Happy Saturday!

We’ve had a terrific day and I actually feel like I got lots of things accomplished.  Woot!  I’m most excited to be sitting out here on my deck as I type…listening to the night sounds.  I feel like I’ve been waiting to do this for a very long time.  I honestly didn’t think all of that snow would EVER go away!

I was so honored to be asked to be a presenter at the “Stampin’ with Style” Team Meeting last week.  Thank you, Christina Crawford, for allowing me to share what I love with your awesome team of stampers.  I had a few projects to share and this gift ensemble was one of them.  I absolutely LOVE the new in colors that will be debuting on June 2nd in the New SU! Catalog.  This ensemble shows off two of my very favorites….Hello Honey and Blackberry Bliss.  Don’t they just sound YUMMY??

Here’s the gift ensemble all together….

From left to right…there’s a sweet card with a fun, silver foil “belly band” made with the Scallop Tag Topper Punch.  The ends are  tied with a bow made from the new Hello Honey Cotton Ribbon.  (It is SO ymmy!)  The flowers are colored with the new Blendabilities markers in Daffodil Delight and Rich Razzleberry and they coordinate just perfectly.  The fun, little butterfly is one of my new addictions.  LOL  They are made using the Circle Framelits in two different sizes.  (any two…depending on the size butterfly you’d like).  The top two wings are the larger of the two and bottom two wings are the smaller.  You will score the circle every 1/4″ and fan fold them both.  Adhere them together with a little bit of Multipurpose Glue…one on top of the other and then you’ll hold them together by wrapping a piece of wire around the center and twisting it to create both the bottom of the body and the antennae on the top.  SO simple and SO fun to create.

The next part of the set is the tin watering can.  I made three pinwheels with “stems” in varying heights and stuck them down in a little spanish moss.  My favorite part, though, is the fun, vintage bottle cap centers on each of them…Especially the “Grape Soda” one in the middle.  It reminds me of the Disney movie “Up”.  LOVE IT.  Everybody needs an “Ellie Badge”.  (and “Up” reference…)
I added a larger butterfly on the handle to finish it off and tied a piece of the new Crushed Curry Chevron Ribbon around the watering can too.  Sometime I think it’s better to send something like this for a birthday or event instead of flowers so that the recipient can enjoy it for a lot longer and even use it as decor later. 

Here’s a close up of the card.  You can even see the “grid” technique on the flowered panel here.

And finally….here’s the “2-4-6-8” gift box…an oldie but a goodie…  It’s filled with candy.  I glued it shut so I wouldn’t be tempted.  LOL  I stamped the flower images with “Whisper White” Craft Ink.  It just “pops” on that Blackberry Bliss card stock.  I made another butterfly and used the same ribbon so everything would coordinate.  To finish it off…I made a “Faux Metal Edge” tag.  I punched out the “metal” edge out of a scrap of Silver Foil card stock with a circle punch that was just a tad larger than the one that’s stamped with my sentiment.  Cool! Huh?

The thing I love about this ensemble is that each of these items could be “stand alone” gifts or paired with one or more of the other items too.  They also work for lots and lots of occasions so the possibilities are really endless.

Alrighty…it seems like the head mosquito has gone off to headquarters and returned with friends for a “Suitable Buffet”.  I’m starting to feel their nibbles…..  I’d better sign off and run inside.

Wishing you a wonderful Memorial Day weekend spent with the ones you love.  We are so incredibly grateful for all of our service men and women and their families who have and continue to sacrifice SO much for us and our freedom.  God bless them one and all.

Stamped Blessings to You,

Woo HOO!

Take a look at what’s on the Weekly Deals Special this week!!
It’s the Uh-MA-Zing Burlap Ribbon!!  If you missed the last post with the “Hula Watercolor Card” you’ll want to check it out now.  See what you can do with that fun ribbon!

To place your order, just click the link above….

Happy Shopping!

Happy Friday, Peeps!

I have a super fun card to share with you today. It’s one I designed for this week’s Burgers and Cards class.  You just can’t get any easier than this one!

This cutie was made using one of the “Watercolor Wonder Designer Note Cards” – Item #133362.  They are in the Occasions Catalog and will only be available until June 1st.  I love all of the designs that are included in the pack of 20 cards.  All 20 are printed on watercolor paper and there are 4 each of 5 designs and 20 Ivory envelopes too.  All of that for just $12.95!  WOOT!

Here’s my “Watercolor Hula” card…

I stamped the leaves from the Summer Silhouettes Stamp Set – Item #132082 (Wood Mount) and #126447 (Clear Mount) in Gumball Green ink.  I added a piece of the awesome Burlap Ribbon Item #132140 that I had trimmed one edge off of and then frayed it by removing strands of the fibers until I had the width I wanted for the “skirt”.  It’s adhered by placing a piece of Sticky Strip on the card and then putting the Burlap on top of it. 

The flowers were punched with the Petite Petals punch (Item #133322) from Melon Mambo card stock (Item #115320) and Daffodil Delight card stock (Item #119683).  I adhered them to the card using Glue Dots (Item 103683) and then added the Rhinestone Basic Jewels (Item #119246).

The sentiment, “Thinking of You” is from the Wetlands stamp set (Item #126697 Clear Mount  –  #126695 Wood Mount).  The sentiment is punched out with the Scallop Oval Punch (Item #119856) and layered on top of a piece of Melon Mambo punched out with the Extra Large Oval Punch (Item #119859).  I added a little more “bling” to finish it off and VOILA!

I think this design would be great for lots of different occasions.  Since they are quick to make, they would be great to give as gifts too.

Here’s a peek at all of the card designs included in the Watercolor Wonder Designer Note Card Pack.  Be sure to order yours before they’re all gone.

As always, remember that you can shop til you drop at my Online Shop 24/7…no lines…no waiting and the lights are always on.

Wishing you a wonderfully relaxing weekend,

Hello, my friends!

Long time no see?  Well, lemme just tell you I have stamped more in the last week than I have in a very long time.  It has been AWESOME!  I have several big events coming up and I’m also working on samples for the NEW Catalog Launch Party.  Can you say “FUN!”??

Last night I held my first “Burgers and Cards” Class at Foster’s Grille in Old Town Manassas and it was a blast.  I had a great time sharing five new designs with the ladies who were there.  It was especially fun sharing with all the folks who saw us and came to check it out.  A BIG shout out to two brand new stampers who joined me last night…Lyndsy and Shelly.  Way to rock it girls!!  I’m so proud of you!

Today’s card is one that we made last night.  It’s one of my very favorite stamp sets, “By the Tide” and also is made using a favorite technique too.  It’s called “Triple Time Stamping”…

I absolutely LOVE this color combo. The card bases are Crisp Cantaloupe and the other colors are Baked Brown Sugar and one of the NEW In Colors debuting June 1st, Lost Lagoon.

Here’s a list of supplies… (the new color ink and card stock will be available on June 1st)

Card Stock:
Crisp Cantaloupe #131298
Very Vanilla #101650

Ink:  
Crisp Cantaloupe #131176
Baked Brown Sugar #131174

Stamp Sets:
“By the Tide”  Wood Mount #131910  Clear Mount #129120
“Oh, Hello”  Wood Mount #131931  Clear Mount #130733 (“Thanks So Much” sentiment)

Accessories:
Antique Brads  #117273
Burlap Ribbon  #132140

These supplies and all other current Stampin’ Up! products can be purchased at my Online Store.  It’s open 24/7 for your shopping convenience.  Just Click Here to shop now.

Don’t forget…there’s only 2 weeks left to get any of the items on the Retiring List.  Be sure to take a look at all of those items and shop the Clearance Rack while you’re there too.

Want to see the Retired List and Clearance Rack now?  Just click on the tabs at the top of this page.

Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday tomorrow,

Happy Monday, Peeps!

I just love the bright, happy colors and how they coordinate with all of the tulips.  It’s just so cheerful.  I used some of the card inserts from the Project Life “Everyday Adventure” kit from Stampin’ Up! and then added images that were stamped with stamps from a couple of my past Paper Pumpkin kits.  That’s one thing I absolutely love about Paper Pumpkin…  You don’t get a kit that’s just a “one shot wonder”.  You can take the parts and pieces and make tons of other projects.  Now THAT’S economical crafting if you ask me.

I can’t wait for all of the other Project Life products to come out in just a couple of weeks.  I know when the catalog is released the Project Life line is going to go nuts.  It’s AWESOME!

I’m thinking of starting a Project Life Club.  I’m trying to see if there’s any interest.  Let me know what you think.  My thought is that you’d get both product and then ideas/tutorials on projects other than scrapbooks that you could make with them.  Send me a note or comment here and let me know….

If you haven’t seen Paper Pumpkin lately, you need to check it out.  Stampin’ Up! has revamped it and the kits are really terrific.  They get cuter and cuter every month.  Haven’t heard of Paper Pumpkin?  Well….
check it out by Clicking Here  It’s a fantastic value and the kits are perfect for crafting at home and on the go.  I love taking mine with me to Starbucks or Panera and crafting away with a yummy drink and a treat.  Get two or more and create with your girlfriends too.

I’m off to create a few cards for some very special moms I know.  Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.

Stamped Blessings,

Hello, my friends!

It is a glorious day here in our little town today.  We’ve already been on a nice walk with the pups.  It’s a great day to be outside in the fresh air.  Lindsay and I had such a wonderful time yesterday with our friends Stephanie and Sidney.  Linz LOVES all things having to do with Holland, Dutch culture and tulips.  She’s been counting down to this year’s Tulip Festival in a nearby town and yesterday was THE day.  About a month ago, Linz got a very special package in the mail from one of the sweetest Stampin’ Up! demonstrators who just happens to be from Holland.  She made Lindsay’s dream of having a “REAL” Dutch girl hat come true!  Linz had it all ready to go yesterday for our trip to the festival.  She also found a purple, gingham apron at a local antique store and VOILA her outfit was complete.  When she was first diagnosed with autism at 2 1/2, the psychologist told us many things she would “NEVER” do….one of them was “participate in imaginative play”.  Hmm….I do believe he was wrong.
Before we left for the festival, Linz came downstairs dressed in her outfit and said, “Mom, I’m ready to fulfill my destiny!”….and she did. 

Lindsay @ Tulip Festival 2014 – Haymarket, VA

Okay….Now on to stamping….

I have a photo of a “sweet” project for you today.  It’s one that I showed in my video this week.  I don’t know about you, but I love finding ways to make cute AND affordable gifts.  This one definitely fits the bill.

So sweet and SO easy to make…  The glass is one I found at the Dollar Store and it’s filled with a bag of vanilla bath salts and a fun, pink loofa.  There’s a fun, paper straw that’s embellished with a pansy that’s punched from DSP and even a “cherry” on top.  The “Happy Mother’s Day” tag is one of the stamps from this month’s “Paper Pumpkin” kit.  See those three colorful dots?  Those are the Candy Dots…just without the brads underneath.  I added a piece of the Ruffled Trim around the rim of the glass and a piece of sparkly tulle bow finishes it off nicely.

I know that I would definitely LOVE to get one of these for Mother’s Day.  How about you?  The great part is you can empty the bath salts into a nice, warm bathtub and then fill the glass with the beverage of your choice to enjoy while you soak.  LOVE it!

Well, I’m off to enjoy the day with the family.  I hope you have a peaceful and relaxing Sunday.

Stamped Blessings,

Good Morning, my friends,

It’s a glorious morning here in our little town.  The sun is shining…the skies are blue…and the birds are singing like crazy.  I was up and at ’em early this morning and I created a sweet card using another of my “retiring” friends, “Simply Sketched”.  I love the images in this stamp set.

“Simply Sketched”  Item #129672

Here’s my card for today…

I stamped the flower image on a scrap of the Naturals Ivory card stock with Staz On Ink.  I love that card stock because it just has a rustic feel.  I also like to watercolor on it.  It’s not the same as the regular watercolor paper but it still works.  I love the palette of Primrose Petals and Raspberry Ripple to go along with it.  It just seems very soft and sweet.  I know that none of us really loves creating sympathy cards but I’m glad I could make this one for a very dear friend who lost her father this week.

I’m heading out soon to attend a very exciting webinar today all about our new partnership with Project Life.  I got all of my PL preorder items in the mail yesterday and I can’t wait to play with them today at the team gathering.  Project Life is going to be such a huge blessing in my scrapbooking life.  Have you heard of it before?  Have you tried it?  Well, hang on to your hats because the exclusive Project Life designs for Stampin’ Up! will seriously rock your socks.  Get those boxes of photos out of  your closet and get ready to get them into beautiful keepsake albums that you and your family will treasure for a lifetime.

If you haven’t checked out the Retiring List lately, you’ll want to see it today.  Stamps and Accessories are flying off of the shelves.  Don’t miss out on the items you really want for your stamp room.
JUST CLICK HERE to see the updated Retirement List.

Wishing you a wonderful day,