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SUOC63 – My little Valentine

SUOC63 – My little Valentine published on 4 Comments on SUOC63 – My little Valentine

Our theme at SUO Challenges this week is Clean and Simple Valentines.  Such a great and timely theme!!  After such a great turn out for our last challenge, I am really excited to see what everyone does with this one.

Club Valentine

My club meeting on Thursday was cancelled because of the snow days but we will be meeting this week instead.  I can’t wait!  We will be making this Valentine card.  I started with the doily and then layered on some circles.  My new Hearts a Flutter Framelit cut the little heart out of Tea for Two DSP.  A little bow from Crumb Cake Seam Binding and a little sentiment from Tiny Tags finish it off.  I love that this has some great details but is still clean and quick to make.

Sorry to be so short today.  We have had some “snow” days and the boys were out of school last Thursday, part of Friday and yesterday.  Thankfully my youngest’s birthday party was able to happen over the weekend…a pool party in January!  The boys had such a great time and they have such wonderful friends.  I am working to catch up, of course!

Make sure you drop by the challenge site to see all the inspiration from the team.  Fabulous as always!  Thanks so much for stopping in today.  Hope your day is great!

Stamp:  Tiny Tags; Paper:  Crumb Cake, Tea for Two DSP, First Edition DSP; Ink:  Crumb Cake;  Accessories:  1-3/4″ Circle Punch, 2-1/2″ Circle Punch, Big Shot, Hearts a Flutter Framelits, Crumb Cake Seam Binding, Neutrals Buttons, Linen Thread, Jewelry Tag Punch, Tea Lace Doilies, Sponge Daubers, Dimensionals

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Freshly Made Sketches #70

Freshly Made Sketches #70 published on 18 Comments on Freshly Made Sketches #70

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I am so excited to share this week’s sketch with you!  The wonderful Rita Wright of Rita’s Creations has designed this week’s Freshly Made Sketches layout.  I predict that it is going to be another fabulous week in the gallery!

FMS70 - Hello birthdayI knew that I had to pull out my new Oh, Hello stamp set to use for this one.  I have seen so many awesome cards with it and this is my first one.  It is going to become a favorite fast!!  I made this for a dear, dear friend whose birthday is this week.  I wanted it to have a spring feel but with a touch of shabby chic.  The colors are all spring but combining them with the Naturals Ivory card stock seems to mute them a bit.  The colors are Baja Breeze, Regal Rose, So Saffron and Lucky Limeade.  The flowers were created by dying them in a little container with some drops of Rose Red reinker and water.  I recommend dying the flowers first since it is hard to know how they will take each color until you try.  Because they start as Very Vanilla, the colors are a little different (but still go perfectly).  After they dried, I did not add any additional color and they seemed to be a great match with Regal Rose.  Adding more reinker to the water or touching up the dried flowers with a little additional ink will make the color darker.  It is kind of a fun experiment!  I also have some Saffron flowers because I was playing around with that as well (now to find the right card for them).  Love these!

The team has created some super inspiration for you again this week.  Make sure you go over and take a look!  I know you won’t be able to resist this fun sketch so I look forward to seeing you in the gallery this week.

I’ll be back on Friday with a card that we are making in my Hostess Club this month.  It is a sweet Valentine using more of the Spring Catalog products.  Thanks for stopping in today. Hope your day is great!

Stamps:  Oh, Hello, Affection Collection; Paper:  Naturals Ivory, Very Vanilla; Ink:  Baja Breeze, Regal Rose, So Saffron, Lucky Limeade; Accessories:  5/8″ Flower Trim, Ovals Framelits, Big Shot, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Dimensionals

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CCMC235 – Birthday Balloons

CCMC235 – Birthday Balloons published on 7 Comments on CCMC235 – Birthday Balloons

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Over the weekend, my boys had some birthday parties to attend and I found myself short of boy birthday cards.  Hmm, too many flowered cards??!!  Nah…  Simply a reason to stamp!  So I turned to my friends over at Create with Connie and Mary to find this awesome sketch!

 

CCMC235 - Birthday BalloonsLucky for me..it was exactly what I needed to make a quick and fun card!  Patterned Party is my go-to set for kid birthday cards!  It is perfect for girls and boys and fits the age ranges of both boys and their friends (quite honestly, it is great for adult cards too).  I paired it up with the Real Red polka dots from Polka Dot Parade DSP, a pack of paper that I got specifically for cards like this.  It works every time!!  I added in some Real Red Wide Grosgrain Ribbon (retired) since I continue in my effort to use up the old (so I can get more new).  The sentiment comes from my other catalog favorite, Made for You.

While I’m on the subject of Connie and Mary, if you haven’t already subscribed to the Spring Edition it isn’t too late.  Make sure you click here and go check out the past week’s posts.  There are free tutorials and amazing inspiration.  And those are just a sample of what you get with your subscription!!  I get to be a guest designer and I can safely say that I can’t wait to see all the other designers’ creations!

Don’t forget that today is the start of Sale-a-bration, the biggest promotion of the Stampin’ Up year.  For every $50 you spend, you get to choose exclusive Sale-a-bration products!  It is the perfect time to stock up on basics or get those products you have been waiting for!  Just click here to see all that is available!

Back tomorrow with the latest from Freshly Made Sketches!  Until then, have a great day!

Stamps:  Patterned Party, Made for You; Paper:  Polka Dot Parade DSP, Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White; Ink:  Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, Basic Black (all Stampin’ Write Markers); Accessories:  Neutrals Buttons, Real Red Wide Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Dimensionals, thread

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Stamps and more stamps!

Stamps and more stamps! published on No Comments on Stamps and more stamps!

As promised, here are some of the newly offered stamps from Stampin’ Up!

In addition to the new My Paper Pumpkin and Dude, You’re Welcome Kit, Stampin’ Up has just introduced some new stamps.

First, because the initial offering of single stamps were so popular, there are more!  Take a look:

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Second, as part of our 25-year anniversary celebration, we’re bringing back some of our favorite stamp images from the last quarter century and combining them into 12 sets, which will release-one set per month-during 2013.  Even better, along with some great classic images, each “Best of” set will also include a never-before-seen image!

As a special incentive to collect the Best of stamps, starting in February we’re including a collector’s card and 25-year proof of purchase sticker with every Best of set. Collect six stickers, and send it in to redeem a FREE set of your choice valued up to $14.95! Free sets must be redeemed no later than April 30, 2014.

The first set is Best of Birthdays:

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If you have any questions about these, I’ll be happy to help.  If you are looking to order, just go to my online store and you can get them any time!  Don’t forget to add them to your list for ordering during Sale-a-bration (it starts next week!) and they will help you qualify for free products!

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Freshly Made Sketches #69

Freshly Made Sketches #69 published on 8 Comments on Freshly Made Sketches #69

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So glad to have you join me again today for the latest challenge from Freshly Made Sketches!  I am excited to share this sketch by our awesome guest designer Linda Suarez from Lucky Dog Stamper.  This is her first sketch and I know you will have a fun time with all the possibilities!

FMS69 - Big bow 4 youSo I had all kinds of ideas running through my head for this sketch but I finally settle on a big bow for the center shape.  I pulled out the oh so awesome Tea for Two DSP again (I know, I just can’t seem to stop using it).  I love the newsprint design and thought it would work well against the blue pattern.  I had this lace ribbon from the new Artisan Embellishments Kit out on my table from another project and realized that it was a great pop of color for the diagonal.  Now when I was visualizing this sketch,  I thought that two sections of the Tea Lace Doilies would be perfect for the other elements.  I realized that the lower doily is kind of covered by the bow after everything was glued together.  Sooooo….hopefully this will pass for the sketch!  You’ll have to let me know what you think.  The bow was created from the GORGEOUS new Basic Gray/Basic Black 1-1/4″ Two Toned Ribbon.  I cinched it up with a Vintage Faceted Button and some Linen Thread.  Finally I stamped the little sentiment from Tiny Tags onto the center part that was left from cutting apart the doily and punched it with the Jewelry Tag Punch.  I like that the paper is a bit more sheer.  To attach the bow to the card, I used Crystal Effects.  I know it is intended to make things glossy but it also acts as a really strong glue that dries pretty fast.  Cool!

Ok, the team has made some fun things this week.  Such different styles!  I know that means the gallery will be exciting to watch so make sure you play along.

I’ll be back tomorrow with some more information about fun new products from Stampin’ Up.  Until then, I hope you have a great day!

Stamp:  Tiny Tags; Paper:  Tea for Two DSP, Crumb Cake, Basic Gray; Ink:  Primrose Petals, Basic Gray; Accessories:  Basic Gray 1-1/4″ Two Toned Ribbon, Vintage Faceted Button, Linen Thread, Artisan Embellishments Kit, Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Jewelry Tag Punch, Crystal Effects

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SUOC62 – These are a few…

SUOC62 – These are a few… published on 2 Comments on SUOC62 – These are a few…

…of our favorite new things!!  Spring Catalog things, that is!!  At SUO Challenges this week, our theme is “New Toys”!  Perfect for the new year, don’t you think?  Now we know that all of you don’t have your new products from the Spring Catalog yet, so if it is new to you, we’d love to see it!

SUOC62 and Control Freaks - BannerI am so excited to finally get to share this card with you.  Finally??  Well, I actually made this back in December for a Control Freaks Spring Catalog swap and have been looking forward to posting it!  My very first, “had to have it” product from this new catalog was the Hearts a Flutter Bundle…yep, the stamp set and the coordinating framelits.  They are so much fun!!  All I did was stamp the images in a little row, line up the framelits (use a small piece of a post-it note to hold them in place), and run them through the Big Shot.  I added in this fun little doily and put some texture on the background with the Honeycomb Embossing Folder.  I thought Linen Thread was the perfect banner holder.  I tied a little loop in one end and put a separately tied bow on the other.  A little sentiment from Tiny Tags and it is a fun little Valentine.  I loved that it uses non-traditional colors!

I can’t wait to hear what you think about this.  I really can’t wait to see what you create for our challenge this week!  I know you’ll love what the rest of the team has created so head right over there to get inspired.

If you didn’t see the fun announcements from yesterday’s post, make sure you roll down to take a look.  I’ll be back tomorrow with the latest from Freshly Made Sketches.  Until then, I’m so glad you stopped in.  See you soon!

Stamps:  Hearts a Flutter, Tiny Tags; Paper:  Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Calypso Coral; Ink:  Calypso Coral, Baja Breeze, Daffodil Delight, Crumb Cake; Accessories:  Big Shot, Hearts a Flutter Framelits, Honeycomb EF, Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Linen Thread, Mini Glue Dots, Boho Blossoms Punch, Basic Pearls

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The latest fun from Stampin’ Up!

The latest fun from Stampin’ Up! published on 1 Comment on The latest fun from Stampin’ Up!

As many of you may know, last week was the annual Leadership conference for Stampin’ Up!   I was not able to attend but I am SOOOO excited about all the news that came from there!  I hardly know where to start so I will go roughly in the order that things were announced.

First, Stampin’ Up is offering a brand new subscription program called My Paper Pumpkin.  What is it??  It is a monthly kit that comes right to your door, ready to make.  I know that sometimes we all run against a time crunch but still value our craft time.  These kits make it possible for you to create “Pin worthy” projects in about 30 minutes.  Wow!!  Take a look!

Welcome Kit
Welcome Kit

This first picture is the Welcome Kit.  No matter when you start your subscription, this will be your first kit.  It even comes with a clear block…really, they thought of everything.  You can order these on the My Paper Pumpkin site starting today and the first one comes in March.  Make sure you click “I already have a demonstrator”  so that you still get the same support from your demo that you love!  You can skip a month or cancel at any time with no trouble.  I signed up today and it was so easy!

Try It Kit
Try It Kit

Not sure you want to commit??  You can order a Try It Kit on any regular Stampin’ Up order starting in early March just to see if this is for you.

Next, a very manly stamping kit has been introduced called Dude, You’re Welcome!  You have to watch this fun video and then I’ll get you some details.

  • Four wood-mount stamps (double-mounted) with the perfect sentiment for every occasion
  • Twelve 4″ x 6″ postcards in four different (manly) colors
  • Twelve gray envelopes
  • A Basic Gray Classic Stampin’ Pad
  • An instructional guide (for the most novice stamper!)
  • Item #132807

Finally, there are more (yes more) new stamp sets being released.  There will be some of the very popular single stamps and some amazing 25th Anniversary celebration stamp sets.  Did I mention that this is Stampin’ Up’s 25th Anniversary??!!  It is and you can expect lots of amazing things to come!  Let me know if you have any questions about any of these products!  I’ll be happy to help!

Back tomorrow with a new SUO Challenges…you are sure to LOVE this week’s theme!!  See you then!

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Being Create-ive!

Being Create-ive! published on 8 Comments on Being Create-ive!

 *** If you are looking for my Freshly Made Sketches card, click here***

conmarspring13guestFinally, today is the day that I get to tell you about my big surprise!!  Yes, I am going to be a Guest Designer for the Create with Connie and Mary Spring Edition!  I cannot tell you how excited I was to be asked to design for them for the first time.  I can’t imagine that you would not be familiar with the Create with Connie and Mary editions but just in case…  The team will create EXCLUSIVE tutorials only available from this Spring Catalog edition.  That’s right!  You get access to fresh, exciting ideas that are perfect for both personal or class use.  This is available for customers and demonstrators alike.  Ok, the deal gets even better because Connie and Mary are running a special with Early Bird pricing of $29.95.  This price is only available until Jan. 19th!

Create preview - PrimroseNow for some more fun!  Each designer will focus on a stamp set or product for their tutorials.  I get to share this fun card featuring mine!  Can you guess what it will be??!!

Remember this is just a sneak peek and I will be creating a project and a card exclusively for the Spring Edition.  Since this is guest introduction week, you can see all the designers who will be Create-ing for you by heading over to Create with Connie and Mary.  While you are there, go ahead and sign up.  You really don’t want to miss out on this special price for over a month of amazing projects!

Thanks so much to Connie and Mary for the opportunity to be a Guest Designer!

Stamp:  Teeny Tiny Wishes; Paper:  Tea for Two DSP, Primrose Petals, Very Vanilla; Ink:  Primrose Petals; Accessories:  Artisan Embellishments Kit, 5/8″ Flower Trim, Big Shot, Honeycomb Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Crumb Cake Seam Binding

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Freshly Made Sketches #68

Freshly Made Sketches #68 published on 9 Comments on Freshly Made Sketches #68

FMS68Welcome to my Freshly Made Sketches post for today!!  Don’t forget to check my other post today for a fun announcement!  Our sketch today is from the oh so amazing Jen Mitchell of I Create.  I just love her style and this sketch is right up her alley!

FMS68 - Honeycomb ThanksI am still completely obsessed with all the new things in the Spring Catalog and today I wanted  to play with the new Honeycomb Embossing Folder.  It is awesome!!  I zipped a Naturals Ivory piece of card stock through the Big Shot with the folder to start.  Then I used some small scraps of the Tea for Two DSP (about 1″ or so square), sat them over the hexagons on the folder and ran those through the Big Shot.  It is easy to follow the lines to cut them out.  I wasn’t so sure I would like this method but it was fast and worked like a charm.  I continue my winter love fest with Crumb Cake (I seem to want to make everything with it!) and it is the perfect background for this DSP.  I used the Natural 7/8″ Cotton Ribbon as one of the layers on the crossing panel and the tied a Bronze button on a second piece with Linen Thread.  The Cotton Ribbon has carried over into the Spring Catalog so it is still available!  Finally a sentiment from Tiny Tags to finish it off.

Jen really gave us a great sketch to use and I can’t wait to see the entries this week.  Last week’s cards just blew me away, I have to say!!  The design team has provided loads of inspiration so make sure to go see their amazing cards.

I’m so glad you stopped in today!  Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you again soon!

Stamp:  Tiny Tags; Paper:  Tea for Two DSP, Crumb Cake, Naturals Ivory, Early Espresso; Ink:  Early Espresso; Accessories:  Big Shot, Honeycomb EF, Natural 7/8″ Cotton Ribbon, Linen Thread, Bronze Button (ret)

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SUO Challenges Delay

SUO Challenges Delay published on No Comments on SUO Challenges Delay

Happy Tuesday everyone!  I know it is an SUO Challenges day so I wanted to leave you a brief note letting you know we will be delayed on the challenge.  Our team coordinator, Robin Messenheimer, has been ill this week.  To give her time to recover, we are postponing our challenge theme until next week.  I can’t wait to show you the card I have created since it uses a new set from the Spring Catalog!!  Make sure you check back with the team next week to see what we have created.

I’ll be back tomorrow with TWO posts!  One is the Freshly Made Sketches Challenge for the week hosted by the amazing Jen Mitchell and the other is a fun announcement.  Until then, have a great day!

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