Yet Another Sweet Valentine

by

015Yep…..I got carried away with the new You Plus Me Stamp Set.  These cute little cards were made using the You Plus Me stamp set yet again.

With the Crumb Cake Note Cards & Envelopes, the Stacked With Love Designer Paper Stack, the Stacked With Love Designer Washi Tape and some ink I got a whole lot of little valentines made.

We made these fun little cards in class this week.  I pretty much CASEd the ideas.  In the Occasions Catalog they show the above items used to decorate the Tiny Treat Boxes.  At the catalog premier event that I attended they showed us 010cards using the same decorating ideas that were used on the boxes and that’s where I got my ideas.  There is an endless supply of ideas that I get from other demonstrators, the web and Stampin’ Up!.  If you’ve ever considered becoming a demonstrator but think you’re “not creative enough” I say phooey!  Just borrow other peoples ideas or do what I do in a lot of cases and start with someone else’s idea a go from there.

007I would LOVE to have you join my team of SASsy (Seriously Addicted to Stamping) Stampers.   If you’re at all interested please contact me for more information.  During Sale-a-bration a new demonstrator can choose some fabulous items for their Starter Kit which is only $99!  Such a deal!  Think about it!  🙂

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Snuggles and Smooches Treat Bag

by

021How about a fun treat bag for Valentines day?  I used the fun new stamp set Snuggles and Smooches (#140326 $15.95).  You won’t find this stamp set in a catalog.  It’s one of the special photopolymer stamp sets that Stampin’ Up! comes out with every month.  You can check out the complete set here in my online store.

Start with one of Stampin’ Up!’s fun Gift Bags.  I used the new Polka Dot ones (#135503 10/$3.95) or they have Chevron ones (#131370 10/$3.95).  Place your treats in the bag and seal the bag with any washi tape.  Then decorate!  I used banners.  Once my banner was complete I adhered it to the bag with Stampin’ Dimensionals (#104430 $3.95).  I also added the little hearts at the bottom for a little cuteness.  You can use the Sweetheart Punch (#133786 $15.95) and the little heart punch from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (#133787 $16.95) to punch out the stamped hearts.  They don’t fit perfectly but it’s better than cutting!  🙂

These little treat bags are fun and easy and you can use them for any occasion just by changing the decorations!  What are you giving for Valentines Day?

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

 

Black & White

by

065I’m back from the frozen tundra!  Man, it was COLD in the MN Homeland!  Brrrr!  Of course, having grown up there you’d think I’d know that January isn’t exactly the best month to visit Minnesota!  Sheesh!  Quit your whining!  Despite the frigid temps and the frosty wind chills we had a nice visit.  But I’m back and ready to get stamping!  🙂

Today’s card is one of the ones we made at December’s birthday card class.  The great thing about this card is that it can be used for many different occasions.  I really like the And Many More stamp set because it has so many sayings in so many fun fonts.  The Back to Black Designer Paper is perfect for this…a black and white card!  Ha!  Lots of fun designs.  Don’t forget that little pop of color with the Real Red Candy Dot.  Any color would work.  Even PINK!  🙂

What occasions would you use this card for?  Leave me a comment and let me know!

Hey!  Did you notice that I’ve finally updated the catalogs on my blog?  Click on the pictures at the right to check out any of Stampin’ Up!’s current publications.

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Love is Kindess

by

017Today’s card is sweet and simple.  I used the new Love is Kindness stamp from the Occasions Catalog.  I also used the new Wild Wasabi Blendabilities Markers.  Yep….Stampin’ Up! came out with four new colors of Blendabilities in the Occasions Catalog.  Wild Wasabi, Pink Pirouette, Bermuda Bay and Soft Sky.

Don’t you love the Blendabilities?  They’re easy to use and make such a difference on your project.  The hardest part about using them on this card was deciding which color to use!  Two factors went into my decision…..which colors have coordinating ribbon and what’s my favorite color?!  Ha!  Yep!  MELON MAMBO!

A girl’s gotta love PINK!  🙂

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Another Sweet Valentine

by

011Here’s another sweet valentine made using  the Crumb Cake note cards and the You Plus Me stamp set.  Yep!  I used the coordinating Stacked with Love paper stack too! 🙂

I used my Banner Framelits to die cut the banners.  The little heart is stamped and then cut out by hand.  Sorry….no punch or framelit.  The gals that come to my classes like to whine when they have to cut something out by hand.  Sheesh!   😉  Stampin’ Up! has spoiled them with all the fabulous punches and dies they offer!

You really should try these cute little valentines.   They’re really fun to make!

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Designer Paper Stacks Storage Tip

by

Yesterday I mentioned one of the new designer series paper stack from the new Occasions Catalog.  I love these little paper stacks because they’re just the right size for a card.  The problem I was having with them was how to store them.  I’d throw them in a drawer but then I didn’t know what to do with the scraps.  I have a system for my 12 x 12 paper and scraps but I didn’t have anything for these smaller pieces.

002Lightning struck the other day.  I had an empty wood-mount stamp case on my desk and it hit me…..I could store my stacks in the case along with the scraps.  Then everything would be all together!  Woo Hoo!   I must be a genius (NOT!).  I was so excited.   To know which stack was in which case I slipped a piece of the paper into the plastic sleeve on the case.  Now my stacks are organized and they look good on the shelf too!  🙂

Do you have any organization/storage tips to share?  I’d love to hear from you.  2015 is the 004year of organization for me!

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Valentine: You Plus Me

by

It’s January, it’s cold outside….real cold!  Do NOT ask me what I’m doing in MN in January.  Just call me crazy.  I can assure you….if we didn’t have family in this beautiful state we would not be here in January.

009Anyway….since it is January and we have to deal with the cold it’s probably time to start thinking about all those Valentines you want to make this year.  The You Plus Me stamp set is pretty darn cute and you can purchase it in a bundle with the COORDINATING Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack.  Not only does the designer paper coordinate with the stamp set but the Stacked with Love Designer Washi Tape coordinates with BOTH!  Woo Hoo!  You know how much I love COORDINATION!  🙂

I made this adorable little valentine using one of the Crumb Cake note cards.  I actually made a whole mess of little valentines using the Crumb Cake note cards.  They went so fast and turned out so cute!   You really must check out all these products.

Have a warm and cozy day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Perpetual Birthday Calendar Project Kit

by

Kits make our lives SO easy!  In the new 2015 Occasions Catalog there are 5 fabulous new kits!  Oh, my!  I already have classes scheduled for two of these new kits!  My first kit class of 2015 is going to be the Perpetual Birthday Calendar Kit.

006Who doesn’t need to keep track of birthdays?  Way back when, Stampin’ Up! used to carry a perpetual birthday calendar that was spiral bound.  I have one that I’ve never done anything with.  There’s always something new coming out that I want to play with!  When I saw the Perpetual Birthday Calendar Kit (#137950 $15.95) in the new Occasions Catalog I knew it would be a perfect class for January.  We had the birthday card class back in December so now people can get all those cards ready to send out when they know who’s birthday is coming up!

The kit is pretty fun.  You have a sheet lined with all of the days for each month.  Some have 30 days, some 31 and one has 28.  Other than that they’re blank.  There’s a COORDINATING (yes, I’m smiling while I type that word!) Perpetual Birthday Calendar stamp set (#137167 $23.95) with the months of the year and 01212 little patterns that you decorate the month sheets with.  There are also banners and other shapes as well as a die-cut alphabet.  The kit comes with a covered board and clip so you clip each month to it.  It also comes with glitter and sequins to help you decorate the months.

I completed my calendar this last weekend.  The hardest part of it for me was figuring out what I wanted to do for each month.  The kit does come with pictures but they’re small and in black and white.  Of course I couldn’t follow the directions exactly!  Ha!  In the catalog they list color suggestions so I stuck with those.  Now that I’ve made one of these basically following the directions I’m thinking of making one and just using any colors I want!  I know….I’m a rebel!

These finished kits would make great gifts.  (Mother’s Day isn’t too far off!)  The nice thing about the kits is that they come in a really nice box that will be perfect for gift giving!  Order one (or two!) today!

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

 

Wood You Be Mine?

by

001Here it is!  My favorite item from the new 2015 Occasions Catalog!  The Wood You Be Mine stamp set.  How can I not LOVE this stamp set?  Being from MN and the land of Paul Bunyan the lumberjack from this stamp set just seemed to scream “buy me”!  Ha!

I had to make this card for my husband for his birthday last week.  I just changed the saying.  A few days before his birthday he was reading online that metrosexuals aren’t “in” these days….lumbersexuals are.  Ha!  Grow a beard and dress in flannel.  My husband also cuts a lot of wood when we’re at the cabin so this little lumberjack was perfect for him.

When you stamp the image of the lumberjack (ax included) you get the plaid portion of the shirt and there’s a separate solid stamp for the color of the shirt.  Since it’s a photopolymer stamp set you can line things up perfectly!  I colored the rest of the image with my Blendabilites.  🙂

I did a really neat technique for the background.  I first stamped the Hardwood image on Chocolate Chip card stock with Early Espresso ink.  Then I took my Hello Honey ink pad and dragged it over the card stock.  I started at the top on one side and dragged down and then repeated on the other side.  It really warms up the look of the “wood”.  Give it a try!

Now go grab a flannel shirt and let’s get some stamping done!  Have a great day!

 

The 2015 Occasions Catalog and Sale-a-bration are Here!

by

Occasions Catalog.2015Woo Hoo!  A new catalog!  I LOVE new stuff.  It’s always so exciting to see what new products Stampin’ Up! has come out with.  You won’t be disappointed.  This catalog is FABULOUS!  Just look at that gorgeous bouquet on the front cover.  They’re paper flowers and it’s a kit!  I can’t wait to play with that one!

I have been playing with some of the new products from this catalog.  They’re great!  Come back tomorrow to see my very favorite stamp set from the catalog.  This catalog has products for birthdays, valentines, weddings, babies, graduations and MORE!  You’ll have to check it out.  If you don’t have a copy in your little hands yet you can see all the products in my online store.  Just click on the 2015 Occasions Catalog link.  I’m actually traveling today which is why I don’t have a direct link set up yet.  I apologize about that but I’ll have one up soon.

Sale-a-bration2015Sale-a-bration starts today too!  Woo Hoo!  FREE stuff!  Yep!  When you spend $50 on Stampin’ Products you get to choose an item from the Sale-a-bration Brochure for FREE!  There are some great items in here to choose from.  Not only are there fresh new products to choose from but one of options you can choose is a package of Blendabilities Markers for your FREE item.  How great is that?!

Wow! It’s a special day in the Stampin’ Up! world!  Don’t miss out!  Start shopping and making those lists!  Sale-a-bration only runs through March 31st!  🙂

Have a great day and Happy Stampin’!  I’m heading to the Minnesota Homeland to see if I can survive those below zero temperatures!  Ha!

Big News Birthday

by

I never seem to have a birthday card (or at least the right birthday card) around when I need one and when I do have one I forget to mail it.  Sheesh!  I held a birthday card Stamp-a-Stack class back in December so people could stock up on their birthday cards.  We made 15 cards (3 each of 5 different designs) so it was a good start to their birthday card stash.  Since we make so many cards at one time they need to be simple or at least pretty easy.  I really have a hard time designing simple cards.  I love layers and ribbon and dies!

067Today’s card is pretty simple and it still has ribbon on it!  🙂  Not only ribbon….it also has washi tape!

The stamp set is Big News from the main catalog.  The ribbon is the beautiful Blackberry Bliss Striped Satin Ribbon and the washi tape is the Color Me Autumn Washi Tape from the Holiday Catalog.

Today’s the last day to order from the Holiday Catalog and it’s also the last day to get some really great deals from the Year-End Closeout Sale on the Clearance Rack.  Here’s the link to my store if you want to shop.

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

A Lovely Wedding

by

2015-01-03 17.44.13Let me just begin by saying that the wedding yesterday of one of our neighbor boys and his bride was beautiful.  The bride was radiant and the day turned out just like she imagined.  But it was cold.  Brrr!

I’m not one to complain (OK…I do like to whine a little…..) but yesterday was not the perfect day for an outdoor wedding in Colorado.  Yes, we get some mighty fine winter days here but yesterday was not one of them.  The temperature and the wind did not cooperate.

The wedding was at a golf course that has a gorgeous view of Denver and the mountains.  Unfortunately there was a light snow and a wind so you couldn’t see much.  There was a beautiful patio area off the club house where the wedding was held.  It was covered and tented on three sides but that wind made it a bit chilly.  I had on open-toed shoes and my little toes were almost numb by the time the ceremony was over.  The front area where the kids got married was open which made it a bit tricky when it came time to light the Unity Candle.

2015-01-03 17.06.43Once we got inside everything was warm and wonderful though.  Good friend, good food and good fun!

The picture to the left is the adults from the neighborhood although the grooms parents aren’t in it.  They were busy mingling.  I’m the short one in the back row.

2015-01-03 16.27.18Here’s a picture of the “kids” from the neighborhood and their significant others.   My son is the second from the right.

A cold but lovely evening.  🙂  Congrats Tim & Emily!

A Wedding Sneak Peek!

by

It’s a neighborhood wedding today!  Our of the neighbor boys is getting married.  It’s pretty scary when you can remember these young adults as little kids.  Does that mean I’m getting old?  Never!  Ha! The wedding will be beautiful.  I’ll fill you in tomorrow and maybe even remember to post a photo or two!

When I first saw the upcoming Occasions Catalog I had a hard time deciding which item(s) I needed (wanted) to order first.  Then when I got to the back of the catalog I saw all of the beautiful wedding items and knew I had to start there since Tim & Emily’s wedding was coming up.

003I finally decided on the Your Perfect Day stamp set which you’ll be able to find on page 44 of the upcoming Occasions Catalog.  Here’s the card I came up with.  The wedding invitations were black and gold so I wanted to try and stick with those colors.  I just love how the Gold Foil sheets coordinate so well with the Gold Fancy Foil Designer Vellum.  I used a piece of Whisper White card stock under the designer vellum to make it pop.  To adhere them together I cut Mini Glue Dots in half and placed them under the little hearts.

I don’t have any other weddings coming up but I know I’ll be playing with this stamp set again soon!  Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Birthday Surprise!

by

Hello!  Yesterday I was talking about resolutions.  One that I should have, seeing as I make cards “for a living”, is to actually send out cards for birthdays and other occasions.  I’m terrible about this!  I have tons of cards on hand but never seem to get them in the mail.  🙁

062Today’s card is a birthday card that is easy to duplicate and that I could make a ton of to have on hand and actually send out.  Will I?  Probably not.  I’m too busy creating new cards!  Ha!

I used the Birthday Surprise stamp set for this card.  It’s a great birthday set.  Besides the balloons there is a party hat, a gift and a cupcake along with “surprise”.  Perfect for any birthday card!  I actually made this same card for my friend Michelle back in November but I used Tangelo Twist and Island Indigo.    That turned out real nice too.

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!  Send someone a card!  🙂

Happy New Year!

by

Wow!  2015 has arrived!  Are you ready!  I am!  Have you made any resolutions?  I’ve made the usual of not eating so much, exercising more and organizing my house.  You’ll be happy to know that I’m also going to try extra-hard to keep current on my blog posts!  Yikes!

074I designed today’s card for a birthday card Stamp-a-Stack class but you could definitely use it today to celebrate the New Year.  Just leave off the words under “celebrate”.

It’s a fun and sparkly card.  I used the new Confetti Stars Border Punch from the Holiday Catalog.  Don’t fret….you’ll find it again in the upcoming Occasions Catalog as it’s perfect for celebrations like birthdays and graduations.  After I punched my stars, stamped my sentiment (from the Fabulous Four stamp set) and added my ribbon I layered the Whisper White card stock over a piece of Gold Glimmer Paper.  That way all those sparkly stars I punched out showed through.  🙂

Speaking of the Holiday Catalog….don’t forget that Monday, January 5th is the last day to order from it.  Monday is also the last day of the Year-End Clearance.  Boy….there are some really good deals to be found there!  There are even some items from the Holiday Catalog on clearance.  Check it out here and place your order today!  Don’t miss out!

Happy New Year!