I'm here with QUICK SUMMER HOLIDAY CARDS!

Hey, y'all! Sorry it's later than usual; Mom wanted to go shopping this morning, and who can say no to that?? :D

SO. Here are two cards from my Quick Summer Holiday Card Class; the Father's Day card is all retired stamps, but you could use the layout if you don't have the stamp sets! (Yet another great reason to make sure - when the Retired List comes out in June - that you get what you want before you can't ever again!!!!)

So, on to the show!

Card Stock: Brocade Blue, Whisper White, Apricot Appeal

Inks: Basic Brown, Brocade Blue, asst. Stampin' Write Markers

Stamp Sets: Summer By the Sea, More Great Greetings

Accessories: Designer Label Punch

You really can't get much easier than this card. :) To do the background - which I LOVE to do, so simple and such a great trick!! - just lay your card stock flat on your scrap paper. Pick up the stamp pad, and hold upside-down, but flat. Drag lightly across the card stock. Seriously, LIGHTLY. Don't put any pressure on it, unless it needs to be re-inked! :)

Another easy one! :D Here we go!

Card Stocks: Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery, Barely Banana

Inks: Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery, Whisper White and Summer Sun Craft, Summer Sun Stampin' Write Marker

Stamp Sets: Three Little Words, Fifth Avenue Floral, Defining Alpha, Boho Backgrounds, Itty Bitty Backgrounds

Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note die, embossing buddy, heat tool, dimensionals, paper snips

So, there you go! Hope you are inspired to GO AND STAMP SOMETHING!! :D The last two cards from that class will be your tomorrow cards - MAY 1 already?!?!? Where's the year gone! :D BE BLESSED!!!

Happy WEDNESDAY!

:D Are you having a good day?? I'm listening to O HAPPY DAY - there's no way to stay grumpy when that song's on. :D

Anyway. LOL! On to stamping business! Don't worry: I have NOT forgotten about the video I promised for the Top Note purse; I had technical difficulties last week, but I'm HOPING to do it this week. I've got everything READY; it's difficult to find time when it's QUIET enough in the house!! :D But I'm hoping the beginning of the week will have that one up for you! :)

I got a few new toys last week; you've already seen the FIFTH AVENUE FLORAL stamp at work, but here is the first card I did when I pulled it out of the box!

Some of you know that white, red, and black were our wedding colors - I've always liked the combination! :D Super-simple, clean lines, embossed - this card is ME. :D

Card stock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Real Red

Ink: White craft

Stamp set: Fifth Avenue Floral

Accessories: embossing buddy, white embossing powder, heat tool

:D See? There couldn't be much simpler - but I think it makes a grand statement. :)

Here's another new toy I got! :D

I just HAD to have this stamp set from the Occasions Mini; it's got this deer stamp, which I think looks like Bambi, and also a rabbit stamp that looks like Thumper. Even if we NEVER use them in class, I wanted it PERSONALLY. I hardly ever make decisions like that - but here I did. March was a VERY busy month, and I worked HARD - so decided a treat was in order. :D

I don't know if you can tell, but I took the white punch and ran the edge through some Encore gold metallic ink, then embossed it with gold powder. It makes a MESS if you're not careful, but I like it! :D

Card stocks: Really Rust, Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, Whisper White

Inks: Creamy Caramel, Really Rust Craft, Chocolate Chip and Garden Green Stampin' Write Markers, Encore Gold Metallic

Stamp sets: Forest Friends, Really Retro

Accessories: Embossing Buddy, heat tool, clear embossing powder, gold embossing powder, dimensionals

Ok, everyone, I'm off! :D I have a LOT of designing to get done - AUGH!!!!!!!!!!!! And church and errands tonight - oh, if I don't stop thinking about it and start working on it, I'm gonna go CRAZY. :D

Have a WONDERFUL day!!! And don't forget! TAKE THE TIME TO STAMP SOMETHING!!!!!!

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a great day yesterday was!! I found LOTS of new friends - or should I say, they found ME! :) I hope some of you will stick around - we have a lot of fun here. :D The winner of the "poll" of sorts was, hands-down, the small 3"x3" card! Everyone loved how simple but elegant it was with the embossing from the Texturz plates and the brushed silver card stock. I think one of the things that makes that one SO great is that you can throw them together SO quickly!!! :)

Edit: We've been requested to remove the links that took you around to the next blog, so I've done so - if you missed it, I'm sorry!!! We're going to be doing another tour on MAY 15; be sure and get on the bus again then - you won't want to miss it!!!!!!

I will announce the winner of the blog candy at the end of this post; she will have until 9:00 a.m. CENTRAL TIME tomorrow to get back to me! :)

First, a couple more samples that are EASY cards - and REAL wows, IMVHO. :D

Easy, easy. I have always loved pink, white, and gray together. :D Remember: if you need ANY further help on how to do something, just ask me!! :)

Card stocks: Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Basic Black

Ink: White craft

Stamp set: Oval All

Accessories: Large oval punch, scallop oval punch, eyelet border punch, dimensionals, heat tool, embossing buddy, white embossing powder

I have to tell you again, I love my punches and my Big Shot - they make it SO easy to make a terrific card without having to ink up more than one or two stamps! :D

OK. Second one!

This one was a card we did last night for my SUMMER HOLIDAY QUICK CARD CLASS. Talk about super-simple!! I just love this card. :D

Card stock: Whisper White, Basic Black

Inks: Basic Black and Whisper White craft pads - BOTH ARE CRAFT!

Stamp sets: Oval All, Fifth Avenue Floral

Accessories: Large oval punch, scallop oval punch, black and white embossing powders, heat tool, embossing buddy, dimensionals.

Seriously. I don't think you could get much easier - and classy! :)

OK. Now, the moment you've all been waiting for!!!! The winner, chosen by using random.org, of the surprise blog candy is:

Mary Davis said...
I really can't choose because I love them all. Great Job Lori. Thanks for the tour.

Thanks, Mary! You have until 9 a.m. Central time on April 29 to email me at poohisstampin@aol.com! :D CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

That's it for today, dear friends! Thank you SO MUCH for all the great comments you left me yesterday!!!! I hope you'll continue to let me "feel the luv!!" :D

Have a WONDERFUL day - and please, TAKE THE TIME TO STAMP SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's BLOG TOUR TIME!!!!

WELCOME to TOUR #2, STOP #6!

Hi! My name is Lori, and I'm SO glad to meet you! If you've already been on the tour for a few stops, I'm thrilled that you've stopped here, too! If you're just getting on the Blog Tour here, I KNOW you're going to have a lot of fun!!! There is blog candy, explained after the samples - as well as the next stop on the Blog Tour!! If you want to see the cards bigger, just click on any picture!

My feature from the Occasions Mini Catalog is the Oval All stamp set and the scallop oval punch. This is a GREAT set and punch - I'm having SO much fun with it!

Before we get to the show, I'd like to remind you that you have a GREAT opportunity right now with the GET CONNECTED special! For every $40 from the Occasions Mini Catalog you purchase, you may choose one free item from the "Under $10" Page in the Idea Book & Catalog FREE!! They're listed here for your convenience. :)

Item Description Retail Price
116209 Note of Thanks Mini Note Kit $9.95
116210 Birthdays Count Mini Note Kit $9.95
114494 Forever single stamp $5.95
114492 Beautiful Baby single stamp $7.95
114486 Birthday Wish single stamp $6.95
114490 Glad Friends single stamp $5.95
114498 Flowers in Silhouette single stamp $7.95
114496 Celebrations single stamp $7.95
114484 Elegant Thank You single stamp $6.95
114552* Gracias single stamp $5.95
114488 Fun Flowers single stamp $5.95

Now, ON WITH THE SHOW! We'll start with a simple card, and work our way up. I'll do basic recipes; things should be pretty self-explanatory, but if you have ANY questions, please don't hesitate to ask me!

Stamp sets: OVAL ALL, Boho Backgrounds

Card stocks: Whisper White, Basic Black, Brilliant Blue, Green Galore, Summer Sun, Real Red

Inks: Basic Black, Brilliant Blue, Green Galore, Summer Sun, Real Red

Accessories: Scallop oval punch, corner rounder, large oval punch, dimensionals

There are lots of potential color combos for this easy card! It reminds me of a circus. :D

The next card takes it a little further. To do the centers of the background flowers, I mixed some Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, and Certainly Celery re-inker. That's also the dots on the oval scallop punch! For the flower on the oval punch, I stamped it twice - once in Pixie Pink, the next in Pretty in Pink, and cut them out. I curled the edges with my fingernail, and sponged the edges a bit. Then, they're put on top of the oval punch with dimensionals, and I used a little bit of Crystal Effects on the edges of them and on a few little places in the rest of the stamp; I smeared some CE over the words, and poured Dazzling Diamonds glitter all over it. It's SOOOOOO sparkly!

Stamp sets: OVAL ALL, Simple Friendship

Card stocks: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink

Inks: Pretty in Pink, Pixie Pink, Certain Celery

Accessories: Scallop oval punch, Crystal Effects, Certainly Celery re-inker, sponge, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Pretty in Pink grosgrain ribbon, large oval punch, ticket corner punch, dimensionals

This one is actually really simple! It's a 3"x3" card - great for putting on a gift! It uses one of my all-time favorite tools, the Big Shot! :)

Stamp set: OVAL ALL

Card stocks: Whisper White, brushed silver

Inks: Encore silver metallic

Accessories: Scallop oval punch, Big Shot, Stampin' Up!® exclusive Texturz Plates, large oval punch, silver embossing powder, embossing buddy, dimensionals, Mini square envelopes

This is the last sample for today - but come back tomorrow, and I'll show you at least two more! :) I've had a great time playing with this stamp set and punch - it's really versatile, and super simple to use!

ANYWAY. :) The rose and smaller flowers and leaves are cut from Bella Rose Designer Series Paper, and I cut the interior sections and stacked them with dimensionals. Again, I curled and inked the edges. I used a 2-Way Glue Pen to place the glitter exactly where I wanted it. :)

I am NOT a good ribbon-gatherer; this is the first time I've tried on a card, and anyone who comes to my classes KNOWS I'm not good with anything that needs to be STRAIGHT. :D But I really like it on this card!

Stamp set: OVAL ALL

Card stocks: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery

Ink: Rose Red

Accessories: Scallop oval punch, eyelet border punch, Bella Rose Designer Series Paper, large oval punch, 2-way glue pen, Pretty in Pink grosgrain ribbon

I hope you've enjoyed the samples today!!! To enter to win my blog candy (a surprise package!), just leave a comment telling me which one you liked the best and why! :) AND how to get ahold of you!!!

Your next stop on the Blog Tour is LINK REMOVED! It's a GREAT stop on the tour - you'll love her style. She has wonderful ideas to show you!

Have a WONDERFUL time - and enjoy sightseeing on the rest of the tour!

Monday's Tour!!

Welcome to TOUR #2, Stop #6!!!!!!

The next stop on the tour will be LINK REMOVED

BRANCH OUT, take two! :D

Good FRIDAY morning!!! It's beautiful here again - and so warm, the A/C is on. I enjoy being nice and cool, watching out my window. :)

Don't forget MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ANYWAY. Yesterday's post coved the spring and summer cards for this set; today is fall, winter, and "everyday". Again, stipple brushes were used on each one for the background or the snow! :D Enjoy - and let me know if you'd like to order this set!!!

Card stocks: Creamy Caramel, Whisper White, Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip

Inks: Ruby Red, Encore Gold Metallic, Creamy Caramel, Garden Green, Bashful Blue, Basic Brown

OTHER stamp set: Three Little Words

Accessories: Stamp-a-ma-jig, embossing buddy, heat tool, gold embossing powder

I really like this card; it's very soothing to me!

Card stock: Sahara Sand, Real Red, Basic Black, Bashful Blue

Inks: Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White Craft

Accessories: white embossing powder, heat tool

You KNOW this is my favorite, right? :) I love snow, and this one is just so serene....

:D See how sneaky I am? Do you see one of my favorite toys at work here??? :D

Card stock: Whisper White, Creamy Caramel, More Mustard, Ruby Red

Inks: Basic Brown, Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Garden Green, More Mustard

Additional Stamp Set: Boho Backgrounds

Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Envelope Die, Window Sheets, Bordering Blue Stampin' Write Marker, dimensionals

And that, as they say, is that! :D I hope you enjoyed getting some more ideas for this great stamp set. Now, enjoy your weekend - and take the time to STAMP something!!

It's THURSDAY!!!

What a beautiful day it is already here! I'm very sad to see most of the tulips gone, but the ROSES are about to begin. Can you believe it?!?!?

And MONDAY creeps closer and closer! The BLOG HOP is coming up SOON - and I believe I'm going to be offering more BLOG CANDY on Monday - and I think a lot of people along the way will be, too. It starts at 7 a.m., so figure out when you'll have some time to go hopping! Twenty stops, with lots to look at - I KNOW you're excited! :D

So, I promised that we'd do, today and tomorrow, BRANCH OUT samples! I had SO much fun designing for this class! I did one spring, one summer, one fall, one winter, and one kind of everyday. And that's the order I'm going to post them in. :) So, here we go!!

Here's a hint for this set: Keep the backing off the large piece of rubber you take the stamps from. You'll see why, especially in summer - it makes a great "stencil" of sorts. I used it on this one, too, to make sure the "flowers" on the tree didn't go all over the sky! The "flowers" are the snowflake stamp in the set!!! I LOVE coming up with an out-of-the-box idea all by myself. LOL!

The background is the Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel, Watercolor Vine - we did it in Versamark, then embossed it with clear embossing powder.

Card stocks: Certainly Celery, Pixie Pink, Whisper White

Inks: Real Red, Certainly Celery, Pixie Pink, Basic Brown, Bashful Blue

Accessories: Stipple brushes, dimensionals

I just love this set. It's SO easy to come up with fun cards! :) And you can see the "stencil" effect on the tree much easier on this card; it's a stipple brush and Garden Green ink!

Card stocks: Very Vanilla, Only Orange, Bashful Blue, Basic Black

Inks: Garden Green, Basic Black, Bashful Blue, Only Orange

Accessories: Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, Stampin' Up! Exclusive Texturz Plates, Big Shot

Don't forget to come back tomorrow to see the last three designs! I hope you have a wonderful day - and that you take the time to STAMP SOMETHING!!!!!

Scrapbook Layouts

Hi, everyone! Happy Wednesday! :) It's beautiful here, finally - sunny, mid-60s. The tulips are waning, but Mom brought in a huge handful today, and I made a beautiful bouquet for the kitchen table. I love flowers! :)

ANYWAY. Here's this week's plan at this time - subject to change, yaddayadda. :D Today I'll show you the other three 6x6 layouts; tomorrow, you'll get two of the cards from the BRANCH OUT class from last week, and Friday you'll get the last three. MONDAY WILL BE THE BIG BLOG HOP!!!!!!!!!!!! It's going to be SO much fun, be SURE you don't miss it!!!!! There will be TWENTY stops, one for each item/stamp set in the Occasions Mini!! Mine is the OVAL ALL/scallop oval punch, and I can't wait to show you what I've come up with!! :)

OK. On with the show!!

This first one reminds me of my stepdaughter, Kaisa, for some reason. :) I think because it's got clean lines, a touch of nature, and green! :)

Designer series paper is from WALK IN THE PARK, from the Occasions Mini. Card stock is Kiwi Kiss and Chocolate Chip. I rubbed the back of the clear buttons on a Timber Brown Stazon ink pad, and used glue dots to adhere them. The mats are distressed with the distressing tool from the Cutter Kit.

I'm not quite sure how I feel about this one, but it's unique, anyway - and I don't know why my scanner picked up the white correctly on the left side and not on the right! AUGH!!!

Card stocks are Sahara Sand, Orchid Opulence, and Whisper White. Inks are Whisper White Craft and Orchid Opulence. Accessories are the Big Shot, Top Note Die, Curly Label Punch, and 5-Petal Flower Punch, along with a couple of ice rhinestone brads, a sponge, and some dimensionals.

Isn't it cute? :) That's Lavender Lace on the bottom, with the wheel from the Occasions Mini called EGG HUNT in Lovely Lilac. The mats are also Lovely Lilac; the punches are Creamy Caramel, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, and Pretty in Pink. We used the following punches: round tab, small oval, large oval, wide oval, 1-3/8" circle. And a Basic Black and Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write Markers to make the bunny's face. Isn't he cute?? :D

OK. I'm off to work on Monday's projects some more! I hope you have a WONDERFUL day - and take the time to STAMP something!!! :)

Sorry, technical difficulties!!

It's going to be a bit longer before the video hits the netwaves, I'm sad to say. Trust me, I want it done and up!!!!

Anyway. Kenn and I are on our way out the door to actually go see a movie together, so I'm going to put up the two cards we did Sunday at Kim's party! They're simple, easy cards! :) Have fun!


Card Stock: Whisper White, Riding Hood Red

Inks: Whisper White Craft, Riding Hood Red

Stamp Sets: Sock Monkey, Cute & Curly

Accessories: Big Shot, Riding Hood Red Designer Series Paper, Curly Label Punch, Embossing Buddy, Heat Tool, Scallop Circle Die, Dimensionals, Small Oval Punch





How SUPER easy is this????












Card Stocks: Whisper White, Glossy White, Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss

Inks: Stazon Jet Black, Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss

Stamp Sets: Oval All (Occasions Mini!!), Heartfelt Thanks

Accessories: Eyelet edge punch, sponge, white crayon (wax resist technique), scallop oval punch, large oval punch, dimensionals

There you go! :) Have a wonderful day!!!!!!!

BLOG CANDY WINNER!!

I'm working hard to get the video up for the Top Note purse tutorial; I think it SHOULD be up tonight. But in the meantime, I wanted to let you know who wins the Blog Candy!

All entries were assigned a number, and, with the assistance of Random.org, the winning number was drawn. Here is the winning entry:

Lori, I thought that I already left a comment, but I don't see it. I would love to win one of these for the second granddaughter. Thanks for your cool ideas!
Mary Nau

Mary is my neighbor, and will be here tomorrow night for a class! Congratulations, Mary!!! :) I'll give you the components while you're here tomorrow night! :D

Blog Candy Drawing POSTPONED!!!

OK, everyone, I'm going to be SUPER busy this weekend. SO, I'm going to give you until MIDNIGHT SUNDAY to enter the drawing. Just CLICK HERE TO ENTER!!!

Welcome to FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, my friend/customer got sick yesterday, so we didn't scrapbook together. But I AM going to show you one project that she'll be making eventually, and a card that coordinates. :)

First, the scrapbook layout - remember, this is a 6x6 layout! (Sorry the scanner bed isn't big enough to go from end to end.... :::sigh::::)

Isn't this ADORABLE??? :D If I do say so myself....

Remember that Blog Hop that's coming up on the 27th? My products from the Occasions Mini are the scallop oval punch and the coordinating stamp set, OVAL ALL. I've already got THREE awesome samples done for that day, and a couple more that I'll probably do the NEXT day, too - so be SURE to come back and get on board for all 20 stops!!!

ANYWAY. All that to say that the scallop oval punch is a super-cute punch. The large oval punch fits PERFECTLY on as the top layer; the wide oval punch can be layered underneath it, if you want!

Here's your recipe!

Card Stocks: More Mustard, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip

Inks: Basic Brown, More Mustard

Stamp Set: Just Buzzin' By

Accessories: Bordering Blue and More Mustard Stampin' Write Markers, Large oval punch, Scallop oval punch, Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper (Occasions Mini), Big Shot (I haven't said it in a LONG time, so here I go! :D I LOVE MY BIG SHOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!), Natural Serif Die, 2-way glue pen.

And that's all for the FIRST project! :D Here's the card....

I made this for a fellow demonstrator's mom who broke her arm. Inside is the "get well soon" stamp from SINCERE SALUTATIONS. I just love the way this came together! :D

Card stocks: More Mustard, Naturals Ivory, Old Olive

Inks: More Mustard, Old Olive, White craft

Stamp Set: Just Buzzin' By

Accessories: Scallop oval punch, white embossing powder, sponge, embossing buddy, heat tool, dimensionals

I haven't used this set as much as I should; it's REALLY quite cute! I really like the bees! :D

OK. I'm off to work some more. I THINK I'll be making the Top Note purse tutorial this weekend - we'll see! :) I'll try to fit it in, so check back on Monday!!! I still have three scrapbook layouts to show you, plus a BRANCH OUT class on Saturday, and at least one or two projects from a party this weekend! SO much to show you, you won't want to miss it!

To order your JUST BUZZIN' BY stamp set, CLICK HERE and click on the SHOP NOW button at the top!!! Then go STAMP SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!! :) Have a WONDERFUL weekend!

Where did Wednesday go?!??!

OK. Not really. :D But every time I've picked up a stamp with the intention of designing something JUST to show you here, I end up designing something for a future class or for the Blog Hop on the 27th!!!!

It happened AGAIN today - but I decided not to fight it, but to design something ELSE, in the hopes that I could come up with something for you. And I DID IT!! :D

So, the rooster's been a topic I've been talking to a fellow demo about. :D I DO like him - but he goes against my style, if you notice the rest of the stamps I usually use. I step outside my comfort zone when I use him - but I always get great comments on anything with him! :) As a matter of fact, I made sure to get an extra Level 2 Hostess Only Rustic Rooster as a prize for my Hostess Appreciation Luncheon in October! :)

ANYWAY. Today's card also shows you something else I don't use too often - buttons. (They look more evenly spaced in real life, I HOPE....) I put on praise and worship music, and was dancing around the studio while I made this card. :D

Card Stocks: Very Vanilla, Bravo Burgandy, Always Artichoke, So Saffron

Stamp Set: Rustic Rooster

Inks: So Saffron, Always Artichoke

Accessories: Stampin' Write Markers in the following colors - Always Artichoke, Pumpkin Pie, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Basic Black, Bravo Burgundy; Fresh Favorites II buttons, mini glue dots

I'd love to hear what you think of him! :) Now, go STAMP SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Good Tuesday! :)

Hey! Have you forgotten about the BLOG CANDY?!?!??! You MUST leave a comment ON THIS POST in order to be entered!!!

This is just a card I threw together a month ago; it's SUPER easy, and if you didn't want to get your stamps and ink out, you wouldn't have to! Why? Why, because it's a BIG SHOT CARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

And I happen to think it's pretty cute. :D The "icing" is a Pretty in Pink scallop circle diecut, cut in half, and run through the Big Shot again with a Texturz plates - the exclusively Stampin' Up! ones, of course. :) The bottom is a piece of Whisper White I cut with flared sides, like a cupcake would be :D, and ran through my crimper. I DID sponge a LITTLE Going Gray onto the ridges, but it definitely would be fine without it. The saying is from A LITTLE BIRTHDAY GREETING.

SEE?!? Super easy, and just one of MANY things you can do with your Big Shot!!! :D Now, go enter the BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY, and then go STAMP something!

Pack your bags!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mark April 27th on your calendars!

That's the date when you can hop onto my blog to see more examples of projects made with the Occasions Mini Catalog stamp set "Oval All" and the scallop oval punch!

But wait, there's more!

After you browse my examples, you'll find a link to my friend Frances Hicks's blog. She'll be showing you how to use the beautiful designer series paper "Walk in the Park" from the Occasions Mini Catalog!

But wait, there's even more!

On Frances's blog, you'll find a link to yet another blog and examples from a different stamp set in the mini! There will be a banquet of ideas and beautiful projects. There are 20 stops on this tour, and you won't want to miss a single one. The links will be available only on April 27th, so please don't miss the bus.

But wait! Yes, you guessed it, there's more!

Because Stampin' Up!'s "Getting Connected" promotion will still be running, spend $40 on Occasions Mini Catalog products and choose any one item from the "Under $10" on page 208 in the Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog for Free.

Stay tuned, because there is more to come! It's an event not to be missed! This tour will take you all over the place! Be sure to hop on at my stop and then travel the road laid out for you!

More surprises to come, so keep checking back!

Pack your bags on April 27th! You're going to love the trip, and you won't even have to leave your couch.

Just so you know...

This is my mindset, whether I could put it into words or not before! :D

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

~ Winston Churchill

I hope you will pass it on! :) I love teaching; one of my favorite things to hear at my classes is, "That is SO pretty! And *I* did it!" :) That's what I want you to FEEL about my projects, my friend; there are lots of blogs out there that I see what they're posting and think, "That's BEAUTIFUL, but it would take me forever. And I'm not so sure it would turn out OK." I want you to find things on my blog that are easy to CASE (Copy And Steal Everything!), or that inspire you to make something else. It's all about being able to bless other people with what we create! :)

Speaking of which: I'm sorry I didn't think to share this one before Easter, but you can get a head start on next. :D This is made with a mini KitKat bar!

Isn't he CUTE?!?!? I can't share the technique we used to do the paper; it's from TECHNIQUE JUNKIES, called Faux Felt, and it's an awesome, EASY technique - tell Pat I sent you, if you join her! :) You could use designer paper, or regular card stock - if you use regular card stock, you'll need to roll it around your fingers a little, to make it less stiff.

Card stocks: So Saffron, Whisper White, Basic Black, Only Orange

Ink: So Saffron (sponged on eyelids), white gel pen

NO STAMPS!

Accessories: PAPER SNIPS (LOL!), sponge, 1/2" circle punch, wide oval punch, scallop circle punch, 3/4" square punch (retired), 1/4" circle punch

His feet are 1/2 of a scallop circle, trimmed so he has three toes - don't make his ankles too thick! :D His beak is a square; fold in half on a diagonal, then fold in the side points to keep his beak open. His wings are one wide oval punch, cut in half; his hair is 1/3 of a wide oval punch, cut down with scissors. His eyes are pretty self-explanatory! :)

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me! I'm going to post another post today about something exciting coming up, and I'll be working on a tutorial for the purses y'all have asked me for. :)

Have a WONDERFUL day!!! STAMP something, will ya? :D Make me feel like I'm doing my job! :D

Happy FRIDAY!!!!

It's Good Friday; Happy Resurrection Sunday early, everyone!! REJOICE! He is not dead, HE IS RISEN!!!!!!

So, last night I had the pleasure of meeting Diana from Romania - pronounced Deeahnnah. :) She and her husband (who's from the US) are visiting his mom right now, getting things they can't get in Romania, for their work. They work with girls who get out of the orphanages and have no place to go; they give them a sense of family, of belonging, so that they don't go get into trouble. Romania is a troubled place for children, and Diana and her husband are helping to break that cycle! It's an exciting work, one that is SO necessary! And times are hard for them, as well as the rest of the world; Diana is learning about new crafts, so that hopefully she can teach the girls and they can sell their works to help support themselves.

So my friend Hillary brought Diana over last night to learn a little more about card making. We did a private class, then I showed Diana a few other little tricks, and she looked at a few of my samples - and she left with some things I hope she can use, as well as four years' worth of old Idea Books, so she can get ideas without having to go too far to find them. :)

I wanted to share the three new projects we did with you; two of them have been posted recently, but I think three new ones to show you will make you happy. :D

Since these are easy cards, I'm just going to give you the recipe; if you need further directions, please don't hesitate to ask me!!!!

Card Stock: Whisper White, Brocade Blue

Stamp Set: Sincere Salutations

Ink: Whisper White

Accessories: sponge, white embossing powder, square scallop punch, dimensionals, Level 1 Hostess Paper Pack 2

Second Card!

Card stocks: Pacific Point, Glossy White, Old Olive

Stamp Sets: Sweet Stems, Sock Monkey

Inks: Pacific Point, Old Olive, Real Red, Stazon Jet Black

Accessories: Curly Label Punch, Small and Large Oval Punches, Big Shot, Top Note die, dimensionals, blender pen

Third Card!

Card Stocks: Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Red

Stamp Set: Boho Backgrounds

Inks: Versamark, Real Red

Accessories: Black embossing powder, heat gun, scallop circle punch, 1-3/4" circle punch, dimensionals

Weren't those SUPER easy???? It was a LOT of fun; Diana is a very conscientious stamper, as are most of us when we start. :D I think we're going to do a party when she comes back in the fall as a fundraiser/earn freebies for Romania! If you'd be interested in helping support that effort when it happens, please EMAIL ME! She wants to make sure it's something the girls are going to be interested in doing before she invests a LOT into it, but I have a feeling she will be really looking forward to getting some more things for them to use! They'll be back in the fall, as I said, and I can't wait - I can't think of a better way to be involved in their mission than to do all I can to give them tools to support themselves with! :) (And stamping is a FUN way to make a living! LOL!)

OK, I'm off to enjoy my weekend! Be BLESSED, dear reader. I'm so glad you're with me!!! :) By the way, be sure to STAMP SOMETHING for that Easter basket! :D If you can't think of anything, shame on you - look at all the BUNNIES I've shown you! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

BLOG CANDY!

Good morning! It's another beautiful day here in middle Tennessee - the sun is shining, the tulips are swaying in the breeze, and the birds are flitting between the feeders in the back yard.

Today is BLOG CANDY DAY!!!! From now until APRIL 17, you may leave a comment on this post - tell me something nice about my blog :D - and I'll randomly draw from the comments.

What's the prize? It's a kit to do one of these cute purses! It will be in Pacific Point and Whisper White; everything will be cut for you, you'll just have to assemble. :) (My design was inspired by the incredible Gretchen Barron!)

They're really fun, and quite sturdy; the closure is currently Velcro, but I have a specialist (Thanks, Becky!) working on a new one. :) These purses are done in Apricot Appeal and Regal Rose; you'll get all nine cuts plus all the hardware and ribbon to make your very own!

Now, get busy and leave me a comment - then go STAMP something! :) Have a wonderful day!!!!

Another Easter Project!

Good Wednesday morning - well, it's barely still morning, but I'm counting it. :D

Aren't these ADORABLE? I got the template from Kimberley Morris's blog, HERE. Obviously, I didn't stamp ANYTHING on these cute Tic Tac boxes - they're made to hold a BIG box, but they will hold a littler one, too. :)

I used the 1-3/8" circle punch, the 1" circle punch, the small oval punch, and the Boho Blossoms punch for the bunnies. The colors are Regal Rose and Apricot Appeal; I took a 3/8" strip of Mellow Moss and cut down the "grass" with my paper snips. Once the strip was adhered around the box, I "mooshed" (Isn't that a great technical term?? :D) the grass down with my finger, so it looked like the bunny had some weight to him.

These were a lot of fun to make, and VERY easy! You could really fancy them up if you wanted!!!!

I'm really excited to announce that I'm going to be part of a Blog Hop later this month; a group of demonstrators is each taking a product from the Occasions Mini to highlight on APRIL 27. Someone will link to me, and I'll link to someone else - a circle of twenty blogs, all highlighting one product (although I'm doing a stamp set and the punch to match it!), and each link will eventually lead back to me. So you'll know when you've done the whole circle. I think it's going to be GREAT fun, and I'm looking forward to seeing the other demos' ideas!

Be watching: I'm going to post some BLOG CANDY tomorrow! :) I hope you have a WONDERFUL day, and if you try the Tic Tac box, be sure and thank Kimberley, and let me see what you've created! :)

Now, go STAMP something, will ya??? :D

LateNightStampers Challenge!

Good morning! I hope you had a fantastic evening, and are ready for a beautiful day! :)



I'm on a group that was recently opened to non-demonstrators; there's LOTS of artwork shared, as well as ideas, encouragement, and fun contests. Here's the link if you're interested in joining us!



Join our FREE Group for card makers and scrapbookers!



Anyway. This week's challenge is to use the following colors: Baja Breeze, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, and Chocolate Chip. Here's my entry for last night, anyway. :) It uses the new OVAL ALL set from the Occasions Mini, and the scallop oval punch from it too! It's a 3"x3" card!

It's an AWESOME color combo - try it out, and send me a scan of what you did! I'D LOVE TO SEE YOUR ART!!!

Good Monday afternoon! :)

I don't know about where YOU are today, but it's rather chilly here in Tennessee! It hasn't stopped the flowers, though - although most of the tulips are huddled into their buds. :)

This is one of the projects from the Easter stamp camp last week; it's a super-simple basket! The colors are Mellow Moss, Apricot Appeal, and Always Artichoke; the centers of the flowers are designer series paper from the Level 1 Hostess Paper Pack. The butterfly is vellum card stock run through the Big Shot with a Texturz plate, then inked on the back with Apricot Appeal. Those flowers are cut with the Birds & Blooms dies, and the butterfly is the Beautiful Butterflies die. LOVE my Big Shot!!!! :) And YOU can, too - not only will purchasing the Big Shot and a few dies get you hostess benefits, but also qualify you for the extra freebie from Stampin' Up! this month! CLICK HERE to learn more!

OK, I'm off - I kind of have an easy week stamping-wise, so I'm doing NOTHING. LOL!!! Have a WONDERFUL day! BE BLESSED - and take the time to stamp something!!!!

Lifesaver Gift Card Video Tutorial!

Here it is! I promised I'd try to get it done this weekend! :) If you have ANY questions, please let me know!!!

Pierced Spotlight

Edited: Wow! A lot of you have questions about the little Lifesaver card! I'll try to get a video tutorial done this weekend, so you can see how EASY it is. :) Thanks for letting me know you're out there and interested! LS

Brought to you by Technique Junkies! This is a GREAT technique - plus it's a Christmas card in April! :)



I promised my newsletter recipients that I'd post this card today, so they could get a closer look.

Stamp sets: Holy Triptych, Holidays & Wishes

Ink: Encore gold metallic, Stazon Jet Black

Card stocks: Mellow Moss, Ruby Red, Whisper White

Accessories: Gold Embossing Powder, Stampin' Write Markers - Mellow Moss, Certainly Celery, Barely Banana, Blush Blossom, Close to Cocoa, Bashful Blue, Bordering Blue, Crafter's Tool Kit

Enjoy!!!!! Have fun! And it's NEVER too soon to start your Christmas cards for this year! :D

THREE projects for you today!

Yes, I said THREE! :D These are all from my last Sale-a-bration workshop last Sunday. We had a great time! And actually, you'll see three versions of one of the projects, so you'll actually see FIVE!!! Woah, what a BARGAIN for YOU! :D

Here we go!

So, here is your three-fer. :D We actually did the Real Red card, but I wanted to show everyone what I mean about changing the feel of the whole card JUST by changing the color! That's ALL I changed! (I borrowed the stamp set from Amy; please pray for her dad's health. Thanks!) These are SIP cards; we did use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to get positioning right, but you obviously don't have to!!!

So, the recipe for this one:

Stamp set: Bird on a Branch

Card stocks: on all three - Whisper White, Basic Black, Sahara Sand. From left to right - Mellow Moss, Real Red, Brilliant Blue

Inks: Mellow Moss, Real Red, Brilliant Blue, Basic Black

Accessories: So Swirly Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel and cartridges, Stamp-a-ma-jig

Simple, elegant cards! We stamped the saying "Thinking of you" frmo the set on the inside, too.

My hostess requested a Mother's Day project, so they could all get it done for their moms. :D So here's what I came up with. It's pink and has bling! :D

Card Stocks: Pink Pirouette, Pink Passion

Inks: Pretty in Pink, White craft

Stamp Sets: Three Little Words, A Little Birthday Cheer (inside), Big Deal Alpha

Accessories: Romance Standard Stampin' Around Wheel, standard handle and cartridge, white embossing powder, BIG SHOT and Top Note die (:D), 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Pretties Kit

YES, we all sparkled when we got done, but since the glitter is cosmetic-grade, who's complaining??? :D

Here's the final project - it's a little blurry in the center, sorry - dumb scanner!

These were FUN!!! I'll give you step-by-step on this one; you won't believe how cute and easy these are! :D

First, the "recipe" - stuff we used. You can substitute anything but the 1" circle punch! :D

Stamp sets: Crazy for Cupcakes, Just Buzzin' By, Simple Friendship

Card stock: Apricot Appeal

Inks: Apricot Appeal, Basic Brown

Accessories: 2-Way Glue Pen, 1" circle punch

Cut card stock at 2.5"x5". Fold in half. Unfold; center 1" circle punch, lining up the side that's toward the fold AT the fold. (Hmmmm. LMK if you need a picture of that one!) Punch out the hole; decorate as desired. Fold back over and center stamp on back of punched hole. Glue closed with glue; put some in center of image and allow to dry thoroughly - so it's repositionable. Put Lifesaver in - it fits PERFECTLY!!! :D

Have FUN!!! I hope you've enjoyed today's shares! Thank you those of you who are consistently visiting me; I REALLY appreciate you! :D I hope you're inspired to take the time to STAMP something!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

OK, I have to post another one for you! :D

It's just that kind of day! :D SO, here's the final birthday quick card!!! I really love this color, and will miss it when July comes around!!!

Card stocks: Pacific Point (IN COLOR), Whisper White

Inks: Pacific Point

Stamp sets: Simple Friendship, Celebrate Everything

Accessories: eyelet border punch

SO super simple, but so pretty!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You could easily dress this up, too, with some glitter or some of the pretties from the Pretties Kit, or some ribbon - the possibilities really are pretty endless. :D

Have a WONDERFUL evening!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enjoy time with your family!!!!!!!!!

What a BEAUTIFUL day!

Is it pretty where you are??? It is here - it's 58 degrees, and no wind, lots of sunshine - I just saw a butterfly flit by, and the tulips are GLORIOUS. :D Jealous? :D

Anyway. :D Here's the fourth card from the birthday quick card class!

Isn't it fun??? SUPER simple, too - and just by changing the clors and/or the stamps, you'd get such a different look! Add a bow for a little more feminine feel....

Card Stocks: Real Red, Whisper White

Inks: Stazon Jet Black, Real Red Stampin' Write Marker, Versamark

Stamp Sets: Crazy for Cupcakes, A Little Birthday Cheer

Accessories: Hostess-only Level 1 Paper Pack, Square Scallop Punch, Black embossing powder, embossing buddy, heat tool

How SIMPLE is that??? You could really crank out a lot of these to keep around!

PLEASE, if you have ANY questions on anything I post, ASK ME!!! :) I get lonely out here by myself!