Stampin' Natural....

Using ink refills for creating a value in a color.

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Thu, 10 May 2012 04:36:00 +0000

A short tutorial on using the Stampin' Up! ink refills for creating a different value. Value is the lightness or darkness of a color. Since Daffodil Delight was a bit too bright and So Saffron was a bit too subtle for what I wanted, I had some fun by creating a different yellow with our Stampin' Up! ink refills.

The little yellow box in the bottom left is what inspired me to create a different color. I received the lovely box with a little perfume sample and just loved the Gold embossed images over the yellow.

Adding a couple of drops of Daffodil Delight, a drop of Pear Pizzazz and a couple of Very Vanilla and blended. But it wasn't what I was looking for. So the continuing of a few drops more of Daffodil Delight, a lot less of the Pear Pizzazz, more of the Very Vanilla, etc. Then I tried the "paint" on different colors of Card Stock. The best was our Glossy Card Stock. But it still needed a hint of yellow more. A quick coverage of Daffodil Delight using the brayer and then I "painted" the card stock over the brayering. Some streaks showed and I loved the more painted look to the card stock which added texture also.

The "paint" is wet here but you can see the streaks.

A closer look. You can see where the brayer was at the bottom. When this dried though it became a matte finish because of the Very Vanilla. I let this dry overnight.

After cutting the card stock to the sizes needed, a sponging with Daffodil Delight with the direction of the painting to add some gloss and a little more color. I purposely did an uneven blend to give an aged look. Then each piece was covered with the Embossing Buddy, the Parlor Print Background stamp image was embossed using Versamark and Gold Embossing Powder. To finish, the edges were sponged with Daffodil Delight.

The finished card.

Try using your ink refills to gain another color that still will coordinate with your Stampin' Up! embellishments and card stock! And let us know what you have tried!

Have a lovely day!

Pamela

You're just a click away from fun!

Click HERE to shop 24/7 at my Stampin' Up! online store!

Products Used:

Classic Stampin' Ink Refill, Daffodil Delight-119672-$2.95;

Pear Pizzazz-119673-$2.95; Craft Stampin' Ink Refill, Very Vanilla-104328-$4.25; Brayer-102395-$12.50; Glossy White Card Stock-102599-$5.95 for 25 sheets; Gold Embossing Powder-109129-$4.75; Embossing Buddy-103083-$5.95; VersaMark Pad-102283-$7.50; and Heat Tool-100005-$29.95.

Not quite Daffodil Delight nor So Saffron

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Wed, 09 May 2012 05:58:00 +0000

Using our Stampin' Up! ink refills to make a combination of colors can be fun. I wanted a yellow, but not the bright of Daffodil nor the softness of Saffron.

Using three ink refills and our Glossy card stock, the background color was made. Then embossed in Gold using Parlor Prints Background stamp. Always Artichoke gives the rich but antiquated look. And of course some pearls. All this is layered onto Confetti Cream Card Stock. The Always Artichoke Seam Binding Ribbon and my peg bow maker gives us the fluffy, full bow. (I love seam binding ribbon--it is so light and makes beautiful bows.)
Will share the details tomorrow on how the background was made. It is very fun to invent a new color that still blends with Stampin' Up! colors.

Have a lovely day!
Pamela

You're just a click away from fun!

Click HERE and shop 24/7 at my Stampin' Up! Store!

Products Used:

Parlor Prints 122525; Always Artichoke Seam Binding Ribbon 121000; Basic Pearls 119247; Large Pearl Basic Jewels 125577; Labels Collection Framelits Dies 125598; Gold Embossing Powder 109129; Confetti Cream Card Stock 102835.

April 30! Last day for Occasions Mini

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:03:00 +0000

Just a reminder that the Occasions Mini will expire April 30. Just a little recap of the Labels Collection Dies, Bordering on Romance stamp set, Twitterpated Designer Series Paper, and the Island Indigo Baker's Twine!

Click the Occasions Mini catalog in my right sidebar to view the catalog!

Have a sweet and wonderful day!
Pamela

Click here to order Stampin' Up! products online-24/7.

You're just a click away from fun!

Dazzling Sweet Birthday Card

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 05:55:00 +0000

The color combination is so fun to work with. The deep red from Riding Hood, the softness of Blushing Bride with the pop of Baja Breeze makes these blendable colors! And Twitterpated Desginer Series Paper makes these colors come together.

The extras:

A run through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing folder and sponged the raised dots with Riding Hood Red.
Basic Rhinestones are added to the sponged sentiment and Modern Label punch used.
The cute little button tied with DMC floss that coordinates with Riding Hood Red. Button from the Twitterpated collection in Occasions Mini. Curly Label punch and Twitterpated gives the background for the button. Edges of the die cut are finished with Riding Hood Stampin' Write marker.

And here is the cute part! The Bigz Die, Peekaboo Frames, is perfect size for the cupcakes. (The cupcakes and sentiment from the Crazy for Cupcakes stamp set.)

Cupcakes are stamped in Staz-On, colored with Riding Hood and Pear Pizzaz Stampin' Write Markers then blended with Blender pen.
Dazzling Details makes the yummy frosting stand out!

The Occasions Mini is nearing the end of it's time. The lovely and fun Twitterpated collection will be gone after April 30. View the Occasions Mini by clicking on the icon in my sidebar.

Retiring stamps will be forever gone! Click HERE to see the sets.

Hugs to you!
Pamela

Click here to order your Stampin' Up! products online--24/7!
You're just a click away from fun!

Products Used:

125406 Twitterpated Designer Series paper, 124479 Twitterpated Designer Buttons, 124587 Peekaboo Frames Bigz Die, 117335 Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, 113439 Big Shot Die-Cutting machine, 124117 Dazzling Details, 111618 Crazy for Cupcakes stamp set.

The Stampin' Up! Retired Stamp List!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 23:21:00 +0000

The RETIRING stamp sets list is over 300 and you can view the list HERE! You can order the stamp sets till May 31, but you will want to hurry, as once they are gone--they're gone!

And HERE is the Summer Smooches promotion where you will be able to purchase brand new items "before" the new catalog comes out! This promotion ends April 30.

The Stampin' Up! Annual Idea Book and Catalog will be released a month earlier this year--June 1, 2012. With so many retiring stamp sets it will be exciting to see so many new and exciting products!

Then watch on April 25, when the Retired Accessories/Decor Elements list will be released!

Hugs to you!
Pamela

Click here to order your Stampin' Up! products online--24/7!
You're just a click away from fun!

Clearance Rack!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 06:08:00 +0000

Clearance Rack has more items added and there are some really great discounts! Don't want you to miss out.

Go to my online store to see all the clearanced items.

Have a wonderful day!
Pamela

You're a Gem Card Holder with Carrie Cutney

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 04:51:00 +0000

What a great idea! A simple-to-make card box to give with a few of your cards makes a great gift. Here's a quick video tutorial on how to make one.

Carrie Cudney, from Stampin' Up! shows us how by using the Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scored tool and new Adorning Accents Edgelits Die.

Enjoy!

Pamela

Products Used:

Adorning Accents Edgelits Dies--125595
Simply Scored Scoring Tool--122334
Bordering on Romance Stamp Set-(Clear)--125482
or the (Wood)--125480

It's about to END!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 03:37:00 +0000

Don't let this happen to you! Who doesn't like free stuff! Go here to my online store now and order your $50.00 in products then pick your FREE Sale-A-Bration product!

The jewelry I made with the Fresh Vintage Stamp Set has been a big hit!! You don't want to miss out on that free stamp set!

Hugs to you!
Pamela

A stamp from Fresh Vintage SAB used in jewelry!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 05:20:00 +0000

Again, I've played around with some Premo! clay and Premo! Accents clay. Studied some more on using it, bought a book and watched some videos. I think I really, really like using Premo Clay to make jewelry. And since I love stamps too how could I not combine them!

The Fresh Vintage stamp set in the Sale-A-Bration mini has the cutest stamps anyways! But--take a closer look at the square stamp. I thought--eeek--a four-leaf clover and the Number 3 for good luck. How cool would that be to make a St. Patrick's Day necklace!

The two colors of clay used are Premo! green and Premo! Accents Bright Green Pearl. I first made a roll of the Bright Green then wrapped it in the green. With the left over from the brooch I made first, these were made. After working the colors a bit to get a marbled look, I rolled it out, misted my stamp with water and pressed firmly in the clay. Then trimmed with a cutter blade that has the postage stamp edge. Pressed in a #20 Swarovski Crystal and rubbed a touch here and there of Spring Pearl Ex Powder. The earrings were just cut with the same cutter blade and the Swarovski's were pressed in and again just a touch of the Pearl Ex. I used our retired stylus to make the holes to put in the jump rings. It's great to use as it has two different size tips and I find that using it for clay will be great! Save your retired stuff and put it to use!

Baked at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. After cooled, I added jump rings and the earring wires. Quick and easy to make my St. Patrick's day jewelry!

Don't you love having new ways to use your stamps? I do! Hope this gets you excited to use your stamps for other uses too.

AND---the absolutely, adorable Fresh Vintage stamp set can be yours for FREE when you order $50 or more in Stampin' Up! products. Don't miss out on the great Sale-A-Bration going on and it will be ending March 31.
Go quick to my website now and place your order to be delivered straight to your door and take advantage of the free products!!

Hugs to you!
Pamela

Products Used:

125115 Fresh Vintage stamp set, wood

Jewelry findings, Swarovski Crystals, Premo! clays, Pearl Ex

If at any time you have questions, don't hesitate to e-mail me. Would love to share ideas and any tips that I have. My e-mail is at the top right.

I'm here to help!

Brooch I made first from the clay roll. The centers are the lighter pearl green. I didn't have a heart shape cutter so just had to shape it myself. A pin back was glued on and I wore it on my smock for work. I see my fingerprints though--haha--know it's me then!

Diagonal Plate How-To Video

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 07:20:00 +0000

A quick video to demonstrate the new Simply Scored Diagonal Plate to go with our Simply Scored Scoring Tool. Making envelopes will be so easy as well as other ideas.

Don't have the Simply Scored Scoring Tool? Go HERE to my online store and order yours today along with the new Simply Scored Diagonal Plate! Will be so much fun to add to your cards and scrapbook pages the embossed lines of diagonal, creating one of a kind envelopes to match your cards and more!

Hugs!
Pamela

Used a Stampin' Up! stamp to make earrings!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 05:44:00 +0000

So excited to share with you this little crafting project. Stamps just aren't for making cards!

I have wanted to try working with clay for a while so bought some Premo Accents in Bronze and gave it a try. (Thank goodness for YouTube and videos on working with Premo.)

After I worked the clay and flattened, I used our Circle Circus stamp set to "stamp" the clay. I also measured the stamp size with the little clay cutter in the circle shape to determine the size of my earring. I loved the bronze look but wanted to play more. Before baking, I just rubbed a little of the Micro Pearl Ex over it with my finger lightly. I sealed the earrings with Crystal Effects on both sides. To give a finish to be waterproof, I sealed them with Clear Acrylic Sealer Matte Spray.

I added the bails and hooked them to the earring wires . Then, in an afterthought, I wanted them to have some bling! (What's earrings without bling--right?) Swarovski Xillion Flat back crystals were added--just needed two to each earring. So pretty! Wore them to work today and had compliments on them. AND--they are so lightweight, I forgot I had them on! They are a ever-so-slightly larger than a penny.

So there you go! Another idea for you to play around with. Would love for you to leave a comment on what you think of these!

Hugs to you!
Pamela

And don't forget about Sale-a-Bration!

For every $50 you purchase* you get a Sale-A-Bration product for free.

Go HERE to my online store and view the Sale-A-Bration Mini Catalog of FREE Goodies!

Products Used:
115778 Circle Circus Stamp Set

*before tax and shipping--product amount must be $50 or more to receive a free SAB product. For every $50 you spend, you can choose a SAB product.

Only two Choose Joy Bracelets left!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 06:23:00 +0000

Thank you for the comments and e-mails that you have visited the Lil Blue Boo blog. Those that wanted the Choose Joy bracelets, I mailed them yesterday so be watching for your package. I have two bracelets left and if you want one, send me an e-mail with your address and I will send it to you. To find out more about Lil Blue Boo check here to my blog post that explains.

Finishing last touches on a cute little something to show tomorrow night. Just needed to let it finish drying. And it's not a card. It's something to wear.
Curious? And I use stamps--so check in tomorrow!
Hugs to you!!
Pamela

Iridescent Ice Embossed Doily Birthday Card

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:19:00 +0000

Well, it certainly has been some time that I have been able to load a picture from my camera. Finally figured my problem out but I have to upload pictures differently than before.

My middle daughter's birthday is this weekend. And I wanted to try something a little different. Inspired by my Avon calendar picture of March and my goal to use more purple in projects made a combined effort for this card.

The card base is Wisteria Wonder and the layer is Concord Crush. And it was a piece left over from last years wedding invitations as it still has the "sparkle". Remember my moving my scraps in their folders to be put right with the card stock? Yep, it helped on this card or I would have forgot this piece.

The doily stamp was stamped with Versamark and onto Shimmery White card stock. Embossed with Iridescent ice embossing powder to give it the beautiful shimmery look. To add depth to my doily, I used the Embossed Reinker Spread technique. I squeezed a drop or two of Wisteria Wonder ink refill in the lid and slightly misted the doily with water. The Aqua painter was used to lightly touch and spread the ink to the spaces not embossed. Then I went over again a little darker then last one more time darker again to just the edges of the insides. The Shimmery White card stock is wonderful to spread the colors and bring out the areas not embossed. I trimmed around the edges them sponged the edge with Wisteria Wonder. Antique Brad makes the center while Basic Rhinestones adorn the rest. Basic Gray 1 1/4" Striped Ribbon is cut, angled, and wrapped with Silver Stretch Cord. The Butterflies are from the Sizzix Embosslit Die, Beautiful Wings, and lightly sponged with more rhinestones added.

Closer look at my doily. My Great Aunt tatted the doily below the card.

Hope you give the Embossed Reinker Spread a try. It is so fun to do! If you do leave a comment and let us know. If you have a question on how to do this technique, send me an e-mail (top right) and put in the Subject line, Embossed Reinker Spread.

Hugs to you,
Pamela

Oops. Forgot to add that this was for the MOJO231 Monday challenge.

Products Used:

122845 Hello Doily, 117273 Antique Brads, 101930 Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, 125061 Basic Gray Striped Ribbon, 119246 Basic Rhinestones, 118138 Beautiful Wings Embosslit.

Choose Joy and Lil Blue Boo

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 02:28:00 +0000

Several months ago my daughter asked me to check out the blog of Lil Blue Boo. Ashley, owner of the blog, had inspired my very reluctant daughter to start sewing.

When my daughter was in high school, (our home school), we had the curriculum for home economics class. Joyously, for me anyways, she loved the cooking part. That meant meals she prepared for class covered the family meals that I didn't have to cook. BUT, she detested the sewing machine. I believe all we were able to get her to learn of the sewing section was learning how to thread the machine, how it worked and a very, very, simple pillow so she could at least get a grade. She didn't mind collecting the fabric swatches or even the tests but to sew? Uh uh--no way.

So, I chalked it up that she was a non-crafter, only wanted to ride her horse, read and occasionally write. Tom-boy eclectic was what she was. Nothing like seeing her at the break of dawn taking her horse out for a run, riding him bare-back. I would watch from the kitchen window with bleary eyes and holding a cup of coffee and holding my breath watching her. She and Breezy skimmed tree branches, he'd balked crossing the creek and almost dumped her in, or they would dance around the cow pies but he would always stay beside her. When the neighbor's cattle got out and their bull was loose, after the round-up we couldn't find Autumn. A little later someone said, "There she is!!" All we could see was little legs dangling from a tree branch high up. At least she was safe. She fed a rascally fox down by the pond to keep him from stealing my hens. She went out on the frozen pond to rescue her calf and that ensued lots of blankets and hot chocolate. She adopted the ugliest dog in the pound and paid for him out of her pocket. Then she called him Dr. Pepper. She scrimped and saved and finally bought her a saddle.

All this memory lane jog was to let you know that if you have a non-crafter in your midst, just be patient. Maybe in their own time, just like my daughter. Now she has her own little girl, and she is dressed in adorable dresses, and is always the best dressed, bows and all. Then my daughter (being a penny pincher) decided on her own to start to sew. Her Dad in-law bought her a sewing machine and with the help of Lil Blue Boo's blog, she started making dresses for Haley. Although, she called to make sure the machine was threaded right. Guess, I was good for something there----*smile*.

Autumn made the four dresses. These are all my grandchildren.

Then the fun! Colored bubbles! Yep, it stains, hence the reason she made the white dresses. They had so much fun!

Little Jennifer (L) and Haley (R) They are cousins but they are very close, like sisters. (PS. My daughter, Autumn, also took the pictures. Great job don'tcha think?)

I invite you to take a look over at Lil Blue Boo. Ashley is so warm, confident and a huge encouragement to us. Ashley recently has started chemo and so the reason I'm posting this is I wanted you to join us in "Choose Joy". She tells about it here at this link on her blog.

I do apologize for not posting for a while. I'm sorta going through a little struggle myself. That's why "CHOOSE JOY", means so much to me. We should look at the happy, positive things and let go of those things that bring us down. Be creative, enjoy life, laugh and take time to just enjoy the different smells of being outside.

If you stayed with me for this lengthy blog post, I do have a gift for you. I only have five "Choose Joy" bracelets from Lil Blue Boo to give away. I gave a bunch to my co-workers and have some for my daughters. So, for the first five that send me your e-mail with your mailing address, I will mail you a "Choose Joy" bracelet. Leave a comment that you will take a visit over to Ashley's blog.

Autumn, David and Haley

Many hugs to you,
Pamela

Professional crafter and what people think--funny!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:50:00 +0000

Just wanted to share this really cute picture! And have any of you fallen asleep at your desk? I have! My son would come in and get me. I would tell him--"I'm just resting--give me a moment".

I bought a cute little shelf to store my Clear Mount stamps in and will be sharing pics hopefully this weekend----IF I can figure my camera situation out. It is most irritating to say the least not to be able to get my computer to read my camera.

Any ideas on what to do to fix it would be so appreciated!! Leave a comment that we all can read and maybe help someone else too.

Y'all have a great day---sorry, talking to my Texas friends and y'all just sorta slips out.

Many hugs!!
Pamela

A video of the Gardener's makeover of a stamping room

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:59:00 +0000

Well, I'm still at it. Desk is cleared until the ribbon spools I moved decided to roll out and then My-My jumped up on the desk after the rolling ribbon and knocked more stuff down.

My Framelits are in new cases now, the Sizzix dies are labeled except for the last 6 as I ran out of tape. Finished the card stock labeling. Purged a bunch of old paper work. Reworked files. Making sure that current items are close while those items retired that I would like to keep are in a separate area. Before, I kept all ribbons in one place but found I had to keep looking up to see if it was current or not. Same with other embellishments, stamps etc. Now I've separated them and it really is a lot easier and faster to use.

Now I'm having trouble with my camera loading pictures to my computer. Seems the pics loading are not wanting to show up where they did before. I spent about two hours today trying to figure out how to get it back to how it loaded before. And a quick tip for your laptop computer that I found while working on the camera fiasco. This is to clean out the dust that can cause your computer to run the fan too long and also get too hot which causes slower internet and damage to your computer.

**Turn off your computer and unplug. I let mine cool down first. Use canned air and blow the vents in the back. When I did this there was so much dust that came out the other vent! Wow! I did several times to each of the vents and also the keys and side plugs for cords, dvd, etc. Another words, I just blew every nook and cranny I could. I can tell it is running better. The camera issue was before I cleaned my computer. It's just my computer is not reading my camera anymore for some reason. If you know why, I sure would love a helpful tip or what to do. Most irritating to say the least!!

So here's a video of Shelli Gardner, Stampin' Up! CEO, working on a stamp room makeover. The demonstrator won the makeover! Looks incredible! Enjoy!!

A wonderful day to you!
Hugs,
Pamela

Shop here at my online store for Stampin' Up! products!

You're just a click away from fun!!

Taking a bit longer than I thought...

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:14:00 +0000

Wow--so I've pretty well turned my studio upside down. I figured if I was going to re-organize it, I might as well do the small stuff too. And boy, has that been time consuming!

Ahem--no place to stamp right now, (cough, cough), as my desk is well, shall we say, not attainable. It has all kinds of stuff on it to get out of the way to do other stuff--makes sense doesn't it? hehe. And yes, I'm organizing--labeling and, yea, organizing.

But! I think I'm beginning to see an end to the madness--wait--organizing. Darn paper work slows me down though and something about having to go to work, and eat, and sleep, and feed all my critters. So it hasn't gone as quickly as I had hoped. But I gave myself January and February to complete this job.

All this organizing is because:
one - I let things get out of hand and,
two - I'm starting up some classes in March.
So, a need to know what was on hand and where stuff is would be of help. I mean, I did know where things were, it was just, you know, in a pile over there or under this, or in those fantastic clear plastic shoebox size tubs. When you keep buying plastic tubs to put stuff in to clear off your desk--That my friend, is a sure sign that you need to get organized!

Whew, confession. How embarrassing. Slinking off to my corner now. There's labels over there just beckoning me to stick them on something.

Have a great day and leave a comment so I won't feel so embarrassed, OK? Does anyone else let your stamping area get out of hand? Come on, you know you want to confess. Hey, were all crafters right! Your secret is safe with me ...and others who see this... and Google...and keywords... and SEO............

Hugs!!
Pamela

Click here to go to my online store!

You're just a click away from fun!

Stampin' Up! video--Creating an Easel Card

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:26:00 +0000

Thought you would like to see this quick and easy to do video tutorial on how to make an Easel Card. I will definitely have to give this a try!

While inventory at my work is finished up, I've been working longer hours; some up to 11 hours a day. And it has caught up with me--boy, am I pooped! One more day and I get a couple of days off though.

And, I'm still working on organizing my studio. I've been making labels during my lunches at work and when home trying to do some organizing too. During this I found I had ordered another Originals Die -Stars #2. Sigh--that's what happens when I don't mark my catalog right away. BUT--when I get finished with my studio, I'll be having a blog candy give-away and guess what--Originals Die Stars #2 will be part of it! So stay with me friends!

Hugs to all!!
Pamela

Shop my online store here!

You're just a click away from fun!

Man-Card for birthday with Acrylic Sticky Note and Pen

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:50:00 +0000

I've never made one of the Acrylic Post-It Note Holders before tonight but it was really simple and quick to do. I made this for my Manager's birthday and since he likes to fish....well.

You will need an 4" x 6" Acrylic Frame and a 3 x 3 Post-it
note pack. I stamped the image in Black Staz-On onto River Rock. This is a retired set called Angler. The image is colored in with Watercolor Pencils and a Blender Pen. To add the metal look, I used the Versamark Pen and embossed with Pewter Embossing Powder. (You knew I had to use Pewter.) Cut your Designer Series Paper or card stock to 4" x 6" and add your designs. To hold my Sticky Note Pad down to the acrylic, I used a removable Poster Tape. It holds it nice but you can remove the tape later.

The pen is a Pentel Pen with a strip of the Designer Series Paper, Well Worn inside. Unscrew the end and take out the pen. Cut a strip of 7/8" wide and 3 1/2" long in the paper. I folded mine into thirds but didn't crease the paper. Then it was easy to insert into the pen barrel. Insert the pen and put the cap back on.

This is just a closer look at the Watercolor Pencils work. You can use them as color pencils or with a Blender Pen, watercolor brush or an Aqua Painter for a more painted look. I loved the Blender Pen here as it just does that--blends--and covers my goofs.

And here is his card. The trout is also from the Angler retired set but the Happy Birthday comes from Teeny Tiny Wishes set. While I was getting some River Rock Scraps, I had these rings leftover I had cut with my Circle Scissor Plus. What a nice touch to the card. I sponged Soft Suede on the outside ring and Cajun Craze on the inside of the ring to get a blended look. A 5/16" Chocolate Chip Brad holds the sentiment to the ring. And of course, Pewter Embossing Powder is the trout. I added pink to it's tummy--that's suppose to make it a Rainbow trout--whatever--I googled it. Then I added more dots with the Soft Suede marker.

And there you have a nice little gift and card and it didn't take that long to make at all.

If you are making any Man cards----I highly recommend getting the Well Worn Designer Series Paper! I've made three Man-cards and the gifts tonight with it and it is perfect!

Today starts Sale-A-Bration! With every $50 in product you purchase you can choose one of the free products from Sale-A-Bration Mini!

And joining Stampin' Up! is great but now it is fabulous! You can join during Sale-A-Bration for only $125. Then, you geta free paper pack or digital download every month for the rest of the year! Wow! I would love for you to join me as my Stampin' Natural's group. I'll be here to answer your questions as you start your Stampin' Up! demonstratorship. To join CLICK HERE and start reaping the benefits of being an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator!

Have a wonderful day!

Hugs,

Pamela

Shop here at my online store!

You're just a click away from fun!

Products used:

122359 Well Worn Designer Series Paper

112534 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo Brads

100005 Heat Tool

100901 VersaMarker

102845 Blender Pens

101879 Watercolor Pencils with tin container

110755 Multipurpose Liquid Glue

104430 Stampin' Dimensionals

124114 Pewter Embossing Powder

Inventory at the store....

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:08:00 +0000

and so I've been busy with extra hours there. But it will be over with this week---thank goodness--all those numbers!!

Thank you for checking in with me and even though I'm writing numbers, my mind has been clicking with stamping ideas! Would you like to see more crafting ideas? If so, leave me a comment and we'll see what we can cook up!

AND--Sale-A-Bration starts Tuesday!! With a $50 order of products, you can choose an item from the Sale-A-Bration mini or select items from the Idea Book and Catalog.

Thank you so much for letting me be your demonstrator!

Hugs and counting------
Pamela
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Shop online at my store here!

You're just a click away from fun!

You are simply wonderful-MOJO224 challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:15:00 +0000

This card is for MOJO224 Monday Challenge and also an inspiration I had. The sketch is the challenge for MOJO224, but the center flower is from floral stems I saw. I just loved the look of small flowers with design to make a larger flower! Click on the pic to get a closer look.

Whisper White is the card base while a layer of Island Indigo is base for the remaining layers. I love Island Indigo color! Using the Desginer Series Paper from the Occasions Mini, called Twitterpated, is the fun paper designs. I simply punched 18 flowers from the Boho Blossom punch--the small scalloped flower. Then using a stylus and the foam pad from the Mat Pack, the centers were pressed in and the petals formed upward. A scallop from the 2 3/8" punch and Island Indigo will be the base. A good round of Multipurpose glue in the center and outward but not too far and press the little flowers in. I scrunched them and even put my hand down over them for a bit to help hold in place. After I could feel that it was holding, a big dollop of Dazzling Details are in the centers that are showing. Once dry, this is layered onto a Whisper White 2 1/2" circle punch. The Whisper White to the side was smooched with Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz. It was a bit "globby" as mine is about all gone. But, I rather like the look! It added some texture and shimmer. And the bottom was punched using the 1 1/4" Square Punch. The sentiment is from Friendly Phrases stamp set--a set of six phrases.
Also, used Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding Ribbon for a soft touch and one Basic Rhinestone.

Check out my online store for ordering your Stampin' Up! products! Still have one more night to get your free package of Basic Rhinestones or Basic Pearls from me when you order $50 worth of product.

Have a wonderful day!
Hugs to you,
Pamela

Shop here at my online store!

You're just a click away from fun!

Products used:

126151 Friendly Phrases Stamp Set

118874 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch

120906 2 1/2" Circle Punch

119858 Bojo Blossoms Punch

125406 Twitterpated Designer Series Paper

119865 1 1/4" Square Punch

122330 Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding Ribbon

119246 Basic Rhinestones Jewels

118772 Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz

124117 Dazzling Details Iridescent Glitter Glue

110755 Multipurpose Liquid Glue

If you do not have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I would love to be yours. I will be happy to mail you the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog plus the current Mini's! E-mail me your address with the subject line--"Free Catalog".

A Sweet Tidbit from a Customer

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:50:00 +0000

In 2011, I had the opportunity to make reception and wedding invitations for a sweet young lady and her beaufellow. After they were married, they have moved away since he is in the miltary.

I just wanted to share a sweetheart of a picture of them. Aren't they the most beautiful couple ever!!

Ian and Christy

So I just wanted to reminisce some tonight. Remember my post a few days ago about my rant on purple? This young lady is the one that I needed to make the invites for. I had such a hard time getting the feel of the purple, but with her patience and my mounds of rejects, we finally came to what she wanted.

Wedding Invitation

Reception Invitation

You can view the details here on my blog on the makings of the invitations.

It was a cherished time to make these for Christy and Ian.
Thank you for letting me share with you this sweet couple.

Hugs,
Pamela,
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Shop my online store here!

You're just a click away from fun!

Products Used:

123025 Fablous Florets (W)

116806 Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint

118402 Scallop Trim Border Punch

A MOJO223 Challenge and a Ooh, la la! card

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:45:00 +0000

The MOJO Monday Sketch Challenge 223 was a lot of fun to work yesterday. I would have posted yesterday but My-My decided to step in the Dazzling Details. We pawzed to remove glitter. Cat and water--quite an ordeal.

This is the stamp set Artistic Etchings. I love the medallion! That, the crown and the sentiment are stamped in Basic Black Classic Ink onto Shimmery White Cardstock. Dazzling Details in both the clear and Cherry Cobbler made the medallion and crown sparkle. Doesn't it look like rubies? (Tip: I lightly traced the lines and swirls with the fine point of More Mustard Marker. Then applying the clear Dazzling Details and working the tip on the marker color made it look more golden.) Basic Rhinestones are added. The pretty ribbon is from the new Occasions Mini. It is 3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon in Riding Hood Red. There are three other colors available also.

Again Twitterpated Designer Series Paper makes a bold statement against the More Mustard and Basic Black card stock. Also, the Decorative Label Punch and Silver Glimmer Paper help make the sentiment shine. I intentionally cut it by hand and a little off. I wanted a little hint of a dance costume--you know--a little Can-Can dancing. ;)

Have a wonderful day as we start a brand new week!!

Hugs,
Pamela

Shop here at my online store!

You're just a click away from fun!

Products used:

125569 Riding Hood Red 3/8" Pleated Ribbon

125406 Twitterpated Designer Series Paper

124117 Dazzling Details-clear

125585 Dazzling Details-Cherry Cobbler

120907 Decorative Label Punch

118517 Artistic Etchings

101910 Shimmery White Cardstock

124005 Silver Glimmer Paper

The De-Cluttering process has begun!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 07:08:00 +0000

Today, while having my two lunches and break at work, I printed off labels using my new Dymo LetraTag. I knew a 12 hour day was going to be today so I brought it to get a little work for my studio done.

I've been trying to find ways to condense and make my studio more organized and easier to get to my supplies. Then bam, it hit me. Why the dickens do I have scrap card stock in a file cabinet while the whole sheets are in nicely stored cubicles that keep colors separate? I bought the cubes a few years ago at Sam's Club. Each cube has 10 compartments for 8 1/2 x 11 paper or the old legal paper. (Anyone remember that? )

So, the printing of labels started. Now my scraps are put in individually labeled file folders. Then the folders are put in green hanging folders with the Color Collections Name. I'm not OCD! Well, maybe a little. But the file folders are a little too wide to fit in the compartments of the cubes. I've heard that some crafters store their scraps in gallon baggies and others use plastic sheet protectors, etc. #1, the plastic protectors were to flimsy for me #2, the plastic scrap keepers were to expensive and #3, a baggie? Nah.

Here I cut off the tabbed, long side of the folder and it fits. Then I put two staples at one end about 2-3 inches apart to keep scraps from sliding out of the folder but not to make it completely closed. And the labels? They will be adhered to the other end of the folder so that I can see name and color family they belong too when I have a bunch of them pulled out. (Yea, I'm bad about doing that.)

Had to put a button in the center. My camera absolutely refused to take this pic without a focal point.

I know most want clear but my file folders were already there and I can still see the edges of my card stock colors. And--a big plus for me--here in New Mexico when those Spring winds hit and sand makes mountains in your windows, it will be easier to Swiffer out the sand and dust.

Now what to do with the empty file cabinet.

If you've done a recent make-over, leave us a comment on one thing that helped you get organized. It's nice to share ideas and tips on organizing.

Have a great day.

Hugs,
Pamela

Shop here at my online store!

You're just a click away from fun!

Old School Day's Medallion in White Pastel

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:19:00 +0000

The Clean and Simple Challenge 173 this week was the inspiration behind this card. Watching too much Gunsmoke again and so I went with the era of the School Marm (with a garter). And pearls; all school marm's have pearls.

Here our pretty lady is busy at the chalkboard. A fancy medallion is the artwork for today.

Basic Black is the base of the card. The Medallion Stamp is inked with Whisper White. Use a sponge dauber and pounce on Stampin' Pastel in white over the stamped image. You can even see bits of pastel dust around the edges to give it an authentic look of an old chalkboard. Using a clean Swiffer cloth, the kind I use for glitter, sweeps away the dust from the pastel. Then a quick spritz of Acrylic Sealer to set the pastel.

A little layer from the new Twitterpated Designer Series Paper. Then three little sentiments are from Tiny Tags stamp set and punched out with the Jewelry Tag Punch. A small Library Clip holds the tiny tags to the ribbon. The ribbon is pleated and scrunched up and is held using Sticky Strip. Pearls are the adornment with the new Large Pearl that you can find in the Occasions Mini.

And here's a twist on the medallion image.

To give some variation to colors, I stamped the Medallion in Whisper White then used other Stampin' Pastel colors to make it vibrant. Pretty cool, huh.

Stampin' Pastels are really fun to work with. If you don't have pastels in your paper crafting supplies, why not check out my online store and order you a set. They come in all 40 colors with six applicators and an eraser. You can use Whisper White or Versamark to do this fun project.

You still have time to get my gift of the free Basic Rhinestones or Pearls too! When you order $50 in product I will mail you your choice. See here for details! (Sorry, USA only.)

Have a wonderful day!
Hugs,
Pamela

Shop here at my online store!

You're just a click away from fun!

Products used:
Occasions Mini--
125577 Large Pearl Basic Jewel
125406 Twitterpated Designer Series Paper

Idea Book and Catalog:
120962 Stampin' Pastels
118592 Tiny Tags Stamp Set (C)
115223 Medallion Stamp Set (W)
112580 Clips Assortment
102892 Sponge Daubers
117288 Certainly Celery Satin Ribboon
101731 Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad