Creating with Andrea

New Year-Use Your Stash Blog Hop

2012-01-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hello and Welcome to the next stop on the New Year-Use Your Stash Blog Hop!! If you just came from Heather, your are on the right track and on the second stop on the hop. If you are just starting here, you can keep on going forward and loop around.

In keeping with the "Use Your Stash" theme, I looked around my craft ~~disaster~~ room and found a lot of half-done projects. Oops! Half-done pages, cards, quilts. . . Last week I decided I really need to get back into scrapbooking. Not only for myself, but for my boys. I spent New Year's weekend at my parents house and was going through scrapbooks that my mom has made. Oh the memories! Holidays, summer vacations, birthdays. They were even more special because my grandpa passed away in August and there were many pictures of the 2 of us in those books. Scrapbooking is such an important link to our pasts. Where we came from and where we've been.

I feel like my whole craft area is a stash of unused stuff. Mostly pretty papers that I am too chicken to use because then I won't have them anymore. Crazy rationale, but that's what I tell myself. Tons of scrapbooking stuff for "when I find the time." I found a half done 12x12 page that looked really sad. After trying to salvage it, I understand why I pretty much abandoned scrapbooking and went to card making. Don't laugh, my scrapbooking skills stink! This is what I ended up with:

All supplies are from Stampin' Up! Most of the stamp sets used are retired. I used Bugs & Kisses, Crayon Alphabet, and Unfrogettable. I cut out the little frogs and found some googly eyes rolling around in a drawer-perfect! The other little bugs I stamped on whisper white and cut out. Much like my cards, I don't like a lot of "fluff and foof" on my pages. I get scared to add too much. So from my stash I used a half-done page and retired stamps :) I was hoping to use some of my pretty printed papers, but had nothing with bugs.

So what is in your stash that you need to use? Have you started anything and stopped half way? Leave a comment and let me know.

Thanks for stopping by! Your next stop along the hop will be with Kelly. She has a giveaway so make sure you visit.

New Year-Use Your Stash Blog Hop tomorrow!!!

2012-01-06T12:31:00.000-08:00

Yup, it's that time again for another Blog Hop! You know how it is, you go to a store and you see the most wonderful paper, accessory, stamp, etc. with the greatest of intentions. You get it home and it stays in the bag or actually finds a home on a shelf and collects dust. Well, it's a new year and time to dust off those gems!

Join me and my crafty friends tomorrow as we go through our stash use it! Make sure to hit all the blogs along the way and you might just win something :)

Fun Friday December Edition

2011-12-14T10:28:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Hope this finds you all well. The hustle and bustle of Christmas prep is going on at my house coupled with the everyday drama that comes with having 2 little boys. Over the weekend I thought I had 3 weeks left before Christmas, NOT 2. Now, we are down to 11 days. Yikes! My 14 month old got tubes in his ears this morning (hence drama). While he sleeps that off I thought I would take a moment to post last weeks cards.

Every month I host a cards class at my house called "Fun Friday." In January, I plan to hold 2 a month and a Saturday for those that work or that Friday day doesn't work out. This past Friday wrapped up the Christmas card making. I still haven't made my own cards this year. I might just use one of these.

I cheated and got the ideas from Splitcoast Stampers. I don't remember who did what to give credit.

Aren't they stunning? If I see a fabulous card I have to CASE it. No sense in reinventing the wheel.

Probably my favorite card is the white one. I am personally a fan of the simpler the better. I'm not into the grunge, aged, vintage, tons of bling. They are pretty, but not my style. So, if that's what you are looking for, it's not me.

Isn't the ornament neat?! Again, Splitcoast stampers. Look under resources and it is called a double ball ornament.

All projects used Stampin' Up! products.

One more fun thing I did. . .

These are just plain, white paper cocktail napkins. I took the small pine cone/branch stamp from the Lovely As a Tree set and stamped the napkins in each corner. Everyone was blown away and thought I bought them like that ;)

Blog Hop Winner!

2011-11-01T09:01:00.001-07:00

Thank you all for hopping along on my first blog hop over the weekend. I really appreciated it! As promised, there is a drawing and we have a winner! If I did this correctly, it looks like the winner is #2

BINGE CRAFTER!!

Congragulations!!! I used the Random.org widget to pick and I cannot for the life of me figure out how to integrate that into my post and actually prove that it picked #2. Any thoughts? So, for now it is stuck on the right side. It really did pick #2.

Ok, "Binge Crafter" (so funny since I know your "real" name) send me a message with your address and I will send you the Stampin' Up! Tree Trimmings set and some papers and bling to add to your collection.

Trick-or-Treat Blog Hop

2011-10-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the second stop on the blog hop! I am super excited about this, since it is my very first blog hop!! I hope it gets your creative juices flowing to create something fun in the coming days. The holidays are around the corner and there is no better time to start crafting!

You may have just stopped by Heather's page In keeping with our Trick-or-Treat theme, I thought I would do both. So, let's start with a TREAT (aka card) . . .

First, the supplies. I used the Stampin' Up! Jack of all Trades set-a must have for Halloween and Fall themed cards and pages. Assorted inks: So Saffron, Peach Parfait, Pumpkin Pie, Concord Crush, Old Olive and Chocolate Chip. Other accessories were Black Embossing powder, Versamark ink, 1/16" hole punch, circle punch, Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads and heat tool. Cardstock: Perfect Plum and Whisper White

What did I do with all this?

Voila!

First, I took my circle image pumpkin and inked it up in the Peach Parfait ink. Then I rolled the stamp in the Pumpkin Pie ink for the Rock n Roll technique. I did this 3 times giving me 3 pumpkins in a row. I did this a 4th time on a separtate sheet of Whisper White cardstock and cut it out. I placed Stampin' Dimensionals on the pack and placed this pumpkin over my middle pumpkin to give the 3-D effect. The face and hat were both heat embossed using black embossing powder.

The moon was done by punching a circle out of a post it note. I took the negative part and placed it in the top left corner and sponged with So Saffron to make a moon. The sky was sponged with Concord Crush and then I sponged some Old Olive at the bottom to look like grass.

Still needed a little something so I took the 1/16" hole punch and made 3 punches in the top right corner and placed the rhinestones. The card base is Perfect Plum cardstock.

And there you have it!

Now for the TREAT. . .

Leave a comment and become a follower of my blog and you will be entered to win some Stampin' Up! blog candy.

You have until Oct. 31!

Thanks for stopping by. Make sure you check out Kelly next. . .

Get a BigShot for Free

2011-10-04T07:38:00.000-07:00

From October 1-31st when you join the Stampin' Up! Family you can get a BigShot for Free! or $100 in free product-how awesome is that?! As a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator you can be a "Hobbiest" and just get a discount on your purchases or hold classes and worshops. It's really up to you. If a 20% disount sounds good. . . Plus, other perks along the way like previewing new minis and the Idea Book & Catalog before the general public as well as a subscription to Stampin' Success, the demonstrator magazine sounds good, then drop me a note and we can talk. I'd love to have you join me :)

The Holiday Mini is Here!!

2011-09-08T09:07:00.000-07:00

That's right. . . .it's that time of year again!

The Holiday Mini is officially live and I am excited to say it is my favorite mini! If you haven't received your copy, leave a comment or you can check it out on my website

Also, you can find my list of Fall Classes here. Check back often since I will be adding to the class list!

The New Catalog is Here!!!

2011-07-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

The 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog. . .

Isn't it beautiful?! I've had my hands on this for the past month (A demonstrator perk) and have lost count of how many times I have gone through it already! There is something for everyone in here. I cannot believe the amount of stunning new stamp sets. I can hardly wait to get my stuff and start playing. I still have a few copies on hand if you haven't received yours yet. Just leave a message and let me know.

Father's Day Card

2011-06-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

This is a Father's Day Card that I made a couple of weeks ago. One of my client's requested a card for her dad and this is what I whipped up. All products are from Stampin' Up! She loved the card sooooo much, that she wanted another!

Products:

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Messages, Sail Away (Summer Mini)

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Brocade Blue (retired), Very Vanilla

Nautical Expedition DSP (from Summer Mini)

Accessories: Build-a-Brad, 3/4" circle punch, Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, twine

You might also note that the picture is MUCH better than previous. My new camera finally arrived. I've done some experimenting. So loving the DSLR. Wish I had gotten one years ago.

Baby Announcement Bag Topper

2011-05-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems as though there is a baby boom again amongst my friends. Within the last year, many of them (including me) have given birth to our 2nd and 3rd babies. I just love seeing all the pictures! They are all one cuter than the next. My next few posts will be dedicated to baby themed items.

This past Friday some ladies from church came over to make 50 baby announcement bag toppers. They had done something similar in the past so it made it much easier to put it all together. This is what you will need:

All supplies are from Stampin' Up!

1. Top Note Die
2. Cardstock color of your choice (we used Pretty In Pink, Pink Pirouette and Whisper White)
3. Scallop Oval punch
4. Large oval punch
5. 1/4" white grosgrain ribbon
6. Early Espresso Classic Ink
7. Glue Dots
8. SNAIL adhesive
9. Big Shot die cutter
10. Small cello bags
11. Sticky Strip tape

I apologize for the horrible picture. My camera died last week and this was resized from my phone.

Directions

1. Take the Pretty in Pink cardstock with the Top Note die and run through Big Shot

2. Fold in half. Use a scoring blade to achieve a nice crease to fold.

3. Take the Pink Pirouette cardstock and punch with scallop oval

4. Take Early Espresso ink and stamp "it's a girl" onto Whisper white and punch using large oval punch

5. Make a bow with the ribbon and adhere using glue dot.

6. Layer and adhere ovals with SNAIL

7. Take the cello bag and fill with whatever you want and adhere topper to bag with the sticky strip (this part is not shown).

My client was going to type up the baby's stats on a label and stick to the back of the topper to give.

It took about 2 hours to make these with a 4 person assembly line. Not to bad considering we made 50.

Changes are coming. . .

2011-04-21T06:50:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone!

Not sure if anyone stops by here anymore since I haven't updated since NOVEMBER. Yikes! Guess I got a little side tracked with a new baby, holidays, etc. Well, the good news is that during this time I have been doing lots of thinking as to what the next step in my crafty pursuits should be. I think I have come up with some good ideas. Stay tuned, especially over the summer as I revamp the blog and hopefully become a blog that you will follow for ideas and inspiration :)

Join Stampin' Up! For 1/2 price!!

2010-11-17T11:41:00.000-08:00

All this could be yours for just $87.50! From now until November 30th you can become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for half-price. Regular price is $175.

Enjoy 30% off of your first order of $150 or more in your first 45 days
Save 20% on all orders after that
Pre-order from the Occassions and Sale-a-Bration mini
Stampin' Success monthly magazine
Access to Stampin' Connection, a special website for demos only
Much more!!

There's no penalty to drop and you keep the kit and everything you purchased at a discount! You'll enjoy full demonstrator privileges thru March 31, 2011. To remain active beyond March 31, 2011, $300 in product sales is required and just $300 each quarter after that.

To take advantage of this awesome opportunity go here and click on "Start your own business" in the top right of the page. Password: luv2stamp09

August Stamp Club Projects

2010-08-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

This past Friday was our monthly stamp club meeting. We had a wonderful time as always making some Halloween themed items. As you can see in the picture above, we made 2 cards and 1, 3-D item.

As a special surprise, the ladies brought some special treats for my upcoming birthday. Thanks! That really made my day.

Onto what you probably came to see are the supplies used in the above photo.

Card #1 (Left)

Stamps: Wicked Cool

Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Wicked Fun Specialty Designer Series Paper

Accessories: Black embossing powder, dimensionals, scallop oval punch, large oval punch, rhinestones, In-color markers

Card #2 (Right)

Stamps: Wicked Cool, Season of Friendship

Paper: Old Olive, Whisper White

Ink: Chocolate chip, Basic Black, Old olive, Pumpkin Pie

Heat embossing

Milk Carton

Sizzix BigShot Milk Carton die

Stamps: Wicked Cool

Paper: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: 1/8" Taffeta ribbon black

Next month we will be making some Thanksgiving/Fall items. Remember, if you are not part of the stamp club, you can always join us as a class. In September I will also be adding and extra class or 2 plus some product shares. Stay tuned!

Butterflies and flowers

2010-06-29T06:31:00.000-07:00

Good Tuesday to you! Today's card was originally made in Spring of 2009 for some workshops during the month of March. It is one of my favorites so I decided it would part of class this month. The ladies loved it!

I used the tall grass stamp from Inspired By Nature. The flowers and two-step butterfly are from the Flight of the Butterfly stamp set. The cardstock is Whisper White and Apricot Appeal (which is retiring). Inks used were Regal Rose, Pink Pirouette and Apricot Appeal. The Whisper White was cut with the Top Note die, my favorite! using the BigShot. If you do not have a BigShot you really do need one. It is so awesome! Anyway, I also used the Butterfly Punch and popped the butterfly up on some dimensionals. For a bit of bling I added the Certainly Celery Brads.

Thanks for stopping by!

Yummy Ice Cream!

2010-06-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

I'm back! In April I officially started my stamp classes again and I have a club ready to start in July, I am so excited! I have many cards to show you from classes and swaps. I hope you will come back often and be inspired.

Today's card is a birthday card which I CASed (copied in the stamp world). I am not sure who I "borrowed" the idea from, but thank you to whoever it was :) We made this card last month during the card ministry I started at church and at my June class. Enjoy!

The Details:

Stamps Sweet Scoops (Summer Mini)

Cardstock Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa

Ink Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, Cloe to Cocoa

Stamp Class Tomorrow!

2010-04-29T06:52:00.000-07:00

Hello dear readers! Just wanted to let you know that tomorrow is a Card Class day! Check out my website for the details and let me know if you can come.

I am so excited to get my stamp classes going again. I will post the projects by the weekend so you can see the projects.

Stay tuned. . .

Color Renovation

2010-04-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

Recently, Stampin' Up! announced that they will be renovating the current colors. What does this mean? Well, some old favorites will be retiring and new colors will be added. The changes will streamline the color line and keep up with the latest color trends. I am really excited about the changes AND even more excited that some of my favorite In-Colors from years past will be integrated into the new core line!

If you see a favorite that is on the list to retire, make sure you contact me and stock up now.

Retiring Colors: Pink Passion, Pixie Pink, Pale Plum, Orchid Opulence, Lovely Lilac, Lavendar Lace, Almost Amethyst, Bordering Blue, Brocade Blue, Ballet Blue, Brilliant Blue, Taken with Teal, Glorious Green, Handsome Hunter, Sage Shadow, Mellow Moss, Green Galore, Gable Green, Barely Banana, Yoyo Yellow, Summer Sun, Apricot Appeal, Only Orange, Really Rust, Ruby Red, Cameo Coral, Blush Blossom (marker will stay), Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, and Going Gray

Now after all of that you are probably wondering what the new line up will look like? Well, I have that covered for you also.

The collections will be called: Brights, Neutrals, Regals and Subtles

5 Brand NEW COLORS :

Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze and Early Espresso

10 RETURNING IN COLORS :

Baja Breeze, Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette, Rich Razzleberry, Riding Hood Red, River Rock, Soft Suede, Tangerine Tango and Wild Wasabi

Stock up by June 30th, because as of July 1st, the new line will go into effect!!!!

Contact me to place your order

Valentine's Day Cards

2010-01-31T20:57:00.000-08:00

This coming Saturday I am teaching a class at a LSS (local scrapbook store). I'm very excited! The theme is Valentine's cards in keeping with the upcoming holiday.

This is one of 3 we will be making:

All supplies are from Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, I {heart} Hearts

Ink: Rich Razzleberry

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Rich Razzleberry, Pale Plum

Etc: Eyelet boarder punch, Modern label punch, Vintage brads, 1/16" circle punch

By the way, the heart stamp used in this card is from the set that Stampin' Up! is donating $2 of each set purchased towards the Haitian Relief.

Thanks for visiting!

Military Cards

2010-01-26T13:45:00.000-08:00

Hi friends! I know it's been awhile but as you can see, I'm trying to get back into the swing of things. I don't know about you, but for me, stamping and crafting is my "me" time. Time for me to forget about everything else and be creative.

My church is getting ready for their annual mission weekend where they have speakers from local and global missions and ways for the congregation to get involved with such work. One of the projects for the weekend is to make cards for deployed military. For some reason, when the masses think of "deployed military" they always go on about "soldiers." Well, if you ask a "sailor" if they are a "soldier," look out! Being a Navy wife I guess I think about these things. So, for deployed soldiers AND sailors we are making cards. I volunteered to help when I heard about this card making mission. I picked up the supplies at the church this morning and played around with my personal stash and have come up with the following. I just hope those in heading up this project like them.

Stamps: Define Your Life, Thoughts and Prayers
Ink: Night of Navy, Real Red
Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White, Night of Navy
Misc: Crushed Curry polka dot ribbon, scallop oval punch, large and small star punch, real red 1/4" grosgrain, real red striped grosgrain, Sizzix Stampin' Up! Timeless Type Junior Alphabet

What an awesome company!

2010-01-25T09:14:00.000-08:00

The devestation is Haiti is unimaginable. We have all been touched in someway over the past 2 weeks as we watch the new reports coming from the area. In an effort to help the victims, Stampin' Up! is doing the following:

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. To help make a difference in the lives of those who continue to suffer from the effects of this devastating earthquake, Stampin′ Up! will set aside $2 from the sale of every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set and donate it to the American Red Cross.

Help to make a difference. Order your I {Heart} Hearts stamp set today!

This is one my favorite sets in the Occassions Mini! I know you will love it too and the fact that you are helping the earthquake victims. This set is available in traditional wood block ($26.95)or the new clear mounts ($18.95). If you would like to order this set, please contact me or place your order at
http://andreaclayton.stampinup.net/ and know that you are making a difference!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-14T07:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-14T07:33:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-10-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-24T12:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-12T12:34:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-08-11T14:22:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

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. . .

2009-08-09T13:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-28T14:14:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-07-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-21T09:18:00.001-07:00

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.