squeeze your closed classic ink pad so that the lid touches the surface of the pad.  After opening the pad, use the ink in the lid and an Aquapainter to fill in the missing image areas.

Want to see the original card?  I showed it to my stamper campers, and most were quite happy they didn’t have to make this card… preferring the simpler one (which is what I promised them… quick n easy).

 

I still like this one better!!  I punched out the spots on the lady bugs… the black background showed through to fill in the spots… kind of fun!

See you tomorrow with the card that was the BIGGEST hit of the Quick N Easy Stamp Camp!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: stampin up,classic ink,bugs n kisses,inspired by nature,quick n easy

Wings Of Friendship.. Quick Brayered Fun, Sneak Peek

Sneak peek of one of my favorite new Stampin’ Up! Idea Book and Catalog stamp sets which will be available on July 1… to order your new catalog online, simply click on the appropriate button at the top of this blog! 

I love this bird, and all the delicate scrolling flowers and vines!  This was a 2 minute card… really!

The large bird image was stamped first with Versamark Ink onto glossy cardstock… and then I simply loaded up my brayer with old olive classic ink and brayered over the versamarked image!  A soft tissue was used to wipe off the excess ink before the words.. “Your friendship means the world to me” were stamped with Always Artichoke Classic Ink.

My card fold-over is in basic black, the mat is in confetti cream card stock, and I used the handy dandy mat pack to align three evenly spaced holes for basic black brads from my vintage brad collection.. mounted on basic black cardstock, and attached to the assembled card base.. DONE!

I did this card using a sketch from Stamping 411.. a new site out there to help stampers learn the basics… you can visit the site HERE.

See you tomorrow with cards from the Quick N Easy Stamp Camp!

Sharon

Visit my Online Stampin Up! Store HERE, to order your stampin supplies 24/7!

Technorati Tags: wings of friendship,new catalog,online ordering,stamping 411,stamping help,new stampers

Wow… Videos, Stampin’ Up! and You Tube!

Did you know that Stampin’ Up! is now on the You Tube Channel?  Check out this link for a lot of fun and informative videos presented by the Corporate Office of Stampin’ Up! 

I have been so busy working on this weekends’ stamp camp… I almost forgot that Sunday is Fathers’ Day… boy would I be in the dog house!!  Tomorrow after my camp, I’ll have to put together a special card for my very special DH!

Are you ready for summer yet?  Stampin’ Up! is offering a very special summer picnic stamp set/kit with the publishers of Country Living Magazine!  This is a really fun set… the list of everthing included is below!

 

 

Country Living Summer Cookout Kit 118070 Price: $24.95  On my Demonstrator Website HERE.

With the simple and speedy projects in the Country Living Summer Cookout Kit, every summer gathering will become a celebration!

The Summer Cookout Kit contains

Summer Entertaining stamp set
• Table Tent die-cut sheets (1 each of 4 colors)
• Invitation die-cut sheetsShCoaster sheets (1 each of 4 colors)
• Tag die-cut sheet
• Printed food wrapper sheets (12 each of 2 colors)
• Printed recipe cards
• Large white open-end envelopes
• Night of Navy Classic Stampin’ Spot
• Ruby Red Classic Stampin’ Spot
• Linen thread
• Bamboo skewers

 

I’ve got new cards to share from my camp… and you’ll see them all right here.. tomorrow :)  See you then!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: stampin' up,summer entertaining,country living,you tube,videos,online shopping

2-4-5 Cards… and NO Ribbon!

Have you ever heard of a 2-4-5 card making group?  I have several going on around Jacksonville… and it is basically a group of stampers who get together once a month to make two cards for $5.00 including envelopes.  It is a fun way to get together with friends, and best of all, you don’t even have to bring any supplies… I do that for you!  The cards are usually quite simple, and a very good starting place for beginning stampers (although more seasoned stampers enjoy the groups too!)

This month, I challenged myself NOT to use ribbon… an easy embellishment I love to add to my cards, but sometimes you just don’t have or want ribbon!

 

These are the 2-4-5 cards we are making for the month of June… this first one with a masculine slant, suitable for a Fathers’ Day card, Congrats card, or Birthday card… depending on what you stamp (or write) inside the card.  Although most of the images on the card are from the “Wanted” Stamp Set, I did borrow “Celebrate You” from the “Party Hearty” Stamp Set.

Stamps:  Wanted (115106 / 8 pieces / $23.95) and Party Hearty (111532 / 9 pieces / $26.95)

Card Stock  Whisper White, Basic Gray, Real Red

Classic Inks:  Basic Gray, Real Red

Accessories:  Ticket Corner Punch, 3/4” Circle Punch, Vintage Brads

 

This is the second card we will make in the 2-4-5 Card Classes this month, featuring the stamp set “Petal Pizzaz” and luscious Juntos Designer Series Paper!

 

Stamps:  Petal Pizzaz (113417 / set of 7 / $32.95), On Your Birthday (111664 set of 12, $33.95)

Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, So Saffron

Classic Inks:  So Saffron, Always Artichoke

Accessories:  Scallop Circle Punch, Photo Corner Punch, 5 Petal Flower Punch, Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads, Rich Regals Brads, Sponge Daubers, Juntos Designer Series Paper

Well… back to the design table.. see you back here tomorrow with more stampin’ ideas!!  And, remember you can always order 24/7 at my Online Stampin’ Up! Store HERE

Sharon

Technorati Tags: wanted,petal pizzaz,on your birthday,Party Hearty,2-4-5 card group,jacksonville fl stampin up

Bella Inspired by… a Caviar Bowl?

I recently began receiving a new magazine called “Food and Wine” and this month, on page 60 there was a photo of a “horn caviar bowl” by Arca… at first glance, I thought it was a rug, the color combination was interesting and I whisked the page away to my stamping room!  Here’s a snippet of the page, I see “in colors” don’t you?

 

After playing around with different papers, inks and stamps… here is the card I came up with, inspired of course by the little caviar bowl:

  

In retrospect, it kind of looks like a door, doesn’t it??  The square crystal brad was embossed over with gold embossing powder…  kind of cool!

Stamps:  Bella Toile, Bella’s Bloom

Papers:  Sage Shadow, Dusty Durango, More Mustard

Inks:  Dusty Durango Classic Ink, Versamark

Accessories:  Crystal (square) brad, gold embossing powder

Have a lovely stampin’ day.. see you tomorrow!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: bella,bellas bloom,bella toile,micuccicollection,arca horn caviar bowl,food and wine

RAK and a Quick Lemon Pie Recipe

I received this beautiful card in the mail from my newly found online friend Donna… believe me, the photo doesn’t do this card justice, it is even more stunning in person.  It’s kind of a funny story, I first saw this card when Donna shared it online with the Florida Stampers Group, and I was very impressed with it then too! 

In person… the card just shimmers with twinkling H20’s… and I think I missed the golden highlights across the embossed letters, butterfly embellishment at the waist, and especially the deckle edge cut along the bottom of the small black mat on the Cameo Coral card base!  The dress lightly floats across the card…

Jean from JFL Studio left me a lovely comment on my 6x6 recipe swap (postal on 6/12).  I do read and appreciate all the comments that are left for me…  Jean wanted to read the recipe on my swap for my Quick N Light Lemon Pie but couldn’t quite make it out.  The pie is actually my adaptation of a Weight Watchers’ Recipe, and doubles quite well as a faux key lime pie, without lime juice!!  So, Jean… and the 1st Wednesday Card Club Ladies who are always asking for the “recipe” of the day, here it is:

 

Quick N Light Lemon Pie

Pre-Heat Oven to 350 degrees

Mix together: 

14 oz. Low Fat Sweetened Condensed Milk

2 Extra Large Eggs

Stir into the mixture:

3/4 cup Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

1 1/4 Tbsp Lemon Zest

Pour Mixture into a 9oz. (large) Graham Crust

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, then chill thoroughly before serving.

Serves 8 to 10…

Yum!

See you tomorrow!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: recipe swap,rak,recipe,quick n light lemon pie,florida stampers

More Razzle Dazzle Techniques and Cards

As promised.. a couple more Razzle Dazzle Sneak Peek Cards!!  I’ve really got to put this stamp set away for a few days!! 

Yesterday I was watching a Tim Holtz technique video on Perfect Pearls, and decided it was time to revisit my re-inkers!   So.. I dribbled a few drops of Always Apricot onto my Razzle Dazzle Stamp Set BOX… and then spritzed  them with water.  After stirring a bit with a scrap of paper, I placed blush blossom paper atop the mess.. kind of splotchy, hmmm.  So… got out the heat gun, dried the paper, not so bad after all…

Random stamped my favorite image from Razzle Dazzle… and embossed in Gold… and then loaded up my spritzer gun with my NEW SOFT SUEDE MARKER (YEAH!)… and sprayed the cardstock, and then repeated that same action with an old olive marker.  The edges were finished off with more mustard classic ink and a sponge dauber.. kind of cool!  Check out the card:

Here’s a second card… this one stamped with that now infamous sanded background stamp and Razzle Dazzle favorite floral image.  I used a paint brush and chalks to lightly dust the versamarked images.  After dusting the whole card with an embossing buddy, I stamped “Thinking of You” from Sincere Salutations and embossed in gold.  My DD said.. now, THAT card looks just like you!  At the time, I thought “what a nice compliment”… but in retrospect was she telling me I’m faded and old… I guess I need to track her down for clarification!!

 

Well, back to work.. hope you liked my card shares today!!

Sharon

 

Technorati Tags: razzle dazzle,sneak peek,sanded,tim holtz,reinker

Razzle Dazzle Sneak Peek Card and Lemony Scrapbook Page

These colors were so bright, I was quite surprised to find this card quite difficult to photograph!  Featuring the new catalog Sneak Peek set “Razzle Dazzle” and Sanded background stamp set, I decided to try my hand at ‘marker thumping’… Kind of fun to do, you simply thump various marker colors onto your solid image stamp starting with the lightest of colors used.  I spent way too much time playing today, will really have to commit to work tomorrow and get ready for this weeks’ technique class!!  We’re doing faux etching and colored faux etching, a technique taught me by my friend Tee.. I know you’re going to love the samples!

A little outside the norm for me, the card also features some of the bright and colorful new “in colors” from Stampin’ Up!, as well as designer paper too.  This year, Stampin’ Up! has decided to make markers in all the in colors too.. YEAH!!! So.. on July 1st, remember to order your new in-color markers with papers, and ink pads too!

Last week I posted a scrapbook page which I made a WHOLE bunch of for a swap… I originally thought I would do the 6x6 recipe page in shades of yellow… to compliment the light lemon pie recipe I was sharing.  After making the yellow page, I did not like it at all.. just too darn bright!  Guess I was in a gray mood… because today, I pulled out the original page and it doesn’t look so crazy after all...what do you think?

Back tomorrow with more sneak peeks… I’m really enjoying this cute little razzle dazzle stamp set.. and will have two more card shares for you too!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: razzle dazzle,stampin up,new catalog,sanded,recipe swap,scrapbook

Best Wishes & More Versatile for Spring and Fall Too!

A really quick post today, as it is a very busy day with my side step card camp!  As promised… two more cards using the versatile Best Wishes and More stamp set from Stampin’ Up!

 

 

Not sure what I was thinking when I decided to pierce the edge of the leaf panel and manually cross stitch all the way down the side of this card with linen thread!!  It is a beautiful effect, but I think next time I may limit it to 3-5 pairs of x’s!

 

I love the new Wide Oval punch… and it layers so nicely with both the Designer Label Punch and 1 1/4” Circle Punch!  The bold stamped leaf image is so pretty on this card too.. the ones on the right side of the card were stamped on scraps of Whisper White card stock and glued directly to the Old Olive card stock.  I used my mat pack to perfectly place the gold eyelets in the greeting assemblage.. and then added stampin’ dimensionals to the back before attaching it to the card.

 

This is a really fun fall color combination… constrasting the crisp Whisper White with So Saffron, Barely Banana, Pumpkin Pie, and Old Olive card stock.    The So Saffron is kind of an unexpected surprise too!

 

 

So… back to clean and crisp… adding a pop of rose red color with ribbon and ink for a fresh and fun spring card! 

 

I couldn’t resist using that beautiful leaf one more time on this card… and used dimensional dots beneath the stamped/punched floral image and leaves too!

 

 

There is one more image in this stamp set, and a couple more greetings too…  The bold image heart is great for valentines day, wedding cards, and sending a hug to a close friend too…

 

Not sure if I’ll have time to keep stamping with this set.. I have to begin prepping for the Royal Blog Tour at the end of July, need to make some swaps for convention, swaps for the upcoming downline meeting… and of course design and prep for upcoming classes.  OH… and I’ll be going to stamp fest at the end of this month too… YIKES… and June is half over already!!  AND… hmm I’m sure there’s more, isn’t there always more?

 

Recipes:

Stamps:  On Your Birthday (111724/$33.95); Best Wishes & More (111602 / $26.95)

Card Stock:  Whisper White, Barely Banana, Old Olive, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie

Classic Ink:  Old Olive, Rose Red

Accessories: 

1” striped Rose Red Grosgrain Ribbon (111846/$8.95)

Linen Thread (104199/$4.50)

Mat Pack (105826/$9.95)

Paper Piercing Tool (116631 / $3.50)

Crop-A-Dile Tool (108362 / $29.95)

Metallic Eyelets (105319 / 200 pcs /$5.95

Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430 $3.95)

Wide Oval Punch (112082 / $15.95)

Designer Label Punch (107590 / $15.95)

1 1/4” Circle Punch (112082/$15.95)

 

Remember… you can order all these supplies at my Online Store right from the comfort of your own home!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: Best Wishes & More,Stampin' up!,Fall,wide oval punch

Blue Birds and Snow Flakes, Best Wishes & More

Did some one mention Christmas?  It is that time of year when the highly organized people choose a special stamp set, matching papers, ribbons and inks and begin constructing Christmas cards for family and friends!  Of course it is not too soon to do just that… but there is a new Stampin’ Up! Catalog coming out on July 1 with new Christmas Stamp Sets! Oh my, such a quandry!

 

The Best Wishes & More stamp set is possibly one of those very “overlooked” stamp sets.  Perfect for all occasions, the nine piece set includes 5 bold images and four greetings for just $26.95.

 

Today’s card features two of those images, a sweet bird and delicate snow flake… both in a stark and crisp color combination of Bashful Blue and Whisper White!

 

The wonderful little Mat pack and piercing tool were used to line up and pierce along the edges of the scallop, and around the bird image.  The Mat Pack is a great little must have tool for stampers and scrappers alike… complete with a small cutting mat, foam base, and acrylic punching grid, it is useful for aligning holes for piercing, placing brads, eyelets, punches and more!

 

 

 

 

 

This is the bold yet delicate snowflake image from the Best Wishes and More stamp set.  I’ve used it to create a wintery background, as well as a focal image on the card.

I really like this one inch stitched grosgrain ribbon… matching card stock and ink perfectly, it is a wonderful addition to cards, even without a bow, my friend!  (You know who you are  :)

Tomorrow I’ll feature a couple more cards with alternate images from this same stamp set… one quite simple, and a second with a few extra tweaks.  I think you’re really going to like them, so be sure to check back!

On a personal note:  I’m half way thru the month, and about $500.00 short of my sales goal for the Stampin’ Up! year… I thank everyone who has placed orders… online and in person!  You guys are just fabulous!

Card Recipes:

Stamps:  Best Wishes & More (111602 / $26.95)

Card Stock:  Whisper White, Bashful Blue

Classic Ink:  Bashful Blue

• Accessories:
• 1” double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon in Bashful Blue (111848/$8.95)
• Mat Pack (105825 / $9.95)
• Paper Piercing Tool (116631/$3.50 -available July 1)
• Scallop Edge Punch (112091/$15.95)

 

Sharon

 

Technorati Tags: Best Wishes & More,Stampin Up,Christmas Cards

What Was I thinking? 6x6 Recipe Swap!

I am not sure why I agreed to this… I think mostly because there were only 8 people signed up to do the 6x6 recipe exchange.  Eight 6x6 scrap book pages, that’s do-able!  Well, before I knew it the scrap page exchange grew by more than double, and I had committed to many more than 8 pages!  Yikes!!  This is a multi layer exchange, current (new catalog) stamps and merchandise only… and Stampin’ Up! products only.  After several attempts, including one neon yellow (or so it would seem) entry… I finally settled on Kraft and Vanilla card stock for a subtle yet elegant scrapbook page to showcase the new stamp set “Razzle Dazzle” (toTe released July 1, 2009).

I took my design cue from the new Stampin’ Up! Idea Book and Catalog cover, using the sanded background stamp and large almost dutch image from the Razzle Dazzle Stamp Set.  Of course, I cannot show you the catalog until July 1st… but when you see it, you will recognize the stamped images!  You can pre-order your catalog by clicking on “Get the New Catalog” just below my blog title/banner.

So… twenty pages later, here is my 6x6 recipe swap entry… lots of layers, ribbon, and brads.  It will be interesting to see and share what I receive back in the mail… I’m hoping for some really great scrapbooking ideas, recipes, and samples to share!  Hope my swappin’ partners like my page and recipe too!

My hands are so sore right now… but I’ve got a lot of more stampin’ to do, see you tomorrow!

Sharon

 

Technorati Tags: Get the New Catalog,Stampin Up,razzle dazzle,scrapbook,recipe swap

Stampin’ Up! Spotlight on CARDS Magazine Blog… and Side Step Card Class June 13th

Sorry about not posting for a few days!  I thought I had posted I would be taking a few days off… but must have deleted it in error.. OOPS!  So.. what have I been doing?  I managed to go through all my retired stamps, pulled the ones I will be selling on July first and put them into alphabetical order.  Now, I will need to type up the entire list with pricing… and then post it! 

Today, the CARDS Magazine Blog featured a wonderful sweet article about Stampin’ Up!  They publishers are eagerly awaiting release of the new Stampin’ Up! Idea Book and Catalog on July 1st.. Read the article on the CARDS Magazine Blog (posted June 10th).

I’ve been playing with all my new stamps… and making new samples for upcoming classes, took care of a few housekeeping issues, and now I’m just about ready to go… Yesterday, I took a pamper myself day… got the peds done, the hair done… and now I’m feeling fresh and ready to go!! Today is my exploding box class, and Saturday will be the side step card class.

This is going to be a really fun class.. we’ll be constructing the base for three Side Step Cards per the tutorial by Yvonne Metz (Yvonne’s Stamping Place).  I’ve asked you to bring along your paper trimmer with a scoring blade so you will get hands on experience in cutting the base for this card.  It’s a little tricky, so we’ll take our time, do it three times..and you’ll be a master at these cards by the time we are done!  I’ll precut all the other pieces for you… (or you might have to spend the night) and then all you will need to do is stamp and assemble!  Class size is limited to allow for hands-on and one on one instruction… sign up early if you plan to attend!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: CARDS,blog,cards magazine,yvonne metz,side step cards,stamp a stack,yvonne's stamping place,teacher

New Stampin Up Catalog...

Ooh.. received my new stampin' up catalog.. and there are quite a few "must have" sets!! The new In-colors are fabulous... I just know you're going to love them... I can't wait to place my order.

Stampin' Up! doesn't allow us to publish/post photos and previews.... so I can't do that... but if you happen to be at my stamp camp this weekend, the new catty may just happen to be in my stamp room :-)

I've got to work on my fifth card for the stamp camp this weekend.. looking forward to seeing you there!! The theme is summer cards!

1st Wednesday Card Club

This is the first Wednesday of the month… and that means I get to enjoy the company of a very delightful group of ladies.  I made lunch, and the hostess brought along the dessert (mmm… cheesecake!)  Although we usually make two projects, this time we made three cards.   And then we waited patiently for the UPS man to bring my new preview catalog and sneak peek pre-order.  Unfortunately, they delivered quite late today, so I had the pleasure of opening the box and touching all the new stuff all by myself!!

So… here are the three cards we made today!

 

This card features the bird from “Friends 24/7”.  The colors used are Bravo Burgundy, Basic Black, and Very Vanilla, and the image was stamped with Bravo Burgundy Classic Ink.

 

To bring more contrast to the card, I added an 1/8” boder of Basic Black between the stamped image and Bravo Burgundy layer beneath the bird.

 

The Black and White Gingham ribbon was died using Bravo Burgundy Classic Ink and a sponge dauber… make sure to let it dry for a few moments before attaching to the card or you’ll smear ink all over the place!

 

 

 

 

 

Life’s a Breeze (Item #111175 / 13 pieces /  $31.95) is retiring!!  This set is so much fun, I had to use it in a card for today’s club… Inspired by a convention swap I received last year, the torn edge of the green galore paper is sponged with the same color. 

 

Bright and colorful stamped images from the set are combined with the Bugs and Kisses stamp set and words from “On Your Birthday). 

 

Classic Inks:  Tempting Turquoise, Pixie Pink, Green Galore, and Basic Black

 

I took these picture outside… I see one blade of grass snuck itself onto the picture above… I probably should have positioned more grass onto the card just for fun!

 

 

One last card… he background layer of Whisper White was stamped with teh Sanded background stamp and Kiwi Kiss Classic Ink.

 

I love the little leaf image from the Le Jardin stamp set… it works well with embossing and faux metal too! 

 

Layers of cardstock include Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White.

 

The word window punch was used to stamp the word “husband” from the Wonderful You stamp set, and a shadow punch of chocolate chip was added behind the word too… neat trick to give it faux dimension.

 

 

 

Hope to see you back tomorrow… I’ll be stamping all day, so should have something fun to share!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: lifes a breeze,retired list,bugs n kisses,friends 24/7,wonderful you,sanded,on your birthday

Once Upon A Time…. Playing with Color and Pattern

Today I’m sharing how I learned to put colors together…  I began to sew at the prime young age of 5… trying to create new garments for my Barbie Doll… that girl never seemed to have enough clothes/outfits!!  My first attempts failed desperately, until my very kind and patient great grandmother showed me how to tie a knot… NO WONDER everything fell apart!!

During the summer when I turned 13, my mother finally decided it was time for me to use a sewing machine… When she signed me up for the sewing course, I heard the angels sing!!  (it was not often that my Mother paid precious dollars to let me take a course or lessons of any type… in fact, this would be the first time in 6 years that she let me take a course). 

Of course, everyone in the class was a beginner, and they were all about my age, or older.  We were instructed to choose a Simplicity pattern, fabric, notions, etc… and get it approved by the teacher, who also worked at the small fabric store in Morro Bay, California.

Knowing that this was probably the first and last sewing class my Mother would allow me to take… for my first sewing project EVER, I chose to make a three piece suit based on a Butterick pattern which included a lined, wool, double breasted suit coat with inset pockets; a crepe de chine mock turtle neck blouse with an invisible zipper, and a lined wool plaid a-line skirt.  You should have seen the teachers’ face!!!  Startled is just the beginning of how I would have described it.  My Mother, wanting to get ‘her money’s worth’ insisted that the teacher allow me to make the items, and told me that I had a LOT of hard work and homework ahead of me.

I did make that three piece suit, and it turned out beautifully, was entered in some contest… and I wore it proudly for several years thereafter. Little did I realize or understand (until the class was over) what my mother’s ulterior motive was… when class ended, she purchased yards and yards of material, patterns, and notions… and for the remaining of the summer my “job” was to make clothes for my younger sister and myself.

Fast Forward…

When my children were small, I became a VERY active quilter.  I was a member of the Pocono Mountain Quilters’ Guild in Pennsylvania, hobnobbing with infamous quilters… it was a VERY large quilters group with over 250 members. 

In spite of my many years of garment construction, my first quilt was an absolute disaster!! Oh, the seams, etc. were perfect… pretty darned good for a beginner.  But I had absolutely NO Clue as to how to associate colors and patterns… so I grabbed a nicely colored commercial bouquet of flowers… and used all the colors in that bouquet in my quilt, colors like peach, rose, pink, beige, and teal… Years later, I don’t mind it so much, it has a muted antique look/feel… but boy, I hated that quilt for many years to follow!

Of course, every quilter (and paper crafter) knows… the more you use it, the easier it gets.. coordinating colors and patterns became a sixth sense… a natural thing…

So, today’s share… two miniature quilts I made, which actually won blue ribbons!!  This first one was for a Hoffman  Fabric challenge conducted by the guild, a 17” wall quilt which I made for my sweet darling daughter who loved Alladin and Jasmine:

 

 

Hard to believe… but everything on this miniature wall hanging was done by hand… no sewing machine at all… back when I quilted 12 stitches per inch (which my arthritic hands no longer allow me to accomplish).  Here’s a close-up…

 

 

 

Remember, the WHOLE quilt was 17” across.. Jasmine’s shoe is just under 1/2” long!

Here’s an earlier Hoffman Challenge wall hanging/miniature I made for the guild (another blue ribbon winner)

again, everything was done by hand.. no machine sewing anywhere!

 

 

 

And a close-up… the challenge fabric in this quilt is what the flower stems were made of (some of the prarie points too)

 

Don’t know if you can see it but the bud on the rose is a folded flower, just like we would make in paper crafting!!

Oh… and here’s my baby girl all grown up…  she does still love her quilt!! 

 

Tomorrow I’ll be back to sharing cards and projects…. hope to see you back here!

Sharon

 

Technorati Tags: pocono mountain quilters,sewing,color coordinating,color sense,quilting,paper crafting

Still Looking for Lindi

Lucky Lindi, number 7... won the blog candy contest, but I have as yet to receive an email from you.. PLEASE post a comment to this post and leave your address info (I will not publish) and I'll get that candy right out to you tomorrow!!!

Thanks!
Sharon

The Retired Stamps.. Last Chance Stamp List

You must act quickly if you want to get any of these stamp sets.. they are going, going gone!!

Page	Name	Item	Price
146	ABC Alphabet Lower	114908	$29.95
146	ABC Alphabet Upper	114910	$29.95
146	ABC Images	114912	$34.95
132	absolutely Fabulous	114914	$21.95
85	Acuarelas maravillosas	114032	$39.95
125	All Scallops	114918	$29.95
59	Always In My Thoughts	111562	$17.95
129	Baroque	109264	$17.95
208	Beautiful Baby	114492	$7.95
118	Beautiful Borders	111594	$25.95
dormant	Bella Blossoms	111596	$23.95
149	Best Bee Four-Line	104532	$20.95
149	Best Bee Three-Line	114533	$18.95
96	Best Kind Of Friend	114922	$21.95
38	Big Birthday Candle	114924	$24.95
40	Big Bold Birthday	114926	$28.95
145	Big Deal Alphabet	114928	$42.95
145	Big Deal Numbers	114930	$24.95
122	Big Flowers	114932	$32.95
208	Birthday Wish	114486	$6.95
30	Blooming with Love	114936	$24.95
42	Boatloads of Love	114938	$23.95
208	Celebrations	114496	$7.95
106	Central Park	113732	$15.95
149	Classic Four-Line	104538	$17.95
149	Classic One-Line	104541	$10.95
128	Classic Stripes	111568	$17.95
149	Classic Three-Line	104539	$15.95
149	Classic Two-Line	104540	$13.95
149	Contemporary Four Line	104542	$17.95
149	Contemporary One Line	104545	$10.95
149	Contemporary Three-Line	104543	$15.95
149	Contemporary Two-Line	33.95	$13.95
149	Decorative Design	104535	$18.95
88	Doodle This	114954	$33.95
135	Elegant Cheer	114956	$18.95
149	Elegant Flower Four-Line	104528	$20.95
149	Elegant Flower Three-Line	104529	$7.95
dormant	Felices fiestas	112921	$20.95
208	Flowers in Silhouette	114498	$7.95
208	Forever	114495	$5.95
108	Frames with a Flourish	113496	$34.95
31	Free & The Brave, The	114962	$21.95
208	Fun Flowers	114488	$5.95
208	Glad Friends	114490	$5.95
56	God Is Love	114970	$23.95
46	Great Grads	114976	$24.95
dormant	Happiness Is a Journey	111540	$16.95
26	Happy Heart Day	114978	$23.95
84	Heartfelt Thanks	114980	$32.95
35	Heritage Holiday	111646	$20.95
dormant	Holiday Trinkets	111650	$15.95
33	Holidays & Wishes	114948	$18.95
134	Hugs & Wishes	114986	$18.95
50	If the Halo Fits	114988	$23.95
117	Illuminations	114990	$30.95
dormant	In Everything Give Thanks	111584	$23.95
140	In Good Form	111654	$29.95
31	Independence Day	114992	$23.95
138	It’s a Sign	114994	$30.95
140	Just B	115000	$29.94
86	Kindred Spirits	111662	$21.95
149	Large Text-Only Simple One Line	104536	$13.95
149	Large Text-Only Simple Two Line	104537	$15.95
70	Life’s a Breeze	113504	$31.95
49	Little Birdie Told Me, A	115016	$26.95
141	Lovely Labels	115028	$14.95
157	Many Happy Returns	115032	$18.95
96	Morning Soft	115036	$19.95
139	One Smart Cookie	111506	$24.95
87	Organic Outlines	111670	$25.95
133	Outlined for Fun	115038	$23.95
71	Perfect Princess	115040	$23.95
28	Pinch Proof	115044	$22.95
72	Prehistoric Pals	115048	$20.95
93	Pretty Amazing	115050	$22.95
209	Say It with Scallops	111678	$17.95
97	Seaside	113512	$25.95
108	Seeing Spots	115058	$16.95
144	Short Order Alphabet	115062	$42.95
144	Short Order Numbers	115064	$27.95
148	Simple Serif Mini Alphabet & Numbers	109429	$20.95
32	Snow Burst	110386	$19.95
dormant	Something New to Love	111692	$24.95
98	Stitched Exotics	115080	$34.95
120	Sweet Celebrations	115082	$24.95
126	Sweet Sampler	115084	$17.95
136	Sweet Serendipity	113626	$20.95
dormant	Tableau of Terror	111576	$18.95
149	Tag It	103516	$18.95
30	Thoughts of Father	115094	$15.95
144	Ticker Tape Alphabet	115096	$42.95
41	Time to Party	111702	$16.95
60	To Have and to Hold	115098	$26.95
dormant	To You & Yours	111706	$18.95
73	Wild about You	115110	$25.95
85	Wonderful Watercolors	113688	$39.95
dormant	Wonderful You	111181	$33.95
67	Zoofari	115116	$22.95
17	Comfort Food	113210	N/A
18	Darling Dots	113710	N/A
17	Dear Friend	113413	N/A
21	Dream a Little	113435	N/A
19	Echoes of Kindness	11330	N/A
17	God’s Beauty	113222	N/A
22	Goody-Goody Gumdrops	113730	N/A
19	Itty Bitty Buds	113720	N/A
20	Little Somethin’, A	113415	N/A
20	Rustic Rooster	113274	N/A
18	Sweet Little Sentiments	113690	N/A
18	Puntos primorosos	114627	N/A
17	Querida amiga	114629	N/A
21	Sueña un poco	114631	N/A
19	Ecos de bondad	114639	N/A
17	La belleza de Dios	114633	N/A
22	Dulce expresiones	114635	N/A
20	Un regalito	114623	N/A
18	Sentimientos de dulzura	114637	N/A

 

Many items will go quickly, for your convenience, order ONLINE HERE

Sharon

Technorati Tags: last chance stamp list,stampin up,item numbers,retired stamp list 2009