From Page to Card

(Sorry about the difference in color- that's what you get with flash and no flash)

Most of you have probably already seen the 8x8 scrapbook page I got to do at Convention as a Make-n-Take... well, I've been trying to come up with pages I can convert to cards easily so as to offer this option at my stamp camps and classes etc. It took me a while to wrap my brain around the concept, but not I hope I'm on a roll. Anyway, here is the page and card together, then the card separately. I hope you like the idea and can make this idea work for you as well.

Tip: Start with a card design (simple usually works best) and see how you can convert it to a scrapbook page of the size you prefer!

Stampin' Up Supplies

Cardstock: Rose Red, More Mustard, Old Olive

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly

Ink: Versamark, Rose Red (stamped off), Old Olive

Accesories: Rose Red grosgrain (NEW!), Felt Fusion Flowers Too (NEW!), Button Bouquet (NEW!)

Look what Lisa did!!

I can hardly believe what came in the mail yesterday! Lisa Henke (my Convention roommate) surprised me with not only an assortment of die cuts from the new Big Shot SU dies, but also this beautiful card and an amazing Convention Keepsake pouch thingy. I'm so bad at trying to describe it, but basically she completely made this folder that you untie and it has several pockets each filled with pictures from Convention! She detailed each page with DSP and punches, brads and ribbon! I'll put more pictures below. Thanks so much Lisa, it is so sweet of you to go out of your way to make me these things! I can't wait to show off the Convention pictures and use the die cuts! You're the best!

CD holder picture frame!

I couldn't stand it. I saw this idea on Lisa's blog (yes, Lisa again!) and had to try it out! I love the idea of using an empty CD case for a picture frame! They are cheap so I can alter as much as I want (ie. rub-ons etc.) and they protect the picture inside, plus they actually stand up on their own and the little tabs hold the paper in place so you can change it out whenever you like! How cool is that??

Do any of you hoard rub-ons?? Well, I use them but sparingly because I'm so afraid I'll run out (as if there aren't new ones coming out all the time!). Anyway, these are left over from the Happiness rub-ons which were a freebie during Sale-a-Bration in Feb! Man do I love how they look on the front of this CD case!

I'm thinking these would be a neat craft idea from my DD's birthday party in October! I don't know... do you think I can stand watching 6 & 7 year olds playing with my rub-ons?!? Ooh, and I'll have to actually share my DSP... OK, so maybe not! LOL! Anyway, hope you like it. The paper is all from the new pack called Parisian Summer. I will do one for my son as well as soon as I figure out which of my rub-ons is the least girly. Girly isn't good for an 8 year old boy you know.

This next project was inspired by THIS beautiful idea! The base is just a chipboard coaster (from Max & Erma's if you must know) covered with the new Urban Garden DSP. Then the post-it note pad is just held on by the office clip which I disguised a bit with the scallop of DSP and topped off with the beautiful button from Button Bouquet. Of course the pen is clipped on as well.

I'm starting to get lots of ideas swirling around for chipboard coasters and am seriously considering an entire class devoted to these babies!

Thanks for stopping by, as always!

Close-up of DSP

So I was browsing my pal Lisa's gallery the other day and saw THIS card. I love it and the layout and set to work casing. These are the two cards I made. They are each featuring a different set of SU's new DSP's that I LOVE- Urban Garden and Haiku. I couldn't decide which I liked better so we will be doing both this Saturday at my Stamp Camp. Later I was browsing another friend's blog (Becky) and realized a card of hers used the same sketch. Lo and behold, there was a challenge issued on another blog with this layout so I participated without even realizing it. Anyway, I posted these yeterday in the group shot but thought I'd show them individually today. Hope you like!

More in the works... stop by again soon!

Woo Hoo!! August Stamp Camp Projects!

Here is a view of the variety of projects we'll be doing at my stamp camp this Saturday at 10am! I've included a Spring Card (thanks to flowerbugnd), a 6x6 scrapbook page (which can be converted into a 3x6 card if you so choose), a 3x3 card, and two cards with the same layout (thanks to Lisa Henke) featuring our new DSPs, plus a BONUS 2x2 tile magnet! I have had so much fun designing (and in some cases casing) these projects!! I can't wait to see who comes to share in the fun!

Other new products we'll use are the Hidden Garden Rub-ons, three new Designer Series Paper packs, some of the new In Colors and matching ribbons, the new scallop punches (square & edge) plus five new stamp sets!! If I have possibly left any of my new goodies out they will be on display for anyone to get a close-up look.

In the next few days each of these will be in my SCS gallery (if they aren't already) with further details. If you live nearby NW Ohio you are welcome to attend! Cost is $15 with snacks and door prizes included.

Thanks for stopping by!

With Sympathy

Unfortunately I've needed a few sympathy cards recently so I naturally reached for this serene set, Inspired by Nature. For this card I stamped it in chocolate craft ink then embossed with clear powder. I wish we had an EP in chocolate so I could get a deeper, richer brown with embossing. I love the look of embossing, especially a silhouette, on DSP.

I've got more in the works today so stay tuned...

Stampin' Up! Supplies

Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Warmest Regards
Paper: Chocolate chip, very vanilla, Bella Rose DSP
Ink: Chocolate chip
Accessories: clear EP, wide chocolate double stitched grosgrain, large oval punch, Antique brass hodgepodge hardware, corner rounder

Waterfall of Seasons

This is one of the sets on my first order from the new Idea Book & Catalog: A Flower for All Seasons. I don't know what it was but I couldn't resist. Each image just has the perfect adorable factor! My favorite is the frog, of course.

So the first time I sat to play with this set I just stamped all four images and enjoyed coloring. Then I couldn't decide which to use first so I thought a waterfall card would be perfect! If you've not tried one here is a tutorial, they are fun.

The background kraft CS is wheeled with an old jumbo wheel called Everyday Blossoms in Very Vanilla. That piece was also a scrap that had been scored both directions, although that doesn't really add anything to this card. I also wanted to use my new Patterns Pack and the craft patterned paper (since I've been waiting for this color in our DSP!).

Notice the pully thingy is the kraft taffeta ribbon with one of our new filigree brads hanging from it. I just love that detail! It definitely says "pull me" to the recipient of this type of card.

The sentiment that was embossed says "Time passes ... friendship stays right where it's put!" I thought that was appropriate for the various seasons all represented by the images. What do you think?

See ya' tomorrow!

Stampin' Up! Supplies
Stamps: A Flower for All Seasons, Curvy Verses, Everyday Blossoms Jumbo wheel
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Kraft, Very Vanilla, Kraft Patterns
Ink: Basic Brown, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Silver brads, filigree brads, Watercolor Crayons, Aquapainter, square punch, Scallop Edge punch
Techniques: Waterfall Card

Inspired by Nature Home Decor

As promised, here is a picture of what I've been working on. It hasn't gone exactly as planned but you'll get the idea from the pictures. The frame is a shadow box that I bought years ago and spray painted with a textured paint. On top of that I sponged Chocolate Chip and some Black craft ink so it kind of looks like leather. The 2x2 tiles inside were bought at Lowe's and stamped on with craft ink as well. In this case I've used Inspired by Nature and also Stem Silhouettes (which you can't see in the picture real well). Normally I would spray these with an acryllic sealer but since they are framed and I was in a hurry, I didn't. I used Crystal Effects to glue them to the bottom of the frame. This was supposed to hang from a neat hook with a bird on it from the new wide stitched chocolate chip grosgrain but it wouldn't hang right so for now it is just hanging on a nail. I'd like to further embellish this somehow, but not go over-board... suggestions?? I've also considered putting some dried stems of some sort tied in a bundle in the shadow box but not sure what to use...

In the next picture are the matching candle and 4 1/4" tile I made. These were made with the same colors and stamps so they coordinate. If you've tried to stamp on a candle, you must! It is fun and fairly easy. Here is a tutorial in case you'd like to try it. The tile was also purchased at a home improvement store and on the back I have glued on a clothes pin so it stands freely. These are fun to make for a variety of occasions! Here is a very basic tutorial for the tile coasters, however I would add that you should use craft ink or Staz-On (not classic or markers as they will bleed) and that 2-3 coats of acryllic spray to seal is critical!

The colors for each of these are Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, Mellow Moss and Always Artichoke. To determine those colors I took my cardstock color sampler around my house to match up the colors. It's kind of fun to see which SU colors you've used in your home... I've also used Apricot Appeal, Close to Cocoa and Really Rust to name a few! Guess I'm an Earth Elements type of gal!

I've got many more ideas but just can't get to them all at once. Thanks for stopping by!

PS- can anyone tell me why spacing in Blogger is ALWAYS a problem?? There is no rhyme or reason to the spaces that are randomly either added or deleted. Grrrrr!

Tagged Silhouettes

While working on some home decor ideas with my new stamps I made three tags, then decided not to use them... so, a card was born! Easy peasy! This is the first I've used the Pocket Silhouettes that I got yesterday and I can tell I'm going to love them! I'm also finally getting some use out of those library clips that thankfully made it in the catalog. Ooh, isn't that new button just so pretty?!? I am just not a button kind of gal, but I LOVE these! I wasn't even thinking until I uploaded that the button is Riding Hood Red and the paper I used is Ruby Red- even in person they look fine together though.

If all my ink dries and all goes as planned tomorrow I'll have some (hopefully) neat things I've made to spruce up my front hall table (near my Decor Element on the wall) to show you! Maybe even later today, we'll see. As a teaser, I'll tell you I'm using tiles (2 sizes), a shadow box, stamps, ink, a candle, and ribbon.... hope you stop back for more!

Manchester Butterfly

As promised here is another card with the Manchester color combo (see yesterday's post if you have no idea what I'm referring to).
The chipboard frame is leftover from one of the Convention projects we did (the bookmark) and I was inspired by FLmommyof2's resourceful use of this piece. Her card is here. While our cards are very different, you can see why I loved how she used the chipboard. I left mine natural and stamped on it with the butterfly with flowered wings. If you look carefully you'll see tiny versamark butterflies on the Baha Breeze background paper. The brads are the same color as the ink, Always Artichoke and the taffeta ribbon is kraft which is what the chipboard comes in... isn't it nice to have all the matching accessories to our ink and cardstock?! Anyway, I hope you like this and it inspires you to take a look at those "leftover" pieces of chipboard to see how you can recycle too! Thanks for stopping by again!

SU! Supplies

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly

Cardstock: Baha Breeze, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla

Ink: Always Artichoke, Baha Breeze, Versamark

Accessories: chipboard, kraft taffeta ribbon, scallop border punch, Always Artichoke brads (in the Rich Regals collection)

Color Inspiration!

So have you checked out the beautiful new Designer Series Papers in the new Idea Book & Catalog?? SU has really gone all out to find gorgeous color combinations and variety- I am in love! So one of my favorites is the Manchester series on page 170. This collection features Baja Breeze, Always Artichoke, Kraft and Very Vanilla!! Ooh la la! So I had to use this color combination on a few cards while waiting for my order of goodies to come in!

The card itself was inspired by this stunning swap I received at Convention from my Great Swap buddy, Leann Greff (flowerbugnd). She completely blew me away with this card and how difficult and time consuming it looked, especially since she made at least 12 of them for our swap! Well, now that I've made one I realized, aside from choosing just the right stamp and doing some measuring and scoring, this card isn't that difficult at all. So I tried it yesterday and was very happy with the results. Check it out... First is the closed version... then the open version.

I love this idea because the recipient of this card can display it and enjoy it for as long as they'd like and it is so interactive and enjoyable to look at (at least I felt that way!). My DH says that most people won't know to pull off the belly band at the bottom so won't realize that it opens. I told him I won't send it to "most people"- only the ones that "get it" (or that I can call, like my mom & dad, and say- hey, don't forget to pull off the band at the bottom). Don't ask me where to write on these because that just isn't the point :)

Well, if you love these colors together as much as I do then be sure to stop back tomorrow; I've got another for you!

SU! Supplies

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly, Inspired by Nature

Cardstock: Kraft, Baha Breeze, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla

Ink: Baha Breeze (stamped off at times), Always Artichoke

Accessories: Rhinestone brad, Library clip (yes, these are available now!), small oval punch, square punches, paper piercing tools, crimper, kraft taffeta ribbon, sponge

Say it with Scallops!

These citrusy colors just happened to be laying together on my desk the other day when I saw them and thought- hey, I like! So here are two cards with the same color combo: Marigold Morning (an 06-07 In Color), Tango Tangerine and Kiwi Kiss. I would call them both clean and simple and of course they are SUO (Stampin' Up! Only) as usual for me. Between the two of them I've used 8, count them, EIGHT punches! 1 3/8" circle, 1 1/4" circle, scallop, border scallop, Spring Bouquet, small & large stars & ticket corner. The Old Olive twill is not currently available, but keep your fingers crossed with me. Thanks for stopping by, and let me know if you try out a similar color combo, I'd love to see it!

PS- Oh, I almost forgot, this stamp set is intended to be used with the square scallop punch which will be arriving on Wednesday. But in the mean time Lisa Henke inspired me to punch them out with the circle punches, and they look great that way. For more great ideas check out her blog (at the left!)

Stampin' Up! Supplies
Stamps: Say it with Scallops, Sporting
Paper: Tangerine Tango, Bella Rose, Kiwi Kiss, Marigold Morning, Glossy White
Ink: Tango Tangerine, versamark
Accessories: 1 3/8" circle punch, small star, large star, ticket corner, Crafter's Tool Kit, dimensionals

Stamps: Say it with Scallops, Polka Dot background
Paper: Marigold Morning, Tango Tangerine, Glossy White, Bella Rose
Ink: Marigold Morning, Tango Tangerine
Accessories: old olive twill, circle punches, scallop punch, Spring Bouquet punch, Green bead duo, white gel pen, scallop border punch

Quick & Easy Gift Idea

Today I needed a little something else to go with a birthday present for my niece who just turned 8. In a matter of minutes (20 or so) I put this together. It's a cute card kit in an extra stamp box. I saw this idea on Splitcoast thanks to Creativetracks' example here. I love the idea of making an extra stamp box into a purse using the Crop-a-Dile to punch the holes for the ribbon handle. Inside I put prescored cards in the '07-08 In Colors, matching ribbon (idea to wrap the ribbon on the round tab punch I got from Lisa Henke), images from Pun Fun ready to color, some scallop punches, and some stamped medallions from Think Happy Thoughts. I also included some new colored pencils with the rest of her gift so she could finish these.

The only problem with this box size is the envelopes didn't fit (so I forgot them at home!). This is super easy to do with the In Colors because they coordinate so nicely, plus I always have the matching ribbon. Some other ideas to include in this kit (had I had more time) would be different colored mats to layer the main images on, brads, personalized address labels, mini address book and postage stamps. Pun Fun was the perfect set for this gift since it contains cute kid-friendly images for 8 different occasions!

Anyway, thanks to creativetracks for the neat idea and thanks for stopping by!

15% OFF RIGHT NOW!

In case you haven't yet checked it out, please take a minute to click on the promo button to the left that says 15% Off Selected Stamp Sets (unless, of course, you're a demonstrator because you already know all about it!).


Eastern Blooms just happens to be one of those sets and it just happens to be one we received at Convention, so I am happily able to post a few projects with this set. Don't worry, I'll be making more, but here's what I've got so far...

Both of these cards have entirely different looks but are made with the same set. The first also includes 2 of the new In Colors, Riding Hood Red (stamped off for the center flower) and Pink Pirouette. Just to show how nicely our older In Colors can look with the new ones, I've also used Buckaroo Blue on this one. The chocolate dotted paper is from the new Bella Rose DSP which is just a gorgeous collection! And don't overlook the punched scallop border punch that is brand-spankin'-new!


The second card is a funky combination of colors, Elegant Eggplant, Taken with Teal and Kiwi Kiss. I've also used the Sale-a-Bration Happiness Rub-ons in case you still have some lying around, and the 5 petal punch as well as a rhinestone brad that are still available. (A complete list of supplies will be listed below.)

I also wanted to post this picture of all the make-n-takes we were able to complete at Convention! You may have seen them posted all over the net already, but hey... Four of these projects actually feature this Eastern Blooms stamp set as well. The turquoise card on the left is made with the Classy Brass that coordinates with this set called Floral Frenzy on page 191 of the new Idea Book & Catalog. Directly below that is a really cool bookmark we made with a chipboard frame and some of the new Filigree brads (p. 184- check it out, you gotta have those babies!) and then the little mini album to the right of the bookmark. It is adorable and simply to make using a few 3x3 envelopes. Finally, the card to the right of that is made using a rub-on that matches this set called Hidden Garden on p. 178.

If you have questions about any of these other projects feel free to post a comment or email me, I'd be glad to answer!

TTFN,
Kristin

Stampin' Up! Supplies

(1st card)
Stamps: Eastern Blooms
Paper: Buckaroo Blue, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Bella Rose DSP
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red (stamped off), Buckaroo Blue (stamped off)

(2nd card)

Stamps: Eastern Blooms, Polka Dot background
Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Taken with Teal, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Kiwi Kiss, Versamark
Accessories: Rhinestone brad, 5 petal flower punch, Happiness Rub-ons

Woo Hoo!! My First Time Getting Published!

So awhile back all my GSG buddies (well, several of them) were getting published here and there like crazy. They are all so talented. So one day, on a whim, I decide to submit to a monthly publication called CARDS. Low and behold, they accept my very first submission. Of course, I find out back around May then have to wait until July before the August issue comes out, then until this week before I get to actually see it! My box of goodies was delivered on Monday complete with my card, 2 copies of the magazine and some treats they reward you with if you are selected.

The top picture is my actual card laying on the page it is featured in the magazine. The bottom photo is the pile of "stuff" they sent me.

This was so neat to see my card and my name published, but even better was seeing Becky Carafa, Dawn McVey and Krystie Lee Hersch (all from GSG) in the very same issue! In fact, 3 of us (minus Becky) are all right in a row.

So anyway, if you happened to notice the post a while back that had a blank picture that said "removed for publication" this was the reason and I'm glad to repost it for all to enjoy.

And just so you know, I have submitted multiple cards since then and haven't heard a peep, so I'm guessing beginners luck, but I'll take it!

Thanks for stopping by and letting me share my good news!

Copper and Chocolate

Who possibly doesn't like Copper and Chocolate together?!? Well, if it's you stop raising your hand and just humor me for a moment. I have always loved copper and especially with a rich dark color like chocolate. In my attempt to use something other than my new SU set, Inspired by Nature, I ended up using two new sets and a background. The tiny butterfly is in the Flight of the Butterfly set (which I used yesterday) and the scalloped square image is from our new Ronald McDonald House Charities set Say it with Scallops.

Every year Stampin' Up! designs a set for this charity which they then donate $2 from every sale of this set to RMHC. They have dontated over $95,000 to this cause so far just from stamp set sales! What could be better than that?? Well, let me tell you that at Convention every demonstrator received this set for FREE courtesy of UPS!!!! Yeah UPS! I've always loved my UPS guy (hi Rob!) and am so impressed that they bought 6000 of these sets for us. Of course, SU then donated $12,000 to RMHC as well! A win-win as far as I'm concerned!

Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' Up! Supplies

Stamps: Say it with Scallops, Flight of the Butterfly, Pretty Petals
Paper: Chocolate, Metallic copper
Ink: Versamark
Accessories: copper EP, dimensionals, square punch, scallop punch, chocolate satin ribbon, copper cord

First day back to school!

So today is my kids' first day back to school. They were so excited! They are always ready to go back, even if we are starting 2 weeks earlier this year! I was happy for them- they are lucky to enjoy it so much and be good learners. They picked their own outfits out so I kept my mouth shut, and just took pictures. They both insisted on wearing their new tennis shoes since they are forbidden to wear them prior to the first day!

Now that they are back, and mama's got some extra free time, I plan to do more stamping! In fact, I've already started. So here's a card I made for this week's color challenge over on SCS (CC179) to use Old Olive, Elegant Eggplant and Taken with Teal. Yes I know it didn't say anything about using Kiwi Kiss also, but I just couldn't resist. It's an illness I tell ya! It just happened to be on my desk and looked so darn good with these colors that it begged me to use it. :) Anyway, as I mentioned on my upload to SCS, I am an asymetrical person (take that however you want) so to make a symetrical card never comes naturally to me. However, I really like them when I do. This one in particular reminds me of a fellow GSG gal, Becky Carafa. Her style is very clean and simple and just easy on the eye.

Anyway, I did end up putting the Styled Silver ribbon slide on there, off-centered of course, but overall it is still a symetrical card I feel. The angle of my photo doesn't show it much, but the butterfly and the label punch behind it are both raised on pop dots, as well as the main panel. Also, the background olive piece is stamped with the Stitched background in Taken with Teal. So, hope you like it. I'll be back with more tomorrow!

Stampin' Up! Supplies
Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly, Stitched
Paper: Old Olive, Taken with Teal, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant
Ink: Taken with Teal, Elegant Eggplant
Accessories: Eggplant grosgrain, Styled Silver Hodgepodge, label punch, dimensionals

Can you stand one more?

That is, one more card using this stamp set? I promise tomorrow I will attempt to work with one of my other new sets!

I suppose I should mention up front that this card was made with a variety of Stampin' Up! products that are no longer available. Specifically, the French Script background stamp, Metallic Art Pencils, Happiness Rub-ons (SAB '08) and the wide organdy ribbon.

The good news is they've been paired up with currently available things like the Whisper White craft ink, Night of Navy cardstock, Stampin' Pastels (chalks) and versamark as well as the BRAND NEW Kiwi Kiss In Color paper and this beautiful stamp from Inspired by Nature.

From what I understand, this technique might be called the "Chalkboard" technique. To accomplish this just stamp an image with white craft ink (I suppose any craft ink might do??) then apply chalk to the stamped image. In this case I used cotton balls, but I imagine sponge daubers would work among other things. I used multiple colors to come up with the shades and tones seen here, including (for the first time, possibly?) the white chalk that is included. The white is also on the edges of the navy for a more dreamy appearance.

Next I used the metallic art pencils to add some extra definition and a bit of luster if you turn the card just so. I love how that turned out! Finally, I stamped the French Script background with versamark which actually pulled some of the chalk off leaving the script visible on the flowers- how cool is that?!? And totally unplanned! I guess even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while, at least that's what my dad likes to say.

My kiddos will be heading back to school on Thursday already, and I have tons of projects floating around in my head that I can't wait to try. Hopefully I'll be accomplishing some of those and able to post them soon. In the mean time, happy stamping!

Wow Flowers & Micro Beads... Oh, and some Decor Elements!

OK, so one look in the Wow Flowers gallery on SCS and this card doesn't look so original. I guess we're all trying to use the new In Colors and since this set was available for preorder that narrows down the creative possibilities. Well trust me when I say I was going for original (like always) and didn't even view the gallery before I made this.

Anyway, I was going for basic and simple for a possible Make-n-Take at my Open House today and I think this fits the bill. Had to add a little bit of something to jazz it up so there are green micro beads in the center of the medallion that look surprisingly just like Kiwi Kiss! Woo Hoo- bonus!

Oh, I think I promised a peek at how I used the Decor Elements. My first use of these Decor Elements is with the Long-Stem Silhouette (the medium one I've used is 27 7/8" x 5 3/4") which matches the beautiful stamp set Stem Silhouettes which is only available until August 11th. This is a table in my foyer. My home decor is all about elements of nature so I immediately liked this Decor Element! See the little bird hook hanging there? I've had it for a few years and have never hung anything from it. Well, I have an idea using this coordinating stamp set which I'll try to get to one of these days!

In the mean time, next I will show my use of the Create Definition Decor Element, which I'll put in my kids' bathroom today. It may be hard to photograph, but I will try. The other Decor Element I bought will take me some time to use as I bought it for my mom. I have what I think is an awesome idea for a gift for her, but will need time (lots of time) to put it together (then I have to convince her to let me do it at her house!). That will be down the road. If you are at all excited about these Decor Elements, let me tell you the Phase 2 release will knock your socks off! I can't wait to see what else Stampin' Up! has in store for us with this awesome new creative outlet!

Thanks for stopping by!

Spring Card

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly, Inspired by Nature
Paper: Bella Rose, Whisper White
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red
Accessories: 2-way glue, Dazzling Diamonds, sponge, light pink grosgrain
Techniques: square spring card

TLC180- Monday's Technique Lover's Challenge on SCS was to make a Spring Card. Let me tell you, it was fun! Not hard, and endless possibilities! Can't wait to do these for a Stamp Camp.

I stuck with my new stamps and new paper for this one. Tried to get away with NOT using my beloved Inspired by Nature, but just couldn't do it. The base is made with the Bella Rose DSP, which is really growing on me! And the ink is all In Colors- Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette and Riding Hood Red. For a little added dimension (as if it is needed on this type of card) I only glued down the cut out butterfly in the center so the wings were free and I sponged the edges of the whisper white with some kiwi. Also added a little dazzling diamonds to the butterfly. You will be seeing more of this type of card from me.

If you'd like to try this, check out the link above for directions and tons of other samples!

Tomorrow, stay tuned for examples of the way I've used SU's new Decor Elements!

Live With Passion!

Stamps: Inspired by Nature

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White

Ink: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss

Accessories: Label punch, Horizontal Slot punch, Old Olive Twill, Sponge Daubers, Cutter Kit for distressing

Here's another card with my favorite new stamp set, Inspired by Nature! Boy do I see possibilities with this set. Unfortunately, I'm not grabbing my other new sets as readily so far. That's OK, plenty of time (school starts a week from today already!). Let me know what you think of this more simple style I'm trying to perfect. The tab at the top is the label punch folded in half with a horizontal slot punch in it for the Old Olive Twill ribbon (not currently available- sorry!).

The flowers were made with a new technique I learned at Convention in one of our classes. Inked first with the Pink Pirouette then sponged on the Riding Hood Red with the Sponge Daubers. Can't wait to try this again!

Rare! New Catty Case!

It may seem odd to you, but I rarely remember to case the catalog samples! Well, on my first browse through I was immediately stunned by the card on page 194 of Stampin' Up's Fall-Winter Idea Book & Catalog! There are some variations I've made but you'll definitely see the similarity if/when you see the catalog.

I knew I could use this gorgeous new silhouette stamp Inspired by Nature to recreate the same effect, and when digging for just the right wheel to use I found this Baroque- which I had forgotten I owned. A few things on here are retired (or will be in a few days), like the hodgepodge ribbon slide and the rub-on... why oh why do I finally see the perfect use for something with just days to spare? Actually, the Hodgepodge is already sold out so it is no longer available at all. I also mistakenly forgot to preorder the new scallop border punch so I did use a non-SU pair of deco scissors to make the scallop, but use your imagination people. The polka dotted chocolate chip paper is from the Bella Rose DSP which is new and LOVELY!

I've been playing for quite a while today so I actually have neat new stuff to post the next few days... I think you'll notice an unintentional theme... Kiwi Kiss is taking an early lead in the race for my favorite new In Color! Of course, Pink Pirouette is in the runing as well.

Stamps: Inspired by Nature

Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, Bella Rose

Ink: Kiwi Kiss

Accessories: Baroque wheel, kraft taffeta ribbon, Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware, Fiskars Decorative Scissors "Sunflower", Eastern Elegance Rub-ons
Next I really want to post this awesome gift set that my Convention roomy, Lisa Henke, so sweetly made for me! I'm so glad this set, Tart & Tangy, and the coordinating paper Summer Picnic made it to the new catty! How cute is this?!? Thanks Lisa, you are the best! Oh, I almost forgot, she also made a neat coordinating card with but I forgot to photograph it so I'll post that tomorrow, along with another card she sent me before Convention that is so pretty!

Stop back tomorrow, I've got more in store for you!!

U Rock!

Yes you! You rock just for stopping by! So here is the card I designed for our Great Swaps Convention swap.

I intended to use my new Fresh Cuts set from the new catalog, but decided at the last minute (and that's exactly what it was) to use this It's a Sign set. I wanted to show it some love and use a unique set that isn't overly used.

The Real Red pieces are all crimped with the crimper. The Creamy Caramel piece was stamped over and over with the "Way to Go" stamp in caramel for the background. The ribbon is the Real Red striped that is in the new catalog, as well as both star punches that you see here. The center star in Eggplant is raised on a pop dot so it adds more dimension.

I hope you like it. It's not nearly in the same class as the stunning swaps I received so I hope no one is disappointed. I tried to do something a bit different for me and keep it unique.

Great to "see" you- stop by again! I'll try to be much more regular wtih posts now that I'm home!

Man am I glad to be home after what seems like an entire month away... and guess what, I have no plans on my calendar (or in my head) to go anywhere in the next month or so! That means more stamping!!

Well, convention was incredible and I will probably be sharing stories for a week or more. The absolute best part was meeting up with my Great Swap pals! We had such a blast! I met many, but actually hung out with Lisa Henke (my roomie!), Becky Carafa (our leader), Danielle Lounds, Vera Schoeters (hope I spelled that right!), Denise Hinton and Crystal Birr. Also, a shout out to Suzy Birr (Crystal's MIL who also partied with us!). I also got to meet so many others including Debbie, Mercedes, Kristie, Angie, LeeAnn, Kim and Cindy. Oh, and Brittney from GSG2!

I have a lot of pictures (hopefully) so I'll post some of the best eventually. I got some fabulous swaps- not sure on protocal for posting other people's work... I'll think about that. I'll also be back to post the Make 'n Takes we got to do and my own swaps as well. For now, here's a picture of the GSG gals that met up and swapped at lunch on the first day.

Front left to right: Kristin (me), Becky, Lisa, Crystal
Back left to right: Amgie, Danielle, Mercedes, LeeAnn, Denise, Cindy, Vera, Debbie, Kim, Kristie