Friday Mashup!! Featuing a Holiday Preview!!

It's a fantastic Friday...time for a fantastic Friday Mashup challenge!! This week we have a challenge from Lesley:

1. Make a project using the sketch shown

2. Make a project using dry embossing

3. Or Mash it Up! and make a project using the sketch and dry embossing

Well, I recently received my Holiday Mini pre-order, one of the fun perks of being a Stampin' Up demo, and it included the "Spice Cake" product suite. Ironically, I chose a different stamp set for this card, because I am working on a demo swap, but the other goodies are from that suite. I started with a pool party card base. It is lovely and soft, and typically I would not use it for an autumn themed card. But, the Spice Cake dsp blends pool party, more mustard, soft suede, and pear pizazz into this surprising blend...LOVE it! So, I used some of that dsp, but also some fabric cut with my Tasteful Trim die and the Big Shot. Yep...still don't sew, still love ribbon...ta-dah! I placed the fabric over a strip of suede and mustard card stock, dry embossed with the houndstooth embossing folder. The stamps are from "Always Thankful" which is a fabulous set for watercoloring. The main image is stamped in soft suede on very vanilla card stock, and I used blender pens to add pool party, more mustard, and always artichoke ink. (I know...should have used pear pizazz!) I stamped the sentiment straight onto the card base...something I rarely do. With circle in the sketch, I figured it was the perfect chance to use one of these fabulous buttons, also in the mini, with a bit of linen thread. Love my buttons! I am doing a simplified version of this for my demo swap...need 24! I'll be up late tonight finishing them!

I hope you join us for the Friday Mashup this week. Be sure to use keyword FM21 in your online gallery. Check out the other design team entries here. Today is Jen's last day as a Guest Designer...she has been fabulous! Now I have another blog to follow! LOL

Also, there is still time to submit an idea for the Fan Favorite! Check out the details and be sure to send us your very own Mashup idea!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Sneak Peeks! Delicate Doilies!

(Special note: I did some research on blogger...lots of people are having a tough time making comments. But you can change your comment setting from embedded in post to a full page or pop up window. I did! That seems to help. If you are on blogger, go to your dashboard, click on settings, then comments. Maybe it wil help people share the love on your blog posts! I still can add a link without typing the whole thing in...grrrr!)

Hello everyone! My pre-order stuff arrived yesterday! Ordering new product before the Idea Book and Catalog (IBC) is activated is one of my favorite perks of being a demo! That and the discount!

My first card is for this week's sketch challenge on SCS. The sample card was one of mine from last spring! WooHoo! I was so excited to have Roxie pick my card! It took me several days to get around to the challenge, so I decided to use my sneak peek items. The card base is concord crush...In-colors from last summer stay one more year! Plus, this year they introduce 5 new in-colors that will be here for 2 years. One is featured here...wisteria wonder. It's a lovely gray-ish lavedar. My fave! The mix of patterned paper for this sketch are all from Flirtatious specialty paper. Goes great with the Delicate Doilies stamp set, which I used with melon mambo ink. I added so saffron with the modern label punch, and teeny tiny wishes...but you knew that! The final detail is white ribbon which I colored with my wisteria marker.

My second card features all of the delicate doilies stamps, in daffodil delight, peach parfait, wisteria wonder, and melon mambo, stamped on whisper white. I cut out a large scallop circle with my sizzix die and big shot. I added some Fliratios specialty paper, and this sheet looks like an actual doilie! I added a sentiment from On Your Birthday, punched out with the scallop oval. Peach Parfait ribbon finishes it off.

My third card is for my great niece. Can't believe she's 10!! I started with a pear pizazz card base. I cut out a piece of the flirtatious paper...this pattern can stand on it's own! I added a sentiment from On Your Birthday, punched out with the extra large decorative label punch, layered with some melon mambo. I balanced the bright colors with whisper white on the bottom, embossed with perfect polka dots, and white ribbon on top. A glimmer brad (they're back!) adds the necessary bling for a 10 year old girl. I used the designer paper "frame" from my big shot for the inside of her card.

Hope you like this new stuff! I do! I'll be back with more later this week!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Stampin' Up Last Chance Lists!

Note: To see today's Color Dare Challenge, scroll down one post

It's June 1st, and that means Stampin' Up has just released a list of items that are going buh-bye!! Numerous stamp sets, lots of accesories, and a bunch of vinyl decor items will no longer e available.

So you better get 'em now!! Retiring stamp sets will be available until June 30th.

However, retiring accessories are only available while supplies last! So, if you want some, you can order it online by going to my site here: http://kimpadan.stampinup.net

Have fun shopping! I know I will!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Que up the Free4All Challenge!!

Hello again! Another duo challenge card... SCS Free4All challenge called on us to use furniture and do some spring cleaning...like using old accessories. The ColourQ challenge was a tough one...Kraft (crumb cake), Cherry Cobbler, Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, and white. Gasp! What to do?

So Friday after work, I pulled out my trusty, albeit strange retired Stampin' Up set "Please be Seated." Yup...2 weeks in a row! Who would have thunk it? I was horrified to see that I am out of crumb cake card stock, except some scraps. I'll be placing an order today!! (Plus my SU Demo pre-order for the upcoming Summer Mini Catalog!) My card base is tangerine, and I added a layer of crumb cake from the neutrals pattern paper stack. I had an already cut out Top Note die piece of whisper white, which I cut just a bit more than halfway down. I stamped the sofa in basic black craft and heat embossed. I used my aqua painter to watercolor the image, adding a bit of a shadow as well. The striped kiwi kiss ribbon is retired, as is the corduroy brad. I have used this image for birthdays and anniversaries...I like it better than "over the hill" LOL!! So I finished the card up with cherry cobbler pattern paper, modern label and word window punches, and the trusty Teeny Tiny Wishes.

Thanks for stopping by!
Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Stylish Again!

I am so excited, because I have been given the...




WooHoo! With so many GREAT blogs out there,and so much talent on so many design teams, this makes me feel pretty special!! Now, as a recipient, I need to do a few things. First, I need to thank the stamper who gave me this award...thank you Angel, of "Make Something Cute!" I first found her blog from a list of SU demo blogs...and does she have talent!!

Now, I need to share 8 things about me...
1) I am 4' 10-1/2" tall... 4' 11" on a good day!
2) I graduated with a degree in Music Liberal Arts from Illinois State University; emphasis in Music Therapy; voice was my "instrument"
3) I am allergic to cats...and a little bit to dogs, especially when they lick my face!
4) I LOVE public speaking, especially about my faith and dignity of life issues!
5) I have 2 older brothers and one younger sister
6) I love early espresso...but could easily live without river rock!
7) My hubby and I were foster parents for 8 years
8) I love singing in Latin and Italian...struggle with French...and sound awful trying to sing in German!

Now, I need to pass this blog on to 8 fabulous Stylish Bloggers! I have recently started following bunch...this could take a while...

1) Pauline at The Pursuit of Stampi'ness
2) Jennifer at Welcome to Paper Tramp Stamper
3) Dale at Dale's Designs
4) Kelly at Sandcastle Stamper
5) AnnMarie at AnnMarie's Stamping Adventure
6) Elaine at Create & Stamp with Elaine
7) another Anne Marie at Stampin' Anne
8) Holly at HollyBeary Creations


So there it is! Loads of Stylish Inspiration out there...check it out, and USE it!!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

What Kind of Demo are YOU? *wink*

Do you ever find yourself looking at project ideas and thinking, “I wish I had that stamp set,” or that punch… or that ink color… or ALL of it? Then you need the “I Want It ALL Kit”, aka the Demonstrator Starter Kit.

Normally $175, now for $87.50, you can purchase the awesome “I Want It All Kit”. This kit is an excellent way to ensure you have all the necessary supplies to begin stamping or provide you with a wide variety of product to compliment what you already own.

There are 2 Starter Kits available:

• Standard Starter Kit...Click on the "Become a Demonstrator" at the to of the page to see a complete list
  
• Value: $310, Was: $175, SALE Price: $87.50, S & H: FREE

• Digital + Starter Kit...
  
• Value: $310, Was: $175, SALE Price: $87.50, S & H: FREE

*****************************************
Stampin’ Up! needs all kinds of demonstrators…

• Discount Purchaser-Likes the idea of buying stamps for personal use at a 20-30% discounted price. Occasionally sells to neighbors, friends, and relatives.

• Short-term Demonstrator- Sells for a short period of time. Wants to earn a specified amount. Stops demonstrating when the goal is met.

• Seasonal Demonstrator- Works hard at the business during October, November and December, doing demonstrations for seasonal money. Takes minimum orders and sales during the balance of the year.

• Hobby Demonstrator- Loves doing demonstrations and earning money when it’s convenient. Works a lot some months and very little other months. Likes to do demonstrations that are easy to book.

• Career Demonstrator- Views Stampin’ Up! as a viable income with a long-term career potential. Pursues management and wants to move up the career ladder. Loves attending Stampin’ Up! functions. Has developed close relationships within the business. Works at her business in a consistent and ongoing manner.

Do you see yourself as one of these kinds of Demonstrators?

If any of these ideas appeal to you, this is a GREAT time to get started at a fabulous discount. The Demonstrator Starter Kit “SIMPLY AMAZING” sale gets you $310+ of stamping and business supplies for only $87.50, which is like a 72% discount! WooHoo!!!

When I signed up 2 years ago, I was definitely a Discount Demo! Give me the goodies, please!! But I had so much fun sharing my stuff and teaching techniques, that I became a "Hobby Demo" with a monthly club and occasional in-home events.

Want to sign up? This special lasts just until November 30! Contact me to get information on how you can sign up online Today!! Click on the tab up top to get some more details!!

I still love what I do...and I am even getting ready to plan my 2011 Stampin' Calendar!! Watch for more details!!

Thank You's!

As a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I have lots of samples...including samples of all of the great designer series paper. I have a binder with baseball card-sized samples. I had to take out last year's samples, but saved them in a little baggie. Every now and then, I pull out the 6 samples of a package, and make coordinated cards. This set features retired crushed curry and dusty durango card stock...I have to use it up...and the Razzleberry Lemonade DSP. The image is also retired, from Greetings Galore, but I used the new large scallop circle punch...which is perfect for these images! In fact, I can't wait to use this punch for the current Fun and Fast Notes too! The image was colored with markers, and I added some retired polka dot ribbon to each card.

I won't bore you with all of my sets! I already completed cards with other patterns, but had to get them into my ministry office right away! But I'll show you a few every now and then!!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Color Dare is Back!

The Color Dare took a break for a while, but came back with a fun combo last Wednesday...Garden Green, Pretty in Pink, Cherry Cobbler, and Very Vanilla. Many samples were Christmas cards, but I needed a Get Well card. I pulled out Fun and Fast Notes stamp set, which came with my SU Demo starter kit. I colored the image with my stampin' write markers, adding a bit of daffodil delight to brighten it up. The main panel is very vanilla, cut out with the Top Note die in my Big Shot. Corduroy buttons from the clearance rack, some twine, and cherry cobbler seam binding found in the holiday mini finish it up.

Thanks for stopping by!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

This Week's Sketch Challenge...

...combined with last week's color challenge on splitcoaststampers.

I love purple and green tones together, so this color palette was right up my alley! Rich Razzleberry, Pacific Point, and Old Olive. My sketch is off a bit...the razzleberry panel should have been wider to the right. Oh well!

I need a birthday card, and planned on using all current Stampin' Up! products. Well, the corduroy brads, posted on the Clearance Rack are gone...phooey! I was going to buy more! Once that was settled, I went ahead and added a bit of pacific point ribbon to balance things out. I used the Flight of the Butterfly stamp set, including the tiny flower to make my own designer paper. My razzleberry card stock was embossed with the perfect polka dot impressions folder run through the big shot. I also used the fun butterfly punch, and popped it up with a dimensional (of course!)

Now, to get this mailed to a fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrator! (Maybe YOU!)

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Holiday Mini Sneak Peek!

In just one week, Stampin' Up! fans will be able to order from the NEW Holiday Mini catalog! There is so much fun stuff in there! As a SU demo, I get to order items early...WooHoo!

I make a gazillion Christmas cards each year, so I really need to get going on them before I go into panic mode! LOL My Christmas cards always include a sacred theme...I'll use the snowflakes and ornaments for samples...or even winter birthdays and thank you's...but my main cards demonstrate my faith. It is a lot of fun! I love angels, and so this NEW stamp set, Angelic Joy, is a perfect choice! This is a slight variation of a swap I did with area demos. I apologize...I assembled this late last night, and really should have stamped the angel again. It is a bit faded in the center. My hubby/photographer had a tough time with this!

The card base is Crumb Cake. I also used Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, and Very Vanilla, along with the NEW Deck the Halls DSP. LOVE this stuff! Rich, vintage patterns...would be great for scrapbooking too. I stamped the angel in Chocolate Chip ink, and sponged the edges with Crumb Cake. The sentiment is stamped in Cherry Cobbler, and you can see I used my scallop oval and modern label punches. I added the NEW Cherry Cobbler seam binding...very pretty!...and a NEW Deck the Halls Big Designer Button with a touch of hemp twine. The packages of Big Buttons are wonderful! I just recently fell in love with buttons, so I will play with these a lot!

This card is bulky with layers and lots of dimensionals...so it will either be hand delivered or mailed in a padded envelope. Either way, I hope to make 12 more this weekend!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

It's a Tropical Party!!

Last night, I held my monthly Stampin' Club...and we had a great time in the tropics!! My hostess-with-the-mostest (Waving Aloha to Patti!!) loves parties with themes. So, we decided to focus on great items from the Summer Mini Catalog. I chose to feature Island Oasis DSP in all three projects. Patti even encouraged us to wear bright colors, and brought floral leis and yummy snacks featuring pineapple. We need to do this more often!!

Our first project was a quick Birthday card using the cute set Tropical Party. LOVE this set! I had actually made a different card the night before club, didn't like it...so I made this after work in 5 minutes! These solid image stamps are PERFECT for a very quick card! The only embellishment is a tiny bit of ribbon scraps. We stamped the inside too, because, well...it was easy! Love the colors together...tempting turquoise, rose red, pumpkin pie, old olive.





Next we made a drink umbrella, using the same Island Oasis DSP and my new scallop circle Big Shot die. I will confess that it was tough for me to explain the scoring. We struggled with this a bit, but had a great time laughing about it! No drinking was involved... seriously! An outsider looking in may have questioned that!! For a great tutorial on this little umbrella, check out my cyber-friend and fellow SU Demo, Rhonda.






Our final project was a Pull-out scrapbook. I found the tutorial on splitcoaststampers. Patti is a scrapbooker, so any project that gives her a chance to showoff photos is a plus. This little book takes some time, but it is so well worth it! When finished, you end up with room for 14 small photos! The only stamp used was from Define Your Life. Some chose "journey", others chose "memories." (This set is way more versatile than I realized!) We embellished with grosgrain ribbon, and used several punches, including the corner rounder, the photo corner, 5-petal flower and Extra Large Fancy Flower. A pumpkin pie corduroy brad adds the final touch.






Our Tropical Party was a great way to spend the evening! Let me know if you want to join the fun!!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

NEW Catalog Preview!!!

...and with that, a new blog template. I picked this in about 30 seconds...I have zero patience to go through so many blog templates! LOL! Hope you like it!

So, I got some new goodies with my Stampin' Up preorder! What's that, you ask? It's one of the great perks I get for being a demonstrator! Several stamp sets, designer series paper, card stock, ink, and accessory items were available to choose from before the new catty (catalog) goes live on July 1st. I got a good stash!!

I know a lot of people don't or can't buy so much at once. But you can get some great stuff to add to your current supply of goodies! You also can chat with me about your style and wish list, and I will help you plan what to order when. Don't forget about the retiring goodies, too! click ----->

This first card features the NEW dsp "Greenhouse Gala," cut out with the oh-so-classic top note die on my big shot. LOVE this floral pattern! I already had the chocolate chip and whisper white cardstock...and the baja breeze was admittedly from it's In-color year! Glad I stocked up! Come July 1st, we can all order it again! I used my NEW baja breeze marker to color just a bit of white taffeta ribbon (had that already, too) to make a small ribbon tag. The stamp is from All Holidays (already had it), and I colored it with NEW pear pizzazz and baja breeze markers.


And now...something completely different.


Believe it or not, the dsp in this card is from the same Greenhouse Gala! This zig-zag pattern is great for guys!
I decided to cut along the zig-zag for interest. The pattern has some chocolate chip, but I went ahead and mounted it on the new Early Espresso card stock. Can we say "YUM!"?? LOVE the rich brown-black shade. This stamp is also from All Holidays, colored with baja, real red, and espresso markers, and layered on pumpkin pie and baja breeze. NO accessories! Gasp! My husband took the picture and said he loved it. Too bad it isn't for him!

2 cards...3 new markers, 1 new pack of dsp, 1 new card stock color...everything else in my stash already. Not bad, huh?

I'll be back with more..I'm having a great time experimenting with my new goodies!!


Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Lotsa Mommas!

So, Mother's Day was last weekend, and I made lots of Mother's Day cards. For my mom, my mother-in-law, several sisters-in-law, and 2 nieces who have kids. Fun!

I used several designs, so I wouldn't get bored. The first was actually a Stampin' Club project in April. It features the Manhattan Flower textured impressions embossing folder. LOVE this! We sponged apricot appeal and pretty in pink ink to highlight the image. The sentiment is from a mini occasion set...hope it makes the new Idea Book and Catalog (IBC)! The card base is almost amethyst (I will miss this color!), with a layer from Tea Party DSP. Celery ribbon and the scallop oval punch added for detail.

I also made a card with one of my new favorite stamp sets...Elements of Style! It is in the Summer Mini-Occassions catalog. This set includes this luscious floral image, a pretty bird, a flourish, and 2 sentiments. (The sentiment here is from Teeny Tiny Wishes.) It's gonna be fun to create all summer long with this! My colors are always artichoke, dusty durango, and crushed curry. Not all Mother's Day cards need to use soft subtles, right? I colored the image with my blender pens...a can't-live-without-it tool. I also sponged the edges...love the aged look!

The last card I will feature here uses a new technique for me: Burnishing. I was inspired to try this technique and this fun new set, Awash with Flowers, by a world-famous Stampin' Up! Demo, "Jan Tink". (Her last name is actually longer, but everyone knows her as Jan Tink!) She had a tutorial on her blog...and it is so easy! I will definitely use this technique at a future monthly stamp club! All it takes is pressing color into the card stock with a sponge dauber, and gradually working the color outward. Wow! I enjoy using rich regals and earth tones together. This card actually features LOTS of colors...all sticking around (or coming back!) for the Color Renovation: Soft Suede, Not Quite Navy, Rich Razzleberry, So Saffron, Always Artichoke, and Baja Breeze! The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes, punched out with the word window punch. I'm telling you, those items get me to use the smallest of scraps! So cool! Hope you like this too! Be watching for the new IBC that arrives in July...and you too can own Awash with Flowers!!

I had about 5 other designs, but shucks, I don't want to bore you!! My next challenge will be to use all of these flowers in non-mommy cards. Hmmm...did I say that outloud? Guess I will have to really do it!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

I LOVE these colors!!

Ok, so I just have to post a bit of a teaser here...

I received my Stampin' Success today. That's the monthly magazine for Stampin' Up demonstrators. Well, they included 8x10 sheets of the 5 brand new colors! These colors are FABULOUS!! I haven't made samples yet...but wow!

The Cherry Cobbler is delicious! The Daffodil Delight is sunny! The Cajun Craze is cozy! The Early Espresso is rich! And the Marina Mist is Gorgeous!!

These colors will be available July 1st. Between now and then, make sure you stock up on your favorite retirees!

Time for me to go play now!!

A Color Renovation!!

I have been a Happy Stampin' Up customer for years...and a demo for about 18 months. Love so many products...ribbon, great card stock, designer series paper (DSP). I have most of the colors, and even last year's batch of In-Colors. I LOVE color! Mix 'em, match 'em....so much fun!!

Well, this week, the good people at Stampin' Up! made a major announcement...they are bringing on a Color Renovation! Freshening up, the color palette, and it looks great! Instead of color "families", we will have Color Collections. Some current colors, some returning In-Colors (like Baja Breeze! WooHoo!)...and some new colors! Check these out!


But with every hello, comes a good-bye, it seems. Many colors...29 in all...will be retiring this summer. This is a tough one for me...but as I looked at the list, I realized that I don't use a lot of these any way. Apparently, I am not the only one! LOL The good news is, if there is a favorite of yours on this Fond Farewell list, you can stock up over the next 2 months! SU! has said these items will be available until June 1st...and June 1st through June 30th, it is while supplies last. I will stock up on my beloved bordering blue and sage shadow...maybe pale plum and mellow moss. See which colors you want to buy...

(Editorial note...my attempts to change a pdf file to a jpg file resulted in removing the Stampin' Up! logo. All colors shown above are copyrighted by Stampin' Up!)

So, if you want to place an order for card stock, ink, markers...let me know. Just click on the IBC logo to the left!!

Gotta run! I have some work to do for my "real" job again! You know...the one that supplies my stampin' allowance! *wink* Seriously, I have a MAJOR fund-raiser in 2 weeks! Eeack!! Pray for me!!

My NEW Space!!

(Actually, you get to see the "old" first!) Well, after a month of chaos in my home, I finally have an organized craft room!! Anyone who is into crafting, whether it's card making, quilting, or jewelry making, knows how quickly things can pile up! For me, it is ribbon and scraps of card stock that get out of hand. My full sheets are ok...even my stamps were, well, kind of organized. I just had no room left.

So, prompted by the need to re-do things for my Valentine stampin' workshops, my hubby agreed to help me redecorate! Of course, this was a set-up, because with my disability, MOST of the project was done by someone other than me!

There were the occasions of drama...like the fact that the first friend who was going to paint had to bow out due to severe health reasons...and then there was the episode of my new countertop coming off of the wall, yanking out the wall brackets, just TWO days before my workshop...

...but hey, my motto has always been "never a dull moment!"

As promised to a few of my cyber friends, I am posting before during and after pictures...how fun, right?? The before pics include my post-Christmas mess, and demonstrates how much stuff I stashed on my exercise/therapy table. My wall display of Stampin' Up cards that I made or received from other Stampin' Up demos wasn't too bad...but shucks, I LOVE my new arrangement!!

2 college guys from church helped Bruce empty the room, then run some wiring. We added (ok, dear hubby added) track lighing in the ceiling, and got rid of the old red white & blue color scheme. Those 2 changes alone made a HUGE difference!! (By the way, the r/w/b colors date back to the time Bruce & I were foster parents.) Another church friend did the painting and put the Definitely Decorative items on the wall. She also helped me move things back in and organize...thanks Pam!!!!

I chose a slat board panel to display items, instead of the old poster board and kite string!! I also went through my old Stampin' Up sets...and I am actually getting rid of a lot of them. I can't even remember which ones...and I refuse to look in my big box in the den, lest I try to rescue some of them! My new, smaller cabinet is already full...but the bottom shelf has a basket full of ribbon. I want to use that up so I have room for more stamps! LOL!!

I chose the Manhattan Flowers decor elements, adding a touch of red & black. I decided to keep red because of the color of my therapy table...now available and ready for workouts! Frankly, I am so happy with this room, that I may spend loads more time in there and less time sleeping!!

Thank goodness my workshop was this week. You see my hubby is an Indianapolis Colts fan. They will be in the Super Bowl this weekend. If my events were next week, or if the game was last weekend, my countertop may have stayed on the floor! Instead, he'll have time to relax and watch Peyton Manning, and I'll have time to play with my Sale-a-Bration freebie stamps!!

Life IS good!!!

Valentine Girls' Night Out

So...I am mostly a "hobby demo" for Stampin' Up. Like thousands of stampers, I LOVE the quality of products, and so I buy a lot...maybe more than I need...Nah! Well, after my hubby got a better paying job in the summer of '08, I signed on as a demonstrator so I can get a 20% discount on everything I order! I say to him "Honey, I spent your overtime today." LOL! Bless his heart, he supports my habit, I mean hobby. After all, I make cards for the family, cards for the ministry...truly it is something I love.

I do have some stampin' friends from years ago who wanted me to start a monthly club. We met once a month for 10 months in my home. I showed them new techniques, and they purchased supplies like stamps and card stock. We also take time to eat, 'cuz, well, why not?? I love having customers and sharing this hobby with them.

Here it is 2010, and my club will be starting in February...I can't wait! But before that, I actually will host a Stampin' Workshop for a friend and her co-workers on February 1st!! I am so excited, because I get to introduce people to this great craft! Let's face it...with electronic communication like email, Twitter, Facebook and blogs (like this one!), the personal hand written note is nearly extinct! I love making someone a card, then writing a note...sloppy penmanship and all. Now I get to encourage others to do the same!!

So. let me show you what we're gonna make...

This first card uses Stampin' Up's In-Colors: Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry, and Melon Mambo, including the designer series paper Razzleberry Lemonade. It features the Mini Occasions stamp set I {heart} Hearts, plus Teeny Tiny wishes. This will be a fun card to make with new stampers!

I admit, it is a toss-up for the second card. Here are 2 samples...I am letting the hostess pick...

The first was for a splitcoaststampers "Clean and Simple" challenge. I wanted something for a man. I used black craft ink, versamark and red classic ink, and clear embossing powder. The images are from Baroque Motifs...a must-have set in my book! I stamped on sahara sand card stock, and added the new black satin ribbon at the fold.

This next card has just basic black and very vanilla card stock. I stamped the flower from "Three Little Wishes" in Stazon Black, but decided not to color it in. The sentiment is stamped in real red. Add dry embossing with my Big Shot Texturz Plates, oval punch, scallop oval punch, ticket corner punch and satin ribbon, and you have a simple, but classic looking Valentine. This stamp set is in the regular Idea Book & Catalog (IBC), but from Jan-March, it is available for free as a Sale-a-Bration item with a $50 order! How cool is that??

Finally,I wanted to make a non-card item. Well, using my Big Shot, along with the Bigz XL Fancy Favor die, and I have this CUTE bag! I added the strap, using my new scallop trim border punch (another FREE Sale-a-bration item, with a $50 order.) The paper is Sending Love designer series paper...LOVE the patterns! I added a cute sentiment from All Holidays, stamped in chocolate chip. It's hard to se, but the strap is attached by ADORABLE pretty in pink corduroy button brads! I have these corduroy embellishments in about 6 colors! Circle and scallop circle punches come in handy for cute little projects like this too!!

So...if any of this stuff looks like fun (of course it does!) but you are not gonna be at the Girls' Night Out, you can contact me, or even order online by clicking HERE

Happy Stamping!!

New Year, New Computer, New Stuff!!!

Well, I am finally up and running again on a home computer! I feel like I have returned to the present day...it is amazing to realize how much we rely on these gadgets!

And none too soon, either! Stampin' Up is having loads of promotions! The annual Sale-a-Bration is here (LOVE it!), plus a NEW Mini Occasions catalog, PLUS a NEW Definitely Decoritive catalog for those who want to add some pizazz to your home!

As a demo, I was able to preorder some goodies...and I LOVE them! Satin ribbon, a new punch, adorable stamps that will be perfect for baby cards for the ministry...I could go on and on!

So...tomorrow, I hope to upload some pictures of new projects. In the meantime you can check out the new stuff by clicking on the catalog pictures to the left. You can check out my demo business site too...

I'll see you tomorrow...with PICTURES!!

Punch-y Cards

I am getting ready for this week's Stampin' Mania Club...and I realize I don't have last month's projects uploaded. Now I admit there are 2 main reasons for this: first, one of the projects was designed by my fabulous SU leader, Meg. I obtained a card kit for participating in a business challenge (one of my demonstrator perks!) from Meg...and it was perfect because the Club met the week before my biggest fund raiser of the year. So, I did not want to take credit for her creation. The other problem was my computer went whacky...then when I got back online, I forgot all about it! Tsk tsk!

So...I made a card for Halloween so the gals could order their own Halloween goodies with plenty of time too create. Problem is, I don't have any Halloween sets! Gasp! I have some sentiment sets with "Happy Halloween" but nothing else. And I knew my September hostess wasn't a big fan either, but I thought someone would be! After all, Halloween is second only to Christmas in retail sales.

So, I opted for a card featuring punches. I used my oval punch for the pumpkin...sponging each oval (cut from Pumpkin Pie, of course!) with a bit of Really Rust. Got that idea from a stampin' friend in Florida...thanks Michelle! The grass is a piece of Old Olive punched once with the scallop punch, then again, off-set a bit. The sentiments are from the hostess set Holiday Best, and matted with elegant eggplant, one also with pumpkin pie DSP. I made the stars with my gel pen and added bits of grosgrain ribbon in elegant eggplant, whisper white and old olive. The card base is basic black...and I should have used my bone folder..Oops!
The picture doesn't do justice to the colors...but they are fun!

By the way, turns out my entire group is not into Halloween! So they used the "give thanks" sentiment from the same Holiday Best stamp set...Go figure!

Posting My 1st Blog Card

Hey there fellow stampers, I am just seeing if I can upload a photo.

I made this card for an area Stampin' Up Demo swap. There were several of us who had a lot in sales for one or two quarters. I don't remember the specifics...you see, I am my biggest customer!! I didn't SELL a lot, I BOUGHT a lot! My hubby would like to see that change! LOL!!

This card is made with the Gifts of the Earth stamp set from the SU Holiday Mini catalog. You can't see it, but the inside says Happy Thanksgiving with a stamp from Teeny Tiny Wishes. I used very vanilla card stock on Autumn Traditions designer series paper (DSP). The ric-rac is Orchard Ribbon Originals. I stamped the image in soft suede, and colored with stampin' pastels. The doodle on the front and sentiment inside are in elegant eggplant. The card folds into a 4x4 square...I learned this from Splitcoaststampers...Techniqu Lovers Challenge #201. Hope you like it!!