Friday, June 28, 2013

Friends and Celebrations

Do you like hanging out with friends?  Do you like having fun and laughing a lot?

I sure do!  That's one of the best things about what I do.  I get to hang out with friends and laugh and play.
Here's a good example!  After we were done making a bunch of projects, I asked everyone to show me their favorite and snapped this picture!  We've bot Cathy, Donna, Gayle, Deb, and Marcy.  Thanks, ladies!  It was so much fun to create with you . . . you're the best.

Today's our younger son's 17th birthday.  How can he be 17 already?  I don't know where the time goes.  Must be flying by so quickly since I'm having fun with friends (LOL).

Here he is with his cake -
He's got the summer facial hair thing going on . . . says he's not shaving all summer.  **sigh**  I don't know what it is with my guys and their facial hair.  My hubby says it's because it's a renewable resource.  Ha!

Well, hope you have a great Friday and get to hand out with your friends and have a celebration or two.

Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Best Way to Make a Negative Image

Want another hot trend tip?

Negative images.

What's that?

Well, it's when you do layering, but not layering on top of something.  You are making the image on the bottom of something.
This is an example that I showed on this blog post:
You can see there are layers, and they are underneath, not layered one on top of the other.
Here's the best easy way to do a negative image.  Really, it's super easy because it's only one cut:
Using Gumball Green ink on Gumball Green card stock, the Hello Doily image was stamped, slightly offset from the center.  Then using the Circles Collection Framelits, the Framelit was centered on the image and run through the Big Shot.  Then the Naturals White card stock was placed underneath, in the middle of the card, the sentiment stamped on it, and then the Naturals White was adhered.

Tip - I waited until I was done stamping my Bermuda Bay inked Occasions Alphabet sentiment through my cut-out circle because that way if I messed up the stamping, I could turn the card stock over and use the other side (no wasting here!)
The new Bermuda Bay Designer paper from the Brights Designer Series Paper Stacks was used for the bright strip of pattern you see here.  Then there's just a tiny strip of Raspberry Ripple across the bottom.  A bit of Linen Thread and a Vintage Faceted Button adhered with glue dots finishes the card beautifully.

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Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Using Photopolymer Stamps

It's Wednesday . . . that means it's video time!!

Clearly, it's time for Photopolymer stamps, don't you think?  Have you tried these yet?

I have three sets and really love using them.  What do I like about them?

  1. They flex
  2. You can see right where you're stamping
  3. Stampin' Up!'s stamps are high quality, so the image is great
  4. They clean up like my regular stamps do - easily and completely - love it!
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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Everyone Loves The Chalkboard Trend

What is super hot right now?  The chalkboard trend!  Ouch!  It's just c-r-a-z-y hot!!

I'm like everyone else and just lovin' it, too!
We made the sweetest little goodies to take home and/or share at Friday's party.  Too cute!

Here's how to get a chalkboard look:

  • Using Basic Black card stock, die cut a shape you want (we used the Chalk Talk Framelits)
  • Use a White ink or emboss your images with white - or you can use color if you want "colored" chalk.; Be sure to "smudge" up your black card stock a little bit - after all, it's hard to get those chalkboards completely clean, isn't it?  We used Chalk Talk stamp set and the Floral Flourishes stamp set;
  • embellish (here we used some Basic Pearls.  
oooooo . . . pretty.


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Monday, June 24, 2013

Hello Lovely Easy Box - How To

Hello!

Hello, Lovely!

LOL - that's the name of this stamp set, and it's so stinkin' cute.  It's got lots of great images to use for loads of fun stuff.
Like this box . . .
Great little gift here - know someone who would love to get this?
I made this box for my hostess of last Friday's event.  It was a great time and a fabulous way to end a Friday.
Look at all those awesome layers!
It only took me 1/2 an hour before work on Wednesday morning.  That Big Shot and Framelits make creating adorable projects super easy.  Here's how:

  1. Before assembling the box, line up the largest Circles Collection Framelits Die in the top of the kraft box and die cut using the Big Shot.
  2. Die cut different sizes of circle frames from Whisper White, Pool Party, Gumball Green, and Island Indigo card stock; adhere the circles in layers to the backside of the top flap of the box using Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL or Glue Dots.
  3. Stamp the "Thank You" banner image in Island Indigo Ink on Whisper White Cardstock, cut out, and adhere to the box using Stampin' Dimensionals.
  4. Stamp the arrow image on Pool Park cardstock with Island Indigo ink, cut out, and adhere to the box using Stampin' Dimensionals.
  5. Punch out the heart image using the Owl Punch, accent it with Dazzling Diamonds (I forgot to do this before taking the pic - I did it afterwards, and it looked super!), and adhere to the box.
  6. Tiue Raspberry Ripple 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon around the box.
How easy! and How cute!  Since I'm a fan of chocolate, I filled mine with Hershey kisses, but you can use whatever floats your boat or rocks your world.

What I used:
Stamp set - Hello Lovely
Paper - Gumball Green, Island Indigo, Pool Party, Raspberry Ripple, Whisper White;
Ink - Island Indigo.
Accessories and Tools - Kraft Gift Box, Dazzling Details, Raspberry Ripple 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive, Mini Glue Dots, Big Shot, Owl Punch, Circles Collection Framelits Dies.


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Friday, June 21, 2013

Why Summer is Awesome

What's your favorite season?  Do you have one? 

Mine is summer, hands down. 
I live in an area that is borderline snowbelt.  So we can really get some winters, and that's ok with me.  I enjoy the change of seasons.  It's beautiful to see all the leaves changing colors, the budding of spring.

However, give me the heat.  Give me the feel of sweat the instant I walk out the door.  Give me the sun on my face, the sound of the birds, the buzz of insects.
Swimming, barbeques, gardening, fireworks . . . well - obviously, I can go on and on about summer.
So . . . what's your favorite season?

Hope you have a wonderful first day of summer - at least that's what it is here in the US.

Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Five Reasons to Love Paper Pumpkin

Ooooooo!  Lookee what came!
It's the Paper Pumpkin!  So happy to see you, my little friend.

I think it's the best one yet.  My hubby liked it, too.  Here are five reasons why you will love the Paper Pumpkin . . . .
1)  It's a great little escape that comes right to your door.
2)  The people who put it together have a great sense of humor . . . This little message made me smile.
3) The projects have everything you need to put them together except SNAIL adhesive (or some other type of adhesive).  SNAIL just happens to be about as essential as breathing around here. LOL
4)  The stamp set is included, so you get an entire stamp set and you also get another ink.  The stamp set has ziggy zaggies, a heart and sentiment.
5) Instructions are included - but we all know we don't have to follow those if we don't want to!!

You to top it all off, you even get some great envelopes.  I stamped mine with the hearts.  The ink is Soft Suede.  Fantastic stuff.  You'll love it, whether you have five reasons or not.

If you want to have your own paper pumpkin, it's easy.
Join Now!
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Wednesday, June 19, 2013

How To Kiss

Hey -- It's Wednesday!  That means it's video time!  And it's time to figure out how to kiss - stamps that is!!
I just love kissing, don't you?

Well, now you can love it even more.

Hope you get to kiss someone today . . .

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Tuesday, June 18, 2013

How Change is Good

Change is good.  "How can that be?" you may ask.  "Why?"

Change makes you shift a bit.  Maybe even makes you a little uncomfortable.  That discomfort forces new things to happen.  And those new things can be good.

Take, for instance, the new papers that Stampin' Up! always comes out with when the catalog changes.  Do I have a hard time seeing my favorites, my good 'ole stand-by papers leave?  You betcha!  And then I get a new favorite.  It's all good.  The cycle begins again.
I framed up a couple of beautiful papers from the Gingham Garden collection.  I'll be using these as door prizes at events that are coming up.
Love these geometric patterns.  You can put them any which way you want and they look fantastic.
Same with this floral.  There is no "right" way you have to use it.
The floral pattern was framed with a gingham pattern, also from the Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper pack.  Then there's a Daffodil Delight behind, with a Night of Navy framing the whole thing to set it off from the Whisper White background.
And as you can see, the geo pattern has Pear Pizzazz surrounding it and is also finished off with a bit of Night of Navy to separate and create a better contrast from the Whisper White backing.

What I used:
Card Stock - Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Night of Navy.
Designer Series Paper - Garden Gingham.
Paper Trimmer, SNAIL adhesive.

So there you have it.  We all really do know that Change is Good.  What will you change up today?
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Monday, June 17, 2013

Just for Dad

Hope all those dads out there had a great day that was just for dad.  At our house, our boys have set off on a mission trip, so they celebrated early with their dad on the Friday before at noon.  Their dad came home for lunch, and the boys uncovered his gift and spent some time with him.
See?  Here is the entire group going on the mission trip, posing together right before they left.  Our boys are the second and third from the right in the front, kneeling.  The older one has a hat on.  Here's to praying they stay safe and have lots of fun.

Anyway . . .  back to the card for Father's Day!  I made a couple of these cards that I CASEd from Sandi McIver.  Of course, I didn't have all the stuff she did, so I made do with the goodies that I had on hand using her general idea.
A little sweater vest with buttons and bow tie!  I had a lot of fun with these, making sure to add depth with lots of sponging on all the sides of everything, pretty much.  I'm so happy with the way it turned out.
What I used:
Stamp Set - Delightful Dozen;
Ink - Cajun Craze, Midnight Muse;
Punches:  Extra-Large Oval, 1" Square and 3/4" Circle.
Card Stock - Cajun Craze, Midnight Muse, Naturals Ivory.
Big Shot, Lattice Embossing Folder, Paper Snips, Stampin' Sponges, Naturals Designer Buttons, Linen Thread. SNAIL adhesive, Mini Glue Dots.

Cute, huh?  Lots of fun to make this whimsical Father's Day card.  Hope you had lots of fun and whimsy on your Father's Day.  Remember, if you like a card or project you see on my blog, feel free to change it up with what you have on hand.  Use colors you have, stamps that you have.  It doesn't have to be exact.  These are just ideas to help you with your projects.

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Sunday, June 16, 2013

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day!


I got these great pics from BlueMountain.  When I Googled "Father's Day", this is what I found:
"Father's Day in the United States is on the third Sunday of June. It celebrates the contribution that fathers and father figures make for their children's lives. Its origins may lie in a memorial service held for a large group of men, many of them fathers, who were killed in a mining accident in Monongah, West Virginia in 1907.

"Father's Day is an occasion to mark and celebrate the contribution that your own father has made to your life. Many people send or give cards or gifts to their fathers. Common Father's Day gifts include sports items or clothing, electronic gadgets, outdoor cooking supplies and tools for household maintenance.

"Father's Day is a relatively modern holiday so different families have a range of traditions. These can range from a simple phone call or greetings card to large parties honoring all of the 'father' figures in a particular extended family. Father figures can include fathers, step-fathers, fathers-in-law, grandfathers and great-grandfathers and even other male relatives. In the days and weeks before Father's Day, many schools and Sunday schools help their pupils to prepare a handmade card or small gift for their fathers."
"Father's Day is not a federal holiday. Organizations, businesses and stores are open or closed, just as they are on any other Sunday in the year. Public transit systems run to their normal Sunday schedules. Restaurants may be busier than usual, as some people take their fathers out for a treat.
"A woman called Sonora Smart Dodd was an influential figure in the establishment of Father's Day. Her father raised six children by himself after the death of their mother. This was uncommon at that time, as many widowers placed their children in the care of others or quickly married again.  Sonora was inspired by the work of Anna Jarvis, who had pushed for Mother's Day celebrations. Sonora felt that her father deserved recognition for what he had done. 
"The first time Father's Day was held in June was in 1910. Father's Day was officially recognized as a holiday in 1972 by President Nixon."
Wow!  That's probably more than you wanted to know, right?  LOL
Hope you have a great one!  Thanks for stopping by!  Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Friday, June 14, 2013

Three Great New "In-Colors"

Stampin' Up! has new "In-Colors" this year.  They switch them out all the time.  I really like these offerings for this year because they are so fresh and fun.  I guess that's why Stampin' Up! changes things up every year . . . they're keepin' it fresh and fun!  I've three of 'em in this card - Coastal Cabana, Bermuda Bay and Crisp Cantaloupe.
With this card, you've got Bermuda Bay for the base, mixed in with the Crisp Cantaloupe as the "spotlight" of color on the base.
After that, a spritz of Early Espresso helped to grunge up the card a little bit.
I've been wanting to make a card with this stamp set for a bit now, and when I saw a similar card in the catalog, I knew I had found my CASE.  Only problem - the card in the catalog had a black base, and since I was making a cheery card for my mom, I wanted to keep the colors bright.

The oval of Crumb Cake embossed with the Woodgrain Embossing Folder echoes the tree limb in the stamp set perfectly, don't you think?

My mom is gonna love this card.

What I used:
Stamp Set - Animal Talk
card stock - Bermuda Bay, Crisp Cantaloupe, Naturals Ivory, Pear Pizzazz, Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz.
Ink - Early Espresso, Coastal Cabana (another great new in-color).
Markers - Soft Suede, Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie.
Ribbon - 5/8" Victoria Crochet Trim.
Punch - Extra Large Bird Punch, 1" Square Punch.
Big Shot, Ovals Framelits, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Paper Snips, SNAIL adhesive, Mini Glue Dots.
Naturals Designer Buttons, Linen Thread.

Hope you're feeling "chirpy" all day!
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Thursday, June 13, 2013

Love Punch Art

I love doing Punch Art.
Do you every do punch art?
It's where you get to make little figures with punches . . . like this:
Isn't he cute?  I saw this little gem while blog hopping from Diana Gibbs.  I just used these two punches:
The extra-large bird punch and the extra-large owl punch.  Just too cute!

And here's what I did with those punches:
What I used:
Card Stock - Island Indigo, Garden Green, Soft Suede, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Basic Black.
Adhesive - Mini Glue Dots
Punches - Like I wrote up above, it was all about the extra-large bird and owl punches.
Accessories - White gel pen. Paper Snips.

How fun to create little animals and creatures.  I did a dragon for a baby card not too long ago:
You can find that post right here.
Hope you get to feel punchy today!
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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Magnetic Platform - Your New Best Friend!

It's Wednesday . . . and that means it's a video share!


Love this thing and can't wait until mine arrives.  What do you think?

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

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

How To Create Monochromatic Cards

Want an easy way to make a card look nice?  Keep it Monochromatic!  How?

It's easy when you choose two to three colors in the same color family.

For instance, on this card, there are two colors:  Island Indigo and Pool Party  That's it.  Oh, sure, there are different textures and tones of the colors, but I only pulled out those two colors.  And the card looks "put together" and classy.
You could do this with reds, yellows, greens.  Whatever color you just LOVE.  Any set of colors would keep your scheme simple and straightforward . . . and we all need that these days when there just aren't enough hours to get everything done, but you've just got to get that creative "fix".
I used the Sketched Birthday set for this card, and you know what?  It's a great stamp set for those of us who don't have the talent to be a sketch artist, but wish we were!  It's got eight fantastic sketched birthday-inspired images that truly appeal to the artist inside of me.  I put the hat and "celebrate" inside of the card.

What I used:
Stamp set - Sketched Birthday (Wood #130423, Clear 130426)
Card Stock - Quatrefancy Specialty Designer Series Paper (#130141), Pool Party (#122924) , and Island Indigo (#122923)
Ink - Island Indigo (#126986)
Punches - 1" Square (#124094), 1-3/8" Circle #119860), and 1-3/4" Scallop Circle (#119854)
Ribbon - 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon in Pool Party (#125582)
Accessories - Pearl Basic Jewels (#1192470), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430), SNAIL adhesive refill (#104331) Stampin' Trimmer (#126889); Big Shot (#113439), Perfect Polka Dots Textured Embossing Folder (#117335)
I CASEd this card from Patsy Waggoner.  She's one talented gal.
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Monday, June 10, 2013

Easy Class - Quick Cards

Well, the class went very well . . . and everyone agreed that it was an easy class with quick cards that will be easily re-produce-able again.
The class could've been better attended - but I was amazed by how many "to-go kits" have been ordered, so that's a good thing.  While the class members worked on their fabulous cards, I got everything ready for several of the kits - so you'll be able to have those by tomorrow!
Tip - the little "ticket-like edges you see on the Pool Party strip and the Gumball Green strips were made with the little Butterfly Punch.  So cool.  Love to have things be versatile like that, don't you?
I also made up some extras for birthday presents since June is a crazy month for those in my family!
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Thursday, June 6, 2013

Easy Class - A Round Array Card Set

Do you have occasions to celebrate? 
Need gifts to give?
Are you busy? 
Do you like to have fun? 
If any of these are true, then this class is for you!

I've been having fun getting everything together for this Sunday's class all week!
And I'm finally ready for everything.  The last item after four cards was this awesome card holder . . . 
What do you think?
This Texture-rich set of cards is perfect for sending and for giving as gifts for birthdays, graduations, baby showers, and bridal showers! 
Contact me today if you are interested in this as a to-go kit!  It's only $15.00 and I will have everything ready to go for you as well as step-by-step instructions.
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Spring Into Action!

Spring is full of occasions – are you ready? 
You'll be a superstar when you create cards as gifts for birthdays, graduations, or baby and bridal showers! 
This extra-special card is perfect for your busy life. Using the Big Shot, punches, and the Round Array stamp set lets you create something beautiful quickly. Let's get started!

What I used:
Products Used:
Stamp set - A Round Array (#129087 wood, 129090 clear)
Card Stock - Pool Party (#122924); Gumball Green (#126840); Primrose Petals (#126841)
Ink - Midnight Muse (#126860); Primrose Petals (#126858)
Accessories - Basic Rhinestone Jewels (#119246); 
Adhesives - SNAIL Refill (#104331), Mini Glue Dots (#103683), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)
Tools - Big Shot w/ Multipurpose Platform (#113439); Lacy Brocade (#127819)   Textured Impressions Embossing Folders; Simply Scored Scoring Tool (#122334); Paper Trimmer (#126889); Bone Folder (#102300)
Punches - 1/2" Circle (#119869); 1-3/4" Circle (#119850); Bitty Butterfly Punch (#129406); 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch (#129404); 1-1/4" Scallop Circle (#127811)

You ready to be a superstar?
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Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Love to Go Around and A Round

... with the Round Array stamp set!
What's better than a great stamp set? A great stamp set with coordinating punches! 

That's one of the reasons I love Stampin' Up! They really rock in the world of coordination. Stamp sets with coordinating punches allow you to create clean, quality projects quickly. What could be better than that?

A Round Array is a great new set of 8 stamps that coordinates with the 1/2" Circle Punch and 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch. It has 5 greeting stamps and 3 patterned stamps that are ideal for punching. 
Stamp an image and punch it out with the 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch. Next, stamp the same image or a different one and punch out the center with the 1/2" Circle Punch. Layer together with A Stampin' Dimensional and you have great, quick impact for projects of all types. 
These stamps also layer well with our assortment of circle and scallop circle punches to give you lots of greeting combinations. Add even more impact when you color-highlight portions of the images using Stampin' Write Markers! You'll find a real array of projects that the A Round Array stamp set is perfect for! 
What I used:
Card stock - Pool Party (#122924); Gumball Green (#126840); Primrose Petals (#126841)
Ink - Midnight Muse stamp pad (#126860)
Accessories - Basic Rhinestone Jewels (#119246); 
Adhesives - SNAIL Refill (#104331), Mini Glue Dots (#103683), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)
Tools - Big Shot w/ Multipurpose Platform (#113439); Lacy Brocade (#127819)     Textured Impressions Embossing Folders; Simply Scored Scoring Tool (#122334); Paper Trimmer (#126889); Bone Folder (#102300); 
Punches - Bitty Butterfly Punch (#129406); 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch (#129404); 1-1/4" Scallop Circle (#127811)

I think these colors just scream "Spring"!  Don't you?
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