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!

LAST DAY FOR SALE-A-BRATION!!!!!!!!!!!

It's time to say goodbye to one of my favorite times of year. I love seeing people get free stuff! :D AND giving people the opportunity to join our Stampin' Up! family and get even MORE free stuff! But today's the last day! CLICK HERE and hit SHOP NOW to place your SAB order; click on the JOIN NOW link on the right - and take advantage of the three easy payments available now!!!

On with the share! :)

This is the third card from the birthday quick card class! Isn't it pretty? I LOVE that flower stamp.

Here's the recipe!

Card Stocks: Whisper White, Pixie Pink

Inks: White craft, Pixie Pink

Stamp Sets: Sincere Salutations, Simple Friendship

Accessories: White embossing powder, basic eyelets, crop-a-dile, ticket corner punch

OK, I'm off! It's been a BUSY month, and I have one more private class tonight. I sure hope YOU are stamping, too!!!!!!!!!!! :) Don't forget to place your Sale-a-bration order now!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Monday morning!

How are you today? Did you have a great weekend? It was COLD here this weekend - but it's sunny this morning, and the flowers in the back yard are in full bloom - must mean it's time to work, right? LOL!!!

Well, here is today's card from last week's birthday quick card class!

I think it's a HOOT, but Kenn didn't "get it". :D I think it's a fun card to give to a guy - and if they don't "get it", well....

:D

Card stock: Sahara Sand, Basic Black, Whisper White

Inks: Sahara Sand, Basic Black, Real Red

Stamp sets: Rustic Rooster, Sock Monkey (hat), A Little Birthday Cheer

And that's all there is to him! :D I just think it's FUNNY. :D

So, what are YOU working on today? Any time to stamp something? ;) Make your day COUNT!!! And REMEMBER: TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY FOR SALE-A-BRATION ORDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's FRIDAY!!!!!

So what better day to leave you with a fun card? :D Last night was our BIRTHDAY quick card class; we had a GREAT time! You'll be sorry you missed it. :D Don't miss another class - check out my class schedule HERE!! (You can also click on that link to SHOP ONLINE!)

So. Here's one of the cards from last night.

This "how-to" has been around the stampin' world for a while, but we've never done it. So I thought it would make an awesome kid's birthday card! Isn't it sweet? :D As you can see, it's mostly punch art. But here's the recipe!

Card Stocks: Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Basic Black, YoYo Yellow, Only Orange, Pacific Point, Creamy Caramel, Real Red, and Old Olive.

Stamp Set: A Little Birthday Cheer

Ink: White craft

Accessories: Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker, scallop circle punch, small oval punch, paper snips, 1/2" circle punch, 1/4" circle punch, dimensional

Isn't it FUN??? :D Ahhhh, the familiar characters a lot of us grew up with!

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!!! Take time to STAMP something - it'll make YOU feel better, and let you bless someone else! :)

I'll see you Monday!!!

Good morning!

How are you this fine Thursday? Having a great week? Can't wait until tomorrow? Or both? :D


Well, I got a pre-order in yesterday; if you're a long-time customer of mine, you should have received your Occasions Mini - which goes live April 1!! - in the mail. Perhaps you noticed the new MATCHBOX DIE for the Big Shot? Oh, YEAH. You KNOW I had to have it. :D I've had a couple of questions about its size already, so here we go!



I just threw this one together, so I could play a little. :D I'm still designing for tonight's class! AUGH!

Anyway. :D That's Riding Hood Red Designer Series Paper, and the organdy ribbon. This die goes together super-simply - but if you're using Whisper White for the inside part of the box, I would recommend shimming it - the card stock's thinner than the others, and doesn't show score lines well AT ALL.

I LOVE the labels on this die, too! This is the biggest of the three. I see LOTS of potential for them!

Measurements of the box are (in the orientation I have mine): 2-3/4" tall, 2-1/4" wide, and approx. 3/4" deep - it will hold 4 Hershey's Nuggets, but not Nestle Treasures. :D

Keep your eyes open! You'll be seeing a lot of this one. :D Now I've got to jet - TOO much to do for tonight.... :D Have a WONDERFUL day - and take the time to STAMP something!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's WEDNESDAY!

Good morning! How are you today? Are you enjoying spring weather, wherever you are? It's raining here - but it's that nice spring soaking rain, and everything is looking so fresh! The tulips are starting to come up with a vengeance - there are beautiful pink ones where yesterday there weren't any!!! :)

But you didn't come here to listen to me ramble about flowers or weather! On with the show!

I'm FINALLY showing you the last of the three projects we did at the last New IB&C Open House. :) It SAYS spring to me!

Here's the recipe!

Card Stocks: Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, Whisper White, Cameo Coral

Inks: Kiwi Kiss, white craft

Stamp Set: Love Ya Much!

Accessories: Scallop edge punch, Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper, Sweetest Stem Embosslit, sponge

I bet you can figure out the process all by yourself - but let me know if you have a difficult time with something. :)

OK, I'm off - I have a LOT to do today!!! I hope you have a WONDERFUL day - and take the time to STAMP something!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday Afternoon's Creation - Just For You!

Hi! Did you have a fantastic weekend??? I sure hope so! I was LAZY this weekend. It was soooooooo nice. LOL!!!! Poor Kenn's working his buns off for the show he's in, Twelve Angry Men, that opens this weekend. So yesterday, while he was having a work meeting and the first day of Tech Week (that day is NEVER fun!!!!!), I got to go out to lunch by myself, and read a book, and just enjoy the afternoon. Bliss! :D

But TODAY, I've been working on projects for the Easter Stamp Camp. If you didn't sign up for it, MAN, are you going to be missing some FUN projects!!! Don't miss another great class - CLICK HERE for my schedule!

ANYWAY. :) I think I'm going to start putting "JFY!" in the title when I've done something that's just going to be on my blog! :) This is another one of those cards.

That's the scallop circle die in my Big Shot. :D And the Sweetest Stem Embosslit in my Big Shot. And the Stampin' Up!® exclusive Texturz plate on the background.

Here's the rest of the info - this is a fun card to do!

Stamp set: Really Retro

Card Stock: Rose Red, Whisper White

Ink Colors: White craft, Kiwi Kiss, Regal Rose

Accessories (other than those already mentioned: Sponge, eyelet border punch, Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper, white embossing powder

SUPER simple. This saying makes me think of Amy - she and her family are on vacation!:) I hope they're enjoying themselves - it's beautiful HERE..... :)

Anyway. I'm gonna run and keep working. Have a WONDERFUL day! And for Pete's sake, take time to STAMP something!!!!! :)

Perfect Party Class Projects

Good morning! I hope you've had a great week! Sorry I didn't post yesterday - but I was busy working on all the projects I'm showing you today! :D

Last night was our PERFECT PARTY CLASS; we did an invitation, a gift card holder card, a table favor, a placecard favor, and a thank-you note. I used three colors - Pink Passion, Basic Black, and Whisper White - and polka dots as my theme. :)

The invitation is the Top Note pink card in the back. It's a pivot card, done with a Build-a-Brad of a cupcake. I love those little brads; they're a LOT of fun to use!! We used circle punches to create all the circles, starting with a 3/4" punch to take the center out, and working with the 1", 1-1/4", and 1-3/8" circle punches to go up in sizes. We covered a card-front sized piece of Pink Passion with the circles we wanted, then cut out the Top Note with the Big Shot. (YES, it's BACK with a vengeance for this class - four of the five projects use it!!! :D)

Then we cut a Whisper White and a Basic Black Top Note diecut, and trimmed down the Whisper White to fit onto the Basic Black mat, and stamped the Whisper White with the "you're invited" and invitation info stamps from HUGS & WISHES. Then we punched a hole for the brad to go through; when you pivot the card open around the brad, you can read the information for the party.

The next card we did was the gift card holder card - it's the Pink Passion scallop diecut card. We diecut the card and a Whisper White scallop circle; you only need a half a circle for the card. We rolled both the half-circle and the card front with the Stampin' Around Jumbo SPOT ON wheel in black, and adhered the half-circle on a diagonal on the inside of the card - JUST on the scallops, to create a pocket.

We used CRAZY FOR CUPCAKES for the front cupcake image and for the message on the inside; they're both embossed with black embossing powder, and then we colored the cupcake in with Stampin' Write Markers. We also used the ticket corner punch on the image and its mat before putting them on the front of the card.

The box with the "chain" around it is also made with the Big Shot - I just LOVE that die!!! It makes things like table favors SO easy!!! On the top of the box - which you can't see :) - there's a balloon and "just for you" from SOCK MONKEY black embossed on Gable Green; the balloon is punched out with the 1-3/8" circle punch and matted onto a Whisper White scallop circle punch. The "just for you" is punched out with the word window punch.

Next was the placecard favor; I made a template from Andrea Walford's site; she's an incredibly gifted stamper!!! I did mine with the piece of designer series paper you see above; it's from the Level 1 Hostess Paper Pack, and there were only two pieces of the POLKA DOT DSP, so I let the girls have those. :) It's fairly complicated to explain, easy to do once you get it figured out. :D We tied the ends with the organdy ribbon - the same one that was on the FRIENDS card earlier this week. We wrote our names with Stampin' Up!®'s WONDERFUL gel pen, and punched it out with the word window punch. It's simply adhered to the top!

The last project was the thank-you card; it's the black Top Note card with the Whisper White and Pink Passion circles on it. The "thank you" in a frame is from CUTE & CURLY, the stamp set that's bundled with the curly label punch. It's embossed in white on Basic Black card stock. We cut OUT the middle of the frame with SU!'s craft knife, and cut dimensional pieces to put on the back. Inside, the flower and "thanks so much" from THREE LITTLE WORDS are embossed in white, too.

The hardest part of this class? Punching and punching and PUNCHING out circles! :D It was a lot of fun, and the girls worked diligently! :)

So, that brings us to another weekend! :) I hope you have a WONDERFUL weekend, full of fun and friends and family!!!!! Get rested and rejuvenated, and you'll find that STAMPING is a great way to do that, too! :) BE BLESSED!!!

Workshop projects

Good morning! I don't know about where YOU are, but it's and incredibly beautiful spring day here in middle TN! The sun is shining, the early spring flowers are singing with color, and the birds are scolding the men who are building the deck outside! :D

But I'm sure you didn't come to hear what the weather's like. I promised you the three projects we did last night, and I'm here to deliver. :D Let me say, first of all, that this small group of hostesses are some of my business-builders, so we took our time and (I think!!) enjoyed ourselves doing these more-detailed projects.

On with the show!

I really like this card; it's a spin from one that was posted on the demonstrator's side of the Stampin' Up!® website. If you've been with my blog for a while, you know I accidentally purchased this set last year when I wanted to get INSPIRED BY NATURE. Didn't look it up because I thought I *knew* the name. You're looking at the stamp set NATURE'S SILHOUETTES. :D

We stamped the images of the tree and deer/elk/moose(?!?!) on Whisper White card stock, then stippled inks onto the card stock in this order: Bashful Blue on bottom, Not Quite Navy in the middle (YES, you read that right!!!) and Brocade Blue on top. Be sure to blend well!!

That layer is mounted onto a mat of Basic Black, then onto Bashful Blue. The saying is embossed in white BEFORE we took a baggie and pounced white ink all over the card base of Night of Navy. This just gives it a little texture and depth. Please, though, if you try this, be SURE to emboss the saying first! Otherwise, you'll have embossing powder stuck to the white you pounced everywhere!!! :)

On to the next project!

I really love this card. It just says SPRING to me! :)

That's the same set as we used last weekend for the Real Red card, SIMPLE FRIENDSHIP.

Ribbon - isn't it beautiful ribbon?? - is our new organdy; it's satin ribbon in the middle. And that's one of the (relatively!) new flower brads - I think they were designed JUST to go with this stamp set. They're beautiful!!!!

We took the eyelet border punch and did both the base card of Whisper White and the Summer Sun strip, and put those together. We stamped the large flower from the set all over the front in Summer Sun; we took the medallion and stamped it on Summer Sun with White craft ink, and embossed it with white embossing powder. Then, we punched it out with the 1-3/4" circle punch. We used the "true friend" saying and the small flower on the inside of the card. You could do this with any color, and it would be incredible!

And now, the last one - the 3D project. And I came up with it all by myself. :D

This funny bunny holds a Hershey's bar inside. I LOVE using my punches! (Hey, did anyone else notice we DID NOT use the Big Shot last night? I about passed out when I realized it! :D)

We used ALL of the following punches:

3/4" circle punch - eyes, foot pads, nose

1" circle punch - eyeballs, eyelids

1-1/4" circle punch - you can't see it, but we used it on the tail

1-3/8" circle punch - see above :)

Scallop circle punch - see above, plus nose

Wide oval punch - feet and ears

Large oval punch - ears

1/4" circle punch - toe pads

Colors are Whisper White and Pretty in Pink; we used a white gel pen for the highlights in the eyes, a Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker to draw on the face. We sponged with Going Gray ink around the eyelids and the feet. We used the crimper on the bottom of the candy bar wrap. And we used Bashful Blue striped grosgrain ribbon for his bow! He's SUPER cute, don't you think???? :D

Please let me know which one of these is your favorite! :D I just can't decide. LOL!!!

Have a WONDERFUL day - and take the time to stamp SOMETHING! :D

Quick card JUST for you!

Hi, everyone! I know I didn't post yesterday - it was an ODD day. BUT, I'm here today, and I created this little jem JUST for you!

Remember a week or so ago, when I was telling you my philosophy on teaching new stampers to SIP (stamps, ink, paper)? Well, here's another card, EXACT same color palette, a little different look!

Card stocks: Sahara Sand, Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White

Inks: Sahara Sand, Jet Black Stazon, Real Red

Stamp set: Bird on a Branch (Thanks, Amy, for letting me borrow it!:D)

Accessories: dimensionals, ticket corner punch

Yeah, I kicked it up ONE notch with the corner punch, but you DEFINITELY wouldn't need it. This set is very classy, and simple to use!!!

OK, I'm off - I have a hostess club tonight! :) Check in tomorrow for the three cards and one 3D project we're going to be doing - they're ROCKIN'!!!!! :) IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO GET IN ON SALE-A-BRATION!!!!!!!!! Contact me at poohisstampin@aol.com or (615)497-4532 for more information!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a wonderful evening! And take the time to STAMP something - that's what I'll be doing! :D

It's HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! COME JOIN ME!!!

Just click on the SECOND icon over on the right. My password is "keno1996", so you can sign up RIGHT AWAY. How AWESOME - if you join before MARCH 31, not only do you get the 15% off the starter kit AND any stamp set you want for FREE, you also get to pay in three easy payments!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Call me at (615)497-4532 if you have any questions!

Three Easy Payments Option for the Starter Kit is Here!
From today through April 30, 2009, new recruits can take advantage of our Three Easy Payments option for their Starter Kit. If you have potential recruits who are concerned about being able to pay for the Starter Kit in one up-front payment, let them know they don't have to wait or worry any more about whether to sign up to be demonstrator. The Three Easy Payments option is the ideal solution. With just an initial partial payment, new recruits can get their Starter Kits right away and start building their businesses. Two subsequent monthly payments will take care of the rest.

Let prospective recruits know that now is the time to sign up! With the discounted Sale-A-Bration Starter Kit price and the Three Easy Payments option, they'll have the opportunity to take advantage of two great financial benefits at once. Once Sale-A-Bration is over, they'll still have through April 30 to get the Three Easy Payments option, but why wait?

It's FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How are you doing?? Got big plans for the weekend??? I don't! :D I love stamping with everyone, but it's going to be unusual for this monrh of Sale-a-bration to not have any parties this weekend!

So. Here's a card I made JUST to share with you! :)

Card stock: Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Silver

Ink pads: Encore Silver Metallic, Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, Brocade Blue, Night of Navy

Stamp set: Nature's Silhouettes

Other: 1-3/4" circle punch, silver embossing powder

The Bashful Blue strips are 1/8" wide, the silver strip is 1/4" wide. I stamped the image, and stippled the inks onto the card stock, then punched it out and sponged the Night of Navy around it. After I put the strips onto the Basic Black card front, I put the circle on with dimensionals. Isn't it pretty? It's VERY easy, but I think it's really striking - and the card base itself is Bashful Blue, so you can easily write on it.

Have a WONDERFUL weekend! Stamp something, and use it to bless someone else!! And let me know what you're stamping - I'm LONELY out here! :D

Last two from the Advanced Techniques Class!

Good afternoon! Wow, the climate has really changed here in middle Tennessee - it's in the low 30s, and we've had snow and ice already today! Brrrrr. Quite a change from Monday, when it was 82!!!!

Anyway. :) Back to the class!

The first card I want to show you is called DUOTONE RESIST. I changed it up a little bit, because I wanted my images to come through the top layers a little more. :) The colors on this are Whisper White, Summer Sun, and More Mustard; the stamp sets we used are BEAUTIFUL THING and LOVELY AS A TREE. We used the distressing tool in the cutting kit to do the edges of the tree, and sponged it in More Mustard ink. Monochromatic cards are some of my favorites, because they're very calming. I have to admit, More Mustard does NOT happen to fall in "my favorite colors", but I think it really works for this technique!

The second technique is called STRINGING YOU ALONG. I had a lot of fun with this one. :) The colors are Real Red, Only Orange, and YoYo Yellow. The greeting is from HAPPY EVERYTHING; inside, there's a stamp from A LITTLE BIRTHDAY CHEER. The cupcake is from CRAZY ABOUT CUPCAKES. :) And yes, everything is embossed with black embossing powder, to help it really stand out. We cut out the cupcake - after coloring with Stampin' Write markers - and put it on the card front with dimensionals. And yup, that is my favorite ticket corner punch! :D

If you missed my class, I hope you'll check out HERE to see my upcoming class schedule!

Now, then. Ann said,

Lori,

Is it my understanding then that we have to pay to see how your cards are created? By having to go to the Technique Junkies site? I'm a little confused why we would have to pay to see how you made your cards.

Ann

Ann, I can understand how it could be a bit confusing. These TECHNIQUES are from a subscription to Technique Junkies that Pat Huntoon puts a lot of hard work and effort into creating. It's part of her livelihood, the subscription rates that are paid. So whenever I say it's from Technique Junkies, I won't be telling specifics about HOW to do the card. If you have a specific question, however, PLEASE feel free to email me! It's poohisstampin@aol.com, and I check my email all the time. :) I'll be glad to help you!

Until tomorrow, my friends! I hope you're taking the time to STAMP something!!!???? :D

Advanced Techniques!

Hi! :) Are you enjoying your spring? It's been in the 70s here the last few days, and EVERYTHING is blooming - our first tulip is about to burst forth! :D However, today the weather is supposed to be in the 40s. We'll see if things bloom, or huddle in their buds for a while. :)

Last night was the Advanced Techniques class; everything was from TECHNIQUE JUNKIES - be sure and tell Pat I sent you! :)

This first one is called "Block Collage". Colors we used are Whisper White, Mellow Moss, and Always Artichoke. (Sound familiar? :D) I didn't collage as much on this sample as I should have, but I did it better when I taught it, I promise. :D

Yup, that's the Level 2 hostess-only set RUSTIC ROOSTER. And do you see his tail??? I didn't notice until I had the WHOLE card done!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had the back paper from a dimensional stuck on the stamp! I laughed so hard....

This second one is called "Mono Masking", and is really similar to the other one. I chose greens again without even thinking about it! This time, they're Certainly Celery, Green Galore (the centers of the flower), and Glorious Green - and Whisper White, of course. :) The flower is from SWEET STEMS, and the other two are from BOHO BACKGROUNDS.

We concentrated on techniques you can do with things you HAVE - mostly stamps, ink and card stock. With or without a financial crunch at home, it never hurts to be able to have a couple of techniques like this under your belt. :)

OK. That's it for today! Tomorrow you'll get the other two cards. (Have you ever noticed I save my favorites for last? It's the way I pretty much do everything. :D)

Have a WONDERFUL day, dear friend. I'm so glad you come back and visit me. And I HOPE I inspire you to STAMP! Now, go bless someone by giving them what you've created! :)

Quick post!!! :)

Good morning! I forgot to get this post ready yesterday, so I'm going to get it up here really quickly - it's almost time for me to leave for Bible study!!!!!!!

This first card, again, is mostly SIP - we did use the 1-3/4" punch to punch out the medallion, but you could easily cut it out!

Stamp set is SIMPLE FRIENDSHIP - so many people said they'd just overlooked this one, but LOVED the card and now are ordering the set. :) Colors are Real Red, Basic Black, and Whisper White. We used a Real Red and a Green Galore Stampin' Write Marker to color in the centers of the flowers and three little leaves. :) It's a 3x6 card, super simple, and we even have envelopes to match!

This one's mostly Big Shot work. All together, now: I LOVE MY BIG SHOT! :D

Stamp set is FRESH CUTS. Inks are Perfect Plum and Certainly Celery. Card stock colors are Apricot Appeal, Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue, Pale Plum, Very Vanilla, Certainly Celery, and vellum card stock. The centers of the flowers are rhinestone brads, available both in the Pretties Kit and separately - but I also did some cards with half-pearls as the centers of the flowers, and they were very beautiful.

Yes, that's my favorite ticket corner punch. :) Butterfly is the SU! exclusive Beautiful Butterflies die, and the flowers are the Simple Flower embosslit. SO easy to use, and such a SPRINGY card!!

OK, I'm on my way out the door. Literally! If I messed anything up, or forgot anything, leave me a comment and I'll fix things when I get home. :D Have a WONDERFUL day - and for goodness' sake, take the time to STAMP SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BUNNY BONANZA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are bunnies everywhere around the studio! The first is a project my party attendees got to do this weekend; the second is a punch art card I challenged myself to do, and I really think it's charming. :D

This darling bunny box is the same box you saw last week, cut out in Whisper White. (Yup, that would be with my wonderful Big Shot!) We did all the punching together; there's the 1/2" circle punch, the 3/4" circle punch, the scallop circle punch, the small oval punch, and the large oval punch - and then the tail, which you can't see, is the 1-1/4" circle punch and the 1-3/8" circle punch layered on the scallop circle punch. The only other things you need are a Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker, a white gel pen, adhesive, Going Gray and Pretty in Pink stamp pads, and sponges. Isn't he CUTE??????? I love him! :D

And here is the punch art card. *I* meant for the white gel pen dots to be stars or lightning bugs! :) The only stamp I used was the saying from BEAUTIFUL LIFE.

The large bunny is the 1-3/4" circle punch, 1-3/8" circle punch, and the large oval punch. The baby bunny is the 1" circle punch, the 3/4" circle punch, and the small oval punch. Both tails are from the Boho Blossoms punch, and sponged with a little Going Gray.

The carrots are punched from the five-petal flower punch, and I free-handed the stems. I sponged the top carrot with Pumkin Pie ink. Aren't they ADORABLE??!?!?! I brayered the background with different blue inks. I had this card in mind for a day or two, and finally got the chance to stamp for fun a few minutes last week. :D

Tomorrow, I'll show the other two projects we did at my parties this weekend. You won't want to miss it! And I also designed something for my next video for Amy's hostess gift today - it may be a bit before I get to shoot it, but I promise it's in the works! :)

So. What are YOU stamping???? And don't you need a PUNCH???? :D

VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM STAMPIN' UP!®

I had to come back and post this - it's an INCREDIBLE announcement. If you've been wanting to join my team and become a demonstrator, YOU NEED TO READ THIS!



Three Easy Payments Starter Kit Option Coming Soon
During economically challenging times, most of us tighten our budgets. Some expenditures that were once comfortable might now stretch a budget thin. We don't want anyone's efforts to budget wisely to become a barrier to joining Stampin' Up, especially considering the wonderful benefits--personal and economical--being a demonstrator can bring. This is why we're working on a Three Easy Payments option for the Starter Kit. For a limited time, with a partial initial payment, a new recruit can receive her Starter Kit and get her business running. Two subsequent monthly payments take care of the rest.

It's coming BEFORE THE END OF SALE-A-BRATIONS, everyone - that means you can pay in three installments AND STILL GET THE GREAT PROMOTIONS THAT COME WITH SIGNING UP DURING SAB!

As SOON as I know, I'll tell you when it's available. If you're interested in being part of my team, please EMAIL ME NOW!

Quick Cards!

Good afternoon! Do you have big plans for this weekend? I've got two parties here - I'm looking forward to the hostesses getting to shop! :D That's always the fun part!

OK. On to the sharing!

The sentiments on this card are all from the stamp set CLOSE AS A MEMORY; the longer verse is in the inside. The background on the card is from BOHO BACKGROUNDS, and the strip is ITTY BITTY BACKGROUNDS. The cardstock colors are Basic Gray, Going Gray, Basic Black, and Whisper White; the backgrounds are stamped in Basic Gray, and the words are stamped with Versamark and embossed with silver embossing powder.

To do the faux tag, we stamped the saying and embossed it, then punched it out with the large oval punch. Next, we dragged the edges of it through a Versamark pad, then dipped it into the silver EP and heated it. It's put on the front of the card with dimensionals. Fast and easy, and the color palette is all neutral. It's soothing, too.

Next card is one of my favorites, even though part of what makes it great is one of my least favorite colors! :D

Isn't it FRESH feeling? The background card is Pacific Point card stock, an IN COLOR this year. The mat is Old Olive, a color I truly don't care for - but it MAKES this card. :) The lemon slices are in Summer Sun, the apples in Ruby Red. The "celebrate" stamp is from CELEBRATE EVERYTHING, the fruit from TART & TANGY. That's the new eyelet border punch - it's REALLY a great accent!

The "celebrate" is stamped in white craft ink, then embossed with white embossing powder.

I'd love to know what you think of the cards! :) And to know what YOU are stamping.....

I mean, you ARE stamping, aren't you??? :D

Have a wonderful weekend!

Quick post! :)

I put this card in my newsletter for the month, which went out today, and promised everyone I'd post it here so y'all could get a closer look. :)

This is the spotlighting technique; this original version's been around a LONG time.

The set I used is RUSTIC ROOSTER, a Level 2 Hostess-only set. The rooster's head is punched out with a 1" circle punch, and I trimmed Chocolate Chip card stock to be a very thin mat underneath the circle.

Card stock colors are Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, and Ruby Red. The Whisper White strip is stamped in Basic Brown and sponged with Creamy Caramel. Ruby Red card stock is stamped with Ruby Red classic ink.

This stamp set is really growing on me; I'm going to miss it when the new Idea Book comes out in July! :D But you'll be seeing more of him, I promise....

To be put on my newsletter email list, please email me here! I have to have it in writing! :)

Have a great evening, and KEEP STAMPIN'!

Good Thursday Morning!

Hope you're having a great day so far! The week's almost over! :)

Today and tomorrow, I'll be posting cards from this week's Mixed Bag Quick Card Class. If you'd like to see my class schedule, CLICK HERE. :)

This is one of my favorite color combinations - if you've been watching my blog for a while, you probably have seen that. :) It's Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, and Mellow Moss.

This is the new jumbo wheel, FRIENDLY WORDS, used on the background squares. The key tag punched piece is stamped with a stamp from SWEET SERENDIPITY. Super simple, and a nice way to say hi to a friend. :)

This second card's colors came about because I wanted to use some Tangerine Tango. :) So, it's Perfect Plum, Tangerine Tango, and So Saffron card stocks with Basic Brown and metallic gold inks - the saying on the front is embossed in gold.

The set is INSPIRED BY NATURE - it's on the dormant list, but still available. I REALLY love this set! And there's my favorite ticket corner punch.... :D We distressed the edges of the Tangerine Tango with the distressing tool from the cutting kit.

Quick cards ROCK. :D What are YOU stamping?????

BIG post today!

OK, I'm sorry it's WEDNESDAY already. It's been a crazy month already - Sale-A-Bration is ROCKING around my studio this month! If you haven't placed your order, be sure to get it in this month!!!! Just click on the top icon on the right, and take a look at the free things you can earn with every $50 you order!

ANYWAY. Because I've got at least one person coming to THREE workshops during Sale-A-Bration - Hi, Mary! :D - I'm doing different things at each weekend's parties. These three are from this last weekend.

First, let me say that I always try to do two cards and a 3D project; it's a great way to get your hands on lots of fun toys, and if one design doesn't suit you, another one might! So, with that said, here are the projects!

Something I try to emphasize is that you can do a LOT more with more COLORS of ink and card stock than you can with a lot of STAMPS. Stamps are what we all crave, right? And I'm not saying that's a BAD thing. :D But when you're getting started, it's hard to want to spend money on the consumables. I can't tell you how much I see in people's eyes: "I can get card stock at other places. I want the STAMPS!" I try to let them go ahead for a bit, and see the difference in quality between what I have to offer them versus what you can get CHEAPLY. After all, I can't FORCE anyone to use the best on the market.... :)

This card is a GREAT SIP card - stamps, ink, & paper. The stamp set is SWEET STEMS; the colors are Sahara Sand, Basic Black, and Real Red; the white is our WONDERFUL gel pen. The red dots and centers of flowers are done with a Real Red Stampin' Write marker. Isn't it pretty?

This card is just the opposite; there's very little ink on this card, but LOTS of fun color - again, using ANY COLOR COMBO will change the look and feel of this card!

It's a Whisper White card, layered with Garden Green and Not Quite Navy. The Bashful Blue layer went through the Big Shot with my Texturz Plates. (Shall we say it all together, now??? I LOVE MY BIG SHOT!!!!!!!!!!! :D)

The Riding Hood Red and Whisper White hearts are punched with the Heart to Heart punch; the "celebrate you" stamp is from the set A LITTLE BIRTHDAY CHEER. Fun, and super easy!!!!!

The third project is probably kind of familiar to you by now. :D It's the new box die!

I was asked to include a photo of the SIDE of the box, as well, so here you go. :) This is the PINCH PROOF stamp set; the box is SUPER easy to assemble - the hardest thing about this project is the layering of the medallion on the front! :D

Colors are Glorious Green, Whisper White, and Summer Sun. We used green M&Ms until they ran out, then used creme de menthe Kisses. :)

If you have ANY questions about these projects, please let me know! My customers are falling in love with the Big Shot. ;) I wonder why.....

Have a WONDERFUL day! And STAMP SOMETHING, for Pete's sake! :D