A Merry Do-Over

On Monday, I shared the last of the cards that we'll be making tomorrow at the Christmas card-making class. But I kept looking at it and thinking about it all week. There was something about it I didn't like. Something about the tag and the placement on the card. I realized that it would be better if I used one of the Apothecary Accents Framelits Dies as the focal point/tag on the front of the card, so I switched it up a bit.

Here's the card we'll actually be making on Saturday. It's a do-over, but I think it's a BIG improvement. What do you think? Do you like today's card or Monday's card better? I'd be thrilled if you'd leave a comment on my blog with your vote.

(Stamp Set: Seasonally Scattered; Inks: Wild Wasabi, Real Red; Card Stock: Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Whisper White; Accessories: Apothecary Accents Framelits, Wild Wasabi Seam Binding,Whisper White Baker's Twine, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Frosted Sequins, All Is Calm Snowflake Embellishment)

Seriously Amazing Paper Pumpkin

After a hectic back-to-school week, with a trip to the emergency room thrown in for fun, I finally had a chance to put together the August Paper Pumpkin kit. This kit is seriously amazing--and that's the name of the stamp set that comes with the kit. My DD thinks the cards--regular size and gift card size--are "totes adorbs." I love the envelopes that come with them!!

Here are the cards I made--one of each size.

(Seriously Amazing: August 2014 Paper Pumpkin)

Take a closer look at the regular size card and envelope. Don't you just love the Strawberry Slush sequins??!!

(Seriously Amazing: August 2014 Paper Pumpkin)

Here's a close up of the gift card--and we tested to see that it does, indeed, hold a gift card!

(Seriously Amazing: August 2014 Paper Pumpkin)

If you want to see everything that comes with the kit, click on the video. If you don't want to miss out on Paper Pumpkin--please click on the link on the left side of the blog and subscribe. You don't want to miss out on all the Paper Pumpkin fun, do you??

Walking in Sunlight

I'm in a grateful state of mind. If you read my post yesterday, you know we had a near-miss with what could have turned out to be a tragic skateboarding accident. But God is good. All the time. And He ensured that my son's accident didn't have any permanent effects. I'm so grateful. And I'm Walking in Sunlight, all of my journey, 
Heavenly sunlight, heavenly sunlight,
Flooding my soul with glory divine:
Hallelujah, I am rejoicing,
Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.

This card reminds me of that hymn and reminds me to be grateful and rejoicing as I walk along with Jesus and sing his praises. It was a swap card that I received at the #InspireCreateShare2014 Stampin' Up convention. I really like it--I think you will, too!! It was created by a stamper named Pat Smith who participated in the "Convention Quality Swap" hosted by Lyssa Zwolanek.

(Stamp Set: Ray of Sunshine; Inks: Hello Honey, Blackberry Bliss, Crumb Cake; Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Blackberry Bliss, Very Vanilla; DSP: Moonlight DSP Pack; Gold Glimmer Paper; Accessories: 2013-2015 In Color Sequin Assortment)

The Best Laid Plans

of mice and men oft go astray. Or, to quote scripture (James 4:13-14), Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.

I'd planned to work on My Paper Pumpkin tonight and another to-be-determined project for tomorrow's blog. And I'd planned to get some card stock cut for Saturday's Christmas card-making glass. But my plans changed instantly when I got a phone call from my son's friend saying that he had had an accident while skateboarding and needed help. Fortunately--thanks be to God--my son is fine and the CAT scan showed that his brain is "completely normal." He's got a concussion, but he'll recover completely in a few days. He's already way, way, WAY better than when I first saw him.

So here's the deal kids: WEAR YOUR HELMETS!! You only have one brain. You need to protect it. This incident has scared the you-know-what out of the kids and they've all vowed to wear their helmets.

That's my excuse for not creating a card for you today. But I'm still going to share a beautiful card I got at the #InspireCreateShare2014 Stampin' Up convention made with the lovely "Beauty of the Season" stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog. This card was created by Kristi Jaenisch and I think it was part of the Very Vintage swap I was in.

(Stamp Set: Beauty of the Season; Inks: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake; Card Stock: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla; Accessories: Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Tea Lace paper Doilies, Gold Sequin Trim, Gold Baker's Twine, Venetian Crochet Trim, Gold Satin Ribbon Ovals Framelit Collection)

It's gorgeous, isn't it? Tomorrow, I'll share another swap card with you and then I hope to be back on track showing you some of my creations. But I'll keep my eyes and ears open to what God has in store for me.

Merry, Merry in August

Here's the final card that the Christmas card-making group will be making on Saturday. It uses a technique that we learned at the #InspireCreateShare2014 Stampin' Up convention called "reverse rock and roll." First I stamped in Wild Wasabi. Then I used a dauber and dabbed Real Red around the word. It's so easy and so cool. Take a look.

(Stamp Set: Seasonally Scattered; Inks: Wild Wasabi, Real Red; Card Stock: Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Whisper White; Accessories: Angled Top Label Punch, Wild Wasabi Seam Binding,Whisper White Baker's Twine, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Frosted Sequins, All Is Calm Snowflake Embellishment)

I snipped the end of the tag to mirror the ribbon end--mainly so it would fit on the card. Since this is the prototype, I've learned, that I'll make the tag just a smidge smaller and have them stamp closer to the punched end. That way they can angle the tag on the Real Red panel, which is the way I originally envisioned the card.

I really love the All Is Calm Snowflake Embellishments and I like the way this one hangs off the Wild Wasabi ribbon.

Bold Flowers

Stampin' Up! demonstrators who attended the #InspireCreateShare2014 convention received an "a la carte" single stamp as an all-attendee giveaway. Several different stamps were handed out and I got the "Bloom for You" stamp that coordinates with the Fun Flower punch, which I already have. Score!

I was thinking of this card while getting my hair done and thought it would be a quick and easy make-and-take for a workshop. It's bold and bright and uses Rich Razzleberry, a color I love, but which has sorely been neglected by me lately.

(Stamp Sets: Bloom for You, Really Good Greetings; Inks: Rich Razzleberry, Stazon Black; Card Stock: Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black, Whisper White)

Wow! When I wrote the card ingredients in the caption, I realized that I didn't use any accessories!! Hmm, it really is quick and easy and blod.

You're a Shining Star

When I was in high school, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, I loved a band called Earth, Wind, and Fire. One of my favorite EWF songs is "You're a Shining Star." This card reminds me of that song.

(Stamp Set: Pictogram Punches; Ink: Stazon Black; Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Gold Foil Sheet; Accessories: Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Stars and Banners Framelits Collection, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Gold Sequin Trim)

I cut a star using the Star Framelits collection into a panel of Basic Black that I'd embossed with the Decorative Dots folder. I put a piece of Gold Foil behind the negative star image. I added a punched gold star to the sentiment. When I was almost finished, I thought the card needed a little something else, so I added a strand of gold sequin trim.

Christmas in August (Part 3)

I really like the homespun feel of using Crumb Cake, Garden Green, and Cherry Cobbler on a Christmas card. And the Festival of Trees stamp set is versatile enough to be homey or to be more modern. Yesterday's card and today's are more homey. I'm going to use this set again for another Christmas card making class in October or November and I'll be making it more modern.

Today's card again uses the Under the Tree Specialty Paper. I really like it--it's card stock weight and has a little more oomph to it than regular designer series paper. It's perfect for making your own gift boxes with the NEW Gift Box Punch board!! And it's perfect on this card--at least I think so.

(Stamp Set: Festival of Trees; Inks: Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler, Crushed Curry, Early Espresso; Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Whisper White; Under the Tree Specialty Series Paper; Accessories: Ovals Framelits Collection, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Tree Punch, Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine; Cherry Cobbler Sheer Linen Ribbon)

Christmas in August (part 2)

I fell in love with the Festival of Trees stamp set in the new Holiday mini catalog and the matching tree punch. You can get the set and the punch as a bundle for 15% off--when the catalog goes live for customers on August 28th. If you want to play with the set, the matching punch, and the yummy Under The Tree Specialty Series Paper, I have TWO more spots left in my Christmas card making class. Email me if you're interested in playing along.

The samples in the mini catalog for this set are so cute. I CASEd them a little bit...but I did add my own flare. Here's the first card. Come back tomorrow to see the other card that I made using the Festival of Trees stamp set.

(Stamp Set: Festival of Trees; Inks: Garden Green, Early Espresso, Crushed Curry; Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Whisper White; Under the Tree Specialty Paper; DSP: Flower Pot; Accessories: Circles Framelits Collection, Tree Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Gold Basic Metal Buttons, Linen Thread)

Christmas in August (Part 1)

If you've been following my blog, you'll have seen the "advertisement" for my second annual Christmas card making class. The first session is at the end of the month and, believe it or not, I've actually already designed the cards!! I'm going to show you three of the four cards this week. You'll have to wait for the fourth card until the supplies come in for me to finish it.

The first card uses the Bright and Beautiful Stars bundle that you can get for FREE with the purchase of a Big Shot between now and August 31st! Already have a Big Shot? You can get the "Bright and Beautiful" stamp set AND the Star Framelit collection bundle for 15% OFF--only $50.75 for wood mount or $43.95 for clear mount! Here are other bundles offered this month:

Bundle	Item Number	Stamp Set	Framelits	Discounted Price
Sumthin' with Bubbly Words Bundle WM	138923	Sumthin' Sumthin'	Word Bubbles	$33.75
Sumthin' with Bubbly Words Bundle CM	138920	Sumthin' Sumthin'	Word Bubbles	$31.25
Decorative Goodies Bundle WM	138924	Oh My Goodies	Deco Labels Collection	$42.25
Decorative Goodies Bundle CM	138921	Oh My Goodies	Deco Labels Collection	$35.95
Celebrating Chalk Talk Bundle WM	138925	Day of Celebration	Chalk Talk	$43.25
Celebrating Chalk Talk Bundle CM	138922	Day of Celebration	Chalk Talk	$37.25
Flowery Daydream Bundle WM	138911	Daydream Medallions	Floral Collection	$54.25
Flowery Daydream Bundle CM	138910	Daydream Medallions	Floral Collection	$45.75

Here's the card we'll be making at the first Christmas card stamp-a-stack. There are TWO spots left. Let me know if you'd like to join us!

(Stamp Set: Bright and Beautiful; Inks: Gold Metallic Encore, Cherry Cobbler; Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla; Accessories: Star Framelit Collection; Gold Sequin Trim; Banner Punch; Elegant Stripes Embossing Folder)

Christmas Card Making Club 2014--Only TWO Spots Left!!

//This post will stay at the top of my blog for a few weeks. Please scroll down to see the daily blog posting.//

Want to create hand-stamped Christmas cards but don’t feel like you have the time to make them and don’t feel investing in the stamps, ink, paper, and embellishments?  Then this is the perfect, short-term club commitment for YOU!  We will be meeting at my house once a month during August, September, October and November to create 12 Christmas cards each month—4 each of three designs—for a grand total of 48 beautiful holiday cards at the end of the four sessions.  I will be designing a variety of styles and color schemes so there will be something for everyone.

I got my hot little hands on the 2014 Holiday Catalog when I was at Convention--AND was able to purchase some AMAZING new products from this catalog, even before other demonstrators can pre-order it!! I'm not exaggerating:  this is the best Holiday Catalog ever! So many great things like silver foil papers, new embossing folders and Big Shot dies, new double-sided  papers, snazzy new ribbons and embellishments, new Thinlits, and of course, lots and lots of new stamp sets!

Our club sessions will be at my house from 1:00-5:00 PM. The dates are August 30th, September 27th, October 25th, and November 22nd.   Cost is just $15 per person per month for the four month commitment*--$60 total. If you pay in full at the first meeting, I will throw in a container of Frosted Sequins totally free!! Add $20 to your check and you’ll get a SNAIL adhesive and three refills, so you don’t even have to remember to bring your adhesive—how awesome is that?? Snail will be available individually at regular price ($7.00 for the snail, $4.50 for a refill) at each club meeting as well.

If you’d like to join me in being prepared in advance this year for the holidays, be all done with your cards before Thanksgiving, and have a fun stampin’ afternoon out once a month, call or email me today to reserve your spot!  

kkstamper@comcast.net  

The DEADLINE TO RSVP is Monday, August 18^th.
 

*by signing up, you agree to pay the full $60 fee and to attend all 4 sessions;

I must have 5 committed stampers by the deadline for the club to happen.

P.S. PLEASE FORWARD THIS LINK TO YOUR FRIENDS!! If one of them RSVP’s, I will have a gift for you both at the first club meeting!

P.P.S. If you have a prior commitment for one or more of the sessions, but still really want to participate, let me know, and we can work something out! 

P.P.P.S. Need more than 48 Christmas cards total? Consider signing up for two spots! You won’t be able to get them all finished in one session, but you could do all the stamping and prep work and then assemble at home at your leisure.

Creation Station - Kinda Eclectically Back to School

Welcome back to another installment of the Creation Station blog hop! If you've come from Ilina Crouse's wonderful blog, you know what amazing things she's created for you this time! If you're starting here, don't worry. You can use the "next" and "back" buttons at the bottom of my blog to hop all the way around.

This time we're featuring the Kinda Eclectic stamp set. I love, love, love this set. It was my #1 choice when I got the new catalog, but I had to wait a bit to get it because we got it for FREE at the #InspireCreateShare2014 Stampin' Up convention. The theme for this hop is "back to school." I was going to make a card with Kinda Eclectic, but I thought a couple of bookmarks would fit the Creation Station blog hop theme. Plus, my DD loves to read and she's always looking for bookmarks.

(Stamp Sets: Kinda Eclectic, Choose Happiness; Inks: Elegant Eggplant, Crushed Curry, Mossy Meadow; Card Stock: Very Vanilla, White Vellum; Accessories: Angled Top Label Punch, Elegant Butterfly and Bitty Butterfly Punches, Mossy Meadow Stitched Satin Ribbon, Silver 1/8" Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, Stampin' Spritzer)

 

(Stamp Sets: Kinda Eclectic, Really Good Greetings; Inks: Crush Curry, Baked Brown Sugar; Card Stock: Very Vanilla; Gold Fancy Foil Designer Vellum; Accessories: Scalloped Top Label Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Gold Sequin Trim, Gold Bakers Twine)

Next, I altered a composition book that I'm hoping my DD will like to take to school with her. She might not want to "mess it up" by shoving it into her backpack, so I might have to "laminate" it. We'll see.

(Stamp Set: Kinda Eclectic; Ink: Bermuda Bay; Card Stock: Strawberry Slush, Bermuda Bay, Pistachio Pudding, Crushed Curry, Whisper White; DSP: Confetti Celebration; Accessories: Apothecary Accents and Starburst Framelits Collections, Bermuda Bay Candy Dots)

Finally, in keeping with the back to school theme, I made a couple of pages using Project Life by Stampin' Up! I really like the smaller format of the 6" x 8" pages. Maybe they don't seem as daunting to me as the "traditional" 12" x 12 " pages. I used the xx set that will be available to customers at the end of August--but demonstrators were able to purchase it already. I also used some embellishments from the coordinating Seasonal Snapshot Accessory Pack (that we got for FREE at convention). This pack contains everything from back to school, through Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, that you'd need for memory keeping. I can't tell you how much I LOVE Project Life by Stampin' Up--it brings together the best of both worlds: quick and easy and cute memory keeping AND Stampin' Up's flare for coordination.

Of course, since my twins are in high school, I don't have any back to school pictures. But since this is memory keeping, I'll remember their first day of middle school, when they actually let me come to the bus stop AND take pictures. 

Happy Birthday to My Twins!!

Where does the time go? It really seems like only a few years ago that my "surprise" twins were born! (Surprise, you're pregnant! Surprise, it's twins!) Our lives were forever changed--for the better. I'm so proud of them. They're pretty wonderful. Alex and Becky are turning 15, so it's hard to get a picture of them these days, teenaged angst and all that. But we always take a picture during our beach vacation (where all the teens and early 20-somethings are coerced into a group picture). Here are Alex and Becky just a week shy of their 15th birthday. Aw, aren't they cute? And don't they look thrilled to be getting their pic taken?

I've had the "Amazing Birthday" set out a lot lately and I figured I'd use it to make their birthday cards, too. An idea popped into my head and I decided I'd try it. I think it turned out pretty well. Here's Alex's card:

(Stamp Set: Amazing Birthday; Inks: Blackberry Bliss, Mossy Meadow; Card Stock: Blackberry Bliss, Whisper White, Mossy Meadow; Accessories: Banners Framelits Collection, Zig Zag Embossing Folder)

And here's Becky's card--the "opposite" of Alex's card.

(Stamp Set: Amazing Birthday; Inks: Blackberry Bliss, Mossy Meadow; Card Stock: Blackberry Bliss, Whisper White, Mossy Meadow; Accessories: Banners Framelits Collection, Zig Zag Embossing Folder)

My idea was to make some surprising, springy elements inside the card, using the circle stamps from the "Amazing Birthday" set. I took a piece of Mossy Meadow cardstock and cut it to 3" by 3". Using the Simply Scored Board, I scored every 1/2" and then cut six 1/2" strips to make the "boingers." I attached the circles to the "boingers" with a dimensional and attached the "boinger" to the card with a dimensional. Here's how it turned out:

(Stamp Set: Amazing Birthday; Inks: Blackberry Bliss, Mossy Meadow, Hello Honey; Card Stock: Whisper White, Mossy Meadow; Accessories: Simply Scored Board, 1-1/4" Circle Punch)

Amazing Birthday Card Set

I have one more project to share with you from the #InspireCreateShare2014 Stampin' Up! convention. This was from one of the longer make-and-take sessions, but even then, I didn't have enough time to finish it! It was a little complicated, especially under the stress and excitement of SU convention. I decided I would stamp everything at the table and cut out whatever dies and punches I didn't own and assemble everything at home.

The box for the cards is made by adding an extra score line along three sides of the Gift Card Enclosure so that it folds up into a container. It's easier to show you--and I'd love to schedule a class for you and your guests--contact me and let's get a party started! 

We stamped the main sentiment from the "Amazing Birthday" stamp set several times in a number of colors and either fuss cut or used the Banners Framelit Collection to add different elements to both the box and the cards. The cards are our 5" x 3-1/2" note cards and they fit perfectly into the box!

(Stamp Set: Amazing Birthday; Inks: Lost Lagoon, Tangelo Tango, Hello Honey, Real Red; Card Stock: Whisper White; DSP: Flower Pot and Gold Glimmer Paper; Accessories: Gift Card Enclosures, Stars and Banners Framelit Collection, Notecards and Envelopes, Whisper White Baker's Twine)

Here is the card, outside the box:

(Stamp Set: Amazing Birthday; Inks: Lost Lagoon, Tangelo Tango, Hello Honey, Real Red; Card Stock: Whisper White, Crumb Cake; DSP: Flower Pot and Gold Glimmer Paper; Accessories: Gift Card Enclosures, Stars and Banners Framelit Collection, Notecards and Envelopes, Whisper White Baker's Twine, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack)

This would make a perfect gift! Let's make a set together!! Call me, maybe?

Take-Out Thanks!

I always look forward to the make and take sessions at the Stampin' Up! convention and this year's #InspireCreateShare2014 had two BIG projects and three mini projects. One of the mini projects used the NEW Takeout Box and the "Seasonally Scattered" stamp set from the upcoming Holiday mini catalog. The project also uses Feathers Framelits Dies, the Under the Tree specialty designer series paper--cardstock weight paper, and Autumn Wooden elements--all from the upcoming Holiday mini catalog. Think of this as a sneak peek!!

During the session, we learned out to do a "reverse rock and roll technique." We stamped the "Thanks" stamp in Hello Honey and then dabbed Tangelo Twist onto the area around the saying. What a fabulous technique--one I'll be using to make the "Merry" stamp into a Christmas card for the Christmas card stamp-a-stack classes!!

(Stamp Set: Seasonally Scattered: Inks: Hello Honey, Tangelo Twist; Card Stock: Very Vanilla; DSP: Under the Tree Specialty Series Paper and Gold Glimmer Paper: Accessories: Angled Top Label Punch, Gold Sequin Trim, Mossy Meadow Stitched Satin Ribbon, Autumn Wooden Element, Gold Bakers Twine, Feather Framelits Dies, Takeout Box)

Here's a closer look at the tag, feather, Autumn Wooden leaf:

(Stamp Set: Seasonally Scattered: Inks: Hello Honey, Tangelo Twist; Card Stock: Very Vanilla; DSP: Under the Tree Specialty Series Paper and Gold Glimmer Paper: Accessories: Angled Top Label Punch, Gold Sequin Trim, Mossy Meadow Stitched Satin Ribbon, Autumn Wooden Element, Gold Bakers Twine, Feather Framelits Dies, Takeout Box)

Isn't that technique the coolest? Wouldn't you like me to show you and your guests how to do it while making this sweet Take-Out box of thanks?? Contact me NOW to set up your workshop!!

Who Made This Mess?

I've had a whirlwind of activity in the last month or so. First, I was in a frenzy making my swap cards for the #InspireCreateShare2014 Stampin' Up! convention. After convention, I brought home loads and loads of supplies, stamp sets, and swap cards. I just dumped everything on the floor of my stamping room. Convention was wonderful, as usual, but it was exhausting (as usual) and I just couldn't bring myself to organize. 

Then, at the last minute, I got invited to a "Christmas in July" direct sales open house, so I had to get together a quick make-and-take project and some of my already made items to sell. I just worked around the mess on my desk and on the floor.

Then, I had to pull together a project for the Creation Station blog hop--and ALL my blog entries for two weeks (the week leading up to vacation and the week of vacation). Yikes! After all that, it looks like a tornado hit my stamping room. See for yourselves. Here's my desk.

And here's the floor. (Wait. Is that a new box of Stampin' Up! goodies on the floor, unopened?! Why yes, it is! It's some of the supplies for my upcoming Christmas card stamp-a-stack classes.)

I feel like Molly on the old kids' show "The Big Comfy Couch," when she said, "Who made this mess? {giggle} Oh yeah, I did." So, Just like Molly, I cleaned my room and now I feel so much better.




Today's creation is another card that I made at the Unwind pre-convention event, hosted by Lydia Fielder. This is a clean and simple card using the Hearts and Stars Decorative Mask using daubers to apply the ink. I had to do some "doctoring" cuz I messed up the top of the Whisper White panel--but no fear--I just added a Real Red panel and then mounted it all on a Basic Gray card base. Still CAS, but with a little more oomph.

(Stamp Set: #hello; Inks: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Real Red; Card Stock: Basic Gray, Real Red, Whisper White; Accessories: Hearts and Stars Decorative Mask)

Sweetbriar Rose with Hardwood Background

I have one more card to share from the Proverbial Stampers make-and-take session at #InspireCreateShare2014 Stampin' Up! convention. I saved the best for last. Actually, all three cards were wonderful, but I like this one the best. Here's the card:

(Stamp Sets: Sweetbriar Rose, Hardwood Background; Inks: Soft Suede, Memento Tuxedo Black; Card Stock: Whisper White, Hello Honey; Blendabilities: Daffodil Delight, Old Olive; Accessories: Oval Framelits Collection, Mini Clothespin, Mossy Meadow Stitched Satin Ribbon)

I never would have thought to use Soft Suede ink on Hello Honey with the Hardwood Background stamp, but this combination is stunning and it looks so lovely behind the color rose panel. Yep, I used Blendabilities again and I may be getting the hang of it:  I'm still no expert, but I'm liking what I've been doing better and better each time I use Blendabilities. Here's a closer look:

(Stamp Sets: Sweetbriar Rose, Hardwood Background; Inks: Soft Suede, Memento Tuxedo Black; Card Stock: Whisper White, Hello Honey; Blendabilities: Daffodil Delight, Old Olive; Accessories: Oval Framelits Collection)

Blackberry Kindess

Here's another fabulous card we made at Connie Heisey's pre-convention make-and-take session for her group, Proverbial Stampers. I think the design and colors are really yummy!

(Stamp Set: Kinda Eclectic; Inks: Blackberry Bliss, Mossy Meadow, Hello Honey; Card Stock: Mossy Meadow, Whisper White, Crumb Cake; Accessories: Bitty Butterfly and Elegant Butterfly Punches, Apothecary Accents Framelits Collection; Basic Pearls, Blackberry Bliss Stitched Satin Ribbon)

This design uses the Kinda Eclectic stamp set and several of the new in-colors. The leaves are stamped once in full strength Mossy Meadow and again without reinking.This technique is called generation stamping. I love the Apothecary Accents piece for the sentiment and how the Hello Honey lines radiate out from it!

Blissful Birthday

My Stampin' Up! upline, Connie Heisey--Stampin' Up's newest MILLION DOLLAR earner (Go Connie)--held a make-and-take event the evening before the #InspireCreateShare2014 convention started. It's nice to get together with Connie and all her downline members. I'm not able to attend Connie's regular meetings because she lives about an hour away from me--so I fly 2/3 of the way across the country to see her in Salt Lake City every summer!

Over the next few days, I'm going to share the three projects we made at the Proverbial Stampers' make-and-take session. I don't know if Connie designed these cards or if some of her downline members designed them. Whoever designed these cards did an awesome job!

(Stamp Sets: Hey You, Beautiful Bunch ; Inks: Blackberry Bliss, Daffodil Delight; Card Stock: Whisper White, Old Olive; Accessories: Lovely Lace Embossing Folder, Fun Flower and 7/8" Scallop Punches, Blackberry Bliss Stitched Satin Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones)

I really love the textured Whisper White-on-Whisper White. It's so elegant. I also love how the colors on this card really pop on the white.

A Little Kindness Journal

One of the quick make-and-take classes at the #InspireCreateShare2014 Stampin' Up! Convention showed us ideas for using the Kraft Grid Journals. We first saw this journals in the Paper Pumpkin "Try It" set and now Stampin' Up! Has brought them back as a regular catalog item. During the demonstration, we saw a travel journal, a phone number journal, and the leader even showed us how to cut them in half to make mini journals! We always get the best creative ideas at convention.

Here's the little journal we made using the Kinda Eclectic stamp set that we got for FREE at convention.

(Stamp Set: Kinda Eclectic; Inks: Mossy Meadow, Blackberry Bliss, Tangelo Twist; Card Stock: Lost Lagoon, Whisper White; Accessories: Kraft Grid Journal, Elegant Butterfly Punch, Whisper White Baker's Twine; Basic Rhinestones)

I think this journal is adorable.Who wouldn't want to receive this as a gift and keep all kinds of lists in it? Who needs a smart phone? OK, I do--but I need a cute journal, too. I especially like the three dots of bling. Did you find them all?

A Different Way to Use Framelits

Another of the techniques I learned at Lydia Fiedler's "Unwind Retreat" just prior to the #InspireCreateShare2014 Stampin' Up! convention was using images cut with Framelits as masks. Hmm, this is hard to explain. Let's take a look at the card, and I'll try to 'splain it after you see it.

(Stamp Set: Hi There; Inks: Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black; Card Stock: Whisper White; Accessories: Word Bubbles Framelit Collection, Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder; Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Basic Rhinestones)

So, here's how we made this fabulous card. Lydia and her "sherpas" had done most of the work for us--the "hello" sentiment was already stamped on the panel and they had already cut the word bubbles with the Framelits onto removable sticky paper (like a post-it note, but better). First we used the negative image of the rectangular bubble and used a sponge dauber to color in the Pumpkin Pie. Then used the positive image of the rectangular bubble right on top to mask what we'd just colored. Finally, we sponged Tempting Turquoise into the negative image of the rectangular bubble. 

I like the white-on-white of all the panels and the Stylish Stripes embossed panel really gives some texture. We added a punched heart from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch pack and one little rhinestone. So cute, huh!