A Spooktacular Offer

This is no trick!  The treat is for you, when you sign up to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator during the month of August! Purchase the Starter Kit for $99, and receive the adorable Halloween Project Kit pictured above for FREE!


Here is what you will receive in the Halloween Project Kit:

• Everything pictured, including your choice of either a wood or clear Toxic Treat stamp set, a full package of Rhinestones, a full package of Baker's Twine, and enough ribbon and buttons to make the kit!

And with the Demonstrator Starter Kit, you will receive $125 worth of any Stampin' Up! products for only $99 + tax.  The shipping is free!  The Starter Kit is completely customizable, and therefore can be tailor-made to fit YOUR needs!  There is absolutely NO obligation to sell if you purchase the Starter Kit, and there are NO strings attached.  The Starter Kit products are yours to keep...and so is the Halloween project.


If you have been on the fence as to whether or not to join my group, there is no better time than August 1st.  Please email me with any questions you may have.  I would love to discuss them with you! Or check this out to learn more and to join now!  Until next time...

A Blue Ribbon Tool Shed for The Paper Players

Wow! It is great to be back in the blogging world.  I have had such a time with my Internet...including three visits from the "Internet Repairman" since last Monday.  Hopefully everything is fixed...and just in time to play with The Paper Players.  This week, Lesley has created a "Tic-Tac-Toe" challenge.  I selected "Blue-Dry Embossing-Masculine" for my choices.  I hope you enjoy today's card!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips: Masculine

This finished card measure 5-1/2" wide by 4-1/4" long.

• A Blue Ribbon Birthday!  I loved how the concept artists at Stampin' Up! added the rosette to their Blue Ribbon example in the catalog...so I added it to mine as well! My rosette was created using a 1" strip of Riding Hood Red and my Simply Scored pad.  I scored at every 1/4th inch and accordion pleated down the length. 

• Follow the Rules! One of the patterns in the Fan Fair Designer Series Paper Collection features rulers.  How perfect to use on a masculine card in place of a ribbon!

• Texture! The Woodgrain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder is perfect for adding deep texture, especially when paired with Early Espresso Core'dinations Card Stock.

• I get by with a little help from my Friends!  The "Friend" image from Family Reunion was inked in Riding Hood Red and stamped onto Naturals Ivory card stock.  The edges were distressed with Crumb Cake ink and the end was banner-snipped!  Need a card for a specific man in your life?  Never fear! The Family Reunion set contains stamps for any male you can think of from nephews and uncles, to brother, dad, grandpa, son and husband!

Ack! My Internet woes have placed me so far behind since I returned from Convention.  Besides the Stampin' Up! fun, I was thrilled to meet up with several of my blogging friends.  Thanks for the hugs and the cards!  I am already looking forward to Convention next year just to meet up with all of you again!  I do have one picture to share with you.  It is my annual picture with Shelli, which was taken by my friend, Nicole Watt.  Nicole was our "Stamparazzi" while at Convention. 

As always, your comments are important to me, and I do read each and every one of them.  So please, won't you let me know what you think of today's masculine card?  And if you ever have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away! Until next time...

Coming Soon:  Changes to the Blog

Stamp Sets:  Tool Shed, Blue Ribbon, Family Reunion; Inks:  Crumb Cake, Riding Hood Red, Island Indigo; Designer Series Paper: Fan Fair; Card Stock:  Naturals Ivory, Riding Hood Red, Early Espresso Core'dinations, Island Indigo; Tools:  Simply Scored, Big Shot, Woodgrain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder; Glitz and Glam: Vintage Trinkets, Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon

Warm Winter Wishes for Freshly Made Sketches

It's Wednesday and time to play at Freshly Made Sketches.  I decided that this week's sketch would work perfectly for showcasing the Winter Memories stamp set and the fabulous Core'dinations Card Stock, both which will be available August 1st.  Despite its lace, glitter and pearls, this card still maintains a warm, country feel, courtesy of the rich texture and small patterned Designer Series Paper.  Enjoy!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:  It's All About the Details

The finished card measures 5-1/2" wide by 4-1/4" long.

•  Icy Brocade! The new Lacy Brocade Textured Impressions Embossing Folder becomes an icy confection when treated to a dusting of Dazzling Diamonds!  It forms the perfect backdrop for a watercolored pair of  skates.  A trio of Basic Pearls add a touch of elegance.

•  Warm woodgrain! Early Espresso Core'dinations Card Stock is the perfect partner for the new Woodgrain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  This look was achieved without sanding.

• Tulle and lace! Try layering the new Scalloped Tulle Ribbon over Victoria Crochet Trim for a unique look!

• Cut and curl! Paper piercing adds that "little something extra" to the "Warm Winter Wishes" sentiment.  Flag one end and curl the other for a sentiment that is out of the ordinary.

I hope that you enjoyed today's card.  Since it is actually much prettier in person, I will be sending it off to one of you so that you can check it out up close and personal.  I really like both of the new embossing folders...how about you?  Won't you let me know in today's comment?  Your comments are important to me, and I do read each and every one.  And remember, if you ever have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away!  Until next time...

(Stay tuned for my Convention Adventures...My "broken Internet" is scheduled to be fixed today!  There are few things worse than to come home from Convention only to find that you have no way to share it! "I am...frustrated!")

Stamp Set: Winter Memories; Inks:  Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Riding Hood Red, Summer Starfruit, Gumball Green; Designer Series Paper:  Snow Festival;  Card Stock:  Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso Core'dinations; Tools:  Paper Piercing Tool, Heat Tool, Big Shot, Lacy Brocade Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Woodgrain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder,  Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter, Two Way Glue Pen, Early Espresso Stampin' Emboss Powder, Paper Snips, 2-1/2" Circle Punch; Glitz and Glam:  Victoria Crochet Lace Trim; Vintage Trinkets, Basic Pearls, Early Espresso Scalloped Tulle

Winter Memories for Pals Paper Arts

It's Thursday, and time to play with the Pals at Pals Paper Arts.  This week we are featuring a fabulous sketch by the talented Margaret Moody. I flipped the sketch, and substituted a button and curled corners for the circular elements.  Plus, I just had to use Stampin' Up!'s new Scalloped Tulle Ribbon.  The verdict is in...and I LOVE it! Enjoy a few Winter Memories...

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips; Victorian and Rustic
This finished card measures 4-1/4" wide by 5-1/2" long.

• Victorian and Rustic!  Gorgeous paper and beautiful texture combine to give a Victorian, yet rustic appeal to this card.  The trick is in the patterns and the colors!  Candlelight Christmas Designer Series Paper and the Lacy Brocade Textured Impressions Embossing Folder were the dynamic duo for this card!

• Tulle is the rule! Soft and scalloped, Stampin' Up!'s Tulle makes up into an easy bow when slipped through the holes of a Brushed Bronze Button! 

  

Plus, its perfect for layering over Designer Series Paper.

• Faux and fabulous! Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke and Soft Suede inks are the perfect palette for the Sled image from Winter Memories.  Add a few water spots and pearls to complete the vintage look.  And...don't forget to curl the corner!

Don't you just love this stamp set from Stampin' Up!'s new Holiday Catalog?  It is one of my top picks for the holiday season.  I will be featuring this set on next week's Freshly Made Sketches card, too.  I will share my complete list of Holiday Catalog favorites upon my return from Convention.  As always, your comments are important to me, and I do read each and every one of them!  And remember...if you ever have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away! Until next time...

Stamp Sets:  Winter Memories, French Foliage; Inks:  Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Sahara Sand; Designer Series Paper:  Candlelight Christmas; Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso Core'dinations; Tools:  Big Shot, Lacy Brocade Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Heat Tool, Early Espresso Stampin' Emboss Powder, Blender Pens, Sponge Dauber, Color Spritzer Tool, Stampin' Sanding System; Glitz and Glam: Cherry Cobbler Scalloped Tulle, Basic Pearls, Brushed Bronze Designer Buttons

Elements of Style for Freshly Made Sketches

It's Wednesday, and time to play at Freshly Made Sketches! This week, the fabulous Jen Mitchell has us seeing circles. I hope you enjoy today's card, with it's eye-catching bow and texture!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips

The finished card measures 4-1/4" wide by 5-1/2" long.

• Watercolor! The Floral image from Elements of Style was inked with Early Espresso and stamped three times onto Naturals Ivory card stock.  It was tinted using Blender Pens and Always Artichoke, Pretty in Pink, and Daffodil Delight inks.  The 4" x 5-1/4" rectangular piece was zipped through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, as well as the 2-1/2" circle.  The 3" circle was left untextured.

• Bow-dacious! The Always Artichoke Seam Binding bow, with its pleated tails, steals the spotlight.  The secret to holding those ripples in position...Mini Glue Dots!

• Pop up the sentiment! The sentiment from Loving Thoughts is popped up above the ribbon by using a simple ring of card stock...perfect for framing!

And there you have it...a card which is perfect for a shadowbox collage of memorabilia!  What a neat wedding card this could be, especially when created in the couple's colors. What do you think?  Won't you let me know in today's comment? Your comments are important to me, and I do read each and every one.  Of course, I am always available to answer any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use.  Until next time...

Stamp Sets:  Loving Thoughts, Elements of Style;  Inks:  Early Espresso, Pretty in Pink, Daffodil Delight, Always Artichoke;  Card Stock:  Naturals Ivory, Always Artichoke; Tools:  Big Shot, Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, 3" Circles Original Bigz Die, 2-1/2" Punch, Blender Pens;  Glitz and Glam:  Basic Pearls, Always Artichoke Seam Binding;

A Peek at Freshly Made Sketches

Here's a quick little peek at this week's Freshly Made Sketches Design Team card.  I hope that you will join me tomorrow for the reveal!


As for me, my plane lands in Salt Lake City at 1:45, and then the fun begins! My roommates and I will be spending time at the City Creek Center Mall, where we will enjoy shopping and eating...two of my favorite things!  Until next time...

"Where's My Mommy?"... Lexi Lou's First Post

Today is one of those days when I am filled with happiness, yet sadness, too!  I have started my journey to beautiful Salt Lake City and the Stampin' Up! Convention! I am thrilled to re-connect with so many of my demonstrator friends, yet I am saddened because I will be away from The Twins and Lexi.  I have only been away from Lexi once, overnight...and I am worried about her since I will be gone for nearly a week.  Here is how I imagine the conversation will go on that first day, complete with old and new pictures of her.

Lexi: Muppy?  Bwodee? Where's my mommy? I have wooked for her everywhere and can't find her.

I wooked under this chair, and she's not there.  Will you help me wook for her?
Muffy:  Lexi, please.  I am trying to get some beauty sleep here.  I have to work really hard to look this good.

Lexi: Bwodee, will you help me?
Brody:  Lexi, I really need to nap. With you waking us up at 3:00 AM every morning just to go potty, I am so tired.  Go look some more. I'm sure you'll find her.

Lexi:  Mommy! Mommy! Are you in the back yard?

Did you go to the neighbor's yard?

Muppy and Bwodee, I can't find my mommy anywhere.  Pwease help.
Muffy: Oh, all right.  Come on Brody, help me look out the window for her.

Lexi, we don't see her anywhere!
Lexi: But who will sleep with me.  Momma always sleeps with me.

Will I have to sleep under the chair by myself?

Will I have to sleep in my crate?

Will I sleep by myself on my pildow?

Will I sleep with you, Muppy?

Will I sleep with you Bwodee?

Where will I sleep?
Muffy:  How about with Dad!

Lexi:  OK. But where's my mommy?
Muffy:  Well, Lexi.  Every year she flies to Salt Lake City to the Stampin' Up! Convention.
Lexi:  She flies like a bird?
Muffy:  Well, not quite.
Lexi: And what's kunbenchin?  Is it like a dog show?
Brody:  Let's save that story for another day.  Come along Little Lexi!

Let's play Dog Pile on Mup... er Muffy!

Safe travels to everyone heading to "Kunbenchin"!  Until next time...