Sneak Peak and a sketch

Two treats for you today - a sneak peak of a stamp set you'll see in the Summer Mini catalog and a new sketch from Creative-Sketches!

The following card includes images from a new stamp set called Touch of Kindness. As soon as I saw it in the catalog preview (a perk of being a demonstrator), I fell in love with this bird-bath image. I was extremely lucky to win this set at last weekend's Stampin' Up! Regional Seminar and couldn't wait to share it with you.

Isn't it adorable? Those little birds are just too cute. I wanted to keep it simple so I didn't color in the sky or ground, but imagine how you could complete the scene by adding trees or clouds to the background. OOh, we're going to have fun with this set!

To see more ideas based on this sketch, be sure to visit the creative-sketches blog. There's a linky tool there if you would like to play along and share your work.

Thanks for stopping by!


Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps: Touch of Kindness (Available June 2011 as part of the Summer Mini collection)
Ink: StazOn Black, Stampin' Write Markers for coloring
Paper: Basic Gray, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White
Tools: Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4" circle punch
Embellishments: Jewels Basic Rhinestone, White Organza ribbon, Daffodil Delight Taffeta ribbon
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner,  Stampin' Scrub
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Free Printable Calendar - April

Can you believe it? March is almost gone!

So how about an April calendar?  The images shared here are from Funky Four, a stamp brush set you can download for only $3.95 (US).  You are welcome to save this calendar as your desktop or print it out for your own personal use. I hope you'll give the color combination a try, too. Let me know how it goes!

Thanks for stopping by!


Stampin' Supplies:  My Digital Studio (complete program 118108/$79.95) New option available in June - Express (124483/$39.95), Funky Four Stamp Brush Set (123431/$3.95)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Video How to Sale-a-brate

We're down to the last few days of our favorite promotion, Sale-a-bration. There's still time to get free stamps and embellishments and, once you get them, Stampin' Up! has a youtube channel full of how-to videos for your inspiration.



Thanks for stopping by!


  Ready to take advantage of Sale-a-bration? Shop Stampin' Up! Online
Promotion ends March 31, 2011

Free Printable Cards

Earlier this week, TipJunkie shared some great links for FREE printable cards.

Check them out in her post!

And for those of you with kids in school, she also shared some for Teacher Appreciation.
Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by!


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

CS25H - A Sketch, A Card and Chocolatey Holiday

Ok, here we go! It's time to work with a challenge at Creative-Sketches. In addition to this sketch, you are also supposed to create a holiday-themed project. It can be a card, scrap page, whatever you wish! My idea is below, but to see more be sure to visit the Creative-Sketches site. You can even link to your own project so that we can all check it out!

So what will it be:
Get a head start on Easter?
A friend or Harry Houdini's Birthday?
National Quilting Day?
National Goof-off Day? (My personal favorite!)

Yes - these really are holidays to celebrate this month and, no - I didn't make them up. *grin*. Now the winning holiday for me was another little-known holiday taking place today: Chocolate-Covered Raisin Day. My son loves these! And we actually had some in the house... at least until my son saw me making the card... I give it about 10 minutes before they disappear. (Maybe Harry Houdini's influence? lol)

Ok, so not my best effort as far as cards go, but oh well. Now my son or whomever I send this to will not feel guilty tearing it apart to get to the candy. See? I had a plan...... ha!

Thanks for stopping by! Click here to visit the Creative-Sketches blog. Enjoy!


Stampin' Supplies:

Baroque Motifs

Stamps: You're A Gem (122270), Baroque Motifs (113490)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie (103040), Chocolate Chip (100908), Crumb Cake (121030)
Paper: Chocolate Chip (102128),, Crumb Cake (120953), Very Vanilla (101650)
Tools: Crop-a-dile (108362), 1 3/4" circle punch (119850), Small Oval punch (119863)
and Embellishments: Twill Tape (119970), Linen Thread (104199), Metallic Brads (105319( 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

3x3 mini cards - part 2

As promised, here are the remaining swaps from the spring 3x3 swap at Stampin' Addicts.

This elegant beauty was made by Kim Bolzenthal.

Love that ribbon treatment...

Look at the gorgeous details of this vintage creation

by Pamela Clarke. So pretty!

Sarah Wills created this one for us.

Love the texture in the background and the owl always brings a smile to my face.

Look at those eyes! lol

 Last and definitely not least is this gorgeous swap by Trina Caraway.

Another one with beautiful layers, texture and details including my favorite

easy-to-use embellishment, Pearl Jewels!

I hope that you have enjoyed seeing these swaps. It's always amazing how even such small projects can be so "complete" and so inspiring! If you would like to join us in a future swap, be sure to visit the Stampin' Addicts forum and join our good-attitude, stamp-lovin' group. See you there!

Thanks for stopping by!


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

3x3 mini cards - part 1

 As promised, here are some of the lovely swaps recently exchanged via Chipper at Stampin' Addicts. I've added links to their blogs (where I could find them). Visit them for even more ideas!

Isn't this gorgeous!? It would take an entire post to do justice to all
of the details included here.
This beauty was made by Stacey Miller in Pennsylvania

Came without a stickie... I'll let you know who made it once I find out :)
Wish me luck! ha, ha

Our hostess-with-the-mostest, Chipper made this cutie. Love the fresh look!

Chipper (Ellen Pruett) is a rep in TN.

Love the Bella Toile background on this (and every other part, too!)

Created by Deb Bryson from TX

 Amigas, this one, featuring one of our Spanish stamp sets, was created by Holly Podkowa.

 Holly has an awesome sense of humor - I would love to enjoy a fiesta with her :)

Want to see more? Stop by tomorrow - there are 4 more to share!

Thanks for stopping by!


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

Definition of a swap

Swaps, swaps.... how do I love thee? 


The definition just doesn't do it justice. Lookie here:

swap, swop [swɒp]

vb swaps, swapping, swapped, swops swopping, swopped

to trade or exchange (something or someone) for another

n

1. an exchange

2. something that is exchanged

[C14 (in the sense: to shake hands on a bargain, strike): probably of imitative origin]

swapper , swopper n

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003

It doesn't say anything about how EXCITING it is to be the recipient of said swaps. Nothing at all about the happy dance that occurs when you open your box and find that large envelope containing said lovelies - no matter how it embarrasses your children.

How could they miss that? ;)
Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to stop by tomorrow - I'll show you part of the latest batch of dance inspiring swaps from the spectacular stampers at Stampin' Addicts.


Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

DivaSC128 Card Sketch Celebration

Welcome to another sketch challenge with the Utah Divas. Carol cooked up a great sketch for us today; I hope you will find some free time this weekend to give it a try!

To see what the other Divas have created, follow the link below or stop by the Utah Divas blog for a complete list of participants.

This is one of those cards that lets the paper do the talking! This Celebrations paper is fun and always makes me think of kids' cards first. This card is destined for my 6th grader to celebrate the end of FCAT testing (next month).
Are you a digi crafter? If so, you will be happy to know that it is also available as a digital package with coordinating embellishments, card templates and brush sets (stamp like images). You will download directly to your computer so there are no shipping fees. (Something else to celebrate!)

Thanks for stopping by! Next in line is Alisa's blog, enjoy!


Supplies: 
Paper: Real Red (115320), Pacific Point (111350), Celebrations Designer Series Paper (117164)
Tools: Big Shot (113439), Stars #2 die (113461), handheld punch
and Embellishments: Rhinestone Brads Ice Circles (109111)
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

Celebrations Designer Series Paper (117164)

 

Creative Sketches - Fancy Folds

Hi Everyone! Ready for a challenge?

The challenge today at Creative-Sketches is to create a project using a fancy fold of your choosing. I chose to try a new-to-me slider technique to create this 5x5 greeting card. Here it is in the 'open' position:

Wondering how it's made? Check out this how-to video and you'll be making one in no time!

(And don't worry, the video is 7 minutes long because I was moving slow - it is not a hard technique. I tend to get a little nervous making videos and end up sounding like Minnie Mouse on helium while  rushing through to finish. I was calm this time and took time to explain!)

Thanks for stopping by! To see more fancy fold projects, visit the Creative-Sketches blog.


Stampin' Supplies:

Stamps: Aviary (w116956, c120462)
Ink: Chocolate chip (100908), Bashful Blue (105209)
Paper: Play Date Designer Series Paper (117168), Old Olive (100702), Real Red (115320), So Saffron (105118), Whisper White (100730)
Tools and Embellishments: Jewels Basic Rhinestone (229246), Metallic Eyelets (105319), Ribbon Scraps, Eyelet Setter, Stylus (100663), Bone Folder (102300), Paper Cutter (104152)
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

How do you find time to craft?

Time Management, yikes. There should be a 4 letter word that means the same as those two together because, let me tell you, say "Time Management" in front of people and they cringe!

Like you, I'm a busy person. The name of this blog was even chosen with that fact in mind. I love my family and my life. Doing what needs to be done (chores, meals, activities, etc.) fill a day very easily. My business, including this blog, is my guilty pleasure but it can only happen if I'm organized enough to take care of the rest first.

So organizing our time is key. There are many books and seminars available on the market, but I love when I find free information and can share it with others like you. I recently ran across this free e-book on time management offered on Money Saving Mom. I hope this shared perspective will encourage you in your daily life and perhaps even provide something to help you make the most out of your time.  You know.... so that you can escape2stamp ;)

Thanks for stopping by!


Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

DivaSC127 Studio Sketches

It's time for latest and greatest Utah Divas sketch challenge.

Each weekend, the Design Team works to provide you with samples based on an original sketch. Our goal is to inspire you to play along and get the most out of your card making hobby.

Whether you are arriving from Carol's Blog or starting here, welcome! I hope you'll be inspired by what you see today. To see projects by additional team members, please follow the link to Alisa's blog (below) or stop by the Utah Divas blog for a complete list of participants.

And here's my submission for this week. I went a little punch crazy...

See the little "thanks" tag under the picture? It was a little boring when it was just a plain ol' rectangle, so I used the Decorative Label punch to shape it a bit. Here's how:

I suppose I could have just used the left or right edge of the punch instead of having to round out the edges... but that might have been just too easy... lol

Thanks for stopping by! Now it's time to visit Alisa's blog. She has a beautiful card to share with you and if you look closely, you'll notice that she used this same punch like an edge punch - looks awesome!


Stampin' Supplies: 

Studio Sketches

Stamps: Studio Sketches (W116974, C122222), So Happy For You (Sell-a-bration set W 121853, C123220)
Ink: Crumb Cake Stampin' Write Marker (120967), Poppy Parade (part of In Color SWM set)
Paper: Not Quite Navy (101722), Crumb Cake (120953), Very Vanilla (101650), Blue Berry Crisp Designer Series Paper (117392)
Tools: Scallop Trim Border punch (118402), 1 3/4" x 7/8" Oval punch (119855), Decorative Label punch (120907)
and Embellishments: Metallic Brads (119741)
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

Creative-Sketches Color challenge

 Here's a creative color challenge for you today.
Old Olive
Bashful Blue
Basic Gray
Baja Breeze

Visit the Creative-sketches blog to see what Design Team Members have created for your inspiration. If you are enjoying our challenges and would like to be a part of the group, we are also taking submissions for additional Design Team Members. You do not have to be a representative of Stampin' Up! or any other specific company to apply. Visit the blog for additional information.


Thanks for stopping by!


Stampin' Supplies 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

Free Mini Purse Template - take2

My apologies, folks. Seems that the template I attempted to give you on Monday isn't loading!
Let's try it this way instead:

Thanks for stopping by, again!


Stampin' Supplies 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 - Paper, buttons and jars

You know those jars you've been saving from spaghetti night? You just knew they would be good for something.... but what? Well, pair them with some of your lovely Designer Series Paper and you have easy but adorable decoration for you or a friend!

Thanks for stopping by!


Stampin' Supplies: 
ok, so I cheated. I didn't make these :) image shared by HappyClippings.com and Tidymom
But you could totally make these with Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper, ribbon and buttons
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Free Mini Purse template

Enjoy this free template from the Stampin' Up! library and enjoy your Monday escape.

 The original link is no longer valid. For the template, please click here to be directed to the updated post. It includes a printable template. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Thanks for stopping by!


Stampin' Supplies:
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

DivaSC126 Try this Card Sketch

Welcome to those of you visiting from Carol's blog! And if you are starting out here today, here's a fun card sketch for you to try this weekend. It's sketch #126 from the Utah Divas.

I was going to flake out and not provide a sample. Yes, it's been that kind of week. But this blog is all about escaping the craziness-that-is so dagnabbit, escape to my craft room I did. After a couple of disastrous attempts on paper, I decided to give it a go with Digital and see if that would work any better. Now that's a determined escapee, doncha think?

 

Not too shabby for a few minutes of work. At the very least, it can be a springboard for my next paper attempt. ;)
To see more ideas using this sketch, be sure to visit the Utah Divas blog or continue the blog hop at Alisa's blog. Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by!


Stampin' Supplies My Digital Studio

Birthday Card ideas and more

If you are looking for more card making ideas you'll be happy to know that Stampin' Up! also shares ideas and posts them regularly to my Stampin' Up! website. This adorable card is just one of the ones recently added to my gallery. Visit my official Stampin' Up! site for details about this project and to see additional ideas.

Thanks for stopping by!


Stampin' Supplies 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

CS22 - A Sketch, 2 Cards and a tip!

Ready to get crafty with a sketch?

This Creative-Sketches challenge sketch is one of those that I think you'll use over and over again with a variety of papers and images. I had so much fun playing with it that I made 2 samples to share with you!

Let's start with a card that uses the sketch as-is. The layout is clean and simple (my favorite kind) which allows you to bring it to life using rich and lively colors in your paper and colored image. For added detail, organza ribbon is tied around the outside of the card. The recipient will need to slide the ribbon off in order to open the card.

Stamp Set: (Sale-a-bration) Sweet Summer

For the second one, I added an additional block to the sketch allowing me to use a wider stamped image. Softer colors give this card a sweeter look than the one above. Unlike the ribbon wrap above, linen thread runs through the folded edge of the card. Aside from the decoration is provides, this also allows you to tuck a picture or gift card into the inside of the card without building in a pocket.

Stamp Set: (Hostess Level 1) A Slice of Life

To cut an opening for the thread (or ribbon, if that's what you want to use), use a Hobby Blade to cut a thin slit into the folded edge of the card. The height of the slit should be just larger than the thread or ribbon you are running through it. This slit is small because I'll only be running the thread through twice.

If you are using linen thread like the one I used here, a sewing needle will make easy work of getting the thread through the slit.

Before tightening your thread and knotting it, put the other elements of the card front in place first. You may find that you need to leave a little extra room depending on the thickness of your card stock and layers.

For more ideas using this sketch, be sure to visit the Creative-Sketches blog site. We would love for you to play along; leave a link and we'll stop by to see your work!

Thanks for stopping by!


Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps: Sweet Summer (W121849, C123214), A Slice of Life (W121895, C121952)
Ink: StazOn Black (101406), Stampin' Write Markers for coloring
Paper: Pear Pizzazz (119795), Chocolate Chip (102128), Whisper White (100730), Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper (117167) Project 2: Pear Pizzazz (119795), Early Espresso (119686), Whisper White (100730), In-Color DSP stack (117158)
Tools: Hobby Blade (102449)
Embellishments: Jewels Basic Rhinestone (119246), 5/8" Organza Ribbon (114319), Linen Thread (104199)
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)