Cd107 Countdown to Convention

Yay, it's Wednesday and time for another color challenge. Are ya ready?

Guess what I realized while working with these colors - Google Maps uses these colors on their maps! How considerate! So print out a map of your favorite place, or maybe a place you want to go, and use it on your project. I chose to use Salt Lake City; myself and a couple thousand Stampin' Up! Demonstrators for headed over there for our Annual Convention in just two weeks - just two weeks! eek!

Tote-ally Tess is helping me count down. (Or maybe helping my hubby; poor guy probably needs a break from me, lol.)  Doesn't Tess look snappy with her Marina Mist shirt and personalized tote bag? Yes, she has all three colors from the challenge on her bag. And bling, what can I say? She's got some epic fashion sense. Ha!

Some additional notes on building the card:

• Tess' hair was stamped onto Chocolate Chip card stock then cut out. I added extra shading with a Chocolate Chip marker. In real life you can see her "low-lites".
• Tess and her stylin' bag were cut out using Paper Snips and a hobby blade for the detail areas.
• The flower on her bag is one of the punches from the Itty-Bitty punch pack. I cut into the petals with paper snips so that I could then lift and separate the petals a little - just for fun.
• A Blender Pen and Blush Blossom marker were used to give her skin just a little hint of color. She's probably vitamin-D deficient from never being in the sun, but she'll stay that way until I can figure out the right color combinations for coloring in skin.
• I sponged Marina Mist Classic Ink onto the chipboard numbers and set them aside while I worked on the rest of the card. I added a second layer of color when I noticed that one coat was too light. It looked okay, but not really dark enough to look "Marina Mist" on the card. 
• With the extra color inked on to the chipboard, I had to use a tiny dab of Tombow glue to adhere the jewels.

To see more ideas using today's color challenge, visit the Color Dare site to see snapshots. For full details on each project,  visit DT individual sites by clicking on the links provided here in the sidebar. 

Thanks for stopping by!


Stampin' Supplies: 

Tote-all Tess

Stamps: Tote-ally Tess
Ink: Basic Black plus Stampin' Write markers for coloring
Paper: Marina Mist, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip
Tools: Sponge Daubers, Hobby Blade, Itty Bitty punch pack
Embellishments: Jewels Basic Rhinestone, On Board chipboard 
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Use It Tuesday - An old shirt?

In my new quest for easy sewing projects, I ran across this video by vividmichelle. The audio is very low, but you can easily see what she is doing. Very easy - Enjoy!

Now, if that doesn't appeal, check out this Almost New-Sew tote by Susie Harris. These totes would look so cute with strips of our Stampin' Up! fabric running across - love it!

Thanks for stopping by!


Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Happy Greetings and Diva SC142

Hi folks! It's the weekend again and time for another sketch challenge with the Utah Divas. For sketch team links and a look at other Diva challenges, visit the UDI blog . New ideas are posted several times a week!

Today's sketch is a great one you'll turn to again and again if you don't already. The large panel in the center works for a variety of images or patterned papers. And the small circle is a great place for a sentiment, flower or other embellishment.

I changed the scallop line on the sketch a little by making it a band going across the card. Instead of using a border punch, this one was made using a 3/4" circle punch and the small oval punch that retired this month. (Incidentally - this item sold out.) To create this border, try this:

• Punch out your shapes.
• Add a line of adhesive to the back of your band (already cut to size for the card front).
• Place your punch-outs in place. Here the circles and ovals alternate.
• With these shapes, I wanted the tops to line up (what you can see from the front). I was lazy and eye-balled it, but grid paper or the cutting pad shown here would be handy tools to use.
• Turn it over, right side up. Trim off any excess with paper snips.

I wonder what this would look like with different shapes? Hmmm...

To see a gorgeous color combination and another way to use this sketch, click here to visit Alisa's blog.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend,


Stampin' Supplies: 
Stamps: Happy Greetings, Proud Peacock
Ink: Basic Gray, Old Olive and Real Red Stampin' Write Markers
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Gray, Old Olive, Glimmer Paper, Play Date Designer Series Paper
Tools: 1" circle punch, 3/4" circle punch, small oval punch (retired), Small heart punch
Embellishments: Jewels Basic Rhinestone
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

More last chance items

Additional Last-Chance Items

There were three items inadvertently left off the Last Chance lists; item numbers and prices are listed below. We apologize for the oversight.

Item	Page	Description	Price
111546	142	Simple Birthday Thanks Background Stamp	$17.95
113216	Online	For the Bride Set	$19.95
114028	22*	Para la novia Set	$19.95

*From Celebrando Creatividad
In addition, the Days to Remember 6" x 6" Calendar (item 104144, p. 170) is no longer available for purchase and will not be part of the 2011-2012 product offering.


Thanks for stopping by!


Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Ain't Love Grand CD106

Hi folks! Today is Wednesday - yes, already! - which means it's time for a color challenge. This week's Color Dare challenge is:

My first thoughts with this color combo were all about ice cream (peach? strawberry? pistachio?). When I get to Georgia later this summer, the first thing I'm going to do is find a Brewster's and indulge in their strawberry ice cream... yum! But for now, I decided on another treat: playing with new stamps!

The adorable get well/umbrella image is from a new Hostess Only stamp set called Ain't Love Grand. (Available beginning in July for qualified orders of $150 or more.) Here, it is colored in with two of our challenge colors: Real Red and Peach Parfait. I imagine it will be a fun stamp to use with patterned paper, too!

The rest of the card is rather self-explanatory, but let me point out one tiny thing. Did you notice the rain-drop on the right side of the umbrella? It's actually one of the remnant pieces that comes out when you punch one of the flower options on the Triple Blossom Punch. This picture shows it a bit better than I seem to be able to explain it:

Isn't that neat? They'll make great seeds, tear drops, eyes... clever crafters are likely to come up with all kinds of things!

To see more ideas using today's challenge colors, be sure to visit the Color Dare site or follow the Design Team links found in the side panel here. Thanks for stopping by!


Stampin' Supplies: 

Triple Blossom Punch

Stamps: Ain't Love Grand
Ink: Basic Black and Stampin' Write markers for coloring
Paper: Chocolate Chip, (current) Hostess DSP pack, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White
Punches: Triple Blossom, 1 3/4", 1 3/8", Scallop Trim
Embellishments: Jewels Basic Rhinestone
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

3/16" corner punch - tips

Stampin' Up! shared some info with us this past weekend regarding getting consistent results using the 3/16" corner punch. And here I thought it was just me... lol

• Make sure your paper is cut square. Your paper should have straight sides for the punch to work properly. 
• Your paper should fit snugly into both edges of the guides and into the back of the punch. It is critical that you don't try to center the paper by looking through the bottom of your punch;  instead, align your paper using the guides. 
• Set the paper fully into both guides, as well as the back of the punch, almost pressing your paper down into the guides by curling the outside edge of the paper up. Push your paper flush against the guides as far as it will go into the back of the punch. If your paper isn't fully set against both guides, you will not get a good, clean punch. 
• If you don't get a perfect corner, try centering your paper in the guides and punching again; your design should punch correctly. Don't worry; sometimes it takes some practice.
• Cut only one sheet at a time. This punch is designed to cut only one sheet of card stock or Designer Series Paper at a time.

The highlighted part? That's where I have been going wrong. It's such a part of my routine to use a punch that way that I never considered THAT would be the problem. Yikes!

Hope this info helps you too... Thanks for stopping by!


Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Stampin' Addicts Retiring Sets Blog Hop

Whether you are just arriving from Sara's blog or are starting here - welcome to stop 7 of the blog hop! Thanks for joining us as we showcase just a few of the stamp sets that are retiring this month. Sara shared some ideas using Lots of Bots, but if you missed it don't worry; we are all linked together. Just follow the hop and you'll make your way back around to her site!

Today I get to share some ideas using an adorable set called Animal Stories. This set of 4 animals is one of those that comes to mind as soon as baby projects are mentioned; these little creatures are just too cute! First, let me start you off with a card to welcome a new addition to the family:

The elephant represents good luck in some cultures and of course we know that they are also known for long life and good memories, too. So, in essence, we are wishing a long life for the baby and for mom to keep her sanity, all rolled in one ;)

Next, how about some little lavender sachets to make sure the baby has peaceful dreams. Or better yet, put it with the parents' pillow cases so that the little sleep they get will be peaceful!

The ribbon band is topped off with a personalized button. If you followed our last hop, you may remember that I shared a fabric bookmark topped with a peacock button. This giraffe button was created much the same way. In case you missed it previously:

1. Punch your shape from shrink plastic
2. Punch button holes using a 1/8" handheld circle punch
3. Stamp using Craft ink
4. Heat to shrink using a Heat Tool

Tips: Hold in place with a skewer or the small end of a stylus (in one of the button holes) while you heat.  Once shrunk, press flat with a wooden block (if necessary).

Lastly, I wanted to share one more card. This one was created with my friend Carol in mind. (So Carol, uh - look away... lol.) She and her family are expecting a baby later this year, much to their surprise...

Babies and punch art - two of the funnest and cutest things in the world!

Ok, chickies. That's it for me on this stop. I hope you've enjoying seeing just a few more projects using Animal Stories. Remember, the sets you are seeing on this hop are available through the end of this month, so get in touch with your rep if you see something you must have!

Now, let's go check out what Yapha has done with another cute and cuddly set, Bugs & Kisses. See you there!

Thanks for stopping by!


Stampin' Supplies: Stamps: Animal Stories
Project One: Swirls & Curls Verses; Paper: Peach Parfait, Concord Crush, Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz, Hostess DSP stack; Ink: Concord Crush, Basic Gray, Other: Jewels Basic Rhinestones, 1 3/4" circle punch, In Color ribbon
Project Two: Springtime Vintage fabric, Not Quite Navy Craft ink, Heat Tool, Scallop Square punch, Marina Mist 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
Project Three: Paper: Subtles color family; Tools: word window punch, tag punch, 3/4" circle punch, triple blossom punch, itty bitty punches, big shot, billboard alphabet die
The birdhouse is based on one created by Jodi Hashimoto, as shared in the September 2010 issue of Stampin' Success (a Demonstrator only magazine).
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)

Flag Day Giveaway - reminder

 Hi all!

Just a reminder that today is the last day for the Flag Day giveaway. If you missed the post, scroll down or  Click here for your chance to win my mailing box pdf plus a box full of cards!

And don't forget to come back tomorrow for the latest Stampin' Addicts blog hop. This one is all about the stamp sets retiring this month - you won't want to miss it!

Thanks for stopping by!


Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

CD105 - Eastern Blooms

Are you ready for today's Color Dare? Here it is:

This attempt includes images from Eastern Blooms, one of our retiring stamp sets.

This attempt also ended up getting dismantled... and partially trashed! Sometimes, ideas just do not work out. KWIM?

So, back to work,  um, play. The background was replaced with a sheet of Blushing Bride DSP from the Hostess Pack (also on it's way out). And the card became this instead:

Muuuuch better, if I do say so myself.

Thanks for stopping by!
To see more ideas using this color combo, visit the Color Dare site. You can also access individual Design Team member blogs by following the links in my side bar. Have a great day!


Stampin' Supplies: 

Eastern Blooms

Stamps: Eastern Blooms, Fabulous Phrases
Ink: Stampin' Write Markers in Elegant Eggplant, Blush Blossom, Pear Pizzazz
Paper: Blush Blossom, Hostess Pack DSP, Pear Pizzazz, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White, Crumb Cake (in place of Sahara Sand)
Tools: Top Note Die, Big Shot, Itty Bitty Punch Pack
Embellishments: Jewels Basic Pearl
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Louver Technique

Here's a goodie from the past: the louver technique. It's such a different technique and is such a fun way to share small images, clips, even pictures! And this time of year, you can also get excited because it's a great way to use up some of your Designer Series Paper and make room for new stuff ;) Yes, cheeky - I know. Click HERE for the original post which includes how-to photos and technique notes.

(originally posted last December)

Thanks for stopping by!


Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Crosses of Hope DivaSC140

It's the weekend again and time for another sketch challenge with the Utah Divas, an international group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators. Aside from this sketch challenge, there are also challenges for scrapbooking, color and more. I invite you to stop by the blog and check it out. If you play along, please use the DIVASC keyword in your gallery title so that we can stop by and see your work!

This was one of those cards that was about 15 different ideas before it ended up here. I think it is the purple that throws me off. Seriously, I find it SO hard to use any kind of purple. I was trying to use the new In-color Wisteria Wonder along with Elegant Eggplant but I just. could. NOT. do. it!! Ack! I'll try again... another day...maybe... but for today, I'll stick with my tried-and-true Old Olive. My buddy, my pal, my amigo...

God Bless the tried-and-true. And stampin' pals like Tanya who will let you continually case her style. And our sketch Diva Carol, who although I can't use purple and love it like she does, will still let me play with her sketches.

Thanks for stopping by! (And God bless YOU, too - especially for putting up with my silliness!)

Updated to add: There are two participating divas this week; these links will take you directly to their posts:
Alisa
Ruthie

Have a great weekend,


Stampin' Supplies: 

Crosses of Hope (120567/$14.95 clear)

Stamps: Crosses of Hope
Ink: Elegant Eggplant (Classic Ink Pad and Stampin' Write Marker)
Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive, Whisper White
Tools: Paper Piercing Tool, 1 3/8" circle punch
Embellishments: Brads (metallics)
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Tutorial - how to make your own shipping box

Recently, I was trying to find a box suitable for shipping a few cards to a friend of the family. The small boxes from the store were too large for what I was sending. My choices at that point were to send more greeting cards than originally intended or put more packing paper; either way the cost of shipping would now be higher since I was using a larger than necessary box. Not good!

Instead, it was time to create a box that met these basic needs:

• Easy to make. If it's difficult, we may do it once but never again.
• Inexpensive materials. Invest in stamps... not in shipping boxes... ;)
• Fits 5 or more cards with envelopes (it fits "more" - the exact number depends on the number of layers and/or embellishments). I'm all for sending out a lot of cards, but sometimes just a few will do.
• Must protect the cards- obvious, but necessary!

With that in mind, the following tutorial was created. I've already shipped a few of these boxes out and am happy to report that they arrived in great condition. Success!

Create a shipping box tutorial - $1.95

The 7 page PDF tutorial contains details including measurements and photos to guide you in creating your own box(es). It will be e-mailed to the address you provide once payment is received and verified.

Thanks for stopping by! Drop me a line if you have any questions!

Tween Birthday and a Color Dare

My first baby just had a birthday. And he's twelve now so I can only get away with calling him that on this blog (since he doesn't read it). The days of teddy bear or train cards are way in the past so it was time to come up with something a little more "tween". *sigh* Somebody have a baby so I can baby them, ok?

Today's color challenge at the Color Dare contains the perfect color combo for a masculine card. We dare you to use:

If you do not have these exact colors, just use whatever you have that is close. We would love to see what you create so please link to your project in a comment here or using Linky at the Color Dare site. C'mon - whaddya waiting for? Oh, you're waiting for my son's card...that's right!

My Digital Studio came to the rescue with this card. How do I love it? Let me count the ways:

• Easy to tweak colors, if you want to. The background started as Baja Breeze; to lighten it up,  drop the opacity (here, it is at 50%).
• Next, large white dots were added using the digital circle punch. Color fill with Whisper White and then copy and paste to add as many as you like. 
• The last step was to add the age. To create the "12", add a 1 from the stamp brush set then add the 2 next to it. Select them both, then create a group. This makes it very easy to copy and paste (as a 12 now) as many as you need. You can also adjust the size and color of the group as one element.
• There is a handy "grid" feature built in to the program makes it easy to line up your images. You can turn it off when you don't want to see it on-screen.
• I created the background on half of an 8-1/2" x 11" sheet. On the other half, I added the hand sign and other sentiments from this set. I printed it here at home on a Canon Pixma, selecting "matte photo paper" so that I could print it out onto Whisper White card stock. These images can still be colored in with pencils and markers, just like you would a traditionally stamped image. 
• These images are from Bring on the Cake. It was available as a stamp set in the Occasions Mini catalog and while we don't know if it will make the new IB&C, it is still available in digital form. (The link will take you there, if you are interested.) Another reason to love digital images?  Only $7.95 for the entire set. Leaves more room in the budget for a yummy cake :)

Thanks for stopping by! And remember - to see more ideas, be sure to visit the Color Dare blog or follow the links in my side bar to individual team members.


Stampin' Supplies: 
My Digital Studio, Bring on the Cake (digital)
Paper: Cajun Craze, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White
Ink: Stampin' Write Markers in Blush Blossom, Not Quite Navy and Cajun Craze
Tools: 1 1/4" circle punch, 1-3/8" circle punch
Embellishments: Linen Thread
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)

New Digital Downloads

This is just one of the newest digital downloads released this week. I've been making my own calendar every month from a basic template, but this one may just convert me. I love the colorful monthly pages!

For pricing and to see the other downloads, click here to access this week's releases (in a pdf file).

Enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by!


Stampin' Supplies: Stamps: Ink: Paper: Tools: Embellishments: Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Every Moment DivaSC139

Another week has flown by and it's time for our weekly Diva sketch. We're on #139; a great example of clean and simple. I can't wait to see what you create with it!
To see more ideas based on this sketch, you can find links to the Diva Sketch Team at the Utah Divas International blog site. I've also included a link to a team member below for your convenience. Enjoy!

This week, I went a little tool crazy and used some of my favorite punches and Big Shot dies along with scraps just waiting to be altered.

I love this quote from our stamp set, Every Moment. "When we see with our hearts, every moment is the most wonderful gift in the world." Food for thought, definitely.

On a less philosophical note:
About the card: yes, tool crazy... I know. They are all listed in the supply notes below. I usually try not to use so many different tools on the same card. I remember when I started out and would look at samples; the supply lists would overwhelm me and make me wonder what I was getting in to. Not a good feeling, so I try not to do that to you - my readers.

This time I just played and used the things I have. During the last (almost) 6 years as a demonstrator I have managed to stock up pretty well. And I use these tools, especially the Big Shot, ALL the time. Definitely worth every penny of that investment! So for this card, we will pretend the motto is: If we have it, we should use it! lol

Thanks for stopping by! To see more ideas using this sketch, click here for Alisa's blog or here for a complete list of participants.


Stampin' Supplies: 

Every Moment stamp set

Stamps: Every Moment
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Tangerine Tango,
Tools: Big Shot, Lots of Tags sizzlits, Swirls & Scribbles sizzlit, Beautiful Wings embosslit, Scallop Edge Punch, Decorative Label XL punch
Embellishments: Jewels Basic Rhinestone
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online