Kindred Spirits...Part Two

The Kindred Spirit stamp set possesses a Zen-like quality. Although I often use the stamp featured as a background, I occasionally like to use it as a focal image, such as with today’s card. This set includes two sentiments, “With Sympathy” and "Kindred Spirits". Just what is a "kindred spirit" you ask? A kindred spirit is "someone who feels and thinks the way you do". Are you my kindred spirit? You just might be if you love this fabulous Designer Series Paper, Bella Birds.

• Make a standard card base from "Pink and Gray Floral" Bella Birds Designer Series Paper and score at the top.


• Ink the Floral stamp from Kindred Spirits with Chocolate Chip ink and stamp onto Very Vanilla card stock. Mat onto the Chocolate Chip selection from Bella Birds.


• Add a snippet of “Pretty in Pink” Taffeta Ribbon for a spot of color. Attach to the card base.


• Ink the “Kindred Spirit” sentiment with Chocolate Chip and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Mat onto Pink and Gray Floral Bella Birds Designer Series Paper. Position and adhere to the card as illustrated.


• I also randomly placed small rhinestone flowers on the image for a little “bling”!

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!
Stamp Set: Kindred Spirits (111662)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908)
Designer Series Paper: Bella Birds (113981)
Embellishments: Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon (109067), Rhinestones (Hero Arts)

Please feel free to leave me a comment. I would love to hear from you! Until next time...

Manhattan Wedding

With the Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions die and the Very Versatile stamp set, you can create cards for a variety of occasions, such as this wedding card. Stampin' Dimensionals make both the flower and the sentiment "pop" from the Pretty in Pink card base. Here is the recipe for this confection of a card:

• Make a 5-1/2" square card base from Pretty in Pink.
• Using the Big Shot and the Manhattan Flower die, create flowers from Baja Breeze card stock. Cut out using Paper Snips, and attach to the card base with Stampin' Dimensionals. (Tip: Stampin' Up!s Paper Snips are the perfect choice for any intricate cutting.)
• Cut a strip of Baja Breeze and punch the edge using the Eyelet Border Punch. Repeat with Basic Grey. Layer the Basic Grey over the Baja Breeze. Wrap with Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon. Attach to the card base.
• Ink the "Wishing You Happiness..." sentiment from the Very Versatile stamp set with Basic Grey, and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Mat with Baja Breeze, Pretty in Pink and Basic Gray. Position and adhere to the card base with Stampin' Dimensionals.

I loved the look of Pretty in Pink and Baja Breeze together, a combination which I would describe as "yummy". Remember that as an "In-Color", Baja Breeze will be retiring upon the release of the new catalog. If you love this color as much as I do, do not hesitate to order more today. My Demonstrator Website is accesible 24/7 !

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!

Stamp Set: Very Versatile (Occasions Mini 113806)
Ink: Basic Gray (109120)
Card Stock: Baja Breeze (111352), Pretty in Pink (100459), Basic Gray (108692), Very Vanilla (101650)
Tools: Big Shot (113439), Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Die (114517), Texturz Silicone Rubber (114615), Texturz Impressions Pad (114614), Eyelet Border Punch (113692)
Embellishments: Very Vanilla 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon (109055), Pearl Brad (Non-SU!)

Please feel free to leave me a comment. I would love to hear from you! Until next time...

Daisy Pals

What do Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron and Bashful Blue have in common? They were the three colors that were selected for the Pretty Pals Challenge #33! This challenge also included a twist...use a punch. Since I firmly believe that the Bigz Daisies #2 die can create flowers of any color that can be used on any color card, I set out to prove it my theory.

• A standard card base was made from Whisper White card stock and scored at the top.


• A layer of So Saffron textured card stock was then added to the card base.


• A strip of Bashful Blue textured card stock was cut to width and punched with the Scallop Border Punch. It was adhered to the card base as illustrated.


• Whisper White ribbon was positioned at the top edge of the blue strip.


• Bashful Blue 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon was threaded through a Ribbon Slide from the Hodgepodge Hardware collection and layered on top of the Whisper White ribbon.


• The Bashful Blue "ribbon strip" was then attached to the card base.


• Pumpkin Pie card stock was passed through the Big Shot, using the Daisies #2 die. (Tip: To create fullness, I actually created two sets of flowers.) After the flower was assembled, a brad from the Hodgepodge Hardware collection was added to the center to add interest. The daisy was then attached to the card base.

This is an exciting time to become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. Did you know that one of the perks of a demonstrator are sneak peeks and the opportunity to purchase select merchandise before it becomes available to the general public? I would love to have you join me! Email me today if you need more information!

As we near the end of Stampin’ Up!s Designer Series Paper Sale (“Buy 3---Get 1 FREE!), there is no reason to be sad. Stampin’ Up! has lots of surprises in store for us! Just look at what is just around the corner:

June 1st
The “Last Chance” Retired List will be revealed. Which of your favorite stamps will be bidding us adieu?

June 15th
The Country Living Summer Cookout Kit will be available just in time for your summer entertaining. Click here to view this adorable set. I predict that they are bound to sell out quickly! Don't be disappointed.

July 1st
The NEW 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog. I am so excited to share all of the new products and In-Colors with you!

But wait...there's more! During the entire month of June, you can earn an additional $20 or $40 in free merchandise! Hostesses who hold a $250-$399.99 workshop will receive an additional $20 in hostess free merchandise dollars. Hostesses who hold a $400 or more workshop will receive an additional $40 in hostess free merchandise dollars. Partner up with a friend, if you would like and hold a catalog workshop!

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!
Card Stock: Pumpkin Pie (105117), So Saffron---Rich Regals 12” x 12” Textured (108696), Bashful Blue---Soft Subtles 12” x 12” Textured (108695), Whisper White (100730)
Tools: Big Shot (113439), Daisies #2 Bigz Die (114520), Scalloped Border Punch (112091)
Embellishments: Whisper White 5/8” Satin Ribbon (Occasions Mini 114616), ¼” Bashful Blue Grosgrain Ribbon (109029), Hodgepodge Hardware Styled Silver (111325)

Please feel free to leave me a comment. I would love to hear from you! Until next time...

Watching for Birds Scrapbook Page

Like so many other dog owners, our dog is truly a member of our family. When I was serving on the local humane society executive board, a young purebred Boxer was brought into the shelter by the police as an abuse case. Weighing in at a mere twenty pounds, she was suffering from mange, severe ear infection (mud had been packed into her ears), and a variety of behavioral issues stemming from her mistreatment at the hands of teenaged boys. During my daily visits to the shelter, I grew to love this little dog who "adopted" me. As soon as the court papers were processed, and she was available for adoption, Missy came to live at our house. A heartworm and cancer survivor, Missy still retains that youthful, Boxer spunk eleven years later.

Now a matronly twelve years old, which is quite elderly for a Boxer, Missy is the queen of the house. One of her favorite activities is watching for birds through the front windows of our living room. I knew when I purchased Bella Birds Designer Series Paper, that it would be the perfect choice for a scrapbook page of Missy watching for birds. And yes, she has her very own scrapbook! In fact, Missy has requested that I share the recipe for this scrapbook page with you.

• 
  
  The photo was matted onto Pink Pirouette, Certainly Celery, and Chocolate Chip. (Tip: I pulled Certainly Celery from the colors in the photo. Of course, Pink Pirouette and Chocolate Chip are the perfect choices to use with Bella Birds.)
• 
  
  Using the Photo Corners Punch and Certainly Celery, punch two corners and adhere to opposite corners on the photo.
• 
  
  Use a sheet of "Pink Baroque" Bella Birds Designer Series Paper as the layout base. On top of this layer a section of the "Chocolate Chip Birds" paper. (Tip: I actually cut the Chocolate Chip paper so that the three birds would be strategically placed when I adhered my photo.)
• 
  
  Adhere Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon at the upper and lower interfaces of the two pattern papers. On the bottom ribbon, layer Certainly Celery ribbon.
• 
  
  Pretty in Pink Taffeta ribbon was then placed through a Ribbon Slide from the Hodgepodge Hardware Collection and positioned on top of the boundary of the Chocolate Chip and Certainly Celery ribbons as illustrated.
• 
  
  Lucida Sans Calligraphy font, in brown, was used to print the title onto Very Vanilla, which was then matted on Pink Pirouette, Certainly Celery, and Chocolate Chip. It was positioned and adhered below the photo.
• 
  
  "Missy" was printed using the same font and color, and placed in a Raised Dots Designer Holder from the Hodgepodge Hardware Collection. It was attached with brads beside the photo.
• 
  
  As a final touch, a Floral Circle Brad from the Hodgepodge Hardware Collection was placed in the upper left corner.

This particular picture of Missy was taken without her knowledge from the opposite side of the house using my zoom lens and the portrait setting on my Canon Digital Rebel. In person, it is an awesome picture and I knew that I had to "scrap" it! What does Missy think about this latest addition to her scrapbook? In her own words, "Bow-WOW!"

The Stampin' Schach Tip of the Day: Today's tip is not about stamping or cardmaking. Instead it is a plea for responsible pet ownership. Please spay or neuter your pets. Shelters and breed rescues are overpopulated with the results of unplanned litters. Although shelter dogs can and do make great family pets, such as our Missy, our shelters are over populated :)

Email me today if you need more information!

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!

Designer Series Paper: Bella Birds (113981)
Card Stock: Pink Pirouette (111351), Certainly Celery (105125), Chocolate Chip (101128), Very Vanilla (101650)
Tools: Photo Corner Punch (109042)
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon (109051), Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon (109067), Certainly Celery (109050), Hodgepodge Hardware in Stylized Silver (111325)

Please feel free to leave me a comment. I would love to hear from you! Until next time...

Crazy Daisies

Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette and Whisper White! What a yummy color combination! Add texture to the card stock, and the result is a card which is quick and classy, with just the right touch of whimsy! If these colors do not suit your fancy, Stampin' Up!s color palette can provide you with an endless number of dynamic trios. You are only limited by your imagination!

• Make a standard card base of Whisper White and score at the top.
• Texturize a piece of Pink Pirouette using the Swirls plate from Backgrounds I and the Big Shot. Adhere to the card base.
• Cut a strip of Baja Breeze and punch one side with the Eyelet Border Punch. Adhere to the card base as illustrated.
• Run a snippet of 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon through a Ribbon Slide from the Hodgepodge Hardware collection and adhere to the top of the Eyelet Border strip.
• Using the Daisies #2 Bigz Die and the Big Shot, cut three Baja Breeze daisies and three Whisper White daisies. Alternate colors to form a full daisy.
• Place a Circle Fire Brad in Pink through the center of the daisy.
• Position and adhere the daisy to the card base, and your card is complete.

I can hardly wait to try out other color combinations with this design. I am going to let my imagination run wild. You never know what works until you try! Email me today if you need more information!

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!
Card Stock: Baja Breeze (111352), Pink Pirouette (111351), Whisper White (100730)

Tools: Big Shot (113439), Texturz Impressions Pad (114614), Texturz Silicone Rubber (114615), Stampin’ Up! Backgrounds I (114512), Flower, Daisies #2 (114520)

Embellishments: ¼” Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon (109025), Circle Fire Brad (109110), Hodgepodge Hardware Styled Silver (111325)

Please feel free to leave me a comment. I would love to hear from you! Until next time...

Baja and Black

I will miss Baja Breeze when it "retires" on June 30th. It is so stunning when paired with Basic Black and Whisper White. While this layout was influenced by a monochromatic card designed by Jen of Designs by Boo, the use of the Small Leaves Sizzlits die was inspired by a Making Memories brad that was leftover from my non-Stampin' Up! life. This card is definitely quick and classy!

• Make a standard card base from Basic Black. Score on the side.
• Using the Swirls Plate from Stampin' Up! Backgrounds I and the Big Shot, texturize 4" x 5-1/4" piece of Baja Breeze card stock and layer it onto the card base.
• Select the Polka Dot print from the Baja Breeze Designer Series Paper collection cut to 1-1/2" x 5-1/4" and mat onto Basic Black. Punch the edge with the Scallop Border Punch, and wrap the other edge with 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon and tie a bow. Layer over the texturized Baja Breeze.
• Using Nestabilities Scalloped Circles dies and the Big Shot, prepare layered circles, cutting the larger from Basic Black and the smaller from Whisper White. Layer the white over the black. Finish the edges of the black scalloped circle with a Paper Piercer available in the Crafters' Tool Kit.
• Using the Stampin' Up! Little Leaves Sizzlits die and the Big Shot, prepare Baja Breeze leaflets and adhere to the white circle with Mini Glue Dots. Use Stampin' Dimensionals to pop the entire scalloped element off of the card base. (Tip: I happened to have a scrap of texturized Baja Breeze which I used, giving a unique look tot he leaflets!)
• As a final touch, I added the brad that inspired it all in the lower right hand corner!

If you love Baja Breeze, or any of the other In-Colors, stock up today. They are only available until June 30th! But don't despair, Stampin' Up! will be treating us to the newest generation of In-Colors with the release of the new catalog on July 1!

If you would like a sneak preview of the newest that Stampin' Up! has to offer, join me today as a demonstrator. Sneak peeks are just one of the fun perks of being a demonstrator. Stampin' Up! is currently offering you the opportunity to sign on as a demonstrator for only $75 with their Scrapbooking Starter Kit.

The following items are included as part of this limited-time offer:

113510 Schoolbook Serif Alphabet stamp set* $42.95

113059 Simply Scrappin' Petal Party $19.95

108697 Earth Elements Assorted textured card stock (12" x 12") $11.95

105240 Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad $7.50

Please note: Each of the products listed above may be substituted for like items.

The Scrapbooking Starter Kit also contains all the business supplies contained in the standard Starter Kit, including the Getting Started DVD, Getting Started Guide, Guest Invitation Postcard (100), Idea Book & Catalog (8), Occasions Mini Catalog (8), To My Hostess Envelope (10), Recruit Folders (5), Recruit Brochures (20), Hostess Brochure (20), Hostess Benefits Form (10) and Customer Order Form (50).

Email me today if you need more information!

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!

Designer Series Paper: Baja Breeze (112157)
Card Stock: Basic Black (102851), Whisper White (100730), Baja Breeze (111352)
Tools: Tools: Big Shot (113439), Texturz Impressions Pad (114614), Texturz Silicone Rubber (114615), Stampin’ Up! Backgrounds I (114512), Stampin’ Up! Little Leaves Sizzlits (114511), Crafters’ Tool Kit (104310), Nestabilities Scalloped Circles (Non-Stampin’ Up!)
Embellishments: ¼” Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon (109025), Fifth Avenue Brad (Making Memories)

Please feel free to leave me a comment. I would love to hear from you! Until next time...

Great Grads Scrapbook Page

There is no doubt about it…great pictures make great scrapbook pages. But what if you have mediocre pictures, like the only picture in existence of my son’s pre-school graduation? Then the designing process definitely becomes a challenge, such as in this situation, where I wanted to couple this print with another mediocre picture. (Hey…It’s tough to get a great picture when you are seated several rows away from the action!) In addition, there is very little to unify the two pictures, which were taken fourteen years apart. However, I was bound and determined to use both prints on the same page. So in today’s discussion, I would like to share the rationales behind my design decisions.

• First I selected a neutral colored card stock as my background paper, as I wanted the focus to be on the subject of the pictures. I love all of the Designer Series Paper, but since I was working with two diverse photos, the safest bet was to select something small and neutral.


• One of my major goals was to create cohesiveness between the two prints. One way that I accomplished this was by printing the pictures the same size and matting them identically. This automatically created similarity.


• I wanted the matted pictures to “pop” off the page and catch the eye, so as the final matting layer, I used Chocolate Chip in contrast against the neutral background. Since very few colors were identical in the two pictures, I purposely steered away from trying to match matting colors to the photos. Instead I selected colors that were not predominant in either photo. This way, one picture was not emphasized more than the other.


• For my journaling block I selected the LD Quick Note font, and printed it on Very Vanilla. I highlighted the words “Graduation” and “2008” by printing them in a color to compliment “Always Artichoke”, which was used as the mat for the journaling block.


• Because this was a school related event, I elected to punch the top border with the Spiral Punch to simulate a spiral notebook.


• Instead of adhering the pictures side-by-side, which would accentuate their differences, I staggered them on the page.


• To connect and ground the journaling block and pictures, I created a badge by stamping the “G” from the Great Grad set in Chocolate Chip ink onto Very Vanilla card stock. I punched this out using the 1-3/4” Circle Punch, and then layered it as follows: Always Artichoke scalloped circle, Barely Banana circle, Chocolate Chip scalloped circle, Always Artichoke scalloped circle. I kept adding layers to build this up to the size I needed in order to have it touch both pictures and the journaling block. As a plus, the selected colors unified the layout.


• Brown Paisley was used to form a small folder to hold a few extra smaller prints that I had of graduation which I did not want to feature on a separate layout. The punched Eyelet Border softened the straight lines of the rest of the layout and added visual interest.


• The sentiment, brads, and ribbon further embellished the layout, and kept it from appearing too Spartan.

When I look at my finished result, I am no longer distracted by two disjointed pictures. Instead, I am immediately drawn into the journaling and its story. If you have stories that you wish to tell through scrapbooking, you may want to join me as a demonstrator. Stampin' Up! is currently offering you the opportunity to sign on as a demonstrator for only $75 with their Scrapbooking Starter Kit.

The following items are included as part of this limited-time offer:
113510 Schoolbook Serif Alphabet stamp set* $42.95
113059 Simply Scrappin' Petal Party $19.95
108697 Earth Elements Assorted textured card stock (12" x 12") $11.95
105240 Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad $7.50
Please note: Each of the products listed above may be substituted for like items.

The Scrapbooking Starter Kit also contains all the business supplies contained in the standard Starter Kit, including the Getting Started DVD, Getting Started Guide, Guest Invitation Postcard (100), Idea Book & Catalog (8), Occasions Mini Catalog (8), To My Hostess Envelope (10), Recruit Folders (5), Recruit Brochures (20), Hostess Brochure (20), Hostess Benefits Form (10) and Customer Order Form (50). Email me today if you need more information!

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!

Stamp Set: Great Grads

Ink: Mellow Moss, Chocolate Chip

Designer Paper: To the Nines;

Card Stock: Sahara Sand, Always Artichoke, Barely Banana, Chocolate Chip

Tools: Circle Scissors Plus, Glass Mat, Eyelet Border Punch, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Nestabilities Scallop Circles

Embellishments: Very Vanilla 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Small Brads

Please feel free to leave me a comment. I would love to hear from you! Until next time...

Scalloped Cherries

The Circle Scissors Plus is a Superman of Tools! Able to produce circles ranging from 1" to 6", it can be combined with the Scallop Circle Die to provide quick, yet visually stunning cards. Add your favorite Designer Series Papers and coordinating card stock and "ta-da"...you have the foundation for a card that can't miss!

• Using Kiwi Kiss, make a 5.5 x 4.25 card.


• Next center the wide side on top of the Scallop Circle Die, leaving four scallops uncovered to form the hinge. Run this through the Big Shot to form the scallop circle note card.


• Run Rockabilly "Cherries" Specialty Designer Series Paper and a 3-1/2" Nestabilities Scalloped Circle die through the Big Shot to form the middle circle. Position and adhere to a Riding Hood Red circle which was cut with the Circle Scissors Plus. Tip: I adjusted the Circle Scissors Plus to produce a circle approximately 3-5/8", and it was a perfect fit!


• Layer a snippet of Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon. Attach this to the note card.


• Ink the "Friends" sentiment from the Garden Greetings stamp set with Kiwi Kiss, and stamp onto Whisper White. Punch out using the Word Window Punch, and layer onto Riding Hood Red. Position and adhere to the ribbon.


• Punch a pair of cherries from the Designer Series Paper and layer onto a Riding Hood Red circle which was cut using the small Nestabilities Scallop Circle Die and the Big Shot. Adhere next to the sentiment.

I love the Rockabilly Specialty Designer Series Paper! It is one of the papers that I purchased using Stampin' Up!s "Buy Three---Get One Free" promotion. For every three Designer Series Papers or 12" x 12" Textured Card Stocks that you purchase, you can select one for free! There is still time to take advantage and stock up on your favorites.

If you love Kiwi Kiss and Riding Hood Red, please remember that they are "In-Colors". Along with Baja Breeze, Tangerine Tango, Pink Pirouette, and Pacific Point, these colors are only available through June 30th. If you are like me, and sad to see them go, order some today. You can always order from me, 24/7!

Email me today if you have questions on how to make this card or about ordering!

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!

Stamp Set: Garden Greetings (113716)
Ink: Kiwi Kiss (111835)
Designer Series Paper: (Rockabilly 114039)
Card Stock: Kiwi Kiss (111353), Riding Hood Red (111348), Whisper White (100730)
Tools: Big Shot (113439), Bigz Scallop Circle (113468), 1" Circle Punch (109046), Word Window Punch (105090), Circle Scissors Plus (112530), Glass Mat (112531), Nestabilities Scalloped Circles (Non-Stampin’ Up!)
Embellishments: Whisper White ¼”Grosgrain Ribbon (109025), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Please feel free to leave me a comment. I would love to hear from you! Until next time...

Leafless

"To the Nines" is one of my favorite Designer Series Papers. A textured cover-weight card stock, its shades of Sage Shadows and Chocolate Chip are an enticement for me to reach for this collection often. And reach for it I did, as I designed the fourth and final card in my Branch Out series. The luscious greens of summer and vibrant colors of fall have given way to a leafless tree as the tire swing waits forlornly for the arrival of spring. Stampin' Pastels were used to lightly tint the background while a clear Window Sheet protects the image from smudges. The result is a card that is reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century landscape, complete with oval frame.

• Prepare a card base from "Brown Dot" To the Nines Designer Specialty Designer Series Paper. Use a Corner Rounder on two of the corners.
• Using the Big Shot and Oval Scallop Frame die, cut a frame out of Sage Shadow "Herringbone and Dots" To the Nines paper.
• Ink the Tree image from the Branch Out stamp set with Basic Brown and stamp onto Very Vanilla card stock. Once the ink has set, use a variety of Stampin' Pastels to create a soft background. (Tip: Although Stampin' Pastels come with applicators, for this particular card I used my fingers.)
• Ink the "Tire Swing" image with Basic Black for the tire and Basic Brown for the rope. Stamp onto the tree branch of your choice.
• Attach an oval of clear Window Sheets to the underside of the frame. Place over the chalked image, adhering with Stampin' Dimensionals.
• Add a snippet of 5/8" Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon to the card base. Then position and adhere the framed image to the base.
• Ink the "Thank You" sentiment from Garden Greetings with Basic Brown onto Very Vanilla card stock. Layer this onto "Brown Dot" and adhere to the bottom of the frame. (Tip: Use a Stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement every time!)

This card is so very pretty in person. The Window Sheet adds just the right amount of shine to the delicate pastel work. And the nice thing about this card is that once I had settled on the design, the card came together quick and easy!

Email me today if you have questions on how to make this card!

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!
Stamp Sets: Branch Out (13200), Garden Greetings (113716)
Ink: Basic Brown (104315), Basic Black (101179), Stampin’ Pastels (105542)
Designer Series Paper: To the Nines (114038)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650)
Tools: Big Shot (113439), Frame, Oval Scallop (113468), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049), Corner Rounder Punch (109047)
Embellishments: 5/8” Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon (109055)
Other: Window Sheets Medium-7 mil (Occasions Mini 114323), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

Please feel free to leave me a comment. I would love to hear from you! Until next time...

Rock Star

May is National Scrapbooking Month, and what better way is there to celebrate than by taking advantage of Stampin’ Up!s “Buy Three…Get One Free” promotion. With the purchase of three Designer Series Papers or 12” by 12” Textured Card Stocks, you will receive one free! And the nice thing is that you can mix and match! Stampin’ Up!s Designer Series Papers are an excellent choice for creating layouts that showcase your special photos, such as the one featured today. Rockabilly Designer Series Specialty Paper and the "Rock Star" stamp from A Little Somethin’ add a touch of whimsy, while the tuxedo striped paper maintains the page’s masculine feel.

• Mat the photo on Kiwi Kiss, followed by the Kiwi Kiss/Black Skull paper from the Rockabilly collection.
• Using the Scallop Circle Bigz Die and the Big Shot, cut two circles from Kiwi Kiss Designer Series Paper and Dotted Riding Hood Red paper from the Rockabilly collection. Layer. Adhere onto the back of the photo mat.
• Position the photo mat onto the glossy black striped paper from Rockabilly and adhere using SNAIL Adhesive.
• Layer a wide strip of Dotted Riding Hood Red Rockabilly toward the bottom of the page. On top of this adhere a strip of single Kiwi Kiss/Black Skulls.
• Ink the Rock Star stamp with Basic Black ink and stamp onto Whisper White card stock. Punch the corners with the Ticket Corner Punch. Mat this onto Dotted Riding Hood Red, and once again punch the corners using the Ticket Corner Punch. Mat onto Basic Black.
• Using Stampin’ Dimensionals, position the Rock Star block on top of the scalloped circles.
• Coat two stars and an arrow from the On Board Essentials Chipboard Collection with Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive. Place adhesive side down on the Kiwi Kiss and Black Skulls paper. (The flip side of this paper is the Dotted Riding Hood Red, which is the pattern I wanted to show when the chipboard was adhered to the page.)
• Trim using Paper Snips. Lightly sand the edges using a Sanding Block. Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere to the layout as shown in the illustration.
  

This photo of my son’s jazz combo, the WestSide Mongrels, is one of my favorites. The black and white copy gave an edgy look, and allowed me to use the “Skulls” pattern without making the composition feel “too busy”. If you are ready to make your own "Rock Star", remember that you can order Stampin' Up! 24/7! Just click on the link below. Email me today if you have questions!

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!
Stamp Set: A Little Somethin’ (Hostess Level 2 (113415)
Ink: Basic Black (101179)
Designer Series Paper: Rockabilly (114039), Kiwi Kiss (112161)
Card Stock: Kiwi Kiss (111353), Whisper White (100730), Basic Black (102851)
Tools: Big Shot (113439), Scallop Circle Bigz Die (113468), Sanding Block (103301), Paper Snips (103579)
Other: On Board Essentials (112085), Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive (110755), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

Please feel free to leave me a comment. I would love to hear from you! Until next time...

Even a Teenage Boy...

Sometimes I feel like such a schmuck! My poor son, Brady, needed a Thank You card to send to his trumpet professor. Unfortunately this happens to be an extremely hectic time of the year for me. Those of you who are teachers know exactly what I mean. I have requisitions to make out, lesson plans to complete, course manuals to get in order, semester exams to write and the list goes on and on and on. So I pointed him in the direction of all of my card making supplies and said..."You are a big boy...Go for it!" Well, to make a long story short, he grabbed the "Clearly Thanks" Window Sheets and a packet of In-Colors and came up with this card. I guess the motto of this story would be: "Window Sheets...So Easy, Even a Teenage Boy Can Use Them!" In his own words, (with my translation in parentheses) here is Brady's step-by-step recipe for this card:

• Take some blue paper and make it into a card. (Make a standard card base out of Pacific Point.)


• Take some green paper and cut it so its right under the "Y" in "You" and right below the "swirly" things. (Using Kiwi Kiss, cut a strip of paper so it accentuates the swirls of the window sheet. Adhere to the card base.)


• Take some orange paper and put it below the green paper. (Take a strip of Tangerine Tango and adhere it to the bottom of the card base as noted in the picture.)


• Attach the "clear thing" with sticky dots. (Using Mini Glue Dots, position and adhere the window sheet onto the card base.) I did have to advise him that Mini Glue Dots were the best choice for adhering the window sheet.


• Add some buttons to hide the sticky dots. (If you wish, you can camouflage the Mini Glue Dots with buttons from the Fresh Favorites II Collection. Mini Glue Dots will hold them perfectly in place). I did tell Brady to use a snippet of Pacific Point paper as "thread" in the button. However, he couldn't manage this very well. His "trumpet" fingers are really calloused, so I did it for him :)


• Stick another button on it by one of the "swirly things." (Add another button to accentuate the swirls in the design.)

From fresh young minds, you can learn a thing or two! I probably would not have thought about using the three different colors to accentuate the design. In fact, I probably would not have selected these three colors. I asked him what was behind his choices, and he just wanted something bright and "summery"!

When I asked Brady if he was ready to make some more cards, his answer was "No!" But, he was ready to tackle the Big Shot. It seems that he is fascinated by the little matchboxes... Or is he just interested in the chocolate that I put in them?

Stay tuned. Is it possible that there could be a sequel..."Window Sheets...So Easy, Even a Husband Can Use Them"? Time will tell.

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Card Stock: Pacific Point (111350), Tangerine Tango (111349), Kiwi Kiss (111353)

Other: Clearly Thanks Window Sheets (Occasions Mini 115122), Fresh Favorites II Buttons (107422)

Swing into Fall

The third card in my Branch Out stamp set series features the colors of fall. Really Rust, Always Artichoke, and Chocolate Chip set the tone. The tree, in all of its autumnal glory, takes center stage in this easy to make card.

• Ink the Branch Out tree with Chocolate Chip and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Double mat onto Really Rust and Always Artichoke.
• Ink the leaves stamp with More Mustard and randomly stamp. Follow with Really Rust and a smidge of Ruby Red.
• Ink the Tire Swing with Basic Black (tire) and Chocolate Chip (rope), and using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement, stamp it onto the branch of your choice.
• Add Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon as illustrated in the photo.
• Place and adhere the matted tree onto the Very Vanilla card base.
• Place three Chocolate Chip Corduroy Buttons above the ribbon.
• Use the paper piercing tool and template from the Crafters Tool Kit to add visual interest just below the ribbon.

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Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!
Stamp Sets: Branch Out (113200)

Inks: Chocolate Chip (100908), More Mustard (103162), Really Rust (102549), Ruby Red (102259), Basic Black (101179)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Really Rust (100661), Always Artichoke (105119)
Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049), Crafters Tool Kit (104310)Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Corduroy Buttons (114339), Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109051)

Hello, Little Baby

From the moment I laid eyes on the "Forest Friends" stamp set, I knew that I had to have it! Its fawn image is Bambi personified, and is just perfect to use on cards for little ones. This particular card was created for the Pretty Pals Challenge #31, which combined the Our Creative Corner sketch with a inspiration photo. Double matting the image makes it the perfect focal point for this "deer" little card!

• Prepare a card base from Barely Banana and layer with dotted Certainly Celery Designer Series Paper.

• Cut two strips of Bashful Blue Textured Card Stock and mat onto Whisper White. Wrap the horizontal strip with Regal Rose ribbon. Adhere to the card base as illustrated.


• Using Nestabilities Oval dies and the Big Shot, cut three concentric ovals...a larger and a smaller out of Whisper White, and a middle sized one out of Barely Banana.


• Ink the "Bambi" stamp with Regal Rose and stamp onto the small sized Whisper White oval. Tip: I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement. Using a Sponge Dauber and Regal Rose Stampin' Pastels, shade the edge of the oval.


• Layer these ovals with Stampin' Dimensionals and place on the card with SNAIL Adhesive.

• Ink the "Hello little baby" sentiment from the Sweet Little Sentiments Hostess Set with Regal Rose and stamp onto Whisper White. Punch it out using the Large Oval Punch and layer onto a Regal Rose scalloped oval, which was punched out with the Scallop Oval Punch. Tip: A Stampin' Dimensional can be used to pop the sentiment off of the base oval for added depth.


• Adhere the sentiment into position with SNAIL Adhesive.


• Using the Trio Flower Punch, punch two little flowers out of Whisper White. Add Rose Red Brads into the center of each, and place into position with Mini Glue Dots. Tip: Since I added the flowers after I adhered the Bashful Blue strip into place, I simply used scissors to clip the ends of the brads so that they did not "peek" out beneath the flowers.
  

This particular card was made with a baby girl in mind. By switching colors, you can create a card fit for a little prince! Since paper and color often set the mood, I make sure that I always have a varied supply of paper on hand. This is why I was so excited about the "Buy Three---Get One Free" promotion. It allowed me to stock up on Designer Papers and 12" x 12" Textured Card Stock. In fact...I may go back for "seconds"!

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!
Stamp Sets: Forest Friends (Occasions Mini 113748), Sweet Little Sentiments Hostess Level I (113690)
Ink: Regal Rose (105211), Stampin' Pastels (105542)
Card Stock: Barely Banana (102701), Whisper White (100730), Regal Rose (105130), Bashful Blue Textured (Soft Subtles 12" x 12" Textured Card Stock (108695)
Designer Series Paper: Certainly Celery (112154)
Tools: Scallop Oval Punch (Occasions Mini 114889), Trio Flower Punch (109183), Large Oval Punch (107305), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049), Sponge Daubers (102892), Nestabilities Ovals (Non-SU!)
Embellishments: Rich Regals Brads (106953), Regal Rose 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon (109056)

Summer Swing

The "Summer Love" Rub-Ons provided the color inspiration for the second card in my Branch Out stamp set series. Featuring free-hand marker work and Art Deco style matting, this card is reminiscent of lazy summer days and tire swings!

• Ink the Branch Out tree with Chocolate Chip and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Double mat onto Baja Breeze and Cameo Coral.
• Ink the leaves stamp with Garden Green and randomly stamp. Follow with Old Olive and Kiwi Kiss. Finally, fill in with leaves made with an Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Marker. Have fun!
• Ink the Tire Swing with Basic Black (tire) and Chocolate Chip (rope), and using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement, stamp it onto the branch of your choice.
• Place and adhere onto the Very Vanilla card base.
• Using the tool provided, rub the "Summer" rub-on onto Very Vanilla. Mat with Baja Breeze and Cameo Coral. Position and adhere as illustrated in the picture. Add a small button from the Fresh Favorites I collection to draw the eye toward the sentiment.
• Cut a strip of Cameo Coral and finish the two right hand ends with the corner rounder for a Deco feel. Place a small strip of Baja Breeze on top, and adhere to the left side of the card.
• Finish with three small buttons from the Fresh Favorites Collections I and II. Tip: A little snippet of Cameo Coral threaded through the holes make these buttons just "pop"!

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!
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Stamp Sets: Branch Out (113200)

Inks: Chocolate Chip (100908), Kiwi Kiss (111835), Garden Green (102272), Old Olive (102277), Basic Black (101179), Stampin' Write Marker--Always Artichoke (105113)

Card Stock: Baja Breeze (111352), Very Vanilla (101650), Cameo Coral (100475)

Tools: Corner Rounder (109047), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)

Embellishments: Fresh Favorites I (107421), Fresh Favorites II (107422)

Other: Summer Love Rub-Ons (Occasions Mini 114620)

Adhesives: SNAIL Adhesive (104332)

Parisian Breeze

Stampin’ Up!s Parisian Breeze Specialty Designer Series Paper is a textured cover-weight card stock that coordinates beautifully with Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip and Kraft card stocks. As many of you know, I love the Baja Breeze color and will be sad to see it leave the Stampin’ Up! line-up on June 30th. However, there is still time to take advantage of Stampin’ Up!s “Buy Three---Get One Free” promotion and stock up on all of your favorite Designer Series Papers and 12” x 12” textured card stocks. Feel free to shop with me and order all of the supplies necessary to make today’s card!

• Begin with a standard card base prepared from Kraft card stock. Layer with Parisian Breeze "Small Blue Floral" paper.


• Cut a strip of Baja Breeze card stock, and punch one side using the Scallop Border Punch.


• Layer a strip of Parisian Breeze "Small Check in Blue" on top, positioning as seen in the photo. Wrap with a piece of Baja Breeze 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon. Adhere this layered composition to the card base.


• Using the Stampin’ Up! Simple Flower Embosslit and the Big Shot, prepare three blossoms, two Baja Breeze and one Kraft. For a little extra "bling", add a rhinestone to the center of each flower. Adhere to the card base using Stampin’ Dimensionals.


• Ink the “Fabulous Friend” sentiment from the Oval All stamp set with Chocolate Chip and stamp onto Whisper White. Using a Blender Pen and Stampin’ Pastels, color the flowers blue, and add a little blue around the edges of the scallop to soften the white. Through the center of the large flower, place a small Light Blue Square Ice Brad.
• Punch an oval from Kraft card stock using the Large Oval Punch. Using a Stampin’ Dimensional, layer the scallop on top of the Kraft oval, position and adhere to the card.

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!
Stamp Sets: Oval All (Occasions Mini 113790)
Designer Series Paper: Parisian Breeze (113993)
Card Stock: Baja Breeze (111352), Kraft (102125), Whisper White (100730)
Tools: Scallop Oval Punch (Occasions Mini 114889), Scallop Border Punch (112091), Big Shot (113439), Stampin’ Up! Simple Flower (114514)
Embellishments: Baja Breeze 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon (111375), Square Ice Rhinestone Brads (109113)
Adhesives: SNAIL Adhesive (104332), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

Thoughts of Father

With Father’s Day just around the corner, now is the time to begin thinking about designing your Father’s Day cards. This particular card features the Thoughts of Father stamp set, a set which is more versatile than its name implies. Punching, matting, and water coloring with pastels make this card a little more time intensive. However, isn’t Dad worth it?

• Make a standard card base from Simply Artichoke. Layer with the Argyle Plaid from the Manchester Designer Series Paper collection.
• Ink the antique auto image from Thoughts of Father with Chocolate Chip and stamp onto Very Vanilla card stock. Tip: You can also stamp this onto Stampin’ Up!s quality water color paper to avoid pilling of the paper when using blender pens.
• Using Blender Pens and Stampin' Pastels, color the car. Punch the top using the Spiral Punch. Mat onto Always Artichoke followed by Baja Breeze.
• Ink the sentiment stamp with Chocolate Chip and stamp onto Very Vanilla card stock. Use the Ticket Corner Punch on all four corners and then mat onto Always Artichoke followed by Baja Breeze.
• Add a piece of Very Vanilla 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon across the card base. On top of the ribbon, layer a piece of Simply Artichoke “paper ribbon” which has been passed through a Crimper.

• Position the car image onto the card base on top of the ribbon.
  
• Using Stampin’ Dimensionals, adhere the sentiment.

• As a final touch, add a button from the Button Bouquet Collection through which a snippet of Baja Breeze paper has been threaded.
  

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!
Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!

Stamp Set: Thoughts of Father (115094)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908), Stampin’ Up! Pastels (105542), Blender Pens (102845)
Designer Series Paper: Manchester (112464)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Always Artichoke (105119), Baja Breeze (111352)
Tools: Spiral Punch (1088341), Ticket Corner Punch (107241), Crimper (101618)
Embellishments: Very Vanilla 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon (109055), Button Bouquet Collection (112092)
Adhesives: Mini Glue Dots (103683), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

Window Sheet Wonder

Clearly Thanks Printed Window Sheets provide an option when time is of the essence, but you still want to give a card that has that personal, hand-made touch. The nice thing is that with a little ribbon and a few buttons, you can quickly customize the card in a variety of ways. But beware...you will probably want to keep a supply of these on hand for those card emergencies!

• Position the Window Sheet onto Basic Black card stock. Tip: I used Mini Glue Dots, which I positioned under the center of the flower where they would not show after adding the buttons. I also trimmed the Window Sheet so that it would serve as the focal point.




• Mat the Basic Black onto Kiwi Kiss, and adorn with Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon as shown in the picture. Adhere onto a Basic Gray card base.




• Finish with Fresh Favorite Buttons to serve as the center of the flower. Tip: A "thread" of Kiwi Kiss card stock adds a taylored look to the button.

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!
Card Stock: Kiwi Kiss (111353), Basic Black (102851), Basic Gray (108692)
Embellishments: Fresh Favorites II (107422), Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon (109064)
Other: Clearly Thanks Printed Window Sheets (Mini Occasions 115122)

Always on My Mind

It seems these past few days that Baja Breeze and Chocolate Chip are “always on my mind”. Combine these colors with my newly found passion…the Stampin’ Around wheel…and you have the basis for today’s card. The two hearts reflect the sentiment, while the paper piercing mimics the eyelet border. A small Button Latte flower button to compliment the scallops is the finishing touch. Like several of the cards which have preceded this one, the emphasis is on clean and simple, quick and easy!

• Make a card base from Baja Breeze and score at the top.
• Snap a Chocolate Chip cartridge and the Always in Bloom wheel into the Stampin’ Around handle. Using the Stampin’ Around Wheel Guide, stamp a strip of Very Vanilla cardstock. Tip: I prime my wheel by running it over a piece of scrap paper. This helps to ensure even inking.
• Use the Eyelet Border Punch to create visual impact. Adhere to your card base as noted in the picture, adding Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon to finish the edge.
• Ink the “Always on my mind” sentiment from the “Always” stamp set with Chocolate Chip and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Punch out using the Scallop Oval Punch and layer over a Chocolate Chip oval punched with the Wide Oval Punch. Tip: I popped it up with a Stampin’ Dimensional.
• Using the Full Heart Punch, punch out Very Vanilla and Chocolate Chip hearts. Pierce the edges of each heart. Using Stampin’ Dimensionals, adhere the hearts and the sentiment to the card base as shown. Tip: Stampin’ Dimensionals allow the base colors to show clearly through the piercings.
• As a final touch, add a Chocolate Chip flower button from the Button Latte collection to the sentiment!

Hmmm….For some strange reason I have the urge to go listen to Willie Nelson. You were always on my mind, you were always on my mind…

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!
Stamp Sets: Always in Bloom Standard Wheel (113834), Always (113620)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908), Chocolate Chip Standard Cartridge (102496)
Card Stock: Baja Breeze (111352), Very Vanilla (101650), Chocolate Chip (102128)
Tools: Eyelet Border Punch (113692), Full Heart Punch (113693), Wide Oval Punch (112082), Scallop Oval Punch (Occasions Mini 114889), Crafters’ Tool Kit (104310)
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon, Button Latte (11433)
Adhesives: SNAIL Adhesive (104332), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

You Take the Cake

I love Baja Breeze! With glitter added for sparkle, this card features Baja Breeze in all of its glory…card stock, ribbon and corduroy buttons. Clean and simple lines accentuate the cupcake and sentiment from the Party Hearty stamp set. Feel free to indulge. This is one cupcake that is calorie free! Here’s the recipe for “You Take the Cake”:

• Make a card base from Baja Breeze card stock and score at the top. Layer with Very Vanilla.
• Add Baja Breeze 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon as illustrated in the picture.
• Ink the "Cupcake" from Party Hearty using Bordering Blue and Regal Rose Stampin’ Write markers and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Punch the corners with the Ticket Corner Punch and mat onto Baja Breeze.
• “Paint” the desired areas of the cupcake and its wrapper with VersaMark Ink and sprinkle with Heat and Stick Powder. (I actually used a paint brush and VersaMark Ink refill.) Remove the excess powder and heat with a Heat Tool. As soon as it liquefies, quickly sprinkle with Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter, remove the excess, and heat to set. Pop it onto the card base with Stampin’ Dimensionals. Tip: Do not overheat as it will discolor the paper. (Although the glitter in the photo appears yellowed, in person it is not.)
• Ink the sentiment from Party Hearty with Bordering Blue and Regal Rose Stampin’ Write Markers and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Mat onto Baja Blue. Adhere to the card base with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
• As a final touch, add three Baja Breeze Corduroy Buttons.
• Enjoy!

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!
Stamp Set: Party Hearty
Inks: Stampin’ Write Markers---Bordering Blue(100070), Regal Rose (105108), VersaMark Refill(102193)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Baja Breeze (111352)
Tools: Heat Tool (100005), Ticket Corner Punch (107214)
Embellishments: Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter (102023), Baja Breeze 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon (111375),
Other: SNAIL Adhesive (104332), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Heat and Stick Powder (100625)

Kindred Spirits

I love the look of Chocolate Chip and Baja Breeze together. With the focus on the double matted sentiment and with the soothing color combination, the result is a perfect sympathy card. The Kindred Spirits image provides an oriental touch.

• Prepare a card base from Baja Breeze card stock and score at the top.


• Ink the image from Kindred Spirits with Chocolate Chip and stamp onto Very Vanilla and mat onto Chocolate Chip.
  
• Wrap Chocolate Chip Ribbon around the matted image and adhere onto the Baja Breeze card base.


• Ink the sentiment from the Very Versatile stamp set with Chocolate Chip and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Mat with Chocolate Chip followed by Baja Breeze. Position and adhere with a Stampin Dimensional.

Don't forget that May is National Scrapbooking Month! With Stampin' Up!s "Buy three...Get One Free" promotion you can stock up on all of Stampin' Up!s luscious Designer Series Papers and 12" x 12" textured card stock.

And, if you would you like to join me as a demonstrator, Stampin' Up! is offering you the opportunity to sign on as a demonstrator for only $75 with their Scrapbooking Starter Kit. The following items are included as part of this limited-time offer:

113510 Schoolbook Serif Alphabet stamp set* $42.95

113059 Simply Scrappin' Petal Party $19.95

108697 Earth Elements Assorted textured card stock (12" x 12") $11.95

105240 Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad $7.50

Please note: Each of the products listed above may be substituted for like items. The Scrapbooking Starter Kit also contains all the business supplies contained in the standard Starter Kit, including the Getting Started DVD, Getting Started Guide, Guest Invitation Postcard (100), Idea Book & Catalog (8), Occasions Mini Catalog (8), To My Hostess Envelope (10), Recruit Folders (5), Recruit Brochures (20), Hostess Brochure (20), Hostess Benefits Form (10) and Customer Order Form (50).

Email me today if you need more information!

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!
Stamp Set: Kindred Spirits (111662), Very Versatile (Occasions Mini 113806)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908)
Card Stock: Baja Breeze (111352), Very Vanilla (101650), Chocolate Chip (102128)
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon (109051)
Adhesives: SNAIL Adhesive (104332), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

My Son

Yesterday I posted a card...A Trio of Vases! I had a very productive weekend, and actually made seven cards. However, in light of Mother’s Day yesterday, I would like to reflect on my son, Brady. This was the first Mother’s Day that I spent without him, as he is attending Western Illinois University majoring in trumpet performance. We will have a belated celebration, since he returns home Thursday. However, he surprised me yesterday with a call.

Brady checks out my blog and is one of my greatest supporters. I just want him to know how proud I am to be “Brady’s Mom”. Brady and I share a special bond. This past summer I required fusion surgery on my back. Those of you who have had this type of surgery know how painful the recovery period is. Since my husband was unavailable to assist me during the day, the burden of nursing me back to health fell upon Brady’s shoulders. When his friends were enjoying their final days before the onset of college, Brady was house-bound with me…getting me out of bed, preparing breakfast and lunch, and making certain that I had my meds on time. He cleaned the house, mowed the lawn, and took care of the dog. My heart broke when he left for college and I could not accompany him to help him unpack and settle in.

Brady has had a great freshman year at WIU. He was a finalist in the School of Music’s Concerto Competition, and played his way into the Semi-finals of the National Trumpet Competition. He was named to the Dean’s List, as well. Yes, there are times that I wish that he would cut his hair and shave the scruffy beard that he has grown, but you know what…he has turned out to be a great kid...hair and beard included. He has set goals, and continues to achieve them. Hurry up, Thursday!

The photograph was taken by Buff Hottle, a well known photographer in this area. He certainly captured Brady's personality! Thanks, Buff, for a photo I will cherish always. And...if you did not get a chance to view A Trio of Vases, please scroll down!

Have a great day....Ann

A Trio of Vases

Ever since Mary Fish posted an extraordinary card on her blog, Stampin' Pretty that featured a vase made from an oval punch, I wanted to try the same technique. Therefore, armed with punches in hand, I created this trio of vases. What fun! Although the vases are different in size and shape, they are unified in color, incorporating patterns from three different Designer Series Papers. In honor of my Aunt Evelyn, a vase collector, I present to you “A Trio of Vases”.

• Make a standard card base from Whisper White.


• Mat the Rose Red Small Dot paper from the Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper collection onto Basic Black. Mat this onto the Whisper White card base.


• Use the Wide Oval Punch on the Kiwi Kiss Figural paper from the Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper. Cut off the bottom and adhere it to the top of the base as viewed in the picture.


• Repeat the process using the Large Oval Punch and the Kiwi Kiss Floral Paper from the Urban Garden Designer Paper collection. Tip: For variation, add the cut off section to the bottom of this vase.


• Finally, punch a Scallop Square out of Gingham Kiwi Kiss from the Urban Oasis Designer Series Paper. Remove the bottom two scallops in order to provide a flat bottom on which to set the vase. I also added a snippet of Rose Red Paisley from the Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper to add contrast.


• Zip out three Little Leaves from a gray selection of Patterns Pack Designer Series Paper II using the Big Shot and the Stampin' Up Little Leaves Sizzlits Die. Position them onto the Small Dot paper, trimming them to appropriate lengths. Adhere using Mini Glue Dots. Tip: Allow some of the leaves to overlap onto the Whisper White card base for depth.


• Finally, place your vases. Tip: Adhere the Scallop Vase with a Stampin’ Dimensional
  

The nice thing about these plants is that they don’t require water!

A Note to All Mothers: May your Mother’s Day be filled with joy and happiness. Happy Mother's Day!

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!
Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!
Designer Series Paper: Urban Garden (112042), Urban Oasis (113978), Raspberry Tart (113975), Designer Series Paper: Patterns Pack Designer Series Paper II (Hostess Gift 114325)
Card Stock: Basic Black (102851), Whisper White (100730)
Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Stampin’ Up! Little Leaves Sizzlits Die (114511), Wide Oval Punch (112082), Large Oval Punch (107305), Scallop Square Punch (112081)
Adhesives: SNAIL Adhesive (104332), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Mini Glue Dots (103683)

Suitable for Framing

Every year I write a poem which I give to my Senior students. This year I decided to take advantage of Stampin' Up!s beautiful Textured Card Stock and create a 6" x 6" page that is suitable for framing. Stampin' Up!s "Buy three...Get one free" promotion makes it possible for me to stock up on all of my favorite Designer Series Papers and 12" x 12" Textured Card Stocks! Today's project also features the "Always in Bloom" standard Stampin' Around Wheel. Stampin' Around wheels can make your card and scrapbook designing a "snap"! Although I used an original poem as my focal point and school colors in my matting, you can substitute a stamped image or other memorabilia and colors of your choice.

• Mat the image onto Handsome Hunter textured card stock.
• Snap a Chocolate Chip Standard Cartridge into the Stampin' Around Handle. Next, snap the Always in Bloom wheel into place. Tip: Prime the stamp by rolling it over a piece of scrap paper.
• Stamp a strip of Very Vanilla and attach this to the right hand side of the Handsome Hunter mat. Trim to length. Tip: Use the Stampin' Around Wheel Guide for a straight line every time!
• Adhere to a background mat of Basic Black. And there you have it...Suitable for Framing!

Can you believe I had never used a Stampin' Around Wheel before? What a powerful weapon to have in your Stampin' Up! arsenal...Quick, easy and fun to use! With so many versatile designs, I know that I will be adding more to my collection!

Click here to access the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!

Stamp Sets: Always in Bloom Stampin' Around Wheel (113834)

Ink: Chocolate Chip Standard Ink Cartridge (102496)

Card Stock: Handsome Hunter 12" x 12" Textured Card Stock from the Rich Regals collection (108696), Basic Black (102851), Very Vanilla (101650)

Tools: Stampin' Around Handle (102971), Stampin' Around Wheel Guide (104834)

My Resume

My Customer Commitment: I am committed to providing my customers with the best Stampin’ Up experience possible.  Whether it is teaching techniques or providing information about the latest products or promotions, my customers are my number one priority.  At the Stampin’ Schach, you are more than a customer…you are a friend!

My Stampin’ Family: I am blessed to be part of Mary Fish’s Stampin’ Pretty Pals.  Mary’s direct upline is Lisa Pretto, of Inkbig Academy.  Both of these women are Stampin’ Up! rock stars, having been named to Stampin’ Up!’s Advisory Board.  I have learned my leadership skills from the best!  My sideline is a talented group of stampers, as is my downline, The Schach Pack.  We are a caring and supportive community, composed of hobby and career stampers.  Plus, we provide a variety of resources designed to enhance your Stampin’ Up! experience.

Personal Background: I am a Midwestern gal through and through, born in Iowa and raised in Illinois.  I am happily married to my supportive husband, Kim.  Together we raised one son, Brady, a graduate student in Trumpet Performance at the University of Missouri.

Teaching is my passion.  I was a high school science teacher for 34 years.  Chemistry and Physics were my favorite subjects to teach.  I served as a mentor to new teachers and presented sessions on authentic assessment across the state of Iowa. 

I was introduced to the world of stamping in December, 2008, when I purchased my first stamp set at a tag sale.  I became a demonstrator in February, 2009.

In addition to stamping, my hobbies include reading, walking, and showing Boxer dogs.  I am currently “Mom” to Cimarron’s Do You Know the Muffin Man (Muffy), Cimarron’s What Were You Thinking (Brody), and Burlwood’s Unlike Any Other (Lexi).

Artistic Recognition:   I have won numerous challenges, including Mojo Monday.  I have served on several design teams, including Splitcoaststampers Dirty Dozen, Pals Paper Arts, Freshly Made Sketches and The Paper Players.