Year in Review

I've been seeing this idea around blogland and thought I'd join in the fun... this is an especially good idea since I've either been too busy, or just too drained to do much fun stuff in the way of stamping lately!

I do want to mention that we got our son's birthday party overwith this weekend, complete with 8 children under the age of 9 in my house overnight with the majority of them being loud, rowdy, HUNGRY, smelly boys (myDD got to have one friend also, so 2 girls whom I barely noticed). Thank goodness my DH is a gym teacher because he referee'd games of dodgeball, football, kickball, whiffle ball, basketball etc for nearly 4 hours at the high school gym before bringing them home!

THEN I even finished writing out my Christmas cards last night, although I still need to address the majority of the envelopes and go buy stamps! If my procrastination makes you feel better about yourself, then ENJOY!

I do have a scrapbook page nearly complete which I will get on here soon, but in the mean time I've decided to pick my favorite project from each month of 2008 and post a recap. I hope you enjoy looking back, and maybe seeing something you hadn't before.

January 2008 (Polished Stone technique I think)

Febuary 2008 (this one was published!)

March 2008 (Shadow Box card)

April 2008 (Tart & Tangy gift set)

May 2008 (a bookmark card)

I'll be back with more!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2009 is here to stay! I don't know about you but we sure welcomed the new year in redneck style, complete with shooting off guns, banging pots & pans, playing Rock Band on the Wi (or whatever it's called- I'm not a big gamer) and whipping my FIL's keister in Rook!! My DH has a big family so New Year's Eve is always full of loud obnoxious fun! My son enjoyed the celebration for his birthday with so many of his cousins too. Both our kids even ended up spending the night at grandpa's with the cousins so I'm sure the house is still a bit crazy this morning (well, afternoon I guess). We got home at 2am and it fondly reminded me of college days, although I was glad I hadn't over-indulged like in the "old days"!

Hope you also had a fun and safe evening, and are recuperating nicely today! Can you believe it's January already?!?

Anyway, I don't have anything new I've stamped since yesterday so I thought I'd post the hand-made Christmas cards I got this year. I fully intended to post them individually, but for fear of you being SICK OF Christmas cards by now, I put them in one photo. These are from my fellow GSG pals Lisa Henke, Denise Hinton, Becky Carafa; my best friend Nicky Taylor and her mom Carol Pleasant! Thanks for the awesome cards ladies! Mine are not quite in the mail yet... getting closer I think.

PS- sorry about the crummy picture. Obviously I'm still learning!

OK OK, here it is...

My very first uploaded picture with my NEW Cannon Rebel DS!! Obviously I'm still learning, but there appears to be a lot I can do with the included software. Can't wait to play some more! So here goes... What do you think? Can you even tell a difference??

As I mentioned earlier today, my son's birthday is today. So, here's the card I made for him. He is an avid outdoorsman who loves hunting, fishing, trapping etc. I pulled out some old In Colors to try to get a variation on camoflauge! Here I used River Rock, True Thyme and the current Kiwi Kiss, as well as some natural ivory. I had fun combining the Wildlife Reserve set with several background stamps: Sanded, Canvas and Weathered.

The sentiment is intended to imitate a target, which he is fond of. The inside says May you have the Happiest Birthday yet! To make the target I used a stamp from an old retired set Riveting, and the number is from the retired Newsprint alpha (or similar, not sure).

Other items I've used are retired Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware, linen thread, distressing tool, 1 3/8" circle punch, spiral punch, sponge and chocolate chip craft ink with clear embossing powder for the deer.

I also used an oval of scrap paper as a mask over the deer so the canvas stamp left a void to highlight the deer, if that makes sense.

Even though it is not specific to the New Year, I am using this for my DCBD 108 since it is celebrating TODAY! Hope that's OK. I'm sure I won't be stamping much more today.

Happy New Year to you all and Happy Birthday to my sweet boy!

(PS- looks like my spacing is wonky again. Sorry 'bout that. I give!)

ETA: in all the commotion of the birthday party this card got thrown away meer hours after I made it. :( I was sad, and when I asked my son about it (he didn't throw it away, he knows better) he asked if I could please make him another one. I don't know about that...

Nine years ago today...

I was in my 11th hour of labor about now! That's right, my oldest is a Y2K baby! My DH has my camera right now or I'd post a picture of my baby boy, all grown up. I plan to make him a birthday card while he's out checking his traps (which will take most of the day) and then I'll see if I can get my camera back to post it. (Here's one of the oldest digital pics I can find of him at 4. Before this we used film *gasp*)

For the Diva Coffee Break Design challenge today we are supposed to make something for New Year's (be sure to check out the other Diva's cards linked in the sidebar under the Coffee Cup Image.) Well, I think my birthday card for Hunter should count since today is his birthday and because I'll be lucky to make two cards today. In the mean time I was thinking I'd post a picture of all the nice cards I've gotten, but alas, no camera.

I shouold mention that I do have a camera. In fact, I got a Cannon Rebel DS for Christmas from my DH as a surprise!! But, as of yet I have not loaded the software so I can't upload photos yet. I suppose I could make that a priority today, among other things.

Until I post again (hopefully later today) have a safe and happy New Year's! See ya in 2009!

Where have I been?

Laundry

Organizing

Out with the old, in with the new (so kids' stuff will fit in their rooms)

Loading software for new cameras, MP3s, digital picture frames

uploading pictures & music

Downloading to MP3s & picture frames

Organizing

More Laundry

moving things from room to room

Trying out new holiday decor bought at steep discounts

Need I say more?! You get the idea! Hoping to have time to really "play" tomorrow! I'm in the mood to stamp something, ready to start scrapbooking and browsing some blogs!

Of course, I still haven't sent out my Christmas cards so I SHOULD make that a priority, we'll see. I generally don't fret too much if they go out near New Year's. I figure happy mail is still happy, regardless of when it arrives! I have an excuse, they are hand made and include a picture and include a handwritten note specific to each recipient. That's a good enough excuse right??

OK, off to bed. Thanks for checking back to see if perhaps I've possibly posted something interesting and easy on the eyes. I'll try not to disappoint tomorrow.
~Kristin

Happy Holidays to You and Yours! (DCBD107)

My final Christmas card post for the year is this for the weekly DCBD challenge. Here is the sketch which I turned on it's side because I had this tree all cut and folded but had never used. I started out really liking this, but the more I did the less it grew on me... I suppose if I had put the ribbons closer together that would help. And maybe a different sentiment?? I'm not sure. I just started out with high hopes. I absolutely LOVED it with the chocolate Stitched background on the Bashful Blue, and the tree before the red cosmo fine glitter. I do like it I guess, just not lovin' it. My photo isn't doing it any favors either- due to poor lighting conditions. I actual took more photos on a later day but my camera is out in the car so this'll have to do.

The build-a-brads were fun- hadn't used those in a while, and I like them layered with the felt snowflaked behind them. The origami tree was not too hard, but I don't think I'd do it for a workshop or class. At this point I don't have directions for it, but if I find them I will link them. Sorry!

Here's the sketch we were given. I do like it, and will try it again sometime probably. Be sure to check out my fellow divas under the coffee cup logo at the right! They do some mighty fine work!

Thanks for taking a moment to stop by. I'd love to hear from you so jot me a quick hello if you'd like! I'd love it even more if you'd play along with this (or any/all of the DCBD challenges) challenge and then link your card to my blog so I can find it!

Merry Christmas!
~Kristin

First day & Last day!

Today is the first day to get your Love You Much bundle (at 20% off retail!!) and your last day to cash in on FREE Shipping on $70+ orders (oh, and 10% off retiring stamps)! This is the perfect day to get those orders in!

This bundle is adorable and perfect not only for Valentine's projects, but also for any occasion you need to show a little love! It includes an awesome 3 heart punch as well as the 12x12 designer papers called Candy Lane, as well as the stamp set Love You Much all for only $41.48. That's 20% off the retail value.

If you'd like to see samples made with this bundle see my last two posts or click this link to see an entire gallery on Splitcoast Stampers. I will also link the flyer to the sidebar in my blog so you can see each individual element in this kit!

Thanks for stopping by today. I'm busy doing some painting for my FIL- an early Christmas present. I hope you are all done with your holiday bustle and ready to sit back, relax and enjoy it all!

I'll be back tomorrow with my Christmas Eve post for the DCBD weekly challenge (I actually got it done yesterday!). See ya then!

Love You Much!

Woo Hoo! Am having fun playing with this new set! This time I wanted to try it out without the paper it is bundled with just to show some variety. Most all the samples I've seen so far are in the reds, pinks and chocolates (which are awesome colors!) As you know by now the bundle also includes an awesome 3-heart punch- the first ever heart punch for me. And I love how it coordinates with a stamp in this set and has three different sizes!

I've combined a LOT of different items this time: the #2 Scallop circles die for the Big Shot, the Filigree brad (LOVE 'EM!), white gel pen, Kiwi Satin ribbon, Scallop Edge punch and a Flower ribbon slide from the Silver Hodgepodge Hardware kit! Ooh, how I got so many favorites on one card I have no idea! The last thing you may be wondering about is the jumbo wheel used on the Pacific Point cardstock. It is an old old one called Everyday Blossoms (no, I never get rid of anything!)

Hope you like! Be sure to click the link and get your bundle today! Don't forget to register if you order on-line and enter my name as your demonstrator (if you don't have one)- you'll save 10% off all orders that way.

Thanks for stopping in!

~Kristin

Fun new goodies- Sneak Peek!

UPS guy- Rob- gotta love him! He delivered another batch of goodies to me today. Don't worry, I didn't go crazy... just restocked some paper and ribbon and of course I took advantage of the Demo only preorder period for this Sneak Peek of a bundle available as a promo beginning Dec. 23rd (more details later) and in the new 2009 Catalog coming out in January! I know, new catalog already?! Hard to believe, but so exciting as always!

Anyway, Rob showed up just as I was thinking "hmmm, what set will I use for today's challenge on Splitcoast?" *Ding Dong* He can read my mind, I tell ya! (of course if he's not here by 10:45 am on delivery mornings he's in the dog house and he knows it). :)

So here is the first card I've made with the new set called Love You Much. It reminds me of a few very popular sets that I never purchased so I felt totally non-guilty for ordering it!! This sketch is today's SC203 (oops, make that Wednesday's as I'm scheduling this to post on Friday). I'm also playing along on a thread on SCS where you make a card for the person that posts below you (and get a card from the person you posted after)- FUN! If you want to try it out click here. Guess who posted just below me--- Lisa Henke! I get to send my card to a real live friend!

ETA: (11.20.08 I just found out that I am not permitted to post this to my blog until the bundle special is actually announced via the SU website so I am rescheduling this for Dec. 22. Keep in mind that this post was actually written 11.19.08)

Live Like You Mean It!

Today's DCBD challenge, compliments of Dannie Graves, is for us to use the gorgeous color combination of Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Baha Breeze and one of either Kiwi Kiss (which I used) or Tangerine Tango.

Not being a huge fan of Tangerine Tango I decided immediately that I'd go with Kiwi Kiss! I also wanted to use this sketch, which is from the Splitcoast Stampers Dare to Get Dirty Challenge they have each month. If you are not a "Fan Club Member" on Splitcoast, I highly recommend joining. I believe the rate is reduced right now during the holidays (I could be wrong though). As a member you get rights to view the exclusive and amazing gallery of the "Dirty Girls" or the Dirty Dozen. They are among the most talented stampers out there and do awesome work. An added bonus is that you may upload any day of the week to SCS (non members are not permitted to upload on Sundays) and you don't have to wait for approval to upload. This significantly cuts the time it takes to see your uploaded pictures in the gallery.

Anyway, I used the hostess set called Live Like you Mean It. I love that sentiment and the set is very pretty and versatile too! Plus it's a level one so it's easy to earn. The white cardstock used here is all Glossy White so there is a pretty shine to it that may not show in the picture.

The flowers in this image I inked up with ink from the lid of the ink pads and a blender pen. This is why the Riding Hood Red isn't very vivid. At first I was disappointed, but then the softness grew on me. The flower at the bottom right was originally in a white square which I decided after it was all glued down that I wanted it to be a circle instead. It's a little worse for the wear, but works much better now. Trust me.

Did you notice the background on the Kiwi paper? I haven't done this in a while since my first instinct is always a background stamp, but this time I used the words from the sentiment and stamped them over and over in Kiwi ink. I love how this looks and plan to do it again soon.

SU Supplies

Stamps: Live like you mean it, Think Happy Thoughts (for the dotted circle), Canvas (on the Blue strip)

Paper: Glossy White, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, Baha Breeze

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Baha Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate chip

Accessories: Baha Grosgrain, Circle Punch, Square scallop punch, Antique Brass jumbo eyelet, antique brass brad.

Froggy For Lyndon!

A friend of my son's in his third grade class recently was diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. He has a very good prognosis from what I understand, but we worry about him and hate thinking of all he's going through right now. It always touches my heart when I hear of a child with such a scary illness, but when it is a friend, a child my own child's age, it is extra hard! He is expected to miss the rest of the school year, so in his seat in the class is a teddy bear with a backpack for the kids to put letters, pictures, cards or anything they want to send him. My son has been leaving him messages on his Caringbridge website but I made this card to he could also send him some mail. We all know how nice real mail is to receive!

From what I understand this little boy loves frogs so that's what made me start with Unfrogettable. I am completely out of standard sized envelopes so I reached for one of my Long Notes that came with envelopes a year or more ago. I still have some left in this old In Color Cool Caribbean, So Saffron and Sahara Sand! I really wanted this card to bring a smile, so immediately thought of the interactive pop-up style.

The patterned paper on the front and used for the grass is Print Patterns in Wild Wasabi (another retired In Color). Other stamps used along with Unfrogettable are Curvy Verses and Frames With a Flourish. The sun on the inside is the snowflake punch (hope it looks like a sun) and the cloud which is popped up on dimensionals I just cut free-hand and sponged a little. To make the frog pop up I just added a rectangle of the Cool Caribbean and cut two slits in it. Not much measuring, just eyeballing for this.

I hope he likes it and it brings his cheer his way. My son, of course, will have to give final approval before it gets sent!

Thanks for stopping by! Tomorrow I PROMISE I will post a color challenge for the Diva Coffee Break Designs because I already have it done. HA! Can't wait to show you!

~Kristin~

Put to good use!

Friday's challenge to re-use something on a card got me going so I did another one to show you. I haven't had time to upload until now, sorry!

My downline, Jennifer, is getting married Dec. 27th and her invitation was a beautiful piece of velvet paper with some organdy ribbon and the announcement layered on top. I used to save all things like this but one day realized I had no more room for filing cabinets and had to quit. I couldn't throw it away, so I decided to repurpose that gorgeous velvet paper into a wedding card for her! I wish I'd taken a before picture, but I didn't think of it so you'll just have to trust me that this is what I did!

The velvet paper was easy to punch through with my new heart punch, and I also used it to mat the main image and the sentiment. I also reused some of the ribbon since it matches so great!

The card base I had stamped for another project and decided not to use, so I started with that. I used the Paisley background (which is retiring by the way) and either white or vanilla craft ink, I can't remember which. The vanilla paper is confetti cream I believe, also old scraps. I also used an old stamp set for the sentiment called Word on Word.

TFL! Sorry in advance for posting irradically over the coming weeks. I just know it's going to happen but I'll be back in full force in January.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

That's the theme for today's Limited Supply Challenge on SCS (SC198)! I love the idea of recyling, even if I'm not great at it. In fact, at 6 my DD even begged me to start her own recycling business (I may have mentioned this in the past). We made up business cards and passed a few out, but never got started. She mentions it periodically and I am racked with guilt that I haven't helped her get it going. I promised recently that we will try it in January. I want to support her young efforts at taking care of our earth!

Anyway, I was ready to stamp again today and need a few birthday cards for my sister and niece. The recycled part of this card is the shiny mirrored flowers- they fell off a headband of my daughter's that I was throwing away. Before I added them, this card was a bit lacking for me, but I think they added the perfect finishing touch. The main image was in my reject pile from a few weeks ago and I keep looking at it thinking I should use it... so today it was saved. The sentiment is from On Your Birthday set which is fairly new to me. Hope you enjoy, and thanks for stopping by. Hope you are all healthy!

Christmas Quickie

This is a quick and easy Christmas card using the Big Shot, Top Note Die and several punches! The designer paper is all from the Holiday Treasures pack in the SU Catalog right now. The punches I used are the 1 3/4", 1 3/8", 1 1/4" and the large oval. I also used the spiral punch for the toppers on the ornaments. Hopefully I'll get some motivation to stamp again tomorrow. Thanks for stoppin'!

Under the weather

Sorry for missing my DCBD post yesterday- after volunteering for my daughter's classroom for Christmas Craft Day in the morning I had to bring her home sick. Found out later that she has strep throat so no wonder she's been feeling so bad lately. Unfortunately I've been fighting a sinus thing off and on all week and am a bit down today which is when I'd hoped to get that card done. I may later, but for now I'm just posting this quick apology and update. Slinking off to blow my nose and play Disney Monopoly for a little while... Have a great day!

Ooh, thought I should add that Stampin' Up! has announced FREE SHIPPING now through December 23rd! Don't miss out on this rare opportunity. Also, they posted the Retiring Stamps list on Tuesday and are offering 10% off all stamp sets on that list. I'll post a link to the list later, but you can always go to www.stampinup.com to check it out (although currently the site is experiencing technical difficulties it looks like). Don't forget you are welcome to order on my website linked at the right!

Thinking of You

Hi! I'm taking a break from my internet shopping for a little bit, and in between classroom volunteering thought I'd make a card. Unfortunately I need a sympathy card again for a stampin' sister who lost her brother this week.

I love this flower stamp from an old set from 2005 called The Art of Life. I had these colors laying on my desk and decided they look very pretty together. They are Baha Breeze, Basic Gray and Silver. The far right edge is the silver cardstock, and the sentiment and flower are both embossed in silver.

The left edge is stamped in Baha with the Floral background stamp. All the edges are smudged with white ink. The one thing used on this card that is not from Stampin' Up is the glass dew drop thingys. These were a gift from my good buddy Lisa Henke and I truly adore them! It would be a dream if SU offered a nice variety of these in our next catalog (fingers crossed!). Last item used on here is our Basic Gray Taffeta ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by today.

~Kristin

Frosty Gift Card Holder- Thanks Leann!

I saw this snowman card on one of my stamping idol's blogs and just had to try it! Leann Greff is as talented as they come so be sure to check out her blog! It was fun, easy and best of all, useful!

It seems there is always a use for a gift card holder so I added a little fold on the inside, adorned with a tag and the stamp on top from Punch Pals allows the sender to circle the most suitable phrase for added fun.

The front of Frosty is fairly obvious, using the 3/4" and 1 1/4" circle punches, plus I used a portion of the large star punch for the nose. The white gel pen gives a stitched look to his hat, and that felt snowflake adds a fun punch of color. It may not be apparent in the picture, but the eyes were made with glossy white cardstock so they stand out a bit from the white face.

I love how Leann did her flower on the hat as well, and may do that instead if I'm concerned about running out of snowflakes. Also, the blushing cheeks is a perfect touch so I will add that as well (totally forgot).

If you'd like to make this, start with a sheet of whisper white cardstock ("4 x 8.5") then score at 1 1/4" & 4 7/8". You may need to experiment with this some, but those are the measurements mine worked out to. Then the bottom flap can be folded in and adhered on the edges to make a little pocket. The hat brim is 1"x 4 1/4" so it fits neatly into a standard envelope. The top part of the hat is 3 1/8" wide, by 2 1/4" or so. This part will overlap under the brim but be sure the entire length of the card ends at 5 1/2" so it fits in that envelope!

Hope you've enjoyed these projects so far. I'm off to design more!

Very Merry!

Here is another card I'm thinking of using this weekend at my Private Stamp Camp. I love these felt snow flakes and there are so many in the tin I won't have a problem sharing a few of them! This felt chocolate ribbon, as well as the snowflake, is in the current Holiday Mini Catalog so they will only be available until January 18th.

The patterned paper is from the pack called Holiday Treasures in the regular catalog. I love its funky colors and designs- festive and Christmasy but with a twist!

Stay tuned tomorrow, for an easy, snowy gift card holder!

SUO Supplies:

Stamps: Short & Sweet

Cardstock: Kraft, Riding Hood Red, Baha Breeze, Holiday Treasures

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: chocolate felt ribbon, Felt Flurries, Round tab punch, chocolate grosgrain.

Day 2- another Christmas card

So, yesterday I said I rarely CASE (means copy) something exactly... well, I've done it again, nearly! This beauty by Silke Ledlow has also been flagged as a favorite for a while. The things I've changed were not necessarily for the better, but for necessity. I do not own the same snowflake stamp, and the jumbo eyelet (which I adore) is not by Stampin' Up! We do have jumbo eyelets, just not that color (yet- there's always hope!).


I believe I used a different color of red, inadvertently, and may just change that since I think hers is just perfection! The white paper I embossed on is our Shimmery White cardstock and adds a lovely sheen in person! I hope my ladies like it as much as I do!

Thanks for stopping by!

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Snow Burst, Best Yet

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Basic Gray, Shimmery White

Ink: Silver, Pink Pirouette, Basic Gray

Accessories: Basic Gray Taffeta ribbon, silver EP, silver diamone brad

The Holidays are upon us!

If you are looking for some last minute Christmas cards to make, look no further. For the next several days I am going to feature Christmas cards that I will be presenting at a Private Stamp Camp this weekend! This first one is a FAVORITE and the horse theme was requested by my hostess.



Normally I search far and wide for inspiration -pulling a bit from this and a bit from that. However, for this first card I found a card saved to a folder on my computer entitled "Cards to CASE!". Although a few tiny details are different, I have kept it almost identical, which is kind of rare for me. Here is the original, in all its glory, by Heather Nichols (AKA Pinefeather on SCS). I have had this card saved to my favorites for two years!



Anyway, here is my version. My green layer is Always Artichoke as opposed to True Thyme, and obviously I used the horse image from Wanted instead of the snowflake. Not that I don't like the snowflake- I DO!- but I am using snowflakes on two other cards and wanted to incorporate the horse that was requested.

Here are the SUO Supplies:

Stamps: Wanted, Warm Words, Paisley

Cardstock: Kraft, Bashful Blue, Always Artichoke

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Whisper WHite, Always Artichoke

Accessories: White EP, Artichoke button, linen thread, sponge, distressing tool

Oh boy...

..have I been gone a while! Sorry about that! We always go out of town for Thanksgiving then the laundry gets piled up and of course holiday hecticness (is that a word?) has set in! Anyway, today is Wednesday and time for my weekly Diva Coffee Break Design work. This week's challenge is to use the color combination Riding Hood Red, Summer Sun, Garden Green and Pumpkin Pie. My first thought was *ugh* but I don't know why- I mostly like these colors. The garden green is my least favorite I suppose and I don't use Summer Sun like I used to, but the RH Red and Pumpkin Pie are favorites!

Anyway, I really like how my card turned out. Of course I didn't spend a ton of time on it because it's due today and I just started it this morning. I also have a ton to work on today so...

I used the Sending Happy Thoughts Simply Sent Kit because I love it, and you should too! ;) Also whipped out the crimper which I do periodically, as well as a rhinestone brad, the scallop edge punch, Word Window punch and my beloved Polka Dot background. Oh, and that ribbon- comes in the kit!

In order to have the sentiment showing through the Word Window I used the SAMJ (stamp-a-majig) to line it up precisely to stamp. This tool is a wonderful thing to have IF YOU USE IT! Practice makes perfect too- so don't be afraid of the SAMJ.

Thanks for bearing with my extended absence. I'll try not to make a habit of it. This weekend I have a rather large Private Stamp Camp (yeah Carol!)- potentially 14 people so I'll be furiously designing and cutting Christmas cards for this fun group to make! That's what you'll be seeing from me the rest of this week most likely.

See ya soon!

~Kristin

Diva Coffee Break Design Challenge #103!

I'm a bit late with all the excitement of today's start to the Stampin' Up! Holiday Extravaganza Sale, but here is my design for today's Diva Coffee Break Design Challenge. This is our third, and you can hope to see a new design every Wednesday!

Unfortunately I am in need of a sympathy card today, so this will go out in the mail right away.

I thoroughly enjoyed this sketch and do plan to use it again. I haven't peeked at my fellow DCBD designers' cards yet so I could do this totally without inspiration. It is always fun to see how we all come up with such different designs based on the same sketch or colors.

Today I used the Wonderful You stamp set, as well as a few retired sets: Wonderful Regards & French Script. The designer paper is Urban Garden (part of one of the bundles for sale today coincidentally), and the cardstock is Baha Breeze, Not Quite Navy & Whisper White.

Other supplies I used are the new wide oval punch, Satin Kiwi Grosgrain, Square Ice Rhinestone brads (aren't they lovely?!?), a sponge and the distressing tool. Also, in the center of the flower as well as around the edges of the white piece I applied a tiny touch of two-way glue with Dazzling Diamonds.

I actually redid this a few times- the main flower image and the greeting. The ribbon was a last minute addition and my DD (who gives her input on everything) isn't so sure about that part. What do you think?

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great Thanksgiving weekend and stay safe! I may be MIA for a few days...

~Kristin

Today's the Day!

Here's the BIG NEWS! Up to 50% off on select bundles of fabulous Stampin' Up! product! Don't miss it- quantities are limited. Click here to view the items in each bundle and to place your order at my Stampin' Up! website then click Shop Now.

Be back later with my Diva Coffee Break Design Challenge!
~Kristin

Don't Miss The Spectacular Stampin' Up! Holiday Extravaganza Sale!

It's TOP SECRET! Even Stampin' Up! Demonstrators don't know yet but the excitement is in the air! Here's what I do know: For a limited time- Nov. 26-Dec. 1- we (you & I) can purchase any of the select Holiday Extravaganza bundles at a special promotional price--up to 50% off!

I also know the supplies are limited so this is a "while supplies last" sale, but it's the first of its kind since I've been a demonstrator (since 2004)!!! This sale is designed for you to conveniently place your orders on-line through your demonstrator's website.

Notice the link to the right? I have it linked to the On-line Store on the SU website for now since the official start isn't until tomorrow. I'll have a more precise link with DETAILS tomorrow!

Since this starts tomorrow, take a minute TODAY to register on-line. I've linked my website- you need to click Shop Now and then click Customer Login. This only takes a moment, but you'll be glad you did it ahead of time. You want to register, and enter your demonstrator's name, so that you pay 10% less than if you don't enter a demo's name. If you don't have a demo, enter my name (Kristin Moore) from Ohio.

If you have any questions feel free to let me know. I will be available electronically to help out!

Stop back tomorrow for all the great details! Thanks for visiting me today!

~Kristin

Still playing...

Who doesn't need more Christmas cards? I know I generally send everything I've made so I'll keep making them right up to the last day almost. I rarely send out multiples of the same card, I just get bored making them in mass production mode. This year I will have some duplicates- those that didn't sell, but most of mine will all be different.

Here's another one I did this weekend, again using the Frames with a Flourish set as well as the Holiday Treasures DSP and the Home for the Holidays set from the current mini catalog.

Carstock colors used here are Sahara Sand, Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke and Very Vanilla. Thanks for stopping by!

~Kristin

Christmas JOY

I've been wanting to use a few of my new goodies lately and finally got around to it last night. These Little Felt Flurries Accents & Elements are just so cool! I was concerned there wouldn't be enough in a pack, but there's are tons- in Riding Hood Red, White and this Baha Breeze! I combined all my felt flowers (Flower Fusion 1 & Too) in one tin so I could put these in their own tin (they come in a baggie if I remember correctly.)

To adhere them I just used a tiny touch of the Tombow Mono Multi glue (with the green lid), but you could also use a brad on many of them or a glue dot.

The frame stamped here is from Frames with a Flourish, which is a new set for me- FREE from SU as a contest prize! I chose it for my scrapbooking but decided it is great for cards too! The letters are from the Lovely Letters alphabet, one of my favorites!

Other items used here (all by Stampin' Up!) are the Baha Breeze grosgrain, Fire rhinestone brad and Holiday Treasures DSP, as well as some Very Vanilla and Riding Hood Red cardstock. TFL!

~Kristin

Chocolate & Chateau Bella Rub-ons!

Ooh, my two favorite things! Yes, I love rub-ons, there I said it! I especially love them in my scrapbooks because of the possibilities with them! So I made these two cards for today's Limited Supplies Challenge on SCS. Also, since rub-ons are currently 20% off with a $20 order from SU I just had to play around with them and show some samples! This first card is using a layout from Becky Carafa- she has perfected the clean and simple style on cards and is often inspiring me! The focal point sentiment which fits perfectly in our Curly Label punch is a rub-on in the Chateau Bella collection, as well as the flourish thingys on the white part, and the rows of dots below the ribbon!

The second card is using rub-ons from this same collection, which just happen to perfectly coordinate with the Bella Rose Designer Series Papers in the SU catalog! This time I wanted to emphasize that all SU rub-ons come in more than one color. In this case, chocolate and white. The oval sentiment and the chocolate rose at the bottom are both rub-ons. Notice how the chocolate rose overlaps the edge of the pretty patterned paper? That's one of the reasons I like them so much- they can go nearly anywhere.

Inside this card I also used the white rose and leaves (next pic). On this I also used the felt ribbon in the current Mini Catalog as well as the Top Note die with the Big Shot. I've been getting more use out of that Big Shot than I ever dreamed, and I only have TWO dies so far!

These rub-ons come in 12" long packages so some are designed in long strips which are perfect for edges and borders on 12x12 scrapbook pages. I recently purchased the school set (can't remember name right now?!) and will do some pages with it before long- I can't wait because I really don't have much school themed stuff otherwise.

OK, that's enough blah blah blah. Hope you like! Go pull out your rub-ons if you haven't in a while. What? Don't have any? Then don't forget to check out the promotion that is going on right now! Thanks for stopping by!

~Kristin

Holiday Treats- Frosty Won!

OK, I had this scheduled to post on Saturday but am posting it NOW instead. TFL!
So I've been experimenting with some holiday project ideas for my daughter's first grade class. I looked long and hard before finally deciding to design something on my own. Nothing seemed just right as far as difficulty level and time. During my search I tried many things. Obviously Frosty won, but here are the rest of them.

The middle two (Frosty and Santa) are both bookmarks. The santa on the left is a Sour Cream Container what you can fill with goodies (Hershey Kisses preferred) then hang on a tree. The one on the right is called a Triangle Box which can be made in many sizes and also hold kisses or other various chocolates (yes, I suppose diamond earrings could fit as well!). He also has cord tied through the top so he can hang as well.

Both of these treat boxes are pretty easy (if you can measure, cut and score which I realize not everyone can) but they involved sticky strip and lots of parts which I didn't think would be ideal for first graders. Actually, I'm sure they could handle it, I'm just not sure I could handle helping 21 6 & 7 year olds do them.

Anyway, check out the tutorials I linked if you want to try one. Here are a list of punches I've used for these:

For the Santas: 1 3/8" circle, 1/2" circle, 1/4" circle, scallop circle, scallop square, word window, 5 petal flower, 3/4" square, 1/4" square. Spring Bouquet.

For Frosty: 1/4" circle, 1/2" circle, large tag, Spring Bouquet, small star. Also used red gingham ribbon and sponge dauber (formerly used with red ink), black marker.

Thanks for stopping by again!
~Kristin

Editing to add: The bookmarks are made with an 1/8 sheet of paper (2 1/8"x5 1/2"). That way you can get 8 out of one sheet of paper! Leave it to me to be economical. HTH!

Cookie Sheet Calendar Accessories

Well, I didn't get as many done as I'd hoped but here are all the accessories I've made so far for my calendar. And I have to say, now that it's been hung up for a whole day I really like it! My kids and DH noticed it right away and want to touch it and play with it. Only regret so far is that the magnets I used aren't that great so my numbers fall off when little fingers are touching it- ugh! I may just break down and buy a pack of the more expensive magnets and fix it up right so I'm not constantly losing my pieces & parts!

Some other ideas I want to make are: First day of school & last day of school (or First day of summer break), a flag for holidays like Memorial Day, Veterens Day, 4th of July etc., I'd love to find a tooth stamp for Dentist Appointment, santa, heart and believe it or not I do not have a stamp that says "Anniversary"- at least not one small enough to punch with a circle. Did you notice the arrows with "No School" on them? That's for having multiple days off in a row, like for Christmas I can just mark the first and the last pointing towards each other. (OK, I know, I'm such a nerd. That's what my DH will probably say.)

What ideas can you think of that I need? I plan to go through my calendar and add them as I need them. That's the fun part of this project- you can change the parts and even months and numbers out if you get sick of them!

I should mention here that everything you see is SUO with one tiny exception (that I can think of) and that is the star shaped gold brad on the chipboard star. If you don't recognize something then you can assume it is likely retired.

Thanks for visiting and for all the sweet comments- they make my day!

~Kristin

(PS- sorry, I cannot figure out why my paragraphs are all run together today. Ugh!)

Diva Coffee Break Designs #102

OK, so here is my second challenge for Diva Coffee Break Designs, and my first use of the Party Hearty stamp set. Boy did I struggle with this challenge- I love the colors, don't get me wrong. But I'm not used to fitting so many in one design.

Well, I think the only reason it works on this card is because of the row of hats. The large scallop is from the Circle Scallop #2 die for the Big Shot. In fact, I used both sizes- see the smaller one peaking out from behind the large circle?

Anyway, the other things

I used here are the Happy Birthday jumbo wheel, the 1/8" circle punch, 3/4" circle punch (for center image which is raised on a pop dot), the new 1 3/4" circle punch from SU (our biggest circle punch) and the square punch to make the pennant look on the row of hats. Ooh, not to mention the markers in our colors.

Anyway, that's enough details probably. Thanks for stopping by!

Coming tomorrow- Cookie Sheet Calendar Accessories!
~Kristin

Edited to add: much better picture!

Another layout and a FUN FUN Project!

So here's the last layout I completed this weekend. It's not super creative or over the top special, but it's done and I'm satisfied with it (although don't put it past me to revisit layouts in the future to make updates and additions). In 2004 we took a fun one-night tent camping trip (we've since upgraded to a pop-up!) with the kiddos. They had a ball since they didn't have to do any of the work. This is my son's album so I focused on the fun pictures of him. For this I used the Simply Scrappin' Kit called Out & About (retired) which has lots of outdoor themed stuff and is perfect for our family and for boy pages too!

Next up- something I've been working on in my spare time for quite a while now. I am finally to the point where I can share it, although I have plans to add to it and share those maybe even later today. This is a Cookie Sheet Perpetual Calendar!

I've always wanted to try this once I saw them on Splitcoast. I even had my DH make a special trip to the store to buy the cookie sheet for me (mine look hideous!). Anyway, I used a Modgepodge-type stuff to adhere all the layers of paper to the sheet. The numbers (yes, I lost my 2) and all the special days are on magnets so they can be moved and arranged. I did the basic calendar layout with days of the week on my computer and just printed it. So much easier than measuring and drawing lines for me.

This is all adhered on the backside so the other side has a storage area to hold all the extra months and special events magnets. I've used the old paper pack called Spring Flowers as it matches the earthy tones in my kitchen and the rest of my hosue better than anything else I've got.

I am going to work on more of the "extra" magnets to mark birthdays, holidays etc. today. I have some on the bottom and on the back right now, but I have a list of ideas for more I came up with last night. Once I get a bunch done I'll photo those and upload for you to see. Thanks for stopping by today!

~Kristin

YES! I scrapped!

I know- I planned to all week and only got around to it on Friday, Saturday and Sunday! With the snow on the ground already it was a good weekend for it. And guess what- I got 8 pages done!

Now, before I post them I need to make a few disclaimers: first- I don't necessarily scrapbook in 100% SUO (Stampin' Up! Only). I know that's why some of you come to my blog because it is normally SUO. However, I can safely say that nearly everything is from Stampin' Up! because that's about all I have. When I stray it's due to the gobs of old papers (or an occasional embellishment) I have since before becoming an SU demo. Second- I still stink at taking good pictures of my pages. Sorry! I just don't know how to improve- I'll keep plugging away at it though. And I accidentally left the date on on my camera so it is showing up on every page- ugh!

So on this layout the background paper is not SU, but everything else is from the punches to the buttons, paper, stamps, ink, chipboard and gel pen! Oops, just noticed, the title is rub-ons from Making Memories too.

This is a fun page from a day at my son's schools playground (this was 4 years ago!). I wanted the papers to reflect the fun pictures and activities in the pictures. This Designer Series Paper (DSP) is called Jersey Shore and it was in the last SU catalog but no longer available. I also used stamps: Be Happy, Big Deal Alpha and Rough Edges Alpha. Colors are Wild Wasabi, Brilliant Blue, Pumpkin Pie. Also used punches: 1 1/4" circle, 3/4" circle, Word Window, 1 1/4" square. Other: chipboard & ribbon (blue ribbon is from Offray).

Last but not least- At the Beach! For this page I used some of the last remnants of a very old Simply Scrappin' Kit called Island Blossoms. I only used the papers, none of the stickers for this page because they all had pink in them and I was avoiding pink since this is my son's book. The only thing that is not SU on this layout is the title. Those letters were on a single sheet, in squares that have to be cut (or punched in this case) out to use. I don't remember who they are by but they are very old, and yes, maybe a bit dated as well... but that's one way I challenge myself- to use up OLD stuff and try to find a way to like it again! It's fun and a way to be resourceful instead of wasteful- try it!

So, I know I said I got 8 pages done and I did, sort of. The last layout is still laying on my table waiting for journaling and final touches. Maybe I'll post it tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by!

~Kristin