Debra's Stamp Life

Samples from Leadership

2012-01-27T10:20:00.002-05:00

There is so much to share from Leadership. The biggest is that the 2012-2013 Catalog will start June 1st! It will be a tad smaller in thickness. There will be 2 mini catalogs. These will be larger than they have been. The Holiday Mini will start August 1st. Cool, huh!? There will not be a Summer Mini, but I am good with that. I am liking these changes.

And with that, here are more samples from Leadership.

The food was FABULOUS!

My adorable friend Emma.

Aren't the samples just superb!?

Debra

Sale-a-bration is here!

2012-01-25T16:54:00.000-05:00

~ Choose one free product from the SAB brochure for every $50 you spend (before tax and shipping). No limit.

~ You may place your order online. Choose one free product from the SAB brochure for every $50 you spend (before tax and shipping) in my Stampin' Up! Online Store. In addition, when your online order totals $150, you'll receive free products. However, if your order is $150 or more and you want the tote, it is not available with an online order, contact me and place your order directly through me and not my online store.

~Host a party and when your party total reaches $150.00 (before tax and shipping), you'll receive a FREE tote. When your party reaches $400 (before tax and shipping), you will receive a free Hostess Bundle (Fresh Vintage Stamp Set, Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper, Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack). This is in addition to the regular hostess benefits! Contact me to schedule your Sale-a-Bration Party!

~Join during Sale-a-Bration and get your Starter Kit for only $125.00 ($50 off). Then starting with the month after you join, you can choose a free Designer Series Paper pack (or Digital Download) every month for the rest of the year.

Email me any questions or to place an order. 4debra@sbcglobal.net.

Here are some pictures from Leadership.

With my sweet friend Emma.

Click on this picture for a closer look.

This is what I came home with from Leadership. LOVE the bag.

I will show more later. Promise!

Debra

Best Quote Ever

2012-01-23T12:53:00.000-05:00

This past week I was in San Antonio, Texas at the Stampin' Up! Leadership 2012 Conference. It was truly inspiring. One of the classes I attended was the Title Benefits Class with Bonnie Thurber. One of the things she briefly touched on was just very encouraging. Sometimes the best laid plans just don't go well. She said, "You can visit pity city, but don't move into the bitter barn".

Wow, all I can say is, that is one of the best I have heard. She spoke about having goals and to work towards them. I am always good at thinking about what I want to do, but don't always put them into practice. The quote and the goal setting works for every area of our lives. Doesn't it? Of course it does.

Have a great day!

Debra

Loving the Lits!

2012-01-12T17:03:00.000-05:00

I am beyond excited! I am working on NEW stuff out of the Occasions Mini and the Sale-a-bration Mini. Right now I am working on a swap for Leadership. I cannot wait! It is in San Antonio, Texas. I have never been to Texas. Woooohoooo!!! Anyway, there are so many new things that putting this swap together has been a lot of fun. I am using my favorite set and I LOVE the 'lits'. The set is Apothecary Art. The 'lit's are sizzlits, edgelits and framelits. All of these are in the Occasions Mini.

Here are the parts for the swap. See the edgelit and framelits? There is also Pool Party Seam Binding Ribbon, Hat Pins and you can see a piece of the Attic Boutique Designer Series Paper.

Here is a closeup of the scallop Adorning Accents Edgelit in Pool Party.

This picture shows the Labels Collection Framelits. It comes with 6 sizes and this shows 2 of them. I stamped one of the images from Apothecary Art and then cut it out. It is framed with the next size framelit. LOVE that. I love the ribbon and hat pin also.

This is the card. 'So Grateful' is in the Apothecary Art set too. It is a set of 6 and just beautiful.

Stamp set: Apothecary Art

Ink: Soft Suede, Pool Party and Daffodil Delight

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Pool Party

Accessories: pool Party Seam Binding Ribbon, Attic Boutique Designer Series Paper, Labels Collection Framelits, Basic Pearls, Hat pins, Blender Pen, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Perfect Details Texturz Plate

Debra

Finally stamping!!!

2012-01-09T19:00:00.000-05:00

It has been a struggle getting back into the swing of stamping. Preparing for Christmas in Virginia and then catching up with family after we returned back home just took it out of me. One thing I did make time for before we left was to make a name frame for my niece Andrea. She just moved into her first home. How exciting!

Then I have been needing some cards to send out and worked these up. These cards are made with items out of the brand new Occasions Mini.

The frame recipe:

Sets: Creative Elements, Fabulous Phrases, God's Way, Fabulous Foliate Wheel

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake

Ink: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso

Accessories: Antique Brads, Vanilla Velvet Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin Ribbon, Timeless Type Alphabet, and out of the new Occasions Mini the Framelits Labels Collection and Doily Sizzlit Die

Cards Recipe:

Set: Apothecary Art

Cardstock: Basic Gray, Blushing Bride, Whisper White, Twitterpated Designer Series Paper

Ink: Riding Hoodo Red, Basic Gray, Blushing Bride

Accessories: Framelits Labels Collection, Basic Gray Ribbon, Riding Hood Red Pleated Satin Ribbon

Thats all for now. Have a great night!

Joy Banner

2011-12-10T11:58:00.000-05:00

Today is a beautiful, sunshiny day so I took pictures of the banner. You can see a bit better the detail. It is still a difficult thing to photogragh. There are a some different angles, one with flash and then each letter separately. I was trying not to get myself in the mirror. HA! You can click on each picture to see even closer if you would like.

Stamp Set: Bright Hopes

Cardstock: Old Olive, Early Espresso, Letters to Santa, Silver Glimmer Paper

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Early Espresso, Old Olive

Accessories: Mini Jingle Bells, Linen Thread, Basic Pearls, Buttons, Glimmer Brads, Antique Brads, Perfect Pennants Die, Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Sizzlit, Doily Punch, Circle Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Vintage Trinkets, Snow Burst Embossing Folder, Early Espresso Quilted Satin Ribbon

Have a great day!

Debra

JOY!

2011-12-04T18:15:00.000-05:00

Joy. 1a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion : gaiety
2: a state of happiness or felicity : bliss

3: a source or cause of delight

Joy is also a Fruit of the Spirit. We are to be joyful in all things. We all want joy. We all desire joy. True and lasting joy only comes by faith through grace in believing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We are to 'Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!' (Philippians 4:4)

No matter what we are going through, no matter what the adversity, we should always have the attitude of joy. Is this impossible in the reality of daily life? James 1:2,3 - 'My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.'

There is outward joy and there is inward joy. We can be ecstatic in our joy. Outward. It is so exciting when you KNOW the truth. Jesus Christ died for us so that we may have eternal life. And the blessings of life He bestows on us. James 1:17 - Every good and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Inward. 2 Corinthians 6:10 'as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing'. We may be having hardship. Some very extreme. But we have an internal sense of joy. This joy comes from God. Through Jesus Christ and dispensed by the Holy Spirit.

This all comes down to my JOY banner. I was just going to post the picture and the recipe. But all of the thoughts above were going through my head and I decided to post them.

The weather is dark and dreary today. I cannot get a good picture. If you click on it you can get a closer look. I will try again on a sunny day.

By the way, do you have joy? True joy? I want you all to have it my friends. And it only comes through faith by grace in believing Jesus Christ died and rose again for you. Because hell is more than a 4-letter word. And I don't want any of you to go there.

Debra

Mica Flakes and Shaker Frames

2011-11-20T14:28:00.000-05:00

This was for my October class.

The Mica Flakes (124115 $3.50) are white, iridescent, shimmery and sparkly. I love sparkly! Under the tree the Mica Flakes are adhered using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755 $3.95). Just place a line of the glue where you want the Mica Flakes to adhere. Take a pinch or several of the Mica Flakes and place them over the glue. Press down. Shake the excess off and back into your container (it's HUGE!).

To make the frame: In this example I stamped the snowflake from the Bright Hopes Set (122690 Woodmount $23.95 / 122692 Clearmount $17.95) right onto the base of the card. Take the second from the outside of the Shaker Frames and place the sticky side down around the snowflake. Punch out a 1-3/4 sized circle from the Window Sheets (114323 $4.95). Pinch some Mica Flakes into the middle on top of the snowflake. Peel off the paper on the frame and place the window sheet over it.

To make the scalloped piece: Punch out a 1-3/8 circle on your cardstock. Punch out a 2-3/8 scalloped circcle around the punched out circle to get your scalloped frame. Place glue on your piece and attach over the window sheet. The window is fiddly, but fun!

Scroll down to see a second post for today. I am trying to catch up here and post things that have been waiting.
Have a great day!

Two Tags Die Magnetic Bookmark Card

2011-11-20T14:24:00.000-05:00

Two Tags Die Magnetic Bookmark Card

This was for class back in October. The scalloped butterfly piece is the bookmark.

To make the base of the bookmark, take a piece of cardstock 2-1/2 x 8-1/2. Score the 8-1/2 side at 4-1/4 and fold it. Lay this piece on the Two Tags Die with the fold on the smaller scalloped tag with the folded edge lined up below the straight cut line. Click on the picture and it will show it close up.

Embellish your bookmark as desired.

Cut 2 pieces of Stampin' Up!'s Magnetic Sheets. For this I used 1 x 1 pieces. Place both pieces together on the non-adhesive sides. So that the adhesive is on the outside of the piece. Take the adhesive off on one side and attach it to the inside scalloped area of your bookmark. Take the adhesive off the other side and close your bookmark together. Give it a good press. BAM! You have a magnetic bookmark. Here is a side-ish view of the bookmark.

The front view again.

I hope you like it!

Have a great day!

Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T09:16:00.000-05:00

Thank you to our Veterans that have served and continue serve to protect our country and it's ideals. As you all know, I am partial to one particular Marine. My son, Sgt. David Daam.

Sgt. David Daam has been in the United States Marine Corps for nine years. He was deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom II and fought in Fallujah during Operation Phantom Fury. David worked training operations for the Georgian Army in Tblisi and the British Royal Marines at Quantico. He was also in Operation Iraqi Freedom 9.2 and for his service there he received Meritorious Mast for outstanding service and superior performance.

Thank you my sweet son David. You have honor, courage, commitment and fit the title you have earned. You have strength, power and might. But you also have a tender side. Here is proof.

I am thankful for all that encompasses you. Because that is what makes you David. I, we, are very proud of you and thankful for you.

One last thing.

Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem.

Ronald Reagan, President of the United States; 1985

Did you know?!?!

2011-11-02T12:23:00.000-04:00

Did you know that if you sign up with me to be a demonstrator that you will get a FREE Big Shot!?!??! Yep, a FREE Big Shot. This is only until November 11th, so if you have been wanting one you should click on my link to sign up. http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/debradaam/jointhefun There will be a join now button on the left.

Or, if you have a Big Shot, you can get $100 in FREE product. Pretty great deal if you ask me!!!

Plus, right now is a great time to be a Hostess! You can get an additional $35 in FREE product. http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/debradaam/promotions

Fun Flowers Rose Tutorial

2011-10-24T09:09:00.000-04:00

Fun Flowers Rose Tutorial

Debra Daam

debrasstamplife.blogspot.com

debradaam.stampinup.net
Here is the rose.

Using 4 cardstock pieces 5-1/2x8-1/2 put them through your Big Shot with the Bigz L Fun Flowers Die. You can only do 2 of these at a time. You will use 4 of the large flower, 3 of the middle one and 3 of the smallest.

Snip between each petal towards the center of each flower piece. Every size.

Spritz all of the largest size with water. Take one at a time and place them on a folded piece of paper towel. Using your round headed hammer starting in the center, press down and make circular motions cupping the flower.

Do this on each petal.

Every single one.

Take each petal and place one behind the other all the way around.

Squitch it all together.

Do this with all of the large and middle sizes. Do the same with the small but use a smaller rounded end such as a paint brush end.

If you want the center to be tight then with tweezers pull each petal around tighter.

Here is each flower curled and squitched.

Separate all sizes into the large, medium and small. Using Mono Multi Adhesive, glue the bottoms (one at a time) of the large and place one inside another, stacking them together. Then glue each bottom into the other on the medium size and the same with the small.

You will have what looks like this.

Then glue the middle size into the large and then the small into the middle of that.

There is your completed rose. You can squitch it tight or push down on the petals to make them relax and be more open.

You can also make smaller 'buds' by using just the middle and small size.

For leaves I use the Build a Blossom stamp set and then punch out with the Blossom Petals Builder Punch. I used the Simply Scored stylus to score the veins and make the leaves curve a bit.

For class, this is the final project.

Here is another project using this technique.

Have a great day!

Two Tags Die Easel Card

2011-10-19T09:58:00.000-04:00

We made this last month at club. I found how to do this over on Bronwyn Eastley's blog http://addinktivedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/08/two-tags-die-easel-card-tutorial.html. FABULOUS! There are a lot of good ideas over there!

Using a piece of cardstock 3-1/2 x 9, score at 4-1/2. Fold along the score line. Using the Two Tags Die, align the folded edge on the larger tag inside the straight end and run it through the Big Shot. With another piece of cardstock, cut out a full tag.

On the folded base piece, fold the top back.

Embellish the single piece. This is the front of the card. Attach the top of the single piece to the top of the folded card base. Embellish as desired.

Pretty cool, huh? I just love it.

Have a great day!

Whatchamacallits!

2011-10-13T10:48:00.000-04:00

Fan Fold Flower, Rosette, Lolly, Medallion, Whatchamacallit!

One of my projects last month was to make a Fan Fold Flower, Rosette, Lolly, Medallion, Whatchamacallit! This really is called all of these things. ANYway, they really are fun to make. They can be fiddly to work with, but fun! I even made one of my very first tutorials! WOOOHOOO!!!

This is the final project.

Now for the tutorial. This is what we are making.

Place your 1x12 piece to score onto the Simply Scored board.

Score at every 1/2 inch.

Flip your piece over and score at every 1/4 inch.

Accordian fold your scored paper.

Snip off one end at the first score line.

Sticky strip the ends together. It will look like this.

Using a low temp glue gun, glue cardstock circles onto your 'whatchamacallit'. I have tried other glues. This is the easiest and longest holding way to make these.

There! Now it is ready for a project!

Go make some! They are fun!

Have a great day!

Wedding Stuff!

2011-09-26T12:01:00.000-04:00

David and Hali were married last month. It was wonderful. A lot of prepping and planning and it is over in a blink! I have quite a few pictures so I narrowed it down and am just showing you stamped stuff and my kids. Well, except Will. He couldn't be here and he was greatly missed. And, yes, they are all my kids.

In the very back are the wedding programs. The printing on the front is a personalized stamp that I had Stampin' Up! make for me. The Cherry Cobbler rose invitation was for a wedding shower. To the right of that was for all thank yous. The bottom with the monogram belly-band was the actual invitation. To the left of that was a box that was filled with chocolates for the rehearsal dinner.

Now here is the best part. Pictures of my kids.

The ceremony.

A happy Hali and David! Gorgeous and stunning!

My sweet girly Jaclyn.

Beautiful Erin and dashing David.

Awww! My always thinking, bouncy, adorable granddaughters, Elise and Irelyn with David.

I cannot stand it!

Wooohoooo!

I love my kids and I just wanted to share.

Have a great day!

Debra

A Robin CASE!

2011-09-16T16:12:00.000-04:00

My friend Robin has a GENIUS way to use the Scallop Square Clear Die to make cards. So I decided to CASE it for my 10 for 20 tomorrow. Here is Robins (About a Girl) that I CASEd. And THEN, my friend Emma (Lady & the Stamp) did a wonderful tutorial on how to do this. Here is my card.

I had to quick post this today because in looking at the challenges over on SCS, 'Mostly Blue' is the Free For All today!!! WOOOHOO!!!

Now go make sure you check out my friend's blogs.

Have a great day!

Debra

Holiday Mini Swap

2011-09-14T14:15:00.000-04:00

This is my card for Emma's Holiday Mini Swap. I love the Gently Falling set and the Spice Cake Designer Series Paper. Fall is my favorite time of year so these were on my list first thing. This is a 2 Step stamp set. You can stamp the solid image and then stamp the lined similar image over it. Or you can use the images alone. Regardless, a beautiful set. This is the full card.

This is a close-up so that you can see the sparkle of the Dazzling Details better.

Stamp Sets: Gently Falling, Fabulous Phrases
Ink: Soft Suede, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Pool Party, River Rock
Cardstock: Spice Cake Designer Series Paper, River Rock, Pool Party, Naturals Ivory
Accessories: Dazzling Details, Vintage Trinkets, Decorative Label Punch, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Victoria Crochet Trim, Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon, Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon

Have a great day! Debra

Never Forget!

2011-09-11T07:13:00.000-04:00

We will always remember 9/11/01. Thankful to God to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. I am thankful for those who defend our country to keep us free. Thank you to my son David for serving with courage, commitment, honor and selflessness.

2011 New Catty Swap

2011-08-17T19:36:00.000-04:00

This card was made for a new catty swap that I was in. I am just now taking the time to get it uploaded. Life has been crazy busy! My son David is getting married in a week and a half. Not as busy as the bride's parents but busy nonetheless. Phew! I am so excited!!!

ANYway. Here is the card I swapped.

I used my favorite color at the time. Calypso Coral. Pool Party is a close second. Or maybe it is first this week? I just love both of those colors. But I digress.

Stamp Sets: Creative Elements, Hello Doily

Cardstock: Naturals Ivory, Soft Suede

Ink: Soft Suede, Calypso Coral, Early Espresso, Versamark

Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Basic Pearls, Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon

Techniques: Rock n Roll (surprise there, huh?), Emboss Resist

The backdrop is Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper. Isn't that beautiful? I love it. And Calypso Coral isn't even a listed color for it. It is gorgeous together.

This is most likely the last you will hear from me until after the wedding. Next week Erin and her girls (yep, my granddaughters) Elise and Irelyn are coming in for the wedding. WOOOHOOOO!!! I cannot wait!

Old Friends!

2011-08-05T13:59:00.000-04:00

Wednesday I met up with a friend that is also a fellow Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. We were friends many years ago and then weren't in contact for many years and then found out we were both demos. We see each other now and again, say hi and exchange hugs and how are you's. We even see each other at Stampin' Up! Events. Would you believe we actually only live about 10, maybe 15 minutes from each other? We definitely need to get together and stamp! ANYway, Jayne saw a post of mine about trees crashing down and cookies! We met for lunch and I made her some cookies. Lemon Meltaways to be exact!

They are a light, melt in your mouth lemony goodness!

I used the Fancy Favor Box Die, Fun Flowers Die and the Fruit & Flowers Set to make this. LOVE the Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon and the Designer Printed Brad.

Here is the recipe if you would like to try these.

And last but not least, here is a picture of Jayne and me.

August Creative Crew Challenges

2011-07-31T18:31:00.000-04:00

August is my last month for the Creative Crew. I have enjoyed creating my projects each month. This month we were to focus on friendships. We also had to use the paper piercing tool on our projects. Well, at least two of the project challenges called for it so I just used it on all of them. HA!
This is a really long post so if you want to see all of the projects, make sure you scroll all the way down. To see a larger closeup of any picture, just click on the picture.

A few weeks ago my daughter Erin was telling me she wanted a strip of cork for her girls to hang their artwork in their room. I told her I would figure out something. WELL, my dear friend Emma meanwhile made a cork/magnet/whiteboard for another friend of ours. GENIUS!!! I was making it way too hard. Thank you sooo much Emma for the inspiration. Emma did not take a picture of hers, but she has wonderful projects on her blog. http://ladynthestamp.blogspot.com/

This is for the Catalog Focus. Paper Piercing Tool. I made one for each of the girls. I bought whiteboards and added Stampin' Up! cork to them. The Daffodil Delight Pennant Punch piece is paper pierced. The girls are sisters and good friends. They play and do schoolwork together every day. I thought this fit in very well for a friendship/sister project.

The next two projects are for the DSP/Color Focus. The Designer Series Paper is Pocketful of Posies. I don't have this paper so I just used some of the colors in the paper for my projects.

These coasters are glass and have a slide in for paper or a picture. I stamped the image from Charming. The colors I used are Poppy Parade, So Saffron and Pear Pizzazz. I stamped on Whisper White. The word "Friend" is stamped in Early Espresso and is from the set You're a Gem. The frame is from the new set Frame It, stamped in Early Espresso and then daubered with Soft Suede. The background is the new background stamp Parlor Prints and it is stamped with Baja Breeze. A nice gift for a friend or sister, wouldn't you say?

This card is another project for the Color Focus. The colors here are Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz and Whisper White. The tag piece is a bookmark. I have seen these everywhere and they are sooo easy to make. And fun! The stamp set I used is Raining Flowers. The words are from the set Field Flowers and it says "My thoughts are happiest when you're in them". I paper pierced the Soft Suede piece as well as the scalloped pieces on the bookmark. The flower on the bookmark is inked in Baja Breeze. The same flower is used on the background and is inked in Craft White. A smaller flower is also stamped on the background in Baja Breeze.

Here is a close-up of the bookmark itself.

Here is the inside of the bookmark. When you use the Two-Tags Die for this piece you just run it through the Big Shot with a fold. Then just cut a couple pieces of Stampin' Up! Magnet Sheets.

The next project is for the Holiday Focus. Friendship Day, Family Day or Sisters Day. They are all celebrated in August and we had to pick one. We also had to use a sketch. AND paper piercing. AND the colors in the Pocketful of Posies Designer Series Paper. This one is my favorite project this month. I have 2 sisters. So they were my focus. And they are both my favorite. So I had to make 2 of these. I could have made them different but I decided to make them the same. I used my favorite new set from the catalog. Creative Elements. Love, love, love it! The other sets used are Teeny Tiny Wishes, Fabulous Phrases and the retired set Wonderful Favorites. My sisters and I have this thing going that each of us is the favorite. We address "to my favorite sister" and sign "from your favorite sister". And we do the same with our brother and our parents. It actually all started when I started it with my dad. We have a lot of fun

with it.

This is the inserted piece.

And you all KNOW that I really am the favorite. HA!

These challenges will be up on SCS August 1st at 1pm ET. I will post a link to them when they are up. The Creative Crew Gallery is here http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?si=CreativeCrew and all of the August Creative Crew will have their projects up August 1 at 1pm ET.

Love Stampin' Up!?

2011-07-29T09:01:00.000-04:00

If you love ©Stampin' Up! you should come along with me and be a part! There is a special until the end of July. So only a couple more days.

Details here

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/debradaam/jointhefun

Interesting at my house this morning!

2011-07-22T09:32:00.000-04:00

Earlier this morning I was mixing cookies in the kitchenaid. All of the sudden there was a HUGE crash, cracking and booming sounds. Yes, sounds. It went on for it seemed awhile. I thought my house was crashing in it was so loud! I had a really sick feeling in my stomach and went to look out the front before heading up the stairs to see what was going on. I didn't have to go upstairs. This is what I saw.

Above view from my driveway.

The above picture is in the street facing east.

In the picture above you can tell how massive this branch is by the mailbox and that is a city truck in the background. This is in the street facing west.

In the picture above you can see where the limb came from. Not the lower broken limb part. The one above that. The lower one fell a couple of weeks ago.

Fortunately no one was driving by at that time. Scary! At the moment I cannot get a vehicle out of the driveway. So we are stuck at home it appears. If you click on the pictures, you can see a larger view.

Beyond excited!!!

2011-07-21T07:18:00.000-04:00

When I first made these roses this is the original card that I made.

I made it for a challenge over on SCS. Here is my original post.

http://debrasstamplife.blogspot.com/2011/06/pool-party-and-old-world-challenge.html

I submitted to Shelli's Birthday Card Frenzy Challenge. She chose me as one of the winners!!! I cannot even tell you how excited I am! And honored. WOOHOOOO!!! Thank you so much Shelli! Here is a list of all of the winners.
http://www.soshelli.com/contest/2011/7/20/birthday-card-frenzy-challenge-winners.html?lastPage=true#comment13960198

Framed Creative Elements

2011-07-17T21:21:00.000-04:00

Holy cow! I just LOVE these 2 new sets! I know, I say I love blah blah blah a LOT. HA! These two sets were on my must have list right away. And the designer series paper is just gorgeous. I used the Designer Frames Embossing Folder over the frame. I sponged that part with Soft Suede. Oh that just looks so very cool! The butterfly is rock n rolled and then cut out.

Sets: Frame It, Creative Elements

Cardstock: Soft Suede, Marina Mist, Naturals Ivory, Mocha Morning Specialty Designer Series Paper

Ink: Soft Suede, Marina Mist, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso

Accessories: Vanilla and Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Victoria Crochet Trim, Designer Frames Embossing Folder

Tool Shed

2011-07-17T14:22:00.000-04:00

Nope, I am not taking anyone there. HA! That is the name of a new ©Stampin' Up! background stamp! I just love that! And I love this stamp. I mostly enjoy realistic image stamps. When I saw this one in the new catalog, it was one of the first ones on my list. What do you think?

Sets: Tool Shed, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake

Cardstock: Naturals Ivory, Cajun Craze, Baja Breeze

Accessories: Stampin' Pastels, Linen Thread, Sponge, Distressing Essentials, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Decorative Label Punch

LOVE it.

BFF Name Frame

2011-07-14T09:12:00.000-04:00

Another name frame! This isn't my bff. In fact I had never met her before. But we know the groom's family from our church and I went to the shower. I love the new set Best Friends Forever. Although I have to admit I don't like the saying bff. I must be an old fuddy-duddy!

Sets: Best Friends Forever, Elegant Inspirations (retired), Broadsheet Alphabet

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla

Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Baja Breeze

Accessories: Designer Frames Embossing Folder, Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon, Victoria Crochet Trim

Have a great day!

Wedding Card and Name Frame

2011-07-05T09:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was my niece Mindy's wedding. This is the card that I made her and James and the name frame was for her shower a couple of weeks ago.

The inspiration for this card came from the July issue of Stampin' Success.

Sets: Artistic Etchings and Always Elegant

Cardstock: Shimmery White, Crumb Cake, Marina Mist

Ink: Marina Mist, Crumb Cake

Accessories: Marina Mist Taffeta Ribbon, Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon, Victoria Crochet Trim, Basic Pearls, Scallop Circle Punch, 2-1/2 Circle Punch, 3" Circle Original Die, Boho Blossoms Punch

Sets: Broadsheet Alphabet, Elements of Style, Baroque Motifs

Cardstock: Marina Mist, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Ink: Marina Mist, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso

Accessories: Timeless Type Sizzlit Dies, Perfect Pennants Bigz L Die, Antique Brad, Marina Mist Satin Ribbon, Victoria Crochet Trim, Marina Mist striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Lace Ribbon Border Punch

Creative Crew July - Part 2 - Independence Day!

2011-07-01T10:06:00.000-04:00

One of the challenges for the Creative Crew each month is Holiday focus. This month we are to show our national spirit and we are asked the question: What does your country mean to you?

Independence Day honors the birthday of the United States of America and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It's a day that we celebrate with picnics and patriotic parades. At night there are concerts and fireworks. Many fly the American flag. It also brings to mind that our freedom isn't free.

I am thankful for all of the branches of our military. The military fights to keep us free every day. I am particularly thankful for the United States Marine Corps. Marines are uniquely trained, equipped and organized to maintain a constant state of global readiness. Marines are warriors of the highest order, committed to purpose, honor and each other. The motto of the Marine Corps is Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful. The core values are honor, courage and commitment. They are what define a Marine. Most of you know that my son David is a Marine. This post is dedicated to him. Thank you for your service David. I am proud of you and thankful for you.

This uses the set Courage and the wheel Hero. I stamped with Crumb Cake on Crumb Cake and the quote by Winston Churchill is stamped in Early Espresso. Other colors used here in the cardstock is Cherry Cobbler and Not Quite Navy. Linen Thread and Cherry Cobbler Ribbon are also used.

I have to add here that while I think of David and other Marines as heroes, they do not define themselves that way. David says he is not a hero. He is doing his job.

This flag is in the Summer Mini Catalog. It is called Land of the Free. Very appropriate for this post. The words of the National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner are stamped in Cherry Cobbler. The stars are stamped in Not Quite Navy. The background is both of those colors using the Tasteful Trim Die and is wrapped with White Baker's Twine.

The Star-Spangled Banner

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Have a safe and wonderful Fourth of July! Enjoy your freedom and celebrate it because our freedom isn't free.

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

July Creative Crew - In WithThe New! Part 1

2011-07-01T09:13:00.000-04:00

The focus for the Creative Crew over on Split Coast Stampers this month is new stuff. The 2011-2012 ©Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog goes live today! WOOOOHOOOOO!!! I am very excited.

For the Color Focus we are to use the In Colors. They are fabulous. We have 5 In Colors that are staying and 5 brand new to add. Those are the ones I am focusing on. They are Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder and Island Indigo.

This card uses three of the In Colors. Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade and Island Indigo. The stamp sets are Pennant Parade and Happiest Birthday Wishes (a new hostess set). The pennants are punched out with the new Petite Pennants Builder Punch. LOVE that.

This card uses the new Wisteria Wonder. It is a wonderful shade. I just love it. The stamp set is Delicate Doilies. The sentiment is from the set Curly Cute. I am happy that set didn't retire. The Designer Series Paper is Flirtatious. The stamping was done on Shimmery White. I also used Basic Pearls. I did not use any ribbon! Shocking, I know.

This uses all of the new In Colors. Isn't this fun?! Wooohooo!!! I just stamped all of the colors on Whisper White. Stamped the sentiment on Pool Party with Chocolate Chip. I punched each piece of the colors with the Scallop Trim Border Punch. The fabulous ribbon is the new Scallop Dots Ribbon in Chocolate Chip. I cannot wait to get more colors of that. YUM.

This is for the new catalog focus. We could choose any item that is new. I chose the stamp set Simply Soft. It is a hostess set. Isn't it just gorgeous? Pool Party is my favorite color right now. (Calypso Coral is a close 2nd) I stamped on Naturals Ivory and used the spritzer tool with Pool Party and Crumb Cake markers. The background piece is Crumb Cake stamped with Wonderfully Worn and both that piece and the floral piece were sponged.

The rest is coming. I just want to put the next 2 cards in a separate post.

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Pool Party and an Old World Challenge

2011-06-20T21:05:00.000-04:00

The challenge over on SCS is called Old World Look. Basically aged, distressed and old looking. I used another new In Color. It is my favorite. Pool Party. I just LOVE it. I cannot quit making these roses and so made some for today as well. I used the Color Spritzer Tool to add to the distressed look to the roses as well as sponging them.

The doily is from the Flirtatious Specialty Designer Series Paper. I scrunched it up and inked it up a bit. Pretty much did that to all of the other papers to give them the aged look.

Set: Happiest Birthday Wishes

Ink: Pool Party, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Pool Party, Crumb Cake and Firtatious Specialty Designer Series Paper

Accessories: Basic Pearls, Victoria Crochet Trim, Scallop Circle Punch, Boho blossoms Punch, Fun Flowers Bigz L Die, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Distressing kit and tool

What do you think? I think I need to have a class on making roses.

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Wisteria Wonder and a couple of challenges!

2011-06-16T20:26:00.000-04:00

Wisteria Wonder is another new In Color. I have been itching to use it and when I saw that vellum was a part of the Ways to Use It Challenge over on SCS, I decided it was the perfect color to pull something together. The flower is made out of vellum. Before I added the center pearls, I spritzed it with Smooch Spritz. For the sketch I followed the Sketch Challenge SC337 from Wednesday.

Here is a closeup of the flower.

I love the colors and I love the flower. I really love making these. This isn't as tight as the last rose I made because the vellum is not as pliable. But isn't it just gorgeous!?!!?!

Set: Happiest Birthday Wishes

Cardstock: Vellum Cardstock, Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White, Flirtatious Specialty

Designer SeriesPaper

Ink: Wisteria Wonder

Accessories: Smooch Spritz, Basic Pearls, Lace Ribbon Border punch, Fun Flowers Bigz L Die

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Love, love, love this rose!!!

2011-06-12T17:56:00.000-04:00

Did you know that there are about a billion flower tutorials? Yep, pretty much. And I have watched a lot of them. I finally figured I should just grab a die and start working on one. And look at what I have done!!! This is truly so simple. A lot more simple than most I have seen anyway.

Let me share first though everything on this card. The green background is the new In Color Lucky Limeade. The Fancy Fan Letterpress Plate made the gorgeous image. I have never used one of those before. VERY easy. Just brayer the color of choice on your plate and put it through the Big Shot. Behind the rose is the larger scallop from Scallop Circle #2 Die and one of the circles from the Perfect Pennants Die. The rose was made with the Fun Flowers Bigz L Die. LOVE it. I used all of the sizes to make this rose. 4 of the large and 3 each of the other two. The leaves are from the Blossoms Petal Builder Punch. I just scored each one down the middle and scored some veins. The Lace Ribbon Border Punch is used as well as Victoria Crochet Trim. The happy birthday is from a brand new hostess set in the new 2011- 2012 ©Stampin' Up! catalog called Happiest Birthday Wishes. This set can be earned and the other new items stated here can be ordered starting July 1st.

This is what I actually did to each layer. After you cut your pieces with the Big Shot, spritz them with water. For mine I used In Color Calypso Coral. I then took the rounded end of my hammer and in circular motions in the middle and on each petal, caused it to cup. Very easy. I just did this on top of layered paper towel. Not anything fancy schmancy. You can snip closer into the center so that you can squish your petals closer like I did. For the very center I used tweezers to curl them even tighter. Then just let it set and dry. I just used Mono Multi to add each layer.

Isn't this rose just gorgeous! I just love it. I said that already didn't I? HA!

After I finished forming the rose I spritzed it with Champagne Mist paint that I added rubbing alcohol to so that I could spray it on. Try one of these. They are truly easy to make and oh so fun.

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Hello My Friend!

2011-06-10T19:36:00.000-04:00

My new preorder has been here for over a week! I have just been feeling up to stamping after having some surgery. I am doing much better. Just look at these beautiful colors and I LOVE this set.

I am not usually drawn to silhouette sets but I was drawn to the hello. I love the swirl of it.

Set: My Friend

Cardstock: Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Early Espresso and Very Vanilla

Ink: Early Espresso, Lucky Limeade

Accessories: Basic Pearls, Chocolate Chip Scallop Dots Ribbon, Lace Ribbon Border Punch

I LOVE these colors. They are 2 of the new In Colors. The others are Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder and Island Indigo. I will be showing those soon! Promise!

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Wedding Frame

2011-06-10T19:27:00.000-04:00

This is for Kate and she was married this past Saturday. She grew up in our church and I have known her all of her life. She is a few months older than our Dave. I hope she loves this. I enjoyed making it for her and her new husband.

I used Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, Whisper White and Early Espresso. A couple of things from the new catalog are the Lace Ribbon Border Punch and the Perfect Pennant Bigz L Die.

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

June Creative Crew

2011-05-31T20:21:00.000-04:00

This months focus is on flowers, weddings and sunny weather. I did a few extra projects. I just love the flowers theme. I had so much fun playing with making flowers.

CCREW0611CF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM - Catalog Focus:* FLOWERS*
Stampin' Up! has flowers! Ribbon Flowers, Rub-on Flowers, Button Flowers, Brad Flowers, Crocheted Flowers, Paper Flowers, Die Cut Flowers, Stenciled Flowers! The challenge is to use any flower except stamped flowers! - Look to the IB&C pages 156, 183 & page 188 for inspiration

These roses are made out of paper. I made them like you would ribbon roses. I had friends (Cathy, Joyce and Yvonne) come to a class last Saturday and were showing them some of these that I had made. I had mentioned that they needed something. Joyce said to spritz them with shimmer paint. GENIUS! So I cut the strips and sprayed them on both sides with Champagne Mist. Then I rolled them into the roses. They look sooooooooo much more beautiful. LOVE the shimmer.

These flowers were made with the Fancy Flower Punch. They are Faux Suede. Then I stacked 3 together offsetting the petals and squished them up. Then I dipped the edges in mono multi and then Dazzling Diamonds. They sure are sparkly! They were very fun to make. This also fit into the challenge directly below. DSP/Color Focus.

CCREW0611DF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM - DSP/Color Focus:
*Sunny Garden* June, a time for iced tea, gardens bursting, and riots of color. This month we're going bright (which is a true challenge for me) Poppy Parade, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait - you do not have to use the actual DSP it's the color combo we're looking at, however if you have the DSP please feel free to use it as well!

The Sunny Garden Designer Series Paper is so bright and cheerful. I love it but rarely use it. Once I got started I was on a roll. I just couldn't stop creating with these beautiful colors together. On both of the projects below I used Shimmery White Cardstock. It is my favorite to stamp on. On the flowers I used Illuminate top coat Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink. It gives it a sparkly shimmer. I also used Basic Rhinestones. These projects were just asking for them. Don't you think?

This project also uses the Fancy Favor Box.

CCREW0611HF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM - Holiday/Seasonal Focus: *Love Birds* It wouldn't be right to have June, weddings, flowers, etc without the birds! Let this Love Birds Shower Ensemble inspire you! You do not have to do wedding cards, however you must use a bird

I used the birds next to each other because I wanted to show commitment together. Side by side. Always and forever. That is what I was striving for.

The challenge I didn't do is this one.

CCREW0611SF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM - SB Inspiration Focus: *Scrapbooking Poems * This month your mission is to encoporate a poem into your SB project. I've included a link to some poems that work well with scrapping.

It just wasn't coming together for me. So I did extra in other areas.

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Card Holder Class-May 28th

2011-05-15T19:37:00.000-04:00

Last fall Emma had a Card Organiser Class and I have been meaning to have one ever since and just never got around to it. I started finagling and this is what I came up with.

This one has dividers for birthday, thank you, get well and sympathy. You can switch any of those out and choose thinking of you or for you if you wish. We will be using the Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper that will be in the new Stampin' Up! Catalog. No, it isn't here yet. Not until the end of June!

This class will be May 28th at 10 am at my home. Cost is $15. All supplies included.

And thank you Emma for the inspiration. If you want to see hers, go here.

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Color and Sketch Challenges

2011-05-11T09:41:00.000-04:00

This is for the Color Challenge yesterday and the Sketch Challenge today over on SplitcoastStampers. This is a great sketch and the colors are beautiful together. The recipe is over on SCS here. http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1971578?&cat=20567

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Dad's Birthday and Mother's Day

2011-05-09T10:21:00.000-04:00

Yesterday my folks and David came for dinner. David brought me flowers. They are beautiful. I wanted to share with you the card I made for my mom and the birthday card for my dad. His birthday is actually today, but we celebrated yesterday.

This is what I made my mom. I LOVE the new Doily Triple Layer Punch. It is what the flower is made with. I layered 3 of them together.

This is what I made my dad. Do you remember this image from the petal cone I made previously? Well, we got my dad a gift card and it didn't fit in the cone. Sooooooo, I stole it from that project and put it on this one. He loves it!

We had such a nice day. And I got to see Hali too after she got off of work. It would have been just perfect if Erin, Will, Elise and Irelyn had been here. I cannot complain. Life is good.

I almost forgot. Do you remember this? It is for my folks anniversary in June. Well, I was so excited about it I couldn't wait to give it to them. They LOVE it.

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

May Creative Crew!

2011-05-01T10:25:00.000-04:00

I am excited to be part of the Creative Crew for May - August! The Creative Crew is a group of ©Stampin' Up! Demonstrators chosen to showcase their work in a gallery over on Splitcoaststampers. This is to be inspiration for all of you to stamp and load your work into the gallery as well. Let me show you what I have done with this months challenges. There is a LOT in this blog post, so make sure you scroll to the very end.

Keyword CCREW0511CF, Catalog Focus -- So Distressing. We had to use the Distressing Essentials kit, cutter kit, sponges, daubers. Make the new look old. I stamped, then crumbled up my paper, distressed it, inked and sponged it and even tore it a bit. The ribbon I scrunched in my hand and then ran the Crumb Cake and Pink Pirouette stamp pads along it. LOVE it.

CCREW0511DF, DSP/Color Focus: -- For this challenge we had to go neutral with a splash of color! Instead of whisper white or very vanilla, try naturals white or ivory, confetti white or cream. Large emphasis on neutrals. The Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper is the inspiration: All neutrals with that splash of baja breeze! You do not have to use the Elegant Soiree DSP but that is the look that we're after.

I used the brand new Doily Triple Layer Punch. LOVE that. I scrunched it up in this project.

CCREW0511HF, Holiday/Seasonal Focus -- Family Time! This is a his & hers challenge. The focus for this month was to be granparents. Choose one layout and make a masculine card and a feminine card! Both sets of our grandparents have passed so I did make mine mom and dad. Also it says to make a CARD! I made the Petal Cones first and then was reading over the challenges and saw that it was to be a card. OOOoops! So I made 3x3's to go with them. LOVE that. For each one I show both of them together and then another view of the cones.

CCREW0511SF, SB Inspiration Focus: -- Vintage Pages. The challenge is to use black and white or Sepia photo's! To make the page to look like it's from a by-gone era, think antiquing, distressing, lace, etc.

This is a photo of my folks. I do not scrapbook. I still have photo's from Erin's wedding 9 years ago. I know! Terrible. Anyway, I love this so much and will give it to my parents for their anniversary in June. I cannot wait! I love how it turned out.

All of my recipes for these challenges are in the gallery at SCS. Play along on any or all of these challenges! They are really so much fun. To see the full May Creative Crew gallery just click http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=21245

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

May Creative Crew Sneak Peek!!!

2011-04-30T11:37:00.000-04:00

The May Creative Crew Gallery will go live tomorrow at noon! I am sooooo excited. Here is a sneak peek of a couple of things I will be sharing.

Do you want to see more? Come back tomorrow!!!

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Flower Fest, Creative Crew, a Sketch Challenge and Avery

2011-04-13T15:41:00.000-04:00

This morning I worked on the Sketch Challenge over on Split Coast Stampers (SCS). I also added one of the Creative Crew Challenges. Do you know what the Creative Crew is? The Creative Crew is a group of demos that SCS chooses to create cards or items using the challenges that are given. This just started in January. Each month there are new challenges. When the challenges are posted to the rest of us, then anyone can do them and post them to the galleries.

This is what I did for SC328. It also used the Creative Crew Catalog Focus of Punches.

I used a brand new set out of the Summer Mini. It will be available May 1. It is called Flower Fest. I stamped on Shimmery White Cardstock and I also added shimmer with the Smooch Pearlized Top Coat on the roses and the butterfly. The Beyond the Garden Designer Series Paper is also new.

Stamp set: Flower Fest

Cardstock: Wild Wasabi, Melon Mambo, Shimmery White and Beyond the Garden DSP

Ink: Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi, Tangerine Tango and Daffodil Delight

Accessories: Taffeta Ribbon, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Butterfly Punch, Basic Rhinestones, Top Coat Smooch

If you click the picture you should get a closer view.

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Here are all of the Creative Crew Challenges for this month.

April Creative Crew Challenges

CCREW0411CF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM - Catalog Focus:* PUNCHES *

We all know that SU! punches rock, so this month punch us up some flowers, butterflies, birds, and bugs! You don't have to make actual punch art (unless of course you want to Jackie!), but show us what your punches can do!

CCREW0411DF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM - DSP/Color Focus:
When you see Bluebirds you know spring is here! So use this very blue color combo: Pacific Point, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand. Which also happens to be the colors of the Blueberry Crisp DSP!

CCREW0411HF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM - Holiday/Seasonal Focus: * Mother Ocean *
The rain fills our Oceans with the lovely water that balances life here on earth. So in honor of Mother Ocean let's do some watercoloring! Break out your aquapainter and your inks, crayons, pencils, and blender pens! Show us watercoloring at it's best.

CCREW0411SF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM - SB Inspiration Focus: * NO DSP! *
Yep you have to use stamps and make your own background for your pages this month. Other than that, it's a free for all!

Grab your stamps and do a challenge or two!

By the way, I will be on the Creative Crew from May to August. I am pretty excited about that. WOOOHOOOOO!!!

I have to share one more thing. I went to see my sister Diane this afternoon. She just had Avery on Friday. This is the first I have seen her and I took a couple of pictures.

Don't they look GREAT!? This is #12 for Diane and Brian. The rest are Amy, Holly, Mindy, Stephen, Carly, Issac, Stacy, Kelly, Mallory, Jesse, Mark and now Avery.

This is Kelly and I caught Avery with her eyes opened.

Had to take my turn. What a sweet snuggie!

Faux Mother of Pearl

2011-04-05T18:59:00.000-04:00

I have been playing with some new, fabulous stuff from ©Stampin' Up! In the April Stampin' Success there is a tutorial for Faux Mother of Pearl. LOVE it. It was hard to photograph. I made this on Sunday afternoon and had to wait until today for some sun to get a decent picture. The shimmer is just gorgeous.

The technique is easy. Put a few drops of Frost White Shimmer Paint onto a paper plate. Using a piece of scrunched plastic wrap, dab it into the paint and then pounce it all over a piece of Whisper White Cardstock. Leave some areas uncovered. Let it dry. Sponge or brayer with any color of ink to get the color and pearl effect. WOW. So beautiful. The piece that is stamped is also Faux Mother of Pearl. It is then stamped with Black Staz On. Don't you just LOVE the Paisley Petals Paper? It is fabulous! And this piece was just begging for the Basic Pearls. And the Vintage Flower. Holy cow! I need to tell you. Those just did not grab me AT ALL when I saw them. I finally decided to order them and they are WONDERFUL. You really need to get them. I mixed some of the paint with the reinker and dabbed that on. And then of course addedsome pearls to that too.

Stamp Sets: Four Frames; You're a Gem

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper

Ink: Black StazOn, Tangerine Tango, River Rock, Baja Breeze

Accessories: Basic Pearls, Vintage Flower Adornments, Fun Flowers Bigz L Die, Decorative Label Extra Large Punch

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Stamp Case Notepad Holder and Heat Embossing

2011-03-04T16:19:00.000-05:00

For class this month we made a stamp case into a notepad holder. We made one of those at Leadership in January. I decided we should use the Ice Cream Parlor Designer Series Paper & Quick Accents Pack as well as the Ribbon & Button Pack.

How bright and cheerful is this? The "D" is from the Broadsheet Alphabet Set. We stamped our initial and then punched it out with the 1-1/4 inch circle punch. Then we chose a color in the DSP to punch out and layer in between that and the scalloped piece from the Accents Pack. A piece of Old Olive Taffeta Ribbon is tied in a bow around the spine with a Trinket key tied to a tail. Then a piece of the ribbon in the Ribbon Pack is tied to the taffeta ribbon.

Here is the inside view. The notepad is 5x8 in size. An inch is cut off of the bottom of the pad to fit inside the case. A piece of the DSP covers the top. LOVE it.

We also did Heat Embossing. I used the Bliss set that is FREE in the Sale-a-bration catalog. We inked the images in Versamark and then Poppy Parade to get our color and embossed with clear embossing powder. The card uses Shimmery White Cardstock as well as the Poppy Parade. A piece of the Poppy Parade Poly Ribbon is tied at the top. A Basic Pearl is also added to the image.

Here is a view of just the card. Love this set.

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Valentine's for Elise and Irelyn

2011-02-09T18:17:00.000-05:00

These are for my granddaughters Elise and Irelyn. I wish I was able to hand deliver them myself. I miss

them terribly!!!

Here is a close-up.

The heart pouches were made with the Petal Cone Die. I LOVE that thing! The pouches are filled with lip gloss and chocolates. The bracelets were made with ©Stampin' Up! Buttons. They are going to LOVE those.

Stamp sets: Filled With Love, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Subtles DSP Stack, Red Glimmer Paper, Pretty in Pink

Accessories: Glimmer Brads, Red Satin Ribbon, Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon, Pretty in Pink Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Full Heart Punch, Small Heart Punch, Scalloped Heart of Heart Embosslit

Ink: Crumb Cake

Everything ©Stampin' Up!

Emma's Box Arm and Creative Crew Color Focus

2011-02-07T15:29:00.000-05:00

Over on Splitcoast Stampers there is a Creative Crew that has challenges for us to do. This card is the Color Focus Challenge. Emma (Emma F - Lady & the Stamp) is on the Creative Crew and also has some very cool tutorials. I used her Box Arm Tutorial for this card. How fun!!! Here is her blog and on the right you can view her tutorials. http://www.ladynthestamp.blogspot.com/

This is my second post today so make sure you scroll down and see everything!

For the background I inked the Teahouse stamp in Daffodil Delight and then sponged Early Espresso randomly over that. Then I sponged the cardstock after I stamped it. I distressed the edges and sponged some more. I wrinkled the ribbons in my hands. Yep, just wrinkled it up. The striped Daffodil ribbon I also ran the Early Espresso ink pad over it. All stamping was done on Crumb Cake. Love that stuff.

Sets: Build a Blossom, Something to Celebrate, Teahouse Background

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight

Accessories: Blossom Petals Punch, Curly Label Punch, 1/2" circle Punch, Crystal Effects, Daffodil Delight Striped Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon, sponge

©Stampin' Up!

Here are all of the challenges for this month.

February 2011 Focus Categories:

CCREW0211CF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM - Catalog Focus * Beads, Baubles, Trinkets, Chains, and Charms – SU! seems to be pushing this product line, show us ways to use these.

CCREW02111DF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM - DSP/Color Focus * Using the Color Coach or color combo of: Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, and Cherry Cobbler

CCREW0211HF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM - Holiday/Seasonal Focus * The crew has had enough of being cooped up! That’s right the CC is planning a dinner party, we’ve pulled out all the stops using food/drink stamps, showcasing favorite recipes, we’re sharing unique table setting designs, centerpieces, and hostess gifts!

CCREW0211SF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM - SB Inspiration Focus * Pull out your January Stampin’ Success mag – on page 30 is a card layout, turn that into an SB page, feel free to change the shapes it does not have to be circles, just mimic the layout.

February Class

2011-02-07T15:03:00.000-05:00

For February's class I focused on a couple of projects from Leadership. One is a Make n Take card and the other is a pocket card that Richard Garay demonstrated. Very cool and so much fun.

This is the Make n Take. We made this card and then for class I added the Windowpane. I LOVE those. Isn't it cool?

Set: Clearly for You

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Whisper White

Ink: Soft Suede, Old Olive, Baja Breeze, More Mustard

Accessories: Cutter Kit, 2-1/2' Circle Punch, Petal Card Double Punch, 1' Circle Punch, Linen Thread, Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon, Windowpane, Crimper, Retired Old Olive ribbon is used around the Windowpane. Old Olive Taffeta would be perfect.

This is the Pocket Card I came up with using Richard Garay's directions. He demonstrated how to do this at Leadership. Very fun to do!

Sets: Button, Button and You're a Gem

Cardstock: Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White and Sweet Stitches Designer Series Paper

Ink: Tangerine Tango, Wild Wasabi and Melon Mambo

Accessories, Sweet Stitches Designer Big Buttons, Daffodil Delight Taffeta, Linen Thread, Round Tab Punch

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

River Rock, Basic Gray and Whisper White Color Challenge

2011-02-01T14:25:00.000-05:00

While waiting for the Creative Crew Gallery over on SCS to get going today I decided to work on the Color Challenge. How do you like River Rock, Basic Gray and Whisper White? I am LOVING it!!! The birds are painted with Champagne Mist. One of the Creative Crew Challenges is a Catalog Focus using Beads, Baubles, Trinkets, Chains, and Charms! LOVE that. I used a trinket key.

The dessert option is using a Background stamp as well.

Stamp set: Clearly for You, Teahouse Background Stamp

Ink: Basic Gray, River Rock

Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Gray, River Rock, Neutrals Paper Stack (River Rock)

Accessories: Beveled Windowpane, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, Trinket Key, Basic Gray Satin and Taffeta Ribbons, Sanding Block, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Decorative Label Punch

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Gradient Challenge

2011-01-20T15:42:00.000-05:00

The challenge over on SCS today for the Ways to Use It challenge is Gradient Stamping. It is going from a lighter color to a darker color. This can be monochromatic or just a choice of 2 or 3 colors that look well together. I used Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink and Bravo Burgundy.

I know the bow is HUGE! I LOVE IT!!! I love ribbon.

Set: Clearly for You

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Bravo Burgundy, Very Vanilla

Ink: Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Bravo Burgundy

Accessories: Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink and Bravo Burgundy Ribbons, Basic Pearls (LOVE those), Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, Top Note Die

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Sketch Challenge

2011-01-19T19:30:00.000-05:00

I worked on another SCS challenge today. This is the sketch challenge. My Jack bought me a sewing machine after we were married for my first Christmas present from him. That was over 31 years ago. I have been sewing and mending for a very long time. I thought it only fitting (HA!) that I purchase and use this set.

Stamp sets: Sew Suite, You're a Gem

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Sweet Stitches Designer Series Paper

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Sweet Stitches Designer Fabric, Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon, Oval Punch, Basic Rhinestones, Brights Designer Buttons

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Color Challenge

2011-01-18T16:02:00.000-05:00

I am back from Leadership and trying to get back into the swing of things. I decided to work on the Color Challenge over on SCS. Bravo Burgundy, Baja Breeze and Pear Pizzazz. I started working on it this morning and had to help my Jack work on the Great Room. There might be some sawdust on this card. HA! He is now gone at work and so I was able to finish.

I used a set that we were given at Leadership called Clearly for You. The images in the ovals were stamped with that set. The Crumb Cake bottom of the card piece is stamped with a wheel called Elegance. The roses are our Vanilla Rosettes that I colored with our markers. LOVE that we can do that. We can color our ribbon so those are quick and easy to color up! Wooohooo!!!

Stamp Set: Clearly for You, Elegance Wheel

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Bravo Burgundy, Crumb Cake and Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper

Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Crumb Cake

Accessories: Bravo Burgundy and Baja Breeze Markers, Basic Pearls, Pear Pizzazz Ribbon, Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon, Vanilla Rosettes, Tasteful Trim Die, Victoria Crochet Trim, Oval Punches

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Leadership and Swaps

2011-01-09T16:59:00.000-05:00

This week I will be heading to Nashville to attend the Stampin' Up! Leadership Conference. I am sooooo excited. My friends Dawn Marie and Emma are buddies going with and we are bouncing off of the walls!!! We are starting out Tuesday night at a Michigan Mingler dinner and then fly out on Wednesday. I signed up for 2 swaps. The set I chose to use is Thanks for Caring. A lovely new sympathy set in the new Occasions Mini Catalog.

Besides the Thanks for Caring set I used the Vintage Frames Stencil sponged with Always Artichoke. The flower is made from the Fun Flowers Bigz L Die with an Antique Brad in the center.

Cardstock: Rose Red, Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake and the new Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper.

Accessories: Decorative Label Punch, Oval Punches, Crochet Trim and the wonderful new color of Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon.

This card I wanted to show off the butterfly without cutting it out. It is stamped and then I added Baja Breeze with a Blender Pen. After that dried I brushed it Champagne Mist Paint using a Blender Pen. I love the little sparkle that it gave.

Ink: Early Espresso, Baja Breeze

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze and Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper

Accessories: Sticky Strip, Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon(LOVE this), Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die, Top Note Die, and the gorgeous Framed Tulips Embossing Folder. This folder is gorgeous. I love it!

As most of you know, we will be getting a bag from Stampin' Up! at Leadership and these are the tags I made up for us. Aren't they fun!?!! I cannot wait to go!

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Blog Award

2011-01-06T10:02:00.000-05:00

WOW! What a nice surprise! This award was given to me by sweet Heide. Thank you so much!

Part of receiving this award means I have to do the following:

*Thank the person who gave you the award

*Share 8 things about yourself

*Pass this award onto 8 bloggers who inspire you.

*Contact the bloggers that you have awarded

My 8 things:

1. I have been married to my Jack for 31 years. LOVE him. He is a true gem.

2. I am a grandma to Elise and Irelyn.

3. I have 3 kiddoes. Erin, David and Jaclyn. Erin is married to Will, David is engaged to Hali (woohoo) and Jaclyn is my sweetie cute patoot.

4. I love the Lord my God with all of my heart, soul and mind.

5. I try to stamp every day. LOVE to stamp.

6. I have 2 sisters and one brother. I am second oldest in the line-up. We are Delores (Lori), Debra (that's me), Paul (Paulsy) and Diane (Dizey). Only my folks and sibs get away with calling me Debbie. I prefer Debra or Deb. Sometimes there is a blast from the past and I get called Debbie and that is okay. HA!

7. My folks and my in-laws only live 5 minutes from us. I LOVE that. One is north of us the other south.

8. I am part of a group of wonderful people called the Michigan Minglers. We chat online and in real life visit each other quite often.

Now, in no specific order, I am inspired by:

Erin

The last one is not a stamping blog, but she inspires me every day. And I listed more than 8.

Thank you again Heide!

Tech Class Faux Silk Petal Cone

2011-01-05T16:29:00.000-05:00

My Techniques Class for January is tomorrow. The focus is Valentine's Day. I have been wanting to use the Faux Silk Technique and it is easy and fun!

The card uses the Filled With Love Bundle. The bundle is the Filled with Love Stamp Set, exclusive Love Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack and you get a FREE package of Bitty Buttons! The card base is Real Red, then a Pretty in Pink layer punched with the Pinking Hearts Border Punch. I used Real Red ink to stamp with and the heart has the Faux Silk Technique on it. I also punched a heart in Real Red and put one of the buttons over that with Linen Thread. The pink ribbon is 3/8" taffeta.

Here is a close up of the heart. I love that button!

This candy holder is made using the new Petal Cone Die. I LOVE this. It is sooooo fun and can be used for many occasions. There is red and white Satin Ribbon, and again the colors used are Real Red and Pretty in Pink.

Everything is ©Stampin Up!

New Occasions Mini and Swaps!

2011-01-05T16:10:00.000-05:00

The new Occasions Mini is here and boy is it full of a lot of wonderful! This card is for a swap I am in and I have also been working on swaps for Leadership. I will show you those in a couple of days.

This card uses the You're a Gem set. I bought the set because my husband is a gem. He is not going to get this card because it is a girly card. But the saying is definitely for him! The flower is made using the Fun Flowers Bigz L Die. It is made with Not Quite Navy and Baja Breeze. I attached a Basic Rhinestone to the center. The paper is Springtime Vintage Designer Series. LOVE it. The ribbon is Baja Breeze! Yes! They have added more colors of the Seam Binding Ribbon. I am ecstatic about that! The card base is Not Quite Navy and the piece on top of that is River Rock.

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Gift Card Holder

2010-12-17T19:21:00.000-05:00

This is one of the best idea's I have seen around on SCS and on some blogs. I added a pocket for a gift card holder. They also work well for holding money. I love this! General instructions that I followed are on this blog. http://flowerbug.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/08/holiday-mini-sneak-peak-freaks-tour.html

I also added some measurements below.

This is the package closed.

Pull the top

Fabulous! I made a little pocket for the gift card or money.

The bottom of the 'package' is 8-1/2x4-1/4. Score and fold in half at 4-1/4. Decorate.

The insert is 3-1/4x6. Score this piece at 4-3/4. Fold and secure with sticky strip on each side.

The top of the 'package' is 3x5-1/2. Score at1-1/2 lengthewise. The ribbon is only tied around the front part. This piece is attached to the inserted part with dimensionals.

Everything is ©Stampin Up!

Something Christmas, Something New

2010-12-08T17:12:00.000-05:00

The Creative Challenge for December that Shelli has given is to use our favorite technique. http://www.soshelli.com/contest/2010/12/2/terrific-technique-creative-challenge.html Mine is an older one and is the Rock n Roll Technique. I LOVE it. It is my hands down favorite technique. Since it is December I made a Christmas card. I couldn't resist though and made a second card using some new stuff that I just got from my preorder for the Occassions Mini. There is a lot of beautiful stuff in there.

Christ is Born is a perfect set to Rock n Roll with. I inked in Crumb Cake, rocked n rolled in Cherry Cobbler and then again in Early Espresso. Do you see the bow? (I know, hard to miss) See that Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon?! LOVE, love, love it!!! It is new and in the Occassions Mini! WOOOHOOO!!!

Sets: Christ is Born, Christmas Collage Background

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla and Cherry Cobbler

Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Cherry Cobbler and Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon, Early Espresso Striped Ribbon, Victoria Crochet Trim. Basic Pearls and an Antique Brad

This card uses the new set Build a Blossom. It is just fabulous! AND there is a punch that punches out those petals. I LOVE that. I rocked n rolled the petals and the leaves. The petals I inked in Baja Breeze and rocked n rolled in Not Quite Navy. The leaves I inked in Pear Pizzazz and the rocked n rolled in Always Artichoke. I absolutely LOVE these colors together. And the designer paper! Oh my!

Set: Build a Blossom

Ink: Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Rose Red, Pear Pizzazz, Always Artichoke

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Rose Red, Very Vanilla, Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper

Accessories: Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon, Victoria Crochet Trim, Springtime Vintage Big Designer Buttons, Basic Pearls

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Christ is born!

2010-12-01T19:33:00.000-05:00

Christ is Born is one of my favorite stamp sets. I haven't used it yet this year and decided it was perfect for the sketch challenge today over on SCS.

Stamp sets: Christ is Born and Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake and Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper

Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler and More Mustard marker

Accessories: Punches, Ribbon, Brad, Pearls and Crochet Trim

I rocked n rolled the poinsettia stamp. I just love that technique. LOVE it.

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Technique and Color Challenges

2010-11-30T13:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterdays challenge was the Faux Tile Technique over on SCS. Todays is the color challenge. The colors to use are River Rock, Real Red and Old Olive. I used the Contempo Christmas set for both of these. I love that set.

This is for the Faux Tile Challenge.

The background is done by scoring and then stamping and sponging.

Sets: Contempo Christmas, French Filigree

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso and Very Vanilla

Ink: Early Espresso and Crumb Cake

Accessories: Scallop Oval and Decorative Label punches, Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, Scoring tool, Champagne Glass Glitter

This is for the Color Challenge.

Set: Contempo Christmas, Contempo Wheel

Cardstock: Old Olive, River Rock, Real Red and Very Vanilla

Ink: Real Red, Old Olive and River Rock

Accessories: Old Olive Striped Ribbon, Red Satin Ribbon, Scallop Square Duo Die, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Ornament Punch, Holiday Windows Movers and Shapers, Decorative Label Punch, and Basic Pearls

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Shimmery Snowflakes

2010-11-24T11:41:00.000-05:00

The weather here has been DREARY! A little sparkly snow would sure make things beautiful. I am ready! Not to shovel mind you. But to look at. hehehe

This is for the Sketch Challenge over on SCS.

Stamp set: Tiny Tags

Cardstock: Baja Breeze and Shimmery White

Ink: Baja Breeze

Accessories: Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, Northern Frost strip, Dazzling Diamonds, Glimmer Brads, Clear Tinsel Trim, Oval Punch

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Perk Up!

2010-11-23T12:02:00.000-05:00

That is what I need. Some perking up! How about you? I need a cup of coffee with a bunch of my friends. Come on over!

This is for the Color Challenge over on SCS. I thought it needed more perk and added some smoochie! Smooch Spritz that is! It is hard to see in some places, but everything but the bow treatment has Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz. I embossed the percolator with clear embossing powder.

Stamp set: Morning Cup, Take a Sip Wheel

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Confetti Cream and Crumb Cake

Ink: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler and Crumb Cake

Accessories: Espressso Satin Ribbon, Crochet Trim, Buttons, Linen Thread, Basic Pearl, Jewelry Tag and Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Clear Embossing Powder and of course the Smooch Spritz.

Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Here for you, Friend

2010-11-18T18:32:00.000-05:00

This is for a friend that I just want to cheer up. I hope it does. The Way to Use It challenge today over on SCS is to use brown. So that is the color I focused on.

Stamp sets: French Foliage, Friends 24-7

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla, Deck the Halls

Ink: Early Espresso, Cajun Craze

Accessories: Neutrals Button, Victoria Crochet Trim, Early Espresso Striped Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Circle, Decorative Label and Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punches.

I still should be sewing!

2010-11-17T10:42:00.000-05:00

Although I am supposed to be sitting at the sewing machine, I looked at the sketch challenge over on SCS and decided to play.

Stamp set: Bells and Boughs

Cardstock: Watercolor Paper, Always Artichoke, Early Espresso, Deck the Halls DSP

Ink: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard, Always Artichoke, Crumb cake

Accessories: Brads, Aquapainter, Vintage Frames Stencil

I am supposed to be sewing!

2010-11-16T13:34:00.000-05:00

This is a thank you card that was supposed to go out yesterday. I had been sewing the past couple of days and of course lost track of time. SO, this morning I decided to check out the Color Challenge over on SCS. Baja Breeze, Perfect Plum and Pear Pizzazz. Blech! I did not like the color choices, but put together they look pretty good! Don't you think?

The trees are inked in Pear Pizzazz and then rock n rolled with Baja Breeze. Then I thumped with Pear Pizzazz and Baja Breeze markers. All of this is very hard to see since I dazzled it up using Dazzling Diamonds. HA! I sponged with Baja Breeze and Perfect Plum.

Sets: Scenic Season and Curly Cute

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze and Perfect Plum

Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Baja Breeze and Perfect Plum

Accessories: Top Note Die, Scallop Oval Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Clear Tinsel Trim, Baja Breeze striped ribbon, Victoria Crochet Trim, Vintage Brad

Okay, back to sewing.

Thank you Sgt. Daam!

2010-11-11T18:18:00.000-05:00

Sgt. David Daam has been in the United States Marine Corps for eight years. He has been deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom II and fought in Fallujah during Operation Phantom Fury. He has worked training operations for the Georgian Army in Tblisi and the British Royal Marines at Quantico. The last operation he was in was Operation Iraqi Freedom 9.2.

This card is for David. In this post I won't go into detail about product as this post is about David.

I am very thankful for you David. And proud to call you my son. I love you so much.

Shimmery Snowflakes

2010-11-09T12:44:00.000-05:00

This card is for the color challenge over on SCS. I love the Poppy Parade color and I think this is only the second time I have used it. Isn't it striking? I love it!

The colors of the challenge are Poppy Parade, Tempting Turquoise and White. You can add another neutral if you wish.

The stamp set used is All Holidays. The cardstock is Tempting Turquoise, Poppy Parade and Shimmery White. The Shimmery White piece is embossed with the Northern Flurry Folder. The Peace, Love, Joy is also embossed with the folder. The snowflakes are from the Northern Frost Decorative Strip. I sponged and then blinged them up with Basic Rhinestones (I love those). The ribbon is the Poppy Parade Stitched. I added the Clear Tinsel Trim to that. Oh my, I just love all of the sparkle! LOVE it.

Foliage Mist Resist

2010-11-08T10:53:00.000-05:00

This is for the TLC Challenge over on SCS. I love the French Foliage set. I waited too long to get it. The inked and stamped panel is actually a piece of Very Vanilla Cardtock. It is inked with Cajun Craze and then stamped with leaves from the French Foliage set. I inked the stamps with Versamark and spritzed with Stampin' Mist. Then stamped. The darker images are the same stamps inked with Cajun Craze, Tangerine Tango, Always Artichoke, Early Espresso and River Rock. The Rock n Roll technique was used for that part. And the cut out leaves are using the Rock n Roll technique as well.

Stamp sets: French Foliage and Day of Gratitude

Ink: Versamark, Cajun Craze, Tangerine Tango, Early Espresso, Always Artichoke and River Rock

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Tangerine Tango, Early Espresso and Very Vanilla

Accessories: Linen Thread, Brad and Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint.

Green, green, green!!!

2010-11-04T14:57:00.000-04:00

Right now I am loving the color of Always Artichoke. It is just such a rich, beautiful color. AND when you pair it with Cherry Cobbler, YUM!!! I made this for the Ways to Use It Challenge over on SCS.

The stamp set I used is Bells & Boughs. Cardstock is Deck the Halls DSP, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake and Watercolor Paper. I watercolored using an aquapainter and the stamp pads. The ribbon is the Always Artichoke Seam Binding.

Happy Birthday Erin!

2010-11-03T13:26:00.000-04:00

Erin's birthday is next week. Shhhhh! We sent this card today. We will not be able to celebrate with her in person, BUT we get to see her at Thanksgiving. I cannot wait! WOOOHOOO!!!

I love the Deck the Halls fabric, the buttons and pearls. And the seam binding is so very rich. LOVE it.

The cardstock is Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke and Cherry Cobbler. I rocked and rolled the image from Day of Gratitude. I inked it in Cherry Cobbler and Always Artichoke. That is one of my favorite techniques. After I stamped the images I spritzed the cardstock with Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint. I made the fabric flower using the Scallop Circle #2 bigz die. Fold each circle in half and in half again. Do this to 4 of them. Handstitch them on a 5th scallop circle. Attach the button and then adhere the pearls.

Frosted Flurry

2010-10-16T12:57:00.000-04:00

The Northern Flurry embossing folder is one of my favorite things! It makes it so easy to pull together a card! I used Crumb Cake Cardstock to put through the folder. Then I used the Vanilla Craft Pad to sponge around the edges and on the snowflakes. I LOVE IT! The sentiment is from the Bells & Boughs set. Then I added some Basic Pearls. Theother cardstock is Baja Breeze.

Choosing Gratitude Bible Study Journal

2010-10-01T19:35:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday mornings I am attending a Bible study. We are going through a book called Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy. There is journaling involved. I am horrible at journaling. My oldest daughter Erin is fabulous at it. She has loved to write, journal and pen stories ever since she was in the second grade. She is very good at it. Anyway, I bought myself a spiral notebook and covered it. That is one thing I can do! Stamp and craft! This is the front cover. I am not going to list all of the ingredients. I used a LOT. Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Here are some closeups. The phrase says Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings. It is in the stamp set Day of Gratitude. Appropriate, don't you think?!

All over there are buttons and brads. One of the flowers here is made out of material and the other is paper with a ribbon center and leaves.

The flower on the right is made out of paper and spritzed with Shimmer paint.

This is a closeup of the binder edge. I used a LOT of ribbon. I gathered the striped piece by pulling a middle thread. The crochet trim piece is gathered using taffeta ribbon. The artichoke seam binding is ruffled with sticky strip.

Gratitude is a choice: if we fail to choose it, by default we are ungrateful. Gratitude is learning to recognize and express appreciation for the benefits we have received from God and from others. Ingratitude comes from not listening to God and not remembering what He has done for us.

When we choose a lifestyle of heartfelt, humble gratitude, it brings to mind the benefits received from our gracious Savior and those He has placed around us. By intentionally thanking God and others, bitterness and entitlement are replaced with joy and the humble realization of just how undeserving we really are.

I want to live my life based on thankfulness - for the freedom Christ has provided and for the blessings of others.

Thanks for looking! Debra

Always Elegant Fancy Favor

2010-09-30T14:57:00.000-04:00

In the summer a group of demos got together and each of us had to share a shoebox swap. This was mine. All of the projects were fabulous and we had a wonderful time. I can't wait to do that again!

This box is made using the Fancy Favor bigz XL Die. The handle is made using the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch. The stamp set used is Always Elegant. The ribbons are Early Espresso Taffeta, Kraft Taffeta (Yikes! We don't sell that any more!), and the Victoria Crochet Trim. Cardstock is Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla and Cherry Cobbler. I also used the Scallop Trim Border, Scallop Oval, And 2 Oval Punches. I finished it off using Basic Pearls.

Cajun Garden

2010-09-23T10:58:00.000-04:00

Just Believe is one of my favorite new sets in the catalog. And Cajun Craze is a gorgeous color that just has to be used. And the Basic Pearls are a definite must! And buttons! And lace! I LOVE IT!

I used Cajun Craze and Garden Green markers direct to rubber stamped on Crumb Cake cardstock. It is so beautiful! the Cajun Craze cardstock piece is embossed with the Finial Press Folder. Punches used are Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border and Decorative Label. The buttons are from the Regal Collection and they are tied around the Chantilly Lace with Linen Thread.

10 for $20

2010-09-13T18:54:00.000-04:00

This Saturday, September 18th at 10am, I am having a 10 for $20 class. We will be making ten (10) cards. Two each of five different designs. Samples are below. There are still a few spots open. If you would like to attend let me know by Thursday, September 16.

Always Elegant Wedding Card

2010-09-07T11:15:00.000-04:00

This is for a wedding that took place this past Saturday. I LOVE the Elegant Lines Embossing Folder. I used the Always Elegant stamp set. Cardstock is Shimmery White and Marina Mist. Punches are Oval, Scallop Oval and Decorative Label. The ribbon is Marina Mist Tafetta. I finished off with adding Basic Pearls and a pearl stick pin.

Pumpkin Patch

2010-09-03T14:34:00.000-04:00

Don't you think these pumpkins are just the cutest things!? We will be making the smallest of these as one of the projects in my club/class next week September 9th. If you are not signed up and want to attend, let me know. We will also be making a double slider card and a treat holder. The pumkin patch will be on my hutch for the season. I just love the look!

New Catty Swap

2010-08-20T19:06:00.000-04:00

These cards were for a new catty swap that I was in. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Elizabeth Stamp. It is just gorgeous and so elegant. The cardstock is Blushing Bride, Early Espresso and Confetti Cream. Ink pad used is Early Espresso. Accessories are: Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Blushing Bride Ribbon, Blushing Bride Marker and Basic Pearls.

This card uses the Morning Cup set. I am so happy for a coffee set! Cardstock is Marina Mist, Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White. Accessories are: Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist and Early Espresso Markers, Daffodil Delight Ribbon, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch and Square Lattice Embossing Folder.

Happy Birthday Dave!!!

2010-08-15T17:19:00.000-04:00

Dave's birthday was last week and we just celebrated today. This is the card I made for him. I used the Just Believe set. It is fast becoming a favorite. I also used the Happy birthday from the set Curly Cute. Cardstock used is Crumb Cake, Early Espresso and Very Vanilla. Ink pads are Early Espresso and Craft Vanilla. Punches used are Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border and the Decorative Label Punch. The latter is in the Holiday Mini Catalog. I used the stamp a ma jig to put the happy birthday the way I wanted. I layered the punched piece with Early Espresso. I punched it twice and then cut one in half horizontally and the other vertically. LOVE it! The ribbon is Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta. There is also an Antique Brad and I wound someLinen Thread around the stamped piece. The base of the card also uses the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder.

Holiday Mini Preview Day of Gratitude

2010-08-11T20:45:00.000-04:00

Is this set gorgeous or what? LOVE the colors. The set is called Day of Gratitude. The Designer Series Paper is Autumn Spice. They will be available September 1st. I inked the image with More Mustard and then used Cajun Craze, Old Olive and Early Espresso markers to add those colors. I added Basic Pearls and Old Olive Satin ribbon.

Teahouse Notably Ornate

2010-08-10T12:48:00.000-04:00

A beautiful new set from the new 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog. Sets used are Teahouse Background and Notably Ornate. Colors are Baja Breeze, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla. The Designer Series Paper is Elegant Soiree. Punches are Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, Extra Large Oval, Modern Label and Scallop Edge.

Stamping Fun!

2010-08-09T21:41:00.000-04:00

Come to an open Stampin' Up! night!

Where? Debra's House, 4653 Romence Rd, Portage

When? August 24th at 7pm

What? Your chance to rummage through my retired Stampin' Up! stamps, accessories, designer paper, inks etc. Plenty of bargains to go around!

Also, 2 simple Make n' Takes with ALL NEW PRODUCT from the 2010/2011 Catalog and Idea Book.

There will also be:

Club Sign-Ups - Club will be starting Thursday, September 9th. There will be a 9:30 am club and an evening 7 pm club.

And last, but not least, my latest offering ... 10 for $20. That's TEN cards for just $20. Your chance to try out some new product from the Holiday Mini. The first of these will be September 18th at 10am.

Place a minimum order of $50 and be in the drawing for a FREE stamp set!

Do not miss all the fun! Please R.S.V.P. You may bring a friend.

Debra

If you already know you want to be in a club you can let me know now.

Always Elegant Baja Distressed

2010-08-07T14:31:00.000-04:00

There are so many wonderful sets and ribbons and punches and and and in the new catalog. One of my very favorites is the Always Elegant set.

I just think it is beautiful. What do you think? The new Elegant Lines Folder is an absolute must as well. And the new Crochet Trims and the pearls are so very fun to work with. And just look at that Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper. It is sooooo beautiful! The colors used on this card are Baja Breeze, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla. I also used the new Distressing Kit on this. You can see the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border and the 2-3/8 Scallop Circle Punches.

Poppy Cute by the Inch and Butterfly Thank You

2010-07-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

This first card is using the Hostess set Cute by the Inch. The set coordinates with the new Petal Card Punch. It really is tiny but so very cute! I used the Scallop Square PUnch to matte it before putting it on the card. The Designer Series Paper is Sunny Garden. The colors are Poppy Parade, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz and Peach Parfait. The ribbon tied and frayed is Peach Parfait Stitched Poly. I love this ribbon. It is so easy to tie and very easy to fray if you want that look. The Daffodil Delight piece on the inch pull out is 1/8" Taffeta.

The new set on this card is the background Wonderfully Worn. The other sets are Flight of the Butterfly and Only Ovals. Another new item on this card is the 2-3/8 Scallop Circle Punch. I love it! The colors are Pear Pizzazz, Concord Crush and Peach Parfait. I used Dazzling Diamonds on the punched butterfly and the butterfly on the thank you piece. The poly stitched ribbon is Concord Crush.

Artistic Perfect Friends

2010-07-24T17:46:00.000-04:00

These are from a swap of Crystal's. Everyone does such a wonderful job. I love being in her swaps.

This card uses Artistic Etchings. Colors are Crumb Cake, Concord Crush and Baja Breeze. I also spritzed the stamped panels with Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint.

This card uses Perfect Punches and Friends Never Fade stamp sets. The beautiful paper is Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper. The stamp image is colored with markers and then stamped on Shimmery White. It is punched out with the 1-3/4 circle punch and then layered on top of the 2-3/8 scallop circle punch. Colors used are Pear Pizzazz, Pumpkin Pie and Baja Breeze.

Congratulations Jeff!

2010-06-14T07:34:00.000-04:00

Our nephew Jeff, on Jack's side of the family, just became a Journeyman Electrician! We went to his celebration for it yesterday. Wooohooo!!! This is the card I made for him.

Colors are Early Espresso, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla. Sets are Artistic Etchings and Perfect Punches. Punches are Modern Label and 1-3/4 Circle. The other accessories are Top Note Die, Punch Windows Magnetic Movers & Shapers, Vintage Wallpaper and Square Lattice Embossing Folders, Brads and Linen Thread. Everything is ©Stampin' Up!

Wedding Frame

2010-06-13T14:04:00.000-04:00

This past week I went to a wedding shower for a gal of a family at church. This is what I came up with.

The colors used are Crumb Cake, Early Espresso and Baja Breeze. The letters for the last name are from Timeless Type Sizzlets using Early Espresso. The name is mounted on a piece of Very Vanilla. The monogram is stamped with Lovely Letters. Other stamp sets used are Elegant Inspirations (retired), Elements of Style and Baroque Motifs. Punches used are Fancy Flower, 2-3/8 Scallop Circle, 1-3/4 Circle, and Scallop Trim Border.

New Catalog!

2010-06-04T21:20:00.000-04:00

It is that time of year!!! My NEW complimentary catalog has arrived and it is beautiful. Yes, the brand new ©Stampin' Up! 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog! Along with it came my preorder.

This first card is made with the Friends Never Fade set.

I punched the stamped floral image out with the 1-3/4 Circle Punch and then layered it with the NEW 1-3/4 Scallop Circle Punch. Colors used are Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie and Baja Breeze. I love the new 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon.

This next card is made with the new Vintage Wallpaper Embossing folder.

The embossing folder is used on Crumb Cake Cardstock and then I brayered Crumb Cake and Early Espresso inks over the raised image. I also embossed some Early Espresso for the flower. It is made with the Island Floral Bigz and Blossom Party Dies. The center is made with the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch and then a 1/2 pearl. The sentiment is from the Perfect Punches set. I love it! It is punched out with the Scallop Oval Punch and layered on the Oval X-Large Punch. The ribbon is 1/8" taffeta.

Love these new things! However, remember the last chance list is out. The new catalog isn't available to order from until July 1st. Cardstock is going up in price. If there is anything you need be sure to contact me.

There is also a special going on this month to become a demonstrator.

Mini Starter Kit Promotion

Promotion Dates: June 1-30, 2010

Promotion Details:

Potential recruits can join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator for just $99 when they purchase a special Mini Starter Kit.

Mini Starter Kit

All items below are recommended, but a new recruit can substitute a like item of equal or lesser value.

Item Description Price

117050 Watercolor Trio stamp set (wood-mount)

$22.95

118571 I {Heart} Hearts stamp set (clear-mount

$18.95

118486 Clear-Mount Block C

$6.95

116978 Homemade single stamp*

$8.95

100730 Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")

$8.50

119706 Brights Collection assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")*

$6.95

115656 Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad

$5.95

119667 Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad*

$5.95

115658 Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad

$5.95

100814 Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin' Pad

$5.95

119261 Basic Black 1/8" taffeta ribbon*

$6.95

121620 Color Coach*

$14.95

104332 SNAIL Adhesive

$6.95

Retail value of products in kit

$124.90

*Sneak peek items!

The Mini Starter Kit also includes the same business supplies that are in the standard Starter Kit; no alternative selections can be made for business items. Contents are listed below:

•Getting Started DVD

•Getting Started Guide

•Guest Invitation Postcards (100)

•2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog (8)

•Summer Mini Catalog (8)

•To My Hostess Envelopes (10)

•Recruit Folders (5)

•Recruit Brochures (20)

•Hostess Brochure (20)

•Hostess Benefits Form (10)

•Customer Order Form (50)

Contact me if you are interested.

Memorial Day - Never forget!

2010-05-30T11:50:00.000-04:00

TAPS

Day is done,

gone the sun,

From the hills,

from the lake,

From the skies.

All is well,

safely rest,

God is nigh.

Go to sleep,

peaceful sleep,

May the soldier

or sailor,

God keep.

On the land

or the deep,

Safe in sleep.

Love, good night,

Must thou go,

When the day,

And the night

Need thee so?

All is well.

Speedeth all

To their rest.

Fades the light;

And afar

Goeth day,

And the stars

Shineth bright,

Fare thee well;

Day has gone,

Night is on.

Thanks and praise,

For our days,

‘Neath the sun,

Neath the stars,

‘Neath the sky,

As we go,

This we know,

God is nigh

Meeting Karl Rove!

2010-05-28T10:10:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Jack and I went to our local Meijer and met Karl Rove. He was there to promote and sign his book Courage and Consequence: My Life as a Conservative in the Fight. We were each able to have a book signed and I was even interviewed! This is the book Jack had signed. I had my copy signed to my Mom and then gave it to her.

Here I am waiting in line.

This photo was taken by Scott Harmsen for the Kalamazoo Gazette

Here is a clip of the interview.

http://www.wkzo.com/news/articles/2010/may/28/karl-rove-portage-book-signing/

File Folder Note Pad Holder and Pen

2010-05-17T15:19:00.000-04:00

Aren't these File Folder Note Book Holders cool? I will be having a class on these June 3rd at 7pm. Cost is $10. Let me know if you can come!

Chipboard Bird Tag

2010-05-15T09:58:00.000-04:00

I love this chipboard bird tag! I made this for a gift basket that Emma and I put together for the Michigan Mingle back in March. The paper is Bella Bleu. Stamp sets are Vintage Vogue and Tiny Tags. The stencil is from Elegant Trio. The ribbons are Kraft Taffeta and the Not Quite Navy from Elementary from Ribbon Originals. The flower is made using the Scallop Punch. The eye is a button and half pearl.

I think I need to make another one to hang in my window. Don't you think?

Decorative Tiles

2010-04-29T14:45:00.000-04:00

These are so much fun to make! I will be having a class to make these May 13. There are two sessions. 9:30am and 7pm. RSVP by May 11. Cost is $10. Ribbon is included. Pretties Kit items and stand not included.

This tile uses the Very Vintage Wheel and the Elegant Trio Stencil. Inks are Chocolate Chip, Not Quite Navy and More Mustard.

This tile uses the elements of Style set and Mostly Vintage Stencils. Inks are Chocolate Chip and Riding Hood Red. Gold Glow Smooch Spritz was also used.

Jaclyn and Her Friends!

2010-04-16T13:42:00.000-04:00

This past week I had the privilege of teaching Jaclyn and her friends downtown at the Park Trade Center. They go there to do all different sorts of art projects. What a fabulous couple of groups! I forgot my camera and the teacher is supposed to be sending me pictures of them. But here are the cards that they made.

This first card we embossed the Elegant Bouquet Folder through the Big Shot. Boy did they all love that!!! Then we used the pastels and a cotton ball to add color. The sentiment is from All Holidays and inked with Basic Gray.

This card we used tone on tone. Real Red ink on Real Red Cardstock. Night of Navy ink on Night of Navy Cardstock. Stamped the star in Night of Navy on Whisper White and punched out with the Large Star Punch. The sets used were July Fourth and the Red, White & Blue Jumbo Wheel.

This last card is my favorite! We randomly stamped the swirl image with Close to Cocoa on Kraft. Then sponged the edges with Close to Cocoa. The hummingbird is stamped with Ballet Blue. We used Dazzling Diamonds and the 2-way Glue Pen wherever we wanted!!! LOL Everyone, even the men loved the Dazzling Diamonds.

What a pleasure it was to work with 2 different classes. They were just a great group to work with and I will hopefully be able to do this again.

Stampin' Up! - Color Renovation

2010-04-07T13:49:00.000-04:00

Stampin' Up! is having a Color Renovation and it is EXCITING!!!!! They are revamping and this is what they are doing. There will be 40 Core Colors. These 40 colors include some colors we currently have, 3 current In Colors and some old In Colors they are bringing back and 5 brand new colors. This Renovation takes place with the new 2010/2011 Idea Book & Catalog in July.

Brights Collection: Regal Rose, Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Real Red

Neutrals Collection: River Rock, Chocolate Chip, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Basic Black

Regals Collection: Elegant Eggplant, Night of Navy, Not Quite Navy, Always Artichoke, Garden Green, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Bravo Burgundy

Subtles Collection: Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Perfect Plum, Marina Mist, Bashful Blue, Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, Certainly Celery, So Saffron

The 5 BRAND NEW colors are Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Marina Mist and Daffodil Delight. The Kraft Cardstock is being renamed Crumb Cake and will become a color with a pad, cardstock, marker etc.

The In Colors staying or returning are Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, River Rock, Soft Suede, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze and Wild Wasabi

There will be 5 New In Colors introduced this July also that will have a 2 year lifespan. These new In Colors will be Blushing Bride, Concord Grape, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzaz and Poppy Parade. There will be another 5 new In Colors NEXT July.

The colors that will be retiring in June are: Glorious Green, Green Galore, Gable Green, Yoyo Yellow, Only Orange, Pink Passion, Pixie Pink, Orchid Opulence, Lovely Lilac, Brilliant Blue, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Really Rust, Ruby Red, Cameo Coral, Summer Sun, Bordering Blue, Brocade Blue, Ballet Blue, Taken with Teal, Handsome Hunter, Pale Plum, Blush Blossom, Apricot Appeal, Barely Banana, Mellow Moss, Sage Shadow, Almost Amethyst, Lavender Lace, Basic Brown, Going Gray

This is all a lot of new news. I am excited and hope you are too. WOOOOHOOOOOO! If you have any questions let me know.

Jaclyn's Card for Elise

2010-04-05T18:10:00.000-04:00

Elise will be celebrating her 6th birthday next week and Jaclyn made this card for her. She watercolored the cardbase at YAP. She LOVES to watercolor. Then when she got home she stamped the flower and the happy birthday. Didn't she do a wonderful job!?

April WICKED Challenges

2010-04-01T16:55:00.000-04:00

HOLY COW!!! I just have to say all of this again. I am sooooo excited to tell you that I am the April WICKED Demo over on SCS! In the Stampin' Up! Demo world on SCS WICKED means: Wonderfully Inspiring Challenges Keep Educating Demos!

The challenges are now listed for demonstrators over on SCS. Here are the challenges for all of you to see.

The first challenge was to use stencils. If you don't have a stencil you can make one with a punch. I have 2 samples. One with a stencil and one with a punch for you to see. Right now stencils are my favorite thing.

This first card was made using Elegant Trio Stencils.

Stamp set: Well Scripted, French Filigree Background

Pads: Chocolate Chip, Cameo Coral, Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery

Cardstock: Apricot Appeal, Cameo Coral, Shimmery White

Accessories: Scallop Oval and Wide Oval Punches, Elegant Trio Stencils, Satin Ribbon

This card was done with using the 2 step Bird Punch as the stencil.

Sets: Tiny Tags, French Filigree Background

Pads: Chocolate Chip, Apricot Appeal, Cameo Coral, Certainly Celery

Cardstock: Cameo Coral, Chocolate Chip, Apricot Appeal, Shimmery White

Accessories: Taffeta Ribbon, 2 step Bird Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch

The next challenge was to make a Mother's Day card and a Father's Day card using the same layout.

Stamp Set: Vintage Vogue, Very Vintage, All Holidays, Well Scripted

Pads: Sahara Sand, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Rose Red

Cardstock: Kraft, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red

Accessories: Beautiful Butterflies, Pretties Kit, Satin Ribbon

Stamp Sets: Le Jardin Botanique, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Sanded Background

Pads: Sahara Sand, Bordering Blue, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive

Cardstock: Kraft, Old Olive, Bordering Blue

Accessories: Chocolate Chip Marker, Linen Thread, Vintage Brads

The last challenge was to make a Patriotic Card! Celebrate our freedom and make a 4th of July, honor our troops, I love the USA, God Bless the USA, anything that celebrates our country.

Stamp Sets: Celebrate Everything, Service & Sacrifice

Pads: Versamark, white Kraft

Cardstock: Bravo Burgundy, Night of Navy, Shimmery White

Accessories: Timeless Type Alphabet Sizzlet, White Brads, Navy 1/4 grosgrain, Bravo Burgundy 5/8 grosgrain, White Taffeta, clear and gold embossing powder

Happy WICKED April Fool's Day!!!

2010-04-01T11:44:00.001-04:00

HOLY COW!!! I am sooooo excited to tell you that I am the April WICKED Demo over on SCS! In the Stampin' Up! Demo world on SCS WICKED means: Wonderfully Inspiring Challenges Keep Educating Demos! Being that it is April Fool's Day, things have not gone smoothly. I have had computer issues this morning. So, as soon as it is up, I will share the challenges that I have come up with.

Trellis and Tulips!

2010-03-12T08:08:00.001-05:00

The weather is getting warmer and green is showing. I am really ready for Spring. I do love snow but now I am ready for the colors of Spring. I love browsing blogs and right now everyone else seems ready for Spring as well. Over on LeeAnn Greff's Blog I saw these fabulous tulips made out of the 2-step Bird Punch. She saw them on Julia Bettencourts blog. My mind just does not work that way. How CLEVER!!!
I needed a thank you card and this is what I came up with. I wanted the tulips to look like they were by a trellis. The Certainly Celery background is embossed. I sponged all of the tulip pieces to make them pop. I also thought the wing would work for the tulip leaves as well. What do you think?

Set: Tiny Tags
Pads: Certainly Celery, Cameo Coral
Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Apricot Appeal, Whisper White
Accessories: Lattice Bigz Die, White Satin Ribbon, 2-step Bird Punch, Medium Tag Punch, Linen Thread, Perfect Detail Texturz Plate

Don't you want to go make some tulips now?

Everything ©Stampin' Up!