making paper pretty!

Letter to Santa Kits now available!!

2011-11-22T12:55:00.001-08:00

Front

back of kit.

I told you these were cute!! If you are interested in purchasing some of these kits send me an e-mail since I don't have Paypal yet. The kits are $3.00 + $1.50 shipping. I absolutely love them!! Each kit comes with the "letter" to Santa, a pencil and an envelope. Makes it so easy for your little ones to get their letters to Santa right away and the special Santa stamp ensures it won't get lost in the mail! *wink*

Letter to Santa Kits are coming soon!!!

2011-11-18T19:27:00.001-08:00

I did not come up with the idea, and if I knew who did I would definitely give her (probably not a him!) credit where credit is due!! These little kits are so cute! My mom found these little kits at a craft show and I put my "Stampin' Up!" spin on them! So, if you have little ones that are ready to write their wish lists to Santa, check back in a few days! Ho!Ho!Ho!

Simply For Nicky...

2011-09-29T21:38:00.001-07:00

Baby Girl....

2011-09-24T20:33:00.000-07:00

So, last year I made wedding accessories for my niece Cortney, and today I attended a baby shower for her! Here is the card I made. One of my favorites! I love mono color cards!

I'm Back!

2011-09-14T23:14:00.000-07:00

(Warning...this may be a looooong post!) You may have noticed that I have updated my blog banner and background recently and sidebars, etc., but that is about the extent of my blogging in a long, long time! Since last I posted (yes....7 months or so!) there has been alot going on!! I can't even begin to recap the last 7 months in detail as it has been soooooooo crazy!! Here are the bullets:

we finished the "office" and immediately found out we had to move (after 16 years)
youngest daughter got engaged!!!
we moved
took months to settle in
I had foot surgery
off work for 8 weeks
we finished the "new office"
I go back to work Monday :(
I really didn't craft or otherwise create anything in almost all that time!
now we have a wedding to plan (and pay for!)

So, the new office (what we now call the "Command Center") is finished and I will be posting pictures hopefully next week. I was able to get some card making done just recently while I was off my feet. I can't post a couple of them until I give them to their recipients! Now that most of my stuff is now organized, I hope to make more stuff and blog more often!! Although it seems that all I do is organize, re-organize, buy more stuff and organize again. This is probably why I have so much retired DSP paper!! I need to have a workshop or something and start selling stuff!!! (To support my SU! habit, if nothing else!)

Here are a couple of the cards & (and other stuff) I made! I hope you like them!!

I love this!!

I Like this one, too!

I made one for Mom, too!

A card sketch from "Papercrafts Card Makers" magazine

Under Construction!!

2011-01-05T21:16:00.000-08:00

Well, we have finally (and I mean FINALLY!) almost finished the office (just need to paint). Hubby and I now each have a space to work! (Of course, now that we've finished, our daughter decides to move out! Isn't that just my luck!? Well, we decided to make it a guest/kids room for the grandbabies. It would now be too much work to make it my very own room!) So, I am slowly getting back into the groove. I made a few things over Christmas and I just received a big box from Stampin' Up! today! My goals are to slowly get back into it! I will be slowly re-vamping my blog and maybe even coming up with a new one! I am excited to start the New Year with new plans and goals!! Happy Creating!!

Wedding Accessories!

2010-06-15T23:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I have finally finished my niece's wedding accessories! I started making the basket and pillow a few weeks ago and although I was making some progress, it just wasn't coming together like I pictured. I knew I wanted to incorporate flowers but I was stumped...until I ran across those cute felt flowers everyone is making with their Big Shot! Inspiration struck and I finished them on Saturday. I gave them to her on Sunday with 2 weeks to spare in case she didn't like them and she would have time to get others. What do you think!

...and other stuff, too!

2010-05-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

I have been busy working away on wedding accessories for my niece who is getting married at the end of June! I love making wedding accessories! As soon as I can (I will ask her first) I will post pictures! Did you know there 183 shades of white! I am sure there are just as many shades of ivory. This has been a bit of a problem because I haven't seen her dress!! But I know its ivory! Stay tuned....

And another one! Wow!

2010-05-09T21:01:00.000-07:00

My neighbor's birthday happened to be today. I don't know if she got cheated or not because it's Mother's Day-kinda like having a birthday on Christmas! Anyway, I made her a card and I really hope she liked it, even though it isn't purple!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

2010-05-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I got my mojo back! I still don't have a room to myself and I am still stamping on the dining room table. But instead of using the whole table, I am using only a fraction of it because the dining room is still the "command center" since the office is "under construction." Anyway...I got tired of doing nothing but blurfing and I have been inspired alot lately by Julia Stainton so I went and did a little shopping and Viola!! I have found I am much more creative when I am not limited to one brand. So there it is! I will leave it at that! Here is the card I made for my mom for Mother's Day. She loves "bling" and I love black and fuchsia together. I am so happy she loved it! Then off we all went to Philippe's in LA for french dip sandwiches! A great day!

It's almost time!

2010-04-29T23:53:00.000-07:00

So, we are just a day away from being able to order from the new Summer Mini Catalog! There so many wonderful new things in there! I haven't been able to order anything from it yet, but soon and I promise to post something one of these days! Our house is still not quite put together and between a very hectic work schedule and no place to stamp right now, I haven't done anything! Soon though..I am going through major withdrawals! Have great weekend!

It's been a long time!

2010-02-24T22:42:00.001-08:00

Well, I have been neglecting my blog because I have been neglecting my stamps. My house is an absolute mess right now and all my fun stamping stuff is put away. My dining room table, where I craft because I am not yet lucky enough to have my own room (soon though!), and usually strewn with paper, stamps and ink, ribbon, etc., is now full of stuff I am not sure if I am going to keep or give to Goodwill. Like, the curtains and rod that are down because the walls in our bedroom are being painted. I don't think I am going to put them back up because they won't match the new comforter and bed stuff we are going to get. We had to get rid of the old comforter because, well, it was really old. And it was really worn out. Not from us, but from Roxy (the cute little boxer below!) You know, the day after day (7 years now-and the comforter was like, 10!) of endless turning in circles, trying to find just the right spot to lay down. Then napping, getting up, going downstairs and repeating the process on her own bed. Then napping, and then going back upstairs and on and on....and speaking of beds, we are living like Romans or hippies. Not sure which. We have a blow-up mattress in the middle of our very small living room and it is too much trouble to let the air out each day, so during the day we prop it up against the sofa so Roxy doesn't jump on it and treat it like the other bed!!

Anyhoo! I am itching to do something! And I just make myself miserable going to all my favorite blogs, nite after nite and not being able to do anything yet!!

With luck, we will be back in our room this weekend. Then I can put everything back where it belongs and get my other stuff back out! That's the kind of "mess" I like!!

Class Cancelled :(

2010-01-24T14:12:00.000-08:00

Well, I had to cancel my small class today because I am exhausted after being up all night with my sick doggie. She is still acting a bit strange (even for her-she is a boxer after all!) but her diarrea seems to have stopped. In case you were wondering what projects we were going to do today, here is a picture. Not very exciting - but I was having a bit of a creative block! I don't know if its the DSP or what, but I just can't get into it! Others are absolutely crazy about it - and I think its pretty...but I just couldn't come up with anything fun!
~{Ingredients}~
M & M's of course! Pretty in Pink CS; Real Red CS; Big Shot and the Bitty Box and Envelope die; Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon; Real Red 1/4 grosgrain ribbon; Sending Love DSP; Full Heart punch; Heart to Heart punch; Scallop Border Punch from SAB; Real Red Cordoruy Button; Well Scripted stamp set, I {Heart} Hearts clear mount stamp set (Did you know that until February 28, 2010, Stampin' Up! is donating $2.00 from each purchase of the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development fund? Awesome, huh!) and Real Red classic ink

Finally, a picture of Roxy resting.....pitiful!

Clear Mounts....Love You Much!

2010-01-15T17:03:00.000-08:00

I have actually been playing with my new stuff the last couple of days and I am a convert! Stampin' Up!'s new clear mount stamps are awesome! I can't believe how easy they are to use and store! I am also very glad I talked myself into ordering the bundle of clear blocks. Well, as I said, I've been playing and a couple of days ago, I visited one of my favorite non-SU! card designer's blog and one of her Valentine cards (view it here) was so simple and clean I had to re-create it using SU! only. Here is my card! Do you like it? I thought it turned out pretty! And I was able to use some of my new goodies!

~{Ingredients}~

Kraft CS, Real Red CS, Real Red and Basic Black ink, Well Scripted cm stamp set (14.95) and I {Heart} Hearts cm stamp set (18.95) and last but not least, the new punches: the Small Heart (5.95) and the Pinking Hearts Border (15.95) available in the new Occasions Mini Catalog.

I think I need to Change my blog!

2010-01-15T13:24:00.000-08:00

I am not crazy about my "January" look! I will be posting card a little later! I finally got my stuff! Whoo hoo!! But I need to work on my blog again! I just don't like it!

I finally placed my Order!

2010-01-06T21:25:00.001-08:00

Well, I waited and waited and waited to place my order for items from the new Mini. And I waited soooo long that I ended up ordering nearly everything (Shhhhh.....) Well, maybe not everything, but enough that I qualified for 6 Sale-a-bration items. 6!!!!! You do the math! I can't believe it! (Well, I can believe it-I just can't believe I'm blabbing about it!) I am and always will be my own best customer. Oh, well. Let's just hope I can create something with all that new stuff! That's another story. I haven't made anything since Thanksgiving. I am sure that big box of new stuff will inspire me! I can't wait!

If you haven't recieved your new catalogs yet, just click on the pictures on the left side of my blog to download them. There has been a delay in the mailing of the catalogs. Click here to order!

I'll be back next week after Mr. Brown drops off my box! In the meantime, maybe I will play with my MDS. Toodles!

Don't forget! Sale-a-bration!

2010-01-04T23:40:00.000-08:00

It is also time for Sale-a-bration! You know! Where you get FREE stuff from Stampin' Up!

There are 3 ways to earn your FREE stuff:

1. Spend: Spend $50.00 and earn 1 FREE Sale-a-bration product!

2. Host: Host a workshop of at least $300.00 and earn one FREE Sale-a-bration product!

3. Join: Join Stampin' Up! during Sale-a-bration and choose a FREE stamp set from the Idea Book & Catalog (valued up to $47.95). Also, if you join during Sale-a-bration you can choose either the Standard Starter kit or the Digital Starter kit at a 15 percent discount on top of the FREE stamp set!!

Click here to place your order!

New Stuff!!!!! Yay!

2010-01-04T23:24:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! and in just a few short hours, the products in the new Occasions Mini will be available for purchase! I can't wait! This catalog is chock full of wonderful must-haves! The most exciting thing is the introduction of Stampin' Up!'s new clear mount stamps. The same great "feel" and quality of the standard wood mount stamps, but more versatile and storage is not an issue!! Stamps store easily in standard, DVD-type cases with artwork on front and spine, making organization easy. And did I mention the price? Even more affordable than the classi wood mount!

Clear-Mount Rubber Stamp Features:

Nine different sizes of clear blocks available individually or as a discounted bundle.

Blocks have ergonomic grooves on all four sides for easy grip and traditional wood-mount feel.

Stamps and blocks are durable and easy to clean with your Stampin' Scrub and Stampin' Mist.

Optional image labels on stamp backs let you decide if you want to see the image through the block or not.

Tight die-cutting for easy image positioning.

Large clear blocks can be used to create collages or spell words with alphabet sets.

You really should check them out!

Join My Hostess Club!

2009-12-30T23:53:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am aware that I need to change my header! I will be spending a little time on my blog this weekend. Right now...I barely have time to breath! But, I do have a quick moment to introduce my very first Hostess Club! What a great way to build up your stamp stuff without breaking the bank (or breaking into one!) or having to explain to your hubby why you absolutely needed to spend "How much?" on ink, paper and wood blocks!! I must give credit to Stamping Granny for this idea. I am sure there are lots of demonstrators out there who do this but Stamping Granny was the only one I stumbled on that explained how it works. Then I wondered why I didn't come up with it on my own! Brilliant!

If you are interested, here are the details:

There will be 6 members in the club. Each Member will commit to a minimum merchandise order of $25.00 each month for 6 months (to June 2010). With shipping and tax (in California) this comes out to approximately $35.00 per month.

Once there are 6 Members, each Member will be assigned a month in which they are the Hostess, to be decided randomly (out of a hat!). Once this is done, each Member will be notified of their month.

All Orders will need to be submitted to me by the 15th of each month. Each Member order will be combined so that the Member Hostess of that month will receive Stampin’ Up!’s Hostess Benefits, which includes at least $15.00 in FREE Product and 1 FREE Level 1 Hostess Stamp Set. This Club is not good for any on-line orders through my Demonstrator Website. To qualify for this Hostess Club they must be placed directly through me. [Unfortunately, at this time I do not have Pay Pal, but I can take Credit Cards and Checks. For more details on this, we can discuss it once you join the club.]

There is no limit either…you can get “outside orders” for your month to boost your Hostess Benefits. With 6 Members you are guaranteed a workshop order of $150.00 but you could easily go above that depending on any outside orders you receive!

As a Member of this Hostess Club you will receive a FREE current Catalog & Idea Book and any Mini Catalogs that are released during the club period. Also, during your Hostess Month, you will also receive an extra little something from me with your order as a big “Thank You!”

What do you think? Wanna join? E-mail me at kellysue@roadrunner.com.

12 Days of Holiday Sales!

2009-12-11T18:41:00.000-08:00

What a great way to purchase those Big Shot dies you've been wanting! Or, maybe you've wanted to try out the Decor Elements sheets, now available in more colors and even chalkboard! Isn't that cool? Dont miss Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Sale! Its only for 12 days and if you order by December 15, 2009, you should have it by Christmas. Click here to see the sale items! Click here to order!

Thanksgiving Thanks!

2009-11-28T00:20:00.000-08:00

It has been a really long time since I've made anything! I have been playing around with stuff but just no time to actually create! We went to our niece's for Thanksgiving yesterday and I was itching to make something, so this is the Thank You card I made. Considering I am not usually one to distress anything (I am a type "A" personality so to "distress" something is a little, well...distressing to me!) It took everything I had to crumple up that nice, smooth Very Vanilla cardstock! But I think the end result is very rustic and Fall-like even though our weather here is more like summer! Everything is Stampin Up! except the leaf. I used Old Olive cardstock for the base and Soft Suede cardstock behind the Very Vanilla cardstock which I ran thru my Big Shot using the Top Note die. I sponged the Very Vanilla CS with Soft Suede and Crushed Curry ink before I crumpled it quite a few times! Then I sponged it a little more! I also used my Color Spritzer tool with my Soft Suede marker for the little dots! I finished off my card with Old Olive grosgrain ribbon and linen thread. I have to tell you, I think the Big Shot is the best thing ever! I absolutely love it! Thanks for looking!

Yay!! I'm Certified!

2009-11-19T23:48:00.000-08:00

No, not certifiable (well, that might depend on who you ask!) but Certified by Stampin' Up! for My Digital Studio! I can now confidently share with you all of the many wonderful qualities of this fun and fabulous product! Stay tuned...one of these days I will have enough time to play with my stuff and update my blog a little bit. Hmmm....I wonder when that will be? Hopefully not too long! Thanks to those who randomly stop by and check out my blog. One day you might actually see something new!

I have lots of good excuses!!

2009-11-06T21:25:00.000-08:00

Yikes! I can't believe it has been a month since I last posted. Well, I have had a few things going on! For one, I am a new grandmother - again! That is very exciting! Another girl! She is so tiny! I have also been busy sort of playing with My Digital Studio and getting my certification. Well, I just finished that and here is my very first project!

Well, what do you think? I think it's very cute! Of course, the one I sent to the printer is wrong, which is why you should always check your project! Check it again, then check it again! Oh, and also check your facts! Ha! The one sent to the printer has Gianna weighing in slightly less. And you know I didn't just order one! Since I have now mastered (sort of) My Digital Studio (MDS) I plan on updating my blog and header and doing all sorts of stuff! MDS is not just digital scrapbooking-it is a digital paper crafting solution! And its fun! Click here to order your own copy of MDS.

SU! Deals of the Week are back!

2009-10-07T22:36:00.000-07:00

From October 1 - 31, 2009 take advantage of these awesome Deals of the Week! Check my on-line Stampin' Up! Website each Monday for the new Deal of the Week! (This way I won't feel guilty because I didn't post the new deals each week here!) While you're there, place your order! And speaking of deals....Stampin' Up! is alos offering huge discounts on discontiniued merchandise! Wow! These items are only available while supplies last...so hurry! Check them out here!

Now's the time to Join!

2009-10-06T22:43:00.000-07:00

If you have been waiting for the right time to join Stampin' Up well, now's the time! With the launch of the My Digital Studio software, as a new recruit you can purchase an exclusive Starter Kit that includes My Digital Studio, in addtion to stamps, inks and accessories! Check it out!

From October 1, 2009 to March, 31, 2010.

Promotion Details:

Starter Kit Price: $185 (over $295 value!)
Digital+ Starter Kit Contents:
My Digital Studio software
Party Hearty and Petal Pizzazz stamp sets
Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, and Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin' Pads
Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Real Red Stampin' Write markers
Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
Real Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon
Button Latte Designer buttons
Stampin' Dimensionals
Mini Glue Dots
SNAIL Adhesive
Business supplies (product catalogs, order forms, training DVD, and other supplies)

Sweet Rewards Hostess Promotion!

2009-09-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

Host a workshop anytime from September 1, 2009 to November 30, 2009 totaling more than $250 and choose any one item from the new Holiday Mini Catalog for only $10.00! (Sorry-this offer excludes hostess sets and My Digital Studio.) But....on October 1, 2009, when My Digital Studio is released, host a workshop totaling at least $400 and get My Digital Studio at 50% off the retail price! That's sweet!

I'm still here!

2009-09-02T23:28:00.000-07:00

I have been sooooo busy at work....lots of changes going on, that when I get home, I am exhausted. Hardly any time for Facebook and no time for stampin!! I just realized that my last post was in JULY!!! That is really sad. Well, I am headed for a much needed and well deserved vacation soon and I will be rejuvinated and ready to focus on my Stampin' Up! world again. I miss it! Now, where is my catalog? I need to place an order I think. Tomorrow!

Hello!

2009-07-24T20:50:00.000-07:00

You see, I am terrible about posting consistently! I have already missed posting one Deal of the Week and about ready to miss another! And I see my counter has actually passed the 1000 mark and I didn't even realize it! That's what happens when my "real job" takes over my life and consumes me so much I have absolutely no energy or will to do anything else! Hmmph! I did manage to make a birthday card for one of the attorneys I work for. I wasn't quite sure how I was going to come up with a masculine card at the last minute, though. On my way home from work, I was running all sorts of ideas through my head and had one sort of worked out. Of course, when I sat down to actually make the card, it wasn't doing it for me-it was actually starting to look like the American flag and I didn't want that Then I remembered he loves the Boston Red Sox and the card just grew from there. It was kind of fun to make everything myself since I don't have any sport stamps.

I used Riding Hood Red cardstock as the base (because I still have tons of it!); Whisper White and topped it with Not Quite Navy. As you can see, I actually used my sewing machine for this one! I clipped the corners of the Not Quite Navy with my Ticket punch (doesn't that kind of remind you of the baseball field-that was an accident!). I made the "baseball" using my Big Shot and the Circles die. I stamped the "Original" by using my Basic Black marker and coloring just the word on the stamp from "Art by Design" and the little stars next to it are from the Just for You stamp from "Oval All." Of course, lining everything up was a breeze using my Stampa-ma-jig! Finally, the Happy Birthday is from the retired set "Birthday Whimsy." The ribbon and the little punched out stars are non-SU! Thanks for looking! (Still not on Etsy but soon on Facebook!)

This week's Deal of the Week!

2009-07-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

The Doctor's Bag! Found on pg. 194 in the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog. Normally, $69.95, this week its only $49.95. Wow! You can take your Big Shot anywhere! Contact me to place your order or order online 24/7!

Top Note Address Book

2009-07-05T16:04:00.000-07:00

This little project I was working on is for Vicki, my co-worker who is moving back to AZ. We have all become quite attached to Vicki as she is truly one of a kind so, needless to say, we will miss her. I decided that I would give her a going away present that would assure no excuses for her not keeping in touch or forgetting birthdays!

I confess that not everything is Stampin' Up! but the Bazzil Basics papers I used were near dead-ringers for the new In Colors, Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay, and Dusty Durango, so I did use those ink colors, as well as Soft Suede (the new In Colors can be found on pg. 155 of the new 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog). I also used a pack of double-sided Carolyn Gavin designer paper from K & Company along with the coordinating rub-ons and colored rhinestones.

I had about a thousand blank index cards I had no idea what I was going to use them for. But I am so brilliant!! I printed out the "Name, address, etc." stuff on them and ran them through the Big Shot (pg. 194) using the Top Note die (pg. 198). I made the front and back covers with chip board and textured cardstock and used the K&Co. double-sided paper for the alphabet dividers, all using the Top Note die. I used the "Defining Alphabet" stamp set, as well as "Define Your Life" set (both found on pg. 150). For the little tabs on the dividers, I used clear window sheets (pg.158), also run through my Big Shot, using the Circles #2 die (pg. 202). I then put little alphabet rub-ons on each clear circle and attached them to the dividers. I love it!! Tell me what you think! (I apologize for the poor picture quality. I didn't have any daylight left to photograph outside because as usual, I waited until the very last minute to finish!) TFL!

Just Random Thoughts...

2009-07-02T17:17:00.000-07:00

So, I am contemplating the whole "Facebook" thing. I have resisted until now because its quite simple to carry on my life without having to worry about being exposed to the whole wide world!! But everyone keeps asking me to join (yes, I would probably jump off the bridge, too!) And I am already out there through this blog, not that anyone I know really visits (sad, huh?) And there is a sort of voyeuristic thrill to getting joined up and being able to check other people out!! You know what I mean? But I have discovered that despite eveything, I am still a little vain! I do care what other people think and I really shouldn't! I am no longer 105 lbs! OMG!! And logically, I know other people aren't either! And probably, no one cares! But I don't like it! But I haven't done a damn thing about it! So, whose fault is it? Anyway, I know there are some of you out there that know exactly what I am talking about! Thank you for indulging me! Now, I have to find my daughter to help set up my profile. Stay tuned ;)

Stampin Up! Summer Fun Deal of the Week!

2009-07-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

Every week during the month of July, Stampin' Up! will offer one different item as a "Deal of the Week." There are no limits and no minimum purchase requirements! This week's deal is the Scalloped Edge Punch. See page 186 and 187 of the new catalog for SU!'s punches. Normally priced at $15.95, this week it's only $10.99!

Customer Weekly Deal Announcments and Deadlines:

Week 1 July 1 12:00 MT* Order deadline: July 6, 9:50 am (MT)
Week 2 July 6 10:00 am Order deadline: July 13, 9:50 am (MT)
Week 3 July 13 10:00 am Order deadline: July 20, 9:50 am (MT)
Week 4 July 20 10:00 am Order Deadline: July 27, 9:50 am (MT)
Week 5 July 27 10:00 am Order Deadline: July 31, 11:50 pm (MT)

As you know, I am not very good about posting everyday, blah, blah, blah!! So, I can't promise I will have the new Deal of the Week posted as soon as its announced. (I am at work during those times.) Remember, you can always visit my Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Website for the latest promotions and updates. You can place order there, too!!

It's back! Wedding Flowers & Memories

2009-06-27T14:14:00.000-07:00

Here is the beautiful paper flower bouquet that I originally posted a few weeks ago. Since today is the big day, I figured it was safe to put the photo back up. I absolutely loved doing this project! It is the perfect way to share your special day with someone who may no longer be with you. In this case, the bride's mother is deceased and this bouquet has photos of her mother and will be placed on the wedding party table at the reception. So, her mother is able to attend her wedding. Beautiful, don't you think?

Sunflower Wedding Card

2009-06-13T20:26:00.001-07:00

My hairdresser, Jen, is getting married tomorrow and her theme is black & white and her flowers are sunflowers. When she showed me a picture of her cake, I came up with the idea for this card. I think it is one of my absolute favorites so far! (I think I say that with each new card I make!) Anyway, her cake is white with big, black polka dots. I used my circle punches and I ran the Flower Daisies #2 die through my Big Shot. The papers are Summer Sun, Basic Black (textured) and Whisper White. The stamp set is "Congrats" from SAB 2009 and unfortunately its retired. Dont'cha just love it?

We are giving her a gift card, so here's the inside.

Look for me soon on Etsy!

Wedding Flowers & Memories

2009-06-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

I got to thinking that...this world, despite its size, is actually quite small. I don't want to ruin the surprise for the bride who is not getting married until 6/27 and she doesn't know about this gift. Even though very few people at this point read my humble little blog, it is actually quite possible SOMEBODY will recognize the pictures in this bouquet. So, I am removing the picture until 6/27/09 so I don't ruin the present. Check back then and I will re-post it. Thanks for understanding! I was just so excited to share, I forgot it's a surprise...duh!

This is what I have been busy doing (well, besides working!) My friend Mickey, the one I made this paper bouquet for, wanted me to make a paper bouquet for her niece who is getting married this month. She thought it would be a great way to have her niece's mother, who's deceased, at her wedding. I absolutely love the way this turned out! The picture just does not do it justice! It is so pretty! There are just a few pictures of her mother, so not all the flowers are covered in pictures. I think it is such a great idea! I hope she likes it! I used my Big Shot of course, and the Flower Layers #3 die and Flower Daisies #2 die.

"Last Chance!"

2009-06-01T22:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, all good things must come to an end. But not without its benefits!! Stampin' Up! has just released the "Last Chance" list, formerly known as the Retired List. Now's your chance (and your last one) to get anything on the list. Some stuff is even discounted! You can't beat that! Stampin' Up needs to make way for all the exciting new products in the new catalog being released July 1, 2009! Oohh! I can't wait! I saw a sneak peak - fabulous!!!

So, check out the items about to bid adieu! Remember, once these items are gone, they're gone!

I will try and get the Accessories List posted tomorrow!

Stampin Up!'s Summer Fun Promotion!

2009-05-29T19:52:00.000-07:00

Can you believe its almost summer!!! Where is the time going? Beat the heat this summer and have some stamping fun with Stampin Up!'s Summer Fun Hostess Bonus Promotion from June 1 to June 30, 2009!

The Summer Fun Hostess Bonus Promotion has two parts:

Hold a workshop or place on on-line order from $250-$399.99 and receive an additional $20 in hostess free merchandise dollars.

Hold a workshop or place an on-line order from $400 or more and receive an additional $40 in hostess free merchandise dollars.

Remember, all Hostess benefits apply even when you place an individual order on-line!

I'm scrapbooking!

2009-05-25T20:13:00.001-07:00

I have just not been feeling very creative in a while and I was getting a little depressed and disappointed in myself. I got to thinking about when I was scrapbooking and my pages were pretty good! At least I thought so! Anyway, I needed to boost my ego a bit so I started flipping through my albums and I decided that maybe if I scrapped, I would get inspired. Now, I haven't scrapped in for-ev-ah! (At least 3 years! OMG!!) I decided this weekend I was going to do it. I had 3 (almost brand new) Creative Memories album coverlets to fill (plus 1 black one with a picture thing on the cover I bought to put my wedding pics in) and since CM finally changed their albums to a true 12 x 12, I needed to figure out how many packs of pages I was going to have to buy before they retired them. Well, I just wanted to scrap! So, I put 3 of my old albums into the new ones and I am saving the old ones in case I need to re-arrange the other 3 old ones I have. Problem solved. Now, I don't have to buy any more "old" pages and I can use the ones I have to finally do my Wedding Album! I started it yesterday and I am so excited because I am almost finished! It might take me the rest of the week though because I do have to work! Ugh! It is going fairly smooth because I am sticking with a theme. The hardest part is picking the pictures! Actually, the hardest part is looking at these 16 year old pictures and realizing I don't look the same!! I will post pictures soon!! Here's a sneak peak - our "unconventional Wedding" Portrait! Thanks for listening!

Baby Boy Card!

2009-05-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

I think that I made a pretty good baby card considering I am seriously lacking baby/kids stamps! I started with a Bashful Blue base and added So Saffron, Delicate Dots DSP from SAB and Summer Picnic DSP, and of course the So Saffron Grosgrain ribbon from SAB. I used my Big Shot and the Scallop Circles #2 die. I used my Bashful Blue and Certainly Celery markers to stamp the cute little sailboat from "Life's a Breeze" on Whisper White CS and stamped it again and cut the boat and sail out and popped those puppies right up using my dimensionals! The sentiment is from the "Best Yet" hostess set (retired). I think its adorable, if I do say so myself! I made it for my neighbor (and newly addicted stamper) for her baby shower. I hope she liked it! I must say, that I am so proud of her! She made her shower treats based on the project we did in our March class! They were adorable! I would share a picture but it was chocolate and it didn't last long enough to photograph! TFL!!

Tres Chic! MOJO85!

2009-05-09T15:14:00.000-07:00

I managed to finish this week's MOJO 85. I skipped a couple of weeks, so it feels good to have finally completed something! I thinks its very pretty and feminine. What do you think?

I started with Kraft CS as a base and mounted Parisian Breeze DSP on top. I love it! I used Baja Breeze CS for the backgorund and Whisper White CS for the images. Using my Chocolate Chip marker and my blender pen with Baja Breeze CSP to "ink" my images so I would have the two colors. I used the Friends 24-7 stamp set from the Spring -Summer 09 IBC and the Great Friend Set from the Mini Occassions catalog. I finished off my card with Baja Breeze satin ribbon from Ribbon Originals-Valet. Tres Chic, oui!! Thanks for looking!

I know, It's Been Awhile!

2009-04-24T18:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, it has been a few weeks - I have been busy and lazy and everything in between! I didn't get to MOJO82 but I am hoping to get to MOJO83. I did manage to finish this card which is a total CASE from Mary Fish. I love her stuff and when I saw her card I thought it was great!! But when I decided to do my own version I got stumped and it took me a few days to get it together. It seems I can't stay away from the monochromatic look! I think right now that's mainly because I don't have a vast supply of DSP so I had to work with what I had. Then, I could not figure out the scale she used. As you can see, I only have 2 daisies and she has 3. She must have used the littlest daisy for her card. In any case, (no pun intended!) I finally managed to finish the B-day card for my friend, Mickey.

Ingredients:

Whisper White CS, So Saffron CS, a tiny sliver of Chocolate Chip CS for the "thread" (another "tip" I learned from Mary Fish- I just love her!) Chocolate Chip CSP, Walk in the Park DSP, and Delicate Dots DSP (from SAB), wide oval punch and So Saffron striped grosgrain ribbon! Oh, yeah, the sentiment is from the CHit Chat rub-ons! TFL!!

MOJO81 I made it!!!

2009-04-12T16:01:00.001-07:00

Yay! I actually finished in time to post before Mr. Linky closes! I am not sure if I absolutely love this card, but I am happy I used glitter! The glitter and the little dew drops are not SU! I just happened to have that stuff around. Thank goodness because I was having a heck of a time trying to come up with something to do for this challenge. I almost gave up-but alas, I did not! TFL!

Ingredients: Chocolate Chip CS and CSP and grosgrain ribbon, Kiwi Kiss CS, Very Vanilla CS, Fifth Avenue Floral Stamp set and Great Friend stamp set.

Purple Flower Bouquet

2009-04-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorites so far!! I made this for my co-worker, Mickey, who I thought might not be allowed real flowers in the hospital. I took pictures of everyone from the office and printed them small enough to punch out for the center of the flowers. I then camoflauged one of those recorder things that you put in scrapbooks or cards - I don't know what they are called! I recorded a snippet of a song by Gunther (if you don't know who Gunther is, you can check him out here!) Gunther is sort of an inside joke at work with Mickey, and the song is "The Ding Dong Song!" Sometimes, we have too much fun at work!! Needless to say, she loved it! Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mickey! We love you! I used mostly SU! stuff, Orchid Opulance and Lovely Lilac cardstock and classic ink, my Big Shot, and Flowers #3 die. TFL!

I missed it again!! MOJO80

2009-04-05T20:02:00.000-07:00

Well, I seem to have missed the Sunday 8 pm deadline for Mr. Linky, but I can still post it here and on SCS! Here is my Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge. I think it's kinda cool in a dark sort of way. It looks like a black and white picture. What do you think?

Ingredients:

Basic Grey CS, Basic Blcak CS and Whisper White CS, Basic Grey Classic ink, Walk in the Park DSP, Valet Ribbon originals, scallop circle puch, rhinestone brads, and the Great Friend stamp set from the Occasions Mini Catalog.

So Soft, So Saffron!

2009-04-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

I was just playing around with my new stuff, with no real purpose and I came up with this. Plain and simple but I kind of like it. Even my dear husband liked it! I try to challenge myself to create something without CASE'ing and when I do it looks like this-kind of plain! I think I might stick to the challenges I find on-line, like at SCS!

Ingredients:

So Saffron CS, Whipser White CS, Walk in the Park DSP, So Saffron Classic ink pad, Chit Chat rub-on, So Saffron grosgrain ribbon from SAB, and an antique brass mini Library Clip.

Thanks for looking!

MOJO Monday 79 Sketch

2009-04-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

Okay...so I am only a week and a half late! At least I did it! I actually finished it Sunday night but it was after 8pm and Mister Linky was already closed! Whadda ya think! I thought it turned out pretty. I was very anxious to play with my Walk in the Park DSP and my Big Shot (I just got it so I want to play, play play! Unfortunately, I have to work, so I don't get to play as much as I want!)

Ingredients:

Basic Grey CS and ink; Whisper White CS and Cameo Coral CS, Walk in the Park DSP, SU! Little Leaves Sizzlet die, Boho Blossoms punch, SU! Ribbon Originals Valet. The sentiment (yes, I know, "what sentiment?") is from the Great Friend stamp set from the new Occassions Mini Catalog just released today! (That's no foolin'!)

SAB Class Projects

2009-03-22T23:34:00.000-07:00

It was about 1 a.m. Sunday morning when I finally finished my samples for my Sunday afternoon class! I have a tendency to procrastinate when I have absolutely no idea what I want to do. So, of course I was on SCS for awhile looking for inspiration and because there are so many talented and creative ladies out there, I found some! Yay! So, I hope they don't mind, but I absolutely CASE'd these projects. Thanks, ladies! (If you do mind, I apologize.) I wanted to be sure to use all Sale-a-Bration products since it is the last week. The Kit Kat bar was the favorite among my girls and they are very excited to use this project in other ways. Thanks to Lisa Freeman for her idea! The inspiration for the card also came from Lisa here. Thank you, Lisa! The Hershey Bar idea was courtesy Jan Tink and I found it here. I did do some thinking on my own and came up with the bag topper myself (well, not the idea to use the Top Note die, but the way I used it!) I used the SU! Color Spritzer Tool to make the spots of color - it kind of reminds me of the speckles on the Robin Egg candies - Yum! Which is of course, why I used the "Yummy" SAB Stamp set! If you need me to list the ingredients, leave me a comment and I will - I'm kinda tired right now. I should be in bed! Thanks for looking!

Nite, nite!

Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge

2009-03-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

So I decided that I am going to try and do the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge each week to get my creative juices flowing! I have to start next week though because I still haven't quite figured out what my class projects are going to be this Sunday! If you want to play along too, go to this site. Check it out! It'll be fun!

Happy Bird-Day, Jay!

2009-03-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, its been a few days, but here it is...finally! A friend of ours is nicknamed "Birdman" and it was his birthday, so I thought this stamp was perfect for him! I was able to use the Frosty Day DSP for something other than Christmas! I thought overall, the card turned out great! I love the layers and for fun I poked a piece of frayed twine through the Whisper White for the top of his birthday hat!

Ingredients:

Pun Fun stamp set; Pumpkin Pie CS; Chocolate Chip CS; Kiwi Kiss CS; and Whisper White Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink; Chocolate Chip Classic Ink and Kiwi Kiss Classic Ink; a little bit of Pacific Point and a whole lotta love! I also used the scallop edge punch, brads, and Stampin Dimensionsals!

Thanks for looking at my always evolving blog!!

Vote Again!

2009-03-12T18:08:00.000-07:00

I do have a card to post but I will have to do it a bit later. Off to the store...Please vote again for this week's contestant, Noodle! The more BRLA Boxers in the semi finals the better chance of winning the $10,000.00. Be back soon!

Vote for Hope! Vote for Boxers!!

2009-03-05T22:14:00.000-08:00

For those who know me, you know that I think boxers are the best dogs in the world!!! Well, Bissell (vacuums) is looking for the next MVP: Most Valuable Pet who will be featured on future product packaging. Plus a $10K donation. This vote is for Boxer Rescue Los Angeles. They are a wonderful rescue organization and every dollar counts! Click on the picture to the right and vote for this BRLA Boxer from 3/3 to 3/10! I did!!

SAB Polka Dot Punches

2009-02-28T17:28:00.000-08:00

I got my SAB stuff a few weeks ago and I was really anxious to play with it! I looked on Splitcoaststampers for inspiration and I actually started out using SC215. I have never played along with any of the challenges because I am not quite sure yet how. I am just a "lurker" most of the time. I love looking at everyone's creativity. There are some awesome crafters out there! Check out some of my favorites on the right! The card is not exactly like it was supposed to be but the end result turned out nice, I thought. What do you think? So Saffron CS, Chocolate chip ink, the sentiment is from Dreams du Jour, Kraft taffeta ribbon and the new cordouroy buttons (love'em!) in Kraft. Oh, yeah and the Delicate Dots DSP! Thanks for loooking!

Thank Moo!!

2009-02-28T17:18:00.001-08:00

I LOVE THIS CARD!! It is so cute! Our Bunco theme for February was barnyard animals. I immediately knew I would make cards as my gift, but my animal was supposed to be a pig and I couldn't find a stamp of a pig anywhere! So, I found this cute cow stamp at Michael's and my "Thank Moo" card idea took off! I used Kraft, Basic Black and Whisper White CS. Unfortunately, my SU! collection does not include little bitty letters yet so I got these at Michael's also along with the ribbon. I stamped the little letters on WW CS and punched the scallop circle in Basic Black. Don't you just love the little pink flower brad? It totally made the card! Totally!!

Wishes du Jour

2009-02-28T16:52:00.000-08:00

Well...finally a new card to post!! I actually have a couple, I have just been lazy this last couple of weeks and by the time I get home from work, it's dark and I can't take photos without the sunlight! The colors for this card were inspired by some paisley napkins I saw at Target this morning. Although this card didn't turn out quite like I planned (do they ever?) I really like it! This one is for my Uncle Marvin in Kansas who just came out of the hospital. I didn't want it too girly and I think I succeeded. I stamped the butterfly from SU! Dreams du Jour in Not Quite Navy ink onto Vary Vanilla CS (if you look closely you can see that I inked the edges of the VV also) and I used the inkpad to "dye" my (non SU!) ribbon. The base of the card is Not Quite Navy CS with Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive cardstock behind the Very Vanilla. I threw in some retired DSP because I felt like I needed a pattern. I also got to try the Chit-Chat rub-ons I just got! I still have a hard time trying to design my own cards and layouts but I must be getting better because I am fall in love with each new card I make! I hope you like it!

Blue Valentine!

2009-02-15T18:40:00.000-08:00

Well, since Hubby decided I was using too much Riding Hood Red, his Valentine card was made with Pacific Point and Baja Breeze! Of course, I used the Love You Much stamp set and the 3 heart punch! I was really surprised at how much I liked the end result. Hubby liked it too!! What do you think?

Yay!!! Bella Birthday Card!

2009-02-10T20:54:00.000-08:00

I finally made another card! I have spent so much time just organizing my stuff, I haven't made time to stamp! Well, my Mom's Birthday is tomorrow so of course I had to make a card! Here it is! I thought it turned out pretty good! Hubby thinks its time to change the color of my cards - too much red! Well, I am still waiting for my new stuff to get here! I hope it gets here soon! I need to make my project to get ready for my next class on February 22.

Sorry, the picture is kinda dark, but my ususal "photo shop" is out of commission right now! i'll post the new project as soon as I see the UPS man!!!

Yikes!

2009-01-17T20:47:00.000-08:00

Okay! Here we go! My very first blog!! These are the little Valentines Cards we will be making this Sunday at my very first Stamp Class! I thought they turned out pretty good. I used the Love You Much bundle!