A MAGAZINE REJECT - BUT HEY, I LIKE IT!

Hi all!! WHEW! Running around like a mad woman trying to get ready to leave on Saturday morning EARLY to head back East for my son's graduation and commissioning! I am so very excited - cannot wait to hug my son!!! I submitted a bunch of cards for publication and of course some of them did not make them in - sooooo I thought I would share some of those :-) This one is actually a Christmas card, but we were supposed to use non-holiday items to stamp with! I chose to use the set Have a Seat - I just love how cute that set is! And, I used one of the little birdies from the Aviary stamp set as well - both of these sets can be found in the main catalog! The sentiment is from a Christmas set called Gifts of Christmas and it absolutely beautiful! I know that none of us are ready to even THINK about Christmas - although it will be here before we know it, lol! I kept it fairly simple, using some Pear Pizazz cardstock and ribbon as well as some of our designer buttons.  I did use the Designer Label Punch on the sentiment in both Very Vanilla and Early Espresso and trimmed out the edges of one to frame the other.  I think I will be adding this to my Christmas stack that I have to start getting ready - every year I say I am not waiting until the last minute, and every year....well, I do, heehee! Yes, it was not selected but hey, not every card I submit can be, right *wink* So, I thought I would share it so it at least gets to be seen here! Now, I am off to whittle down a long list of items I need to get done before we fly out on Saturday morning! Have a wonderful day and get to stampin' if you can! :-)
Card Recipe:
Paper - Pear Pizazz, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla card stock (patterned paper is non-SU!)
Inks - Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler classic ink
Stamps - Have a Seat, Aviary, Gifts of Christmas(sentiment)
Tools - Scalloped Trim border punch, Designer label punch
Accessories - designer buttons, Pear Pizazz twill ribbon

THE OPEN SEA IS AMAZING!

Happy Monday all! I hope you had a fabulous weekend! Mine was VERY busy as I had a class Friday night, two workshops on Saturday, and my Scrapbook Club yesterday - WHEW! Lots of stamping going on but I loved every minute of it!  I have a full week ahead of me as I get my family and I ready to leave next Saturday for Maryland to see my son graduate! I am so excited to see him, just makes me grin from ear to ear when I think about it! So, this week will fly by I am sure since I have TONS to do! The card I am sharing today is one of  the workshop cards I did over the weekend.  I used the new Summer Mini set called The Open Sea - Loooove it! I paired it with the Nautical Expedition patterned paper as well, which is yummy and a must have! This set is just amazing, I love to play with it! I kept is simple as it was a workshop card, but we really had a good time putting it together! I used Naturals Ivory card stock because I think the pulpy look lends itself well to this set - it makes it all looked aged like old world maps, lol!  The journal stamp was stamped in Early Espresso and then we tore the edges and inked them with the same color - doesn't it look like we took a match to it? Love that look! We then stamped the anchor right on top.  The map was stamped and then cut out and popped up using dimensionals.  We also used some of the yummy new Bakers Twine - this is the Early Espresso but you can also get it in Whisper White (and make your own colors with reinkers *wink*) and Cherry Cobbler.  We added an antique brad as well - this one looks like a compass, perfect for this card!  The sentiment is actually from the stamp set called Travel Log - the stamp actually includes the whole definition of adventure, but for this card, I just wanted the word.  Simple but came together nicely, I think - my workshop gals really liked it too! If you would like to have these products for yourself, you can purchase them in my online store or contact me and I will be happy to help you place your order! I am going to be working on some downline projects today as I have my meeting tomorrow so I will be back to share some of those tomorrow! Have a wonderful stampin' day!!!!
Card Recipe:
Paper - Crumb Cake, Naturals Ivory, Night of Navy card stock, Nautical Expedition designer series paper
Inks - Night of Navy, Early Espresso classic inks
Stamps - The Open Sea, Travel Log(sentiment)
Tools - Word Window Punch
Accessories - Antique Brads, Bakers Twine

THE OPEN SEA - AAAAAAHHH! MAKES THIS SAILOR SMILE :-)

Good afternoon all!! I know I took a break but I needed one - the knee is still hurting and the work comp system works slower than anything I have ever seen before, which frustrates me because I am not one who likes to sit around and do nothing - and that is about all I can do right now! So, I took a break, spoke sternly to myself, and have gotten back on track with things that I CAN do - like STAMP!!! So, I decided to ink up some of the new summer mini stamps, which I am soooooo excited about it because there are soooo many nautical sets in this mini - makes this sailor smile!!! This card is made with the set called The Open Sea - love, love, love this set!! It is so very versatile, I can tell already I will be inking this baby up quite a lot, heeehee!  I made this one to send to my son who is finishing up his last week as a college student and getting to embark on a new adventure as a 2nd LT in the Marine Corps! I can't believe it - in two short weeks he will graduate and receive his commission!! He truly is all grown up *sniff* but I am soooo very proud of him! Anyway, back to the card - I wanted to make him something that represented what he has done at the Naval Academy for the last four years and I think this set is perfect for that! I kept it very masculine - no frilly bows for that boy of mine *smile*  I used the new patterned paper Nautical Expedition (YUMMY!!!) and tore and inked the edges.  I stamped the images on Marina Mist cardstock and tore the edges of the cardstock as well.  The anchor is stamped in versamark and then embossed using gold embossing powder - although I scratched some of it off to give it that rusty, aged look - and it sure does look old :-)  I used one of the beveled windowpanes that was carried over from the Occasions Mini - so very glad we still have them, I just love playing with them! The twill ribbon is stamped with the background stamp from that set just to give it some texture.  I took the sentiment from the other new nautical stamp set in the summer mini called Travel Log - this is another must have!! Fabulous, fabulous stamps in this set!! I just used the word for the sentiment although the stamp shows the full definition of the word, this just worked better for me!  I love how it turned out - lots of paper crumpling and tearing, which I love, LOL!  I think he will like it - he is one who appreciates what I put into making a card :-)  Want to see a picture of my handsome son?  I have to share - I am a proud momma, LOL!

He is the one being held by all his friends at the Ring Dance - this is something they do when they reach their 2nd Class Year (a Junior in college) and is a huge big deal.  I love this picture - it makes me smile!! I am so very glad he will have all these wonderful memories and lifelong friends - that is just how the military is!!! I sure do miss it sometimes......but I digress, lol! I hope you like the card I shared today.....and, if you have to have the products you see here you can get them in my online store or by contacting me and having me place your order :-)  I will back tomorrow to share something else I am making for my young Marine to be :-) Until then, have a wonderful afternoon and I hope you get to stamp!!
Card Recipe:
Paper - Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Marina Mist cardstock, Nautical Expedition Designer Series paper
Inks - Marina Mist, Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Versamark Stamps - Out to Sea, Travel Log(sentiment)
Tools - Word Window punch, 1 1/4 inch circle punch, heat tool, gold embossing powder
Accessories - twill ribbon, beveled windowpane

IT'S MAY AND WITH IT COMES LOTS OF EXCITING NEW SPECIALS!

Hi all!!! I have been out of the loop here trying to take care of this knee injury so forgive me for my sporadic posting BUT I wanted to share with you all the cool and exciting things going on at Stampin' Up! this month! We have a new mini that started May 1st and it is CHOCK FULL OF STAMPIN' GOODNESS!!!  Check out my sidebar and click on the picture and it will take you straight to the inside pages but keep tissues handy for the drooling  that is sure to commence, lol! 

Also, May is National Scrapbooking Month and to celebrate, Stampin' Up! is offering TONS of things on sale - the flyer is in my sidebar so check it out, you don't want to miss out on those deals!!!

Lastly, Stampin' Up! has created a beautiful stamp set in honor of Cancer Awareness called Strength and Hope and it is GORGEOUS!!!! What is great about this set is for every stamp set purchased, $2 will be donated to the center for Breast Cancer Research!  Isn't that AWESOME??!!!! You can purchase all of these items in my online store OR contact me and I can put your order in for you! I am so excited about this month - I have lots of stamping projects in the works and promise to share them with you soon! Take care and much love!

FOUR FRAMES TAKE TWO :-)

Happy Good Friday everyone! I am happy that they are predicting nice weather for our Easter weekend - makes for a good family day! We are going over to the in-laws to watch all the kiddos hunt for eggs and to have a nice meal together.  We have not seen them in awhile so it should be nice.  And, I only have to make deviled eggs, and rolls so I am good, lol! I plan on spending a lot of this weekend stamping as well in order to get ready for two large events I have coming up!  Meanwhile, I wanted to share two more of the cards I made with the beautiful Four Frames stamp set and the Paisley Petals designer paper - I just love them! Remember, they are only on sale until the 30th of April - you won't see them again until the new catalog comes out in July!  This first one is made with a Whisper White base that I ran through the Big Shot with the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder - just love it! I used some Bravo Burgundy with the patterned paper, both of which I punched with the Scalloped Trim border punch.  The image and sentiment are stamped on Baha Breeze in Bravo Burgundy then punched out with the Designer Label punch.  And, I could not resist - I had to add a sweet little bitty clear heart button!  The ribbon is the gorgeous Whisper White organza ribbon - it adds a touch of elegance to any project you use it on! I tend to hoard this ribbon, it is just sooooooo pretty, lol! 

This second card focuses on the Pear Pizazz that you find in the patterned paper pack.  I just love how many beautiful colors you can use with this same paper - makes it really easy to create several different looks with the same paper! And, those big flowers are gorgeous, aren't they??!The base card is again Whisper White, but this time I used the Finial Press embossing folder.  I paired the patterned paper with some Baha Breeze and Peach Parfait card stock, and punched all three with the Eyelet Border punch.  The ribbon is the yummy Pear Pizazz twill ribbon - love how beautiful this ribbon is! The stamp I actually colored using my Peach Parfait and Pear Pizazz stampin' write markers - love how it turned out! I then punched it out with the Designer Label punch and added some rhinestones to make it pop! I am really enjoying playing with this paper and this stamp set - endless possibilities here, don't you think??!! If you like the items you see here, you can order them in my online store or send me an email and I will place your order for you! For all the details on this special, check out my post from yesterday where you can find all the details! I hope you all enjoy your wonderful Easter weekend - I will back on Monday with some more fun projects that I am making for the craft fairs! Until then, happy stamping!!
Card one Recipe:
Paper - Whisper White, Bravo Burgundy, Baha Breeze card stock, Paisley Petals Designer Series paper
Inks - Bravo Burgundy classic ink
Stamps - Four Frames
Tools - Scallop Trim border punch, Designer Label punch, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder
Accessories - Whisper White Organza ribbon, bitty buttons
Card Two Recipe:
Paper - Whisper White, Peach Parfait, Baha Breeze card stock, Paisley Petals Designer Series paper
Inks- Peach Parfait, Pear Pizazz stampin' write markers
Stamps - Four Frames
Tools - Eyelet Border punch, Designer Label punch, Big Shot, Finial Press embossing folder
Accessories - Pear Pizazz twill ribbon, Basic Rhinestones

FOUR FRAMES FUN!

Hi all!!! I hope you are enjoying your week - I am as the sun has been out, and it is starting to warm up! I am definitely NOT a cold weather girl, lol! Sooo, the sun on my face is wonderful and makes me happy :-)  I also found out some news about my knee this week:  I definitely have a tear in my meniscus as well as some damage to my knee cap so I will be seeing a specialist next week to see what the next step will be in making me better and getting it to stop hurting! All in all, I am starting to feel like maybe there is a light at the end of this tunnel and I can start getting my life back to normal soon....whatever that is, lol!  Meanwhile, I have been doing some stamping and having fun with the promotion stamp set and designer series paper on special this month! The stamp set is called Four Frames and the paper is called Paisley Petals and is BEAUTIFUL!! The stamp set ROCKS - there are four fun stamps in the set and they can all be punched out using the Designer Label Punch!  I have two cards to share with you today that I made using this paper and stamp set - and I am loving playing with them!  The first card uses Whisper White as the base and I embossed it using the Finial Press embossing folder.  I pulled the Peach Parfait from the patterned paper so I could use the yummy ribbon and the card stock, which I stamped with the Sanded background stamp.  Both patterned paper and card stock have been punched using the Scallop Edge punch.  And, just look at that frame from the stamp set - just soooo pretty! I stamped it on Marina Mist in Peach Parfait and then punched it out, adding some pretty pearls! Simple but pretty, and I am loving the colors!

This second card uses the same set and papers, but the emphasis of color is on the burgundy, which I love! For the base card, I embossed the Whisper White with the Perfect Polka Dots folder this time, and edge punched the papers with the Eyelet Border punch.  The frame is stamped on Whisper White using Pear Pizazz ink and then I stamped the sentiment in Marina Mist on the same color card stock, punching it out with the Small Oval punch and popping it up on dimensionals.  That yummy ribbon is the Marina Mist Satin ribbon - isn't just beautiful??!! I love that big bow, makes me happy!! :-)  This stamp set and patterned paper are a sneak peek from the new catalog that will premiere in July BUT you CAN own it right now and here is how:

Spring is Blossoming Promotion: April 1 - 30, 2011

The Stampin' Up! Spring is Blossoming Promotion offers customers the opportunity to purchase two sneak peek products from the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog. You can get these brand-new products in one of two ways:

1) Online Order

•Spend $20* on any Stampin' Up! products and become eligible to purchase both the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper.
•Both items can be purchased once the $20 minimum is met; there is a limit of five per product once the $20 minimum is met. Ordering another $20 of Stampin' Up! products resets the limit and allows you to purchase another five Designer Series Papers and/or stamp sets.

2) Host a Workshop

•Host a $350* workshop and get the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper for FREE! Email me for details if you would like to place a combined order with friends or place a single order through me to earn these products free!

Item Costs: 

Four Frames Stamp Set

W: item 123440, $20.95
C: item 123442,$15.95
Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper
item 122367, $9.95

•There is a limit of one Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper per workshop.

*Net sales before tax and shipping

Pretty awesome, right??!! BUT, this offer is only good until the end of this month so if you want them (and you know you do, lol) go to my online store or contact me and we can get your order in! I hope you like the samples I have made with these fun new products - I have two more cards to show you tomorrow! Until then, have a wonderful day and happy stampin'!

Card One Recipe:

Paper - Whisper White, Peach Parfait, Marina Mist card stock, Paisley Petals Designer Series paper

Inks - Peach Parfait classic ink

Stamps - Four Frames, Sanded background stamp

Tools - Scallop Edge Border punch, Big Shot, Finial Press embossing folder, Designer Label punch

Accessories - Basic Pearls, Peach Parfait twill ribbon

Card Two Recipe:

Paper - Whisper White, Bravo Burgundy, Marina Mist card stock, Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper

Inks - Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz classic inks

Stamps - Four Frames

Tools - Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Eyelet Border Punch, Designer Label punch, Small Oval punch

Accessories - Marina Mist Satin ribbon, Basic Rhinestones

ANOTHER VINTAGE THANK YOU

Hi all!!! Here it is, Tuesday already - I swear time is just flying by! Soon it will be time for me to head East to see my son graduate - I cannot wait to see my boy! We have been busily making plans and wondering how we are going to fit everything in, lol! I am looking forward to spending time with family for 10 whole days...I could use some fun about now, lol!!!  Although I have been getting some stamping in......and sending out lots of thank you cards to the sweet people who have been sending me such nice happy mail! This is another card I sent out to a long distance friend - it definitely has the vintage look and feel that I love and have been really focusing on lately.  I used the Springtime Vintage patterned paper (I know, I know, it seems like that is all I use, lol) paired with the Silhouette Sentiments Hostess set - I just love those pretty flowers! I colored the images using my Old Olive and Rose Red stampin'write markers, then added some bling to the centers to make it pop! I also cut the Top Note die twice, embossing the Whisper White Top Note with the Finial Press embossing folder, then trimming it to nest inside a Rose Red Top Note.  I love the two toned effect - just makes the card have so much dimension!  I also used lots of layers behind the image piece using my 2 1/2 inch circle punch and my 2 3/8 inch Scallop Circle punch in both Old Olive and Rose Red card stock.  Then, I added some Old Olive Seam Binding ribbon - love, love, love it so it better not retire, lol!!! I like the way this one turned out, simple but pretty! I have been enjoying this type of stamping a lot lately - I seem to get more done, which makes me feel productive, heehee!! So, if you would like to have the items used here for your very own, you can order them in my online store or contact me and I will help you place your order.  And, if you LOVE that hostess set, why not have a workshop of your own so you can earn it for free??!! Contact me now and let's get you on the calendar - I would love to come and stamp with you and your friends :-)  Now, I am off to get my hair done and then get ready for my downline meeting tonight - I just love having my downline over, we have so much fun stamping together!! Want to join my team?  We would love to have you, so give me a call and we can get you started! I will be back tomorrow to share a fun project I am doing with my downline tonight so until then, happy stamping!!
Card Recipe:
Paper - Rose Red, Old Olive, Whisper White card stock, Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper
Inks - Rose Red, Old Olive stampin write markers and classic ink pads
Stamps - Silhouette Sentiments
Tools - Big Shot, Finial Press embossing folder, Top Note Bigz Die, 2 1/2 inch Circle Punch, 2 3/8 inch Scallop Circle Punch, Small Oval Punch
Accessories - Basic Rhinestones, Old Olive seam binding ribbon