Tales from the stamp room

My first quilt

2010-01-19T09:52:00.003-05:00

I decided to try and make a quilt for my youngest son for Christmas. Seeing all the quilts that Jill Olsen has made with her Big Shot has inspired me greatly. Never mind the fact that I've never made a quilt before.
So I went to my local quilt shop and was instantly overwhelmed upon walking in the door. I think I now understand how someone who has never stamped feels when they open up a Stampin'Up! catalog! I was able to overcome my initial feelings and walked around the store several times looking at all the gorgeous fabrics. I picked out some bright, fun fabrics that I thought my son might like.
Once I got the fabric home, I got out my Big Shot and my Scallop Square die and started cutting away.One thing I didn't mention before is that I decided to take on this task approximately a week before Christmas! Without the Big Shot I probably would have been cutting the fabric for days! I was able to cut all those squares in minutes. It was really fun rolling the fabric thought the Big Shot and seeing all those perfectly cut scallop squares come out. I intended to make my quilt a rag quilt like the purse I made. But then I decided to see how the squares worked sewing them into a traditional quilt pattern. I am quite happy with the finished product, considering this is the first quilt I've ever made. My son loved his Christmas gift and my oldest son asked me to make him a quilt too.
Don't be intimidated. If I can sew a quilt, I'd say anyone can! I've got at least 3 or 4 more quilts that I want to make. Be careful, you might just be bitten by the quilt bug too!

More Big Shot Quilting

2010-01-09T22:13:00.005-05:00

I hope everyone enjoyed wonderful Christmas and New Years celebrations with family and friends. It seems that we prepare for so long and it's all over in an instant!
We had a house guest Christmas week and it was exhausting!
After Christmas I decided to try and make one of the quilted purses that have been popping up all over Stampin'Up! blogland. A few weeks before Christmas I bought a new sewing machine. So I was all set to give it a try. I used my Big Shot and the Scalloped Square die to cut out my fabric. The Big Shot honestly slices through that fabric like a hot knife through butter! I think cutting the fabric is the most tedious part of sewing. I believe I had all my fabric cut out in a matter of minutes!
Making these bags is so addicting. They come together really quickly and would make a fantastic gift for anyone. I think the most difficult part of making one is choosing the fabrics. There are so many beautiful fabrics out there. I have renewed my desire to sew. I have another project I made with the Big Shot and the Scallop Square die. I'll show you that next time. It was a very special item for a very special young man. Nope, not a purse!!

Lynda

Flower Pin Card

2009-12-22T09:38:00.002-05:00

I have a friend who recently had some surgery, and I wanted to send her a flower pin to cheer her up. I didn't want to just stuff the pin in an envelope and send it off. So I made a card to attach the pin onto. It's a very basic, simple card. The only real embellishment is the scallop border on the right side of the card.
I pinned the flower to a small piece of cardstock, and then used glue dots to adhere the pin onto the card front. My friend simply had to pull the flower off the card front and the pin was ready to wear.

Thanks for looking!
Lynda

Decor Elements Chalkboard

2009-12-18T10:21:00.005-05:00

SO what do you do when you have a piece of artwork hanging in your dining room and you no longer like it? Throw it out and go buy something new? Not anymore. I had a picture that I bought over 7 years ago when we moved into this house. It's pretty big, measuring 42"x 30". At the time, I was just "filling walls". The picture was ok, but I didn't love it. Well fast forward to 7 years later, and I still don't love it. In fact, I'm pretty sick of looking at it! So I got out my trusty spray paint and painted the frame white. Then I bought some chalkboard paint and rolled that on the glass. I rolled on 3 coats of the chalkboard paint. Right over the glass. The picture is still under the glass in fact. I purchased a Decor Element with this project in mind. After the chalkboard paint cured for about a week, I applied the Decor Element. And this is the final project. It is hanging in my dining room and we love it! I must say we don't have a formal dining room, and most people probably wouldn't want something like this in their dining room, maybe a kitchen. I didn't have any wall space in my kitchen, so it's here in my dining room. I will probably use it as a menu board for my family.

The Decor Elements is a Stampin'Up! product.
Lynda

Lovely as a (Christmas) Tree

2009-12-08T08:42:00.003-05:00

I have a super easy card to show you today. A perennial favorite stamp set by all is Lovely As A Tree. And I am no exception. It will be a sad day when/if Stampin'Up! retires this great set. Let's hope it's a long ways off!
This card is pretty self explanatory. I did add Dazzling Diamonds to the focal tree, not sure if that will show up on the blog post. All supplies are Stampin'Up! as always!

Big Shot Flowers

2009-11-20T00:12:00.006-05:00

I've been busy making flowers using the Big Shot and Sizzix Dies. Once you start making them, they are addictive! I've made mine into pins you can wear on a jacket or a tote bag or even a purse. I've seen smaller versions made into hair accessories for little girls which are too cute! I plan to make some of those soon. I first saw the idea from Shelli Gardner, the Founder of Stampin'Up! She had worn one to the Stampin'Up! Convention last summer. Shelli doesn't usually provide instructions on things she creates, but so many Demonstrators asked her how she made them, she decided to break her own rule just this once for us. She graciously provided directions for us on her blog. They are SO super easy to make. You just need a die or two and the Big Shot, some fabric and you're all set!

This is the first flower I made. Shelli made her flowers using the Flower Folds die, which I didn't have. So I improvised and used my scallop circle dies. I used the largest Scallop Circle as well as the Scallop Circle #2 die. I cut several circles of each size out of my fabric. Then I started folding and layering the Scallops. I used a needle and thread to tack them together as I went. I can't remember how many layers I used in this flower, but it was alot! When I had enough layers sewed together, I washed and dried the flowers in my machines to fray the edges a bit. Then I hot glued a pin back on the backside of the flower and on the front I hot glued a covered button I made using a button kit I purchased at a local sewing goods store. And that was it. Super simple!

For this next flower, I finally got my Flower Folds Die and I cut out lots of flowers in different fabrics. I folded them into quarters and just started layering them in a circle. I again tacked them down with a needle and thread as I went. I only used 1 size of flowers for this pin. Again, I used many layers of flowers. I finished it the same way with the pin on the back and the covered button on the front.

This last flower is the flower that Shelli wore and gave the directions to on her blog. I used 3 different sizes of flowers from the Flower Folds die. These flowers are folded and half and kind of weaved together layer by layer. I still tacked them together as I went. I finished with the pin on the back and the covered button I made on the front. I think this one and the first flower pins are my favorites. I love the first one because I improvised using a different die than what was originally called for. I like that it has a bit more dimension than the other flowers too. I'll definitely be making some more of these little flowers. I want to make some in a much smaller size for little girls and even babies as hair clips. I think they would be adorable!
I'm also about to start making the scallop square quilted purse that Angie Juda has had on her blog. And then onto a real quilt! All with the Big Shot! Who knew it was so versatile and definitely for more than just paper!

Lynda

My first Christmas card of the season

2009-11-03T10:05:00.005-05:00

I made this card a few weeks ago when I was making the cards from my last blog post. I guess I was in a "square" mood. This one sure has ALOT of squares on it. I suppose this card does qualify to be a clean and simple card. There wasn't any extra space on the front to add anything else.

I do like the inside of the card. I stamped the Santa using the same stamp I used from the front of the card in the 3rd generation using Ruby Red ink. Then I overstamped that with a sentiment from Heard From The Heart in Always Artichoke ink.

All supplies Stampin'Up!
Stamps: Christmas Punches and Heard From The Heart
Ink: Ruby Red and Always Artichoke
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Ruby Red and Always Artichoke
Accessories: 1 1/4" Square Punch, Scallop Square Punch
Have a wonderful day!
Lynda

Moving on

2009-10-21T10:10:00.008-04:00

Time to move on to Thanksgiving. I'm not sure how many people actually send Thanksgiving cards, but I try to send them to family members I won't see.
For the first card, I thought I'd try a grid layout. I don't think I've ever done this style of card before. It can be somewhat tedious to line up the elements evenly. I "think" I came pretty close!
This first card uses the acorn image from The More The Merrier and the sentiment from Loads of Love Accessories. Probably not your usual choice of sets to use together! I used classic fall colors, Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede and Very Vanilla.

I'm trying to get in the habit of showing the insides of my cards. Here I used the pumpkins from Loads Of Love Accessories all across the bottom of the card.

This next card I really like alot. I stamped my own background papers. I used the large oak leaf stamp from Lovely As A Tree. I used the rock and roll technique to get the color variations on the leaves. Then on the More Mustard layer, I stamped the small leaf image from the same set.
The turkey image is from Voila To Go. I watercolored it with inks and blender pens. The sentiment is from Holiday Best. I did pop the sentiment up with dimensionals.

For the inside of this card, I stamped the oak leaf image again in Always Artichoke for a tone on tone look.

I don't make many square cards, these are 5" square. I had fun making these ones.

Thanks for looking!

All supplies are Stampin'Up!

Lynda

Halloween Notecard Tote

2009-10-12T15:02:00.007-04:00

I made this notecard tote from the Sizzix Box#2 die from Stampin'Up!
It's made from 2 boxes placed back to back and sticky stripped together. I made 4 notecards with envelopes to put inside my tote, but you could easily fit several more.

Here are the 2 card designs I made for the tote. The notecards measure 3x3", just the perfect size to tuck into a little Halloween gift for your favorite ghost or goblin.

I randomly stamped the small spider image from the Eat, Drink and Be Scary stamp set onto Pumpkin Pie textured cardstock.

You can see how much room is left in the tote for extra notecards. I also used the oval punch to punch a hole for the handle in the tote.

Close ups of my 2 card designs.

Thanks for visiting!

Lynda

A Sympathy card and an experiment

2009-10-05T09:13:00.002-04:00

Recently I needed a sympathy card to send out to the family of a friend that had passed away unexpectedly. I suppose nobody likes creating sympathy cards, but I feel handmade ones are so much more meaningful to the family members who receive them. I kept this one pretty simple. I used the Inspired by Nature stamp set as well as the sentiments from Close As A Memory. I also stamped the inside of the card, but didn't think to photograph that before I sent it out. I did use a retired background stamp Canvas. I love the texture it adds to the card base. For anyone that reads my blog on a regular basis, you've probably figured out how often I use Confetti White cardstock. I love how it adds interest to any image you stamp on it.

Now for something totally different. I've decided to take up another craft! Call me crazy.....one of my friends has.....you know who you are! I wanted something to do at night when I'm spending time with my husband while he flips through every channel our Direct TV receiver gets.....*rolling eyes*. Years ago, I used to do counted cross stitch. I loved doing it then, but I don't have the patience or eyesight for that anymore LOL So I decided on embroidery....simple embroidery. I got the idea from a blog I visited that offered a free pattern that you transferred on a flour sack kitchen towel. That got the wheels in my head turning. I wondered how I could fit stamping into this new found craft. So this is my experiment. I stamped the Baroque Border wheel onto my washed and ironed flour sack towel. I used Bashful Blue ink because I didn't want a dark color to have to stitch over. I plan on stitching in a single color. I didn't heat set the ink, because after I'm done stitching I hope the ink will wash out and it won't be visible under my threads. I'll update the process as I go along. I have high hopes that this will work! Hopefully some people on my Christmas list will be getting some of these stitched flour sack towels come Christmas morning!

Covered notepads with tutorial

2009-09-29T18:48:00.013-04:00

Today I have 3 different notepads to show you. The last 2 are stepped up versions of this basic covered notepad.
For the first one, I used Soft Suede, More Mustard and Whisper White cardstocks. I used the Sanded Background stamp on the Soft Suede cardstock, and then used the It's Beautiful Jumbo Wheel in Soft Suede ink on the More Mustard cardstock. The acorn stamp is from The More The Merrier set. I watercolored the acorn with Soft Suede and More Mustard inks and blender pens. I used circle punches to cut out the images, popped the acorn on Dimensionals and mounted them on a Soft Suede Scalloped Circle Punch which I pierced at each scallop. I used a piece of Soft Suede Dotted Grosgrain Ribbon to embelish the front.

Open the cover and here is the notepad. I repeatedly stamped the acorn image in Soft Suede ink on a piece of Soft Suede cardstock to cover the top of the notepad. This is a very nice notepad that is still fairly quick to produce.

This one I made using Bermuda Bay cardstock. I'll be honest, I'm not thrilled with this one. I think the bright color just threw me off. Anyone that knows me personally, knows I am more of a "muted color" person. I had a real hard time with this one! I stamped the background with an image from Boho Backgrounds in Bermuda Bay ink. The flourishes are die cut with my Big Shot and the Swirls Scribbles Sizzlet die. I stamped It's All in the Details from the Favorite Things stamp set onto Kraft cardstock with Chocolate Chip ink and punched it out with the Oval Scallop punch. The image I stamped in each of the scallops is from Boho Backgrounds as well. I mounted that on a larger oval scallop cut out from the Punch Windows Movers and Shapers dies. I made a closure for this notepad with Hemp Twine and a 5/16th inch White Jumbo Brad and a button from the Button Latte collection.

Here is a close up of the closure. The Hemp Twine just wraps around the button and the brad.

Inside the notepad, there is a pocket on the inside cover. Handy to stash coupons. The Hemp Twine is secured under the notepad before sticking it down to the cardstock. When glueing down all the notepads to the cardstock, I always use Sticky Strip. You need something really strong to hold these together. "A Note" is a portion of A Note of Thanks stamp from the Thank You Kindly stamp set which I inked with my Chocolate Chip marker.

*Edited color of cardstock and ink.....sorry, I was on pain meds last night when I wrote this!! *

This last one is my favorite. I used Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss and Very Vanilla cardstock. I used alot of background stamping as well. Stamps include: Baroque Border Wheel on the Always Artichoke base. Then Pocket Silhouettes on the Mellow Moss layer. I pierced all around the perimeter of this layer as well. I used the small branch image from Always to stamp on the Very Vanilla layer. The monogram is from the Lovely Letters Alphabet. I embossed it with Always Artichoke and Clear Embossing Powder. I punched it out with the Designer Label Punch and framed it with a Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware Raised Dots Designer Holder. The closure on this one is a bit different from the last one. I adhered 1 piece of Mellow Moss Grosgrain Ribbon behind the notepad before I stuck it down and also behind a 5/16th inch Vanilla Jumbo Brad. Then I tied them closed to form the double bows.

You can see that detail close up here.

Inside there is another pocket. I stamped the Always Artichoke cardstock with the Baroque Border wheel as well.

I typically stamp the backside of the notepads as well. It adds a nice finish to the project.

Here are the dimensions for cutting your cardstock if you'd like to make one for yourself.

For the notepad base:

Start with your cardstock cut to 8 1/2" x 8 1/4"

Score at 2 3/4", 5 7/16" and 5 11/16"

Fold to the first score mark for your inside pocket. Use sticky strip on bottom and right edge only to form the pocket. Fold on 2 other score lines to form spine of notepad. Use sticky strip to adhere notepad to the right of all score lines.

For the notepad header piece:

Cut a piece of cardstock to 2 1/2" x 2"

Score at 5/8" and 7/8"

Fold on score lines and adhere to notepad with sticky strip

I hope you'll give these a try. I'd love to hear any comments you might have.

Pumpkins in a row

2009-09-22T21:00:00.001-04:00

I've been busy putting the finishing touches on the stepped-up version of my note pads. I actually decided to also do a stepped up, stepped up version LOL So in the meantime while I finish working on those, I thought I would post a quick little Halloween card.
This card uses The More The Merrier hostess set. It's a pretty simple layout. It really needed some wider ribbon on it, but I didn't have anything appropriate for Halloween besides the Black Gingham ribbon. It's a narrow ribbon, so I decided to use two strands of it across the front of the card. I used the green Chunky Glitter to add a little "bling" to the pumpkins.The black mat under the Pumpkin Pie layer was an after thought. I'm glad it came to me before I snailed it all down, the black layer was really needed here. I used the Flourish texture plate on the Pumpkin Pie layer, though it doesn't show up real well. Click on the picture to enlarge and you should see it better. I thought the Flourish looked like the vines a pumpkin would grow on.

Next time I'll definitely have those note pads for you to see. They are different from the ones in the last post, so you'll want to come back to see for sure!
Caio!

Are you a list maker?

2009-09-17T09:31:00.004-04:00

I am a big time list maker. I call my lists my paper brain. So when I went to a downline meeting recently and made this project I was very happy!! So super simple to make too. The first notepad uses Christmas Punch stamp set (hostess set). We used Old Olive and Whisper White cardstock. I'll give you a little tutorial on how to make these further down, so scroll on down.

This second note pad is a bit larger. I bought some junior legal pads at national office supply retailer and had them cut them in half. They charge you $2.00 per cut to do this. I got a bunch of them done for $4.00. I'll have plenty of note pads for awhile!

I cut my Creamy Caramel cardstock at 8 1/2" x 3". I stamped it all over with Circle Circus stamps in Creamy Caramel ink. I stamped both sides of the cardstock because I wanted it to look pretty on both sides. Cut another piece of Creamy Caramel at 2 1/2" x 2". Stamped that as well with Circle Circus stamps in Creamy Caramel ink. Score this piece at 5/8" and 7/8". Set this piece aside for now. I used the Big Shot and the Mover's and Shapers die with the Punch Windows Scallop punch and Whisper White cardstock to get the scallop oval. Then I stamped the image from Favorite Things stamp set in Creamy Caramel ink. I attached the stamped oval to the small stamped 2 1/2 x 2" piece with black brads. Attach this piece to the notepad to cover up the glued binding. I used sticky strip. Apply sticky strip to the whole back of the notepad and attach it to the large piece of Creamy Caramel cardstock. And that's it. Super quick and easy. Go on and make some. They make fabulous hostess and teacher gifts. You could make these for all different holidays too. I have another variation that's a little more involved to show you next time.

Caio!
Lynda

Come on in!

2009-09-14T10:28:00.008-04:00

So, I thought I'd take you all on a tour of my stamp room. I did one a long time ago and a few things have changed since then. So I thought an update was in order.
This is the view from the doorway of my room. My room is small, measuring approx. 12x11. I use every square inch of the space I have. I've refined my storage and organization over the years to meet my needs. Let me take you through it.

This is a shot of my counter height work surface. I'm a standing up stamper. So this is my main work area. As you can see, I like all my tools close at hand. I keep my cardstock in 8 1/2x11" clear craft keepers. I also keep all my cardstock scraps in them as well. I have more cardstock on a shelf under my countertop that you can't see. It works very well for me. I keep my current favorite stamp sets right over my work surface too. My ink pads are on a little shelf unit that I re-purposed from a thrift store find years ago. My punches are on curtain rods I bought from Target. The drawers hold all my adhesives, miscellaneous tools, embellishments, business supplies, etc.

When I turn around from my counter top, this is my other work surface. I do my cutting, scoring and die cutting here. I also keep my stamp cleaner on this table. I have a rolling stool I can sit down on if I need to take a break from standing up. You can see it in the lower left corner of the picture. It was covered in red vinyl. And I re-covered it with the same fabric I made my ribbon board out of. Much prettier! And as an added bonus, I don't slide off of it LOL

A close up of my punch storage. I have alot of punches on each of those rods and they hold up very well!

On each side of the hanging wall unit, I have these magnetic strips from Ikea. They are supposed to be used for knife storage in the kitchen. I'm using them to store all my SU embellies. If I don't see them, I don't use them! Can't miss them now!

What stamp room would be complete without a pair of giant scissors? I got these at World Market and paid entirely way too much money for them. But it was a rare splurge for me, or maybe a moment of insanity....it's a fine line.

On the other side of the room I have more stamp storage. This is one of those cube units from Target. It's perfect for storing stamps. The little shelf unit on top is near and dear to my heart. My husband made is many years ago to hold baby food jars when my youngest was a baby......way too many years ago!! Who would have thought it would find a second life storing stamps?

The hutch holds mostly non-SU embellies. The jars are full of ribbons and buttons and other goodies left over from my scrapbooking days. They still make me happy when I look at them even though I rarely use them.

I hope you enjoyed touring my stamp room with me. This is the one room in the house that is all my own, and I have many hours of enjoyment here. I think I'll go create something!

They're just like pototo chips!

2009-09-10T14:43:00.005-04:00

These Tri-Shutter cards are addicting I tell ya! You can't make just one. This one is a full front Tri-Shutter, and I think I like this one a bit better. On the outside it looks like your typical card.

But once you open it up.....wowzers! Definitely not your typical card! And I think it's easier for the non-card maker to fold back up LOL

I used NO DSP on this card......that's right. I stamped the flowery paper using the Bella Toile background stamp. So pretty!! It's also hard to tell unless you enlarge the picture, but the Pretty In Pink layer on the card front is embossed with the small dots texture plate.

Here's all the details:

Cardstock:

Certainly Celery (textured)

Rose Red

Pretty in Pink

Confetti White

Ink:

Certainly Celery

Rose Red

Pretty in Pink

Stamps:

Bella Toile Background Stamp

Great Friend

Hope Happens

Accessories:

Small Dots Texture Plate

Silver Elastic Cord

Dimensionals

Certainly Celery Grosgrain Ribbon

Eyelet Border Punch

Silver Brads

Green Circle Ice Brads

Rose Red Floral Fusion Flowers

Thanks for looking. I'd love to hear your comments.

Lynda

Not your average baby card

2009-09-08T00:42:00.005-04:00

Recently I needed a baby card for a friend whose daughter had her first baby. But I had a problem, no baby stamp set! I had a few baby elements, but nothing that would really stand alone on a card by itself. So out comes the trusty bear from Under the Stars. I purchased the Sock Monkey Accessories to use with him. I don't own the Sock Monkey set! I've had this bear doing all kinds of things. For my husband's birthday this year, I used the gifts in the Sock Monkey Accessories set with the bear holding them. On another card, I've had the bear holding a banner with a sentiment on it. The possibilities are endless. I've even seen a card on some one's blog with this little guy surfing!! I hope to re-create that one myself.
I've also used the very versatile Lovely as a Tree set for the background. I colored the trees with sponge daubers and ink. The bear is paper stamped on Chocolate Chip cardstock with Basic Brown ink and paper pieced with Confetti White cardstock, also stamped with Basic Brown ink. His Rattle is from the Sock Monkey Accessories set and is stamped on retired SAB paper. The Duck is from the retired set Goody Goody Gum Drops and is also paper pieced with the same SAB paper. I used a piece of Hemp thread to link the Duck to the Bear. The whole scene is stamped on Confetti White cardstock. The Main image panel is matted on Chocolate Chip cardstock and the card base is Bashful Blue.

I tried to get a shot showing that the bear, duck and rattle are all popped up on Dimensionals. I didn't quite get the right angle though.

Hope you liked my Under The Stars baby card. Not very traditional, but fun!

Keeping a promise

2009-09-06T17:00:00.006-04:00

Back on my Tri-Shutter card post I promised to show you pictures of the aftermath of creating that card. Warning to the faint of heart: it's NOT pretty!! When I was working on this card, it kind of mushroomed on me and I put more effort into it than I originally planned on putting into it. Which of course means a bigger mess! I'm really bad about not completely cleaning up one mess before I more on to another project. The result of that is I usually only have about 12 square inches of space to work in. I've seen the err of my ways however, and I have resolved to clean up after every project. So far, so good! The first 2 pictures are of both my work surfaces immediately after finishing my Tri-Shutter card.

The next 2 pictures are after I cleaned up! LOL I actually have lots more pictures to show you. I did some re-arranging and reorganizing and it warrants a whole 'nother blog post. So stay tuned to see that in the near future. I have lots of stuff to show you in the not so distant future.

Pumpkins Everywhere!

2009-09-05T11:01:00.006-04:00

These ADORABLE pumpkin baskets are created from the Sizzix Pillow Box Die....can you believe it? They are taped together long end, to long end. I first saw them on another demo's blog. I made a significant change to the design of the bottom of the basket however.

This picture shows the original design. It was functional, but it didn't seem very sturdy to me, and not very "clean" looking. It's the OCD in me *wink*. Basically it uses a 4" circle for the bottom and then 3 1"x4" strips to hold the circle in. It was quite cumbersome to assemble.

So here is my re-design. I used the Sizzix Scallop die to make the bottom of the basket. Then I scored between every 5 scallops and folded it up. And don't you know, it matched the sides of the basket perfectly!! This was my moment of brilliance all week! LOL The basket is much sturdier and now I know when I put the goodies in it they will be safe and not fall out the bottom. And I think it looks a whole lot neater. I think the original design was brilliant! I never would have seen a pumpkin out of those pillow boxes, so I thank Lynn Put for her design. I like to think I just improved on it.

This is the inside of the basket. Nice and neat.

I'm keeping one of my little pumpkins for myself. The other 2 are going to 2 of my special SU demo friends and mentors. I hope they like them!

I am humbled

2009-09-02T15:42:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I was contacted by the list mom from Late Night Stampers. That is a yahoo group that is open up to everyone that loves Stampin'Up!. Sherrill has a few blogs and she asked if she could feature my blog in her Artist Spotlight. I was speechless!! Of course I said Yes!
So go on and check it out here: http://latenightstamper-stampandscrap.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-09-02T07%3A13%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=7

I am truly humbled and grateful to Sherrill for spotlighting me on her blog. Thanks Sherrill!!

Time flies........

2009-09-02T00:56:00.002-04:00

About 3 weeks ago, my husband and I celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary. Back when we first got married of course we thought and planned on being married for the rest of our lives. But at the tender age I was (let's just say I was still in my teen years) can you really fathom what that means? Back then I remember thinking "old' people were married for 25 years. My mind certainly doesn't feel old, my body, yes . Twenty eight years doesn't seem that long to me having lived through it. Alot has transpired over those years, but it seems to have all gone by in the blink of an eye! Well, enough sentimentality! On to the card!
I made this card for Don using a retired set I bought specifically for this purpose. Of course. I loved the set, so that made it easy. It's called Summer by the Sea. We live here on the Southeast coast of North Carolina, and it's very common to see couples in this exact pose. After creating the scene using various inks and sponges, I wanted to keep the front of the card simple, let the image tell the story. Inside the card I stamped a sentiment as well as the tall grasses from the Inspired by Nature set that I used on the front. My husband's comment when I gave him this card was two fold. First he said he loved the card, his favorite I've ever made for him. Then he commented that the male in the scene had too much hair to be him! LOL There was nothing I could do about that!

I'm still working on getting updated pictures of my stamp room. I have the "after" pictures of the carnage created from creating my Tri-Shutter card. I promised to show that to you. But I also want to get some nice pictures since I've made a few changes since the last pictures I posted. Our weather has been a bit gloomy the past few days and the light has been horrible for picture taking. Maybe tomorrow!

Tri-Shutter Card

2009-08-26T09:02:00.007-04:00

I needed to make a thank you card for my SIL. She tackled a tedious sewing project for me several weeks ago. She did a beautiful job and I wanted to show her my appreciation for taking it on. She is a fantastic seamstress and quilter.
This is my first Tri-Shutter card. I actually expected to mess it up, so I grabbed some retired Riding Hood Red Textured cardstock as my card base. Well, I didn't mess it up, so then I needed some DSP. All the DSP I have is retired, so I went with the Riding Hood Red prints pack. I have to use this stuff up anyway! So the cardstock, dsp, ink and ribbon are all retired Riding Hood Red, except the Whisper White cardstock. The stamps are all current and include: Three Little Words and Framed With Love. I also used the Boho Blossoms punch, a red fire rhinestone brad and dimensionals.

Card opened up:

View from the top:

Card pulled all the way flat:

This card fits in a standard A2 sized envelope. It is quite bulky though, so I will have to take it to the post office to mail it with extra postage and hand cancelling. It took me 3 days to make this card! Of course, I wasn't working on it constantly, but there is ALOT of cutting if you take the time to mat all the DSP panels. I'm glad I finally made one of these cards. Wait till you see my next post.......I took pictures of the aftermath of making this card, and I'm gong to be brave and show them to you! LOL Just trying to keep it real after all.

Had to do another one!

2009-08-24T09:53:00.004-04:00

So by now you all know my favorite stamp from the new catalog is the Medallion background stamp. And by chance, it's also the TOP selling stamp from the catalog! So, I guess I'm in good company!

This card is a total and complete CASE from a card that I saw on the Late Night Stampers Pre-Convevntion Shoe Box Swap. When I first saw it, I loved it. I printed out a picture of the card and immediately went to work in my stamp room. I have to tell you, I have never made a card so quickly from one I've seen online before! I only wish I knew who the originator of this card was, so I could give her credit. It was fun for me to figure out which inks and colors of cardstock were used since no supply list was given. I did change up the orientation of the image panel, as well as the sentiment. I am pretty confident I matched the colors correctly. Along with the Medallion stamp, this card also used the Sanded Background stamp, another one of my favorites. And this is the first time I've used my Friends 24-7 stamp set, which I love almost as much as the Medallion......well ok, just as much! My favorite image in that set is the Damask....it's so pretty. It's stamped in the 2nd generation to the left of the bird image. Another first for me on this card is, I used my Aqua Painter to add a color wash to the bird. I have always preferred using the Blender Pen for watercoloring, but I am quickly becoming a fan of the Aqua Painter!! I don't own the Color Spritzer tool, so I used some very thinned out ink and dipped an old toothbrush in it and flicked it onto the cardstock. It was fun to do, but boy talk about inky fingers after! The sentiment comes from the Short and Sweet set.

I had so much fun creating this card......now the question is, do I keep it, or part with it? Decisions, decisions!

Medallion for a Friend

2009-08-07T15:51:00.011-04:00

I have a dear friend that means the world to me. Her name is Johanna, and I couldn't love her more if we shared the same blood. Sometimes, I think it is true, that you do pick your family. Johanna is certainly family to me. We have been friends for almost 20 years! She's been so great to me during my recovery from the back surgery. She calls me just to say hello, she brings me food......stuff she knows I love that no one else thinks to bring :) She is always there to lend an ear and give a hug. So I wanted to make her a little something, just to let her know how much she means to me. I think she is one of the last few people on this planet that actually hand writes letters. She doesn't email, or tweet, or blog. I would consider a handwritten note from her to be a precious gift. So with that in mind, I made up the box of note cards for her. There are 4 note cards, matching envelopes and envelope seals. I tied them all up with a pretty black gingham ribbon. I used Crushed Curry for the bottom of the box, and Rose Red for the top. I stamped the En Francais background stamp on the Rose Red layer, then a mat of Basic Black and then the Medallion stamped with Versamark ink on Confetti White cardstock. Then I used my Stampin Pastels and a sponge dauber and added the color to the medallion. This is called the Popping Pastels technique. It was really fun to do! I added a clear rhinestone brad from the Pretties kit to all the Medallion centers. A little discovery I found while doing the pastels technique, is that More Mustard chalk looks exactly like Crushed Curry ink.

This is the outside of the box. It's really soft and feminine looking.

Here is one of the note cards I did in Crushed Curry

And this is the inside of the card.

This is one of the Rose Red note cards.

And the inside again.

These are the envelope seals I made. I stamped the Medallion stamp and punched out the center part with my Scallop Circle Punch. Then I used the letter "J" from the Lovely Letters alphabet set. I typically don't buy alphabet sets, but this one was a must have for me, I love it!

I ran them through my Zyron to add adhesive to the back. All Johanna needs to do is peel off the paper covering and stick them on the envelopes.

This is the whole set in the box, tied with the ribbon. I easily could have put at least 2 more cards and envelopes in there.

And last, but not least, these are the envelopes. I just stamped a corner of the Medallion on them with Rose Red and Crushed Curry inks.

I hope Johanna loves the cards, I know she will. She is the Mom to 4 grown boys. So I also want to make her some more masculine type cards. Her boys would certainly have a giggle or two if they got these in the mail!

I'll have another Medallion card soon. I cased one I saw from the Late Night Stampers shoe box swap at Convention the other day. It's a rare thing for me to see a card online and then go immediately and make it myself. I just thought it was so pretty! That will be coming up soon, I promise! I'd love to hear what you think about my Medallion Note Card set.

Cards and Canvas

2009-07-27T16:36:00.009-04:00

These are the first few things I've been working on. The first 2 cards are very similar. I was playing with my new Curly Label Movers and Shapers Bigz die from Stampin'Up! I really had no design in mind (that's pretty obvious!). I also used the 2 new Textured Impressions folders exclusive to SU...Elegant Bouquet and Finial Press. I did use the retired Curly Label stamp to stamp the image inside the die cut. Rose Red and Barely Banana are the colors. I also used the Eyelet Border punch on the card on the bottom.

I also used the Movers and Shapers die for this card. However, I used the new oval magnetic punch windows that coordinate with the original Curly Label die. There are also a heart, a star and the Modern Label die in this set. The stamp set is A Flower for all Seasons. I really love that little frog next to the watering can! The sentiment comes from the Three Little Words stamp set. The card base is retired Kiwi Kiss.....gotta use it up!

I made this piece from a 5"x5" canvas I got in the dollar bin at Michael's. It had a design printed on it for a child to paint. So I painted over it with an off white acrylic paint, it needed about 3 coats to completely cover the printed image. Then I stamped the background with Chocolate Chip ink and the En Francais background stamp. I really love that background and it will live with me forever! Then I die cut the butterflies with the Bigz Beautiful Butterflies die, which is also exclusive to SU. I didn't really think I would ever get this one, but I'm so glad I did.....it's gorgeous! As you can see, I first embossed the cardstock with the Finial Press Textured Impressions folder, then I die cut the butterflies. I layered a small butterfly over a larger one for dimension down on the left side. I used clear beads from the Pretties Kit for the body of the butterflies and Hemp Twine for the antennae. Then I sponged Chocolate Chip ink around the edges. This was a quick and easy project.....it took longer to base coat the canvas than to do anything else!

I have another project to show you, but I'll save that for another time. I can't show ALL my stuff in one day now can I?

Rumors

2009-07-27T09:59:00.003-04:00

Wow........it's been awhile!
Recovering from my surgery has been a VERY long and painful road, much longer than anticipated. But, the good news (for me!), is, I'm finally starting to feel human again!!
I still have a long road ahead of me before I'm even close to being 100%......sometimes I wonder if I'll ever be there again. I want to think positive and believe that will happen.

The rumor is there has been a bit of activity in the stamp room. And it's true! My stamping sessions are short, as that is all my body can handle at this point, but at least it's something. I do have some new things to show. However, when I took my camera outside this morning to photograph them, my camera fogged up! Do you think it's a tad bit humid outside? LOL

So I'm waiting for good light inside by the windows. Hopefully I'll have those pictures real soon.

Ciao for now!

Candy Bouquet

2009-06-21T21:34:00.002-04:00

Well, after I don't know HOW many months, I finally have made something! Now granted, it isn't much as far as stamping goes, but it's a start! I made this for my husband Don for Father's Day. I can't really get out and shop like I'd like to, so I sent David and his nurse out and they bought up all my, I mean Don's favorite candy bars. There are also some of his favorite protein bars and individual packages of cookies. And a big kahuna Hersey bar in the middle that I covered with Whisper White cardstock and stamped the Happy Father's Day image that's on the card I made, along with some red stars. You can't really see that though. Inside the can are Jolly Ranchers and little bite sized pieces of Milky Ways, Snickers and 3 Muskateer bars. Don should be riding a sugar high all the way to September! The paper I covered the can with is not Stampin'Up!, but it's left over from my old scrapbooking days. I think it's from Sweetwater. I didn't have any masculine SU paper, so this had to do. As you can see, Don already got into his candy by the time I asked him to take a picture for me, otherwise you wouldn't see the sticks in the front. I used packing tape to attach long bamboo skewers to the back of each candy bar, the I stuck the sticks into a styrofoam ball that's inside the can. I did wrap the whole thing in clear cellophane and tied it with a red bow. This thing weighs about 10 pounds! After all that, I ran out of steam as far as stamping goes. So I made a super quick card using Brilliant Blue cardstock that I had wheeled with the Jumbo Classic Stars wheel. I then stamped the Father's Day sentiment in Brilliant Blue ink from the All Holidays stamp set on Very Vanilla cardstock and matted that on a piece of Kraft cardstock. Then a simple piece of Linen Thread tied around that. And I was done. Don loved it, and the million dollar question is: I wonder if he's going to share?

Stampin'Up! New In-Colors

2009-06-04T08:13:00.002-04:00

I placed my demonstrator pre-order on Monday. I ordered all the new In Color stamp pads, reinkers, card stock and markers! YES!! SU has finally come out with In Color markers. I also ordered the new polka dot grosgrain ribbon. I'm a sucker for polka dots! If you would like to see the new In Colors, click on this: http://www.stampworkshop.com/2009/06/what-a-great-way-to-come-back.html#comments
She did a fantastic job of photographing the new In Colors with comparisons to other existing SU colors.
I can't wait to get my order and see the colors in person. They look very rich and vibrant to me. I usually go for more of the Soft Subtles and Earth Elements colors. But I always end up loving the new In Colors.

Retiring Stamp list

2009-06-01T11:58:00.002-04:00

Here is a list of the stamps retiring from the current catalog. The first number refers to the page number in the catalog. It's always a bittersweet time when we say goodbye to the stamps, but also an exciting time to see what the new stamps will be in the next catalog! If you want any of these stamps, you only have until June 30th to order, after that, they'll be gone forever!!

I'll be back soon with an update of a more personal nature.

26 Happy Heart Day
28 Pinch Proof
30 Blooming With Love
30 Thoughts Of Father
31 Free & The Brave
31 Independence Day
32 Snow Burst
33 Holidays & Wishes
35 Heritage Holiday
38 Big Birthday Candle
40 Big Bold Birthday
41 Time to Party
42 Boatloads Of Love
46 Great Grads
49 Little Birdie Told Me, A
50 If The Halo Fits
56 God Is Love
59 Always in My Thoughts
60 To Have and to Hold
67 Zoofari
70 Life’s a Breeze
71 Perfect Princess
72 Prehistoric Pals
73 Wild About You
84 Heartfelt Thanks
85 Wonderful Watercolors
86 Kindred Spirits
87 Organic Outlines
88 Doodle This
93 Pretty Amazing
96 Best Kind of Friend
96 Morning Soft
97 Seaside
98 Stitched Exotics
108 Frames with a Flourish
108 Seeing Spots
117 Illuminations
118 Beautiful Borders
120 Sweet Celebrations
122 Big Flowers
125 All Scallops
126 Sweet Sampler
128 Classic Stripes
129 Baroque
132 Absolutely Fabulous
133 Outlined for Fun
134 Hugs & Wishes
135 Elegant Cheer
136 Sweet Serendipity
137 Many Happy Returns
138 It’s a Sign
139 One Smart Cookie
140 In Good Form
140 Just B
141 Lovely Labels
144 Short Order Alphabet
144 Short Order Numbers
144 Ticker Tape Alphabet
145 Big Deal Alphabet
145 Big Deal Numbers
146 ABC Alphabet Lower
146 ABC Alphabet Upper
146 ABC Images
146 Simple Serif Mini
148 Alphabet & Numbers
149 Best Bee Four-Line
149 Best Bee Three-Line
149 Classic Four-Line
149 Classic One-Line
149 Classic Three-Line
149 Classic Two-Line
149 Contemporary Four-Line
149 Contemporary One-Line
149 Contemporary Three-Line
149 Contemporary Two-Line
149 Decorative Design
149 Elegant Flower Four-Line
149 Elegant Flower Three-Line
149 Large Text-Only Simple
149 Serif One-Line
149 Large Text-Only Simple
149 Serif Two-Line
208 Tag It
208 Beautiful Baby
208 Birthday Wish
208 Celebrations
208 Flowers in Silhouette
208 Forever
208 Fun Flowers
208 Glad Friends
209 Say It with Scallops

SU retiring accessory list

2009-06-01T11:48:00.002-04:00

Here is a list of the retiring accessories from the current Stampin'Up! catalog. Once they sell out, they are gone forever! If there's something you want from the list, I suggest you order asap.
Let me know if I can help with your order.

Item #
Product Description
Price
Discount
Sale Price
Availability
112735
RUB ONS HIDDEN GARDEN
10.95
0.5
5.48
Available
112970
LO MEJOR DE TODO
19.95
0.5
9.98
Available
105143
DAYS TO REMEMBER 6X6 FR
9.95
0.5
4.98
Available
113888
RUB ONS MANY OCCASIONS
10.95
0.5
5.48
Available
109044
PUNCH SNOW BLOSSOM
10.95
0.5
5.48
Available
111364
RIBBON POLY TWILL SO SAFFRON 7/8"
8.95
0.5
4.48
Available
106961
STAZON REFILL WHITE
4.95
0.5
2.48
Available
114341
COURDUROY BUTTONS PACIFIC POINT
9.95
0.5
4.98
Available
114316
RIBBON ORIGINALS PIG TAILS
13.95
0.5
6.98
Available
111414
RUB ONS HIDDEN GARDEN
10.95
0.5
5.48
Available
114351
DESIGNER HARDWARE HOORAY
4.95
0.5
2.48
Available
114338
COURDUROY BUTTONS KIWI KISS
9.95
0.5
4.98
Available
114019
ACCENTS & ELEMENTS FLEURETTES
9.95
0.5
4.98
Available
114317
RIBBON ORIGINALS DRESS UP
12.95
0.5
6.48
Available
102875
HEMP TWINE RED
2.95
0.5
1.48
Available
101259
HEMP TWINE BLACK
2.95
0.5
1.48
Available
113979
ACCENTS & ELEMENTS CANVAS CUTS
7.95
0.5
3.98
Available
114350
DESIGNER HARDWARE SOHO
4.95
0.5
2.48
Available
111363
RIBBON GROSGRAIN PINK PIROUETTE 1 1/4"
7.95
0.25
5.96
Available
111365
RIBBON TAFFETA RIDING HOOD RED
6.95
0.25
5.21
Available
111847
RIBBON DOUBLE STITICHED BAJA BREEZE 1"
8.95
0.25
6.71
Available
111371
RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED TANGERINE TANGO 5/8"
9.95
0.25
7.46
Available
111373
RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED PINK PIROUETTE 5/8"
9.95
0.25
7.46
Available
111372
RIBBON GROSGRIAN STRIPED KIWI KISS 5/8"
9.95
0.25
7.46
Available
113884
RUB ONS FASHION DISTRICT
10.95
0.25
8.21
Available
114318
RIBBON ORIGINALS VALET
12.95
0.25
9.71
Available
111374
RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED RIDING HOOD RED 5/8"
9.95
0.25
7.46
Available
111370
RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED PACIFIC POINT 5/8"
9.95
0.25
7.46
Available
111415
RUB ONS GREATEST MOMENTS
10.95
0.25
8.21
Available
113887
RUB ONS BRIGHT DELIGHTS
11.95
0.25
8.96
Available
111416
RUB ONS CHATEAU BELLA
10.95
0.25
8.21
Available
111338
NOTES TEXTURED LOVE ASSORTMENT II
12.95
0.25
9.71
Available
111879
RIBBON SATIN KIWI KISS VERY VANILLA
7.95
0.25
5.96
Available
111277
RUB ONS A PERFECT DAY
10.95
0.25
8.21
Available
110730
DIE CUTS POCKETS & PIECES
8.95
0.25
6.71
Available
107272
PUNCH KEY TAG
15.95
0.25
11.96
Available
113980
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER CANDY LANE
9.95
0.25
7.46
Available
111375
RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED BAJA BREEZE 5/8"
9.95
0.25
7.46
Available
112010
DIE CUTS BLOOMS AGAIN
8.95
0.25
6.71
Available
113991
TASTE OF TEXTILES
9.95
0.25
7.46
Available
101399
STIPPLE BRUSHES
6.95
0.25
5.21
Available
112092
BUTTON BOUQUET
7.95
0.25
5.96
Available
112139
NOTES CAROUSEL II
11.95
0.25
8.96
Available
111336
NOTES SCALLOP II
11.95
0.25
8.96
Available
111840
CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL PACIFIC POINT
2.95
Available
111841
CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL TANGEIRNE TANGO
2.95
Available
111843
CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL PINK PIROUETTE
2.95
Available
111839
CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL RIDING HOOD RED
2.95
Available
111842
CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL KIWI KISS
2.95
Available
112161
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS KIWI KISS
9.95
Available
112042
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER URBAN GARDEN
9.95
Available
112156
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS PINK PIROUETTE
9.95
Available
112150
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS PACIFIC POINT
9.95
Available
112153
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS TANGERINE TANGO
9.95
Available
111844
CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL BAJA BREEZE
2.95
Available
111836
CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD RIDINGHOOD RED
5.95
Available
111838
CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD PINK PIROUETTE
5.95
Available
113966
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE
9.95
Available
109123
STAMPIN WRITE JOURNALER BASIC BROWN
3.25
Available
113981
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BELLA BIRDS
9.95
Available
112157
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS BAJA BREEZE
9.95
Available
113975
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER RASPBERRY TART
9.95
Available
114037
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY SWEET SLUMBER
11.95
Available
113978
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER URBAN OASIS
9.95
Available
112041
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BELLA ROSE
9.95
Available
112468
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SWEET ALWAYS
9.95
Available
111834
CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD TANGERINE TANGO
5.95
Available
114039
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY ROCKABILLY
11.95
Available
108590
CARD STOCK NATURALS ASST 12X12
8.95
Available
111337
NOTES GIFT ASSORTMENT II
9.95
Available
112471
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER RAINBOW SHERBET
9.95
Available
112464
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MANCHESTER
9.95
Available
112006
ACCENTS & ELEMENTS FLOWER FUSION II
14.95
Available
111837
CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD PACIFIC POINT
5.95
Available
112461
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WASHINGTON APPLE
9.95
Available
113993
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY PARISIAN BREEZE
11.95
Available
112155
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS RIDING HOOD RED
9.95
Available
111353
CARD STOCK KIWI KISS 8-1/2 X 11
5.5
Available
111348
CARD STOCK RIDING HOOD RED 8-1/2 X 11
5.5
Available
112172
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN ROCK A BYE BOY
19.95
Available
100900
GIFT SACKS WHITE
2.95
Available
114605
SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT MORE THOUGHTS
42.95
Available
102264
COLUZZLE STARTER KIT
19.95
Available
111346
CARD STOCK IN COLOR 12 X 12
8.95
Available
111835
CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD KIWI KISS
5.95
Available
111350
CARD STOCK PACIFIC POINT 8-1/2 X 11
5.5
Available
105668
TATTOO KIT I
13.95
Out of stock
111349
CARD STOCK TANGERINE TANGO 8-1/2 X 11
5.5
Available
109231
SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT SENDING HAPPY THOUGHTS
54.95
Available
111351
CARD STOCK PINK PIROUETTE 8-1/2 X 11
5.5
Available
112165
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN ROCK A BYE GIRL
19.95
Available
113950
DIE CUTS BUILD-A-FAIRYTALE
8.95
Available
111345
CARD STOCK TEXTURED IN COLOR 12 X 12
11.95
Available
105669
TATTOO KIT II
13.95
Out of stock
111833
CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD BAJA BREEZE
5.95
Available
113936
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN HOPPY MEMORIES
19.95
Available
111347
CARD STOCK IN COLOR 8-1/2 X 11
7.95
Available
107288
ENVELOPE WHISPER WHITE EXTRA LARGE
5.5
Available
104310
CRAFTERS TOOL KIT
39.95
Available
111352
CARD STOCK BAJA BREEZE 8-12 X 11
5.5
Available
113943
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN 2 SWEET
19.95
Available
113925
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SWEET NOTHINGS
19.95
Available
112179
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN LOVE STORIES
19.95
Available
113911
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUNSHINE GARDEN
19.95
Available
112054
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN BEST EVER
19.95
Available
111253
Blooms & Bulbs
6.5
Available
109684
Doodle
8.5
Available
111257
Happy, Happy Birthday
8.5
Available
109692
Love
6.5
Available
109568
My ABCs
6.5
Available
109682
Perfectly Pretty
6.5
Available
109687
See You Around
8.5
Available
109683
So Swirly
8.5
Available
111260
Something Fishy
8.5
Available
111262
Stems & Silhouettes
8.5
Available
105516
Watercolor Joy
6.5
Available

No, I have not fallen off the planet!

2009-04-08T11:26:00.003-04:00

Those some days I feel like I want to!
I'm still recovering from my surgery in February. I knew it would be a long recovery, but honestly, I thought by this point I'd be doing better. I still have considerable pain and have to take pain meds on a regular basis. This makes me quite sleepy most of the time. My main activity of the day is to take my daily walk which my doctor tells me is the best therapy for me. But boy does it wear me out, even 8 weeks post- op! My husband is thrilled however, that I can fold laundry as long as he gets it out of the dryer and puts the laundry basket on a chair so I don't have to bend to retrieve anything. That is pretty much my contribution to running this household at this point.
I still haven't picked up a stamp or created anything. Standing and sitting are still too uncomfortable for me for longer than 10 minutes at a time. Wish I could figure out a way to stamp laying down LOL I am reading tons of books though, I have to keep some neurons in my brain functioning!
Lyn

2 weeks out

2009-02-23T11:48:00.002-05:00

Well, it's been just over 2 weeks since my spinal fusion surgery. It is not a process I care to ever repeat again LOL The first week was literally hell.....I never knew I could feel pain like that. There were a few mishaps that contributed to my pain level, but we won't go there....I'm just glad it's over and I'm on my way to recovery.
I basically spend all day in bed, except for the few times a day I'm required to get up and shuffle a few laps around the first floor of my house. I can't climb up stairs yet. And I have to use a walker to get around, but hopefully will be progressing to a cane in the next week or so. My good friend Peggy did bring me some PINK tennis balls for my walker though, so at least I look cute shuffling around LOL
I got a big box from Stampin'Up! last week and I can't even play with my new toys yet. I did order the new Parisian Breeze DSP and it is absolutely gorgeous! Probably my favorite of all time, which is saying alot! I love the heavy weight of it and I really hope SU decides to produce more papers like this. I can't wait to get my hands on it and make something pretty!
So that's a bit of an update from me. Thanks to all my wonderful friends who have sent cards and gifts...you are all so awesome!
Lyn

A tour of the stamp room!

2009-01-30T09:55:00.007-05:00

I thought since I have no new projects to share, I'd show you some pictures of my stamp room. It is a small room, about 11'x11'. I love that big window, it lets in lots of natural light.
This used to be our guest room.....not anymore!
The first picture is the view looking into the room from the doorway. I like to stand up while I do my stamping, so I had a counter installed with drawers on both sides. There is lots of stuff in those drawers!

This picture shows my work table. It used to be our old kitchen table and the hutch that matches it. I painted them both white. I do most of my cutting on the table. It's not usually this neat either. Over in the corner, I now have a cube unit to store all my stamp sets. I no longer have the TV in there. I never watched it. I probably should take some new pictures of that at some point.

Here's a better picture of the hutch. On the bottom shelf I used to store all my scrapbooking kits in the canvas bins. They are all gone now......right Peggy? The jars on the shelves hold miscellaneous embellishments, ribbon, buttons, flowers, etc.

This is my french memo board that I made! I couldn't find one commercially in the size or materials I wanted. So I decided to make one myself. It was super easy. I just bought a pre-made frame (24"x36" I believe), took out the glass. Also bought an artists canvas and covered it with polyester batting. Then covered that with this Waverly fabric I've had forever, and stapled it to the canvas back. Then I used black grosgrain ribbon to make the criss crosses. I added a decorative upholstery tack at every meeting point of the ribbon. I popped the fabric covered canvas back in the frame and voila! That's all there is to it. The hardest part was making sure the ribbon was spaced correctly.

Now I have this beautiful display area for my cards. I love it!

Just for fun, I'm linking this post to DIY Show Off Surprise Party!! Go check it out!http://http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/2009/09/youre-invited-to-surprise-party-diy.html

Check out this giveaway!

2009-01-25T13:44:00.001-05:00

My dear friend Rachel is a TAC consultant (The Angel Company). She just had her first class and made some fabulous projects. She's giving away a few class kits, so head on over to her blog and check it out!
http://rachelsangelspot.blogspot.com/2009/01/class-projects-last-installment-and.html

Passing the Time

2009-01-24T15:09:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm still here, passing the time while I wait not-so patiently for my surgery on February 4th. I'm still not able to stamp or create anything. I can only be on my feet for about 5-10 minutes before I'm in horrible pain. I tend to save my time up and about for the things I absolutely have to do. Being a wife and a mom is so hard when you are so limited! I'm trying to get some meals cooked and in the freezer so my husband doesn't starve while I'm recuperating. The problem is, it's almost impossible to make something somewhat healthy and nutritious when I have such a small window to work with. I've done some internet searches and found a few recipes that I will hopefully be preparing tomorrow. Don will be helping me, so I'll probably be supervising more than actually cooking. If any of you reading have any super duper easy main dish recipes to share, please do!
Other things I'm doing include reading LOTS of books. I swear sometimes I feel like my eyes are going to fall right out of my skull. Is it possible to read too much? I am reading almost a book a day at this point.
The excitement of the new Stampin'Up! catalog just hasn't hit me yet. It's not because of lack of great product, it's just not being able to use any of it that is the problem! The new catalog is really great, lots of new stamps and some cool new products. I know my excitement and interest will return once I'm feeling better. I haven't even made my wish list yet......So sadly, I have nothing to show here on my poor little blog. I have several sets that I pre-ordered just sitting in my stamp room all lonely and sad. I know the stamps will still be there when I'm ready to stamp again. I hope I get to use them before the NEXT catalog comes out in August.

It's been awhile.......

2009-01-08T15:07:00.002-05:00

So sorry to have been neglecting my poor little blog here. In my last post, I mentioned that I was having some problems with my back. Well, it turns out to be a BIG problem with my back. I'll be having surgery early next month as a result. I can't really promise any new creative projects to see here in the near future. I'm pretty much spending most of my time flat on my back. And my recovery from the surgery will be very long as well. If by chance I have a good day here or there and can actually create something worth seeing, I'll be sure to post it. Thanks for understanding.

Good intentions

2008-12-15T08:38:00.003-05:00

What is it they say about good intentions? I'm hoping it's not accurate. I have SUCH good intentions, however my body thinks otherwise......I'm dealing with a back injury and I've not been able to do a whole lot of anything the past couple of weeks. I'll be fine, just have to get over this rough patch first.
I did have a couple of things done to show you, so here goes.
I made this gift card holder a few weeks back. I really need to make a few more for Christmas gifts. Luckily for me, they are super fast and easy to turn out. I'm hoping to be able to do a few this week. This is not my idea at all.......saw it on some one's blog somewhere. The key point here is, FAST and EASY! This is the outside:

Here is the inside:

This next little item I also saw on someones blog. Geesh I really have to get better at documenting where I see these things.......so sorry about that. It's the cutest little box to hold a mini loaf of bread. Again, super easy and quick to do. I had such grand plans for these little boxes. I envisioned making bunches of them and filling them with some homemade quick breads or coffee cakes to hand out to neighbors, friends and even my UPS guy. I'm not sure if that will still happen, but it's not looking like it at this point. Good intentions.........

Hopefully I'll be back to near full speed soon. This is not a good time of year to be laid up with a back problem!

An Experiment

2008-12-01T14:31:00.002-05:00

I know there are lots of people that don't like to purchase Holiday stamp sets. They don't like to spend the money on stamps that will get used maybe once or twice a year. They are stronger willed than I am.....I love Holiday sets! So I thought I would challenge myself to create a Holiday card without using a Holiday set.
This is a card I made at a demonstrator training function. I didn't design the card, but absolutely love the colors and the design. It uses the Pocket Silhouette stamp set. Then I wondered, just by changing the sentiment and colors, could this be a Christmas card?

Here is the result. The only things I changed were the colors and the sentiment. The sentiment comes from Heard From the Heart, which is not a Holiday set. It just has the one stamp with the Holiday sentiment on it. I really like how it came out. Let me know your thoughts on it. I think a card like this would be great for someone who is going through a tough time at the holidays. It's still festive without being over the top.

More open house projects

2008-11-18T08:24:00.005-05:00

I thought I would show you a few more of my open house samples.
The first one is called a bag in a box. It is super easy to make, and makes a nice little gift bag. You could even make it a taller bag and put a bottle of wine in it to give as a gift.

Here are some paper pumpkins. I first stamped a sheet of cardstock, and then cut the cardstock into strips of paper. The leaves are hand cut and crimped with my paper crimper.

This is another gift card holder. The scallop punch is attached to a belly band that slips off the card.

A few posts back, I showed you a card and promised to show you the complete set once it was finished. This is a set of 4 mini note cards that all go inside this mini pizza box.

And last but not least, here is a pillow box made from acetate. I love this pillow box die. These would make great place setting favors for your holiday table. The key to making these with acetate is to use heavy acetate. Standard overhead projector sheets are too flimsy.

Thanks for looking!

Samples

2008-11-10T15:36:00.007-05:00

The past few weeks I've been busy creating samples for my Open House I had this past Saturday. I thought you might like to see some close ups of a few of the items on display.

Here is a gift card holder made from the Top Note die. This is really pretty in person.

A Rudolph bag topper made from the Top Note die and his antlers are from the Scribbles Swirls die.

This is a Frosty bag topper made from the Top Note die. He is too adorable!

There is SO much you can do with that Top Note die! Those were just a few examples.

This is a peppermint patty tin, well actually a "nugget" tin, but I covered York Peppermint Pattys with the scallop punch and used the Deer Friends hostess set. It came out so cute!

I hope you liked the pictures. I have lots more to show you in the coming days, so be sure to check back soon!

My Open House

2008-11-10T14:56:00.006-05:00

I had an Open House on Saturday. It was disappointing in the respect that I had no turn out based on the flyers I distributed throughout my neighborhood. But I consider it a great success because some of my friends came and we had so much fun stamping together. They were pretty much non-stampers/crafters, and it was so satisfying to me to see how happy they were when they made something pretty that they could actually use. And they did great with both projects, you never would have known they weren't stampers at all. One of my friends brought her 10 year old daughter and she kept right up with them and did great! Here are the 2 projects they made:
First, a birthday card

Then a Christmas gift tag

This is a picture of my main display for my open house on Saturday.

Overall, it was a great day and I learned alot from it. I'm so glad I decided to do it.

Mountain time

2008-10-30T08:58:00.003-04:00

I'm currently out in Boone, NC visiting my son who is a student at Appalachian State University. It snowed here Tuesday, but lucky for me it all melted by the time I got here yesterday. I'm sitting here in a hotel room on this COLD morning, all by myself. What a strange sensation that is! I don't travel by myself very often, but it was kinda nice having some total "me" time with no distractions last night. Dan had to work, so after seeing him for a brief time, I hit the local mall and then came back to my hotel room. I put on my fuzzy socks and jammies and did absolutely nothing. I caught up on some blog reading and emails and talked to a couple friends on the phone. I'll be returning home either late tonight or tomorrow, so my little break is a short one, but nice none the less.
Once I get back home, I'll be kicking into high gear with my SU Open House preparations. This is a new thing for me and I'm a bit nervous about it. The Open House is November 8th from 1 pm - 4 pm. I'll be having some Fall and Christmas samples and make and takes. There will be door prizes too, and light refreshments. If you're local, I'd love to have you drop by. Email or call me for details.
I think I'm going to go out and brave the cold weather in town. I haven't worn this many layers in a LONG time. I don't own a "winter" coat ......it just doesn't get that cold at the beach to really need one. I may have to go by the University bookstore and get a sweatshirt.

A New Gadget

2008-10-24T19:59:00.003-04:00

I just added a new gadget to my sidebar. If you regularly read my blog, you can sign up to be a "follower". Just go over to my sidebar and click on the "Followers" link. It will be fun to see who keeps up with my blog.

A Happy Witch

2008-10-22T09:46:00.003-04:00

This past weekend I attended our NC Demonstrator's group Quarterly meeting in Goldsboro, NC. It was great getting to know several of the demonstrators that usually I only "see" online. It's so interesting to hear every one's stories of how they became demonstrators and just how much we have in common. I had a great time, and made some fantastic projects. And I was surprised when my entry into the 3-D competition won first place! I still can't believe that.
Onto my happy witch. I finished assembling all my Halloween pillow boxes for the trick or treaters. I had a bunch of leftover scraps and candy. So I started wrapping the Hershey's minis with the scraps. Then I needed a way to contain them. So I pulled this jar off my shelf and started constructing a punched witch. I wanted her to be a happy witch versus a scary witch. I sure don't think I'd be that happy if I had that big ole wart on the end of my nose! Maybe it's the chocolate that keeps her happy! And if you can't tell, she also has a hairy wart on her chin. I used the new large oval punch,various circle punches and the a tip from the large star punch (for her nose). I crimped some black paper and cut it into long strips to create her hair. Her hat is from the Eat, Drink and be Scary stamp set.

This is a set of mini cards I'm in the process of making. There will be a set of 4 cards in a mini pizza box. I haven't finished it yet, but when I do, I'll post a picture of the completed set.

The weather has turned a bit cool this week. I actually had to put on long pants yesterday! I'm putting off going on my bike ride this morning till it warms up a bit. I hope it doesn't take too much longer........or that bike ride just might not happen!

Crazy!

2008-10-07T15:09:00.005-04:00

For Cupcakes!
This is the set I won at the Stampin'Up! convention. I love this set and would have bought it, so I was very happy I won it! It came with the coordinating wheel and a roll of the new 1" chocolate chip grosgrain ribbon. I didn't use the wheel or the ribbon on these cards, but I will soon. I made these cards for a fellow friend/demonstrator who doesn't have the set. She's promoting the Birthday specials this month and needed some samples. I was very happy to help her out. That's one of the best things about SU demonstrators.....everyone jumps in and helps each other out.
First card is Bella Rose papers and Riding Hood Red satin ribbon. I paper pieced the cupcake.

I watercolored the main image with my blender pens, and then applied dazzling diamonds to the cupcake frosting and crystal effects to the cherries to make them shiny. I used a small piece of Parisian Summer paper to mat the main image. I also used the small cupcake image from the Short and Sweet set in the scallop circle.

The balloons are also in the Crazy for Cupcakes set. I paper pieced them with Maine Blueberry papers and popped a couple of them up on dimensionals.

I did also stamp the insides of the cards, but didn't take pictures of that.
Thanks for looking!

A different kind of post

2008-10-03T09:42:00.005-04:00

First of all, let me apologize for the poor pictures. I realized after downloading these that my camera had a smudge on the lens.

Did you know that October is Disability Awareness Month? Probably not.....but yes it is. Those of you that know me personally, know my youngest son David is profoundly disabled, both physically and cognitively. He is 21 years old, but basically functions at the level of a 1 year old. I don't tell you this to ask for sympathy or pity. David is a huge blessing in our lives and we are so thankful he is part of our family. He's a wonderful young man with a sweet personality. Yes, there are many limitations to what he can do. But as you can see, there are lots of things he can do as well. Here he is participating in a wonderful program known as Top Soccer. It is a national program that facilitates people with disabilities participating in soccer. Chances are, you have a similar program in your city. It is so much fun to see these kids out on the soccer field enjoying an activity that otherwise would be unavailable to them. This program relies heavily on volunteers. The program wouldn't exist without them.

We are so lucky to have a thriving Top Soccer program here where we live. They always need volunteers, so if you have spare time on a weekend, consider seeking out a program in your city and volunteering. You'll be making a huge difference to these kids, and I just bet you will get alot out of it too.

Sometimes all we see when we look at disabled people are their disability. Look past the wheelchairs, walkers or other adapted devices and really see the person inside. I think you'll find that they are just like you and me. They love to have fun, feel safe and feel love. Just like us.

2008-10-02T11:57:00.007-04:00

This is what I'm giving out for Halloween this year. I'm making TONS of them for all the little ghosts and goblins that come to my door. The pillow box is filled with candy corn and Hershey's minis. The Designer Series Paper is Ghostly Greetings and I used the Eat, Drink and Be Scary stamp set from the Holiday mini.

Another Owl......Owl's are hot for some reason I guess. I don't quite "get it" myself, but this little guy is cute! He's punched from the Tab punch, assorted cirlce punches, scallop punch and the Boho punch for his feet. It really amazes me how versatile the punches are.

This is a small note pad holder. The note pad itself measures approx. 3" x 5". The holder is re-fillable, which is great! I wanted something small to keep by my laptop to jot down ideas or notes that I need to keep track of. I've been doing alot of notepad holders lately. This one has a little pocket on the inside cover too. Quick and easy to make.

These are some cute mini scrapbooks. They measure 3" x 3", so pretty small! The perfect size for carrying in your purse.

That's all I have for today. I think I'm off to play with my Big Shot. I have an idea for the Join in the Cheer decorative strip die, I wonder if it will turn out like I have it pictured in my head?

If it does, I'll be sure to post it next time.

Latest samples

2008-10-01T16:52:00.007-04:00

Here are a few things I've been working on. Some of them I stamped with Peggy (my upline). She is SO good to me and we always have fun when we get together. I was at her house last week for a couple of hours and we stamped our little hearts out! I think we did about 6 cards and 2 3-D items.

The turkey card I cased from Peggy's upline (Jeria). She cased it from the Stampin Success magazine this month. I just fell in love with that little punched turkey.......too cute!

The Upsy Daisy card was one I did at Peggy's stamp camp a few weeks ago. Love that one too.

I have a few more things to photograph. I'm so bad at doing that, and my photography skills are not up to par. So sorry you have to suffer through my bad photography skills.

I finally got my Big Shot last week. However, the dies didn't come till today. They were all on backorder. Now I need to find time to play with all the cool toys. I hope to do that real soon.

Things I've been working on

2008-09-15T10:44:00.010-04:00

I thought I would post a few pictures of the projects I've been making. The first picture is a card I made for a swap with some online friends. So girls, if you want to be surprised, scroll past the first one ;)
I used the new Ronald McDonald set called Say It With Scallops. A portion of the proceeds from purchasing this stamp set is donated to the Ronald McDonald House charities. It's a great set! And it coordinates with our new square scallop punch. I also used the new Maine Blueberry Designer series paper, along with a small piece of printed paper from the level 1 hostess prints pack. I used the canvas background stamp stamped in Versamark on the card base. I LOVE that stamp! It adds so much texture and interest to the background. Ink and cardstock colors I used are: Not Quite Navy and Old Olive. I used some Dazzling Diamonds on the focal image to add a little bling. And the white gel pen on the scallop square. Finished it off with a little bit of the now retired Old Olive 1/4" poly twill ribbon.
This is a 5"x8" notepad folio. I used another new set called Eastern Blooms for the flowers and one of the sentiment stamps from Inspired By Nature. Cardstock colors are Bravo Burgundy, Sahara Sand and Whisper White. I used Parisian Summer Designer Series Paper. Ink colors are: Bravo Burgundy and Pink Pirouette. Of course there are Dazzling Diamonds in the center of the flowers. Ribbon is Light Pink Gingham Ribbon.

Inside the folio is a pocket to hold notecards or anything you need.

I made a bookmark calendar to tuck inside the pocket to look up dates when I'm jotting down notes.

This is an altered note pad. I purchased the notepad from Target. It already had the pen attached at the bottom. I covered it in Bella Rose Designer Series Paper. I used the new scallop border punch to punch a strip of paper across the front. I used the Big Flowers stamp to stamp the focal image in Riding Hood Red. Added some white gel pen dots on the scallop circle, and some faux stitching on the Riding Hood Red panel. I added some Light Pink Gingham Ribbon and Old Olive Twill Ribbon to the top spiral.

That's all for now. I need to clean up my stamp room so I can get to the rest of my new sets!

Online ordering is here!

2008-09-09T18:50:00.003-04:00

Today is the first day that customers can place orders online. What this means is, if you're up stamping in the middle of the night, and suddenly have an urge to shop, you can! All you need to do is go to my demonstrator business website and click on the shop now button. There is a link to my demonstrator business website on the right sidebar. You can shop 24/7/365 from the privacy and convenience of your own home, or your favorite coffee shop!

Of course, I am always available to place your orders too.

A cool site

2008-08-30T20:39:00.002-04:00

I came across this blog a few days ago. I emailed the gal who runs it and asked to have my blog and demo website added to the list. So I'm there! There are lots of really cool blogs to explore.
http://demosites.blogspot.com/
I could literally spend hours surfing all the blogs on this list. Lots of inspiration to be found!
And here's a link to Kathleen's personal blog: www.stampjourney.com
In other news, I'm getting my demo pre-order together for the Holiday Mini. Demo's can place pre-oders begining Monday....there are way too many things I want! I spent a good portion of today reorganizing my stamp room. I got one of those Closet Maid 9 hole cubbies to put my ever growing collection of stamps on. I've already outgrown the space I had for those! I'm hoping to spend some time in my stamp room actually stamping tomorrow.

Baby card

2008-08-26T11:47:00.003-04:00

Here is the baby card I was working on. I don't know why that smudgey looking thing is showing up on the picture. It's not on the card I can assure you. I used Whisper White and Bashful Blue cardstock. As well as a strip of Bashful Blue from the retired Prints Pack (Hostess). I used my Crop-a-Dile to set black eyelets for the wheels of the baby buggy. Stamp sets are: Fun & Fast Notes and Short & Sweet.

2008-08-26T08:45:00.005-04:00

I realized that I never showed you my main swap card for Convention. Well, here it is! I made 30 of these and they were very labor intensive. Lots of sponging, scoring and layering. I love these colors together.
I cased the basic design from the gallery of MicheleTx at Splitcoast. I did make several changes such as scoring the background, using dazzling diamonds on the bird and lots of layers. I got the sweetest email from a fellow convention goer that I had swapped with. She wrote to tell me that she swapped in excess of 500 cards at convention, and she placed my card in her top 25! Wow! I was blown away that she took the time to email me. I was so unsure of my swaps, thinking they weren't up to par. She definitely made me feel better! The stamp set is Always. The cardstock and ink colors are Chocolate Chip, Real Red and Creamy Caramel.

Dahlia fold

This card was cased from Angie Kennedy-Juda http://chicnscratch.typepad.com/chic_n_scratch/

I love the simplicity of this design.

I'm working on a baby card for one of Don's employees who just had their first baby. I don't do many baby cards, so this one is a stretch for me. I'll try to post it later.

Back from Vacation

2008-08-18T14:20:00.012-04:00

On Friday, which was our anniversary, Don and I went hiking to a place called The Cascades. It's a really beautiful waterfall off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's a nice hike and great scenery.

We took David to Linville Caverns one day. He loved being inside the cave where it was a cool 52 degrees (year round). It is so great that the cave was wheelchair accessible!

Spelunking at Worley's Cave

This picture was taken in a room known as the Bridal Suite. Legend has it that an actual wedding took place there years ago. I sure hope the bride didn't wear white!

The last day of our vacation we went spelunking at a cave called Worley's Cave in Eastern Tennessee. It was incredible!! We hiked 2 miles in, over rocks, under rocks, through an underground river and saw some really fantastic things. That is me under the rock, which was actually a "crawl" to another room of the cave. We all turned off our headlamps and did it in complete darkness......I have never "seen" darkness like that. The cave is 7 miles long, so we only saw a small portion of it. I would love to go back and see the rest sometime.

We also did some white water rafting on Tuesday, but I have to drop the camera off for developing. I used one of those disposable waterproof ones so mine wouldn't get wet.

We had a great vacation. But I'm glad it's over......I'm tired!

They said it wouldn't last.........

2008-08-15T20:34:00.002-04:00

27 years ago today, Don and I were married....wow, 27 years! We were so young and knew nothing about life. Now we're older and still learning about life (and each other!). One of the songs the soloist sang before I walked down the isle at the church was James Taylor's "You've Got A Friend". The song has stood the test of time, Don has always been my best friend and that's not about to change. Happy Anniversary Don.......thanks for the best 27 years, I hope we have at least 27 more!

New Idea Book and Catalog

2008-08-11T21:49:00.002-04:00

Today is the official launch of the 2008 Fall & Winter Idea Book from Stampin'Up!
I've updated my sidebar with the new picture. As always, click on the picture and it will take you right to the SU website for viewing. It won't be too long before online ordering kicks in too.
I love this new catalog......my wish list is so long.
Enjoy! And if there's something you can't live without, let me know!

Pictures

2008-08-08T13:17:00.003-04:00

A couple of pictures:

Another shot of our group outside the convention center

Big Shot and Doctor's Bag:

More news from Convention

2008-08-08T12:45:00.002-04:00

The 2008 Fall & Winter Catalog & Idea Book is absolutely beautiful! It has a scalloped edge on it just like our new punch. It is full of new stamp sets and accessories you are going to love! As you know, we can begin ordering August 11th. You still have until the 10th to order from the Spring and Summer Catalog anything that is being discontinued that you may want.
One of the most exciting announcements is that Stampin' Up! has partnered with Sizzix to make a Big Shot die-cut machine exclusively for Stampin' Up! You can create multiple die-cut shapes, tags and envelopes quickly and easily. The Big Shot machine works with more than 50 materials, including card stock, Designer Series Paper, fabric, CHIPBOARD, plastic, vinyl and more! The Big Shot uses our exclusive die-cuts made to coordinate with our stamp sets or regular Sizzix dies - plus it is compatible with other dies on the market!
OK, so the machine in and of itself is pretty exciting...but wait until you see the new Stampin' Up! logo black and white checkered bag that goes with it. It's called a Doctor's bag (it's that shape), and it is huge and beautifully constructed to hold a lot of weight. It's absolutely beautful! Phase Two of the Decor Elements is on it's way soon. We saw some of the new vinyl wall decor last week. I even got to try a sample at Convention and it was so easy to apply. The whole line is gorgeous and so versatile! We are now layering colored vinyl over colored vinyl like our two-step stamping! The flowers they demonstrated are in Pixie Pink, So Saffron, Gable Green and Chocolate Chip. Initially, I wasn't excited about the Decor Elements line, but after seeing it in person I'm completely on board now!
Shelli, our co-founder and CEO is starting her own personal blog beginning Monday, August 4th. www.SoShelli.com.
During the first general session of convention, Shelli announced the launch of Shelli's Signature Collection, a line of products that span the entire Stampin' Up! product line, including stamp sets, home décor, and accessories. These will be products that she either personally loves or, in some cases, even played a part in developing.
For the second time, Stampin' Up! will partner with Country Living magazine to offer an exclusive holiday kit. The Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit will include exclusive stamps, a combination of Designer Series paper, and coordinating accessories that will only be available by purchasing this kit.
The kit and project ideas made from the kit would be featured among 20 pages in the magazine's December holiday issue!
To those of you on my mailing selector, you should be receiving your Fall-Winter Sampler catalog. It's a sneak peek of what is in the new Fall & Winter catalog and offers some fantastic promotions!
Fall-Winter Sampler PromotionsDates: August 11, 2008-January 18, 2009
Promotion Details:New Recruit Incentive:
August 11-October 11, 2008
Join as a demonstrator with the standard $199 Starter Kit and choose one stamp set out of the Fall-Winter Sampler or Idea Book & Catalog for FREE.
I would LOVE to have you join my team!
Hostess Incentive:
October 1-November 30, 2008
Host a $350 workshop and choose one stamp set from the Fall-Winter Sampler for FREE!!!
Product Offer:
December 1, 2008-January18, 2009
Spend $20 and get 20 % off any stamp set from the Fall-Winter Sampler. What a great deal!!

Back from Convention

2008-08-04T15:36:00.007-04:00

Wow! What a few wild days it's been! I don't think I've ever seen so many women and men (there were a few!) in one place that share my love of stamping. It was incredible and overwhelming at times. The crowd was HUGE waiting to pick up our convention bags and to get into Momento Mall the first day. I waited in line for 2 1/2 hours to get into Momento Mall. But it was fun talking to people and swapping the whole time. People were generally nice and really excited to be there. I met a few of the ladies whose blogs I stalk every day. One of those ladies was Dawn Griffith. She is a doll and I loved talking with her. She's just as friendly and perky as she is on her blog.
I didn't get to finish all my make and takes at convention. I hate to rush through them and do sloppy work, so I'll finish them here at home where I can concentrate on them. I met some fabulous ladies at the tables though!

This is a shot of some of the girls in our group. From the left, it's Jeria, Peggy, Lisa and Lynn......great girls!

This is a shot of our whole group with Shelli Gardner, co-founder of Stampin'Up! She sat for hours every day during our lunch break to pose for pictures with anyone who wanted them. We were wearing our Sock Monkey (new stamp set) shirts. She was a great sport!

I am in recovery mode at the moment, it was a long 5 days with not much sleep. But I had a blast and would definitely do it again. I LOVE the new catalog and the new stamp sets that were in our convention bags. I also won a prize from the Prize Patrol during the final general session. It is the new Crazy for Cupcakes set and coordinating wheel, plus a roll of the new 1" double stitched grosgrain ribbon in Chocolate Chip. I LOVE it!!

Here's a link to some of the highlights from another blogger. She did such a great job re-capping, so I thought I would link you to her blog.

http://danniesdesigns.typepad.com/my_weblog/

The Barbie commercial was SOOOOOOO funny!

I'll try to post some pictures of the stamp sets we got next time. But for now, I think I need a nap!

Less than 48 hours to go

2008-07-27T15:40:00.002-04:00

Till I leave for Salt Lake City and the Stampin' Up! Convention. Wow! I'm soooooooo excited to be going. I'm also a bit scared.....not really scared, but I have NO idea what to expect. I know there will be close to 7,ooo other demos there, and let's just say I don't exactly like being in large crowds. I know we all won't be in one place at the same time all the time. There are 12 different tracks I believe. But still, that's ALOT of people in one building! I'm really excited about going on a tour of the Stampin' Up campus. I hear it's really something to see. I've never been further west than Chicago, so I'm really looking forward to seeing those beautiful mountains in person. I wish Don were coming with me to share that. He's been to SLC on many occasions for business though.
My swaps are done. I did approximately 150 all together. I did 30 card fronts and the rest are all 3-D swaps. This morning I went in my stamp room to make a birthday card for my neighbor's little girl who is turning one next weekend. I won't be here for her party, but I wanted to make a card for her. Well, I got sidetracked and ended up making some bookmarks for another swap LOL I am so surprised how much I've been into the swaps. When I first decided to go to the convention, I didn't plan on making any swaps at all. That's what peer pressure will do to you! I have enjoyed making them though. I did end up making that birthday card too, so all is good.
I recently signed up for a demonstrator business website through Stampin' Up. Check it out: www.lyndapacini.stampinup.net
I don't have any customized projects or information on there yet. I'll work on that after I return from SLC. Till then! Ta ta!!

Here it is

2008-07-21T09:06:00.002-04:00

The complete list of retiring accessories from Stampin Up. These items will only be available as long as supplies last or until August 1oth, whichever comes first. If there is something on this list you've been wanting, don't wait to long or it might be gone forever!

Item Number
Product Description
Availability
109200
Accents & Elements Build A Flower

110718
Accents & Elements Lucky Star

110719
Accents & Elements Messenger

103158
Acrylic Graph & Grid

108638
Card Stock 12 X 12 In Color

108642
Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Blue Bayou

108643
Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Groovy Guava

108637
Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 In Color

108640
Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 River Rock

108639
Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Soft Sky

108641
Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Wild Wasabi

108644
Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Purely Pomegranate

103975
Card Stock Brushed Copper

108694
Card Stock Textured 12 X 12 In Color

107312
Cards & Envelopes Gift Whisper White

107292
Cards & Envelopes Greeting Whisper White

109116
Notes & Envelopes Long Notes

109118
Notes & Envelopes Love Notes

109117
Notes & Envelopes Pocket Notes*

110729
Notes & Envelopes Scallop Notes

109119
Notes & Envelopes Gift Notes

109018
Classic Stampin' Ink Blue Bayou

109019
Classic Stampin' Ink Groovy Guava

109017
Classic Stampin' Ink Purely Pomegranate

109016
Classic Stampin' Ink River Rock

109015
Classic Stampin' Ink Soft Sky

109020
Classic Stampin' Ink Wild Wasabi

109013
Classic Stampin' Pad Blue Bayou

109012
Classic Stampin' Pad Groovy Guava

109011
Classic Stampin' Pad Purely Pomegranate

109010
Classic Stampin' Pad River Rock

109009
Classic Stampin' Pad Soft Sky

109014
Classic Stampin' Pad Wild Wasabi

110751
Designer Series Paper Azure*

110749
Designer Series Paper Berry Bliss

109154
Designer Series Paper Cutie Pie

110699
Designer Series Paper East Coast Prep*

109160
Designer Series Paper Fall Flowers

109159
Designer Series Paper Flowers For You*

110697
Designer Series Paper Ginger Blossom

110479
Designer Series Paper Jersey Shore*

109151
Designer Series Paper Le Jardin

110748
Designer Series Paper Notebook*

110750
Designer Series Paper Olive Press

109153
Designer Series Paper Porcelain Prints*

109175
Designer Series Paper Prints Almost Amethyst*

109177
Designer Series Paper Prints Always Artichoke

110696
Designer Series Paper Prints Bali Breeze

109173
Designer Series Paper Prints Blue Bayou

109174
Designer Series Paper Prints Brilliant Blue

109178
Designer Series Paper Prints Certainly Celery

109169
Designer Series Paper Prints Close to Cocoa*

109168
Designer Series Paper Prints Groovy Guava*

109171
Designer Series Paper Prints Lovely Lilac

109172
Designer Series Paper Prints More Mustard

109176
Designer Series Paper Prints Old Olive

109170
Designer Series Paper Prints Pumpkin Pie

109164
Designer Series Paper Prints River Rock*

109167
Designer Series Paper Prints Rose Red

109166
Designer Series Paper Prints So Saffron

109165
Designer Series Paper Prints Soft Sky

109163
Designer Series Paper Prints Tempting Turquoise

110698
Designer Series Paper Prints Spring Break

110273
Designer Series Paper Prints Spring Fling*

110271
Designer Series Paper Prints Spring Silhouettes

110272
Designer Series Paper Prints Western Sky

107299
Envelope Confetti Cream Medium

105320
Eyelets Basic

100375
Eyelets Bold Brights

100381
Eyelets Earth Elements

107233
Eyelets Fresh Favorites I

107234
Eyelets Fresh Favorites II

105316
Eyelets Rich Regals

100378
Eyelets Soft Subtles

105515
Hodgepodge Hardware Pewter

105531
Hodgepodge Hardware Antique Brass

105532
Hodgepodge Hardware Aged Copper

101120
Metallic Art Pencils

107307
On Board Accents

109181
On Board Blossoms & Basic

109179
On Board Ginormous Pieces

107306
On Board Simon Lower

102678
Paper Mulberry White

109227
Punch Box Three For You

102686
Punch Handheld Rectangle

100271
Pure Color Pencils

109060
Ribbon Double-Stitched Blue Bayou

109063
Ribbon Double-Stitched Groovy Guava

109061
Ribbon Double-Stitched Purely Pomegranate

109062
Ribbon Double-Stitched River Rock*

109059
Ribbon Double-Stitched Soft Sky

109058
Ribbon Double-Stitched Wild Wasabi

109189
Ribbon Originals Beachfront*

109187
Ribbon Originals District*

109188
Ribbon Originals Fairy Tale

109185
Ribbon Originals Jersey*

109184
Ribbon Originals Sherbert

109186
Ribbon Originals Theater

110716
Ribbon Striped Grosgrain Wild Wasabi*

110281
Rub-Ons Cherished Memories*

110284
Rub-Ons Eastern Elegance*

110285
Rub-Ons Urban West*

110557
Simply Scrappin' Boho Blend

109610
Simply Scrappin' Confetti

110572
Simply Scrappin' Crew Kids Boy

110567
Simply Scrappin' Crew Kids Girl

109597
Simply Scrappin' Home Again

110562
Simply Scrappin' Rose Cottage

109648
Simply Scrappin' Special Delivery Boy

109627
Simply Scrappin' Special Delivery Girl

110587
Simply Scrappin' Summer Days

110577
Simply Scrappin' Tie The Knot

111184
Simply Sent Friendly Notes

109228
Simply Sent Simple Delights

109229
Simply Sent Three Thoughts

106662
Stampin'Around Wheel Daisy Field

107561
Stampin'Around Wheel Garden Annuals

109681
Stampin'Around Wheel Good Dog

109678
Stampin'Around Wheel Kisses

107482
Stampin'Around Wheel Lily Pad

109680
Stampin'Around Wheel Meow

109677
Stampin'Around Wheel Mistletoe

106610
Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Basics Outline

107467
Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Birthday

109571
Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Dilly Dally Baby

109570
Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Dilly Dally Friends

109569
Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Dilly Dally Party

108423
Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Leaves A La Carte

107468
Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Nature Hike

108980
Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Petals

107464
Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Rough Texture

111261
Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Spunky Spots

109554
Stampin' Color Index Labels

109553
Stampin' Color Index Labels (French)

106694
Stampin' Kids Markers

101399
Stipple Brushes

102673
Zig Painty

Discounted retiring accessories

2008-07-19T09:09:00.003-04:00

Stampin Up just announced a list of retiring accessories that are discounted. These prices are in effect from July 21st through August 10th, or while supplies last. Let me know if there is anything you need! Remember, these items will not be available after they sell out or the promotion ends.

Item #
Pg. #
Description
Regular Price
25% Off Price
109117
167
Pocket Notes assortment
$9.95
$7.46
110479
168
Jersey Shore Designer Series paper
$9.95
$7.46
110699
168
East Coast Prep Designer Series paper
$9.95
$7.46
109159
169
Flowers For You Designer Series paper
$9.95
$7.46
110273
169
Spring Fling Designer Series paper
$9.95
$7.46
110748
170
Notebook Designer Series paper
$9.95
$7.46
109153
170
Porcelain Prints Designer Series paper
$9.95
$7.46
110751
171
Azure Designer Series paper
$9.95
$7.46
109164
171
River Rock Prints Designer Series paper
$9.95
$7.46
109175
171
Almost Amethyst Prints Designer Series paper
$9.95
$7.46
109168
171
Groovy Guava Prints Designer Series paper
$9.95
$7.46
109169
171
Close to Cocoa Prints Designer Series paper
$9.95
$7.46
110284
182
Eastern Elegance Rub-Ons
$10.95
$8.21
110285
182
Urban West Rub-Ons
$10.95
$8.21
110281
182
Cherished Memories Rub-Ons
$10.95
$8.21
109185
190
Jersey Ribbon Originals
$12.95
$9.71
109187
190
District Ribbon Originals
$12.95
$9.71
109189
190
Beachfront Ribbon Originals
$12.95
$9.71
110716
191
Wild Wasabi striped grosgrain ribbon
$7.95
$5.96
109062
191
River Rock double-stitched grosgrain ribbon
$8.95
$6.71

This list is in addition to the Hodgepodge Hardware Kits that are also 25% off right now.
Item #
Page #
Item Description
Regular Price
Limited Time 25% off Discount
105532
188
Aged Copper Hodgepodge Hardware
$27.95
$20.96
105531
188
Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware
$27.95
$20.96
105515
188
Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware

Rocking the Stamp Room

2008-07-18T10:03:00.003-04:00

I just added music to my blog....it was SO easy! I never thought I would add music, since most times when I click on other people's blogs I don't like the music. But then I realized it was their choices of music I didn't like LOL. And usually I have the volume on my laptop cranked up (don't know why), so I literally jump out of my seat when the music starts. So here are some of my favorites. If you don't like them, just turn down the volume *wink*
I'm off to my stamp room to work on swaps for convention and to start on some gifts. I also have some other things I need to get working on, as I am under a short deadline for those as well. I may be there all weekend!

Testing....

2008-07-16T12:47:00.002-04:00

I'm trying to learn a new skill LOL
Check out this blog: Ruth
There's an awesome post about love and life.

I've been tagged?

2008-07-15T18:24:00.002-04:00

Wow......this whole blogging thing is so new to me. I've seen other's be tagged on their blogs, but I never expected to be tagged myself! I'm not even sure of the proper tagging etiquette, but I'll give it a go. Linda tagged me ( http://ramblingsofanoldlady.blogspot.com/ ) Sorry, but I don't know how to link by just listing a name like Linda did.......

What was I doing Ten Years Ago?
Basically just being a mom and a wife I suppose!
Five Things On Today's "To Do" List
1. Go to the gym......I didn't want to go this morning when that alarm went off. Going to bed at midnight and getting up at 5:00 am are not conducive to exercise! But I did it!
2. Buy dog food
3. Shop for a new silver neck chain to replace the one that broke
4. Vacuum
5. Stay awake long enough to put David to bed
I'm addicted to:My laptop
Things I Would Do If I Were a Millionaire:
Hire Ginger to be David's full time in home nurse
Design and build the perfect house to meet all our unique needs
Fund a program to meet the needs of kids who have profound disabilities after they exit public school programs
Travel
Donate money to cancer research
Places I have Lived:
Orlando, FL
Saratoga Springs, NY
Mystic, CT
Wilmington, NC
Hudson, NH
Wilmington,NC.........in that order! :)
Since Linda and I know all the same bloggers, I'm going to piggyback on her list ;) 1.Kris2. Meredith3. Gina4. Ruth
Sorry if that's lame LOL.....but I'm a newbie!

Stamping and stuff

2008-07-11T12:57:00.002-04:00

Well, I've gotten alot accomplished as far as my convention swaps go. I'm finally working on a card front to swap with. It's a design I saw in the gallery at Splitcoast Stampers, but with the help of my Stampin Up demo group, I've tweaked it here and there and hopefully made it my own. I'll post pictures after convention.
I went to my upline's (Peggy)house yesterday morning for a stamp class she was having. Peggy has such incredible card designs, I always try to go when I'm available. It was a fun time, as always.
Yesterday I had a strange feeling all day.......I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but then it hit me out of the blue. Yesterday was Dan's 24th birthday. And I realized that it's the first of his birthdays that I didn't spend with him since he was born. Now I know, at 24 it's time.......but still, it was kinda sad for me. I still can't believe I have a 24 year old! Wow.
So today I'm here at home. Don is away on a jeep jamboree weekend. And don't you just know it, as soon as he leaves there is an issue with the pool. The hose that connects the automatic pool cleaner to the pool flew off yesterday. I can't get it back on. And the pool needs to be cleaned! So I had to call for help from our neighbor who is a pool guy. I hate admitting defeat and needing help LOL But I had to put my pride aside in the interest of clean pool water.

A toot of sorts

2008-07-08T10:40:00.002-04:00

Not in the crafty/stamping sense. But it is a personal milestone for me. Today was my "leg" day at the gym. Let me just say I hate leg days LOL....leg days are hard! As my very last exercise of the morning, my trainer put me on the seated leg press machine. I did my typical 3 sets, thinking I was done with the torture for the day. He always jokes that I could press the whole stack. Well today I tried it and I DID IT!!! Wooooooo Hooooo. Not just once, but a set of 8 reps. I was very pleased with myself. I pressed over 400 pounds! Let's see if I can walk tomorrow ;)

A fun activity?

2008-07-07T19:03:00.002-04:00

My oldest son was home from college for the past 10 days. He went back to school yesterday. On Saturday we were all sitting around and I came up with what I thought would be a fun activity. Now, you must understand I have a warped sense of humor. My "game" was I asked both Don (dh) and Dan (ds) to describe me as if they had to give a missing person's report to the police. I was admittedly fishing as to how they would describe my physical appearance to a stranger.....ok, I wanted to know if they would categorize me as fat ;) Dan gave the basic description: Short brown hair, brown eyes, yada, yada, yada. Totally what I expected from him. But my dear husband goes on to describe me in this manner: Short, brown hair, brown eyes, oval face, nice chest, medium build (I can live with that LOL) and then he tacks on BIG NOSE!!! Ok, I know I don't exactly have a cute button nose, but I don't think it's huge either LOL
That's the last time I'll ask him to give a physical description of me.

Random thoughts

2008-07-07T15:35:00.002-04:00

Going back to the gym at o' dark hundred this morning (5:30 am) was a bit difficult after having 3 days in a row "off". And I didn't do anything physical all weekend. I just can't count floating in the pool as exercise LOL But I suffered through it and got it done. My trainer worked the heck out of my chest and back today.....I swear he thinks I'm "Arnold". I keep telling him I'm an old lady,he has to take it easy on me LOL I don't think he's buying it. I'll be back first thing tomorrow morning.
This blogging stuff is so bizarre to me. I read other people's blogs and really enjoy peeking into their worlds. I fear mine is so mundane and un-interesting that there won't be any good stuff to write about. I guess time will tell.
Switching gears, I'm still working on swaps for the Stampin Up convention that is in 3 weeks. I have a fair amount done already, but I need to do at least 1 card front. All my other swaps are 3-D's. The problem is, I ordered some stuff to make the cards and the order hasn't even shipped from SU yet........arrrrgggh! Poor planning on my part.
After I get back from convention I will probably start making Christmas cards. I promised myself last year I would NOT be making them 2 weeks before Christmas........again. Stayed tuned to see if I hold myself to that promise!

And still some more.......

2008-07-06T12:59:00.002-04:00

More stuff

2008-07-06T12:49:00.005-04:00

This is a small box I designed to teach to my demonstrator group. The box holds a set of small note cards shown in the next photo.

Some stampin stuff

2008-07-06T12:44:00.002-04:00

As promised, here are some of my Stampin Up cards and projects.

Testing.....

2008-07-05T19:35:00.002-04:00

Just figuring out how to upload pics. I promise the next ones I upload will be some stamping projects.

Whew!

2008-07-05T19:33:00.002-04:00

This blog stuff is exhausting! LOL
But I'm happy with the progress my baby blog has made today. Who knows, maybe tomorrow I'll move onto music and slide shows.

I'm on the bandwagon

2008-07-05T11:41:00.000-04:00

Don't ask me why......
I guess we'll see where this takes us LOL