Handstamped from the Heart

A SUDSOL pattern

2012-02-25T06:25:00.003-05:00

About a month ago (WHERE does the time go?), Leanne, who is one of the AMAZING Pattern Library Coordinators on SUDSOL (Simply Unique Demonstrators Sharing OnLine) asked me to help out with updating the Pattern Library. I told her I'd be happy to help and that I'd "get on it in a few days". HA!! Nearly a MONTH later, I FINALLY carved out enough time to pull this off. I'm SO glad I did!

If you're a demonstrator, you have access to a WEALTH of information on the SUDSOL site. Yes, it's a paid site. Yes, it's TOTALLY worth it! If you haven't tried it out yet, please click on the link in my right hand side bar for a FREE two week tutorial.

Anyway, here's the project I updated:

I used the Spring Fever Simply Scrappin' Kit to create a card keeper! My colours are a little off, but the base is Melon Mambo.

My accordions on the sides were made with Daffodil Delight. I used my Simply Scored Tool to score them every 1/2". If you don't own one yet, NOW is the time to order...because on March 1st, you'll be able to order a DIAGONAL plate that will allow you to create envelopes!

On the bottom right and top left (on the flap), I added some of the stickers that were in the Simply Scrappin' Kit. It's amazing how easy it is to put things together when using a kit! Stampin' UP! is AMAZING about matching all their colours, but the kits are even MORE perfect because EVERYTHING you need is RIGHT THERE!

One thing I noticed when I opened the kit that particularly made my day was that some of the stickers had a Whisper White background and some were Very Vanilla. How wonderful is THAT? You could use any excess on Whisper White or Very Vanilla card bases. WOOT!

I hope you liked my little project for today and hope you come back tomorrow where I'll be showing you some of the cards I made with the kit.

Happy Stampin'!

It's all about the BARE NECESSITIES!

2012-02-24T05:40:00.004-05:00

OK, I saw this the other day and just HAD to share it with you! If you're enjoying a beverage while reading today, you'll want to set it aside.

Happy Stampin'!

Love what you do!

2012-02-23T05:25:00.025-05:00

In the month since I've returned from Leadership, the Canadian Blossoms have welcome FOUR new team members! And we're about to welcome BACK a fifth in the next couple of days! It feels SO good to know we're growing and to know we're helping even more people achieve their dreams!

Statement of the Heart:

To love what we do

and share what we love

as we help others enjoy creativity

and worthwhile accomplishments

...in this we make a difference!

To that end, I've made some "welcome to the club" cards to send off to our newest team members and I also made a few thank you cards to give to my newest downline, since I had the opportunity to meet her for coffee earlier this week.

I just LOVE how quick and easy it is to make cards using the Note Cards Pack. And can you believe the price? Twenty cards AND twenty envelops for just $7.50. At that price, you could send a card every day of the week!

Here's what I came up with:

Don't you just LOVE the Baker's Twine? I don't have it in every colour (yet!) but pretty close. I just think it's so much fun! And with 25 yards coming in at just under $4.00, you can afford to wrap and wrap and wrap!

I used Island Indigo for the "welcome" cards and then Island Indigo, Pool Party (in the back) and Lucky Limeade for the Thank You cards.

What do you think?

STAMPS: Love What You Do, Thank You Kindly

INK: Island Indigo, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade

PAPERS: Note Cards

ACCESSORIES: Baker's Twine

Happy Stampin'!

Tea Shoppe for the Stampin' Queens!

2012-02-22T02:30:00.022-05:00

Hmmm...ok. So, you know how I said LAST WEEK that my dear friend Cristena probably hadn't had enough caffeine when designing the sketches? And how after last week's sketch, they shouldn't be TOO difficult? Yeah...I think I lied - LOL!

This week's sketch gave me a bit of trouble too:

See what I mean? Or maybe not? Maybe it's just me?

Anyway...in order to NOT make myself totally crazy, I went with a monochromatic look, using Whisper White, Wisteria Wonder and Concord Crush. I'm going to be sad to see Concord Crush go...though if you'd asked me that when it first came out, I would have told you a different story! It goes so well with Wisteria Wonder!

So...here's my take on the sketch:

I started off with a base of Wisteria Wonder and added a layer of Flirtatious Designer Series Paper. My panels were created in the same manner.

I stamped my image from Tea Shoppe in Wisteria Wonder on Whisper White and then matted it on another piece of Wisteria Wonder. The Concord Crush ribbon underneath just adds the right touch of "punch". My sentiment, stamped in Concord Crush, is adhered to the card using Stampin' Dimensionals.

What do you think?

STAMPS: Tea Shoppe
INK: Wisteria Wonder and Concord Crush
PAPERS: Whisper White and Wisteria Wonder Cardstock; Flirtatious DSP
ACCESSORIES: Ribbon, Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

MDS...Tuesday?

2012-02-21T08:10:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was family day in Ontario and we actually got to spend it as a family! Normally, my hubby works, but he had yesterday off - YAY! Not that we did anything exciting...we sorted out the mess in the file cabinet (stuff dating back to 1991!) and tore up some carpet in order to lay laminate. The kids just sat around like the lazy sloths that they are...

Anyway...that's why there was no post yesterday. Plus, I was working on my Stampin' Extravaganza event, which is just a mere 123 days away!!! You'll want to check out the page for that here. Details will start shortly, but for now, ticket sales have already started - WOOT!!!

So today, I loaded the Sale-a-Bration MDS DVD into my program and did a quick layout of my favourite Leadership samples:

There were SO many samples to see and this is just barely 1% of them. I know I took 100's of pictures!

Do you see those little tags in the middle? You can make those MDS! Yes, there's a tag update. What a perfect way to finish off a gift of homemade treats from your kitchen.

Do you see what looks like a layer of vellum on top of the Designer Series Paper? In order to create that, I added a square punch to my page and stretched it until it covered most of the background paper. Then I filled it Whisper White and reduced the opacity to 50%. TA-DA! Vellum!!

Well, that's it for today! I'm meeting my newest downline later on and I want to take her something special, so it's a busy day ahead!

Happy MDSin'!

Mixed Bunch gets Dazzling Diamond Dust

2012-02-18T18:45:00.005-05:00

So...the other day (maybe last week?), I got an email in my inbox from SUDSOL (if you're a demonstrator, you WANT to join this site - click in the link in my right hand sidebar) about a technique called Dazzling Diamond Dust.

Well...I finally carved out ENOUGH time to be able to try the technique and GAK!!! I had no Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder! What? I know...I was shocked too!

Well, thank goodness it turns out that if you mix equal parts of clear embossing powder and Dazzling Diamonds you can get a VERY similar effect. PHEW!!!

So, I went to the ~~science lab~~ my creating space and got started. And...OH. MY. GOSH. I think I'm in love with this new technique. Here's what I made:

I used the Mixed Bunch set and stamped it in Pacific Point, Pumpkin Pie and Daffodil Delight. Then the fun started! I covered the WHOLE surface of the stamped panel with Versamark and then coated it in my homemade Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder (I ordered some, so it will be here in time for my March 3rd class when we'll be making this card). The next step was whipping out the heat gun and embossing it. Now...I have to admit that it was a little difficult to see the "change" as the embossing powder set, but I persevered and got the job done. :)

I have to say, I love it!! So bright and cheery! And that's why it made the cut for my Cheery cards class on March 3rd. I still have a FEW spots left, so if you'd like to come, let me know ASAP!

Would YOU like this card? Since it's so late in the day, this will be a two day (ish) give away. So, leave me a comment between now and midnight EST on February 19th, 2012 and I'll chose a winner on Monday Feb. 20th, 2012.

What do you think?

STAMPS: Mixed Bunch, Little Friends
INK: Pacific Point, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Versamark
PAPERS: Whisper White and Pacific Point Cardstock
ACCESSORIES: Embossing Powder

Happy Stampin'!

Busy Day Ahead...and some news!!!

2012-02-16T08:30:00.003-05:00

When I made the switch to Business Demonstrator last January, I had NO idea what lay ahead. I just knew that I wanted to be able to do more for my family as a Stampin' UP! demonstrator. I wanted to be able to buy that "monkey on a stick". Yes...that's TOTALLY obscure and there's probably less than a handful of people who know what that means, but that's OK.

I've been working VERY hard to make things happen this year and today I got notice that thanks to a new demonstrator who saw something in me that made her want to sign up, that I promoted to Counselor (that's Manager for my American friends - WOOT!)! I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am about this and what this means to my business. Stampin' UP! is one of the best companies in the world and I get to be part of it all!!!

To that end, instead of a card today, I borrowed a layout from the Stampin' UP! website. It's not my family, but it's how I'm feeling today and I do hope you'll share in my excitement.

I'm incredibly grateful for the love an support of my family - both the ones that live with me and my Stampin' UP! family! I'm incredibly grateful that they believed in me and had faith.

And now...before I ruin makeup, I'm going to sign off.

Have a GREAT day everyone...and thank you!

Send me Soaring for the Stampin' Queens

2012-02-15T01:30:00.026-05:00

Can you believe it??? This is my 600th post!!!!

So yesterday, I showed you the card I made for my hubby for Valentine's Day. Then, I told you that you couldn't have it.

Today, I'm showing you the card I made for youngest DS for Valentine's Day. Again, you can't have it - LOL!

When youngest DS saw the card I made for hubby, he asked if I had made him one too. Ummm...nope! OOPS! I asked if he'd like for me to make him one and he said yes.

Since I still had Send me Soaring out on the table (and the Just Add Cake DSP too, by the way), I decided to go with that.

Since today is Stampin' Queens Day, I used this sketch:

but I changed it up a little bit and made it square. Let me tell you, this one gave me a heck of a time! I think when Cristena makes these things up, she needs more coffee in her system or SOMETHING - sheesh!!! Fortunately, I've seen the sketches for the next few months and none look THIS difficult - PHEW!!!

Here's the card I created:

I started off with a 5 x 5" card base and added a piece of Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper, a layer of Whisper White Cardstock and then the little banners/flags. I stamped the main image using the clouds and kites (had to use a heart one of course) and adhered it using Stampin' Dimensionals.

Thanks to Ann Schach for her awesome tip of microwaving our Seam Binding! Who knew?

What do you think?

STAMPS: Send me Soaring
INK: Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, Poppy Parade
PAPERS: Whisper White and Poppy Parade Cardstock; Just Add Cake DSP
ACCESSORIES: Seam Binding, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

If ain't broke...

2012-02-14T10:05:00.001-05:00

...don't fix it! Sometimes, you find a TRULY awesome card and you just KNOW you're going to have to CASE it...with a WHOLE lot of emphasis on the COPY and considerably LESS on the selectively edit.

But first...my MOJO card from yesterday. Yes, I know I said you could have it, but I loved it SO much that I had to give it to my hubby for Valentine's Day (and a day early no less!).

You DO, however, get to see it (though not the mush on the inside):

I started off with a piece of Real Red Cardstock and added a layer of Designer Series Paper from "Just Add Cake". For the additional cardstock colours, I pulled from the DSP using Wild Wasabi and Baja Breeze.

Yesterday, I received the order that contained "Send Me Soaring" (one of the few sets I didn't think I needed from the Occasions Mini...until we used it at Regionals) and I just had to ink it up right away! I'll admit that the kite string is DEFINITELY tricky, but if you take extra care, you're good to go! This is most decidedly a stamp that falls into the GENTLY tap, tap, tap category. My class attendees will know what this means...and if you haven't been to a class yet, what are you waiting for? My upcoming class can be seen here.

When I gave the card to my hubby, *I* cried! How pathetic is THAT? This is our 25th Valentine's Day together and he STILL sends me soaring, so the sentiment was VERY appropriate!

Enough mushy stuff...on to the card that you DO get to have if you remember to comment!

This is my "If it ain't broke" card, completely CASE'd from the lovely and talented Robin Merriman. The one single thing I changed was stamping the "Wish Big" sentiment from Short and Sweet in Melon Mambo.

My card base is 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" and the single layer is 4" x 5 1/4" Whisper White. I stamped a collage pattern (much like Robin's) using Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo and Pacific Point.

I used the new Blossom Punch to punch out the Designer Series Paper and the stamped flower image. I even added GLITTER! Thank goodness for Dazzling Details - no glitter messes - YAY!!!

Now...the BAD news is, I only have ONE of these to give away, so if you'd like it, be sure to leave a comment, TODAY, February 14th, 2012 before midnight EST. The GOOD news is, I think I'll add this card to the March class because it DEFINITELY falls into the "cheery" category. So, if you don't win, you can come make one!

What do you think?

STAMPS: Short and Sweet, Send Me Soaring, Mixed Bunch
INK: Basic Black, Baja Breeze, Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo and Pacific Point
PAPERS: Real Red, Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, Melon Mambo and Whisper White Cardstock; Just Add Cake DSP
ACCESSORIES: Punches, Stampin' Dimensionals, Dazzling Details

Happy Stampin'!

Class Valentines - check!

2012-02-13T12:05:00.002-05:00

I'm normally VERY organized, but January and the first part of February have been SO crazy that I am cutting it down to the wire!

These are the Valentine treats for Jonathan's class:

I started off with the 1 x 8 cello bags and one pencil, but that looked a little cheap, so I had to go out and buy MORE pencils so I could put two in each bag - MUCH better!

I cut 2 x 2 pieces of Real Red Cardstock and folded them in half, adhering them to the top of the bag using Sticky Strip. The opening of the bag is at the BOTTOM, so if I'm LUCKY, the kids won't destroy the tag and actually open from the bottom...meh...who am I kidding???

I punched out the hearts using the full heart punch and Pretty In Pink Designer Series Paper and stamped the little round image from P.S. I Love You afterward. They were adhered to the folded Real Red Cardstock with Snail Adhesive.

Congratulations to Cathy who won one of the cards that I made for the Gala on Saturday!!

I won't be able to give any of the treats I made away as there is JUST enough for Jonathan's class. I'm about to try and squeeze in the MOJO Monday, so you can have that one when it's done. :)

What do you think?

STAMPS: P.S. I love you
INK: Real Red
PAPERS: Real Red Cardstock; Pretty In Pink DSP
ACCESSORIES: Punch, Cello Bags

Happy Stampin'!

P.S. I Love You

2012-02-11T13:25:00.001-05:00

LOVE YOU CARD

Stamps
• P.S. I Love You

Paper
• Crumb Cake Card Stock
• Early Espresso Card Stock
• Pink Pirouette Card Stock
• 2011-2013 In Color Patterns Designer Series Paper

Ink
• Calypso Coral Classic Stampin’ Pad®
• Early Espresso Classic Stampin’ Pad
• VersaMark® Pad
• Blushing Bride Smooch Spritz®
• White Stampin’ Emboss® Powder

Accessories
• Calypso Coral Baker’s Twine
• Calypso Coral 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon
• Stampin’ Dimensionals®
• Crop-A-Dile™
• 1/2" Circle Punch
• Sponge Daubers

My apologies friends, this isn't my card, but as soon as I can I'll make one just the same for YOU!

As you saw in yesterday's post, I'm attending the Have a Heart Gala today and things are pretty hectic!

I'll be back tomorrow with MY version of this card and ANOTHER card to show you.

Happy Stampin'!

From My Heart to Yours

2012-02-10T14:55:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, I'll be attending the Have A Heart Gala in memory of Wyatt. It's a fundraiser for the Labbatt Family Heart Centre at the Hospital for Sick Children where Wyatt spend most of his young and much too short life.

Since two of my children were also born with congenital heart conditions, this cause is VERY near and dear to my heart. I volunteer at the gala and also provide a small token for the gift bags as well as a basket of stamping goodies that will be put up for raffle.

I made 49 of these today (I'll make more tomorrow), one for YOU and 48 to take to the Gala:

I started off with a 3 x 3 card base made from textured Pink Pirouette Cardstock and added a strip of Pink Pirouette Designer Series Paper from the subtles pack. I stamped the heart from P.S. I love you in Real Red on Whisper White and punched it out using the Heart Punch. It was adhered to the front of the card using Stampin' Dimensionals.

Congratulations once again to Lindsay who won yesterday's fun and cheery card!

If YOU would like today's card, please be sure to leave me a comment today, Friday February 10th, 2012 before midnight EST. I'll choose a winner tomorrow morning!

What do you think?

STAMPS: P.S. I love you
INK: Real Red
PAPERS: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette and Real Red Candstock; Pink Pirouette DSP
ACCESSORIES: Punches, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

Just a reminder...

2012-02-10T08:15:00.002-05:00

...that if you've won a card in my 30 cards in 30 days giveaway, you need to contact me to claim your card. Unless I mention that I "know where you live", please don't assume I can find your addy or that I already have it.

I'll be back in a couple of hours with today's card!

Thanks!

Mixed Bunch for fun!

2012-02-09T05:30:00.005-05:00

My March class, on March 3rd, will feature fun and cheery cards! This is just ONE of them (we'll be making EIGHT!):

I started off with a white card base and added a layer of Poppy Parade Designer Series Paper from the "Just Add Cake" paper pack. I'm going to miss Poppy Parade when it retires at the end of May!

Since our paper is double sided, I just flipped over the Poppy Parade piece of DSP to use the strips for my paper "ribbon". I stamped my flower from Mixed Bunch in Calypso Coral and punched it out using the new Blossom Punch. To add a little pizzazz to the flower, I coloured my Basic Rhinestones with a permanent marker before adhering them to the flower.

I haven't added a sentiment yet, because I'm not sure what it should be - LOL! If YOU win this card, you can tell me if you'd like me to add a sentiment or not.

Congratulations to one of my newest followers, Lucy's Soup Can, who won yesterday's card! Please email me with your snail mail addy so I can send this card off to you. Thanks!

If you'd like to win this card, be sure to leave me a comment today, February 9th, 2012 before midnight EST and I'll choose a winner tomorrow.

What do you think?

STAMPS: Mixed Bunch
INK: Calypso Coral
PAPERS: Whisper White Cardstock; Just Add Cake DSP
ACCESSORIES: Punches, Basic Rhinestones, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

Go Big or Go Home for the Stampin' Queens!

2012-02-08T02:30:00.006-05:00

Or...some things have to be seen to be believed...which is not only the sentiment, but also how I felt after looking at the colour combo on the Colour Coach. Soft Suede, So Saffron and Regal Rose? Really? Yes, REALLY!!!

Look at this:

Would you have thought that those three colours would look so good together? Me neither - but there you have it!

I started off with the ribbon as my inspiration and then added the rest of the elements. Of COURSE, I used Everything Eleanor again (you're surprised? LOL!) and added in just a touch of "Just Believe" (the sentiment).

Here's the sketch, so you can give it a try too:

Congratulations to Teresa who won yesterday's card!!! I already have Teresa's addy, so I'll pop it in the mail for her!

Would YOU like to win this card? Just leave me a comment today, February 8th, 2012 before midnight EST and tomorrow morning, I'll chose a winner!

What do you think?

STAMPS: Everything Eleanor, Just Believe
INK: So Saffron, Soft Suede
PAPERS: Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Soft Suede, Regal Rose
ACCESSORIES: Ribbon, Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

Almost forgot!!!

2012-02-07T13:10:00.001-05:00

I used Random.org to determine the winner of the Fresh Vintage stamp set! I had eight comments, I so input the numbers 1 and 8 as the numbers between which random.org should choose.

Random.org selected # 1! That means that SHELLEY!!! you win! Please email me with your snail mail address so I can send the stamp set off to you!

Happy Stampin'!

From this...to that...

2012-02-07T08:55:00.016-05:00

Now my this to that feature is usually where I take an ATC (Artist Trading Card) and use it as the focal point on a card. Today? Not so much...

I was pulling papers, etc yesterday with the intention of creating my Stampin' Queens card for tomorrow, but I ended up with a card for the MOJO Monday sketch. Yeah...I know. Weird!

Anyway...I was still being inspired by the teeny tiny twitterpated lolly, so I reached for my Twitterpated Designer Series Paper again. This time I went with Blushing Bride (I'm going to miss that when it retires at the end of May!), Basic Grey and Island Indigo:

I stamped the sentiment from Word Play on Whisper White and punched it out with the Extra-Large Oval Punch before adhering it to the Island Indigo Oval which was embossed and then hand cut.

The Basic Grey DSP was looking a little boring, so I added some faux stitching with my white gel pen.

To finish the inside, I started with another piece of the Basic Grey DSP and added a piece of Whisper White on which I doodled and added the small flower from Bordering on Romance.

Congratulations to Lindsay who won the most adorable little box from yesterday! It'll ship flat, so if you can email me your addy (yes, again! LOL!), I'll send it off!

Would YOU like to receive today's card? Just leave me a comment today, February 7th, 2012 before midnight EST and I'll choose a winner tomorrow!

What do you think?

STAMPS: Word Play, Bordering on Romance
INK: Island Indigo, Basic Grey
PAPERS: Whisper White, Blushing Bride and Island Indigo Cardstock; Twitterpated DSP
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot Baby!, Ribbon, Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Markers, White Gel Pen

Happy Stampin'!

What inspires you?

2012-02-06T08:55:00.001-05:00

Where do you find your inspiration? In the Stampin' UP! Designer Series Paper? In the cardstock colours? In the colours you chose for your home? In your outside world?

Wherever you find inspiration, I hope it leads to pretty things in your life!

Today's card started off because I had an unfinished lolly sitting in my workspace. It was just a tiny strip of Twitterpated Designer Series Paper (have I mentioned that I love it?). This paper is also available as a digital download, so if you've already started you FREE trial of My Digital Studio and you're ALREADY addicted, perhaps you'd like to add it to your collection. You not only get the paper, but a whole slew of embellishment/accessories as well...not to mention a 12 x 12 designer template. Take a look:

So much goodness in one small package!!!

And speaking of small packages, today's card is not actually a card. It's a tiny little package into which you can place tiny little bits of love. And I when I say tiny, I mean tiny. Take a look:

I followed the directions on Brenda's site to make the little box and I think it turned out just PERFECT!! The base of the little box/purse is only 2" square. Could it be any cuter?

Is it wrong for me to say that I hope no once comments so I can keep it? LOL! Well...it's a good thing I can make more!

Congratulations to Denise, who wins yesterday's set of notecards! I know where she lives...so I can hand deliver them - LOL!

Would YOU like to win today's most adorable box? Just leave me a comment today, February 6th, 2012 before midnight EST and I'll choose a winner tomorrow morning! It does open up to ship flat, so you won't have to worry about receiving it all squished.

What do you think?

STAMPS: None
INK: None
PAPERS: Twitterpated DSP, Island Indigo Cardstock
ACCESSORIES: Ribbon, Big Shot Baby!, Framelits, Glue Dots, Simply Scored, Stampin' Dimensionals, Basic Large Pearls

Happy Stampin'!

Just a Note...

2012-02-05T11:15:00.001-05:00

Sometimes you just need a little note and not a whole card. Today's creation is all about just a note. Just a little simple something to let someone know you appreciate them.

I started off with Everything Eleanor (you're surprised? LOL!) and stamped the large swirl in Crumb Cake on Very Vanilla Cardstock. The Very Vanilla layer is matted on Crumb Cake and then on Rose Red Cardstock. I added a layer of Rose Red punched with the scallop trim border punch and adhered a flower from Everything Eleanor stamped in Rose Red.

Congratulations to EVERYONE who commented on yesterday's post! YOU ALL WIN!!! First come, first served! Let me know which card you'd like and I'll pop it in the mail to you!

Would YOU like to receive this set of notecards? Just leave me a comment today, February 5th, 2012 before midnight EST and I'll select a winner tomorrow.

What do you think?

STAMPS: Everything Eleanor
INK: Rose Red and Crumb Cake
PAPERS: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake and Rose Red Cardstock
ACCESSORIES: Punches, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood...

2012-02-04T10:45:00.001-05:00

...a beautiful day for a neighbour...won't you be mine?

When Scott Nielsen of Stampin' UP! did this at Leadership, he had us all in STITCHES!

I'd like YOU to be my neighbour and come to my classes, like the one we're having today which features Easy Events:

Of course, today's class is already in full swing, but next month is gearing up to be fun! Look for fun and cheery cards as we welcome spring, which will be just around the corner!

Congratulations to Erica who won yesterday's card!! Erica, please send me your snail mail address and I'll send this off to you in no time!!

Would YOU like to win one of these cards? I'll be choosing EIGHT people from the comments below. Just leave me a comment today, February 4th, 2012 before midnight EST and I'll choose the winners tomorrow!!

Happy Stampin'!

From me to you from Leadership!

2012-02-03T08:05:00.001-05:00

While we were at Leadership, we had the opportunity to do some make and takes. I think we had five or six that we SHOULD have been able to complete in the 2 1/2 hours we were allotted. Yeah...not so much.

We arrived late (lunch with new friends!) and chatted WAY too much! I FINALLY got to meet Ann Schach (but forgot to take a picture!) and when I looked at my watch it was time to go!

How many of the make and takes did I get done. One. Yep! Just one. Well...technically two, because that first packet contained two cards, one to keep and one to donate to Ronald McDonald House.

Here it is:

We started off with a Daffodil Delight base and then stamped some of the images from Mixed Bunched (which we received for FREE!) on Whisper White and Old Olive. The rick rack was a little tricky to do with the punch, so when I make it again (and I will because it's SO cute) I think I'll use the Tasteful Trim Die and my Big Shot.

I love the new blossom punch that goes with this set! It's especially fun to cut into the petals and curl them up.

There were NO comments on yesterday's card, so I get to keep that one!!!

If YOU would like to receive today's card, please leave me a comment today, February 3rd, 2012 before midnight EST and I'll choose a random winner tomorrow.

What do you think?

STAMP: Mixed Bunch, Thank You Kindly
INK: Daffodil Delight, Poppy Parade, Old Olive
PAPERS: Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Poppy Parade
ACCESSORIES: Punches, Stampin' Dimensionals, Blossom Builders Kit, Baker's Twine, Button, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

Short and Sweet!

2012-02-02T08:30:00.003-05:00

Today's post is going to be short and sweet, because I'm taking my DD and her BFF to try on PROM dresses! PROM DRESSES! Can you just imagine? How in the world did they grow up this fast? I remember having to pick up BFF at school so she could reach the water fountain for a drink while they were in kindergarden. Unreal!

This card is a COMPLETE CASE of Barb Mullikin - hey...if it ain't broke, don't fix it!!!

The winner of YESTERDAY'S card is Ann Schach!!! Ann, I'm sure I have your snail mail addy somewhere, but if you could send it to me again, it would make my life SO much easier - LOL!

Would YOU like to receive this card? Just leave me a comment before midnight EST today, February 2nd, 2012. I'll choose a random winner tomorrow!

Happy Stampin'!

30 cards in 30 days should be EASY with this list!!!

2012-02-01T11:50:00.000-05:00

FEBRUARY 2011

MONTH-LONG OBSERVANCES

Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month

American Heart Month

American History Month

An Affair to Remember Month

Avocado and Banana Month

Bake for Family Fun Month

Beans Month

Black History Month

Candy Month

Canned Foods Month

Cat Health Month

Chocolate Month

Creative Romance Month

Dog Training Education Month

Exotic Vegetables and Star Fruit Month

February is Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month

Friendship Month

Great American Pie Month

International Boost Self-Esteem Month

International Embroidery Month

International Expect Success Month

International Friendship Month

International Hoof Care Month

International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month

Jobs in Golf Month

Kids ENT Month

Lent

Library Lovers Month

Low Vision Awareness Month

National African American History Month

National Bird Feeding Month

National Care About Your Indoor Air Month

National Cherry Month

National Children's Dental Health Month

National Condom Month

National Embroidery Month

National Grapefruit Month

National Hot Breakfast Month

National Laugh Friendly Month

National Mend a Broken Heart Month

National Parent Leadership Month

National Pet Dental Health Month

National Senior Independence Month

National Snack Food Month

National Time Management Month

National Weddings Month

National Wild Bird Feeding Month

National Wise Health Consumer Month

Plant the Seeds of Greatness Month

Potato Lovers Month

Pull Your Sofa Off the Wall Month

Relationship Wellness Month

Responsible Pet Owners' Month

Return Shopping Carts to the

Supermarket Month

Spiritual Teacher Month

Spunky Old Broads Month

Sweet Potato Month

Umbrella Month

Wise Health Consumer Month

Worldwide Renaissance of the Heart Month

Youth Leadership Month

WEEK 1 OBSERVANCES

Consumer Protection Week

International Snow Sculpting Month

National Burn Awareness Week

National Patient Recognition Week

National School Counselors Week

Pride in Food Services Week

Solo Diners Eat Out Week

Women’s Heart Week

WEEK 2 OBSERVANCES

Boy Scout Anniversary Week

Children’s Authors/Illustrators Week

Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Month

Dump Your Significant Jerk Week

Freelance Writer Appreciation Week

Getting Dizzy Week

Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week

International Coaching Week

International Friendship Week

International Networking Week

Just Say No to Powerpoint Week

Love Makes the World Go Round, But Laughter

Keeps Us From Getting Dizzy Week

National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week

National Children of Alcoholics Week

National Green Week

National Pancake Week

National School Counseling Week

National Secondhand Wardrobe Week

Publicity for Profit Week

Risk Awareness Week

PTA Take Your Family to School Week

WEEK 3 OBSERVANCES

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Staff Education Week

Celebration of Love Week

Children of Alcoholics Week

Great Backyard Bird Count Week

International Flirting Week

Jell-O Week

Love a Mensch Week

Love Your Pet Week

National Condom Week

National Entrepreneurship Week

Random Acts of Kindness Week

Meatfare Week

WEEK 4 OBSERVANCES

American Crossword Puzzle Month

Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week

Build a Better Tradeshow Image Week

Learning Disabilities Week

National Conference on Education

National Crossword Puzzle Week

National Engineers Week

National Future Farmers of America Week

National Pancake Week

Read to Me Week

Texas Cowboy Poetry Week

WEEK 5 OBSERVANCES

National Eating Disorders Week

National Secondhand Wardrobe Week

Peace Corps Week

Telecommuter Appreciation Week

February 1st

African American Coaches Day

Car Insurance Day

Clark Gable's Birthday (1901)

G.I. Joe Day

Healthy Heart Day

Hula in the Coola Day

Jerry Spinelli's Birthday (1941)

National Freedom Day

National Girls & Women in Sports Day

Robinson Crusoe Day

Serpent Day

Spunky Old Broads Day

Wear Red Day

Women Heart Health Day

Working Naked Day

February 2nd

Ayn Rand's Birthday (1905)

Bonza Bottler Day (2/2)

Candlemas Day

Crepes Day

Groundhog Day

Hedgehog Day

Ina Garten’s Birthday (1948)

James Joyce's Birthday (1882)

Judith Viorst's Birthday (1931)

Purification Day

Sled Dog Day

World Wetland Day

February 3rd

Bubble Gum Day

Carrot Cake Day

Cordova Ice Worm Day

Gertrude Stein’s Birthday (1874)

James Michener's Birthday (1907)

Maura Tierney’s Birthday (1965)

National Give Kids a Smile Day

National Wear Red Day

Norman Rockwell’s Birthday (1894)

Take a Cruise Day

The Day Music Died (1959)

Plane Crash killed B Holly, R Valens, Big Bopper

February 4th

Charles Lindbergh's Birthday (1902)

Create a Vacuum Day

Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

Laura Ingalls Wilder Day

Liberace Day

National Stuffed Mushroom Day

Quacker Day

Spoiled Cats Day

Thank a Mailman Day

USO Day

World Cancer Day

February 5th

Christopher Guest's BIrthday (1948)

Disaster Day

Dump Your Significant Jerk Day

Hank Aaron's Birthday (1934)

National Weatherperson's Day

John Jeffries Birthday (1744) – First US Weatherman

Old Shoes Day

Superbowl Sunday

Western Monarch Day

World Nutella Day

February 6th

Babe Ruth’s Birthday (1895)

Bob Marley’s Birthday (1945)

Great Pie Day

Lame Duck Day

Monopoly Board Game Invented (1935)

National Compliment Day

Ronald Reagan's Birthday (1911)

February 7th

African American Coaches Day

Ballet Day

Charles Dicken's Birthday (1812)

James Spader’s Birthday (1960)

Man Day

Laura Ingalls Wilder's Birthday (1867)

Send a Card to a Friend Day

Sinclair Lewis’ Birthday (1885)

Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day

February 8th

Boy Scouts Day

John Williams' Birthday (1932)

Jules Verne's Birthday (1828)

Kite-Flying Day

Laugh and Get Rich Day

Moo Cow Day

Opera Day

World Marriage Day

February 9th

Alice Walker's Birthday (1944)

Bad Poetry Day

Carole King's Birthday (1942)

Charles Shaughnessy's Birthday (1955)

Corvette Day

Hershey's Chocolate Founded (1894)

Lunar Eclipse Day

National Stop Bullying Day

Read in the Bathtub Day

Toothache Day

February 10th

Boris Pasternak's Birthday (1890)

E.L. Konigsburg's Birthday (1930)

Glenn Beck’s Birthday (1964)

Plimsoll Day

Umbrella Day

February 11th

Be Electrific Day

Daytona Pole Day

Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day

Leslie Nielsen’s Birthday (1926)

Make a Friend Day

National Inventor's Day

National Shut-In Visitation Day

Professional Sports Wives Day

Pro Sports Wives Day

Sarah Palin's Birthday (1964)

Satisfied Being Single Day

Thomas Edison’s Birthday (1847)

White T-Shirt Day

February 12th

Aaron Sanchez’ Birthday (1976)

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday (1809)

Darwin Day

First Barbie Dolls for Sale

Judy Blume's Birthday (1938)

Log Cabin Day

Michael McDonald’s Birthday (1952)

NAACP Day

National Plum Pudding Day

Paul Bunyan Day

Safety Pup Day

Winter Olympics Start

World Marriage Day

February 13th

Bess Truman's Birthday (1885)

Blame Someone Else Day

Clean Out Your Computer Day

Dream of Your Sweetheart Day

Employee Legal Awareness Day

Get a Different Name Day

Grant Wood's Birthday (1892)

I Value Your Friendship Day

L.L. Bean's Birthday (1873)

Madly in Love With Me Day

Peter Gabriel’s Birthday (1950)

Read to Your Child Day

Stamp Collectors Day

Tennessee Ernie Ford’s Birthday (1919)

Westminster Dog Show

February 14th

Extraterrestrial Culture Day

Ferris Wheel Day

Florence Henderson's Birthday (1934)

Frederick Douglass Day

League of Women Voters Day

Library Lovers Day

National Call In Single Day

National Condom Day

National Have a Heart Day

National Organ Donor Day

Pet Theft Awareness Day

Quirky Alone Day

Race Relations Day

St. Valentine's Day

World Marriage Day

February 15th

Burger Lovers Day

Carnival

Galileo Galilei's Birthday (1564)

Jewelry Day

John Barrymore’s Birthday (1882)

Lupercalia

Matt Groening's Birthday (1954)

National Gumdrop Day

Remember the Maine Day

Singles Awareness Day

Susan B. Anthony's Birthday (1820)

February 16th

Do a Grouch a Favor Day

Hugh Beaumont’s Birthday (1909)

Innovation Day

Pistachio Nut Day

February 17th

Champion Crab Races Day

Human Spirit Day

Melba Toast Day

My Way Day

National PTA Founders Day

Random Acts of Kindness Day

Robert Newton Peck's Birthday (1928)

World Human Spirit Day

February 18th

John Hughes' Birthday (1950)

Louis Comfort Tiffany's Birthday (1848)

Molly Ringwald's Birthday (1968)

National Battery Day

Play Doh Day

Pluto Day

Toni Morrison's Birthday (1931)

Wallace Stegner's Birthday (1909)

Watch Casablanca Day

February 19th

Jill Kremetz' Birthday (1940)

Mike Hignite’s Birthday (My Son)

Mr. Roger's Neighborhood debuted in 1968

National Chocolate Mint Day

Nicolas Copernicus' Birthday (1473)

Seal’s Birthday (1963)

February 20th

Ansel Adams' Birthday (1902)

Cherry Pie Day

Clam Chowder Day

Gloria Vanderbilt's Birthday (1924)

Hoodie-Hoo Day

You are supposed to go outside to shout "Hoodie-hoo!" to scare away Winter and make way for Spring!

Hubert de Givenchy (1927)

Love Your Pet Day

National Women's Heart Health Day

President’s Day

Sidney Poitier’s Birthday (1927)

World Day for Social Justice

February 21st

Alan Rickman’s Birthday (1946)

Anais Nin's Birthday (1903)

Andres Segovia’s Birthday (1893)

Barley Pudding Day

Card Reading Day

Erma Bombeck’s Birthday (1927)

International Mother Language Day

International Pancake Day

Kelsey Grammar’s Birthday (1955)

Lidi Bstianich’s Birthday (1947)

Mardi Gras Day

Paczki Day

Shrove Tuesday

February 22nd

Ash Wednesday

Be Humble Day

Clinton Kelly’s Birthday (1969)

Frederic Chopin’s Birthday (1810)

George Washington's Birthday (1732)

Inconvenience Yourself Day

International World Thinking Day

Lady Olave Baden Powell’s Birthday (1889)

Lent

Lord Robert Baden Powell's Birthday (1857)

National Margarita Day

Recreational Sports & Fitness Day

Robert Young’s Birthday (1907)

Sheldon Leonard’s Birthday (1907)

Single Tasking Day

Walking the Dog Day

Woolworth’s Day

World Thinking Day

February 23rd

Banana Bread Day

Curling is Cool Day

Diesel Engine Day

George Handel’s Birthday (1685)

Howard Jones' Birthday (1955)

International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

Little Lulu Day

National Chili Day

National Personal Chef's Day

Tennis Day

February 24th

Dinosaur Lovers Day

National Personal Chef Day

National Tortilla Chip Day

Steven Jobs’ Birthday (1955)

Willhelm Grimm’s Birthday (1786)

February 25th

American Birkenbeider Race

Go Bowling Day

Open that Bottle Night

Pierre Auguste Renoir’s Birthday (1841)

Pistol Patent Day

February 26th

For Pete Sake’s Day

International Sword Swallowers Day

Johnny Cash's Birthday (1932)

Levi Strauss' Birthday (1829)

Mark Dacascos’ (Iron Chef Chairman) Birthday (1964)

National Pistachio Day

Ring Finger Day

Spay Day USA

Tell a Fairy Tale Day

Victor Hugo's Birthday (1802)

William "Buffalo Bill" Cody's Birthday (1846)

William Frawley's Birthday (1887)

February 27th

Academy Awards Night

Daytona 500

Flip a Pancake Day

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Birthday (1807)

Howard Hesseman’s Birthday (1940)

International Polar Bear Day

John Steinbeck’s Birthday (1902)

Josh Groban’s Birthday (1981)

No Brainer Day

February 28th

Floral Design Day

National Tooth Fairy Day

Public Sleeping Day

Purim

Rare Disease Day

Spay Day USA

February 29th

Bachelor’s Day

Inspirational Underlings Day

Leap Year Day

Happy Stampin' My Friends!

Everything Eleanor for the Stampin' Queens - AGAIN!

2012-02-01T02:30:00.058-05:00

I know, I know...but I couldn't help it! This set goes SO well with these papers. I just can't seem to put it all away. And, I know you'll forgive me, because this card is ANOTHER one in my series of 30 cards in 30 days, so YOU could win it!

This was the sketch we were given:

but it didn't really work for me, so I flipped it on its side and that made me MUCH happier!

Here's the front of my card:

I started off with a Very Vanilla base and then added Poppy Parade (I'm going to miss this colour!!!) and a piece of Attic Boutique Designer Series Paper, which was sponged with Pool Party Ink. Before adhering it to the card base, I wrapped a piece of Pool Party ribbon around it.

The next step was to figure out what to do with all those circles! I started off with the Big Shot and Scallop Circle Die #2 to get the scalloped circle and then just sort of went to town with the Circle Scissor Plus until I was happy - LOL! The Very Vanilla and Pool Party circles were sponged with Pool Party Ink for added dimension (and just because it was fun!).

I stamped the largest flower from Everything Eleanor on the smallest of the Very Vanilla circles and then stamped it again on another piece of Very Vanilla cardstock and cut it out. I adhered it using Stampin' Dimensionals and if you look REALLY closely, you can see the Dazzling Details on the pistils. I then stamped and cut out three of the smallest flowers, adhering them with Stampin' Dimensionals too.

And now for the inside:

I just love it! It doesn't leave much room for writing, but if you needed a note that was short and sweet, this would be the ticket!

I sponged the edges of the Very Vanilla layer with Pool Party and added a matching piece of the Attic Boutique DSP and a piece of punched Pool Party. The stamped flower was the finishing touch!

Since I only had ONE comment yesterday, Denise is the winner of yesterday's card!!!! I'll be seeing her at class on Saturday, so don't need to mail it - WOOT!

Would YOU like to receive this card? Leave me a comment before midnight EST today February 1st, 2012 and tomorrow I'll pick a random winner and send them this card!

What do you think?

STAMPS: Everything Eleanor

INK: Pool Party, Poppy Parade

PAPERS: Very Vanilla, Pool Party and Poppy Parade Cardstock; Attic Boutique DSP

ACCESSORIES: Ribbon, Punches, BIG SHOT BABY!, Stampin' Dimensionals, Dazzling Details

Happy Stampin'!

Here we go round the blogging bush...

2012-02-01T00:10:00.003-05:00

...or maybe not. Never mind - LOL! I was trying to be funny, but maybe it's too early in the day for that?

Anyway...I wasn't going to participate in this blog tour, because having just come back from Leadership and trying to get back into the swing of things, I didn't want to add something MORE to my plate.

However, Patti ~~twisted my arm~~ asked nicely and I just couldn't turn her down! So, I'll be showing you three of the swap cards that I did for Leadership! One is from the Occasions Mini, one is from the Sale-a-Bration brochure and one is from the Idea Book and Catalogue. We're supposed to featuring Occasions/SAB, so I sure hope you don't mind the addition of something from the big catty. You don't, do you?

Here's the first card I did:

It was for general swapping. At most Stampin' UP! events there is general swapping. You make as many cards as you'd like to receive back and walk around saying, "Are you swapping? Are you swapping? Are you swapping?" as many times as you have cards until you've given away all of your and received as many back...or until you're hoarse...whichever happens first. It's great for getting new ideas!

This one was a CASE from the Occasions Mini and another demonstrator (whose name escapes me - SORRY!) and it was a LOT of fun to make. I spent the afternoon stamping with my downline (who also went to Leadership) and even though I made FORTY!!! the time seemed to go really fast while I was creating them. I guess that's what happens when you're stamping with friends.

My second card was made using the Bordering on Romance Set from the Occasions Mini:

This one was for an organized swap. This means you get together with other demonstrators at a pre-determined time and place and swap with JUST those demonstrators. Lyssa organized this swap and it was just AMAZING! Not a bad one in the bunch!

I stamped the image with Staz-On and watercoloured it (times 20!). It was time consuming, but the result was definitely worth it! Then...thanks to Ann Schach and the fact that Santa brought me Sharpies this year for Christmas, I added coloured rhinestones - LOVE this effect! I also used my FAVOURITE paper from the Occasions Mini - Twitterpated. It's a REALLY good thing we got more of it at Leadership, because I just LOVE IT!!!

My third card features French Foliage which can be found in the Idea Book and Catalogue:

This was also for an organized swap, again hosted by Lyssa. Have I mentioned that she's AWESOME?

I started off with a piece of Very Vanilla and scored it using the Simply Scored (BTW, there's a new diagonal plate coming out!) and then stamped and sponged my way to the panel you see on the card. Lots of work, but well worth it!

Now...if you'd like to try out SUDSOL where you can learn LOTS of techniques and see ALL kinds of inspiration, you can start with my gallery here. I host the Chat and Challenge once a month, so you'll see a lot of sketches there, but also LOTS of cards! I've been the featured stamper as well as on the SUDSOL design team in the past.

One of my FAVOURITE parts about SUDSOL is the fact that a LOT of the samples are EXCLUSIVE! This means that if you're a demonstrator, your customers won't have seen the same ideas all over the internet. As SUDSOL members, we share freely, but it's just between us! And did you know that as a demonstrator you can try out SUDSOL for FREE for two weeks? Just click on the link in my right hand sidebar.

I do hope you've enjoyed this stop on the tour and that you'll continue along right to the end.

What do you think?

STAMPS: Fresh Vintage, Happiest Birthday Wishes (Hostess Set), Bordering on Romance, French Foliage
INK: Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Soft Suede, Island Indigo, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke
PAPERS: Very Vanilla, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Early Espresso, Not Quite Navy and Cajun Craze Cardstock; Everyday Enchantment, Twitterpated and Well Worn DSP; Watercolour Paper
ACCESSORIES: Punches, Basic Pearls, Watercolour Crayons, Aqua Painters, Basic Rhinestones, Simply Scored, Sponges, Mini Library Clips, Stampin' Dimensionals

CONTINUE on the Blog Tour
Elaine de Montmorency	Jane Hignite

*DISCLAIMER*
Yes, I know some of the colours look wonky. Photoshop and I are not getting along right now and I'm having to use an online photo editor. Rest assured that the colours I listed in the supplies are accurate. Sometimes what you see is NOT what you get. *sigh*

Happy Stampin'!

Handstamped from the Heart

A SUDSOL pattern

It's all about the BARE NECESSITIES!

Love what you do!

Tea Shoppe for the Stampin' Queens!

MDS...Tuesday?

Mixed Bunch gets Dazzling Diamond Dust

Busy Day Ahead...and some news!!!

Send me Soaring for the Stampin' Queens

If ain't broke...

Class Valentines - check!

P.S. I Love You

From My Heart to Yours

Just a reminder...

Mixed Bunch for fun!

Go Big or Go Home for the Stampin' Queens!

Almost forgot!!!

From this...to that...

What inspires you?

Just a Note...

It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood...

From me to you from Leadership!

Short and Sweet!

30 cards in 30 days should be EASY with this list!!!

Everything Eleanor for the Stampin' Queens - AGAIN!

Here we go round the blogging bush...

CONTINUE on the Blog Tour

Elaine de Montmorency

Jane Hignite