Friday, February 26, 2010

Nope, I didn't forget!

Just got behind this morning, so here I am this afternoon! :) BUSY around here, but I can't let you go off to your weekend without a card! :D

This sample is from this month's Advanced Techniques class - and is from Technique Junkies. PAT ROCKS! :D This one's called Marker Tapping. It's also got one called Coloring Outside the Lines. :D

(I really enjoy this card! It's SO springy and cute IRL!)

Card stock: Gable Green, Pink Passion, Whisper White

Stamp sets: Animal Crackers, Well Scripted (inside)

Ink: Jet Black Stazon, assorted Stampin' Write Markers

Accessories: Big Shot, SU! Top Note die, 1-3/4" circle punch, dimensionals

It just YELLS Easter card, doesn't it?!?!? :D

OK, I'm off - time to get ready for two parties PLUS my family coming back into town this weekend - TOO much to do, TOO little time to do it in! :D Have a WONDERFUL weekend, and be sure to take the time to STAMP something! :)

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Hello, Baby!

Good morning! How's your week going? Here we are at Thursday already - boy, time FLIES. This is the last week of February! Two weeks from Sunday is the time change for Daylight Savings! Whoosh - it's gonna be Christmas again before we know it! :D

Today's share is a fun one; Becky is getting a new niece (Heck, she might have been born already!), and purchased a gift certificate from Heavenly Perspective Photography as a baby gift. To give the gift card in, I made this card!


Isn't it ADORABLE?!?!?! I'll also put the photo of the inside here - just scroll down a bit. :)

Card stock: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery

Ink: Melon Mambo

Stamp sets: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Well Scripted (inside)

Accessories: Good Neighbors DSP Pack (FREE for Sale-a-Bration; I LOVE THIS PAPER!!!!), pinking hearts trim punch, word window punch, modern label punch, Big Shot, scallop square die, large oval punch, crimper, round fire rhinestone brads, dimensionals, Frost White shimmer paint, Rose Red re-inker, scallop circle punch, paper piercer, mat pack

(Sorry, had to make some banana bread. Where was I...??? Oh, yes!) :D

To make the flower, I punched two Melon Mambo scallop circles, and three out of the same piece of DSP - two are facing one way, the third another - and then I scrunched them individually. Then I stacked them, and used the paper piercer and mat pack to put a big hole in the middle - inserted the rhinestone brad, and opened it on the back. Then it was just a matter of fluffing until I was happy - and then I drenched it with a shimmer paint mist that's made up of alcohol, re-inker, and shimmer paint. It dries quickly, but it's pretty lethal-smelling! :D

While that dried, I did my leaves - punched out two scraps with the large oval, and folded them in half the long way. I ran them through the crimper, and while they were still folded, I cut one end to look like a leaf point. Open those puppies up, and assemble everything on the card front! :) It's SUPER easy!

Here's the inside pocket....

Same DSP, cut the same size as the card, and cut down to make the pocket. I lined it with the Melon Mambo card stock, so it's a little sturdier on the edge, and it looks nice when the gift card is removed. :)

OK, I've got to get something else done today! :D I hope you enjoyed today's card! Try making some of those flowers - use some ink to make them more vintage! They're LOADS of fun! :D

Have a WONDERFUL day - and be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Advanced Techniques Card

Good morning! How are you this fine Wednesday? I actually see snowflakes outside my window right now!!! :D

Today's card is from last week's advanced techniques class - it's one of my new favorites. The photo doesn't do it justice; it's very shimmery IRL. The technique is from Pat Huntoon and her wonderful designers at Technique Junkies! Tell her I sent you! :D

Card stock: Barely Banana, Bordering Blue, Very Vanilla

Ink: Barely Banana, Bordering Blue, Jet Black Stazon

Stamp sets: Kind Thanks, Fifth Avenue Floral

Accessories: Frost White shimmer paint, ticket corner punch, modern label punch, dimensionals, paper snips

So simple, but SO pretty! It would be easy to change this to any type of card you needed - I'm thinking it would make a beautiful sympathy card....

OK! I'm off to do work! :D Have a WONDERFUL day, and be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

New Technique

Hi, y'all! This is a technique I learned in Chattanooga at the Stampin' Up! Half-Day Regional last October - and I taught it at this month's Advanced Techniques. :) It's a lot of fun!

Card stock: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, Taken with Teal

Ink: Garden Green, Basic Brown

Stamp set: Nature's Nest

Accessories: Heat tool, clear embossing powder

Sorry, that's all the detail you get - you'll have to come take a class! :D And don't let the word "advanced" scare you! It just means we're taking it to the next level; it's never difficult, just maybe a few more steps than others! :)

OK, I'm off - after three weeks of cancellation, our Bible study is finally meeting today! :D Have a wonderful day - and be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!!!

Monday, February 22, 2010

How did it get to be Monday again?

Shoooooooooey. This weekend FLASHED by!!!! Did you have a good one? It made it into the high 50s here in Middle Tennessee BOTH days! Kenn and I were gone all day yesterday, but Dad said the crocus had bloomed - and been picked by little hands. ::::sigh:::: :D

ANYWAY. Today's sample is from a party at the beginning of the month.



Isn't it CUTE? If you use the new XL 2-step bird punch (just order item #117191 for $15.95), the bird house will sit level, and you could use it as a table favor for a party!

Card stock: Very Vanilla, Close to Cocoa, Taken with Teal, Glorious Green, YoYo Yellow, Basic Black

Accessories: Big Shot, SU! Mini Milk Carton die, SU! Beautiful Wings Embosslits die, Scallop Trim Border punch, Bird w/Leaves and Flower die, silver cord, wide oval punch (door frame behind bird!)

I just love him. I think this is an adorable favor, or ornament, or home decor element. :) We all had fun making our little houses! :)

If you have trouble finding oder numbers for any of these, or don't want to place your order on my online business site, please don't hesitate to call or email me! (My contact information's in the right-hand margin.)

OK! I'm off - I have a scrapbooking class to finish designing for! :D Have a WONDERFUL day - and be sure to take the time to STAMP something!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Got Scraps?

Then you can EASILY make a card! Punch art is WAY fun, and I hope you enjoy this card - JUST for you blog-followers, so I can tell you exactly how I did it! :D

The photo on the left is the outside; the photo on the right is the inside!

Card stock: Lovely Lilac, Pixie Pink, Whisper White, Real Red

Ink: Lovely Lilac, Jet Black Stazon, assorted Stampin' Write Markers

Stamp sets: Crazy for Cupcakes, Sock Monkey

Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Square die, Bride Specialty DSP, 1-1/4" circle punch, ticket corner punch, wide oval punch, 1/2" circle punch, crimper

OK, here's how to do this fun card!

The Lovely Lilac is cut 12"x3", and folded in half to make a 6"x3" card. (Need envelopes? Just order item #107286, small open-end envelopes, which measure 6-3/4"x3-1/2"; you get 20 for $7.50!)

Next, I stamped the balloon from Sock Monkey all over the front with Lovely Lilac, and set it aside.

For the bottoms of the cupcakes, I punched 3 wide ovals from Pixie Pink card stock, and cut the bottoms off. Then, I ran them through the crimper sideways, so the crimping would go the same direction a cupcake paper would.

The tops of the cupcakes are leftovers from this card; they're the sides from the teddy that I punched out. So I didn't have to do ANYTHING to them - they're already shaped this way!

For the cherries, I punched the smallest heart from the Heart to Heart punch, and then stuck them to the sticky part of a post-it note, and rounded off the pointed end with the 1/2" circle punch.

The cupcake papers are attached directly to the card front; the tops are added with dimensionals.

For the inside of the card, I cut the card stock pieces 1/4" smaller all around - first the Pixie Pink smaller than the Lovely Lilac, then the Whisper White smaller than the Pixie Pink. I ticked the corners with the ticket corner punch, then dealt with the Whisper White. It's easiest to punch out the circle, and stamp the cupcake on another piece of scrap - but then you've got another piece of scrap to deal with. :D SO, I'd suggest stamping the cupcake on the Whisper White, then punching it out and then cutting it out. :)

Color it, and start adhering all your layers and pieces together! After you get it all stuck down, just stamp the two sayings from Crazy for Cupcakes - and you're done! Isn't is adorable???

I hope you have a WONDERFUL weekend! Be sure and take the time to STAMP something! :) It's good for YOU, *and* for the person you bless with your creation! :)

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Tote-ally Taken With Tess!

Good afternoon! Where did my morning go? Can anyone tell me?!?!?! Sheesh!

OK. So today's sample is from workshops earlier this month - Tote-ally Tess, from the Occasions Mini!

She is SO fun! :D

Card stock: Taken With Teal, Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black

Ink: Jet Black Stazon, assorted Stampin' Write Markers

Stamp set: Tote-ally Tess, CLEAR MOUNT!

Accessories: Acrylic blocks B and E, Big Shot (YUP! I LOVE MY BIG SHOT!!!), SU! Texturz Plates 1, ticket corner punch, dimensionals, white gel pen (buttons)

She has JUST enough coloring for me! :) And I colored her hair to have high-and low-lights; her jeans are also colored kind of acid-washed on purpose. :D

OK! I'm off to work on the photos for tomorrow's share - got scraps? Stay tuned for tomorrow!! :D

Have a WONDERFUL day! And PLEASE, take the time to STAMP something!!! :)

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Punch Art!

Hi, everyone! Here it is, Wednesday - are you having a good week? Are you creating? If not, are you planning some creativity time in your busy schedule? :)

Today's sample for you is from the LET'S GET PUNCHY! class, inspired by the INCREDIBLE Jackie Topa!

Isn't he ADORABLE?!?!?!??!?! I can't help but smile when I see him - and when I was putting him together, I had to stop and clap my hands several times. :D

Card stock: Barely Banana, Glorious Green, Green Galore, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip

Ink: Glorious Green, Chocolate Chip, Green Galore

Stamp sets: I {Heart} Hearts, Inspired by Nature

Accessories: Beautiful Wing Embosslit, Big Shot, paper snips, wide oval punch, small oval punch, Boho Blossoms punch, 1/2" circle punch, full heart punch, hole punch, white gel pen, Green Galore Stampin' Write Marker, stampin' sponge, dimensionals, platinum Shimmer Paint, horizontal slot punch

We had SUCH a blast at this class! :) And how can you NOT love him???? :D

OK, I'm off - lots to do today, and I'm not feeling particularly inspired.... :D Have a WONDERFUL day, and PLEASE! For YOUR sake! Take the time to STAMP something! :D

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

How-To Video: Lace Border

I did it!! :) I hope you enjoy it - Bonnie S., this one's for you! :D


Video coming tomorrow, I hope!

I've got everything ready to shoot, but everyone's been coughing around here (except me, praise God!) - so it's not bee quite the background noise I want you to deal with. :D HOPEFULLY, we'll get it done today. Kenn's said he'll shoot for me, so we'll see if he does, or if I go ahead and do it!

ANYWAY. Today's sample is from the LET'S GET PUNCHY! class!

(I did CASE this from another demo [Heather Wachtman], not my original idea!)

Card Stock: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Scallop Trim Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Big Shot, box die, 1-1/4" and 1-3/8" circle punches, Beautiful Wings Embosslits die, Sticky Strip

These are SO cute - and would be fun table favors for a baby shower - or change the design, and use them for a garden party. There really is a lot you could do!

OK. I'm off. I'm designing for future classes - email me if you'd like to get my class schedule! :)

Have a WONDERFUL day, and don't forget to take the time to STAMP something - you'll be SO glad you did!

Monday, February 15, 2010

It's another snowy Monday in Middle Tennessee! :)

Good morning! Did you have a good weekend? Are you enjoying your President's Day? :)

So, today's sample is something I crafted a few weeks ago, for our pastor's 60th birthday - Happy Birthday Again, Pastor Ronnie - if you should ever come across this post. :D

Anyway. Here it is!

Isn't it fun?? That's a cupcake box - I made him (and Kenn, sine you don't cook just ONE! :D) a lemon cupcake with lemon frosting. Here's the recipe for the card and box!

Card stock: Bashful Blue, Ruby Red, Whisper White

Ink: Not Quite Navy, Ruby Red

Stamp sets: Medallion, Well Scripted, Define Your Life (inside card)

Accessories: Window Sheets, large oval punch, 1-3/4" circle punch, dimensionals, Sticky Strip

The cupcake box is one we did at the Valentine's Stamp Camp - and it's SO versatile!!!

OK, I'm off again to get busy! If you're on my newsletter list, be on the lookout - I'm having to change some dates for this week. Life's getting in my way! :D

Have a WONDERFUL day, and be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!!!!!

Friday, February 12, 2010

Hot Valentine for LAST DAY OF MY CHALLENGE!

It's FRIDAY! Valentine's Day is Sunday! Do you have big plans? We really don't, I don't think.... :D

Anyway. An incredible fellow demonstrator, Jackie Topa, inspired me to try making this card.


Card stock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Red

Ink: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White Craft (inside)

Stamp set: Teeny Tiny Wishes

Accessories: Brayer, Bride Specialty Designer Series Paper, Pinking Heart Punch, Scallop Square Die, Big Shot, Wide Oval Punch, Modern Label Punch, Dimensionals

OK, so it's a little long for the bustier I was going for, but it DOES look like a teddy.... :D

Here's the inside of the card:

I've seen LOTS of things done with this DSP, and I decided NOW was the time I was going to get it. :D I'm so glad it arrived today, so I could show you how awesome it is! This card is shimmery and fun IRL - be sure and take a look at it when you come by for your next class or party!

OK. I'm off to teach our photography class! Have a great weekend, and be sure to stop by and check out my video on Monday (I hope!). :D Be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!!!!!!!!!!!! Stay safe and warm!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Quickie for Day 9 of My Valentine Challenge!

Edited to add: Oops! There have been at least two questions asked of me recently that I haven't answered yet! The first was Ginny, who wanted to know about the flower on this Advanced Techniques card. Ginny, they're from Stampin' Up! :D They're called Filigree Designer Brads, the item # is 112577, and they're $5.95. You can always order them from my business site!

Bonnie S., you asked about the "lace" around the heart yesterday. I'll do a video this weekend and post it Monday. How's that? :)

This one is super quick, not much froufrou on it - but I think it's fun! I wanted to do something that was a little less gender-specific, and I think this fits the bill! :D

Card stock: Taken With Teal, Basic Gray, Whisper White

Ink: Going Gray, Taken With Teal

Stamp sets: Puns from the Past, Teeny Tiny Wishes (inside)

Accessories: 1-1/4", 1-3/8", and scallop circle punches, ticket corner punch (inside), dimensionals, Big Shot, Naturally Serif Alpha Sizzlit

I love this stamp set, but don't get to use it too often. So, here it is! :D See, not too girly to give to a guy, not too manly to give to a girl. :D

OK, I'm off - I have BIG plans for tomorrow's card, and I need to get it done today since I am going to have to go teach in the morning! :)

Have a WONDERFUL day, and take the time to STAMP something!!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Valentine's Challenge Day 8!

We're getting close, ladies and gentlemen! Only TWO more designs until Valentine's Day, only FOUR MORE DAYS! Have you made plans? Reservations? Threats? :D LOL!!

Anyway. Here's today's design for you!

Card stock: Whisper White, Melon Mambo

Ink: Melon Mambo, Whisper White craft (inside)

Stamp sets: I {Heart} Hearts, Well Scripted (inside)

Accessories: Big Shot, SU! Texturz Plates 1, Full Heart Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Pinking Hearts Punch, Welcome Neighbor DSP Pad, Dimensionals, Small Square Glassine Envelopes

And here's the photo of the INSIDE....

(Don't forget that you can click on any photo for the full-sized image.)

Isn't the DSP FUN?!?!?! I *knew* I had to use it for one of the Valentine's cards - I mean, Melon Mambo AND hearts?!?!? :D

I know the texturz on the Whisper White hearts is hard to see, but I promise it's there! :)

I really enjoy using the pinking hearts punch to make lace; what a great and easy way to make something really girly! :D Don't forget that you have the great opportunity to order the I {Heart} Hearts set AND help the Haitian Relief Fund until February 28! All you have to do is go to my business site - click here, then click on the SHOP NOW button! - and order it - the item number is 117010 for wood-mounted, 118571 for clear-mount. Not only will you get a FANTASTIC stamp set, but you'll be pitching in to help, too!

OK, I'm off! Lots to do, lots of stamping going on, lots of Bible study to do, and lots to plan! :D Have a WONDERFUL day, and be SURE to take the time to STAMP SOMETHING! LEAVE ME A COMMENT OR SEND ME A PICTURE! :D

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Day 7 of the Valentine Challenge!

Good morning from snowy middle Tennessee! It's absolutely beautiful coming down out there, and I'm so grateful to be able to do what I LOVE and not have to leave my house to go to the office! :D

Anyway. You're not here to read about the weather! (Have I said that before? It sounds familiar....)
Here's today's sample!


Card stock: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Real Red classic AND craft

Stamp sets: Things I Love, A Rose is a Rose

Accessories: Heat tool, embossing buddy, clear embossing powder, pinking hearts border punch

That is IT! It might be difficult to tell, but those are embossed rosebuds on the card. I was inspired by a photo I took at a wedding of the bouquet - lots of beautiful roses all pressed together. It's not exactly the same look, but I really love it.

When my mom saw the card, she said, "It looks like your wedding!" - and that's probably why I really like this one. :D My colors were white, red, and black. :D I love the pinking hearts punch - I love the lace look, and the fact that they are HEARTS! :D

Here's the inside of the card....

I just love the color combination! :) Have I mentioned that yet? :D

OK. I'm off to do some Bible study homework, to watch the birds in the snow, and to be grateful I have a warm home and a comfortable bed to sleep in. :)

PLEASE leave me a comment! Tell me if you're a demonstrator - and if so, why you visit my blog! Tell me if you're a customer of mine - it will increase my gratitude for you! LOL!! And if you're just someone who comes to visit, please tell me WHY! If there's something you'd like me to do more or less of, TELL ME. (Doesn't mean I'll change, but I want to know! LOL!!!)

Have a WONDERFUL day! Stay safe and warm, if you're in the path of this storm - and take the time to STAMP something!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Welcome Back to the Valentine's Card Challenge! :D

Good morning! Did you have a good weekend? Mine was BUSY, but good - and I didn't do ANY work yesterday. I needed a day off - not that I was LAZY, by any stretch of the imagination.... :D

So, anyway. My brain took a rest :D, and here's what it came up with when I asked it for a Valentine for today!


Card stock: Pink Passion, Whisper White

Ink: Chocolate Chip craft, Whisper White craft (inside, see below), Pink Passion, Green Galore, and Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Markers

Stamp sets: Love Ya Much, Celebrate Everything (inside)

Accessories: embossing buddy, heat tool, clear embossing powder, white embossing powder, Heart to Heart punch, Sending Love Specialty Designer Series Paper, dimensionals

It's a little busier than I usually do, but I got carried away stamping the big flowered heart! LOL! It was fun!

The DSP is on dimensionals, as is the Whisper White card stock. I didn't want it to look like it was just a punch on the Whisper White; I looked at doing it that way, but then the heart overpowered the flower - and I didn't want that! :D

Here's a look at the inside of the card:

So, what do you think? What are YOU stamping? Talk to me! :D There are only four more Valentine's card days left from me - what would you like to see????

I'm off - I've got some errands to run, and a party this evening! :) Have a WONDERFUL day - and take the time to STAMP something, would ya???? :D

Friday, February 5, 2010

Valentine Challenge Day 5!

Wow, the end of the first week! I think you'll be amazed at how much time I actually took to do today's! :D


Isn't she FUN? It uses paper piecing to do her pants and shirt - the pants and the background DSP are from the SENDING LOVE SPECIALTY DSP.

Card stock: Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip

Ink: Jet Black Stazon, Chocolate Chip

Stamp sets: Tote-ally Tess, Well Scripted (inside)

Accessories: Sending Love Specialty DSP, Ticket corner punch, Heart to Heart punch, SU! Beary Lovely Sizzlits, Big Shot, 2 way glue pen

Actually, Tess herself is a clear-mount stamp. They are REALLY impressive!! SO easy to use, easy to clean, easy to care for. This was a fun card to do - and here's the INSIDE of the card....

OK! I'm off to teach our class! :) Have a WONDERFUL weekend - I hope I get to see you soon! LMK if I can be of ANY help to you! Be SURE to take the time to STAMP something - you'll be SO glad you did! :)

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Valentine's Challenge Day 4

Good morning! Well, no one's leaving any comments on the Valentines in general, but I'm getting blog views, so I guess I'll settle for that. :D

Today's is kind of corny, but it was in my mind and wouldn't go away until it came out - it's a quick, easy, less-than-ten-minute card. :D


Card stock: Barely Banana, Certainly Celery, Ruby Red

Ink: Barely Banana

Stamp set: NONE

Accessories: paper snips, Big Shot :D, SU! Timeless Type Jr. Alpha Sizzlits set

Seriously. That's ALL that's done to this card! I didn't stamp the inside, but I'd probably use the "love ya much" from Well Scripted if I did.

I free-handed the heart (ANYONE who knows me should be impressed with how well it came out!), then dragged the Barely Banana ink pad all over the card stock. To me, those candy hearts always look a little grunged. :D (Oh, I didn't tell you that that's what this is supposed to look like, did I. :D)

Then I just cut out the three die cuts - there are two hearts that come in the Sizzlit set!), and stuck them on with 2-way glue.

SO easy! You could do this with any pastel color, since they're ALL in those candy heart bags/boxes. :D

OK, lots to do today, and it's getting a bit overwhelming. :D Have a WONDERFUL day - but be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!!!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Valentine's Challenge Day 3!


Phew. This one took a bit! Can you tell which new punch I got yesterday? :D

Card stock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Basic Gray

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Going Gray (inside)

Stamp sets: Forest Friends (which is available as a SALE-A-BRATIONS choice this year!!!!), Teeny Tiny Wishes, Well Scripted (inside)

Accessories: Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Full Heart Punch, Modern Label Punch, Big Shot :D, SU! Texturz Plates 1, Texturz Pad, Silicone Pad, Sticky Strip, Dimensionals, Embossing Buddy, Heat Tool, White Embossing Powder, Ticket Corner Punch

I love using punches! It's so easy to get lots of dimension and detail and texture! :) I know you have to look closely to see the texturz embossing on the Basic Gray, but it's there! :D And the pinking hearts border punch is SO me - I LOVE HEARTS!!!

OK, I'm off - today will be a busy day. I hope you have a wonderful day - and PLEASE, take the time to STAMP something!!!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Second day of Valentine's Challenge!

Welcome back! :) Here's today's card for you - it's been fun to design for you so far. :D Of course, I need to design for some CLASSES, too.... :D


Card stock: Brocade Blue, Rose Red, Whisper White

Ink: Brocade Blue, Whisper White (inside), Rose Red

Stamp Set: I {Heart} Hearts, Picture This (Level 1 Hostess-only set, Occasions Mini), Define Your Life (inside), Thank You Kindly (inside)

Accessories: Full Heart Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Modern Label Punch, Top Note Die, Big Shot (LOVE THIS THING!!!), I {Love} Love Jumbo Roller, dimensionals, jumbo handle, Cosmo Glitter, 2-Way Glue Pen

Isn't it sweet??? I decided to turn this into a friendship Valentine; here's the inside!

The definition is the one for "kindness". I think this is a sweet card, too! :D

OK, so I'm off to work some more! I hope you'll come stamp with me soon! No matter what, please! Take the time to STAMP something! :D