Another Occasions Sneak Peek!

Here's another Occasions Catalog sneak peek!  This time I played with one of the great valentine's themed stamp sets.  This one is called, Wood You Be Mine?  

I stamped the wood-cutter man using Tuxedo Black Momento Ink and colored with both Stampin' Wrtie Markers and the awesome Blendabilities markers to get just the right colors.  It's a fairly simple layout and the colors are more manly.

Stamps:  Wood You Be Mine?

Colors:  Smoky Slate, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy Stamping!

Occasions Catalog Sneak Peek!

I'm finally able to play with the new toys I got from the up-coming Occasions Catalog.  This set was one that was on the top of my list.   There are just SO many things that are awsome from this new catalog.

I stamped the image with Tuxedo Black Momento ink and then colored it in using the Blendabilities markers.  So much fun.....and there are a few new sets of Blendabilities to add to your wish list!

Thanks for stopping by.
Happy stamping!

Christmas & My Paper Pumpkin

Today's post shows just a few different ways that you can use the November 2014 My Paper Pumpkin kit.  I took an idea posted by my friend Boni, who made a cute hot chocolate gift with this kit. 

Like Boni's idea, I cut off one side of the snowflake and glued down the other.  For this card, I cut off the discarded snowflake and glued it down on the top.  The sides of the lower portion are glued to make a pocket.  Then it was just a matter of making a note to put into the pocket and decorate with the baker's twine and the silver snowflake and jewel.

The next thing I made was a gift card holder using the same basic idea as the card above.  However, this time I stamped the snowflakes from the stamp set that came with the kit and added a snowflake charm that retired last fall.  Quick and much prettier than gift card holders you buy in the store (or get free when you purchase the gift cards)!

Finally, I was left with all these parts that I cut off of the cards.  I wanted to use all the pieces, and these make great gift tags!  I glued down the white snowflake pieces and then the Soft Sky snowflake over it (like you would have done on the card), corner-rounded the upper corners and punched a 1/8" hole in the top center.  I had enough silver tabs to add over the hole and tied baker's twine through it.  The little sivler dots are the centers from the tabs, and a few jewels finish it off.  On the back, I stamped the "to-from" stamp that came in the stamp set.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy stamping.

It's almost like Christmas!

Spoiler alert.........

Look what came in my mailbox yesterday.  Another great stamping kit from My Paper Pumpkin.  

If you haven't subscribed yet, now is a great time to try it for yourself.  And, it makes a great last minute Christmas gift too...just buy a pre-paid subscription (or ask for one for yourself).  

Questions?  I'd be glad to answer them.

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy Stamping!

December Stamping Escape Projects

Last Thursday I met with some amazing women for the Stamping Escape Class of 2014.  We made quick last minute Christmas projects that would make great gifts.

I can't take credit for this adorable stamped candle.  It's the creation of my friend and fellow Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Kathy Howes.  A dollar store candle, a piece of white tissue paper, stamps, markers, a piece of waxed paper and a heat tool and you have a great gift!

Stamps:  Bearing Gifts

This adorable little box was made using the Curvy Box Thinlits die out of the Holiday Catalog.  I got the idea from here, but updated it by using the current small heart punch for the beak and adding a stamped tag (the tag comes with the die) using the stamp set, Christmas Tagables.  This is a great way to use those punches!

Stamps:  Christmas Tagables

Finally, we made a quick gift bag using the Petite Cafe Gift Bags also from the Holiday Catalog.  They are food-safe lined, so they are great to put baked goods inside!  This one is taken directly from Stampin' Up!, I just used  a piece of DSP instead of cutting a shape out of the bag.  No stamps this time, but the star is from the Stars Framelits dies, and the "Noel" is from the Wonderful Wreath Framelits dies.

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy stamping!

November Stamp Club Projects

This last month at stamp club, we focused on more Christmas projects.  Here they are:

This first project is a cute little box made using the Scallop Tag Topper Punch and a strip of Designer Series Paper.  The smaller paper stacks that SU! has been carrying are a perfect choice!  I can't take credit for the design.  It goes to fellow SU! Demonstrator, Diane Barnes.

Stamps:  Merry Everything

Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White & Trim the Tree DSP stack

Accessories:  Scallop Tag Topper Punch, Note Tag Punch, 1/16" Handheld Punch, 1" Sheer Linen Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

Can you tell I really like this envelope card design?  This one is simplified by simply coloring in the Nutcracker image with Blendabilities Markers.  I LOVE those markers!  This really goes together quick.

Stamps:  Santa Stache

Paper:  Whisper White, Garden Green, Nordic Noel DSP

Accessories:  Blendabilities Markers, Sizzix Big Shot, Circles Collection Framelits, Whisper White Medium Envelopes, 1-1/4" Circle Punch

This last card is one of my favorites by far.  It looks so elegant, and yet is pretty quick to make.  The "Merry" image is stamped in Perfect Plum, then stamped off once.  Before stamping onto the Whisper White card stock, ink a Sponge Dauber in Blackberry Bliss ink and sponge the center around the Merry.  The darker snowflakes are stamped with Blackberry Bliss ink as well.  The smallest snowflakes are stamped in Whisper White Craft ink.

Stamps:  Endless Wishes, Seasonally Scattered

Paper:  Perfect Plum, Silver Glimmer Paper, Whisper White

Accessories:  Sponge Daubers, Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Thanks again for stopping by.

Happy Stamping!

November Stamping Escape Projects

I didn't realize how long it had been since I'd blogged, but oh my, it's been a few weeks!  Better late than never as the saying goes.  Here are the projects we made this last month at my Stamping Escape Class.

This cute little box was made using the Gift Box Punch board that is featured in the Holiday Catalog. It's a 1-3/4" square box that has a star cut from the side and a piece of window sheet attached on the inside to keep the contents inside.  

Stamps used:  Festival of Trees

This card is another take on the envelope card.  It uses the Christmas Bauble stamp again from the Holiday Catalog.  The image has been embossed with Silver embossing powder and then colored in using the Many Marvelous Markers (Soft Sky, Lost Lagoon, Pear Pizzazz & the Silver Stampin' Dazzle marker).  The greeting image is from the November 2013 Paper Pumpkin kit.

Finally, this is a card pretty much cased directly from the Holiday Catalog.  I've embossed the background with the Lucky Stars TIEF and the Sizzix Big Shot, and replaced the ribbon with a strip of Cherry Cobbler card stock.

Stamps used:  Festival of Trees and Petite Pairs. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Christmas SAS Round 2 Projects

It's a cold snowy day here in Colorado, so it's a great time to post the projects from the second Christmas Stamp-a-Stack class earlier this month.

I love the simplicity of this card.  The photo really doesn't do it justice as the silver Dazzling Details really pop giving just the right amount of bling.

Stamp Sets:  Bright & Beautiful & Sassy Salutations

Colors:  Whisper White, Soft Sky & Island Indigo

Accessories:  Silver Dazzling Details, Stampin' Dimensionals

This cute card was cased from a fellow demonstrator.  I don't know who though (if it's you, please let me know so I can give you credit).  It uses a standar envelope that's been sealed for the pocket.  A quarter-size piece of card stock is stamped and inserted into the pocket for the greeting.  

Stamp Sets:  Santa Stache 

Colors:  Whisper White, Real Red

Accessories:  Medium Whisper White Envelopes, Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper, Nordic Noel DSP, Sizzix Big-Shot, Mustache Framelits, Circles Collection Framelits, 1-1/4" Circle punch, Cherry Cobbler & Skin Tones Assortment Blendabilities markers, Stampin' Dimensionals

I love the non-traditional colors of this card.  And, it's really simple to make too!

Stamp Sets:  Endless Wishes

Colors:  Smoky Slate, Whisper White, Blackberry Bliss

Accessories:  Blackberry Bliss 3/8" Stitched Satin ribbon, Whisper White Baker's Twine, Rhinestone Basic Jewels

This is another card that is SO much prettier in person.  You miss seeing the sparkle in the Shimmery card stock!

Stamp Sets:  White Christmas

Colors:  Garden Green, Shimmery card stock, Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede, Tuxedo Blacks

Accessories:  Texture Boutique, Northern Flurry TIEF, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Sizzix Big-Shot, Circles Collection Framelits, Stampin' Dimensionals, Trim the Tree DSP stack

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping

Christmas SAS Projects

I've held a couple Christmas Stamp-A-Stacks (SAS) this fall.  The first one was in October.
Here are the projects that we made:

Stamp set:  Seasonally Scattered, Watercolor Winter Too & Hardwood

Colors:  Soft Sky, Whisper White & Island Indigo

Accessories:  Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer paper, Frosted Sequins, White Embossing Powder, Sizzix Big-Shot & Ovals Collection Framelits dies

Stamp set:  Bright & Beautiful, Good Greetings (hostess special)

Colors:  Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla

Accessories:  Gold Foil paper, Gold Embossing Powder, Sizzix Big-Shot, Filigree Frame TIEF, Stars Framelits dies

Stamp set:  Festival of Trees

Colors:  Crumb Cake, Mossy Meadow, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Early Espresso

Accessories:  Lucky Stars TIEF, Sizzix Big-Shot, Circles Collection Framelits dies, Tree Punch, Gold Glimmer paper, Itty Bitty Accents Punch pack, Gold Dazzling Details, Trim the Tree DSP

Stamp set:  Wondrous Wreath

Colors:  Garden Green, Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Whisper White

Accessories:  Red Glimmer paper, Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details, Sizzix Big-Shot, Wonderful Wreath Framelits dies

Each person made 2 of each of these cards, and I included the envelopes for easy mailing!  After a full weekend of 10 ladies over 2 days, there was a good head-start on getting those Christmas cards made.

Thanks for stopping by...

Happy stamping!

October Stamp Club Projects..finally!

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm working at getting caught up on my blogging.  So, here are the projects we made this last month at stamp club.

This cute little treat bag uses the new Petite Cafe Bags from the Holiday catalog.  They are a great value for $5.95 when you get 10 of them in the package!  The stamp set and framelit bundle, Fall Fest 

 was used to decorate the front of the bag.  A piece of White & Tangerine Tango Two-Tone Trim along the top of the folded bag adds just the right touch.  And a tag made using another bundle, Merry Everything finishes it off.

This card uses the very popular White Christmas stamp set from the Holiday Catalog.  It's stamped on a piece of Whisper White card stock, colored in using the Many Marvelous Markers and then a piece of Transfer Adhesive Sheets is adhered to the top of the card stock.  Remove the backing and attach a used dryer sheet over the top.  There are just enough openings in the dryer sheet that when Dazzling Diamonds Glitter is sprinkled over the top, it looks like a snowy scene!

The final card is a case from my friend Shauna Mikuliak.  She had made a card very similar to this one for a swap this summer.  My stamp club ladies liked it so much, they wanted to make it at stamp club.  Lovely As a Tree to the rescue!  It makes a great winter card.

Thanks again for stopping by.

Happy stamping!

Catching Up!...

Hello!  I'm catching up....again!
I knew it had been awhile since I'd blogged, but oh my!  I didn't realize how long until I started today.

Here are the projects we made last month at my Stamping Escape Class.  All were a big hit.  I've loved showing the versatility of one stamp set.  For October, the stamp set I featured was Wondrous Wreath.

This card idea was cased from Tina Rappe.  I modified the card to be a birthday card, Tina's was a baby card.  And, I simplified the layout by adding fewer flowers.  If you were only making a few, adding the extra flowers is nice.

I've seen a number of different ways to use this set for Fall.  I took a technique that we learned at Stampin' Up!'s annual convention this past summer called Reverse Rock & Roll and used it for the wreath coloring.

First ink up the full wreath image (there are 3 for layering) in Crushed Curry ink.  Before you stamp it onto the Very Vanilla card stock, ink a sponge dauber in Cajun Craze ink and spot ink around the wreath on top of the Crushed Curry ink.  Breath onto the inked stamp to remoisten the ink and stamp.

I did stamp the berries image over the top, and then once assembled added some Gold Dazzling Details to give it a little pizzazz!

This great fence card for Christmas, as cased almost entirely again from Tina Rappe.  The only change I made was using a piece of Soft Sky card stock in place of the designer series paper.  You could also add snowflakes from another stamp set, but I was not wanting to add additional stamp sets.

On both the birthday card and the Christmas card, we made fork bows (using a serving fork).  There are numerous tutorials already on the internet, just google fork bow and you'll find them.  It makes a cute little bow with less ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by.  Happy stamping!

Holiday Home...Finally!

I'm finally getting caught up a little on my posting here.  I realized that I hadn't posted the samples of the cards we made at my Stamping Escape Class last month.  They were great cards made using the Holiday Home Bundle from the 2014 Holiday Catalog, and everyone loved them!

This first card is made using the Note Cards & Envelopes.  They are the perfect size for a quick thank-you, thinking of you, etc.  And, you get 20 of them in a package!  The idea was cased almost entirely from something I found on Pinterest.  It was pinned originally from www.scrapbookandcardstodaymag.typepad.com.

The Halloween card was an idea that one of my team members (Jen Wade) made for our September Shoebox Swap.  I adapted the Designer Series Paper to be smaller so that I could have enough from one package.  The little house is embossed with white embossing powder and then cut out using the coordinating Framelits dies.

Although it takes a little time, this fall house was colored in using the amazing Blendabilities markers from Stampin' Up!  I am amazed everytime that I use them at what great color blending they give.

This final card was super simple and would make a great Christmas card to send to friends and family!  The houses are stamped in Memento Ink Tuxedo Black onto Basic Gray and then cut out using the coordinating Framelits dies.  The moon is a 2-1/2" Circle punched from Hello Honey card stock, and the santa and sleigh were stamped onto it with the Tuxedo Black ink as well.  A strip of Lost Lagoon 3/8" Silky Taffeta Ribbon tied at the top add just the right touch to this card.

Hope you've enjoyed the card ideas....

Happy stamping!

Creative Hop!

Hello!  I was tagged by my friend, Boni, to participate in the Creative Hop.  Boni is the author of the blog Stampin' Sweet, and a challenge designer for My Pumpkin Challenge and a great stamper too!  Have you heard of the Creative Hop?  Not yet?  It's a way for us to tell you a little about ourselves and make some new friends as we go.  You can see Boni's post here with her answers to the questions.

Now it's my turn!

What am I working on now?

Balance!  It's the biggest challenge I've had lately and it's meant taking a step back and looking at everything I'm involved in and analyzing it all to see where it's importance lies.  Faith, family, friends  and creativity are all important to me.

That of course, has impacted my time in my stamping studio.  On the creative front, I've been working on the next Christmas Stamp-A-Stack class scheduled for the beginning of November.  I love Christmas and Christmas projects!  So I've been creating simple cards in various styles and colors that will appeal to my customers.  Can't wait to share some with you soon. 

How does my work differ than others in my genre?

I think that I'm a fairly simple stamper.  What I mean by that, is that I want to choose designs that are easy to follow and re-create.  If the layouts are too complicated, then others will find them too difficult and won't try making them on their own.  Teaching others how easy it is to be creative brings me joy and fulfillment.

Why do I create what I do?

I've always been a crafter, so using rubber stamps to craft with was an easy transition.  I tend to make cards, because a handmade card that is received in the mail (or in person) brings a smile to the recipients face.  It's something that I create that I can give away.

I remember as a little girl visiting my Grandma's house in the summers.  She was a crafter, and she was willing to help me learn to make things.  That's where I learned to make my own paper dolls and design my own paper doll clothes.  I guess you could say that was my first experience as a paper-crafter!

How does my creative process work?

The process I use starts with finding inspiration.  That inspiration can come from a magazine (and not necessarily a stamping one), from Pinterest or from stamping blogs.  I find it easier to start with an idea and then to make it my own using supplies that I have at my fingertips.  Using card sketch challenges is another way that I find creativity.  Monthly stamp club and monthly stamping classes force me to stay creative, seeking new project ideas for each one.

Thanks, Boni, for tagging me!  

A Simple Thank-You

Have you been looking for a simple thank-you card?  Here is an idea that you might like, using the Crumb Cake Note Cards & Envelopes you can make 20 of these by adding some designer series paper scraps (2-1/2" squares) a card stock accent, a little trim and a simple greeting.

Stamp Set:  Good Greetings (Hostess only through October 31st)

Card Stock:  Crumb Cake Note Cards & Envelopes, Mossy Meadow

Accessories:  Color Me Autumn Designer Series Paper, Venetian Trim, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sizzix Big-Shot, Autumn Accents Bigz die

Stock Up & Save Sale

Don't miss out on this BIG sale!  Get those basic supplies at 15% off and select stamp sets at 20% off.  Hurry though, because this sale ends on Monday, October 6th!

I'll be putting in an order on Monday.  So, if you want me to add items to it for you, please contact me soon!

September Stamp Club

I had a great time this past Monday evening sharing some great projects with my Thornton stamp club ladies.  Thank you to each of you for letting me come and share my love of stamping with you each month!

Here are the projects that we made:

This adorable card shows a great way to use the Freaky Friends stamp set in a way other than Halloween!

Stamps:  Freaky Friends & My Paper Pumpkin-May 2014

Colors:  Tangerine Tango, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Sahara Sand & Whisper White

Accessories:  Motley Monsters DSP, 1-3/8" & 1-3/4" Circel Punches, Paper Snips & Stampin' Dimensionals

Stamps:  Freaky Friends & Good Greetings (Hostess Special)

Colors:  Kraft, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White

Accessories:  Box Punch Board, Tangerine Tango Baker's Twine, 1-3/8" Circle & 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punches, 1/8" Circle Punch, Motley Monsters DSP, Paper Snips, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

This adorable project is one that was featured in the Stampin' Success Magazine (sent to demonstrators every other month).  It makes it so easy to come up with ideas!

Stamps:  Freaky Friends & Good Greetings (Hostess Special)

Colors:  Whisper White, Tangerine Tango, Many Marvelous Markers: Pear Pizzazz, Smoky Slate, Crushed Curry, Crumb Cake, Tangerine Tango & Old Olive

Accessories:  Motley Monsters DSP, Gold Glimmer Paper, Metallic Clothespins, White & Tangerine Tango Two-tone Trim, Paper Snips, Mini Muslin Bags

Thanks again for stopping by!

Remembering

It seems only appropriate on this day, to remember those who were lost on September 11th, 2001.

The stamp set that I used on this card is one that Stampin' Up! made as a special edition specifically to remember the tragedies that occured in the United States on that day.  They donated the entire proceeds from the sales of this stamp to the September 11th Fund.

Always remember...never forget!

September Shoe-box Swap

Yesterday I held a shoe-box swap with my team members.  It's a great time for each of us to plan a project and bring the supplies for everyone to make it.  The projects are always awesome, and perfect for parties and classes.  You never know, you might see one of these at the next class you attend.

Sherri Minne's shoe-box swap

Stamps used:  Festival of Tress*

Accessories:  Tree Punch*, All Is Calm Designer Washi Tape, Frosted Finishes Embellishment (retired, but you could use the new All Is Calm Snowflake Embellishements from the Holiday Catalog), Soft Sky 1/2" seam binding, Decorative Dots TIEF, Sizzix Big-Shot

Amy Taylor's shoe-box swap

 Stamps used:  Freaky Friends, Good Greetings (hostess only)
Accessories:  Gift Box Punch Board, 1-3/8" Circle punch, Label Bracket punch, 1/8" Handheld punch, Bermuda Bay 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Motley Monsters DSP, Stampin' Dimensionals

Michele Force's shoe-box swap

Stamps used:  Get Your Santa On

Accessories:  Blendabilities Markers, Filigree Frame TIEF, Sizzix Big-Shot, Deco Labels Collection Framelits, Silver 1/8" Ribbon, 2-Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

Jennifer Wade's shoe-box swap

Stamps used:  Holiday Home*
Accessories:  Homemade Holiday Framelits Dies*, Motley Monsters DSP, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

Thanks again for stopping by!

Happy New Home

Recently, I needed to send a "happy new home" card.  Years ago, Stampin' Up! had a stamp set that was perfect for this purpose.  Of course, as all things Stampin' Up! go that set was retired.  Fortunately for me, the new Holiday Catalog has a new stamp set in it that has multiple uses: Fall, Halloween, Christmas & new home!

Here is what I came up with.

Stamp sets:  Holiday Home*

Accessories:  Homemade Holiday Framelits Dies*, Blendabilities Markers, Cupcake Builder Punch

*Available as a bundle

Thanks for stopping by!

Birthday SAS Projects

Last night was a great night of making birthday cards at my Birthday Stamp-a-Stack class.  Everyone made 2 of each of these cards.

This awesome card idea was cased by fellow demonstrator, Heather Owens.  Her card was not a birthday card, but a thank-you card.  I loved her colors and layout and changed the stamps to fit the occasion.

Stamps used:  Just Sayin', Big News, Age Awareness, Yippee-Skippee, Remembering Your Birthday

Accessories:  Sizzix Big-Shot & Word Bubbles Framelits, White Embossing Powder & Heat Tool

You may recognize this card layout from an earlier post.  I used this same layout back in June.  It worked perfectly for this simple birthday card.  

Stamps used:  Age Awareness

Accessories:  Lucky Stars Textured Impressions Folder & Sizzix Texture Boutique machine

This last card is a very simple layout, but I think would make a great gift if made up in a few different colors and tied with a bow.  I know I would love a gift of handmade cards.

Stamps used:  Apothecary Art

Accessories:  Sizzix Big-Shot & Labels Collection Framelits, Scallop Edge Border punch

Thanks for stopping by!

August Stamp Club Projects

This month's stamp club projects featured the stamp set, Amazing Birthday (#134225 in wood-mount or #134228 in clear-mount).  This first project uses one sheet of the new Moonlight DSP stack (#133701).  Each sheet in this stack measures 4-1/2" x 6-1/2".  The little gift bag is perfect for small fun-sized candies or a gift card.  

The next card makes great use of the Stampin' Write markers.  Simply color each section of the stamp in different colors and stamp onto a piece of Whisper White card stock.  For the background, a simple textured piece of card stock works well.  Here, I used the Arrows TIEF (#132187) and the Texture Boutique Machine.

This last card was cased from the display boards at Inspie, Create, Share 2014.  It again uses the Moonlight DSP stack, a textured background this time Alphabet Press (#130916), and a few stars punched with the star punch from Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack.

Thanks for stopping by.  Happy Stamping!