Sweet Impressions

Loving the Hearts

2012-05-18T11:15:00.000-05:00

Two weeks from today (June 1st) the brand new catalog goes live! I'm so excited for lots of new products. But "in with the new" means we have to say goodbye to some of our favorite products. A reminder that the stamp sets on the retiring list are available until the end of the month, and the retiring accessories are available only while supplies last. And, some of the accessories are discounted--up to 70% off! Both lists are LONG this year, so double check that you aren't missing out on something from your wish list.

Retired Stamp Set List: view the pdf

Retired Accessory List: view the pdf

To view everything in the online store click HERE

This card is one that I made with a group of ladies from my church around Valentine's Day. I think this card could be used for an anniversary or wedding as well. It also happens to showcase several of the accessories that are being discontinued: the Heart to Heart punch, Chantilly Crochet Trim Ribbon, and the Cutter Kit. I'm definitely sad that the Cutter Kit is being discontinued as I use it ALL the time. . . good thing I already have two. :-)

After we made up the cards, I used leftover pieces to make some tags that I added to cookies to give as teacher gifts for Valentine's Day. The tag is from the Two Tags Bigz Die. On all the big hearts (from the Full Heart Punch) I scrunched the paper to give a little more texture. Also, sponging, distressing, and even a little Color Spritzer tool on the card adds more texture and variety. I also used Hemp Twine on the tag--another accessory that is retiring that I will really miss! It also happens to be 50% off--while supplies last! I've already stocked up. :-)

Have a great weekend!

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Paper: Ridding Hood Red, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, First Edition Specialty DSP

Accessories: Small Heart Punch, Full Heart Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Hemp Twine, Riding Hood Red ribbon (discontinued), medium cello bag, Two Tags Bigz Die, Big Shot, Color Spritzer Tool, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Chantilly Crochet Trim ribbon, Cutter Kit, dimensionals

Stampin' Celebration #54

2012-05-15T11:19:00.000-05:00

This month I missed designing for the May Stampin' Celebration challenge since my wonderful hubby and I were out of the country celebrating out 10th anniversary! We had an absolutely wonderful trip, although it is good to be back home with the kids.

Anyway, I still wanted to play along with the challenge this month, so here is my submission. I used the bright colors from the fun inspiration piece, and several items that will be no longer available after the end of the month. The layout is simple and could easily be changed up for a variety of different occasions. I thought this birthday card could easily be used for a child's birthday, teen birthday, or even adult birthday.

I used a couple strips of the Big Top Birthday Designer Paper (great way to use up those little scraps that are laying around!), some Daffodil Delight and Real Red 1/8" Taffeta ribbon, Whisper White grosgrain ribbon, and silver brads. The sentiment is from the On Your Birthday stamp set which will be discontinued.

And just a reminder to play along with us at Stampin' Celebration! You have until April 25th to create a card, 3D item, digital item, scrapbook layout, etc. using the inspiration piece above. Link your creation to the Stampin' Celebration blog so we can see your project. We will choose the "Pick of the Party" at the end of the month. We can't wait to see what Stampin' Celebration inspires you to create!

If you missed the original Blog Hop of the Design Team, you can see it here:

Candace Lawlor - cj lawlor designs

Cori Kozak - Creative Chat

Erica Cerwin - Pink Buckaroo Designs

Erin Gonzales -Hand Stamped Style

Krystal De Leeuw - Krystal's Cards

Marlene Peters - Hands On

Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge

Retired List!

2012-04-17T09:46:00.004-05:00

With the new catalog just around the corner (June 1st!), it's time to bid farewell to some of our favorite stamp sets in order to make room for all of the new ones coming soon. It's a particularly long retiring list this year, so take a look and make sure that some of those sets you've been meaning to get aren't on that list. After May 31st they will no longer be available!

Retired List: view the pdf

To view all of the Retiring Stamp Sets in the online store click HERE.

Contact me today if you'd like to purchase any of the Last Chance items. Or, you can shop in my online store. Click HERE and then on "shop now" in the top right corner.

If you missed the original Blog Hop of the Design Team, you can see it here:

Allison Ohran -Sweet Impressions (you are here)
Candace Lawlor - cj lawlor designs
Cori Kozak - Creative Chat
Erica Cerwin - Pink Buckaroo Designs
Erin Gonzales -Hand Stamped Style
Krystal De Leeuw - Krystal's Cards
Marlene Peters - Hands On
Rochelle Gould - I stamp, I create, I have fun!

Stampin Celebration Inspiration Challenge

Have a great day!

Rockin' Tween Birthday

2012-04-13T12:00:00.000-05:00

Back today with another one of the cards I've designed for my 'sending cards to family' goal! (For more back story, see this post.) For me, the second hardest category of cards is the teen/tween age. I don't have any kids that age, so I have a hard time knowing what's 'cool' and what's not. :-)

Anyway, this was my try at a female tween card. I inked up the Grunge Rock stamp set using Blushing Bride and went to work. Note: The Fleur de Lis image is actually from the (coordinating) Extreme Elements stamp set. I used the same layout as this card. I used the Wonderfully Worn background stamp to add the 'splotchy' look, and inked the edges of the Whisper White layer. Both the Whisper Whiter layer and the larger Blushing Bride layer are distressed with the Cutter Kit.

A little bit of Blushing Bride Stitched Poly-Ribbon and a silver Glimmer Brad finish it off. I hand cut the banner, and although you can't see it from the photo, I put double-stacked half dimensionals under the middle of the banner (about where the 'B' is) to give the banner a little bit of a waving-in-the-wind look.

Have a great weekend!

Stamps: Grunge Rock, Extreme Elements, Wonderfully Worn
Ink: Blushing Bride, Basic Gray
Paper: Blushing Bride, Basic Gray, Whisper White
Accessories: Blushing Bride Stitched Poly-Ribbon, Basics Glimmer Brads, Cutter Kit, dimensionals

Captain America Birthday

2012-04-10T13:44:00.001-05:00

This year I made a goal to send birthday cards to all of our family members. Grandparents, parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews. I'm happy to say that so far I'm still on track! A few of the cards have been a little late :-) but I don't think I've missed anyone yet. During a year this adds up to just over 40 people, or about 3 or 4 cards per month. Not really too much to ask a 'card maker' to do when it comes down to it!

I'm not necessarily sending a unique card to each person, but I am trying to get a good variety and at the very least not send the same card to two people in the same immediate family. :-) The hardest cards to design are the ones that are for the brothers and brother-in-laws. Fortunately this year my husband came up with a great idea! I showed him THIS card and asked what he thought. "Sure, but can you change the colors to make it look more like Captain America?" (He and his brothers are all huge comic book fans--even before the recent Hollywood revival.) So I asked him to show me a picture of what the Captain America shield looks like and created then the card as closely to that as possible. Hopefully the guys will notice and appreciate! :-)

The Pacific Point (blue) layer and the Whisper White circle are up on dimensionals. The larger Real Red circle is actually the card base showing through the 'window' on the Pacific Point layer. The sentiment was stamped with Versamark and then heat embossed with White embossing powder. I distressed the edges of the Pacific Point layer using my Cutter Kit.

Have a great day!

Stamps: All Holidays (discontinued)
Ink: Versamark
Paper: Pacific Point, Real Red, Whisper White
Accessories: 1" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Star Punch (random from my kids' collection), Big Shot, Circles #2 Die (for the white circle--2nd largest circle on the die), embossing buddy, heat tool, White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Cutter Kit, dimensionals

Stampin' Celebration Returns!

2012-04-01T07:00:00.013-05:00

Yay! I'm so excited that the Stampin' Celebration blog is up and running again. Although it was a well-timed break for me, I am ready to get going again. There are a few changes though. . . instead of weekly challenges they will only be monthly. But that gives you plenty of time to join with us and make a project inspired by the inspiration piece. :-)

Also, instead of posting all of the Design Team's projects on the Stampin' Celebration blog, we will be going blog hop style. This makes it easy for you to click through and see not only a picture of everyone's project but some creative details too.

Which means if you are following in order you may have just come from Rochelle's blog--I stamp, I create, I have fun! What a cute project she had!

Without further ado, here is my submission for this month's challenge:

I pulled the green, pink, and blue colors from the inspiration piece as well as the butterflies from the bottom right photo.

To create the various size butterflies, I used my new Hearts Collection Framelits Dies. I've had this idea to create butterflies out of the heart framelits for awhile and finally tried it out on a card! For the butterflies on these projects I used the 3 smallest sized hearts.

For the butterfly on the this little purse I used the very smallest heart. I cut Twitterpated Designer Series Paper (from the Occasions Mini Catalog) and vellum paper to size, folded it in half and then ran in through the Big Shot with the Framelit die with the point of the heart sticking over the edge of the fold. Then when you open it up you have a butterfly. :-)

If you don't recognize this cute little purse, it's because it is brand new! It is the new Petite Purse Die that's part of the Summer Smooches promotion going on during April. Isn't it adorable?

To create the vellum paper butterflies on the cards, I used the same concept, just the next larger size heart die. To create the butterfly 'window' on the Whisper White layer (since I didn't want to fold the card stock) I ran it through the Big Shot twice. I placed the heart on one side of the layer, ran it through the Big Shot, placed the heart on the other side with the point of the heart overlapping the point of the previously cut heart, and then ran it through again. Sounds much more confusing than it is!

Here's how you can participate... Simply create a card, 3D item, digital item, scrapbook layout, etc. using the inspiration piece above. Leave a comment on the Stampin' Celebration blog with a link to your blog or online gallery so we can see your project. You have until the 25th of the month to create your project. We will choose the "Pick of the Party" at the end of the month. We can't wait to see what Stampin' Celebration inspires you to create!!

All of the Design Team posts for Challenge #53:

Last Minute Sale-A-Bration

2012-03-30T05:25:00.063-05:00

Just popping in today with a couple more cards made using Sale-A-Bration products. And just a last minute reminder that if you've still been meaning to take advantage of Sale-A-Bration, now is the time since it ends tomorrow--Saturday the 31st. With each $50 purchase you can choose an item from the Sale-A-Bration Catalog for FREE!

The first card today uses the Fresh Vintage stamp set. Although there were some fantastic options this year in the Sale-A-Bration catalog, I think this was my favorite.

The idea for this card came from Sharon Field. If you are a demonstrator, you can see her card HERE on Stampin' Connection. I changed the color and that was about it! I picked Calypso Coral since I wanted to use the ribbon from the Everyday Enrichment Pack. I've used almost two sets of the brads, but sadly have barely touched the ribbon. A very simple card that I'm sure I'll be making some more of soon!

Stamps: Fresh Vintage (only available during SAB), Curly Cute
Ink: Calypso Coral
Paper: Whisper White
Accessories: Calypso Coral organdy ribbon (only available during SAB), Whisper White taffeta ribbon (under the other ribbon), dimensionals

The second card is super simple and uses the Outlined Occasions stamp set. I did heat emboss the sentiment, and then used my Versamarker to color it in. It makes the sentiment pop just a little more (especially in real life). The Designer Series Paper is actually the Twitterpated set from the Occasions Mini Catalog--with a thin strip of Riding Hood Red card stock on top.

Stamps: Outlined Occasions
Ink: Versmark and Versamarker
Paper: Basic Gray, Riding Hood Red, Twitterpated DSP
Accessories: Embossing Buddy, White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat tool, White Baker's Twine

Two last notes:

I am hosting a Open House and Rubber Rummage Sale tomorrow! If you are in Houston (Clear Lake area) and would like more info, send me an email as I'd love to have you come.

And, some fantastic news. . . The Stampin' Celebration Blog is getting started again!! Come April 1st we will be back with monthly challenges and a new format. So check back soon. :-)

Sale-A-Bration Ending

2012-03-28T11:15:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it has been almost 2 months since I last posted! Where does the time go? I guess part of it is having a curious crawling baby who gets into everything and keeps me on my toes. :-)

I've also been working on organizing my craft room with any spare time I can find. . . a scary and much needed project! Although I'm not there yet, I am getting very close.

Anyway, before Sale-A-Bration ends, I thought I would post a couple of my favorite cards that I've made in the last couple months. Both of these were ones that we made at club in February and were inspired by other people. The first one uses the Elementary Elegance stamp set and I got the idea from Shelli Gardner (CEO and co-founder of Stampin Up). You can see her card HERE. The only thing I changed was the center of the butterfly.

Stamps: Elementary Elegance (only available during SAB)
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Luck Limeade, Elegant Eggplant marker
Paper: Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Very Vanilla, First Edition DSP, Every Day Enchantment DSP (only available during SAB)
Accessories: Curly Label Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Big Shot, Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon, Everyday Enchantment Brads (only available during SAB), Color Spritzer Tool, stapler

The second card uses the Fresh Vintage stamp set and was inspired by Debra Currier. You can see her card HERE. The only thing I changed up was that I used my new Labels Collection Framelits to cut out the main image (instead of a circle).

Stamps: Fresh Vintage (only available during SAB), Thank You Kindly

Ink: Soft Suede, and Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade and Pool Party markers

Paper: Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Every Day Enchantment DSP (only available during SAB)

Accessories: Framelits Labels Collection, Big Shot, Everyday Enchantment Brads (only available during SAB), pearls, cutter kit, sponge

So if you have still been meaning to take advantage of Sale-A-Bration, now is the time since it ends on Saturday the 31st. With each $50 purchase you can choose an item from the Sale-A-Bration Catalog for FREE!

Have a great day. :-)

San Antonio Regionals--Part 3

2012-02-01T07:10:00.001-06:00

Finally, the last of the samples I had made up for my presentation at the San Antonio Regional Workshop Wow/Demonstrator Booth portion of the day! The third section of my presentation was showing how you could use Dazzling Diamonds and Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets to create backgrounds.

So for this card, I used my 1" Circle Punch and the circle punch from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack to punch out circles from the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet. I used my bone folder to burnish the edges (making it easier to peel the back off) and peeled off the backing. I face planted the sticky side of the adhesive sheet on top of the Whisper White card stock. I repeated this with all the circles creating the desired pattern. I used an Embossing Buddy to help cut down on static, and then peeled off the other side of the backing on all the circles. I poured Dazzling Diamonds Glitter over the top and brush off any excess. Now you have a fun sparkly background. :-)

A side shot:

And of course the possibilities are endless if you change up the shapes, patterns, and colors of glitter!

This card is 4 1/4" by 4 1/4" and also shows off the new Mouthwatering stamp set that is found in the new Occasions Mini Catalog and well as some of the 2011-2013 In Colors and coordinating accessories.

Stamps: Mouthwatering, Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess set--for the sentiment)

Ink: Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Chocolate Chip

Paper: Calypso Coral, Whisper White

Accessories: Designer Printed Brads (In Color Assortment), Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon, 1" Circle Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, Dazzling Dimaonds, Cutter Kit, dimensionals

And here is another (Valentine, Anniversary, Wedding) sample I created for the display board. For this card, I adhered the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet to the Regal Rose card stock and then ran it through the Big Shot with the Simple Letters Dies to create the l, v, and e letters. After they went through the Big Shot, then I peeled off the second side of the Adhesive Sheet and added the Dazzling Diamonds.

To create the heart 'o' letter, I used the new Framelits Hearts Collection. I used the two smallest hearts, lined them up on top of the Regal Rose card stock + Adhesive Sheet, with the smallest heart centered inside of the slightly larger heart. Then I ran it through the Big Shot.

For the base of the card, I used my Color Spritzer Tool and Regal Rose marker to add a little texture. The 'you' tag uses the Fabulous Phrases stamp set and the Jewelry Tag punch. The letters are up on dimensionals.

Stamps: Fabulous Phrases

Ink: Early Espresso and Regal Rose marker

Paper: Regal Rose, Early Espresso, Whisper White

Accessories: Framelits Hearts Collection, Alphabet Simple Letters Die, Big Shot, Jewelry Tag Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch, Linen Thread, Early Espresso grosgrain ribbon, Color Spritzer Tool, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, Dazzling Diamonds, dimensionals

And the last card to show is a card that I've shown before on my blog--this is one we made as part of a Stamp A Stack class two years ago. Original with more details is HERE.

Stamps: Serene Snowflakes, Contempo Christmas (sentiment)

Ink: Night of Navy

Paper: Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Whisper White
Accessories: Night of Navy 3/8" Taffeta ribbon, Rhinestone Jewels, Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, Dazzling Diamonds, dimensionals

I hope you've enjoyed these samples! If you haven't tried this technique yet, please do. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is. :-)

San Antonio Regionals--Part 2

2012-01-30T12:09:00.000-06:00

Finally back with some more samples from my presentation at the San Antonio Regionals! I'll do a Part 3 (and final) later this week. So, the second part of my presentation was showing that you can use the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets to add Dazzling Diamonds Glitter to just part of a stamped image.

So for this card, I started by stamping an image from the new Apothecary Art stamp set. I ran it through the Big Shot using the new Framelits Labels Collection to cut it out and used my markers to color the flowers. Next I used my 1" Circle Punch to punch out a circle of the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet. I used my bone folder to burnish the edges (making it easier to peel the back off) and peeled off the backing. I face planted the sticky side of the adhesive sheet on top of the circle part of the stamped image. I used an Embossing Buddy to help cut down on static, and then peeled off the other side of the backing. Pour the Dazzling Diamonds Glitter over the top and brush off any excess. Now part of your stamped image is sparkly. :-)

This is a 3" by 3" card. To create the slits that I ran the ribbon through, I used the cutting blade on my Cutter Kit, and for the Whisper White layer I sponged and distressed the edges and used my Color Spritzer tool and Early Espresso marker to add the random 'dots' of color.

Stamps: Apothecary Art

Ink: Early Espresso, and Riding Hood Red, Old Olive and Early Espresso markers

Paper: Riding Hood Red, Early Espresso, Whisper White

Accessories: Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Linen Thread, Framelits Labels Collection, Big Shot, Cutter Kit, Pearls, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, Dazzling Diamonds, Color Spritzer Tool, sponge, dimensionals

This is another sample I had on my board, although it is a 're-do' of a project I've done before. It's a little Valentine matchbox treat. My daughter gave these out to her preschool class last year. You can see more info, as well as cutting measurements HERE. Pretty much the only difference was that I used my Small Heart punch to punch out a pieces of the Multipurose Adhesive Sheet to add the Pink Stampin' Glitter (from the Fine Supernova collection)--instead of using the Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue.

This actually points out one of the benefits of the Adhesive Sheets--you don't have to wait for anything to dry!

Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Early Espresso, Pretty in Pink, Soft Suede and Pretty in Pink markers, Versamark

Paper: Soft Suede, Whisper White

Accessories: Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon, Fine Supernova Stampin' Glitter, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, Heat Tool, White Stampin' Emboss Powder, stapler, candy

And another Valentine 're-do. ' :-) To see the original of this one, click HERE. The basic difference here is that instead of using the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet/Dazzling Diamonds on the hearts, I used it on the Designer Paper. And I used the Designer Paper instead of fabric.

This Designer Paper actually comes from the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper that is one of the free product options during Sale-A-Bration!

Stamps: Tiny Tags

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper

Accessories: Distressing Essentials Kit, Victoria Crochet Trim ribbon, Antique Brad, Full Heart punch, Heart to Heart punch, Jewelry Tag Medium punch, linen thread, Dazzlig Diamonds, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by! I'll be back again with the last 3 samples I had on my display board.

San Antonio Regionals

2012-01-25T11:48:00.000-06:00

Well, I did make it back from San Antonio! I had a wonderful time not only at the Regionals but spending time with friends too! It's amazing how hard it is to be away from family though--I still feel like I'm trying to catch up around the house even though I was only gone two days. :-)

Anyway, here's a picture of the card that I made approximately 20 times during my Workshop Wow Demonstrator Booth presentation during the Regional. I had about a 10 minute presentation that I repeated over and over. Surprisingly the time went very quickly, and only my voice was worn out by the end.

The technique I was sharing was using Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets to adhere Dazzling Diamond Glitter to your projects. A very simple but effective technique. If you've followed my blog for awhile, this isn't a new concept for you as I do this a lot!

So I stamped the flower image (from the new stamp set Mixed Bunch found in the Occasions Mini Catalog), peeled off one side of the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet, and then face-planted it on top of the stamped image. So the sticky part is touching the image. Use your bone folder to burnish it--to make sure all the adhesive transfers to your card stock. Next I used my Blossom Punch (also new in the Occasions Mini Catalog) to punch out the image with the adhesive sheet on top. Burnish the edges again with your bone folder and then peel off the second side of the Adhesive Sheet. Last, pour your Dazzling Diamonds over the top. Now you have a fantastically sparkly flower. :-)

I added the flower to the card base (Sahara Sand) that also had some of the new Blushing Bride Pleated Satin Ribbon and a strip of Perfect Plum card stock that I ran through the Big Shot with one of the new Adorning Accents Embossing folders. In the center of the flower is one of the new Large Pearls. So many fun new accessories!

Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Elements of Style (sentiment)

Ink: Perfect Plum, Blushing Bride

Paper: Sahara Sand, Perfect Plum, Whisper White
Accessories: Blushing Bride Pleated Satin Ribbon, Large Pearls, 1" Circle Punch, Blossom Punch, Dazzling Diamonds, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, Adorning Accents Embossing Folder, Big Shot, dimensionals

Another card sample using the same technique and the same layout:

I still have more samples to share, so I'll be back later. Unfortunately I forgot to ask someone to take a picture of me while I was busy doing all this, or even my display board, so you'll just have to imagine that part. :-) Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by to say hi during the presentation last Saturday--I really appreciated it!

Stamps: Pennant Parade

Ink: Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Tangerine Tango

Paper: Luck Limeade, Whisper White

Accessories: Petite Pennants Builder Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Tangerine Tango Scallop Dots Ribbon, Linen Thread, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Dazzling Diamonds, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, Stripes Embossing Folder, Big Shot, dimensionals

Off to San Antonio

2012-01-20T12:06:00.000-06:00

This weekend I am exciting to be heading to San Antonio for a Stampin' Up Regional Conference! I am lucky to be attending with one of my downline and two friends.

I applied, and then was asked to present during the conference as part of the 'workshop wow' portion--first thing of the day. So if you are also going to be in San Antonio this weekend for Regionals, stop by my booth and say "hi". :-)

I've been stamping a lot this week getting ready for the presentation, so I'll be back next week with pictures of what I've been up to!

Have a great weekend!

Vintage Doilies

2012-01-19T07:00:00.001-06:00

Normally I wouldn't consider myself a 'doily person', but I do love the Delicate Doilies set in the catalog. I've had have fun playing with the set, and this is a vintage-ish card I came up with a while ago:

This card uses the emboss-resist technique. I stamped the doily image with Versamark ink onto Very Vanilla card stock. Next I heat embossed with Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder and then sponged over the top with Soft Suede ink. I sponged more in the middle (darker) and then faded out to the edges. The embossed part 'resists' the ink and stays Very Vanilla in color. A simple 'wow' technique!

The middle of the doily has one of the Antique Brads. On the larger Very Vanilla panel, I used my Color Spritzer Tool to add a little texture and then sponged and distressed the edges. The ribbon is the Victoria Crochet Trim.

For the tag, I used the Tiny Tags stamp set, Soft Suede ink and the Jewelry Tag punch. I attached it to the ribbon using a bit of Linen Thread and one of the safety pins from the Vintage Trinkets embellishment set. A close up of that:

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Delicate Doilies, Tiny Tags

Ink: Soft Suede, Versamark

Paper: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede

Accessories: Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, Jewelry Tag Punch, Vintage Trinkets, Victoria Crochet Trim, Antique Brads, Linen Thread, Cutter Kit, Color Spritzer Tool (and Soft Suede marker) sponge, dimensionals

Baby and Button Buddies

2012-01-17T14:59:00.000-06:00

Well, first I want to thank anyone who is still reading/subscribing to my blog during my long absence! I did have my baby--and she is already 7 months old! It really is hard to believe how fast time goes. :-)

Here is a picture of my little cutie:

So she's one of my excuses for not blogging. :-) I've also been struggling with some post-pregnancy health complications, although I think I'm hopefully almost out of woods with all that now too. So, my goal is to get back into the habit of posting on my blog. I have been stamping a little here and there--thanks to my clubs who keep my stamping!

So here's a card for today:

This is a card I made up to put as a 'thank you' into customer orders. The flower image is from the set Button Buddies. I inked with Daffodil Delight and then carefully rolled the edges of the stamp in Pumpkin Pie ink before stamping onto Whisper White paper. I punched out with the 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch and then added the Pumpkin Pie Designer Button and Lined Thread bow. The flower is also up on dimensionals.

The other two flowers were stamped with Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry. I distressed the edges of the Whisper White layer with my Cutter Kit and mounted it on a 3" by 3" Rich Razzleberry base.

See you again soon!

Stamps: Button Buddies

Ink: Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry

Paper: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Linen Thread, Brights Designer Buttons

Open Sea Thanks

2011-07-14T07:30:00.001-05:00

With all of the excitement of the new catalog, don't forget that we have great Summer Mini Catalog too. :-) This is a card I've made with all of my stampers clubs, and it features The Open Sea stamp set. I really like this stamp set as it works perfectly for masculine projects as well as travel-related projects.

This idea came from one of the Stampin' Success (for demonstrators) magazine. Although I generally like to create my own projects, I'll admit it is nice to have fantastic ideas provided by Stampin' Up so that if I am short on ideas or time I still have great projects.

This card actually uses every single stamp that is part of The Open Sea stamp set--kind of fun. :-) Minus the ship that is on the card base, they are all stamped on a piece of Whisper White card stock. I sponged around the edges and lightly everywhere with Crumb Cake ink. That piece is layered on a piece of Designer Series Paper from the coordinating Nautical Expedition DSP pack.

The finishing touches are a Mini Library Clip with a bit of the new Early Espresso/White Baker's Twine tied around.

Stamps: The Open Sea, Thank You Kindly (sentiment)

Ink: More Mustard, Basic Gray, Not Quite Navy, Crumb Cake

Paper: Nautical Expedition DSP, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White

Accessories: Mini Library Clip, Early Espresso/White Baker's Twine, dimensionals

Fabric Flower Magnets

2011-07-07T07:30:00.001-05:00

Awhile back I ran across the idea for these cute flower magnets over at Becky's blog Inking Idaho. You can see her magnets HERE. You'll notice that I copied her adorable Not Quite Navy/Springtime Vintage fabric magnet idea, and then I had fun with some of the other Stampin Up fabrics as well. I made up a bunch of these and used these as 'thank yous' for customer orders.

These magnets are made using the Fun Flowers Bigz Die. I ran the card stock and fabric through the Big Shot with the die. I sponged the edges of the flowers and then adhered everything together. I used dimensionals between the bottom layer and the fabric layer, and then snail and glue dots between the fabric and top layer. The centers are the Ribbon Rosettes or the Designer Big Buttons (both now discontinued).

The 'dream' sentiment comes from the Fabulous Phrases stamp set. To turn these into magnets, I used my 1 3/8" Circle punch to punch a circle magnet from the Magnet Sheets that you can find on page 216 of the catalog. (Yes, you really can use your punches with the Magnet Sheets!) The Magnet Sheets already come with adhesive on one side so it was easy to add them to the back of the flowers.

Thanks for stopping by! Take time to stamp something fun. :-)

Stamps: Fabulous Phrases

Ink: Bashful Blue, Always Artichoke, Not Quite Navy

Paper: Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla, Whisper White

Accessories: Candy Cane Christmas Designer Fabric, Springtime Vintage Designer Fabric, Big Shot, Fun Flowers Bigz die, Ribbon Rosettes, Designer Big Buttons, 1 3/8" Circle punch, Magnet Sheets

Stamp Set Parade--Part 2

2011-06-29T07:30:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Part 2 of the Stamp Set Parade! I'm showing off some of my favorite stamp sets that will be discontinued come June 30th (tomorrow!). To see the first part of the Stamp Set Parade, click HERE. If you still have some sets or accessories on your list--make sure to get them right away! To view all of the Last Chance items in the online store click HERE.

Most of the sets I'm showcasing today are ones that have been around for awhile--classic sets that I've used a lot over the years.

The first one is Pick a Petal.

Original post HERE.

Another fun set is Sock Monkey--great for a variety of occasions.

Original post HERE.

I'll also miss the set Always.

Original post HERE.

Although Baby Steps isn't a 'classic set' since it was new in this catalog, it is a single stamp great for baby cards!

Original post HERE.

A Good Egg is one of those sets that I have had for years and love pulling out every year for Easter!

Original post HERE.

One of my favorite floral sets being discontinued is Eastern Blooms.

Original post HERE.

And last but not least, the stamp set Love You Much has been a classic favorite of mine. And it's not only for Valentine's Day.

Original post HERE.

Remember that tomorrow is the last day to purchase items from the Last Chance list! Contact me today if you'd like to purchase any of the Last Chance items. Or, you can shop in my online store. Click HERE and then on "shop now" in the top right corner.

Thanks for stopping by!

Postage Card Packs

2011-06-27T07:30:00.002-05:00

I made up several of these card sets as end-of -the-year teacher appreciation gifts. I figure that teachers can always use thank you cards around the end of the year, so I made up sets of 8 to package together as gifts.

These are really simple card sets to make. I used my Postage Stamp Punch from the Summer Mini Catalog and the Play Date Designer Series Paper. Note: the Play Date DSP is being discontinued, and is on sale for 40% off right now!

I also used the new White Baker's Twine from the Summer Mini Catalog to add a few little details. Almost all of the squares are up on dimensionals. On the bottom card in the photo, I put the top right and bottom left squares up on dimensionals and adhered the other two down to the card base--gives a little more variety in depth and adds interest. The sentiment comes from the stamp set Trendy Trees.

The other cards in the set:

You'll notice I used 3 different layouts and just varied the patterns of paper used. To see the original card set that inspired this set, click HERE. For these sets I ran out of time to make up some card folders, so I just tied them up with some Early Espresso Striped Grosgrain ribbon and added a tag.

HERE is another project set that I made using the Play Date DSP--also a possible idea for a teacher appreciation gift.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Trendy Trees

Ink: Early Espresso

Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Play Date DSP

Accessories: Postage Stamp punch, White Baker's Twine, Word Window punch, Modern Label Punch, dimensionals

Stamp Set Parade--Part 1

2011-06-24T07:30:00.077-05:00

In my recent posts I've been focusing on the accessories that will be discontinued as of June 30--but there are a lot of great stamps that will be leaving too! So, I thought it would be fun to show you some of my favorite sets that will be discontinued. For the complete pdf list, click HERE.

The #1 set that I will miss the most? Hands down it is All Holidays! It is one of my all time favorite sentiment sets, and I use it quite frequently. I did a search on my blog to find samples with this set and came back with a lot of hits. :-)

Here are just two cards that use the All Holidays set:

Original post HERE.

Another stamp I used a lot (even though it is a single stamp) is So Many Thanks. Here are a couple cards using that stamp:

Original post HERE--shows other samples with this stamp too.

Original post HERE.

All of the "extreme" individual stamps are being discontinued. This card showcases the Extreme Skateboard stamp. Although these stamps didn't initially seem like 'my style,' I've enjoyed using them for masculine and (particularly) teen and tween cards.

Original post HERE.

Another set I've used for the boys in my life is the Lots of Bots set. This has been a good one for little boy birthdays.

Original post HERE.

Original post HERE. Note: Here's another card using the All Holidays sentiment set. :-)

This has been fun for me to look back through cards using these stamp sets. Check back next Wednesday for part two of the Stamp Set Parade!

Merry Tags

2011-06-22T07:30:00.000-05:00

Back with another project that is showcasing accessory items that will soon be discontinued! These are little tags that we made at a class last year before Christmas. I am pretty sure that I found this (or a similar) idea somewhere, although unfortunately I did not keep track of where or who I received the inspiration from.

These tags are really simple to make--the tag is the Big Shot Merry Embosslit die. The embosslit cuts the tag and hole and dry embosses the 'merry' all at once. The bird, trees, and snowflake all come from the Merry Details Sizzlets die. Both are being discontinued, and are on sale for 25% off while supplies last or until June 30th.

I added the 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon to the tops and pearls to the trees and bird and a rhinestone to the snowflake. Along the sides of the tags are pieces punched using the Scallop Edge Border punch or the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch.

A simple way to personalize your holiday gifts!

Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Marina Mist, Old Olive

Accessories: Real Red, Marina Mist, and Old Olive 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, pearls, rhinestones, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch

Charming Bookmark

2011-06-20T07:30:00.000-05:00

A few years ago at convention, someone showed this cute idea to use the Hodgepodge Hardware to make bookmarks. I hadn't ever tried it myself until recently, but these are actually pretty quick and easy to make--and what a fun gift!

Here's a closer look:

I started by stamping on Very Vanilla card stock with the stamp set Charming. Both the script stamp and the flowers are part of that set. After stamping I punched out with the Designer Label punch (being discontinued) and added some pearl jewels to the flowers.

Hint: As you pull the ribbon through the holes, it will shred a little. Don't worry, just trim it after you pull it through.

To get the punched image to stay in the metal frame, I used Crystal Effects. (Did you know that CE is a great adhesive?) I placed the punched image in the frame and then took the Crystal Effects around the edges between the card stock and frame. You don't need a lot to get it to hold together. If you like, you can punch out a second piece and carefully lay it on top to 'clean up' the edges a bit and hide some of the Crystal Effects.

Unfortunately several of the items used to make this project are being discontinued! The Hodgepodge Hardware is being discontinued, but for now it is on sale for 40% off! Both the Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon and the Rich Razzleberry Taffeta ribbon are being discontinued as well. As accessory items, they are available only while supplies last, or until June 30th. To view all of the Last Chance items in the online store click HERE.

Hope you've enjoyed this project!

Stamps: Charming

Ink: Sahara Sand, Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive markers

Paper: Very Vanilla

Accessories: Hodgepodge Hardware, Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Rich Razzleberry Taffeta ribbon, Linen Thread, Pearl Jewels

Father's Day Treats

2011-06-17T07:30:00.000-05:00

At church I work with the children's organization, and I usually try to have some sort of little treat/gift for the teachers on major holidays just to remind the teachers and staff that we appreciate them and all their hard work. So, these are the Father's Day gifts I made up for this year to appreciate all the men who teach classes or work with the Cub Scouts.

I used some Designer Paper that was in my stash--I believe it was from the Summer Mini last year--and just wrapped the mini candy bars. I used a tiny bit of Snail adhesive between the bars to help hold the stack together while I tied on the ribbon and tag.

The tags use the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set. I stamped and then punched out using the Word Window punch and the Modern Label punch.

I quite enjoyed making up these little treats since they were very quick and simple. Just by altering the Designer Paper that you use, I think these would be great for party favors too (birthday, baby shower, etc).

Have a great Father's Day weekend!

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Night of Navy, Bashful Blue

Paper: Designer Series Paper, Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, Whisper White

Accessories: Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, linen thread, Night of Navy grosgrain ribbon, mini candy bars

Lots of Blossoms

2011-06-15T07:30:00.004-05:00

With all the excitement of the Last Chance Lists and the anticipation of the new catalog, it's easy to forget that there is a Summer Mini Catalog full of great products. :-) This is a card we made at my clubs, and the idea actually came from the Stampin' Success (for demonstrators) magazine. Although I generally like to create my own projects for my classes, I'll admit it is nice to have wonderful ideas provided by Stampin' Up so that if I'm short on ideas or time I still have fun projects.

This card showcases the new Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch found on page 6 of the Mini Catalog. These are a new style of punch, and are awesome, because in one punch there are three coordinating punches--you just slide the front lever to the image you want, and punch. So all of the flowers on this card came from the same punch. It took me a few tries to get the feel of the Triple Layer punch, but now I really like it!

The stamp set used here is the coordinating set Bold Blossom. There is a rhinestone jewel in the middle of the stamped Cherry Cobbler flower. The ribbon is 5/8" Early Espresso Grosgrain Ribbon--soon to be discontinued. The top two flowers and butterfly are up on dimensionals, and the sentiment and bottom flower are not.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Bold Blossom

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Old Olive

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, Early Espresso

Accessories: Rhinestone Jewels, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch, 2" by 1 3/8" Oval punch, 3/4" Circle punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, 5/8" Early Espresso Ribbon, Cutter Kit, dimensionals

Party Treat

2011-06-13T07:30:00.003-05:00

June is passing quickly, and soon we will have a brand new catalog! But for now, you still have the opportunity to purchase Last Chance items from the current catalog. If you haven't seen the pdf list of Last Chance Stamps (ie soon to be discontinued stamp sets) you can see it by clicking HERE. To view all of the Last Chance items (stamps, accessories, decor elements) in the online store click HERE.

The stamp set Party Hearty (a fun birthday set) is on the list of retiring stamps. This fun Mini Milk Carton showcases the Party Hearty stamp set. The milk carton was created by using the Mini Milk Carton Big Shot die. After adhering that together, I wrapped around the Daffodil Delight grosgrain ribbon and then a thin strip of Melon Mambo card stock.

The clip at the top is one of the Library Clips from the Clips Assortment pack and has a bit of 1/8" Daffodil Delight taffeta ribbon tied on. For the main image, I stamped twice, once in Melon Mambo and once in Tempting Turquoise. I used the 3/4" Circle punch to punch out just the center circle. I added some sparkle with Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

Note: In addition to the stamp set, the 5/8" Daffodil Delight grosgrain ribbon is being discontinued. In fact, ALL of the 5/8" grosgrain ribbon is being discontinued. In the new catalog this style of ribbon will no longer be available!

Note: By the way, this stamp set can be used for more than birthdays! To see a graduation card I made using this stamp set click HERE.

Stamps: Party Hearty

Ink: Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise

Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo, Whisper White

Accessories: Mini Milk Carton die, Big Shot, Library Clip, 1/8" Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon, 5/8" Daffodil Delight Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Circle punch, 3/4" punch, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds, dimensionals

Father's Day Wallet

2011-06-10T09:22:00.005-05:00

As you've noticed my blog has been neglected lately. :-) Ironically I have a whole stack of projects to share--so it's not for lack of stamping on my part. I've been keeping busy getting everything ready for the baby to come. If all goes as scheduled, we'll have a new baby girl join our family next week!

Father's Day is right around the corner. This wallet card is a fun way to present money, gift cards, pictures of the (grand)kids, or coupons. This is an idea that has been around for many years so I can't claim credit for it. This is also a great idea for graduation!

Here's a view of the inside:

Measurements:

9" by 3 1/2" --scored at 4 7/16" and 4 9/16" (sounds scary, but it's just on either side of 4 1/2")

8 1/2" by 3 1/4" --scored at 4 3/16" and 4 5/16" (just on either side of 4 1/4")

4 1/8" by 2" --TWO of these pieces

The measuring is by far the hardest part! The next step is sponging with Soft Suede--the edges and all over to give the soft leather feel. On the largest piece, I used my Mat Pack to paper pierce the edges and a corner rounder punch to round the edges. I used the fine tip end of the Soft Suede marker to 'connect the dots' where I had paper pierced to make it look like it was sewn. Then stamp/embellish as desired. Here I used Plane & Simple (no longer available). Monogramming your wallet is a fun idea too!

Note: When assembling the wallet, make sure to not adhere the 'tops' of the pockets--just the bottom and sides. You'll want to be able to slip in money, gift cards, etc.

Thanks for stopping by! If all goes as planned, I'll be scheduling some posts for the next month or so.

Stamps: Plane & Simple

Ink: Soft Suede (and marker)

Paper: Crumb Cake

Accessories: Mat Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, sponge