January 31, 2010

Loving Valentine's Packaging...

Between teaching grade seven and having two little boys with preschool and kindergarten classes, I've got a lot of Valentine treat packaging to do.  I've decided that both of my boys will get the Love Bots for their packaging, and it's looking like my Grade Sevens will get these... minus the love sentiment... that could possibly make them gag:)

Click Here to Place An Order

Stamp Set(s): Tiny Tags
Paper: Pretty In Pink, Very Vanilla, #117153 Sending Love Specialty DSP
Ink: Real Red
Embellishments: 5/8" Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, #112580 Clips Assortment, Linen Thread
Sizzix: #117310 Stampin’ Up! Mini Milk Carton
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer
Adhesives: Snail,  Sticky Strip
Punches: Medium Jewelry Tag

January 30, 2010

Crop Night Make-n-Take


 This was a fun little project that everyone made at crop night last week.  I have so much fun coming up with these... I thought this would be perfect for Valentine's Day with a chocolate in it... then again, I think that everything would be perfect with chocolate in it!  If you're wondering how I made the pink heart have the same embossing as the vanilla heart, I simply punched out the pink heart using the full heart punch and then placed it in the embosslit to get the same pattern. 

Click Here to Place An Order

Stamp Set(s): Tiny Tags
Paper: Pretty In Pink, Real, Red, Very Vanilla
Ink: Real Red, Pretty In Pink
Embellishments: 5/8" Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Linen Thread
Sizzix: 115967 Stampin’ Up! Bitty Box & Envelope, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, 117332 Stampin’ Up! Scalloped Heart of Hearts
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer
Adhesives: Snail, Dimensionals, Sticky Strip
Punches: Medium Jewelry Tag, 1" Circle, Full Heart

January 29, 2010

Mojo Monday #123 Challenge

Just thought that I would give the Mojo Monday Sketch a go!  I love this Very Thankful #115338 stamp set; not only is it adorable, but, for every one of these stamp sets purchased, Stampin' Up will donate $2 to Ronald McDonald House Charities.  The clear buttons are fabulous as you can make buttons to coordinate with any colours.  I simply punched out a circle of coordinating DSP and stuck it to the back using mini glue dots.  I'm definitely loving this Nouveau Chic DSP!!!!!!  This was the first time that I opened the pack and it won't be the last!

I have an amazing PAC at the school I teach at who generously donates money to the teachers to buy supplies for their classrooms and our staff wanted to write them a thank you note.  I offered to come up with a card:)

Click Here to Place An Order

Stamp Set(s): Very Thankful #115338
Paper: Basic Black, Nouveau Chic DSP, Apricot Appeal
Ink: Basic Black, Sage Shadow Stampin' Write Marker
Embellishments: Earth Elements and Neutrals Buttons, Fresh Favourites II Buttons, Clear Buttons, Valet Ribbon Originals Valet (retired) black ribbon
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer
Adhesives: Snail,  Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots
Punches: Scallop Trim Border, 1" Circle, 3/4" Circle

January 28, 2010

Technique Club Card

 My newest clubs have just started and this is one of the cards from our first night.  I wanted to play with Stampin' Around wheels and their possibilities.  I am always amazed by how many people have never used them when they are the first thing that attracted me to attend my first Stampin' Up workshop. I love using them to finish of the coordinating envelope.

Click Here to Place An Order


Stamp Set(s): A Happy Heart, I Love Love Stampin' Around Wheel, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip,  Real Red
Ink: Real Red, Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: 5/8" Real Red Satin Ribbon, Jumbo Brads 5/16, Chocolate Chip Corduroy Buttons
Sizzix: Movers and Shapers Windows
Tools: Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, Stampin' Around Handle, Stampin' Around Wheel Guide, Sponge Daubers
Punches: Modern Label

January 27, 2010

Stampin' Royalty Challenge #4

This week is Stampin' Royalty's first Sketch Challenge!  I absolute loved the layout for this challenge, and with it being so close to Valentine's Day I couldn't resist using my new Love Bandit stamp set!  It's funny, but whenever I make a Valentine's card... the only person whose opinion matters to be is my husband!  I loved the sentiment on this card as it is so fitting for me.  I still remember seeing my husband for the first time 11 years ago, and this was exactly how I felt.  I never recovered after meeting him the first time and I don't intend to try to get my heart back at any point! He can have it for as long as he'll keep it!  Okay... enough lovey dovey stuff

I can't wait to see what you come up with!  Make sure to come on over to Stampin' Royalty and check out the other amazing cards done by the design team!

Click Here to Place An Order

Stamp Set(s): Love Bandit #118577
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla, Sending Love Specialty Paper #117153
Ink: Chocolate Chip,  Real Red
Embellishments: Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain, Chocolate Chip Epoxy Brads #117272
Sizzix: Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder #117335
Tools: Paper Snips, Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Dimensionals
Punches: Pinking Hearts Border #118072, Trio of Flowers, Tag Corner

January 26, 2010

Club Card Sneak Peek


 This card was a complete case from the new Occasions Mini pg 15.  I loved the idea of using just a portion of the Stampin' Around wheel on a card front.  I also loved that I could use my Stampin' Write markers to vary the colours of that image.  I loved the rich textures in Stampin' Up's card when you combined the chipboard with the polka dot background!  Check out another club card tomorrow using the Stampin' Around Wheels!

Click Here to Place An Order


Stamp Set(s): I Heart Hearts
Stampin' Around Wheels: I Love Love
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Whisper White, Chipboard
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Olive Olive (Classic and Craft)
Embellishments: Old Olive 5/8" Satin Ribbon
Sizzix: Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Stampin' Up Alphabet Simple Letters
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Clear Mount Block Bundle
Adhesives: Snail,  Dimensionals

Punches: Pinking Hearts Border, Mini Heart

January 25, 2010

PPA26 Challenge and a Gift for My Hostess:)


Something that I love doing at my workshops is to demonstrate cards for stampers, and non stampers alike.  This is one of those quick simple cards that even if you're not into stamping... you can whip up in a flash with a Big Shot and some basic supplies.  When I demo a quick card like this, I also like to have a gift ready to give to my hostess that demonstrates a beautiful way of packaging up those quick and easy cards as a gift. 

When I saw the PPA Challenge this week, "Anything But a Card", it inspired me to create my little gift box.  Don't forget to contact me ASAP to book your Sale-A-Bration Workshop and earn those free items!

Click Here to Place An Order

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla, Sending Love Specialty Paper #117153
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Epoxy Brads #117272, 5/8" Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, Real Red Epoxy Brads #117270
Sizzix: Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder #117335, Beautiful Wings Embosslit #118138
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Sponge Daubers
Adhesives: Snail, Dimensionals, Sticky Strip
Punches: Extra Large Fancy Flower #118073, Scallop Trim Border #118402

January 24, 2010

Another Wedding Invite Sample.


This was another sample that I had made in my frenzy of coming up with some wedding invitations.  You'll notice that the colours are the same as the last sample... subtle hint as to the wedding colours of the bridesmaids:)  If you've made wedding invitations, I would love to see your samples too!  Put your link in the comments section for everyone to check out!



Click Here to Place An Order

Stamp Set(s): Together Forever
Paper: Bridesmaid Specialty Paper, Always Artichoke, Night of Navy, Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: 5/8" Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon
Adhesives: Snail,  Dimensionals
Punches: Scallop Trim Border, Mini Heart

January 23, 2010

An MDS Card with the New Sweet Pea Pack!




I don't know how many of you out there have the My Digital Studio Program, but if you're not one of them, you should be!  I have had more fun than I ever imagined using this program.  Imagine never running out of your favourite DSP!  Every few weeks, Stampin' Up seems to make new downloads available.  I really had fun on this card because one of my pet peeves is wasting DSP.  I decided to plan the whole card out using My Digital Studio.  Then, once I was pleased with the results, I went down to my craft room and just put it together. The only real difference was that I textured the background of my card using the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder.

Click Here to Place An Order



Stamp Set(s): Simple Friendship
Paper: Sweet Pea DSP Stack, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Pumpkin Pie, Taken with Teal
Embellishments: 5/16" jumbo brads, Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Grosgrain
MDS: My Sweet Pea Digital Kit #119978 $13.25
Sizzix: Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder
Tools: Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, Dimensionals
Punches: Scallop Trim Border

January 22, 2010

Lattice Lighting!



I came across this fabulous idea on Kristin Moore's blog and couldn't resist casing it!  I decided to go with more of a Valentine's theme.  You can't see it in the photograph, but I even stamped some hearts in Versamark on the vellum and then embossed them with Iridescent Ice.  Thanks so much for the idea Kristin!


Click Here to Place An Order


Paper: Cardstock Vellum, Cardboard backing from a package of Decor Elements
Ink: Real Red Craft Ink, Signo White Gel Pen
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon, Iridescent Ice
Sizzix: SU Lattice Die
Punches: Small Heart Punch

January 21, 2010

Haitian Disaster Relief



On January 12, 2010 a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, leaving in its wake devastation so overwhelming that the Haitian people and their leaders can only look for help from the outside to cope.
From now until February 28, 2010, $2 from every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set bought will be donated to the American Red Cross' Haiti Relief and Development Fund. The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.


Product Name 
Item # 
Price
I {Heart} Hearts - clear-mount  (block D recommended)
118571
$24.95
I {Heart} Hearts - wood-mount
117010
$35.95

Click Here to Place An Order

Dabbling with Invites


Something I have never played with was wedding invitations.  I got into Stampin' Up long after I got married and it seems that no one close to me has gotten married in the past couple of years either.  Oddly enough, in the past two weeks, I have been talking to 3 different people about wedding invitations and what the possibilities are.

Now, please understand that this is the first sample I've ever made, but I was thrilled with the results.  My hubby even said that he would have picked it over our wedding invite 9 years ago!  Watch for more samples in the weeks to come:)

Click Here to Place An Order

Stamp Set(s): Wedding Sweet #115466, Bridesmaid Specialty Paper #116579
Paper: Night of Navy, Always Artichoke,
Ink: Night of Navy
Punches: Small Heart #117193

January 20, 2010

Stampin' Royalty Challenge #3


The Stampin' Royalty Challenge this week is for Single Layer Projects.  For me, this is the ultimate challenge... no layers:(  I decided to take advantage of it and work on a title page for my neice's scrapbook.  (yes Meg, I am still working on it:)  This was actually a lot of fun to make, for those of you who remember my Founder's Circle swap card, I absolutely love working with the SU Decor Stencils.  I even created my own lettering stencils using some window sheet scraps and the Go Go Boots Sizzix alphabet!  Make sure to jump over to Stampin' Royalty and check out the fabulous creations from the design team... I was AMAZED!!!!!


Click Here to Place An Order

Paper: Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive,  Bashful Blue, Summer Sun, Dusty Durango
Decor Stencils: Cheep Talk
Sizzix: Go Go Boots Alphabet
Tools: Stamping Sponges

January 19, 2010

Simply Adoring Simply Adorned!


 I will admit that I had an absolute blast this afternoon playing with the new Simply Adorned product line.  As I mentioned yesterday, I get bored with things quickly... jewelry included.  Once again Stampin' Up has offered me a solution as the little inserts are so easy to change!  You are able to customize both sides of the charm.  The front side is beveled to allow for some dimension in your image.  I thought it would be fun to elevate the little flower so I stamped it twice and then cut out the second image and put it on with a dimensional.   The Charming stamp set #116519, although not currently shown in either the catalogue or the mini, is still available... and it counts towards your Sale-A-Bration orders!  By the time you purchase the chain, charm and stamp set, you've already earned yourself one of those fabulous rewards for free!  

Click Here to Place An Order



Simply Adorned: 24" Chain #116800,   1" x 1-1/4" rectangle Charm
#116798
Stamp Set(s): Charming #116519, Lovely Letters
Paper: Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, Old Olive
Embellishments: Dimensionals
Tools: Paper Snips

January 18, 2010

Before... and After!


 Well, anyone living here in Vancouver knows that the weather had been less than spectacular for the past few weeks.  I love the rain, and it is even becoming unbearable for me!  I know that it is mid January, but I've decided that I'm putting myself into spring now!  Gone with the snowflakes that I put on for the winter and in with the flowers:)  These Decor Elements are a must... they seem to save me from the boredom I can suffer with my possessions.... things look new again!  I can't wait to show these ones off at work tomorrow!

Click Here to Place An Order

Decor Elements: Flower Garden #116056, Flurry #117413

January 17, 2010

Look... No Stamps!


I just finished cleaning up my craft room this afternoon and was putting the last items in their homes.  It turned out that the last item was some SU Rub-Ons.  Using my clean craft room for inspiration, I decided not pull out and stamps or ink and just stick to a package of rub-ons!  The Dots and Designs Rub Ons were perfect as they had both the images I wanted for a focus and the border I wanted to replace DSP.   The more I've worked with the Scallop Trim Border Punch #118402 (free with a $65 order:) and Scallop Trim Corner Punch #118870, the more I've grown to like them.  At first I was frustrated with my inability to get the size to match the image I'd stamped.  Now I've learned to make my mat first based on the approximate size of my image and the cut my image out once my mat is done.  I've also learned that looking at the underside of the punch as I'm working is an excellent way to ensure that I'm not making mistakes. 

Click Here to Place An Order

Paper:  Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: Chit Chat Rub Ons #111804, Dimensionals, Dots and Designs Rub-Ons #115728
Sizzix: Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder #117735
Tools: Sponge Daubers
Punches: Scallop Trim Border #118402, Scallop Trim Corner Punch #118870

January 16, 2010

Please Be Gentle!



 So I did a quick video... and it is AWFUL!  But... as part of the process of growing and learning... I will post it so that one day I can look back and laugh:)  I didn't think of the fact that my computer was shooting the video and that the card would appear backwards when I placed the computer to the side of me.  I finished off the card anyway as I hate unfinished projects on my desk.  Seriously... listening to it... if I say "Sweet Treat Cup" one more time I will ......  oh forget it!




Click Here to Place An Order


Gotta Love These Heart Cups!






I decided play with my Heart Sweet Treat Cups before they even arrived... how pathetic is that!  I already had the card all ready to go when they arrived and all that was left to do was put it in:)  Now, you may notice the red border around the heart cup... here's what I did.  I made the card first and put on the Pretty In Pink layer followed by the DSP.  Then, I used the heart shaped Movers and Shapers window to cut the large heart out of the center of the card.  If you want to be able to used the windows independently of the Movers and Shapers die you just sandwich the paper and die in the Big Shot as you would any other die, but to make up for the decrease in thickness, you include the standard Textured Impressions pad #114614 on the outside of one of the cutting pads.  Finally, I took a scrap square of Real Red cardstock and punched the Full Heart out of it.  I used the negative image and positioned it behind the heart opening of the cardfront.  The Full Heart punch's heart is just slightly smaller than that of the Movers and Shapers Heart window.  It makes for perfect matting!

I hate the idea of someone having to tear the card to get to the treat inside; so instead I used the mini envelopes to hold a little sliding door.  I just got off the portion of the envelope that one would use to stick it closed.  Then I slide my heart punch right in and cut out the window.  I may even try my hand at a quick video tonight to provide a bit clearer instruction on that step:)

Click Here to Place An Order


Stamp Set(s): With All My Heart #118623
Paper: Very Vanilla, Pretty In Pink, Real Red, Sending Love Specialty Paper #117153, Mini Square Envelopes #107309
Ink: Real Red, Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: Fire Rhinestone Circle Brads, Button Bouquet, Real Red 5/8" Satin Ribbon #117286
Sizzix: Movers and Shapers Heart Window, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Standard Textured Impressions Pad #114614

Tools: Clear Mount Block Bundle, Sponge Daubers
Punches: Full Heart, Modern Label

January 15, 2010

Mojo Monday #121



 Had fun with another Mojo Monday sketch today!  I kept it simple... definitely a masculine card in my mind!  I'm really enjoying just pulling the colours straight out of the Sweet Pea DSP Stack... the different combinations seem endless. 

Click Here to Place An Order


Stamp Set(s): Crazy for Cupcakes, Well Scripted
Paper: Sweet Pea DSP Stack, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Taken with Teal
Ink: Chocolate Chip

Stampin Write Markers: So Saffron, Taken with Teal, Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red
Embellishments: 1" Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon
Sizzix: Lots of Tags
Tools:  Sponge Daubers
Punches: Wide Oval

January 14, 2010

A Virtual Card...


I'm sending this virtual card out today to one of my downline.  Over the past year we've gotten to know each well and she is an amazing person.  She always seems to know when I'm feeling swamped and out of nowhere she just appears.  My Open House on Saturday wouldn't have been pulled off nearly as smoothly if it weren't for her!  I pulled out the Ronald McDonald House stamp set Very Thankful #115338 while thinking of her and got down to this card.  It started off as a case of a catty card, but went in a bit different direction.  Sarah... if you haven't figured out yet that this is for you... wake up silly!  Thank you for all you do and for being the amazing person you are!

Click Here to Place An Order


Stamp Set(s):
Very Thankful #115338
Paper: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Kraft, Real Red Prints Pattern DSP, Watercolour Paper
Ink: Black StazOn, Stampin' Write Markers: Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Going Grey
Embellishments: Linen Thread, Playground Designer Buttons
Sizzix: Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder
Tools: Sewing Machine, Dimensionals
Punches: Scallop Border Punch, Corner Rounder

January 13, 2010

Stampin' Royalty Challenge #2







Well, here it is... Stampin' Royalty's second challenge!  The colour combo is gorgeous... Rich Razzleberry, Pale Plum and Elegant Eggplant. Definitely not a colour combo from my comfot zone, but it was fun to play with.  After I'd done the Scallop Trim Border it just looked like something that needed laces (teehee)... hence the criss cross ribbons.

Don't forget to go over to Stampin' Royalty and check out the amazing creations by the other girls!  Then get to work... I can't wait to see what  you come up with!

Click Here to Place An Order


Stamp Set(s): With All My Heart #118623
Paper:  Pale Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Rich Razzleberry Prints Pattern DSP
Ink: Versamark,
Embellishments: Ice Rhinestone Brads, Fine Cosmo Stampin' Glitter, Heat and Stick Powder, Ribbon Originals Orchard
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Paper Snips
Punches: Large Oval, Scallop Oval, Scallop Trim Border

January 12, 2010

Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge 133




I had so much fun playing with the Stamping 411 Challenge the other night.  It was such a simple, clean layout. If you're sick of seeing the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder #117335 on my cards... well you're just going to have to come and take it!  I'm so in love!  I really like the fact that (unlike another brand of embossing folder whose name I won't mention :)  it covers the entire card front!!!!  I just coloured direct to rubber on the I Heart Hearts clear mount stamps using my In Colour Stampin' Write markers and stamped it twice.  The first time I stamped the background and the second time I stamped it again and used my Heart to Heart Punch to punch out the images and pop them up using dimensionals.


Stamp Set(s): I Heart Hearts #118571
Paper: Crushed Curry, Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, Whsiper White,
Ink: In Colour Markers
Embellishments: Melon Mambo 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain
Sizzix: Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder #117335
Tools: Dimensionals, Clear Mount Block D #118485
Punches:   Heart to Heart #113694

SAB Items: Welcome Neighbour DSP Pad #118401, Scallop Trim Border Punch #118402