Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

These 2 cards use the adorable pumpkins from the Holiday Mini set Trick or Tweet.

We learned a really neat technique here using Stampin' Pastels and Crystal Effects to color in the pumpkins. 

Reginal Display Boards

At Stampin' Up! Events they have display boards like you see below, that showcase certain stamp sets and techniques.  The samples are made by other demonstrators or SU employees.  Here is the board with other Berry Christmas projects.

A cute card up close.

This particular card was just beautiful in person.  Muted colors, very soft, very elegant.

The set is Greenhouse Garden.

Regional Projects

As part of the Regional event, each attendee received the adorable Berry Christmas stamp set.  You can find it in the Holiday Mini.  I just love the little bird and pointsettas!  The best part, it can be used far after the Christmas season.  I love when I can get that extra milage out of a set, don't you?

Below are 2 of the 3 projects that we made using our complimentary set.

Each card has a matching envelope.

Stamps:  Berry Christmas

Cardstock:  Soft Suede, Whisper White, Certainly Celery

Ink:  Bashful Blue, Real Red, Soft Suede, Certainly Celery

Accessories:  Buttons, linen thread, Real Red polka dot ribbon, silver brad, Trio flower punch

Chattanooga, TN Regional

Saturday I headed up to Chattanooga for my very first Stampin' Up! event.  A regional is where demonstrators get together for an afternoon of stamping, training, ideas, and card swapping.  One of the highlights of Stampin' Up! events is swapping cards.  I made 26 card fronts and gave them away to other demonstrators and got 26 different cards back.  I will post my favorites over the next several days.

First is my swap.  Below is the card I made.  Very simple.  It took my a little over an hour to make 26 of these.  Perfect for mass production if you need an idea for your Christmas card this year. 

Stamps:  Serene Snowflakes (Holiday Mini), Four the Holidays (Holiday Mini)

Cardstock:  Very vanilla, Soft Suede, Real Red

Ink:  Real Red, Soft Suede

Accessories:  Eyelet Border Punch

Halloween Inspiration

The following are some fall/Halloween themed cards.  These were made during my clubs and workshops over the past year.  All cards contain stamps and supplies by Stampin' Up!

The card above uses the beautiful leaf and acorn stamp from "Lovely As a Tree"  It is a beautiful set for everything from fall, Christmas, birthday, sympathy and masculine cards.

Next is the set "Eat, Drink, and Be Scary" along with "Halloween Frights"

The "Eat, Drink" and Be Scary" is awesome because it coordinates with many punches!

Aren't these little witch hats cute!  I added a little black and white gingham ribbon and colored with some markers for a little pop.  Again, the hats are from "Eat, Drink, and Be Scary".  The sentiment is from the retired set "Fancy Everyday Phrases"

Here we have a card with one of my favorite sets, "Trendy Trees"  The tops and trunks are separate so you can mix and match!  For the tree to the right, I used the "Rock and Roll" technique.  First stamp in a light color, ex: So Saffron.  Then roll the edge of the stamp in a darker color ex: Pumpkin Pie and voila! A neat looking effect.

                                                                     To finish, this card uses the "Haunting" Jumbo Wheel.  Pretty spooky little trick or treaters.  I dotted their eyes with the white gel pen.  The back ground was done using 3 shades of orange and So Saffron.  I made this card last year at one of my clubs so I don't remember the exact colors.  The Happy Halloween stamp is from "All Holidays" This is a must to add to your collection if you want a varitey of holiday sentiments.

And there you have it, a few cards to get the creative juices flowing.  I know it's been a looong time since I posted, hopefully these make up for it a little bit ;)
                                                                      

Deal of the Week #2

Check out the "Deal of the Week" button on the left to see the latest deals.  This week features some great Sizzix dies, you will not want to miss out!

New Starter Kit!

Today is the Launch of Stampin' Up's! "My Digital Studio."   This is awesome software that allows you to make digital scrapbook pages, calendars, cards, etc.  As part of this launch, Stampin' Up! is offering a new starter kit that includes "My Digital Studio."  You can get everything you see below for $185 (plus tax) That's a value of over $295!  The regular kit is still available for $199 also.

•My Digital Studio software

•Party Hearty and Petal Pizzazz stamp sets
•Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
•Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
•Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, and Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin' Pads
•Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Real Red Stampin' Write markers
•Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
•Real Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon
•Button Latte Designer buttons
•Stampin' Dimensionals
•Mini Glue Dots
•SNAIL Adhesive
•Business supplies (product catalogs, order forms, training DVD, and other supplies)

If you've ever considered being a Stampin' Up! Demo this is an awesome time to take the plunge!  If have any questions on need more info feel free to contact me.

Clearance Rack!

Check out this new addition to the On-line store! 




Click here and click on "shop now" in the upper right corner.  Once there the Clearance Rack is on the left hand side under "Mini Catalog"  There are some great savings in there, as much as 80% off!

New Holiday Mini is Here!

Happy September all!  Thanks for stopping by today.  You'll notice a few changes now that September is here.  Check out the new buttons on the left hand side.  You'll find a fall themed card, Hostess Special AND the much anticipated Holiday Mini.  The Holiday Mini is awesome!  Make sure you find some time to sit back and check it out.

Make sure you check out the super cute Build-a-Bear stamp collection and matching Sizzix dies and papers.  A great addition to anyones craft supplies, especially if you have kids ;) 


My Digital Studio software will be available on October 1st.  It is sure to be a great addition to your computer and it's compatible with Photoshop!!!  The softeware does not limit you to just scrapbooking.  You can also create great cards, calendars and much more.  As a demonstrator,  I get the priveledge of ordering it starting today.  I'm excited to try hybrid scrapbooking and other fun projects.  Stay tuned for more info on this great addition as the month continues.

If you have not received a copy of the Holiday Mini in the mail, please let me know and I'lll make sure you get one.

Holiday Mini Sneak Peak!

My Holiday Mini Swap Card

Today I bring you a card with some new goodies. This is my entry for my uplines Holiday mini swap. The Holiday Mini comes out on Sept 1st and is 40 pages of awesomeness! The stamp set featured, Delightful Decorations, is just one of the many amazing holiday stamps available Sept 1-Jan 31st.

All Supplies Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Delightful Decorations (available Sept 1st), Teeny Tiny Whishes
Cardstock: Real Red, Old Olive, Whisper White, Merry Moments DSP, Night of Navy

Ink: Night of Navy, Platinum Shimmer Paint (available Sept 1st), Real Red

Accessories: Silver elastic cord and Decoration Punch (available Sept 1st), scallop oval punch, modern label punch, Real Red 3/4" polka dot grosgrain

If you like what you see and want to reserve a copy of the Holiday mini to be mailed to you, just leave me a comment and keep an eye on the mail box!

S2G Twisted Thursday Challenge

I decided to try my first company based challenge today. My fellow cardmaking friend Justine

designs for a company called Shirley's 2 Girls or S2G for short. This is my submission for their "Twisted Thursday" challenge. I copied the layout and add the "twist" of polk a dots as per the requirements. I apologize for the terrible pics. I was trying to capture the textured polk a dot background.

I also decided to give my few Copic Sketch markers a try on the tiny cupcakes. Didn't turn out like I wanted. I'm a novice at Copics so maybe with some more trial and error I'll get it right.

Supplies

Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes (SU)

Ink: Ranger Adirondak

Cardstock: Berry Sorbet, Lemon Tart, Stampers Select White, Summer Sunrise (All PTI)

Ribbon: PTI

Copic Markers

2 Weeks Left!

That's right, there are just 2 weeks left to take advantage of the awesome $85 Mini Starter Kit! If you decided SU isn't for you, you get to keep your kit. No strings attached. How easy is that?!

Enjoy a 20% discount on your purchases (30% with your first order)
Additional income for you and your family
Preview products before the general public
Exclusive ideas
A monthly magazine for demos only
Plus, much more!

If any of the above has you excited (and why wouldn't it?) got to my website here click on the "Start Your Own Business" button on the top right corner. The password is: luv2stamp09

Back to School

The Paper Backpack

This is what I've been working on. I cannot take credit for the pattern/idea. I found it on SCS.

All Supplies Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Nursery Letters Jumbo Wheel

Cardstock: Brilliant Blue, Gable Green

Ink: Brilliant Blue

Accessories: 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, eyelets, Crop-a-dile, small star punch

Retired Simply Scrappin' Kit

I used the rectangle and circle stickers in the scrappin kit and used my star punch with them. Clever idea for those strange shaped stickers you have no use for.

Snip, Stamp, tape, pop, score. . .

These are sounds heard as I try to whip up a super cute project to show you guys. Excuse the long delay in postings. . .

SU August Promotions!

The theme for August Stampin' Up promotions is "Kids." Check out the new buttons on the Left to see the awesome "Growth Chart" that you can get (if you have girls you are going to LOVE this!) and the "Pirate Party" projects.

Also, if you purchase $35 worth of stamps in "Growing Up" section of the Idea Book & Catalog you get a set of buttons for FREE!

Christmas in July

This past weekend, a local radio station was playing Christmas music ALL weekend long. I was in my glory! Certainly made the 94 degree temps outside seem a bit more bearable.

Todays card was one that I made for a demo swap earlier this month. The rules were it had to feature a new Stampin' Up! stamp set.

Aren't these the cutest little snowmen with their little stick arms up in the air?!

They are from the Level 3 Hostess set "The More the Merrier"

This card also features the new "In-Colors"

Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Whisper White
Ribbon: Melon Mambo

Misc.: BigShot, Scallop Oval Punch, Top Note die, Backgrounds #1 Texturz Plate

Enjoy!

Finally a Card Post!

It's the season of Weddings, Babies, and Anniversaries it seems. . .

All Supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Pink Pirourette (retired, substitute with Pretty in Pink), Regal Rose

Misc.: 5/8" Satin Whisper White Ribbon, Pretties Kit, Big Shot, Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder

Final Stampin' Up! Deal of the Week!

The Heart to Heart Punch is this weeks "Deal of the Week." At just $10.95 (Reg. 15.95)! This is an awesome punch that we used in club and during a Stamp Camp this past winter. Don't let this deal pass you by. . .

Organizing-Punches

I love my Stampin' Up! punches! I also must admit that my collection has drastically grown. But it's okay because I use them. If I didn't, I'd have a problem. Now, if you are like me and have a bunch, how in the world are you supposed to store and organize these papercraft essentials? I had this very question a few years ago. I'd love to take credit for this idea, but I cannot. Not sure who started it because many do the same thing. Here is what I do (there are other ideas if you don't like this one). This is just a shoe organizer. I put it in front of my shelves for photo purposes, it normally hangs perfectly off to one side. Now I can see what I have and grab it when I need it :)

Organizing

As many of you know, my family recently made a major move from Sicily to Alabama. I've been unpacked for 2 weeks and am now faced with the daunting task of organizing. In theory I like to BE organized, but in reality I am NOT. Our 4th bedroom is massive. It could almost be one of those home theaters. Instead it is the play/computer/craft room. My corner was getting a little out of control with opened boxes as I tried to find something. My desk in storage was pretty much ruined, and I was planning on using it for the computer and getting my craft table back (computer is now on that).

Yesterday, I had an epiphany as I tried to figure out what to do about a desk. I could run out and buy one, but want to wait and see what comes out of the claim process. While thinking about this, I remembered in our garage sits 5 unfinished doors. Yes, you read right, doors. We re-did our last house and had planned on replacing the doors. Easier said than done. For some reason we did not yard sale them before we moved to Sicily and so now these doors, all 5, sit in our garage. I went and inspected them and realized they would fit in my cubby. Here is what I came up with for a desk. It fits right on top of my plastic drawers. Perfect size to stick a chair under too and long enough for me to spread out when I work on something. I still a work in progress but at least it's a start. So, if you need a work space. Look around your house and be creative with what you have. I bet you'll be surprised!

Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog! I'm so glad you are here. Over the months I've decided that I needed a place just for me to show some of my work. I realize that not everyone wishes to see my day-to-day life. If you do, you can check out my family blog.

I created this blog as a place to share my creative side. I hope to show my cards, scrapbook pages, and other crafty works here. My wish is that you will check back often to be inspired in your own crafty ventures.