Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Today's quick tutorial is how to make a sparkly shamrock without a single stamp. :D I hope you have fun, and perhaps do a few of these! I may have to wear one to church tonight, if I can't find something green to wear. But I AM Irish - that should take care of it all, dang it! :D

Don't forget: you can see any of the photos at the size I uploaded them just by clicking on the photo!

All products are copyrighted by Stampin' Up!®. I'm not going to put the © on each image, but you have been told! :D

For this project, you will need:

• Green card stock of your choice - I'm using GLORIOUS GREEN.
• Heart punch - I'm using the Full Heart, but you can use the Heart To Heart, also.
• Oval punch - because I'm using the Full Heart Punch, I'm using the Wide Oval Punch.
• Paper snips, just in case.
• Adhesive
• Shimmer spray, made with alcohol and Frost White Shimmer Paint (Want to know more about how to use this? Get four people total, and have a private class for only $15 per person!)

Please note: I'm showing you how to do this by putting it together and then spraying the whole thing, but it will go better for you if you spray the pieces and let them dry, THEN put it together! (Voice of experience! :D )

Step 1:

Start by punching three hearts out.

I turn my punch upside-down, so I can see how close to the edge I am. :D








Step 2:

Using your oval punch, punch half of an oval from the side of your card stock. OK, so maybe it's not QUITE a half - see the photo for approximation! :D






Step 3:


Now, punch a stem shape by lining up more card stock from the area you just punched from. Take a look at the photo, and see what I'm talking about. :D It's really hard to describe in words!






Step 4:


Now, put the larger end of the stem piece back into the punch, and punch a little bit off. We're trying to make it look a little more natural! :D










So, these are the pieces you should have for your shamrock - see, it's not difficult, is it! :D







Step 5:


Now, adhere them together!

First, put the central heart at the top of the stem.





Then build up from there, until you have your shamrock completely together!




Awww, look! It's a shamrock! (Actually, it's a clover, but I can say whatever I wanna! :D)

Here we go! Are you ready for the final step?



Step 7:

Shake your shimmer spray well, and spray until you're in love with how much shimmer is on your shamrock!

Let dry.

OOOH and AAAH over your beautiful shamrock!

WHEW! They're easy to do, but not so easy to tell HOW to do! :D I hope the pictures helped! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask them! :) And if you need any of the supplies, you can email me, call me, or just place your order at my business site - just click the SHOP NOW button at the top! :)

For those of you who are praying for Ev: he was supposed to be let out of the hospital today, and they were hoping to at least start the trip back home today. Please keep praying for him - he's feeling better, but has a long road ahead of him. THANK YOU!!!

OK, I'm off - I'm gonna make SOMETHING green for tonight's snacks. :D I hope you have a WONDERFUL day - and especially make time to STAMP something! :D

I really do have a reason! :D

This is a quick post to explain about yesterday - and then I'll get busy and do a quick tutorial for today's post.

Besides being not home most of the day, our internet connection was intermittent down here yesterday. It's not the best excuse, but it IS true! :D

Sale-a-bration ends when March does; have you placed your order or hosted your party??? Kenn thought this saying on the box was pretty cool. :D I don't think any of my hostesses lately have SEEN a box, since I've sorted the orders for them! :) Place YOUR order with me, or at my business site - just click on SHOP NOW at the top!

OK, off to work. I hope you're having a great day! Take the time to STAMP something - I'm gonna!

New Week, New Life!

Good Monday morning! How are you today? Did you have a good weekend? Did you get something done that you wanted to? Did you spend wonderful time with someone you love?

Item of business: PLEASE pray for the husband of one of my dear friends/customers. His name is Ev; he's having a scope procedure done, in a hospital far away from home, on his heart. She has gone to be with him; please pray for their peace, and that the doctors will be able to find what's wrong and help them. Thank you!!!

There was a very special wedding at our church this weekend; our young adult minister and the principal of Lancaster Christian Academy married his love Saturday night. We didn't get to go, but I've got the gift all ready to give them. :D Here's the card I made - I was told that "the girls are wearing blue, and the tables are decorated in sage, blue, and black". Well, I had to guess at the "blue" part - as you know, Stampin' Up! has about 10 choices in the blues! :D But I like the way this turned out!


So!
Card stock: Whisper White, Brilliant Blue, Sage Shadow, Basic Black

Ink: Versamark, Brilliant Blue, Sage Shadow (inside)

Stamp sets: Oval All, Celebrate Everything and Well Scripted (inside)

Accessories: Bride Specialty DSP, large oval punch, scallop oval punch, dimensionals, embossing buddy, heat tool, Iridescent Ice embossing powder

It's pretty self-explanatory! :D Lots of layers, some specialty paper and embossing powder, and poof! a beautiful, customized wedding card!

I hope they like it.... Congratulations, Kevin and Shari! May you be blessed with MANY years together!

Take Two: Milk Carton!

Good Friday Morning! Are you surprised to see me this early? :D I got the chance to pre-post! What a happy thing. LOL!!

Here's today's - a LOT like yesterday's, but different.... :D

I love that you can see the colors of the jelly beans through the vellum! BE WARNED: When working with vellum for this project, you MUST be careful, because it will crack VERY easily. Also, USE SHIMS to ensure getting those critical score lines on it!!!!

Card stock: Vellum card stock

Accessories: Gold brad, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Mini milk carton die, Big Shot :D, Sticky Strip, Mini glue dots (I highly recommend these, so the butterflies stick!)

So, which one do YOU like better, Thursday's or Friday's? :)

Have a wonderful weekend! And be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!

Let's make CARTONS! :D

Good morning!!! How are you today? It's a rainy day here in middle Tennessee, but it's been a nice day so far. I've been up entirely too long. :D

Today and tomorrow, I'm going to show you the basic SAME design for one of the new MINI MILK CARTONS, with the die that's in the OCCASIONS MINI (good until the end of APRIL!); JUST by changing the colors, we changed the whole LOOK.

Here's today's!

So! Isn't it pretty? And I have to tell you, tomorrow's is even simpler - we left off the bottom strip!

Card stocks: Gable Green, Only Orange, Whisper White

Ink: Whisper White craft (used to highlight the embossing on the butterflies)

Accessories: stampin' sponge, Big Shot (YES, I DO love my Big Shot - and you CAN all say it with me! LOL!!), mini milk carton die, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, scallop trim punch (FREE if you purchase $50 in merchandise until the end of MARCH - and it will be in the next Idea Book for $15.95!!), Sticky Strip, clear rhinestone brad

See how simple?!?!? And it's filled with jelly beans - what a fun co-worker gift, or little something to tuck into an Easter basket....

OK, I'm off again! :) Lots to do today! I hope you have a WONDERFUL day, filled with good things! And be sure to take the time to STAMP something! :)

OK, OK!!

LIFE! :) Can someone stop the world from spinning for just a bit? I need a break! LOL!

I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to post yesterday - it was just one of THOSE days. So, to make up for it, I'll post all four of the layouts from last month's scrapbooking class. Will that put me back in your good graces? :D Part of it's been not being able to find the surfaces necessary to take photos - what a MESS around here! I'm working on it, however. :D

I'm also going to apologize right now for my scanner. If someone wants to bless me with a GOOD all-in-one, I'd be so grateful! LOL!!!!!!!! The scanner bed is 11.68 inches - so it cuts off 12"-long items. And let's not talk about anything wide.... :D SORRY!!!!!

Here's the first one!

Isn't it FUN? That paper pack is the FREE one you can get with Sale-a-bration going on; it's ONLY through the end of the month, so I'd be SURE to place your order now, or book your party in the next week or so!!! With every $50 you purchase, you get something awesome for FREE - and if you are the hostess, for every $300 your party hits, you get another FREE item! That's on TOP of the already awesome benefits! :D

Anyway. The only other products we used were Bermuda Bay and Whisper White card stocks, SU! Timeless Type Alpha Sizzlits Dies, and a 2-way glue pen. Fast, easy, and so cute!

Next!

Again, super-simple, cute, and will give those special photos a real boost! That's the BRIDE Specialty Designer Series Paper (DSP). We also used a brayer, Real Red ink, Frost White Shimmer Paint, large heart punch, Real Red and Basic Black card stocks, and dimensionals.

The third one!


How SIMPLE is this? But it's REALLY cute in person - and SO simple! Another with no ink! :D Just Rich Razzleberry and Very Vanilla card stocks, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware, and the scallop square die and scallop oval punch. I'm thinking little girl's tea party photos, or Easter dress, or or or!

Final one - and it was a LOT of fun, but the most work of the night! :D

SO fun to do! Let's see. We used Not Quite Navy, Blush Blossom, and Very Vanilla card stocks. We used Night of Navy, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White, Creamy Caramel, and Blush Blossom ink. We used the eyelet border punch, the crimper, the SU! Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plates, and the Petal Card Die. There's a pocket behind that heart, for extra pictures OR journaling, and we used the Heart to Heart punch to make the pull for it.

So, there you go! Lots of ideas that will transfer to cards, or grow for larger scrapbooking ideas - or maybe it's a color combo that you want to do some home decor items with. Whatever it is, I hope you got inspired today! :D

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

Welcome to Monday!

Wow. What a weekend! LOL! Life never stops, does it?! Faster and faster....

Saturday was the first GREAT GIFTS class, and it was APPLIQUE WITH THE BIG SHOT. We had a BLAST!

Here's one of the items we made!

We also made an apron that kind of matches. I can't tell you how fun this is - and now we're planning to make tote bags with my nieces and older nephew when they come back through.

To make that go easier - I mean, there will be SIX of them, plus Mommy! - I'm going to go ahead and do their names. My sister and brother-in-law are so smart! When they started having children, they chose a color for each one - so my oldest niece is red, the next one blue, the next one yellow, and so forth. That way, they can get items in each individual color, and know at a glance whose they are! So, each name will be in their colors! I'm going to pre-cut some of the appliques to help the little girls out a bit. I've got to come up with a boy's design, which is NOT going to be easy for me, but I'll do it! :D

OK, I'm off. I'm designing today! :D The studio's an absolute DISASTER, so it needs to get cleaned up a bit, AND I need to do Bible study homework. EEK! Where's my day speeding to?!?!? :D

Have a WONDERFUL day! Be SURE to take the time to STAMP something - and enjoy this beautiful spring day!!!

Happy Friday!

This is gonna be a quick one - it's my day to teach! And then a doctor's appointment. UGH. ANYWAY. :D

Here's your sample - from last month's Advanced Techniques! Yup, it's a Techniques Junkies technique, called Jenny's Coat.


Card stock: Whisper White, Basic Gray

Ink: VersaMark, Whisper White craft, Lovely Lilac (inside), Basic Black

Stamp sets: Medallion, Well Scripted, Define Your Life

Accessories: Clear embossing powder, embossing buddy, heat tool, Frost White shimmer paint, white embossing powder, brayer, Hostess Paper Pack III

This was a FUN technique! Be sure and tell Pat I sent ya! :D

Have a WONDERFUL weekend! Be sure and take the time to stamp something!

It's THURSDAY!

Almost time for my crazy weekend to start. :D Am I the only one who feels like my weekends need to settle DOWN? :D

Anyway. Today's card is one I made to show my newsletter recipients a tutorial on Poppin' Pastels. If you'd like to get my newsletter, just email me and let me know! :)

It's Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, and Ruby Red, with Stampin' Pastels and VersaMark. That's all I used!

Sign up if you want to see HOW I did it. :D Or book a party with me - Sale-a-bration's ONLY going on until the end of this month!

OK, I'm off to finish writing my newsletter. I hope.... :D Have a WONDERFUL day - and take the time to STAMP SOMETHING!!!!!!!

I know, I know....

I'm sorry it's been so long since I posted. Life's getting in the way! :D

Today's card is from January's Advanced Techniques Class; this is another technique I learned at the Chattanooga Half-Day Regional!













This is a little 3x3 card - so you could make eight of them from one piece of 12x12 card stock. Here, we used Real Red, Whisper White, and Basic Black.

The stamp set is Animal Crackers - and I just love it. :D You'll also need Crystal Effects, Stampin' Pastels, and the ticket corner punch. Oh, the "thank you" is from Teeny Tiny Wishes. :D

OK. I'm off to WORK, and for church. :) Have a WONDERFUL day, and be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!

Happy March!

Good afternoon! PLEASE forgive me for being so tardy today; it was an all-out, run-the-race weekend. PHEW. For those of you waiting for my newsletter, it's going to PROBABLY be until Wednesday when I get it done. I'm sorry, but I am WIPED OUT.

I have to share with you a blessing from this weekend. My sister and brother-in-law and seven kids were here; the 2-year-old wasn't sure what to think of me for a while, but then she brought me a note and told me it said, "I love you". I pulled out a piece of scrap paper that I'd stamped "fan mail" on - which was funny to ME, because she'd had her sister fold my note into a paper fan. :D I wrote, "Aunt Lori loves M-------", and handed it to her. She treasured it all weekend - and brought me notes that not only said "I love you", but "Aunt Lori loves me". :D Here's a picture of my desk piled HIGH with love notes!

And, FINALLY, when I said goodbye to them - I did a hostess party yesterday afternoon - I got a hug from her. :) Kenn caught this one!


OK. :D Enough of my family - but my heart (and face!) is still smiling. :)

Here's today's sample, from February's ADVANCED TECHNIQUES. It IS a Techniques Junkies technique - how did you know?!?! :D

It's called MONO DIES!

Card stock: Pixie Pink, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White

Ink: Pixie Pink, Tempting Turquoise

Stamp set: Well Scripted

Accessories: Big Shot, SU! Sweetest Stem Embosslit, wide oval punch, Tempting Turquoise ribbon

Seriously. If you've never been to an Advanced Techniques class, you should COME! We have a BLAST, and you get to learn different ways of using your supplies!

OK, I'm off. I'm trying not to feel too guilty about not getting my newsletter out today.... :D I need to clean up from my workshops, and get busy stamping for MARCH! :D

Have a WONDERFUL day! Don't forget to STAMP something!!!!

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! :)

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!!!!!!!!!

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!

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!!!

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!

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! :)

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!!! :)

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

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!

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!!!!!

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!

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!!

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

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!

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

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! :)

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!!!

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!!!

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