Monday, April 30, 2012

Happy Birthday to You

 Happy Birthday to you!  What?  It's not your birthday?  Or did you say, "Thank you.  Thank you very much!"
Whether it's your birthday today or it's coming up, with this fun birthday card, it's gonna be a good one.

Details:  Stamp set - Take a Spin, Paper - Regals Designer Series Paper Packs, Pacific Point, Sahara Sand, Cajun Craze, and Whisper White card stocks; Spinner Hands, Pewter brads,

This is a stamp set that is retiring, so by June 1, it's gonna be gone unless you can find it on eBay or something like that.  There are four stamps in the set, and they are for lots of occasions.  Buy this set by shopping with the "shop here" button on the top right sidebar.

Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Friday, April 27, 2012

May is National Scrapbooking Month


Did you know that scrapbooking has been around since the early 1800s?  Yep, that's right.  The 1800s were long before every household had a camera.  It was before digital cameras and fancy scrapbooking supplies. Back then, people filled their scrapbooks with "scraps".  They would use clippings from newspapers and magazines. They would save special things from events in their lives.
 If you're a new scrapbooker, then there's no better time to start.  Scrapbooking is a hobby, and it's also  an art form. Scrapbooking is a way to express how you feel about events and happenings in your life. Your scrapbook won't be the same as anyone else's. In fact, I enjoy getting together with others and comparing our different ideas.  Even if a scrapbook page is based on the same theme and format, the pictures will be different, and it's all mine.  
 
Your scrapbook is an expression of you. It is a way to share something with others, to let them have a peek into your life. Leave something special behind. Make it uniquely yours. When someone looks at it in the future, they will see something special and know they are seeing a part of you.
 
The question is, what are you leaving for others? 
Thanks for stopping by today ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

3 Tips to Make Your Scrapbooking Easier


Do you have folders full of pictures saved on your computer? Maybe you have boxes of printed photos gathering dust? Or maybe you have all of your photos organized but only a partially completed scrapbook? 

Whether you're just starting your first scrapbook or you're an experienced scrapbooker, here are three tips to help you get more done on your scrapbooks:

*  Scrapbook your most current photos ... and then work your way back. This actually gives you a greater sense of accomplishment and keeps you motivated to keep going.

*  Use basic page layouts to save time -- like these above. Just changing up the colors on the same layout changes the look. You can also use different embellishments (like Mini Vintage Tags #118763 or Designer Printed Brads #122940) for a fresh look. When you use basic page layouts, you can focus on what’s important - preserving your memories. The photos and journaling that you put on each page is what will make the real difference.

*  Add Simply Scrappin’ kits to the mix. These kits, like Country Club (#122371), come with Designer Series Paper, coordinating solid colors of textured card stock, and self-adhesive die cuts. These make creating coordinating page layouts quick and easy.  Just click on the product number to buy now ~~
 Hope you get caught up on your scrapbooking -- I know I'm going to!
Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Retiring Stamp Sets from Stampin' Up

This is by far, the LARGEST Retiring List that Stampin Up! has ever done.  There are over 300 items are retiring -- whoa!!  Stampin' Up! decided to have a NEW catalog format (the size is gonna change, along with when it's released) - so while they were at it, it would be a  great opportunity to revamp the entire content.


While you may be sad that so many are leaving - Be HAPPY because we're getting a WHOLE CATALOG of new exciting Products!  The retiring stamp sets will no longer be available when the new Idea Book and Catalog goes live on June 1st, and sometimes they also sell out of the retiring stamp sets . . . so if you have a favorite on this list, consider ordering right away!  SHOP HERE

So -- I wanted to share the great Retiring Stamp List with you while there's still time (until May 31).  Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Petite Purse for Administrative Professionals Week

Do you carry a big purse or a little one? How about a Petite Purse?
I made some of these last week to see what I thought of 'em. This time, I've made them with moveable handles. See?
All the notes just say "thank you". Lots of thank yous.
I did 14 of them for the Administrative Professionals in our office. I think they will like them. What do you think?

Details: Paper - Marina Mist card stock, Beau Chateau Designer Series Paper; Punches - Scalloped Ribbon, Itty Bitty Punches; Other - Big Shot, Petite Purses Big Shot Die; Basic Pearls, Sticky Strip, SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots.

Have a wonderful day. Thanks so much for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Thank You to Administrative Professionals

Is there someone who helps you out with your day-to-day activities? There isn't anyone who helps me, but I help others because I'm a legal secretary in a patent law firm.
This week on Wednesday, it is officially Administrative Professional Day. When I first began, it was called Secretary's Day . . . I guess that isn't as politically correct anymore. Anyway, all week, it's Administrative Professional's Week.
I was given these paper balloons and asked to dress them up and have "Happy Administrative Professionals Day" printed on them. I did 14 and dressed them up with matching ribbon.

Details: Paper - Whisper White, Daffodil Delight card stock, In-Colors Designer Series Paper Pack; Ink - Elegant Eggplant; Ribbon - Pumpkin Pie and Daffodil Delight 1/4" Grosgrain; Other - Big Shot, Scallop Circles #2 Die, Circles #2 Die; Punches - 2-1/2" Circle and Crop-a-Dile; SNAIL Adhesive, Ribbon Scissors.

Hope you have a happy week, too -- no matter what it is you do! Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Friday, April 20, 2012

Teeny Tiny Purse With Teeny Tiny Cards

What is your favorite price to pay for something? Did you say that you like it when you don't have to pay? You like it when things are . . . Free? Ooooooo. That's mine, too! I love it when I can find something fun for free.
I'm having a class to make these teeny, tiny purses . . . and it's FREE. How sweet is that?
Do you know someone who could use a little pick-me-up? Do you know a little girl who would love to have a little purse with her own little cards that go inside? Or do you know a big girl who would love to have a little purse . . . well, you get the picture.
Such a sweet deal. Lots of fun, the price is right.

See you there - May 5th from 10 until noon.

Details: Ink - Pacific Point; Stamps - Pretty Postage; Punches - Postage, Itty Bitty Punches, and 1" square; Paper - Pacific Point, Very Vanilla and Beau Chateau Designer Series Paper; Other - Big Shot, Petite Purse Die, Tasteful Trim die, SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots, Basic Pearls.

Have a fabulous Friday. Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

A Little Thing . . . and aTip

Do you like little things? Or do you like things that are BIG?

This card is a 3x3 sized card, so you would call it little, but the impact it has when people see it is BIG.

The details are what give this little baby its big impact. There are a lot of details on it. Look at the punched detail, the twine -- those two items give lots of textural touches, along with the pearl at the base of the flower.
We made this at the Stampin' Up! convention last year.

And here's a tip for you: When you are adhering this lace border punch to a card, roll up a glue dot and put it on the punched paper. When you do that, you will be able to adhere it to your card, and yet you will not see the adhesive through the punched details. It's so pretty, you want people to notice the punched paper, not the adhesive.


Details: Stamps - Raining Flower, Paper - Whisper White, Pacific Point, Lucky Limeade, Cherry Cobbler; Punch - Lace Ribbon Border; Inks - Peach Parfait, Lucky Limeade, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso; Other - Linen Thread, Paper Snips, Basic Pearls.

Hope you enjoy the little and big things today. Thanks so much for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

A Morning Without Coffee . . .

Does it take a cup or two to wake you up in the morning? Here's a fun card to help along the way.

I love the fun look and feel of this card. Can't wait to mail it.

Details: Stamps - Morning Cup; Paper - Domestic Goddess Designer Series Paper, Calypso Coral and Whisper White Card Stock; Ink - Basic Gray, Pool Party, Calypso Coral; Other - Big Shot and Top Note Die; Blender Pens, Calypso Coral 3/8" ruffled Ribbon; SNAIL adhesive, Paper Snips.

May your morning be as perky as you want ~~ Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!



Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Going, Going . . . Gone! So Many Great Stamps - So Little Time

Holy cow! Can it really be that time of year again? It's time for the retired list of Stampin' Up!'s stamp sets.


Be sure to grab the stamps of your choice now before they are all gone!

And right now through the end of the month of April, for every order placed, I will give you FREE shipping. Yep, that's right. For these last 15 days of the month, absolutely FREE shipping.

Please note that this rewards program is being offered by me, Julia Sager only, and not Stampin' Up!
If you have any questions, please let me know, you can email me at jsager2@neo.rr.com or call me at 330-607-8041.

Please remember that when you place an order that totals at least $150.00 (before tax and shipping) you have earned hostess benefits, but you have to be ordering through my on-line store in order to get them, so please e-mail me your order and I will place it, giving you your shipping absolutely for FREE.

It's my thank you to you. So thank you. And happy stamping with all your awesome new stamps. Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Monday, April 16, 2012

A Great Big Thank You

Do you say thank you often enough? I'm sure I need to say it more often than I do.

These cards are going out to my Stamper's Club members to give them a great big thank you. More often than not, I try to treat these special people like the VIPs they are. They deserve pampering from me. They put the fun in stamping.

This is using the Best Friends Forever stamp set. I really like the images in this set - not the "BFF" so much, but the leaves with the vine things, and the background stuff in this set is fantastic. For example, this "dot" background is in the Best Friends Forever set and is using the Early Espresso ink. I just stamped it off once on a scrap of paper so that the ink was a lighter color for the image. I think it looks great under the viney leaves.

So here's a great big thank you to all of you wonderful ladies. Love ya!!

Details: Paper - Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper, Always Artichoke, Whisper White, and Cajun Craze card stock; Ink - Not Quite Navy, Early Espresso; Ribbon - Whisper White Taffeta; Punches - Large Scallop Circle, 1-3/4" Circle; Other - SNAIL adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals; Paper Snips.

Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Friday, April 13, 2012

You're "Tea"rific!

Got to have your morning cup to wake up? You can with this card! I think this is a great way to wake up to some fun.






Details: Stamps - Morning Cup; Paper - Domestic Goddess Designer Series Paper, Pool Party, Calypso Coral card stock; Ink - Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Basic Gray; Other - Pool Party 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, SNAIL adhesive, sticky strip, Stampin' Dimensionals.


Thanks for stopping by ~~ hope your day is Tearific, too. Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

Cool Card Package Using Diagonal Scoring Tool With Hand Made Cards to Match

Have you ever been at a loss for words? I am . . . a lot. Sometimes it's just hard to know what to say to another person.
That's when I have given a card -- or a pack of cards. Lately, when someone I know has suffered the loss of a loved one, instead of worrying what to say to them, I give them a pack of cards. The cards may be wrapped up with a ribbon or in a packet.



This is the latest packet of cards I have made for a friend who has suffered an unexpected loss recently. I have been told that the cards have helped a lot -- oftentimes, it's because they have a lot of thank-you notes to write and things like that. I got the template for this envelope packet from CraftyPersons.


The front flap of this envelope box is held shut with a piece of Velcro that I got at the local home office supply store. What's inside?



Ooooooooh. A six-pack of cards with matching envelopes. What a handy thing to give away!



Here is a pic of the cards that are inside. See how nicely they all go together? These cards are great for thanks, birthdays, thinking of you . . . the list goes on and on.



Details: Paper - Whisper White, Always Artichoke, Marina Mist, More Mustard, Cajun Craze card Stock, Paisley Prints Designer Series Paper; Stamps - Best Friends Forever; Ink - Early Espresso and Marina Mist Classic Ink; Punches - 1-3/4" Circle and Large Scallop Circle; Ribbon - Whisper White Taffeta; Other - Paper Snips, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive, Simply Scoring Tool and Diagonal Plate, Stampin' Sponges.


Hope you find all the right things to say today . . . Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Two Birds on a Line - Just Punching and the Brayer with a Touch of Sponge

Wow. How about that card? Have you pulled your brayer out lately? You can do some pretty great things with it. I just love how you can blend colors with it and they turn out almost magical. When I do these kinds of cards, my boys tell me I'm an artist.


This fantastic card is CASEd from Michelle Zindorf again. You can check out here tutorial of how to make it right here. She calls it Three Birds on a Wire. I make smaller cards than Michelle, so I always have to modify mine a bit.


Everyone in Stamper's Club enjoyed making these. It was our last club for a while (we take the summer off). I'm gonna miss those gals somethin' fierce. We always have such a good time together. Thanks to all of you for hanging in with me and making this session of Stamper's Club so great!!


Details: Stamps-None; Card Stock: Stampin’ Up! Whisper White and Basic Black, Mocha Morning Designer Series Paper; Ink - Stampin’ Up! More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive; Other - Stampin’ Up! Sponge, brayer, Large Bird Punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Lucky Limeade Baker’s Twine, and 1-3/4″ Circle Punch.


Hope you have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

A Little Note . . . Hand Made Card With Cool Bricks

Any DIYers out there? If you enjoy laying tile/bricks, then I've got the card for you.

Okay -- I'm in absolute LOVE with this card. I think the brick background is super cool.

We are making this card at Stamper's Club tonight. I can hardly wait. I've got everything cut out and ready to go. Great and fun technique for the brick/tile background that I totally CASEd from Michelle Zindorf. She is so wonderful at sharing with her tutorials, and they are completely free. Another thing to love about her.

My Stamper's Club is going to enjoy this card a lot -- and I got to use this antique typewriter stamp set again that is from the mini catalog.

Details: Stamps - You’re My Type; Card Stock - Whisper White, Early Espresso, and Stampin’ Up Designer Series paper Well Worn; Ink -Stampin’ Up! Basic Black and Early Espresso; Other - Stampin’ Up! sponge, Post-It Note, Crumb Cake Marker, White Gel Pen, Ruler, Paper Snips, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive.

So here's another Little Note from me to you -- hope you have a wonderful day and that you stop by again super soon! Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'~

Friday, April 6, 2012

Get Well Soon - Hand Stamped Friendship

Do you have a friend? Does that friend strengthen you?
This card is CASEd from the current Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog. In fact, it can be found on page 114. I liked the simplicity of the card, thought I could tweak it to work with what I have and decided to go for it.

When you're CASEing a card, it doesn't have to be spot on with the color or even the stamp set. CASEing is when you have an inspiration piece, and it helps you make something similar, not exact. And that's okay. We all need to put our personalities into the things we create.

Tip - When you are making cards that you know you are going to mail, be sure to use lots of adhesive. Now is not the time to be stingy. Put on more adhesive than you might normally, being sure to hit the middles of the card stock, put on one more dimensional, another glue dot. If you ever see your cards after they have been mailed (you go to visit that person and they have the card hanging up on the frig or a cabinet), you will be glad you took the time to put on a bit more adhesive. When cards go through the Postal Service, the machinery can knock things out of whack if there isn't enough adhesive on it.
As usual, I decided if I was making one, I may as well make six (or eight or ten)! After all, get well cards are always needed, make great gifts for a friend, hostess, housewarming in a packet of cards, birthday, etc.

Details: Stamp Sets - God's Blessings, Lovely As a Tree, Delightful Dozen; Ink - Cajun Craze, Sahara Sand; Paper - Cajun Craze, Sahara Sand, Early Espresso, and Very Vanilla Card Stock; Neutrals Brads Pack; Stampin' Dimensionals, Big Shot, Backgrounds #1 Texturz Plates, Glue Dots.

Be sure to be a friend to someone today. Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Four Cards From One Base - That's Versatility

Remember this card base from yesterday's post? I made six of them. I changed each one up a bit by adding a diffeent sentiment. It's different in both style of font, wording, etc.

Using Marina Mist and the Circle Scissors Plus, we've got a nice circle cut out for the 2-1/2" Circle punched Very Vanilla piece. The stamp set used here is the Thoughts and Prayers. Marina Mist, Wild Wasabi and Daffodil Delight Markers were used to color the image on the stamp. When I was done coloring, I just breathed on the stamp, giving it the "breath of life", and it was ready to stamp. I like this image on this base. I think it looks classy and can be used for a variety of events: birthday, thinking of you, sympathy, whatever.

This one is fun and is, of course, for a birthday. It's the stamp set called "Take the Cake", I believe. I colored in the blocked word using a Blender Pen and the Marina Mist and Daffodil Delight classic ink pads. The card stock is, again, Marina Mist and Very Vanilla. I rounded the corners of the sentiment blocks using the 1" circle punch. I really like using the punches like that.

This is a special card I made for a special friend. The stamp set is the Seriously Something or other. I think it has the cutest sayings. As soon as I figure out the real name of the stamp set, I'll post it. I colored the image using a Blender Pen, Marina Mist and Early Espresso classic ink pads.

This one is my husband's fave. I think the colors look fantastic together. Again, the direct-to-stamp technique was used to color the image. Stampin' Write markers of Riding Hood Red and Early Espresso were used to "brush" the color onto the stamp, give it the "breath of life", stamp, and you're good to go. The words "With Sympathy" are from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set and stamped in Early Espresso.

Once I did this image, it was my favorite for the card, and I created the last of the cards with it, switching out the words in the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set so I had a variety of sentiments, but the same image for the rest of the cards. This card is going to my in-law's mailbox.


And this card will be sent off to another family member.


One card base and six different cards. That's a lot of versatility. And great value.


Have you switched things up in your life today? Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Packets of Hand Made Cards

Here are a couple of the packets of cards I posted yesterday. Some of them have "thinking of you" sentiments. Some of the cards are "thank you" cards. I wanted a variety of sorts, and here they are . . . all tied up with pretty ribbon. I'll put a packet in a padded envelope, and away they will go!
As soon as I was done with the packets, I began on the next set of cards, and this is as far as I got before Mr. Sandman claimed me. I'm going to use this base for several different cards (I made 6 of the base card). I'll post the cards made with the base tomorrow. This is a very different color combination that I chose out of the Color Coach. This is a color combo I would not normally choose, but I said to myself as I began, "Self, you need to get uncomfortable every once in a while; it's the only way to grow and get better. Choose something out of your normal range." And this is what I got. I'll look forward to posting the finished cards tomorrow.

Hope you grow and get your "better" going today. Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Monday, April 2, 2012

Birthday Cards for a Friend - Hand Made With Vintage Style

A friend of mine had a surprise birthday party yesterday. One of the biggest surprises was on me -- I completely forgot about the party. As awful as that sounds, I'm sure we've all been there. My memory isn't what it used to be.
So as a present (we weren't to bring any to the party), I'm making her a little packet of cards like these. They will have different sentiments, but this is the Thank You card from the group. I love the vintage feel of the card. I used lots of tea stain on it and the stamp set was from the Sale-A-Bration that is now over (so sad).

Details: Stamps - Fresh Vintage, Faith in Nature, Baroque Wheel; Standard Handle, Paper - Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red, Brights Buttons, Ink - Distressing Essentials, Lucky Limeade, Riding Hood Red, Soft Suede, Punches - 1" square, Postage, Scallop ribbon, 2-1/2" Circle. Stripes Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine, Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon, Snail, Stampin' Dimensionals, Glue Dots.


Hope you remember all the things you are supposed to do. Thanks so much for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!