Paper n Pots

Getting Punchy for March

2012-02-10T12:10:00.002-06:00

Come. On. Spring!

Can't Get Enough P.S. I Love You

2012-02-04T01:00:00.023-06:00

I can't get enough of the Stampin' Up! stamp set called, P.S. I Love You. I created these darling little gift enclosure note sets (2-1/4" x 2-1/4" cards) for each of the grandkids in preschool through 6th grade to have something special to share with their teachers. I got the idea from Stampin' Up! Leadership 2012 conference in San Antonio this month. The best part? I already had everything I needed at home to make them!

They all store inside the box that is created with the Scallop Square clear die!

After die cutting the scalloped square, score at the third scallop from the left and the third scallop from the right. Turn 90 degrees and score at the second scallop from the left and the second scallop from the right. Just like making any other box, snip in to the score line along the THREE SCALLOP side. I used two Mini Glue Dots on each side to hold it closed ... it's so tiny, you won't need Sticky Strip this time.

Need more help on the box instructions? Check out my post HERE to get an idea of the bottom snipping, but you won't have to clip the diagonal cuts on the corners for this project!

How will you embellish your little box of Gift Enclosures? Be sure to link back to me and let me know so I can see your works of art!

Apothecary Art in Not Quite Navy

2012-02-03T01:00:00.002-06:00

Using the Stampin' Up! Apothecary Art stamp set and the new Framelits called Labels Collection (item #125598), this card was a snap! The Framelits can be found on my website HERE. Once you hit this page, look over on the right and change the view of just 8 products at once to "All". Scroll to the halfway mark and look for the Framelits featured with the example Old Olive cardstock.

Not Quite Navy, Soft Suede, Confetti White, Markers: River Rock and Bashful Blue

You may want to purchase both the Hearts Collection and the Labels Collection Framelits at this time because they would amount to $53.90 in products and you will be eligible to also receive a FREE Sale-a-bration item! And, if you are buying both sets at once I will give you two free DVD cases to store them in because, let's face it, you're going to buy them all as Stampin' Up! makes more and more and you want to keep your space organized this year (refer to your New Year's Resolution list. Again.).

Here is a video on the great Framelits called Hearts Collection.

Wasn't that great? Did you catch that little "sneak peek" bit of info at the end where Donna Griffith lets us know that more of these delicious Framelits are coming? The box that she is organizing there is the Medium Die Box (item #122220) and can be found on my website HERE. Trust me, whether you are storing Framelits, dies, or the Edgelits I featured here LAST WEEK, these boxes do a great job getting you organized for a quick trip into the crafting space. They are sturdy enough that I have added handles and hinges on mine so that I can use them like drawers!

If you buy the Framelits Hearts Collection AND the Framelits Labels Collection from me, I will give you two free DVD cases to store them in! Just a couple of strips of Stampin' Up! Magnet Sheet and you can check off the number one New Year's Resolution you made this year: organize that stampin' space!

2011-1013 Stampin' Up! In Color Baker's Twine

2012-02-02T01:00:00.009-06:00

How do you like these darling little spools of Stampin' Up! 2011-2013 In Color Baker's Twine? During our monthly Stamp Camp, Door Prizes are a regular event, and these tiny wooden spools are the perfect display. Again, Leadership displays were the inspiration. If you want to decorate your stampin' space with them you only need a yard or so. These, because they are a Product Share, each have two yards of twine on them.

If you want to know more about the Tea Shoppe Stamp Camp on February 11th, better get with me quick! Today is the deadline for enrollment.

FREE My Digital Studio Express

2012-02-01T09:07:00.001-06:00

Curious why there's so much buzz about digital software for cards, scrap booking and more? Wondering why I haven't shared too much about this myself? Well, let me tell you that I am HOOKED on this software now! And here's the deal:
Start designing with My Digital Studio (MDS) today FREE! Stampin' Up! is offering a FREE 30-day trial of My Digital Studio Express. GOOD NEWS! This offer is on-going and not a limited time offer. Download it today and use it for free for 30 days. Or, come back next week when you have more time, and it's free for 30 days.

With the FREE 30 Day Trial, you'll get:

Full access to the software at NO COST.
Full design functionality.
Exclusive artwork that comes with My Digital Studio Express.
Opportunity to purchase additional downloads from designer templates to stamp brush sets--and everything in between.
View MDS Catalog ... and see all the pre-designed scrapbook layouts!
Access to Stampin' Up! professional print services (I have done several projects with MDS and would love to show you).
Learn, get tips and see oodles of samples at mydigitalsudio.net.

IT'S SIMPLE. Download the My Digital Studio Express Free Trial (item 129600) from my Stampin’ Up! online shopping cart HERE.

THINK YOU MIGHT WANT IT ALL? Select your choice of either the Stampin’ Up! My Digital Studio (MDS) Starter Kit or Standard Starter Kit during Sale-a-bration and save $50 off the usual $175 sign-up fee, PLUS get 11 months of Designer Series Paper (either digital or paper) through the rest of the year. The Starter Kits have $345 in product in them already, and Stampin’ Up! is sweetening the pot with all that luscious Designer Paper, one pack per month through 2012. Get the Sale-a-bration details HERE.

Stampin’ Up! issues new downloads just about every Tuesday. Sometimes the downloads include new ideas like Swatchbooks (mini scrapbooks or coupon books). Check out this week’s digital downloads just for a peak at why I love this software!

Oh, and that talk about Sale-a-bration? It’s the best time of year to load up on products that you love like the tools! Read that, punches, embossing folders, and Big Shot! You HAVE TO get one of these! And, at $99 for the Big Shot, you only have to add an additional one dollar in product to get two FREE items from the Sale-a-bration rack (every $50 in product before shipping and tax qualifies for one FREE Sale-a-bration product).

Herb Expressions and Indian Paintbrush

2012-01-30T16:34:00.001-06:00

Herb Expressions pretending to be Indian Paintbrush is a pretty good indication that I'm ready for Spring here in the Hill Country. I stamped the herbs in Early Espresso after stamping off and then colored with Stampin' Markers in Lucky Limeade, Poppy Parade and More Mustard.

I used the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper that comes with a $50 Stampin' Up! order during Sale-a-bration for this SSC240 challenge at stamping411.

Stampin' Up! Leadership Love Notes

2012-01-30T14:29:00.001-06:00

During Stampin' Up! Leadership this year, I went around to all of the display cases (picture 8 free-standing bookshelves full of projects made at the Stampin' Up! home office), and found these little Love Notes. I have remade them in non-Valentine colors, and embellished my envelope with a piece from the Trinket Hearts. They add just the right touch to this note and envelope!

Using the Stampin' Up! Simply Scored, boxes can be made any size because the score lines are every 1/8 inch. If you want the Simply Scored shipped directly to your house, I can do that! For every Simply Scored sold during Sale-a-bration, I am sending you a shim used for making the lids to the boxes. This shim allows you to make your lids and bottoms the same size, and scored on the same marking! No more changing the dimensions of the lid 1/16 of an inch to make it close without a buckling!

I deliberately cut this lid smaller because I knew I wanted to embellish it with Scallop Lace Border punched pieces. This box will hold three notes and three envelopes. Wrapped with ribbon and embellished with a collection of Mixed Bunch flowers will add just the right touch. I am lovin' the Blossom Punch! The top layer of punched flowers is distressed with a Bone Folder to bring the cup of petals forward.

Oh! And these Love Notes will be demonstrated at all workshops during the month of February and given to the Hostess as this month's Thank You for having me. I only have a couple of slots left at the end of the month, so let's book your Sale-a-bration workshop while your guests will earn FREE product along with you!

How Did She DO THAT???

2012-01-27T01:00:00.010-06:00

I know how you feel when you see a gorgeous card creation and wonder, "How did she DO THAT???" I made my way through many of the cards hanging on display at Stampin' Up! Leadership 2012 last week in San Antonio. And of course, I couldn't WAIT to show you one of the wondermous cards that I loved there.

With a little trick using Press 'n Seal, everything
is aligned perfectly the first time!

This Stampin' Up! stamp set is called I Dig You, and it's perfect for our grandson's birthday party. I found matching cupcake toppers and decided that on a platter of cupcakes, I would have to string a line of pennants in these really bright colors of Daffodil Delight, Poppy Parade and Tempting Turquoise.

So, if you have a Big Shot, and you want these Adorning Accents Edgelits and the three coordinating Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing folders, you can buy them from me right HERE, or you can send your order to me via EMAIL and I'll place it for you. The bonus to having me place the order to our local customers is that everyone who buys both the Edgelits and the Embossing Folder set of three will also receive a free DVD case to store them in together! Just add a couple of scraps of Stampin' Up! Magnet Sheet (item number 119816), and you're in business to get one of your New Year's Resolutions completed: organize that craft space! :)

Valentine Sweetness and P.S. I Love You

2012-01-26T01:00:00.039-06:00

Today's Valentine Sweetness was embellished with the new Stampin' Up! stamps set, P.S. I Love You. The Framelit Labels Collection and Framelit Hearts Collection were both embossed with the Adorning Accents Textured Impressions embossing folder of tiny hearts. We made these frosted cookies in our group meeting yesterday afternoon, so we were all partners in crime! We melted just two blocks out of twelve in the white bark to cover an entire package of these cookies!

You might be thinking the Full Heart Punch is what we used here, but this Framelit is a smidge smaller than the punch. Remember this the next time you'd like to layer hearts of two different sizes. I can't wait to see whether the Framelit Hearts Collection will be able to cut through the hearts we've made to look like a Bride and Groom on wedding cards!!!

Take a close look at all the layering and yumminess of this bag topper. Now take a look at your scrap drawer or box. This is the answer to the second New Year's Resolution on your list: use up the scraps!

Stamps: P.S. I Love You
Paper: Blushing Bride, Poppy Parade, Whisper White, Attic Boutique Designer Series Paper
Ink: Poppy Parade and Early Espresso
Tools and Bling: Big Shot (you definitely need to get this soon!), Framelit Label Collection, Framelit Heart Collection, Adorning Accent Embossing Folders, small cello bags, Victoria Crochet Ribbon trim, White Baker's Twine, Jewels Rhinestone, Scallop Oval punch, 1" Square punch (to cut the banners' V'd ends -- do you want to learn this technique?), Bitty Punch Pack

Stampin' Up! Leadership 2012 in San Antonio

2012-01-25T07:32:00.000-06:00

I just have to share some of the photos of cards that were on display at Stampin' Up! Leadership 2012 in San Antonio. These cards are all winners to me. Some of the creativity made me think twice about stamp sets I passed up. Of course!!! Happens all the time!

Enter the Make and Take room and this is our place setting!
I still haven't eaten the chocolates because my group meeting is today.

Wouldn't you love to come to this room?
My Upline's Upline made these chocolates on the left.
Nope, haven't eaten them either!

There were cards of all sorts ...

And scrapbook layouts by the dozens ...

And so many 3D gift ideas I lost count!

Anytime you have the opportunity to attend Convention, Leadership or even a Regional with Stampin' Up!, GOOOO!!! The inspiration alone is well worth the price. Even at Regional, I came home with more free product than the $55 fee for registration.

The count down to Convention starts ... NOW!

Stampin' Success Magazine FREE for Three Months!!!

2012-01-24T01:00:00.002-06:00

Every month I look forward to my Stampin' Success magazine to come in the mail, and I have a subscription FREE for three months to give away. My DH knows that dinner will never happen on that day because I will be scouring every page for ideas, tutorials, more ideas, and great visuals! For the three years I have been receiving one, they have gotten better and better with each issue.

While at Leadership conference this past week, there was an announcement that the look and content of this monthly treasure will be upgraded and made a whole lot more relevant and modern!

AND!!! I have a free three month subscription to give to you. If you are interested in Stampin' Up! demonstratorship, and want to investigate the assistance you can expect from Stampin' Up! to make your business more successful, you may want to check out this magazine. Leave me a comment or send me an email if you are that person I have been looking for to fill out my wonderful group of grateful, cheerful and generous Stampin' Up! demonstrators!

Home from Leadership and Regionals

2012-01-23T18:02:00.000-06:00

Stampin' Up! had their annual Leadership conference in San Antonio this year, so we just had to go! No sooner had I registered for that, then a Regional stamping event was tacked onto the Saturday following the conference. Oh boy did I come home with loads of ideas to share.

The new Edgelits make gorgeous cards!

I'm moving to my own website soon. Michelle Laycock is designing my website at the moment, but even before she has finished the design, I will be posting my new things over at HillCountryStampin.com.

Love, love, love the Love Notes in a box!

See you soon! I'll have these finished tomorrow morning and will continue to post here and Hill Country Stampin' until I am fully designed and "live"!!!

Sale-a-bration and Signing Up as a Demo!

2012-01-23T10:00:00.015-06:00

Stampin' Up! Sale-a-bration adds benefits to signing up as a Demonstrator! There is no better time to get the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit than during Sale-a-bration.

You'll receive a great promotional deal that you are able to customize.
You'll receive a 30% discount on your Demonstrator Starter Kit.
You’ll receive a FREE package of Designer Series Paper in paper form or a digital download every month through the end of the year, and you can take either option every month because you don’t have to choose just one style for all months.
You’ll get me as your personal coach!
You’ll also have until June 30th to sell your first $300 in order to keep your Demonstratorship for yet another quarter, which is plenty of time to get used to your new job and get your feet under you. (Not to mention eligibility to place a preorder beginning May 1, 2012, from the brand new Stampin' Up! catalog.)
You will have a fun, creative kit to begin to create with and to spark your imagination and you can customize the kit swapping out any products you already own. I remember when I first received my starter kit, and the feelings I had. I was so excited, it was just like it was my birthday, but better! I was receiving "gifts" I knew I wouldn't return!
You can have the standard Starter Kit, or the Digital Studio Start Kit!

Speaking of birthdays, during your birthday month you will be given an additional 15% off of the first item on your Demonstrator Order that month. Want the Big Shot? Can you imagine getting it for 35% off? Or even 45% off if your month’s sales are $1,000?

Did you know...if you're more interested in stamping and creating projects than running a business, the benefits don’t end with our great kit. The following added values will greatly enhance your stamping/scrapbooking hobby:

A twenty percent discount on all products
Online access to limitless ideas for handmade cards, scrapbook pages, and three dimensional projects, via Stampin' Connection (an exclusive online community for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators only!)
Our exclusive monthly magazine (Stampin' Success) filled with project ideas
Being the first to see new exclusive award winning products and design
Eligibility to attend Stampin’ Up! conferences and events for more swaps and product techniques

So what do you think? Is the time right for you? Does the value of discounted Stampin' Up! products and access to unlimited creative resources appeal to you? If so, join my fabulous BFF team now and receive your gift of a free stamp set! Click on the JOIN NOW button on the left side of the screen.

Tea Shoppe Cards

2012-01-11T01:00:00.002-06:00

I've been playing with my Tea Shoppe stamp set and have separated the samples into two stacks. One stack without Designer Series Paper, and then another five cards with Designer Series Paper which will post next week.

Mary Fish, Heidi Baks, and Mary Brown have all contributed to the cards that we'll be making in February and March Stamp Camps! These cards will all be done in the February Stamp Camp.

Easter Dove, He Is Risen

2012-01-10T01:00:00.001-06:00

The Stampin' Up! 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog is continuing the tradition of single stamps under $10 with Easter Dove. Isn't it sweet? I love the fact that it fits inside the Decorative Label punch.

Wild Wasabi teams up with Daffodil Delight to make this Spring card, but it needed a little something special. I used the new Adorning Accents Edgelits Die along with the coordinating Adorning Accents Embossing Folder. I've cut a regular 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" piece of Wild Wasabi cardstock through the Big Shot with this Edgelit, and then lined up the coordinating embossing folder to add more interest. I did the same with a piece of 5-1/2" x 3-1/2" piece of Daffodil Delight.

The sentiment inside is from the Stampin' Up! stamp set called God's Blessings. The front of the card is stamped in Wild Wasabi using the grapes from Nature's Pace.

Water Colored Bordering on Romance

2012-01-09T01:00:00.006-06:00

It's been a long time since I've broken out the water color papers, but today it was just perfect to use with the Stampin' Up! Bordering on Romance stamp set from the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog. The layout and the colors were two challenges this morning during a virtual stamping meeting!

Stamps: Tea Shoppe, Bordering on Romance
Paper: Pool Party, Old Olive, So Saffron, Water Color Papers
Ink: Early Espresso
Bling: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Decorative Label punch, 5/8" Whisper White Satin ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Pocket Silhouettes in Petite Pairs

2012-01-07T01:00:00.003-06:00

I love the Stampin Up! Pocket Silhouettes stamp set and I think everyone should have the Petite Pairs stamp set, too.

Each occasion in the 18 stamp set has a "partner" stamp that goes inside your card! And you can't beat their size. They fit in the Chubby Oval punch as well as the Tags and Scallop Oval punches ... it makes it easy to fit the bill for any need, really. Cards or gift tags, sneaky little love notes being left for your sweetie ... Just as versatile as Sincere Salutations and almost as great as Teeny Tiny Wishes!

And you can't beat this card layout CASE'd from Mary Fish. One and a half sheets of cardstock and I have two cards ready to go in no time. The technique I used here is a familiar one: Repetitive stamping. It lends depth and shadow.

Stamps: Petite Pairs, Pocket Silhouettes
Paper: Calypso Coral, Confetti White
Ink: Calypso Coral
Bling: 2011-2013 In Color Designer Printed Brads, Calypso Coral 1/8" Organdy Ribbon that is part of the Ribbon and Brad bundle FREE with Sale-a-bration purchase of $50.

P.S. I Love You Sincerely

2012-01-06T01:00:00.001-06:00

I wanted to team up the Stampin' Up! P.S. I Love You stamp set with Sincere Salutations just in case the card was to be used in some other way than a Valentine. This card is really easy if you already have the Big Shot. Using the Movers and Shapers with the extra set of dies called Punch Windows.

Here you can see the inside a little better.

When it's closed, there really are four different little stamps that could be used in this window, but I have a special place in my heart for the Postmark!

Stamps: Sincere Salutations, P.S. I Love You
Paper: Blushing Bride, Whisper White
Ink: Lucky Limeade
Bling: Big Shot, Movers and Shapers die, Punch Window Movers and Shapers set of 4 dies, Elegant Lines embossing folder, Lucky Limeade 1/8" Organdy ribbon (part of the Everyday Enchantment Ribbon and Brad Pack FREE with Sale-a-bration purchase of $50), 2011-2013 In Color Designer Printed Brads

Mojo221 Scallop Circle Card

2012-01-05T06:24:00.001-06:00

I enjoyed the Mojo221 Monday cards so much from a couple of weeks ago that I made this scallop circle card for the January 14th Stamp Camp at Julie's Event Center.

This precious cards packs a big punch! Wouldn't you like to get this in YOUR mailbox?

Stamps: Friendly Phrases, Itty Bitty Bits
Paper: Peach Parfait, Everyday Enchantment DSP, Whisper White, Pool Party
Ink: Peach Parfait
Bling: Big Shot, baby! (You gotta get one of these!), Scallop Circle and 3" Circle dies; punches used include: Scallop Trim Border, Large Tag, Extra-Large Tag, 1" Square (helps to "flag" the end of the sentiment strip), 2-1/2" Circle, and the Bitty Punch Pack; Jewels Basic Pearls, Mini Clothes Pin, 2011-2013 In Color Designer Printed Brads and last but not least, Stampin' Dimensionals. (you know me, I'm just a Dimensional girl)

Cookie Presses

2012-01-04T22:11:00.000-06:00

I know. It's right after New Year's and you don't want to hear another word about cookies for quite a while. But just look at how cute these are!

Yes, you can even stamp on cookies! Stampin' Up! has a wonderful set of four presses each kit. Check 'em out!

Happy New Year! Ring in some Organization!

2012-01-01T09:46:00.000-06:00

This is a great time to think about what you want to do in the New Year. What I am most thankful I accomplished last year was getting my space organized. Organization absolutely changed the way I think about myself and my Stampin' Up! business!

If you live somewhere that doesn't allow you to attach these floor cabinets to the wall, fear not! These are cabinets right off the floor of our local Big Box Store that I painted myself. The countertop was built by a local carpenter with a simple laminate top. The two drawer units, joined with the standing height counter top, is plenty sturdy to stand alone, even on carpet.

Happy New Year!

New Year's Tag-o-lutions

2011-12-22T20:51:00.000-06:00

I turned my New Year's Resolutions into New Year's Tag-o-lutions with Stampin' Up! materials and tools and Pretties.

I know. Another year of meeting some fitness goal. But, I got an idea when a friend of mine and I were talking about needing something visual to chart those miles in training for a half-marathon (me) or lose weight (her). Neither one of us are inspired by weight loss graphs, bar charts, pie charts (yikes!), or diaries. Well, of course not!!! We're Stampin' Up! Demonstrators!

We both loved the decorated DVD Cases from Stampin' Up! Convention last year and have made quite a few things from them. My favorite idea came from Connie Stewart and I made a little "office" for my car in one. So, I made another one for my car ...

... but this time it's all about trips to the gym for either of us. We made Exercise tokens! Each time we make it to the gym, we move a token from the left Clear Translucent envelope over into the right one. When they have all moved, we'll get a massage!

I haven't finished my mileage tags yet, but I have the weight loss goals. Every 8 pounds and every 5%; the reward is on the flip side of the tag. There are manicures and pedicures alternating.

Additions to the DVD case include a little stick on calendar from Vippies, a sentiment from Stampin' Up!'s Word Play stamp set, and a sticky note pad stamped with a sentiment from a Hostess stamp set called Perfect Word (it's full of encouraging words!).

So, while I ring in the New Year with all the colors you might find on a trip, say ... to Fiji, I'll be staying motivated visually with all my Tags. I added another Clear Translucent envelope on the left side to hold all the mileage markers/weight loss markers to further encourage us to keep going to the gym and moving those tokens from the left pocket to the right.

SSC234 and My Digital Studio

2011-12-17T13:08:00.001-06:00

It's time for another challenge over at Stamping 411, and I'm on it today! Here's the layout:

and here's my card:

This week's challenge at Stamping 411, SSC234, had a lot of elements that gave me room to use up scraps of the You're My Sunshine printouts I made from a My Digital Studio downloaded kit. Stampin' Up! has this digital software, and I needed some special Designer Series Paper in a hurry, so I printed the background papers out on Whisper White cardstock and "went to town" with my thank you's to follow Christmas.

I also used Stampin' Up!'s Adorning Accents Edgelits. Aren't those scallops darling? The Edgelits cut about a 6" strip, so I have plenty of fitting options on a card or framing a photo in my scrapbook.

I put my partially assembled card over the Simply Scored tool and scored a fold line at 5-1/2". Then I placed the fold over the Paper Cutter's blade runner and cut a slit so the ribbon can thread through it, and the edges are joined under the main image panel. I like the effect of having the ribbon showing on the inside of the card. Also, this landscape version of an A2 card folds on the left for a little bump in the pizzazz arena. Rather than put a bow in the lace, I popped the button up on 2 Stampin' Up! Dimensionals. This means it will take 64 cents in postage!

The stamped sentiment came from Blessings From Heaven stamp set.

Stamps: Blessings From Heaven

Paper: Barely Banana (retired), Basic Gray, You're My Sunshine (My Digital Studio), Sahara Sand

Ink: Basic Gray

Bling: Designer Buttons in Subtles, Whisper White Baker's Twine, Adorning Accents Edgelits, Crochet Trim ribbon, Dimensionals

PPA124 and You're My Sunshine

2011-12-17T01:00:00.000-06:00

You're My Sunshine Designer Series Paper is one of the papers available in the My Digital Studio download kits that came out two weeks ago. It is created on Sahara Sand cardstock and embellishmed with flowers from the retired Pretties Kit and other florals given to me by a very generous friend and fellow stamper, Linda the Card Maker. This is the card I've created for this week's PPA124 challenge!

Yesterday was a beautiful day to take a drive, so I decided to go to Utopia, Texas which isn't too far from my house. Yes, it's a real place right here in the Texas Hill Country!

In the movie, he must have been approaching the city from just the opposite direction because he turned right to go to Utopia as he was coming into the Hill Country

These signs were up all over the place welcoming people to Utopia

This is where the golfer buried those lies he'd believed about himself

Clearance Rack Blitz up to 80% Off!

2011-12-15T08:34:00.000-06:00

Run, don't walk...because nearly 200 new items have been added to the Stampin’ Up! Clearance Rack in my online store ... Up to 80% off! Be sure to check it out!! Woohoo - Christmas is coming early this year!

NOTE: If you have punches on your wish list...now you can stock up on them as you'll find lots of "old body" style punches to choose from.

While there, feel free to add any current items from your Wish List to your order too!

Here are all the details...

Dates: December 15, 2011 - January 5, 2012

Details:  Nearly 200 new Clearance Rack items have been added to the Online Store at discounts up to 80 percent off retail--only while supplies last!

 Things to Remember

Only online orders qualify for this promotion.
Orders can include non-Clearance Rack items, as well.
The Clearance Rack Blitz includes old-body style punches - WOOHOO!
There is no minimum purchase required to participate in this promotion.
Qualifying Clearance Rack orders are eligible for hostess benefits/Stampin' Rewards so have your Wish List handy.
Clearance Rack Blitz items are only available while supplies last. There are no refunds or exchanges on Clearance Rack items.
You may view Clearance Rack Blitz items in my ONLINE STORE
Deadline: Thursday, January 5, 2012; 11:50 PM (MT)

Online Store Viewing Tip: to view all Clearance Rack items at once...look on the right where is says "Show: 8", click the drop down arrow and select ALL. Because you want it ALL, don't you? Uh huh! I know you! Well, have fun and I'll let you know when your order has shipped so you can get ready for some creative fun amidst all the Christmas rush.

Mojo Monday and You're My Sunshine

2011-12-14T09:46:00.001-06:00

Mojo Monday challenge Mojo219 done with Stampin' Up! My Digital Studio kit called You're My Sunshine. Barely Banana and Sahara Sand created the color scheme.

Petite Pocket and Starbucks Via

2011-12-08T16:28:00.000-06:00

Becky Roberts posted a cute little Petite Pocket and Starbucks Via gift idea and I went with it! I used a 1" book ring on my gift cards; if you make these use a smaller one!

Stamps: Morning Cup (retired), Tiny Tags
Ink: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green
Paper: Frostwood Lodge, Whisper White
Bling: Big Shot (You have to get one of these!) die cutting machine, Petite Pocket die, 1-1/4" Square punch, Wide Oval punch, Medium Jewelry Tag punch, Early Espresso 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain ribbon (retired), Linen Thread, Regals Brads, Mini Glue Dots, and if you have never used the Craft Scissors you have not lived! They cut ribbon like a hot knife through butter!

Christmas Lenten Rose

2011-11-30T01:00:00.015-06:00

This rose is from Stampin' Up!'s Happiness Shared and looks like a Christmas Lenten Rose to me. So soft and feminine, I CASE'd Lee Conrey from a Stamping 411 layout challenge from a couple of weeks ago. I plan to save this beauty for the December Free Classes and have cut out enough kits for anyone to bring a friend along to enjoy our time together.

The rose is water colored with Water Color Wonders in Melon Mambo, Rose Red and Garden Green. Water coloring with these bright shades soften all of them nicely. Since this is stamped onto Very Vanilla, you have to be very quick and confident with your strokes of the Aqua Painter or you will smear the Soft Suede ink, or create a runny mess. Literally, the coloring of this image took 30 seconds, all colors included!

The cardstock begins with 4-1/4" x 11" scored at 2-1/4" and 7-1/2", and gives us that wonderful card that folds toward the center. (I'm totally a tool-lovin' gal and the Stampin' Up! Simply Scored has been well worth the wait!) Don't you love cards with an unusual fold? The circles tuck under the ribbon to hold the card closed. I punched the Very Vanilla with the 2-1/2" Circle punch, and then die cut the Soft Suede with the 3" Circle die and the Big Shot (you MUST get a Big Shot! Bribe Santa if you have to! It is so worth it!)

A single Basic Jewels Pearl in the center of the rose means you must be careful with your Aqua Painter and stay out of the center or your pearl won't adhere. The Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon needs to start out about 14" long in order to get the double bow here, and I'm going to stick my neck out and tell you to tie your bows before cutting the ribbon at all so that you can fiddle around and get the length you need to tuck those ends under your Soft Suede and Mocha Morning DSP (LOVE this DSP!) panel before adhering to that lower little flap of the card.

If you're in the area, join us for this Free Card Class on Thursday night, or Wednesday afternoon next week!

Petite Pocket Gift Card Holder

2011-11-25T01:00:00.008-06:00

Did you know you could use the Petite Pocket die as a Gift Card Holder? You can easily whip out a dozen of these little gems in an hour. They're so little I left my thumb in the picture to give you some scale, as well as the use of the Curly Label punch and Stocking Builder punch.

I wasn't sure, but I took half of a sheet of card stock and cut this out just to see if my Starbucks card and any of my credit cards would fit, and they do easily. But I'm not sure this cute little Stocking Builder Punch is going to slow down the recipient when they want to tear into it, do you?

When cutting the Petite Pocket, cut your card stock lengthwise, for a 4-1/4" x 11" sheet and you'll have enough for the little circles that you can use for an alternate closure.

Seasonal Sentiments Placecards

2011-11-23T12:34:00.001-06:00

Stampin' Up! Seasonal Sentiments place cards for dinner tomorrow look cute with a special die cut pumpkin. The Seasonal Sentiments stamp set was a collection of four from last year's Holiday mini that is definitely a keeper. It didn't make it into the new Idea Book and Catalog that came out July 2011. I always tell my stampers (that means you, too!) to buy the stamp sets from each Stampin' Up! Mini Catalog that they would regret later if they missed it.

A great card stock for lots of the Love Note 3"x3" cards is the Stampin' Up! 12"x12" card stock. The single color packs are all Smooth Card Stock, but the Textured Card Stock comes in Color Collections of 2 sheets of each 10 colors (or 4 sheets each of 5 colors when buying In Color Collections).

Check out the Idea Book and Catalog pages 176 through 180 and make dozens of them for the coming season of gratitude! The Mini Square Envelopes are 3-1/8"x3-1/8", come 40 to a pack for $7.50 and are on page 182. NOTE: These are too small to send through the postal service, but you can create just the 3"x3" panel and pop the whole thing up on the face of an A2 card!

Stamps: Seasonal Sentiments (retired 2010 Holiday mini) and a random pumpkin
Paper: Peach Parfait, Regals Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack, Confetti Cream
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Early Espresso, and Stampin' Write Markers in Sahara Sand, River Rock, Pear Pizzazz
Bling: 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon in Peach Parfait

Spinner Chocolate Bar

2011-11-23T01:00:00.005-06:00

We made this spinner for a Symphony chocolate bar during our Downline meeting this month. I have the GREATEST group of Demonstrators! Sharon brought the idea and supplies, and all I had to do was bake tasty treats and make a pitcher of herbal tea.

Base is 7" x 10-1/2" score at 3-1/4" and 3-5/8" inches; punch with the Word Window punch close to the left side and stopped leaving enough room for your tree (you can see that I swapped sides accidentally). Score again at 7" and 7-1/4".
From white card stock punch/die cut 2" circle, 1-3/8" circle, and four ovals for arms and legs
From red card stock punch/die cut 2-1/2" circle, two hearts from the Owl Punch, and using the 1-3/8" punch nip a piece off for his hat brim.
From black card stock, punch a scallop circle and then nip off a couple of boots using the oval punch again.
From Christmas printed DSP, punch a 1-3/8" circle and two nips of oval punched for his sleeves. (the hearts will be his hands)
Orange scrap makes a carrot nose.
Googly eyes and Baker's Twine for his hat's tassel. Then use a Stampin' Write marker for his mouth.
The tree is Christmas DSP punched with the Pennant punch.

This is best put together with Sticky Strip so it doesn't come apart and it helps to keep the card stock open enough for the spinner to work. The white card stock was torn the 11" length to wrap around to the back. Tear three strips and be sure to place the straight edges top and bottom leaving room for spinning. I sponged the torn edges with Marina Mist. The snow flakes are from Serene Snowflakes. If you wanted to add one of the Many Merry Messages, get the stamp set this week for 50% off during the Online Extravaganza HERE.

Stampin Up! Boxes and Simply Scored

2011-11-21T01:00:00.013-06:00

When I find an idea that I can create from an 8-1/2" x 11" piece of cardstock, I go with it! Lynn Pratt gave a free photo tutorial on this little gem that starts with 8-1/4" square cardstock, scored at 2-3/4 and 5-1/2" with the Stampin' Up! Simply Scored. There are straight lines and a bunch of diagonals. When untied, this box explodes open and can be filled with candy or slips of paper with fun activities written on them. PERFECT idea for a set of Advent or Countdown calendars.

Pots o' Flowers

2011-11-19T01:00:00.033-06:00

This blog is paper (crafting) and pots (my gardening adventures) but I rarely put any of the plantings here. Today is Saturday and I thought you might like to see what I do out there this time of year. While snow is falling up north, I'm planting the winter bloomers and watching my Native Plants fade. Most will die back to the ground, but right now, it's impossible for me to go out there and trim them back when they are reveling in the cooler temperatures and starting to bloom again!

These two photos would be great without the split, but I don't have a panorama lens on my camera. This is the shady side of the yard. The side that didn't lose its lawn completely in the 100+ degree temperatures for months on end. The pansies I planted on Monday were rewarded with an inch of rain the next day, miracle of miracles!

These two photos show more of the full sun middle section of the bed. I put in a very tall retaining wall two years ago and will really see the fruits of my labor on the Native Plants next year, their third year in the ground.

I learned to garden as a little girl and got better at it so that, when I wanted to leave staff nursing at St. Joseph's Hospital, I continued to drive downtown and took Certification classes in Horticultural Therapy at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

It has been 16 years since I moved from Colorado. HT has been in my blood all my life, but those classes showed me there were possibilities to make a shift in my career away from caregiving to teaching. And to be honest, when I signed up for a couple of the classes, I thought they were only about how much fun gardening is and what good exercise it is. Well, they covered that, but I also earned college credit toward a Master's Degree offered out of Kansas State University.

So, with just two year's experience in Texas Native Plant design, I am venturing into planting the backyard with a real purpose. I am going to start a vocational training program with the mentally challenged in our area and will be starting Texas Natives by seedling in a greenhouse. You will see any further "Pots" portions of my life over at Native Musings, one of my new domains. I have another domain that is being designed by Amy Celona and Laycock Designs, and I will continue all my Stampin' Up! adventures over at Hill Country Stampin next year.

Thanks for checking in, and if you enjoy gardening enough to want to build a cottage garden look alike in perennials, please keep in touch with me over at Native Musings!

By for now!

Shoebox Gals Ride Again

2011-11-18T01:00:00.007-06:00

I used the Big Shot and a retired embossing folder inked up to color the "valleys" of the impression (with Soft Suede over More Mustard). We heat embossed Cherry Cobbler over Cajun Craze and cut out the oak leaves from Lovely as a Tree stamp set. After inking up the tree in Cajun Craze, we added Soft Suede onto the trunks. Naturals Ivory cardstock made a soft, "Novembery," start to this card.

HINT: If you want to remove ink from the stamp in order to add a different color, did you know you could remove the ink with a blender pen?

Stampin' Up! Online Extravaganza November 21

2011-11-17T19:58:00.000-06:00

Online Extravaganza, our annual sale to kick off the holiday shopping season, will begin Monday, November 21, 2011, and run through Wednesday, November 30, 2011. While this promotion is perfect for online orders during an especially busy time of year, sale prices will be available on ALL order types, including the ones that you phone in to me.

I encourage you to log in to my Online Store on Monday, November 21, to take advantage of great savings, like FREE digital downloads valued at $40 when you buy My Digital Studio Express.

There will also be 60 percent off select Designer Fabrics, and 30 percent off an exclusive ribbon bundle!

In addition, there will be two items on sale for 24 hours only (November 21, midnight to midnight Mountain Standard Time)-so make sure you don't miss the first 24 hours of Online Extravaganza!

I’l send the Online Extravaganza e-card to you first thing Monday morning so you don't miss the 24-hour-only deals.

Paper Crafting with Stampin' Up!

2011-11-16T07:47:00.002-06:00

More than just cards, paper crafting with Stampin' Up! is amazingly fun and fast. With my fingers left in these photos, I want you to imagine using these papers because they are such small pieces, I just know that you have them in your scrap bucket!

Top Note die and the Big Shot, then embossing with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder; Owl Builder, Five Petal Flower punches.

Two Tags and Stocking Accents dies run through the Big Shot; Basic Jewels Pearls colored with Sharpie markers; sentiment is from Winter Post stamp set.

Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border and 1/2" Circle punches, Spice Cake Designer Series Paper, Day of Gratitude stamp set (aren't you glad that one was carried forward from last year's Holiday mini catalog?)

I need you go look at Linda Fisher's card today. She said that after crating it she went looking for a challenge to enter it in and could find none. It deserves a larger audience, so go take a LOOK!

Third Annual Card Frenzy

2011-11-14T01:00:00.006-06:00

Wow! Another sold out event on Saturday. I needed to do a table of Christmas cards and a table of Thanksgiving cards. This was the Christmas card.

Leave me a comment and I will send you a downloadable Photo Tutorial. Also, I will add you to my email list to receive notice of the events (eight of them) planned for next year.

Remember This?

2011-11-11T01:00:00.007-06:00

Hearts and Brackets was a die that retired in July when the new Idea Book and Catalog came out. The tag was actually hand cut. I cut quarter sheets of three colors of cardstock and then just swapped them out on three different cards.

So I have a question for you all: Do you want me to keep the cards ONLY current Stampin’ Up! products, or do you have some of the much-loved retired products, too?

Stamps: French Foliage, Seasonal Sentiments (from the Holiday Mini catalog Sept 2010-Jan 2011)
Paper: Crumb Cake, Cajun Craze, Garden Green, More Mustard, Confetti Naturals
Ink: Cajun Craze, Early Espresso
Bling: Pumpkin Pie 3/8” taffeta ribbon, Linen Thread, Big Shot, Hearts and Brackets die

Trippin’ Down Memory Lane

2011-11-09T01:00:00.002-06:00

I have a few stamp sets that I love to have, and will never sell. Some of the retired stamp sets just can’t be gotten rid of!

This stamp set was called Happy Blessings and we actually made these cards over at Lisa’s house before I became a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator myself. I’m finally able to pull these out and mail them! The Tiny Tags set helped to embellish the Corn Stalk card, and there are actually five tags here

Isn’t the little Scarecrow darling?

Stamps: Happy Blessings, Tiny Tags
Paper: retired Stampin’ Up! colors for the most part, but one of them is More Mustard, and the Naturals Ivory is still around
Ink: Basic Black and Watercolor Pencils
Bling: Early Espresso 1/8” taffeta ribbon and some random seasonal ribbon Lisa had, Earth Element eyelets, Crop-a-dile, Big Shot, Top Note die, Medium Jewelry Tag punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Is It Too Early To Say?

2011-11-07T10:56:00.001-06:00

I know I haven't been posting as much here as I usually do. It's probably a little early to say this, but I'm moving everything to a new website since I bought a real URL. With all the talk of Facebook and Blogger changing, I just wanted to clear my mind of having to learn a whole more and simplify things.

You know I have been a great fan of Mary Fish for a long time, and we spent quite a bit of time at Convention this year talking about the most efficient set up for the Stamping Space we work in. Here is a card of hers with my own twist on colors. What a great layout this is!

This is a cutting much like the 11" x 4-1/4" cards, but I'm only using 2-3/4" of the front flap. In order to save my cardstock strips, I cut 2-3/4" off the long end of the cardstock, turned and cut it at 4-1/4". This way I have that 8-1/2" x 2-3/4" to use for cutting lables. Now you have two cards cut 4-1/4" x 8-1/4". Score them each at 2-3/4" and you're ready to add layers:

The usual 4" x 5-1/4" interior panel, and two more layers for the front; Cherry Cobbler is cut at 2-1/2" x 4", and a Confetti White panel of 2-1/4" x 3-3/4".

Stamp and emboss your smallest Confetti White panel, wrap Seam Binding ribbon around and adhere on the back, complete a Perfect Bow and adhere with a Mini Glue Dot. This is the most amazing thing about the card, actually; all your stamping and embellishing action is on this one small piece!

Are you catching any of the glimmer? Yes, the embossing is shiny, but there is more. I added four drops of Shimmer Paint to about 2 ounces of rubbing alcohol and spritz the completed card. This stuff really shows up on dark cardstock, so think about using it on your Night of Navy cards embossed with Lovely as a Tree!

Stamps: Just Believe, Pocket Silohettes, Petite Pairs
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler, Confetti White
Ink: Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, Versa Mark
Bling: Cherry Cobbler embossing powder, Cherry Cobbler seam binding ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Simply Scored Wreath

2011-10-27T01:00:00.020-05:00

As soon as I saw the picture, I knew I had to make a Simply Scored wreath with Spice Cake Designer Series Paper and the coordinating Spice Cake Buttons. Can you believe how big those buttons are? Gorgeous and perfect for layering on a rosette.

While I was making it, I learned a few hints from fellow Demonstrators about size of paper to use. I also learned how to avoid some of the biggest problems with scoring DSP, too. Let me share them with you here:

When you are making strips of 1" x 12" DSP, you will get a nice 2-1/4" rosette with just one strip of DSP. Any other width of DSP requires TWO STRIPS in order to make that larger circumference. The sizes I am talking about are 1-1/4" x 12" with two strips, 1-1/2" x 12" with two strips, and 2" x 12" with two strips.

When scoring the DSP, score two pieces one atop the other each time, and you'll have fewer tears.

When linking the ends, overlap one atop the other and use Mini Glue Dots so the links are less obvious. If using the 1" wide strips, cut 1/4" off so you will end up with the right folded direction. Try it, and you'll know right away what I'm talking about.

When making the 1" x 12" rosettes, cut 1/4" off so that you can overlap the edges as described above.

When making rosettes, you can score every 3/8" and every 1/2" to add variety (and they go together so much faster, too!).

If using punched pieces to decorate the rosettes under the buttons or alone, use the Designer Series Paper rather than cardstock because it's just prettier. And still plenty sturdy to layer the rosettes as I have done here and there.

SUPPLIES I USED:
Stampin' Up! Simply Scored, Mini Glue Dots, Linen Thread, Spice Cake Designer Series Paper and Buttons, hot glue gun, Stampin' Up! Deck The Halls Designer Fabric, Hand Penned Holidays stamp set and Early Espresso Classic Ink pad on Confetti White cardstock

Decorated Boxes with Rosettes

2011-10-25T11:25:00.000-05:00

Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scored is great for making lots of things and I've decorated boxes with rosettes. The boxes and rosettes are both made on the Simply Scored, and I'm going to show you how to make them eazey peazey!

When making boxes, you can cut the tops and bottoms the exact same size, and still have them fit. I'm going to share an idea I got from Connie Stewart. Use a shim! and you will never have to cut the lid a different size or score it on different measurements.

If you make the tops and bottoms of boxes exactly the same size, the top doesn't usually slide over the bottom very easily, right? There is always that "hair" difference in tutorials that make the tops a smidge larger so they fit .... and now there's a MUCH BETTER way!

Connie showed us how to use this shim made from Stampin' Up! Window Sheet only when you are scoring the lid. Using the shim, you can still score your tops and bottoms on the same measurements (this box is one inch deep and scored on the one inch mark all the way around), and the lid will be just right to slide easily over the bottom!

To make your shim, cut Window Sheet 2" x 8" and score it at the 1/2" and 1-1/4" marks and set it aside.
Use brightly colored card stock cut 1" x 8" and score it at the 1/2" mark.
Place two 8" strips of Stampin' Up! Sticky Strip on the two halves of the cardstock, running the length of the piece.
Remove the protective side of one Sticky Strip and adhere it to the Window Sheet on the 1/2" scored side.
Now remove the second protective side of the Sticky Strip and fold it nice and snug around the Window Sheet.
Use your Bone Folder and iron those scored folds on the Window Sheet. Score it good and tight! It will snap onto the edge of your Simply Scored on and off many, many times!
When the fold becomes weak, just iron those folded marks with your Bone Folder and it's ready to go again.

NOTE: Use the shim when scoring the lid ONLY. You'll get a winner of a box every time!

SUPPLIES USED: Stampin' Up! Simply Scored scoring table (LOVE THIS!), Bone Folder, Stampin' Up! Window Sheets, cardstock in any Bright color you like, Stampin' Up! Sticky Strip

Love The Shoebox Gals!

2011-10-24T01:00:00.002-05:00

This last week was the first time all of us Shoebox gals were able to get together for the past several months, and look what we made!

Julie Hensley

Denise McConnell

Linda Scott

Linda organized the Shoebox and invited me to attend monthly, and I am ever grateful. I love getting together with my friends to make cards, and this social outlet is precious to me. If Linda is successful in selling her house, we will lose her to Indiana, but Indiana will gain one wonderful woman.

Saturday's Big Event

2011-10-22T01:00:00.003-05:00

I am thrilled with the turnout at last Saturday's Stampin' Extravaganza! We had so many come to this sold out event that I didn't have time to take pictures. If you need a wonderful place to hold a wedding or reception or quincenara or milestone birthday, THIS is the place to go. Julie's Event Center has so much space, and is so beautifully appointed, that I'm thinking we need to have a photographer next month to capture just how much we had going on in there!

Samantha and Debbie

These two early birds were working at my table and I took a picture before things started heating up in Ingram, Texas.

Entry forms for this grand prize were based on those who donated
all of their Ronald McDonald Cards upon completion

At the end of the day, our stampers had completed all of their projects AND donated 96 cards to Ronald McDonald House!

CASE'ing Nance Leedy

2011-10-21T01:00:00.021-05:00

I CASE'd Nance Leedy for this card and used Stampin' Up!'s Pursuit of Happiness stamp set along with Gently Falling.

I used the same 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon from Stampin' Up! in Cajun Craze yesterday. Don't you love that rich color teamed up with the softness of grosgrain at this width? If you've never used it for fear of it being too heavy for your cards, you have to try it!

One hint I've used today and yesterday: I like to gather my ribbons in a knot with another piece of ribbon (or several pieces sometimes) and my OCD came out on this ribbon when I wanted the gathers to be just right. I used Linen Thread, tied a knot in the end and ran several running stitches through, using the stripes as my guide. Easier done that it sounds, so don't be afraid. After gathering the ribbon into pleats, just tie around the area in a granny knot and you've got it nailed!

When your ribbon is all ready to go, THEN you adhere it to the back of the panel. Place the entire panel over a Mat Pack and pierce with a Paper Piercing Tool through the ribbon and all layers. Place the Antique Brad through the ribbon first and then thread it through your cardstock. These prongs are a little softer than we're used to with other brads, and they can crush easily.

Nance did a great job on her card. The only thing I changed is leaving off the Gold Embossing. I tried it on a couple of the cards I made, but not all of them. I haven't found a great embossing system that doesn't leave it all over the place yet. Any hints out there to help me with this? I'm dieing to try embossing with the Cherry Cobbler Embossing Powder I have in my drawer, tempting me with gorgeousness (is that a word?).

Day of Gratitude

2011-10-20T07:18:00.001-05:00

It is finally cooling off here in the Hill Country and I'm in the mood to design Thanksgiving Cards! Let's start with Day of Gratitude stamp set from Stampin' Up! I added En Francais for the background and scattered Gently Falling leaves in Cajun Craze and Not Quite Navy.

Today's ribbon, I must confess, just begged for a Tiny Tag, so before cutting the granny knot off, I threaded it through the tag, so it's all one long stitch. Early Espresso 1/8" taffeta Ribbon knotted over the whole assembly hides the Linen Thread and adds a punch.

Sold Out Event!

2011-10-12T11:26:00.000-05:00

I am thrilled to tell you that we have a Sold Out Event! Saturday, October 15th is sold out and I'll post shots of it afterward. This is the card that I'm making at my table and there are four other Demonstrators making cards, gift tags, and a countdown to Christmas calendar.

CASE'd right out of the Holiday section of the Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog. Because, after all, it's an Idea Book first! This stamp set is Snow Much Fun and if you love snowmen with twig arms as much as I do, this is the stamp set for you! I'll make more cards and gift ideas, and use every single stamp in the set. Stay tuned!

Remodel of the Stamping Space

2011-10-08T11:31:00.001-05:00

I want to send out a big Thank You for all the emails that have been pouring in about the remodel of the stamping space at home. Normally I only get a handful of hits on my blog, but the day I posted that I was finally finished, and the "rest of the story" was posted on my blog's second page, I got close to 200 hits and a full email box.

Door Prizes for October 15th

So, today I am cutting out card kits for the big Stampin' Event we are putting on at Julie's Event Center in Ingram, Texas. On the deadline day for getting registrations in, we had a total of ONE person signed up and had to decide whether we would extend the deadline and start calling people. Well, we are so glad we decided to call people. For a first time event, we have a wonderful turnout coming, all paid in advance, and now we're scrambling for supplies to cover all the last minute requests to bring a friend, a daughter, a sister, and a neighbor. What fun!

Gods blessings are ever flowing.

Gently Falling Pool Party

2011-10-06T01:00:00.004-05:00

Stampin' Up! Gently Falling stamp set in colors right off the Spice Cake DSP, Pool Party and More Mustard, and the perfect layout to do over and over again. Even without a sentiment on the card, I fell in love with it as soon I spotted it on Stamping 411. Diana Eichfeld gave the perfect inspiration, and in fact I didn't change anything but the ribbon.

Layer #1 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" in Pool Party
Layer #2 4" x 5-1/4" embossed with Stampin' Up! Houndstooth embossing folder
Layer #2 3-1/2" x 4-3/4" in More Mustard
Layer #4 3-1/4" x 4-1/2" with Stampin' Up! Spice Cake Designer Series Paper

1. Stamp your leaves' outline image in Soft Suede on Very Vanilla cardstock (step one); rock 'n roll your solid leaf image through Pool Party; ink up a Blender Pen in Pear Pizzazz and scribble through the center of the solid leaf image (step two); NOTE: my step two for the acorn was just to over stamp with the solid acorn in River Rock.

2. Using Stampin' Up!'s Paper Piercing Tool and Mat Pack, pierce your leaves and acorn twice above the stems to make holes for threading and tying them onto Panel B

3. Panel A = Fold layer #1 in half and iron with the Bone Folder; glue layers #1 and #2 together with Tombow glue; set aside.

4. Panel B = Adhere layers #3 and #4 together with SNAIL mono adhesive; tie a long-ish piece of ribbon all the way around and leave long tails; pierce a hole on either side of the knot which should be about 1/2" from the right edge; bring a needle threaded with Linen Thread up from the back on one side of the ribbon, through the back of the maple leaf image, through both of the aspen leaf images, and through the acorn; thread down through the second holes of the acorn, aspen leaves, maple leaf and the hole on the other side of the ribbon; tie a knot on the back of Panel B just snug enough to keep the leaves from flopping around on the front; arrange the leaves as you want them to be and adhere them here and there with a Mini Glue Dot; pierce through this whole Panel once for the Fire Circle Rhinestone Brad.

5. Adhere Panel B to the card with either Stampin' Up! Dimensionals or Stampin' Up! Sticky Strip. I use Sticky Strip here, but if you like Diana's layout and want to use it popped up, I can certainly see using Dimensionals.

6. Create a bow with a Bow Maker of your choice; adhere it to the card with a Mini Glue Dot; snip all the ribbon tails to your liking

Be sure to embellish your envelope with the Gently Falling outline stamps. It looks just delish to do this. Or, alternatively, you could line the envelope with a coordinating layer of the Spice Cake Designer Series Paper. Whoo Hoo! Turns this card into a super upscale card for the recipient. Or do it all!

Stamps: Gently Falling
Paper: Pool Party, Pear Pizzazz, More Mustard, Spice Cake Designer Series Paper
Ink: Soft Suede, Pool Party, Pear Pizzazz, River Rock
Bling: Stampin' Up! Houndstooth embossing folder, Fire Circle Rhinestone Brad, Early Espresso 3/8" taffeta ribbon (retired), Linen Thread, Paper Piercing Tool, Mat Pack, Big Shot, Bow Maker, Mini Glue Dots

Simply Scored Rosette

2011-10-04T01:00:00.001-05:00

You won't believe how east it is to make the Simply Scored Rosette for this card! I bought the Stampin' Up! Simply Scored as soon as it was available and have spent a lot of time making boxes and textures for my card faces, but the rosette was something I avoided because of all those folds. What have I been afraid of? This is so easy!

This uses a 1" x 12" strip of Spice Cake Designer Series Paper. Score it every 1/4". Acordian fold it, and you don't have to be neat about it. Join the two ends with a couple of Mini Glue Dots placed close to the outside edges. Gently collapse the edges into the center with THE UNDERSIDE OF THE FLOWER FACING UP. Place a 1" roughly cut piece of Sticky Page in the center, catching a lot of the folds in the center of it and keeping its shape.

That's all there is to the rosette!

My card face was pre-stamped with the image from Precious Butterflies see here, as well as the sentiment which was placed using a Stamp-a-ma-jig. Gently remove the second side of the Sticky Page and adhere the rosette amongst the leaves where you like it. I used a 1-3/4" Circle Punch to fussy-cut an image for the center medallion. You certainly could use a Scalloped Circle Punch as well. The button is from the Designer Buttons, Brights Collection.

Also seen here is a raised embossing 1/4" all around the face of the card, also using Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scored. One thing to remember is this: score the card face from the INSIDE if you want the scores raised, or EMbossed, rather than sunken, or DEbossed.

Stay tuned for a cool little tool my Stampin' Sisters came up with for making boxes with the Simply Scored, and a homemade shim!

Stamps: Precious Butterflies
Paper: Crumb Cake, Spice Cake Designer Series Paper
Ink: Pear Pizzaz
Bling: Simply Scored, Sticky Page, Designer Buttons, Linen Thread, Mini Glue Dots

Another Daring Extreme Grunge Man Card

2011-10-03T01:00:00.002-05:00

I needed more man cards and I'm having too much fun to stop, now that I have the Stampin' Room remodeled. :) Grunge Rock teamed up with Extreme Elements and a little Daring Adventure, all from Stampin' Up!

I used More Mustard, Not Quite Navy, Handsome Hunter and Really Rust inks on More Mustard cardstock and zipped them through the Houndstooth embossing folder.

Layered on Early Espresso cardstock, I added Early Espresso ribbon or the NEW 3/8" Denim Jean Ribbon in Blue. This ribbon also comes in Artichoke, and after using it here, I can tell ya, I'm going back for more!

Final Stampin' Space Pictures

2011-10-02T20:43:00.001-05:00

Well, everything is as organized and put away as can be managed until the publication of the next catalog! You can see the final entry posted HERE.

Daring Grunge Extreme Cards

2011-10-02T16:34:00.005-05:00

I needed more man cards so I got the REST of the stamps out that help to make them extremely loving but not all girly. :) Grunge Rock teamed up with Extreme Elements and a little Daring Adventure, all from Stampin' Up!

Man Cards with Daring Adventure

2011-10-01T16:44:00.002-05:00

Our twin grandsons turn 17 next week and I already knew I wanted to use Daring Adventure stamp set. I just needed a layout idea because I'm not quite ready to be home. (We're home from two glorious weeks in Estes Park, Colorado. The air was cool and dry, while our home grounds were still burning up at greater than 100 degrees. We received rain, but nothing measurable, although our front yard was green when we got home. That hasn't been for at least six months.)

Cherie Franklin provided the first layout:

Not Quite Navy, Pumpkin Pie, and Cajun Craze were from my Color Coach. I distressed the Confetti White surfaces further with my Color Spritzer and an Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker.

Rae Harper came through with the second layout:

Grunge Rock stamp set helped me distress a piece of Cajun Craze which, added to the Mocha Morning Designer Series Papers I used on both cards. I inked up one side of my Square Lattice embossing folder and created this layer of Pumpkin Pie card stock overstamped with Early Espresso and if you strain your eyes, you can see that I added a second set of boot prints and an embellishment on the lattice embossing after I embossed, so it's grungey. (Is that a word?)

I hope you like them. I'm trying to get really good at Teenager Cards and Man Cards. We have a wonderfully large family and I have been making cards since the early 1980's. As a matter of fact, I've been at it for so long, I'm an older stamper than Stampin' Up! has been around. I even remember when they first started in 1988!

Please leave me your comments and let me know what you do for Teenager or Man cards.

Blessings,
Celia

Gently Falling Rich Colors

2011-09-15T09:25:00.000-05:00

Autumn always means rich, warm colors to me. This card is the Stampin' Up! Gently Falling stamp set from the current Holiday Mini, page 16-17. The card is in Rich Razzelberry, stamped with Concord Crush:

The cards piled below the displayed card look like they are done in Cherry Cobbler, but they aren't. However, what a yummy card that one would make, too, don't you think? Stamped with Night of Navy?

The Chocolate Chip panel was scored with Stampin' Up!'s new Simply Scored on the diagonal in two directions. The piece was wadded up repeatedly, which added even more texture and lines to the little panel. Looks a lot like alligator or lizard skin now.

So what do you think? Are you ready to try this card for your next Man Card need?

Stamps: Gently Falling, Tiny Tags, Clearly For You

Paper: Rich Razzelberry, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla panel on the inside of the card stamped with the Maple Outline stamp from the set, stamped in Crumb Cake

Ink: Crumb Cake, Concord Crush

Bling: Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch, Decorative Label punch, Crumb Cake 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, Mini Vintage Tags, and a button from my husband's shirt (shhhh!)

Check out my WEBSITE if you are needing your Thanksgiving and Christmas card supplies! You can EMAIL me with questions and I will get right back to you, usually on the same day.

Also, if you are in the Hill Country area and want some serious fun while getting a grip on your Thanksgiving and Christmas card making, join us at Julie's Event Center on October 15 either session (10AM - 1PM or 1PM to 4PM). For $25 you will walk away with 8 cards, 12 fancy Christmas tags, and a Count Down Calendar. We will also have four tables set up to make a card for Ronald McDonald House as a benefit for their residents. If you make it around to all 10 tables and get your card punched for each card turned in for Ronald McDonald House, you will be entered into a drawing for a huge gift basket full of stamp sets and punches and ribbon and cardstock worth $200!

Get your $25 Registration Fee mailed to Julie's Event Center, 3120 Junction Highway, Ingram TX 78025 TODAY!!! Registration Deadline is September 20, 2011. Call Julie at 830-367-5935 if you want to come and want to reserve a spot while your registration is in the mail.

Getting Back To It

2011-09-11T21:05:00.000-05:00

I actually had my first really good time of creating in my new space today. I'm hauling out card kits that were cut out for classes but not used, and I made 21 cards in a couple of hours. Boy, this feels good. I'll get back in the swing of posting some cards and instructions tomorrow, too!

Fusible on the Closet Doors

2011-09-08T13:21:00.002-05:00

This felt really good to get finished yesterday. For some reason, I was completely intimidated to get started, but I got my rotary cutter out and made short work of getting the job started. And my electric sander! I think that's what had put me off the worst ... MORE DUST up my nose! lol

The walls and everything are looking like they are painted white. They're NOT! I picked a three-panel thing off the paint sample wall and decided to use all three. The lightest gray on the walls, the middle one on the upper cabinets, and the darkest on the lower cabinets. Even here, in this picture, the fabric doesn't look gray with yellow dots, but that's what I went for. And the sun puddles on the doors here make the fabric look streaked.

No matter the quality of the camera, it feels wonderful to have things put away and easy to access. Without tripping over things in boxes on the floor. To see the whole story of transformation, click HERE.

Stampin' Up! Falling Leaves

2011-09-05T11:16:00.001-05:00

I am falling in love with Stampin' Up! Gently Falling stamp set from the Holiday Mini catalog. This morning, at least for a little while, I thought Autumn might be coming to Kerrville. Time to get out some stamps and make a card.

Have you seen the new Stampin' Up! set, Petite Pairs? Another great set, and this is only the second time I have had a chance to get it out. I like having a sentiment on the front as well as something on the inside to make it a finished card.

The GREAT "scratchy" images of leaves is from the new Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini catalog. This set is a Two-Step stamp set where one image is filled in and solid and is usually done with a lighter shade of ink, while the outline images are stamped over in a darker shade of ink. This card called for only the empty images of the stamped leaves, acorn and seed pods. I can tell I will be getting this set out just as frequently as I will be using the other much-loved set, French Foliage!

Stamps: Petite Pairs, Gently Falling
Paper: Naturals Ivory, River Rock, Peach Parfait, Not Quite Navy
Ink: Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Always Artichoke, Early Espresso
Bling: Big Shot, Tasteful Trim die, Crumb Cake ribbon, Finial Press embossing folder

The Open Sea Continuing After All!!!

2011-09-02T16:16:00.000-05:00

Good news, all of you! The Open Sea will continue to be available through next year's new catalog as a write-in!

SUMMER MINI CATALOG WRITE-IN SETS

September 2, 2011

Two sets from the 2011 Summer Mini Catalog will be available as catalog write-ins until July of 2012.

The Open Sea W (item # 123030, $26.95)
The Open Sea C (item # 123032, $18.95)

Stampin' Up! Brings On Autumn!!!

2011-09-01T13:11:00.002-05:00

Big Big News!!! Save the Date!!!
October 15th from 10AM - 4PM at Julie's Event Center in Ingram, TX
Six area Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrators

Stamp-a-Stack of cards, make an Advent Calendar, a dozen fancy Christmas Tags and more!!!
Cost is $25 and includes all supplies and snacks
Door prizes and a drawing for those that complete all cards, projects, and donated RMH cards
FREE cards to make for Ronald McDonald House

Contact me for a registration form and get your $25 paid no later than September 20, 2011

Moving Back In

2011-08-31T20:00:00.001-05:00

Well, I have some unpacking to do before I can go to bed tonight, but I wanted to show you the awesome work that Clay, Joel, and Robert did today. Last night I put everything away and made sure they had clear access to their working zone:

I left the racks full of punches partly because I didn't want anything more to move out of the way than necessary, and partly because I wanted the opportunity to make sure these guys went home and told their wives all about my stamping classes and workshops where they could earn free supplies. And have a room just like mine because they know how to do it now! lol

And within an hour and a half, the countertops were in!

I got the computer hooked up with these really cool racks from Ikea under the desk that keep all those wires organized right up there under the desk. One of these days I will replace the old PC with another laptop like my Mac, but for right now, it's wondermous to just have all those wires up off the floor.

I'm ready to go to work again.

My very first project will be to make the pattern I will use to create the Parisian Canopy curtains for these windows. Getting the sewing machine out is loads easier now because I just have to scoot this table out a couple of feet and plug into the new outlets Lee put in for me right behind the printer.

There's some history to those pieces of furniture. The bench is an original piece of parent's very first bedroom set. I'm reupholstering it in the fabric shown, but have to buy the fusible interface I'll use to bulk-up the quilting fabric this is, and the foam and batting. I've been reupholstering this lid since I was sixteen years old. And the table? It was Gabe's school desk. My sweet husband volunteered to get me something better because ...... get this ...... Gabe had carved his name in it. Hello? That's WHY I want to keep it! :)

I have a cork board to frame, and I will be using more of that fusible to upholster my bifold closet doors in more coordinating fabrics. For now, I need to get some unpacking done and September's workshop card. Eek! I'm a couple of weeks behind!

Stay tuned for more punches of chartreuse to help ease the gray into a spa zone.

Wet Technique Flowers

2011-08-30T01:00:00.003-05:00

This was a lot of fun to make! I mixed Bashful Blue with Soft Suede, used the Paisley Petals stamp set and water colored, and used just three Scalloped Circle punched out pieces to make the flower. Using the Stampin' Up! Crimper Tool, I only had to crimp the circles three times each, crumple them up, rough them up in my hands, and separated each into two pieces.

Pierce the centers of the separated scalloped circles and string them, fuzzy side up, on a Rhinestone Brad. Get them wet, really wet! Taking the first layer to make a bud in the center,scrunch and bunch it into a bud. You may need to use a Paper Piercing Tool to separate the layers as you lift them. Repeat the lifting and scrunching around the bud one layer at a time until all layers are bunched up around the bud in the middle.

Use the Paper Piercing Tool to start separating the layers from the bud just like a flower blooming. Be gentle, and just pick and lift the layers back down a little at a time. You won't have to do much before it will become obvious how you want your flower to look. This flower took me only 2 minutes from the time I got it completely wet and starting scrunching the bud, to finish.

Set your wet flower aside gently to dry overnight. Attach with Stampin' Up! Mini Glue Dots.

Stamps: Pursuit of Happiness, Paisley Petals
Paper: Bashful Blue, Soft Suede, Naturals Creme
Ink: Soft Suede, Water Color Wonders in Regals
Bling: Crimper Tool, Big Shot, Framed Petals, Sponge Daubers

Faux Suede Using the Crimper Tool

2011-08-29T21:20:00.000-05:00

I try to find materials that make good elements on a Man Card all the time. We have a lot of men in the family. This card uses three things that will be covered in class tomorrow: faux suede, a sailor's knot, and crimped sheets of metal. I used the Stampin' Up! Crimper Tool to distress the cardstock to the point that the layers could be separated.

The stamp sets used in the card will be retiring August 31, so if you love 'em, get them now because they will be gone forever!

Stamps: Sail Away, The Open Sea
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Whisper White
Ink: Early Espresso
Bling: Crimper Tool, 100% cotton yarn, thin metal sheets

Look What I Found

2011-08-25T13:07:00.001-05:00

Whenever you have to pack up an entire stamping space to get ready for construction, you're like to find some supplies you didn't even know you had. Such is the case today. I don't even know whose card inspired me because I didn't write down their name, so if this is you, take a bow! I'm going through withdrawl without being able to create a card, and this is my first creation in the new space!

So, I'm working without counter tops installed, but I had slabs of 3/4" plywood and an old cutting board and had to get in there and stamp. Today is the first day of the rest of my blog! Will be working on all my cards for Technique tuesday next week, so I'll have lots of things to share about the Crimper Tool. Stay tuned for some awesome pieces of metal, too.

Stamps: Extreme Elements, Tiny Tags
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Whisper White
Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Chocolate Chip, Soft Suede
Bling: random twill tape, Jewelry Tag and Cogs punches, Star brads, Crimper Tool, Linen Thread

Recycle Your Starbucks Cuff

2011-08-21T01:00:00.001-05:00

As long as I don't sell these, I don't think I'm violating anything. I punched out the logos from my morning lattes and have kept them in a bag just waiting until I had time to make several cards for my girlfriends. I think it's the "green" thing to do, don't you? That's my story and I'm stickin' with it.

Take a 2" x 4" piece of Crumb Cake and flank it with skinny strips of Basic Black. Run this through the Stampin' Up! Crimper Tool one time to create some faux corrugation. Adhere to your card, and apply the punched logo on Dimensionals. Use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to align a cute sentiment from Friendly Phrases stamp set.

Stamps: Friendly Phrases
Paper: Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Bashful Blue
Ink: Basic Black
Bling: Crimper Tool

Tax Free Stampin' Up! Products

2011-08-05T01:00:00.001-05:00

Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales taxes on August 19, 20 and 21, 2011. Several of the products at Stampin' Up! qualify as school supplies, and here they are, item number is listed first:

100425 - 2 Way Glue Pen $3.50
104332 - SNAIL Adhesive $6.95
104331 - SNAIL Refill $4.50
110755 - Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue $3.95 (LOOOOVE this!)
104430 - Stampin' Dimensionals $3.95 (and you know me, I'm a Dimensional girl)
104294 - Sticky Strip $6.95
104045 - Anywhere Glue Sticks (2 pack) $3.95
103305 - Dotto Temporary Adhesive $12.95
100902 - Dotto Refill $6.50
103683 - Mini Glue Dots $4.95
101879 - Watercolor Pencils (24 pack) $19.95
102845 - Blender Pens (3 pack) $9.95

Individual Stampin' Write Markers $3.50 each. All 40 Core Collection Colors available - all item numbers different. The InColors are sold in a 5-pack as listed here below.
119801 - 2010 - 2012 In Color Stampin' Write Markers (5 pack) $14.95
123002 - 2011 - 2013 In Color Stampin' Write Markers (5 pack) $14.95
119804 - Brights Collection Watercolor Wonder Crayons (10 pack) $16.95
119805 - Neutrals Collection Watercolor Wonder Crayons (10 pack) $16.95
119803 - Regals Collection Watercolor Wonder Crayons (10 pack) $16.95
119802 - Subtles Collection Watercolor Wonder Crayons (10 pack) $16.95
105021 - Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen (white) $3.95
105394 - Basic Black Stampin' Write Journaler $3.50
103579 - Paper Snips $9.95
103179 - Craft and Rubber Scissors $19.95

I will be taking orders for all of these supplies and placing the order on Sunday, August 21st, so if you only need a few things, save on shipping by putting everything together in a group order. You can call me, email me, or send me a Facebook message!

Have a blessed day!

Scallop Circle Flowers

2011-08-04T01:00:00.009-05:00

I had no idea this was so quick and easy!

Punch out 3 large Scallop Circles and 3 Medium Scallop Circles. After the layers were split, I used three of each size, so these instructions will make two flowers! You can use your Big Shot and the Scallop Circle #2 Die, but I just used the 2-3/8" Scallop Circle punch and 1-3/4" Scallop Circle punch. If you'd like an even tighter center, use the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch for the next two sizes smaller scallop circles!

Stamps: It's Your Day (two stamps for $8.95)
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Soft Suede, Pretty in Pink, Rich Razzelberry, Confetti White scrap
Ink: Basic Gray
Bling: Chantilly Crochet Trim, Smooch, Scallop Trim Border punch, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle punch and 1-3/4" Scallop Circle punch, Crimper

Faith in Nature and Beautiful Things

2011-08-03T01:00:00.021-05:00

If you need a very easy and elegant card for any occasion, this Hostess Set from Stampin' Up! called Faith in Nature is going to knock your socks off. Lee Conrey is offering this card during her workshops during the month of August and was kind enough to share it with us on her blog, and I just knew I had to make one of my own. I have left off any sentiment in order to wait until I have a need to use it, and will position the sentiment perfectly with my Stamp-a-ma-jig. (Love this tool more and more as I get older and more shaky)

I first inked up my Acrylic Block "D" in Sahara Sand. The pear image, one of three, was stamped in Early Espresso. I shaded with my Stampin' Pastels. And then, this is the cool part: I inserted this panel into my Stampin' Up! Crimper tool about an inch, gripped it closed, and then rolled back and forth about two clicks each direction.

Stamps: Faith in Nature
Paper: Sahara Sand, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Sahara Sand, Early Espresso, Stampin' Pastels
Bling: Crimper

Easy Events Easy Birthday

2011-08-02T01:00:00.017-05:00

The new Stampin' Up! Easy Events stamp set make all kinds of cute occasions easy to create a quick card. I could have made this one using the Flash Card dimensions, but I was trying to get rounded corners that were a little larger than our 3/16" Corner punch, so I die cut one of the Two Tags with my Big Shot.

Also, I needed an excuse to use Wisteria Wonder and my Stampin' Up! Color Coach, so someone's going to get a birthday card this month using the newest border punch, Lace Ribbon Border punch. It's a gorgeous strip, very easy to punch a strip of, and if you're punching out a strip of yellow, save those little pieces of confetti that come out of it ... they make great candle flames! As do the confetti pieces from the Doily Triple Layer and Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punches. Use those little pieces with tiny shards of your card stock scraps, and you can load up a cupcake with candles in no time at all!

Stamps: Easy Events
Paper: Wisteria Wonder, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White
Ink: Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Basic Black
Bling: Jewels Basic Pearls, Wisteria Wonder 3/8" Ruffled Ede Ribbon, Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Big Shot and Two Tags die, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Lace Ribbon Border punch.

Creative Elements Workshop Card

2011-08-01T01:00:00.000-05:00

The workshop card for the month of August will be the new Stampin' Up! set, Creative Elements, from the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog. I'm really good at CASEing cards from the Idea Book, and that is why it's not just a catalog!

This card is from page 197. Because I have 12 ladies coming on Wednesday, and I didn't have 27 Bitty Buttons for each of them, I have made my own changes and adjustments. I also didn't have 36 of the Vintage Trinkets for the workshop, but you can certainly enjoy the card straight out of the Idea Book when you have all these materials yourself. (I sure will!)

Layer one: Naturals Ivory 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" folded
Layer two: First Edition Designer Series Paper 3" x 6" punched with the Scalloped Border punch
Layer three: Marina Mist 3/8" x 5-1/2" with ends pinched off
Layer four: Pink Pirouette 1/8" x 5-1/2" with ends pinched off
Layer five: Wisteria Wonder 1/4" x 5-1/2" with ends pinched off
Layer six: Very Vanilla 1-1/2" x 2-3/4" (NOTE: You can cut 20 of these from one sheet of Very Vanilla) with the "ears" lopped off with the retired Tag Corner punch
Layer seven: 1-1/2" x 5-1/2" to stamp and cut out three butterflies in Pink Pirouette, Marina Mist and Wisteria Wonder
Layer eight: Create was stamped on a 2" x 1" scrap of Very Vanilla and cut out
Layer nine: Soft Suede punched with the 1/16" Handheld Circle punch and then punched out with the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack circle

Each label is wrapped with 10" of the Early Espresso Baker's Twine with the middle tag tied in front. The remaining two labels were "dotted" with SNAIL and wrapped with the Baker's Twine meeting on the backside and snipped to trim.

After placing your tag's Soft Suede dot, pierce through the hole again with the Mat Pack and the Paper Piercing Tool. By the way, if you want to hole to be larger, you can punch through the two layers using the smaller of the two punched included on the Stampin' Up! Crop-a-dile.

Accessories include the Silver Mini Brads and a Mini Library Clip.

Embellish your Naturals Ivory Medium envelope with the gorgeous flourish included in the stamp set as well as "No. 3"

Are you shocked I didn't use my Big Shot on this card today? It's because my Creation Cave is under construction and Mr. Big has been put away until later! ;)

The Very LAST Day!

2011-07-30T17:46:00.001-05:00

Folks, this is the very last day of the $99 Promotional Demonstrator Sign Up Kit. If you have ever wanted a way to get the amazing Stampin' Up! products at discount, sign up today and be sure to have your catalog and Wish List at hand. Everything on the Starter Kit list that you already have can be swapped out. Especially the Ink Pads! There is never any pressure from me to keep up your minimum purchases, and when you are dropped there is no penalty.

Sign up today and have five whole months to get the first quarter's minimum ($300) sold by December 31st. That at least gets you through all the Christmas and Thanksgiving card making, as well as all the cards you'll want to make in January to have them done for the year. During your Pending Month in January, you can make the final decision of whether you want to keep your discount, or drop.

If you decide to keep your discount but need help making those minimum monthly/quarterly purchases, call me for a way to make that happen. I specialize in the Discount Demonstrator, or better known as the Hobby Demonstrator, and want to see you enjoy your Hobby. Let's keep the Blessing from becoming a Burden.

DON'T FORGET!!! You'll get 30% off of the first order of $150 or more purchased within your first 45 days. AND!!! If your birthday month happens to be September, you'll get a total of 45% off of the first item of a Demonstrator Order during September (even the Big Shot). AND!!! if you sign up today, you and I will get a Beautiful Christmas Keepsake Box to make in August!

Call me today if you need help navigating the website, but honestly, it only takes 20 minutes to sign up and you're ready to roll for the rest of the year.

Click HERE to enter my Stampin Up! website today! Follow the tabs at the top right to "Join The Fun" That's what it's all about: fun, Fun, FUN!!!

Stampin' Up! Designer Frames

2011-07-30T01:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks go out to Dawn Olchefske (again and again and again) for the wonderful card I just CASE'd here. I'm using the Stampin' Up! Designer Frames embossing folder set again, this time I've used the Oval. The sentiment on the inside was punched out with the Extra-Large Oval punch --- thanks to Stampin' Up! coordinating stamps, embossing folders and punches, this card went together in a snap!

The teeny flowers were punched with one of Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack punches and then "scored" in the center by twirling a stylus around in the center over the cushy part of the Mat Pack to give them just enough pucker to stand out. They each hold a Jewels Basic Pearl. The framed piece was popped up on Dimensionals, of course, because if I hadn't used them you would have thought someone else made the card!

Using the Delicate Doilies stamp set, I stamped the upper half in Wisteria Wonder, and the bottom half in Craft White. I separated the halves with a sticky note mask. When the craft ink had dried, I wrapped the panel with Whisper White 5/8" Organza ribbon, tied the first part of the knot, and then inserted a strip of the Wisteria Wonder 3/8" Ruffled ribbon through the second part of the knot.

Stamps: Delicate Doilies, Precious Butterflies Hostess set
Paper: Whisper White, Wisteria Wonder, Crumb Cake
Ink: Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White Craft
Bling: Big Shot, Designer Frames Embossing Folder set, Extra Large Oval punch and Itty Bitty Shapes Punch pack, Jewels Basic Pearls, Whisper White 5/8" Organza ribbon, Wisteria Wonder 3/8" Ruffled ribbon

Stampin' Up! Designer Frames

2011-07-29T01:00:00.003-05:00

I feel like I got two for the price of one with these new Stampin' Up! Designer Frames embossing folder set. The frame on this one was so beautiful I hand cut out the frame in Poppy Parade. However, because the folders are 4-1/2" long, I can see it used to emboss just the face of a Clean and Simple folded card, too!

The little clock comes from a DARLING new stamp set called Easy Events. This set takes the place of a couple of retired sets like Pun Fun, comes 8 stamps/8 events per set and as you can see, takes very little water color paper to turn this card into a joyous hello to someone whom I miss very much.

The ribbon was tied with a Bow Maker and the streams go all the way around inside the card and the ends meet under the stamped image. Look at that little piece of the Top Note peaking out under the bottom edge. Sweet, no? Used just a one inch scrap!

Stamps: Easy Events
Paper: Poppy Parade, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Basic Black, Water Color paper
Ink: Water Color Wonders, Basic Black Classic
Bling: Big Shot, Top Note die, Designer Frames embossing folder set, Poppy Parade 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon,

Welcome To My World

2011-07-28T19:30:00.002-05:00

There is no better time to get the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit than these last few days of July. You'll receive a great promotional deal that you are able to customize. You'll receive a 46% discount on your Demonstrator Starter Kit. You’ll get me as your personal coach. And you’ll get an amazing Christmas Keepsake Box with your first Demonstrator Order during the month of August. You’ll also have until December 31st to sell your first $300 in order to keep your Demonstratorship for yet another quarter, which is plenty of time to get used to your new job and get your feet under you. (Not to mention eligibility to place a preorder beginning August 1, 2011, from the brand new Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini catalog.)

You will have a fun and creative kit to begin to create with and to spark your imagination. I remember when I first received my starter kit, and the feelings I had.   I was so excited, it was just like it was my birthday, but better! I was receiving "gifts" I knew I wouldn't return!

Speaking of birthdays, during your birthday month you will be given an additional 15% off of the first item on your Demonstrator Order that month. Want the Big Shot? Can you imagine getting it for 35% off?

Did you know...if you're more interested in stamping and creating projects than running a business, the benefits don’t end with our great kit. The following added values will greatly enhance your stamping/scrapbooking hobby:
     • A twenty percent discount on all products
     • Online access to limitless ideas for handmade cards, scrapbook pages, and home décor projects, via Stampin' Connection (an exclusive online community for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators only!)
     • Our exclusive monthly magazine (Stampin' Success) filled with project ideas
     • Being the first to see new exclusive award winning products and design
     • Eligibility to attend Stampin’ Up! conferences and events for more swaps and product techniques

Actually, I was talking to one of my customers today, who has been thinking about the Stampin' Up! opportunity, but is worried about the creative side. Even though she's been a stamper for years, she fears having to come up with creative ideas. I understand completely. I think this is a common fear with many of us. But...with our monthly Stampin' Success magazine and tons of ideas shared DAILY on Stampin' Connection (online), there is never a lack of creative inspiration!

So what do you think? Is the time right for you? Does the value of discounted Stampin' Up! products and access to unlimited creative resources appeal to you? If so, join my fabulous BFF team now and receive your gift of a free stamp set!

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I get asked this question all the time “What comes in the Stampin’ Up Starter Kit?” The next question is “Ok, so what’s the catch?” or “what do I have to do to stay active?”

What comes in the Kit?
The $99 Promotional Demonstrator Starter Kit during this promotion contains $185 worth of products for $99.00. You get:

- Clear Block C
- Clear Mount Stamp Set, Easy Events (or stamp set of $24.95 value or less)
- Wood Mount Stamp Set, Pennant Parade (or stamp set of $21.95 value or less)
- 4 Stamp Pads, your color choice
- Designer Series Paper, Just Add Cake
- Blender Pen
- Note Cards and Envelopes
- 8-1/2" x 11" card stock, your color combination choice
- Ribbon
- Snail adhesive (refillable)
- Tons of business supplies like a box of 8 catalogs, mini catalogs, our Demonstrator magazine, and order forms.

There is also a Digital Starter kit option. The $175 Digital+ Starter Kit contains over $320 worth of stamping and business supplies, including the all-new My Digital Studio™ software.

What is the catch?
Other than a totally addictive hobby, it’s pretty easy. I’ve had more trouble and headaches trying to replace the cell phone I accidentally sent through the washer and dryer in the pocket of my robe. That took 7 hours, including the re-entry of all those phone numbers. Signing up to be a demonstrator? 20 minutes. Online. And you get your password to go onto the Demonstrator Only Website right away while you wait for your kit to arrive in a week to 10 days.

What if I decide to not place any orders and just enjoy my kit?
Stampin ‘Up will just place you in pending status on January 1, 2012 and drop you after January 31, 2012. No penalties, nothing to give back, no note sent home to your parents, no begging, and you get bugged by me. We’ll stay friends!

How much do I have to order to stay active?
$300 retail. Stampin' Up runs on a Quarter system. So if you sign up by July 31st, you would get your first quarter free of minimums. October - November - December is the next quarter so you would have to your $300 in orders by the end of December, but you have five full months to sell that. It can be ALL at once, or in smaller orders. With just your own orders or friends adding to it. You can be your own hostess, so with your 20% off as a demonstrator, the 300 goes down to 240.00 but then add back in 10% shipping and tax. If you are 6.75% tax like me, then it comes out to around 282.00. BUT as your own hostess, you can get the free Hostess Merchandise through the new Hostess Benefits. So it pays off if you are looking for a discount and you are going to be spending that much on stamp stuff anyway.

Bonus: This is why some people sign up if they have a huge wish list or want something big like the BIG SHOT: You get 30% (instead of 20%) off your first order over 150.00 if you place it within 45 days of signing up. Be your own hostess + get a big discount = no brainer.

And if you have a September birthday? You will get a 45% discount on the Big Shot!

How do I know who to sign up with?
Do you want/need lots of training in stamping techniques or computer help? Do you want to stamp with a group or attend events or meetings? Then I would recommend that you find someone local to sign up with. Find a demonstrator who has monthly or quarterly events or training so you can learn all you can and stamp often!

Our group here in Kerrville, Texas meets monthly and we have a great time stamping together. Use the demo locator on the SU website at www.stampinup.com and click on Find a Demonstrator. Look for someone with a website and check out her events. Even if she is an hour away, it is totally worth it so you can learn all you need to.

If you are already a seasoned stamper who doesn’t necessarily need one-on-one training, you're decent on the computer and are happy to do your own thing, then it isn’t as important to sign up with someone locally. I do offer long-distance support and encouragement to my long distance demonstrators through a Yahoo Group, e-mails, flat rate envelopes full of goodies twice a year, and phone calls. On my dime! I would love to add you to my growing “Bling, Faith, and Friends” (BFF) team!

Do I have to have classes or workshops?
Some demonstrators do it as a career and support themselves full time with it. It’s a lot of work but it can be done. More than half of the demonstrators in my group do it just for the discount or hobby, and I’ve specialized in what is known as the Discount Demonstrator. There is no requirement to host or teach any classes. If you want help with paying for the orders, we call those Bread and Butter customers. Those are the friends or family that you can stamp with each month or every other month so they can order a few things from you. Every little bit helps! And who knows, one day you may need extra money and decide to operate this more as a business. When times get tough, sell stamps!

What is in the Demonstrator Only Website?
Wow, there is so much in there that I couldn’t list it all. 5 years of back issues of our Stampin’ Success magazines (which arrive in our mail monthly), projects, templates, articles, some videos, Stamper’s Showcase (3-4 samples uploaded daily from demonstrators who submitted their samples) and Workshop Wizard, which has more projects.

Some people sign up just for the preorders. Maybe this has happened to you: You are on a website and see this awesomely cute card and say “I want that set!” but it’s not available for another month and then you get mad because the demonstrators already have it and are using it? Then you should be a demonstrator and get the upcoming mini catalogs or promotional stuff before anyone else!

If you have more questions, feel free to call or email me. I’d be happy to steer you to the upline who is right for you to sign up with, or sign you up with me to be a part of my group.

How do I sign up?
If you're ready to make that decision now, then it can be done quickly and easily. Visit my Stampin' Up! Website and click on "join stampin' up!" to find more information and even watch some introductory videos. If and when you're ready to sign-up, you will see the words "click here to enroll" about 2/3 of the way down the page. That will get you started.

What am I signing?
I will be happy to email you a set of all the paper work that you would be signing electronically as an attachment in PDF format. It will make it easy for you to see what comes in the Starter Kit, and know right away where you want to swap out your preferred colors and papers. Just send an email to me at celia.cawthon@gmail.com and I will respond within a few hours.

Stampin' Up! Color Coach

2011-07-28T09:27:00.002-05:00

I love using my Stampin' Up! Color Coach! I knew I wanted to use some of this retired Bridesmaid Designer Series paper, and Calypso Coral just captured the joy of celebrating 10 years. What other color could I use and keep it formal enough for an Anniversary Card? Color Coach to the rescue for the suggestion of Basic Gray.

Stamps: Friends 24/7 (retired), God's Blessings (inside sentiment)
Paper: Very Vanilla, Bridesmaid Designer Series Paper (retired), Basic Gray
Ink: Basic Gray
Bling: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings embosslit, Jewels Basic Pearls, Scalloped Trim border punch, ribbon, Dimensionals

Tool Time: Stampin' Up! Crimper

2011-07-20T01:00:00.001-05:00

Every once in a while, I have this urge to make "tool noises" like Tim Allen, especially when I'm using a tool for the first time, or in a new way. This card was made more beautiful by a new technique I learned while at Convention. I die cut flowers from Fun Flowers and Blossom Party using my Big Shot. But that's not the new tool! The new tool, or use of the tool, was the Crimper.

After die cutting the flowers, I ran them through the Crimper several times to start breaking down the fibers, turning them different directions each time. Then I crumpled them up like I was going to throw them away, manipulated the edges, and slowly separated the card stock into two layers.

What you are seeing on this card is the inside layer of each of the pieces of card stock. Now that I've done this once, I can see cutting five flowers out, separating the layers, and pinching them up in the middle to make a carnation.

Adding a bit of water coloring to distressed layers like this would be beautiful, too. And maybe using two or three shades of pink together?

Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes hostess set in the 2011 - 2012 Idea Book and Catalog
Paper: Night of Navy, Whisper White, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight
Ink: Night of Navy
Bling: Big Shot, Fun Flowers, Blossom Party, Itty Bitty punch pack, Glimmer brads InColor, and a mystery embossing/die cutting folder, Vanilla Smooch

Inspiration Overload

2011-07-19T13:08:00.000-05:00

One of the best things about attending Stampin' Up! Convention is the inspiration overload. Last year I took a lot of pictures and never even looked at them. There were just too many, and because I didn’t have the best camera, and still don’t, I didn’t have shots of individual cards that I would CASE.

Not this year! I was given VIP status and had the inspiration rooms to myself so I could photograph everything without being in anyone else’s way.
Now tell me the truth .... you're surprised to see more than just a card, aren't you? Take a look here:

And, with the next incentive trip going to Fiji, you can bet that I will be booking a lot of workshops to share the wonders of creating with Stampin’ Up! Their products are the BEST!!!

And, don’t forget that I may be making over your Stampin’ Space! Click HERE to download the information about how you could be the winner of my own exclusive offer to give you a Stampin’ Space Makeover.

Take a look at my Calendar of Events to see if any of the available dates suit your schedule. You can contact me about booking a workshop right on my website at celiacawthon.stampinup.net so check my available workshop dates by clicking HERE.

Stampin' Up! $99 Starter Kit Promotion

2011-07-18T16:59:00.001-05:00

All the color is one thing, but looking at all the projects and the way everything was displayed just got my creative juices flowing.

Did you know that this month you could sign up to be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for just $99? This limited time Starter Kit--(valued at $185)--comes with the following high-quality products:

Easy Events Clear-Mount Set*
Pennant Parade Wood-Mount Set*
Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
Brights 8-1/2" x 11" Assorted Card Stock
Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper*
Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon*
Note Cards (20)
Clear-Mount Block C
Blender Pen (1)
SNAIL Adhesive
Business supplies including 8 gorgeous Idea Books and Catalogs

*Brand new to the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog!

Click HERE to get more information about the special Christmas Keepsake Box you and I will each receive. Let's make them together!

Download the flyer about this promotion by clicking HERE.

Convention Pictures

2011-07-16T08:37:00.001-05:00

Tamzin and I were already flying high here at Convention even BEFORE she was announced as the winner of the Stampin' Up! Stampin' Space Makeover! We're old friends, and that planned meeting for coffee in Fredericksburg just got changed to her house in Austin, I can guarantee you that!

Convention is all about making new friends, too. Meet Vicki and Wendi. Although Vicki and I have met before over a My Digital Studio class she gave in Round Rock, this is the first time we've had enough time together to get to know one another. And Wendi is all the way up in the Dallas area, so I'm going to have to make an excuse to get up to that area to play.

As a Demonstrator who recruited in April I was given the chance to meet Shelli in the VIP room. She is the nicest, sweetest person as we have all always known, but I can't tell you how special she made me feel. And now she knows how Stampin' Up! has made my life so much more gentle. What a change from the medical field!

Lisa Fast and I have become fast friends over an experience that illustrated earlier this year that kindness counts. As soon as Kindness Counts stamp set arrives on my doorstep, I'm making a dozen sweet cards. You should see the Thank You card this girl made for me, by the way! Her talent and style makes it no wonder she was the second Demo to ever sell a million dollars.

Yet another new friend I met in the VIP room while we were standing in line awaiting our meeting with Shelli.

I was thrilled to finally get to meet Becky Roberts in person. She and I have known of each other through CASEing her wonderful work over the past year. And she recognized me as soon as I walked up and introduced myself as the PaperPotter. She remembered the picture on my profile over there!

Tamzin Wins!

2011-07-16T08:12:00.000-05:00

We've all been awaiting the big reveal of who will win the Stampin' Space Makeover with Shelli Gardner, and I have to tell you I actually screamed when my stamping sister, Tamzin, won it!!! As soon as a clip of the video began playing I yelled out "Tamzin!!!"

AND! She was so excited, she DIDN"T scream. First time I've ever seen her speechless!

The rules include a promise to not have a bunch of us over at the house while they work because, well, they are there to work well into the night to get everything done in a single day. And as much as she said I could come over for a bit, I won't get in the way of fabulousness happening. But you can bet I will be posting pictures of the finished product!

Stay Tuned! Austin will never be the same!

Swaps I Gotta Make!

2011-07-15T22:45:00.000-05:00

This beauty is going to be high on my list to get done just as soon as I get home!

Memento Mall Rocks!

2011-07-13T13:49:00.000-05:00

A matching lunch bag and insulated cup will get a lot of attention for the color and pattern alone, don't you think?

A new set of stickers will organize three catalogs, label it with your name, and give you plenty of stickers to say Like It!, Love It! Have It! Look at those great pens! And ..... I'll be learning all kinds of things with that Workshop Wow video from 2010 events. Everything I couldn't get great photos of last year, will be in living color in our workshops as soon as I get home, I promise!

I'm lovin' the new skin for my laptop and a matching mouse pad. These ribbon key charms are darling. I've got holders to keep those sample cards from straying too far on the work spaces during Stamp Camp. And "where is that SNAIL?" will not have to be passing on my lips again because this snazzy little thing acts just like a badge leash, only it's a SNAIL leash!

If you see me out shopping, I'll be carrying the reusable bags that match my two true loves, Blossoms and Leaves, and I even have a new umbrella. Now, if only it would rain in Kerrville ....

Swap #2

2011-07-13T01:00:00.021-05:00

I also brought some 3D Swaps to give to my Upline as a thank you for all they do for me:

For my Swap #2, I wanted to make something three dimensional. The only way these could have been made more perfect is with chocolate! These mini notepads are CASE'd from Becky Roberts over at Inking Idaho. I knew my Big Shot was my best tool, but running 20 sheets of a sticky notepad 3x3 through all at once, completely thrilled me! You can cut out any shaped pad you'd like. We chose the Beautiful Butterflies die and cut out coordinating cardstock for both the large and small butterflies.

The large butterflies were embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder and are on the front and back of the pad. The small butterfly was embossed with Finial Press embossing folder. I like the way the embossed design was close together and multiple on these two pieces.

The Jewels Basic Rhinestones (on page 198 of the Idea Book and Catalog, bottom left corner) were a blast to use! You can cut right through the stringed rhinestones every three stones and then lift the strip and place all at one.

The sentiment is punched out with the Medium Oval Punch and layered onto coordinating cardstock punched with Scalloped Oval Punch. And guess what punched the holes? You got it! My Crop-a-dile does it again. The rings are book rings rather than key rings.

Stamps: Petite Pairs
Paper: Melon Mambo, Marina Mist
Ink: Melon Mambo, Marina Mist
Bling: Big Shot, Beautiful Butterflies die, Perfect Polka Dots and Finial Press embossing folders, Medium Oval and Scalloped Oval punches, Jewels Basic Rhinestones, Crop-a-dile

Swap Card #1

2011-07-12T01:00:00.015-05:00

Today is the day that I arrive in SLC for the Annual Stampin' Up! Convention, so I thought it was only fitting that I post the card that I brought with me to swap:

This swap specified using at least one new product from the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog and to do our BEST WORK on 40 full cards. I used a new stamp set, a new ribbon, and all five of the new InColors on their collars. Notice the Beverly Hills Chihuahua? That's in recognition of how much I miss the fact that my friend Lisa Logan is not coming with me to Convention (when we visited in Tucson, we all watch the video together).

I have a suspicion that this stamp set will become my favorite, go-to stamp set. I love the whole set. Check it out HERE.

Stamps: Not So Seriously
Paper: Whisper White, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight
Ink: Early Espresso, and several Stampin' Write Markers (in Sahara Sand, Crumb Cake, River Rock, Early Espresso, Island Indigo, Wisteria Wonder, Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade)
Bling: Big Shot, Framed Tulips embossing folder, Stampin' Dimensionals (6 per card), Pear Pizzazz 1/2" seam binding ribbon, Crumb Cake 3/8" taffeta ribbon, Daffodil Delight 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Jewels Basic Rhinestones

Top Note Luggage Tag

2011-07-08T08:40:00.000-05:00

This Top Note Luggage Tag was a blast to make, and I got to try out some of my new scrapbooking techniques that I call "collage." I've never really scrapbooked, but I'm branching out.

No doubt I will be able to find my bag at the airport, and then reuse this tag on my Stampin' Up! Convention 2011 Bag. I was thrilled to try a new technique* (to me) for using the retired Jumbo Eyelets: Two eyelets to create a completly protected hole.

I also used a Faux Bow technique shown earlier this year in THIS POST. The Jumbo Eyelets were the reason I bought my Stampin' Up! Crop-a-dile years ago, and although it is a heavy tool, it's the absolute best for clean application (and QUIET, too) of eyelets. The key to a pretty setting is to place the prong of the Crop-a-dile through the eyelet from the front, and then squeeze lightly 'til you feel the "pop" of the setting.

In this technique of using two eyelets to compeltly cover your hole, set the eyelet on the backside of your project first, and then set the front eyelet. This way, the messiness left behind is covered up by the second eyelet and you get a beautiful finish. On this project, because I was using Tag Board, there was barely anything needing to be covered on the first setting, and nothing to be ashamed of on the backside. I think you can see that in the second photo. No leftover prongs at all.

Oh, and the picture? That's my brother and me "singing" in the big vibrating chair my Dad had to have!!! Are any of you old enough to remember those? We would crawl in there together, turn it on, and then project vowels just like that scene on The King's Speech where he was strengthening his diaphragm. Billy was in his footed pajamas .... another trip down memory lane.

Stamps: None
Paper: Stampin' Up! Tag Board, Designer Series Paper Patterns Pack InColor (hostess set), Sticky Page
Ink: None
Bling: Everything!!! Big Shot (of course), Top Note die, Sticky Pages, Sticky Strip, Serif Essentials alphabet die, Chantilly Crochet Trim, Marina Mist 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Peach Parfait 1/2" Stitched Poly ribbon

Missing In Card Land

2011-07-06T08:18:00.000-05:00

I haven't been blogging much since we got much closer to Convention. Not only am I preparing my swaps but we decided to remodel the living room! Thought we would have started on this two weeks earlier, but when a couple of workers are worth the wait, well, you just wait! We're taking the living room from Country to Contemporary. Here's a peek:

BEFORE, there were a LOT of painted bricks making the fireplace just overwhelming in this room. True, I had 14 x 35 to work with, but the fireplace and the scale of the furniture we had was just not efficient or practical for what we do in this room. We used a jackhammer to take out a 12' wide raised hearth. Using a masonry saw, the width of the white washed brick was narrowed by a foot on either side. Already we can see that the imposing element of the living room has been reduced greatly and the floor space has been increased for our planned seating.

So we sold all of the furniture and cleared the decks. The fireplace will be flanked by base cabinets with bookcases above, modern glass tiles surrounding the firebox, and a mantle that matches our new crown moulding. Stay tuned!

With five kids and 11 grandkids, we need space to seat all this joy in one room, and we hope to be hosting a nice reception for our Missionary family members when they are back in town around Christmas this year. (Hi Peter and Teresa!!! Don't tell me how much cooler the temps in Oaxaca are ..... you know we are cooking in our own juices here in Kerrville)

In the mean time, I had a wonderful Big Shot class with six eager students! We worked with tag board, wood, aluminum roof sheathing, Sticky Pages, embossing folders, die cutting, and one regular card with two elements of embossed cardstock. Here are our products:

This darling little easel card used die cutting and embossing as well as paper piercing, and learning to cut on a fold line to create a card. You can do the same with the scalloped squares and circles to make some cute cards, too, and I've seen a Baseball Card made with the Circle die.

No Big shot class would be complete without making a Fancy Favor full of dark chocolate! We used textured 12x12 cardstock for the box and everyone chose their favorite InColor to work with. This one is Poppy Parade. I love the Chinese red-ness of it!

We embossed two pieces of cardstock on this card face and used them much as you would a piece of Designer Series paper. Morning Cup stamp set made this a fun card to send to those friends who have to have that cup of java, but the Perk Up sentiment also makes a great Get Well card.

Using a scrap of aluminum roof flashing, we die cut the largest scalloped circle out, embossed it, punched it with the Crop-a-dile, and then used the Beautiful Wings embosslit to add some butterflies and pearls. At home you could expect to spray paint this piece or even hand paint to add detail. The Yard Sign department of your local big box store sells these for Garage Sale notices, and they have two loops so you could add two signs. Might be fun to add the letters of opposing teams during a neighborhood TV party! You could die cut the letters out of the Decor Elements Sheets found on page 216 of the newest Idea Book and Catalog, or try your hand at Sticky Pages and Designer Series Papers!

Tomorrow, I'l show you what I did with Sticky Pages, Designer Series Paper, tag board, and Die Cut Serif Essentials Alphabet!

Decorating Candles

2011-06-23T11:47:00.000-05:00

Stamps: Bliss from this year's Sale-a-bration
Paper: Tissue paper ... makes a great reason to buy some new shoes!
Ink: Two of the new In Colors, Pool Party and Island Indigo
Candles are from any place you choose but it's recommended that you use white or ivory, inexpensive, unscented candles

Water Color with Stampin' Write Markers!

2011-06-22T01:00:00.004-05:00

Stamps: On the Grow, Happy Greetings
Paper: Confetti White
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Bling: Retired ribbon (*gasp!*)

Water Color Wonders and On The Grow

2011-06-21T01:00:00.001-05:00

Stamps: On the Grow
Paper: So Saffron, Always Artichoke, Water Color paper, Early Espresso
Ink: Chocolate Chip (yep! I didn't use Stazon)
Bling: Victorian Crochet Trim, Crumb Cake Seam Binding ribbon, Old Olive 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Big Shot, Framed Tulips embossing folder

RESERVE YOUR 2011-2012 STAMPIN' UP! IDEA BOOK and CATALOG NOW! Please EMAIL ME if you would like me to order a catalog for you. The cost per catalog is $9.95 (includes priority mail shipping if you purchase your catalog through me).

On July 1, you will receive an on-line invoice for payment by PayPal or credit card. Upon payment, your catalog will be shipped same day with delivery to your door within 3-5 business days. Just think! You could be spending your Fourth of July weekend drooling over a brand new Idea Book and Catalog! Cool fun on a hot day! :D

Man Card - 2

2011-06-20T01:00:00.004-05:00

I got this idea from a FABulous Stampin' Up! demonstrator in Georgia, Jenn Nahrstadt.

Stamps: Sail Away, Create a Cupcake
Paper: Crumb Cake, Marina Mist, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
Ink: Early Espresso, Island Indigo
Bling: Cherry Cobbler and Whisper White Baker's Twine

Tribute to Dad

2011-06-19T01:00:00.001-05:00

My father had many talents, not the least of which was his wood working skills. We all own things he has made for us, and when my mother passed away I was blessed to receive this train set he made for my brother. We lived in Albuquerque at the time and I can still picture it lined up in the window sill of my brother's room.

Look at how the tiger cage doors slide open and closed:

And the wheels on the engine work the piston on the side of the engine car.

I have resisted the urge to repaint because the original paint job is so awesome and I just love the memories attached to it. This week we have some construction started in renovating the living room, but the next reno will be my stamping space and will feature Dad's Choo Choo all cleaned up, joints re-glued where needed, and new cup hooks.

No longer a toy, but a precious memory that inspires me no end!

Man Card - 1

2011-06-18T01:00:00.004-05:00

Stamps: Sail Away, The Open Sea, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Short and Sweet
Paper: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy, Whisper White
Ink: Early Espresso, Island Indigo
Bling: Cherry Cobbler and Whisper White Baker's Twine , 3/4" Circle punch

Stampin' Up! Blender Pen

2011-06-17T12:08:00.001-05:00

I have avoided using my Water Color pencils because coloring with them left so many lines visible. Then, I learned how to smooth that all out with a Stampin' Up! Blender Pen. Yet another reason to have this wonderful tool!

Stamps: Touch of Kindness, On the Go
Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Ink: Chocolate Chip, water color pencils
Bling: Old Olive 3/8" taffeta ribbon, Bow Maker

Brights and Soft Suede

2011-06-14T01:00:00.002-05:00

During Sale-a-bration 2010 I bought oodles of So Saffron and Certainly Celery twill tape/ribbon. I forgot that when you buy ribbon from Stampin' Up!, you get 10 or 15 yards of it per roll. I am still working on using it up!

Since I bought all the Craft Ink Spots for the Stamping on Silk class, I have those spots left to do something with and I want to try stamping Teeny Tiny Wishes on the twill. Stay tuned!

Stamps: Herb Expressions
Paper: Very Vanilla, Regal Red, Soft Suede
Ink: Soft Suede, Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, River Rock, Old Olive
Bling: Big Shot, Framed Tulips embossing folder, ribbon and crochet trim

Summer Mini Cards

2011-06-13T01:00:00.000-05:00

Straight from the Summer Mini catalog! There's a reason they are referred to as Idea Books and Catalogs ... I just love looking at the pages and making everything on them!

A Good Problem to Have

2011-06-01T01:00:00.002-05:00

Many thanks going out this week for a great birthday celebration over the weekend. Thanks to Gretchen, I am prepared!

Stamps: Pretty Postage
Paper: Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Pretty in Pink, Soft Suede, Blushing Bride, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie
Ink: Soft Suede, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Pretty in Pink
Bling: Big Shot, Eyelet Border punch, Elegant Bouquet embossing folder, 3/8" taffeta ribbon (Mellow Moss, retired), SNAIL, Stampin' Dimensionals

Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch

2011-05-31T14:30:00.000-05:00

I found a really bright card that I liked over on Susan's blog and got my Big Shot into the action too!

At first, I tried using the stems that come with the two-step Bird Punch. The Little Leaves Sizzlit is better.

HINT: To get the new triple and double layer punches to close and lock when you are putting them away, you need to have the "dial" parked on the far right image!

Stamps: Swirls & Curls Verses (Level 1 Hostess set)
Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Papers
Ink: Wild Wasabi
Bling: Big Shot, Little Leaves Sizzlit, Dotted Scallop Border Ribbon, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, Corner Rounder punch, Fire Circles brads, Mat Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, SNAIL, Stampin' Up! Dimensionals

FINALLY!!!

2011-05-28T07:19:00.000-05:00

I have not had access to my blog for DAYS!!! I have much to post, but it will have to wait until I have finished my birthday cycling tour of the Texas Hill Country wineries today.

Toodles!

Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalogs SOON!!!

2011-05-24T18:46:00.003-05:00

If you do not currently have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and would like to have a copy of the new 2011-2012 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog, you can pre-order yours from me. And, if you request your catalog prior to June 1, you will get a discount coupon for your first order of the Stampin' Up! year from me!

Catalogs (hopefully) will ship around the second week of June, as I place my order for them on June 1st. Look for an update here if that changes.

Cost includes shipping to your home or mailing address - sorry to say this is for US residents only!

Shoebox With Rules!

2011-05-17T11:04:00.000-05:00

We all decided it would be fun to use the same stamp set and see what each of us come up with. No peeking early girls, but here's my card using Elements of Style!

Paper n Pots

Getting Punchy for March

Can't Get Enough P.S. I Love You

Apothecary Art in Not Quite Navy

2011-1013 Stampin' Up! In Color Baker's Twine

FREE My Digital Studio Express

Herb Expressions and Indian Paintbrush

Stampin' Up! Leadership Love Notes

How Did She DO THAT???

Valentine Sweetness and P.S. I Love You

Stampin' Up! Leadership 2012 in San Antonio

Stampin' Success Magazine FREE for Three Months!!!

Home from Leadership and Regionals

Sale-a-bration and Signing Up as a Demo!

Tea Shoppe Cards

Easter Dove, He Is Risen

Water Colored Bordering on Romance

Pocket Silhouettes in Petite Pairs

P.S. I Love You Sincerely

Mojo221 Scallop Circle Card

Cookie Presses

Happy New Year! Ring in some Organization!

New Year's Tag-o-lutions

SSC234 and My Digital Studio

PPA124 and You're My Sunshine

Clearance Rack Blitz up to 80% Off!

Mojo Monday and You're My Sunshine

Petite Pocket and Starbucks Via

Christmas Lenten Rose

Petite Pocket Gift Card Holder

Seasonal Sentiments Placecards

Spinner Chocolate Bar

Stampin Up! Boxes and Simply Scored

Pots o' Flowers

Shoebox Gals Ride Again

Stampin' Up! Online Extravaganza November 21

Paper Crafting with Stampin' Up!

Third Annual Card Frenzy

Remember This?

Trippin’ Down Memory Lane

Is It Too Early To Say?

Simply Scored Wreath

Decorated Boxes with Rosettes

Love The Shoebox Gals!

Saturday's Big Event

CASE'ing Nance Leedy

Day of Gratitude

Sold Out Event!

Remodel of the Stamping Space

Gently Falling Pool Party

Simply Scored Rosette

Another Daring Extreme Grunge Man Card

Final Stampin' Space Pictures

Daring Grunge Extreme Cards

Man Cards with Daring Adventure

Gently Falling Rich Colors

Getting Back To It

Fusible on the Closet Doors

Stampin' Up! Falling Leaves

The Open Sea Continuing After All!!!

Stampin' Up! Brings On Autumn!!!

Big Big News!!! Save the Date!!! October 15th from 10AM - 4PM at Julie's Event Center in Ingram, TXSix area Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrators

Moving Back In

Wet Technique Flowers

Faux Suede Using the Crimper Tool

Look What I Found

Recycle Your Starbucks Cuff

Tax Free Stampin' Up! Products

Scallop Circle Flowers

Faith in Nature and Beautiful Things

Easy Events Easy Birthday

Creative Elements Workshop Card

The Very LAST Day!

Stampin' Up! Designer Frames

Stampin' Up! Designer Frames

Welcome To My World

Stampin' Up! Color Coach

Tool Time: Stampin' Up! Crimper

Inspiration Overload

Stampin' Up! $99 Starter Kit Promotion

Big Big News!!! Save the Date!!!
October 15th from 10AM - 4PM at Julie's Event Center in Ingram, TX
Six area Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrators