Today is the day!

Today is the ABSOLUTE LAST DAY for ordering last chance items from the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog. If there are any stamp sets on which you have your heart set, today is the day!

CLICK HERE to place your order so you won't be disappointed! The ordering system at Stampin' UP! will be incredibly busy today so it's best to place your order sooner, rather than later.  If the ordering system confuses you and you'd like me to place the order for you, contact me without delay!

Come back tomorrow for some super fun Flashback Friday samples and then on Saturday I'll be announcing all the new FUN stuff, new benefits and exciting things you'll be able to find in the NEW 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog.  You won't want to miss it!!!

Happy Stampin'!

NO LONGER AVAILABLE!!!

This post will remain at the top until June 30th, so scroll down to see what else I've been up to!

This is where I'll update the list of Last Chance Accessories that are no longer available.  Remember, once the accessories are gone they're GONE!

Heads up! A LARGE portion of the Decor Elements items are now SOLD OUT! If there's something you were thinking about getting, now is the time!

This list continues to get bigger! The items still on the list are only available for the next 2 days! Get them before they run out like the items below!!!

As of June 29th the following items are NO LONGER AVAILABLE:

• Square Ice Rhinestone Brads
• Brass Jumbo Eyelets
• Pewter Jumbo Eyelets
• Metallic Eyelets
• Fine Cosmo Glitter
• 12 X 12 Craft Keepers
• 8 1/2 X 11 Craft Keepers
• Kindness Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel
• Neighbourhood Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel
• Christmas Chatter Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel
• Whimsy Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel
• Classic Stars Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel
• Dotted Lines Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel
• Celebration Stampin' Around Wheel
• Skeeters Stampin' Around Wheel
• Cheers Stampin' Around Wheel
• Right On Track Stampin' Around Wheel
• Cardstock and Classic Stampin' Pad Complete New Colour Kit
• 1 3/8" x 5/8" Oval Punch
• Designer Label Punch
• Star Punch
• Photo Corners Punch
• Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlits Die Pack
• Holly Jolly Rub-Ons
• Watercolour Paper (this is being reconfigured and will be available in 6 X 9 size in the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalogue)
• Cutting Mat
• Texturz Plates Kit #4
• Elegant Soirée Designer Series Paper
• Sunny Garden Designer Series Paper

Please note:

Item	Page	Description	Price
111546	142	Simple Birthday Thanks Background Stamp	$21.95
113216	Online	For the Bride Set	$24.95

The two above items have recently been added to the last chance list! They will NOT be available after June 30th, 2011.

Watercolour Wednesday - Little Friends

It seems there has been some difficulty seeing the video to which I make reference further down on this post.

Hopefully, this works:



I'm back with another Little Friends image. Have I mentioned that I love this set? No? Heehee!!! I love, love, LOVE it! My Caroline owns it and we don't normally buy the same sets because we see each other every week, but I may make an exception with this one - LOL!

Here's my card:

I used Sweet Sunday Sketch # 16, so you'll see this card again in my Flashback Friday feature on...well...Friday!

I stamped my little lady and her puppy (we'll call him Crumb Cake - heehee!) trying to steal the ribbon.  You can check out the video behind the reasoning for the puppy's name here. It's on my personal Facebook page, so if you can't see it, please let me know!

Anyway...little lady and her puppy were coloured in using Watercolour Crayons and Aqua Painters (no REALLY, Christyne? On Watercolour Wednesday? You don't say!!!) I just adore her dress in Rich Razzleberry, don't you?

I matted the image on Rich Razzleberry and then, per the sketch, outlined it in Old Olive.  And yes, I KNOW it doesn't LOOK like Old Olive, but my lighting conditions were not ideal. I tried a little tweaking in Photoshop, but it just didn't do the trick...

What do you think?

STAMPS: Little Friends
INK: Staz-ON, Rich Razzleberry
PAPERS: Pretty In Pink, Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive Cardstock; Watercolour Paper
ACCESSORIES: Watercolour Crayons, Aqua Painters

Happy Stampin'!

MDS Monday - Leadership 2011

I was thrilled to be able to attend Leadership 2011 thanks to a (quite literally) last second transfer! Sometimes being in the right place at the right time pays off!

Here are some highlights:

The main stage presentations and classes were just awesome! The make and takes even BETTER! And Memento Mall is EVERYTHING they say it is!

I can't wait to do it all over again next year - San Antonio baby!!!

Are you thinking about purchasing MDS? If you are and you purchase it from me between now and June 30th, I'll send you your very own copy of the Cheerful Treat CD which is in the Summer Mini!

Happy MDSin'!

What do you think of THIS?

I followed a tutorial and created my very own blog background using MDS!!!

It wasn't nearly as difficult as I thought it would be and with some trial and error, I got it all sorted out.

Do you have a blog that needs a makeover?  Purchase My Digital Studio from me and I'll walk you through it step by step!

Special thanks goes to Patty Bennett for her suggestion on changing up my blog banner so YOU would know exactly HOW to find me.

I can't wait to design MORE seasonal backgrounds and banners.

Happy MDSin'!

Watercolour Wednesday - Touch of Kindness

I'll tell you the truth...I'm not a cat lover. I'm allergic to them anyway, so it's all good. I'm so allergic in fact, that about 10 years ago when I was at my sister's place so she could trim my hair, I had one of the worst asthma attacks in my life. I LITERALLY walked THROUGH her apartment from the front door to the balcony (so there was no hair to cleanup inside) and had to call my mom to bring me my rescue inhaler (YES! I KNOW I should have had it with me) and by the time she got there I was sure I was going to end up in the hospital. Fortunately, the rescue inhaler did the trick and I avoided the hospital. I can tell you that I NEVER want to repeat THAT experience again - YIKES!

So, all that to say that if Stampin' UP! produces a stamp set with a cat in it, the odds of me acquiring it are slim and none. Such was the case with "Touch of Kindness" when it appeared in the Summer Mini.

Of course, that all changed when I started seeing all the adorable samples produced by other demonstrators/customers. Darn it! So...I ordered the set.

My favourite image is the bird bath and you can see that one in the card I did here.

Today, I'm sharing the little kitty with you. DD LOVED it when she saw me working on it last night. I'd be thrilled if you left me a comment letting me know what YOU think!

Here's the brad detail on the card:

I used Certainly Celery brads even though I used Wild Wasabi Cardstock. I decided that the two elements were spaced far enough apart that it wouldn't matter.

A close up of the sentiment:

I love the funky yet simple font in this set - SO CUTE!

And now, here's the full card:

I just love all the layers, especially since the card doesn't look bulky.

The image was stamped using Staz-ON ink and then coloured with watercolour crayons and aqua painters. And yes, I think the kitty is cute...at least he won't give me an allergic reaction!

What do you think:

STAMPS: Touch of Kindness
INK: Staz-ON, Pacific Point
PAPERS: Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point and Wild Wasabi Cardstock; Watercolour Paper; Beyond the Garden DSP
ACCESSORIES: Punches, Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals, Watercolour Crayons, Aqua Painters

Happy Stampin'!

It's a HYBRID card!

I've never tried one of these before, but since I was channelling my inner Patty Bennett and she does hybrid SO well, I thought I'd give it a try!

I started off in MDS and chose a 4 1/4 X 5 1/2" landscape card to get started. I added a background layer and then added a punch filled with Whisper White cardstock and switched the opacity to 50% so you could see the background paper. While I'm thinking about it, it seems that this has become MY signature MDS touch - LOL! I seem to do it quite a bit. Who knew I could have a "signature"? COOL!

So, here's what the MDS part of the card looks like:

I "stamped" the images using Old Olive, Melon Mambo and Tempting Turquoise, rearranging and resizing until I was happy with the layout.

And here's the finished card:

I trimmed the MDS image down to 3 1/2 x 4 1/2" and matted it on a piece of Melon Mambo before adhering it to the Lucky Limeade (NEW colour available July 1st) base.

The sentiment was stamped with real ink - heehee!

My apologies for the less than stellar photograph. My regular photography spot was being hogged by a kid on a computer!

What do you think?

STAMPS: Fabulous Florets (digital and rubber)
INK: Old Olive
PAPERS: Whisper White (used to print the MDS image), Melon Mambo, Lucky Limeade
ACCESSORIES: Ribbon, MDS

Happy Stampin'!

Raise your hand...

...if you know Patty Bennett...OK, I get that a LOT of people don't KNOW know her (as in have never met her) and I am one of those. I have never had the pleasure of meeting Patty, but I KNOW her (as in I've seen her work and the amazing things she does with MDS).

Today, I was at Stampin' Palooza - a super amazing semi-anuual event put on my upline, Caroline LeBel - and I was demonstrating a card. I said something along the lines of "I'm Christyne Richardson..." and somebody said, "YOU'RE Christyne Richardson?" I said, "Yes." And she said, "WOW! I know you from SUDSOL! I thought you were one of those 'up there' American demonstrators, like Patty Bennett."

Well, I'm surprised that Patty herself didn't hear me screaming! Everybody at the demonstrator event this evening sure did - LOL!

Me? Little old me? Compared to Patty Bennett? WOW! Now I know that some of you will think I'm absolutely NUTS, but I had to ask for a tissue in order to be able to continue my demonstration. I couldn't see through the happy tears!

My upline (and BFF) knows how much this meant to me.  I haven't been a demonstrator for very long, but Patty Bennett is one of my Stampin' Idols! So, I'm sure you can understand just how much being put in the same league as her made my day - heck, I'm pretty sure it made my life!!! I celebrated my birthday this past Tuesday and as gifts go, this simple comment from another demonstrator was one of the best gifts EVER!

So, thank you Shelly for your kind words - I'm REALLY sorry I freaked out on you!

Happy Stampin'!


P.S. I'm WAY beyond too tired to post a card tonight, but I promise I'll post a card tomorrow...maybe it'll even be a Patty Bennett CASE.

From this...to that...

...using the Every Moment Stamp Set.

Welcome back to another edition of "this to that". I had SO much fun with this last week and got such a wonderful response that I do believe I'll make it a weekly feature. Of course, now that I've said that, everything is quite likely to go to h*ll in a hand basket, but we won't think of that.

For today's feature, I created an ATC - Artist Trading Card.

Every Moment ATC

ATC's are a lot fun because there are NO RULES! You do what you want with your choice of medium. The only thing limiting your creativity is 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" of space. And let me tell you...with some of the ATC that I've seen out there, that little size is NO limit!!

I used watercolour paper on which to stamp my images. I did this twice and cut out one set to adhere using Stampin' Dimensionals. In my world, the more dimensionals, the better - LOL! And yes, I do realize that one stem is shorter than the other...when I coloured the flowers, I switched the colours out from one image to the next and ended up with a short stem. Oh well!

Here's a little close up:

Close Up

Don't you just LOVE that little butterfly? SO cute!

You might notice that the Designer Series Paper I used is from the Sunny Garden Paper Pack.  This goodness will no longer be available after June 30th (or earlier if supplies run out), so if you're in love with it, better order it NOW!!!

Here's the adorable (and OH. SO. TRUE.) sentiment:

Sentiment

Don't you just LOVE that??? I really like that this paper is pale enough so that you can actually stamp RIGHT on the DSP and the sentiment won't get lost.

And now, the full reveal!

Full Card

You like? I wasn't quite sure how it was all going to turn out when I started, but I like it! I sure hope you do too.

Last but not least, the inside of the card...because no card is complete without that extra little detail:

Inside Detail

What do you think?

STAMPS: Every Moment
INK: Staz-ON, Poppy Parade
PAPERS: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie and Poppy Parade Cardstock; Sunny Garden DSP
ACCESSORIES: Watercolour Paper, Watercolour Crayons, Aqua Painters, Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

What's your Mojo Monday Style?

There are SO many challenge blogs that I like to read, but there's just NO way I could get to each and every challenge. So, as often as possible, I like to combine the challenges.

Over at the Pals Paper Arts, the challenge this week is: What's your signature style? And over at Mojo Monday, the challenge is, as always, a sketch. So...this week I thought I'd combine the Mojo Sketch with the Signature Style challenge. This was the result:

Yeah...not so much. Sometimes you have to post the less than stellar cards. I have a pretty good following (pats self on back - heehee!) and I like to make sure that I post interesting/fun/duplicatable/showcase cards. Basically, I like to make sure there's a variety of everything and in this way make sure that everyone likes what they see at least some of the time.

I've been stamping for quite some time and like to think that I know (for the most part) what the heck I'm doing.  Today's card is proof positive that even seasoned stampers sometimes go horribly wrong - LOL!

So...since the card is above is clearly SO not my style (if you know me, you KNOW this!), I decided to leave that card for the Mojo Monday card and create THIS for the Pals Paper Arts:

Now THIS is much more my style - classic.

Growing up, my sister was the fashion plate - the latest trends, the newest clothes and heaven forbid our mom made her shop at Zellers or Kmart. She was completely MORTIFIED! On the other hand, I went for the classic lines - the classic skirts, the pants that would last seasons (instead of weeks), the shirts/tops/blouses that I could wear for years to come and while they would not be "in", they would be "classic".

For this card, I used the CAS sketch over at Split Coast Stampers and the "What's your style" challenge at Pals Paper Arts.

Check out these details:

LOVE "tying" my ribbons like this.  The addition of the little button is SO cute!

I used Basic Black brads (say THAT ten times fast!) as accents.

What do you think?

MOJO CARD

• STAMPS: Best of Everything (coming in new 2011-2012 IBC)
• INK: Pretty in Pink, Wisteria Wonder (new in Colour for 2011-2013)
• PAPERS: Whisper White, Wisteria Wonder and Pretty in Pink Cardstock; Flirtatious Specialty Designer Series Paper (available as of July 1st, 2011)
• ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Scallop Circle #2 Die, Brads, Basic Pearls, Punches, Stampin' Dimensionals

PALS PAPER ARTS CARD

• STAMPS: None
• INK: None
• PAPERS: Basic Black, Riding Hood Red and Very Vanilla Cardstock; Love Letters DSP (retiring = sad)
• ACCESSORIES: Ribbon, Brads, Button, Linen Thread, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack

Happy Stampin'!

MDS Monday - It's not just for scrapbooks!

Do you have My Digital Studio (MDS)? Have you explored all the available options? If not, you're missing out!

Since Stampin' UP! introduced MDS, they've added several options beyond the basic card and scrapbook layout. You can now create tags, postcards, swatch books and this:

What do you think this looks like? It's a pretty simple design because I didn't want to overwhelm you the first time I showed you a JOURNAL COVER!

You can design your very own HARD BOUND journals in MDS. As I said, I chose a simple design of Blushing Bride Polka Dots, some Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, a punched shape and an initial. But YOU can be as elaborate as you like in your design. Or, you can stay simple too.  Whatever you like!

You get to design both the front AND back covers! I left my back cover blank, using just the designer series paper, but you could add your initials if you were giving it to a friend...or perhaps use a text box to type out: "hand made by" and then add your name.

The possibilities are ENDLESS!!!

Happy MDSin'!

Friday Flashback!

It's time for another Friday Flashback!  I've been a busy little bee!  Wanna see?

Let's start off with Sketch # 5, which I finally found:

There is no stamping on this card.  The sketch didn't really need it.  You could put a sentiment on the inside.

This card features the soon to be gone Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper. It was one of my favourites from this year, so I'm sad to see it go. Of course, the soon to be released Beau Chateau and Mocha Mornings just might make up for it.  Can't wait to see these IRL as they look STUNNING in the Idea Book pictures.

Sketch # 6

My base card for this one is So Saffron with So Saffron Designer Series Paper cut into four equal rectangles. I wonder if it's still called Colour Blocking if the colour is the same?  LOL!

I stamped the leaf image from Fabulous Florets in Certainly Celery and then stamped the flower image in Pool Party (YES! That's a NEW In Colour for 2011-2013) three times and then cut it out to add dimension to the card. The main image is also matted on Pool Party.

Sketch # 7

For this card, I used ANOTHER NEW In Colour called Wisteria Wonder. It goes beautifully with Concord Crush. This makes me VERY happy because I wasn't a fan of Concord Crush. With this colour though, I LOVE IT!

I used the new LACE RIBBON punch to create the border.

I hope you like those two little girls, because you'll be seeing A LOT of them! Not only in this post, but as the catalogue year continues.  To date, they are part of my FAVOURITE set - "Little Friends".

Sketch # 8

See? Told you I liked them!  SUPER CUTE!  On this card, they're coloured using Marina Mist and Not Quite Navy.  The card base is Pool Party and I also used Island Indigo. The Designer Series Paper is from the new "Just Add Cake" pack and it's SO much fun!  The colours just scream "SUMMER!" to me!

The little sentiment is also from the "Little Friends" set and is stamped in Island Indigo on Whisper White. It's matted on Island Indigo and adhered to the front of the card using Stampin' Dimensionals.

Sketch # 9

This card uses Flower Fest, which is featured in the Summer Mini but is also carrying over to the new 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalogue. This is a GREAT set for doing the "One Sheet Wonder" technique. In this case, I didn't do an entire one sheet wonder, I only stamped on this specific piece.  I used Perfect Plum, Certainly Celery and Bashful Blue. My Designer Series Paper is Perfect Plum as is the card base, despite the fact that it photographed quite dark. The finishing touch is 6 Perfect Plum brads.

Sketch # 10

Here's another look at my little girls. When my Caroline sent me home with the set, I immediately stamped FIVE copies on watercolour paper and coloured them all in different colours...just to see which I like best. So far, I like the blue and the pink (you haven't seen this one yet) best.

On this one, my little girls are matted on Bashful Blue and then on Calypso Coral before being added to a piece of Whisper White onto which I stamped the sentiment in Pear Pizzazz.  The sentiment is from the "Best Dad Ever" set which is in the Summer Mini, but also carries into the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalogue.

Here too I used the new LACE RIBBON punch to create the border.

Sketch # 11

This card is pretty simple.  It uses Island Indigo as a base. The Designer Series Paper at the bottom is again from the "Just Add Cake" pack. I really like this paper pack!

I also used a piece of punched Baja Breeze Cardstock and some Baja Breeze seam binding, which you will be pleased to know is ALSO in the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalogue.

The sentiment from "Smarty Pants" is stamped in Island Indigo on Whisper White, matted on Island Indigo Cardstock and adhered to the front of the card using Stampin' Dimensionals. If I had to pick an older set to be a fave, this would be one of them!

This card is 3 X 6. If you're a scrapbooker, you could use the SAME design on a piece of 6 X 6 cardstock, add a pic of your kids being goofy and you'd have a quick little layout ready for a brag book.

Sketch # 12

And, last but not least...this card features the Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper that was available for a short time in April, but will once again be available come July 1st! I'm SO glad I ordered three packs of this when I could.  The "orangey" print goes really well with the new "Calypso Coral" 2011-2013 In Colour. For this card I used a piece of the chipboard from the "On Board Merry Medley" chipboard pack. I covered the scalloped square with (yet again) a piece of DSP from "Just Add Cake". I sponged around the edges and up onto the DSP using Tangerine Tango Ink.

My cupcake is stamped in Chocolate Chip and the "frosting" is stamped in Calypso Coral and then covered in "Dazzling Diamonds" Glitter. "Create a Cupcake" which was available in the Occasions Mini will also be available (with the coordinating punch) in the new catalogue.

I do hope you've enjoyed this edition of "Flashback Friday" and hope to "see" you again next week.

Happy Stampin'!

From this...to that...

...with inspiration from the lovely and talented Carrie Gaskin, the Artistic Avenger.

A couple of weeks ago (at least that's what I think, I lose track) Carrie posted a cute card on her blog that I just KNEW I would have to recreate.  It took me a while to get to it (as it often does), but today is the day!

While I was at it, I decided to put a little spin on Carrie's card and show you just how easy it is to turn a card into a scrapbook page and vice-versa.

Take a look:

Add a picture (or two if they're small), a cute title and you're good to go! You've just completed a lovely 6 X 6 scrapbook page.

But Christyne, you say, I'm not a scrapbooker, I only like to make cards. No problem! Take a look:

Take your 6 X 6 layout, score it at the 3" mark and fold it in half - CARD!!!

This is a GREAT idea if you're a demonstrator and there's going to be both scrapbookers and card makers at your workshop.  Everyone's happy and they all go home with a make and take that on which you didn't have to do double the work. WIN-WIN!

I wanted to use one of the new In Colours and choose Pool Party.  When I looked at my Colour Coach, it said Pool Party went well with So Saffron and Not Quite Navy. I'm not 100% sure I love it, but I think it works.

I followed Carrie's design using punches to complete the elements at the bottom of the page/front of the card.

Tips from the Heart:

• This gets messy! I sponged around the edges of each of the elements. Because some of them are a little "bendy" you need to put the piece on your hand. I scrubbed, but I still have inky fingers! You could put the piece down on some scrap paper (but you'll still get messy) or use rubber gloves (but where's the fun in that?)
• Those teeny tiny buttons sure are cute! They're also a PAIN to thread with Baker's Twine! However, patience, persistence and a little bit of spit got the job done - LOL!
• Punch any centre holes FIRST! Do you know how hard it is to hold a little piece of paper and try to get it in just the right spot? Not gonna happen!  Punching the centre hole first allows you to then centre the bigger punch over the smaller hole - MUCH easier!

What do you think?

STAMPS: I {heart} Hearts, Itty Bitty Bits

INK: Not Quite Navy, So Saffron, Pool Party

PAPERS: Not Quite Navy, So Saffron, Pool Party

ACCESSORIES: Punches, Sponges, Baker's Twine, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

Watercolour Wednesday - On The Grow

Welcome back to Watercolour Wednesday! If you first visited last week when I linked the CCMC sketch, I'm glad you're back!  Be sure to visit the rest of my blog where you'll see LOTS of creations!

Today's card is a Sweet Sunday Sketch (#118) and a COMPLETE CASE of a card by the lovely and talented Vicki Burdick.

I just loved it SO much that I had to CASE it!  It's another one of those instances where one shouldn't mess with perfection. I even used the SAME paper, from the Love Letter Designer Series Paper pack. This paper is only available for a little bit longer as it will retire with the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalogue.

Here's a close up of the bow detail:

You'll be please to note that the 5/8" Black Satin Ribbon is NOT one of the retiring accessories. Good thing too because I really like it!

I hope you enjoyed today's version of Watercolour Wednesday. Do let me know what you think of today's card.  I'd LOVE to hear from you!

STAMPS: On the Grow
INK: Black Staz-On
PAPERS: Very Vanilla, Basic Black and Cherry Cobbler Cardstock; Love Letter DSP; Watercolour Paper
ACCESSORIES: Watercolour Crayons, Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Big Shot, Tasteful Trim Die, Basic Rhinestones


Happy Stampin'!

By Special Request - Mojo Monday #194

OK, so the MOJO MONDAY isn't the special request, but the cupcake card is! Last Tuesday, you'll remember I posted these cupcake cards because I had a special request on my Facebook Page for cupcake cards. Speaking of which...Are YOU a Facebook Fan of my page? If not, just click on the link in the right side bar.

For today's card, I used Create a Cupcake.  Currently this set is NOT available to order. However, if you MISSED getting it in the Occasions Mini, you'll be thrilled to learn that it will once again be available in the new 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalogue. The matching punch will be there too!

For the card base I chose Poppy Parade and then added a layer of Daffodil Delight. I cut up pieces of Designer Series Paper from the Sunny Garden Pack into 1" x 4 3/4" and rounded the corners before adhering them to the card. I then added a piece of Poppy Parade Cardstock punched with the Scallop Trim Border Punch and tied a piece of Daffodil Delight 5/8" taffeta ribbon around it.

My focal image is stamped using two pieces from the Create a Cupcake set. The "top" of the cupcake was stamped with "sprinkles" and adhered to the 2 3/8" punched Scalloped Circle using Stampin' Dimensionals. The Scalloped Circle was also adhered to the front of the card using Stampin' Dimensionals.

What do you think?

STAMPS: Create a Cupcake (available July 1st)
INK: Chocolate Chip, Peach Parfait
PAPERS: Whisper White, Daffodil Delight and Poppy Parade Cardstock; Sunny Garden DSP (retiring)
ACCESSORIES: Punches, Daffodil Delight Ribbon (retiring), Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

MDS Monday - Nascar Speedpark

Being a Sick Kids Kid DEFINITELY has it's privileges! We work pretty hard as an Ambassador family throughout the year, helping out with events and raising funds for the hospital. Every once in a while, we get to go to an event that is just plain fun!

On this day, the kids got to enjoy the Nascar Speed Park at Vaughn Mills. A VERY generous supporter had essentially bought out the speed park so the Sick Kids families had it all to themselves for the WHOLE MORNING! The kids got wristbands and had unlimited access to EVERYTHING. They were even given a roll of tokens which they could use on the games.

Here are Jonathan and Colin racing around the tracks and Lauren climbing the rock wall.

We were even provided with breakfast AND lunch! It was a great day all around.

For this layout, I used a Designer Template available as a My Digital Studio Download. This is the PlayDate designer template. I made a few adjustment and removed the original text at the bottom of the page substituting with my own.

Designer Templates are SO easy to use and this WHOLE layout came together in under 15 minutes.

Hope you have a GREAT Monday!

Happy MDSin'!

My Mississauga Stampin' UP! fail...

So, back on the day of William and Catherine's wedding, I went to the Good Food Festival here in Mississauga at the International Centre. I usually go with my family, but this year they had a SAHM deal where you could get in two full hours before the show opened to the general public as well as get a goody bag!

In a brief moment of "brain-fart-itis", I somehow managed to "forget" that the opening day of the show was also wedding day, so in glee I hit submit and purchased my ticket for the Good Food Festival. About 2.8 seconds later, I realized just WHAT I had done and realized that there would indeed NOT be any napping post wedding (I was up at 3 a.m. EST!).

Resolving to make the most of it, after the wedding was over (and I had witnessed the balcony kiss), I dropped my youngest son off at school and made my way to the Good Food Festival. On my arrival, I went in search of COFFEE and then joined the other SAHM (and Canadian Living Subscribers - so much for EXCLUSIVE!) in line and waited till the scheduled opening at 10 a.m.

Well, I don't know what YOUR definition of "festival" is, but this certainly wasn't mine! In years past, this show was HUGE with many vendors, samples, demonstrations, etc. This year? I walked the show floor in under 20 minutes.  I kid you not.

On my second tour around (had to get my money's worth!), I stopped at an Epicure booth and started chatting with Patricia who was running the booth.  We chatted for a little bit about our experiences in the Direct Selling business and exchanged business cards. I bought a few dip mixes (YUM by the way!) and was on my way.

I did stick around for a little while to watch some demonstrations (at least the Canadian Living Kitchen was still there) and to take some pictures of Duff (of Charm City Cakes) for my daughter.

A few weeks later, Patricia emailed me and asked if I'd be interested in doing a fundraiser for a school. Of course, said I! Please forward the information!

So, in anticipation, I prepared samples (juried show) and dropped them off at the school (VERY upscale area) and waited. A few days later, I received notification that I had been "accepted" and went on a creating frenzy. I made covered notepads, portable post it notes, card sets, etc. I've done "juried" shows before (pre Stampin' UP!) and they were always filled with artisans and work of the highest quality.

On the afternoon of the event, I drove to the school to find the gym empty, tables not set up and chairs scattered everywhere. OH DEAR!

It seems this was the FIRST time the school had added a "marketplace" to the Fun Fair (outdoor games/activities to celebrate the end of the school year).

To make a long story short, every person that came to my table (and I had a PRIME spot!) mentioned that this was the FIRST time there had been a marketplace and that they hadn't been prepared to spend more money than what they had brought for food and games.

By the end of the evening, I hadn't even covered my table costs and the TWO sales I made were both to other vendors. Yeah. *sigh*

So, the LESSON in all of this?  Don't take the organizers word for it! She made it sound like a big deal and like they had been doing this for years, but the reality was FAR different than the image I had in my head.

Have you ever had a failed event? Have you gone on to try again? I'd love to hear your thoughts! I mean, everything HAS to have a happy ending, right? I started dating my husband because I felt sorry for him (work injury) and this August, we'll be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary. I must be doing SOMETHING right!

Meanwhile...I'm still loving what I do and sharing what I love.

Happy Stampin'!

Stamping 411 in New Colours

Happy Saturday!  I've had a busy creating day today but you'll have to wait till Friday to see most of what I've done since it's for one of my Flashback Friday posts.

Today's card features a couple of images from the "Recess" Set.

This set is so much fun!  It's in the Summer Mini and features, well, children enjoying recess! These two are having fun being active!

I stamped them in Black Staz-On on Watercolour Paper - this is being reconfigured and will NO LONGER be available in 3 3/4" X 5" size. So, if you like this size, better get it soon! I then used my Watercolour Wonder Crayons and my Aqua Painter to colour them in. I love the way the grass turned out on this one and I wasn't even trying - LOL!

And check this out:

See that? That's a teeny, tiny brad! It's only 1/8" across and it is SO. DARN. CUTE. They'll be available in the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalogue and I just KNOW you're going to love them as much as I do!

And here's a close up of my long jewelry tag:

I just love the little trick Diana Gibbs shared on how to do this! And I just love that we now have something WHITE to use with Whisper White paper.  The Baker's Twine that is now in the Summer Mini will also be in the 2011-2012 IBC.

What do you think?

STAMPS: Recess
INK: Black Staz-On, Island Indigo
PAPERS: Whisper White, Poppy Parade, Baja Breeze and Island Indigo Cardstock; Just Add Cake DSP; Watercolour Paper
ACCESSORIES: Watercolour Crayons, Aqua Painters, Silver Mini Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals, Punch, Bakers Twine

Happy Stampin'!

Flashback Friday!

O.K., here's a challenge for you!  Go back to your favourite sketch site (or any sketch site) and find the VERY FIRST sketch challenge they did!  Create a card using THAT sketch!  Fun, yes?

Earlier this week, I went to the Sweetest Thing Blog, home of the Sweet Sunday Sketch. Did you know that Karen has been posting a sketch every Sunday since January of 2009? Talk about consistent! Her sketches have always been some of my favourites, so I figured, why not go back and do them all? I know, you all probably think I'm nuts, but I'm looking forward to it!

My hope/goal is to get all caught up in June! I've done the first 5 already and have a start on #6.

So, let's get started!

Sweet Sunday Sketch # 1:

I featured this card in my Tuesday post, so I won't bore you with all the details again...you can see that post here. I did flip the original sketch (which was horizontal) to vertical.

Sweet Sunday Sketch # 2:

This card features the (retiring) Things I Love Stamp Set and some (also retiring) 3/8" Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon. If you LOVE either of these things, get them NOW!

Sweet Sunday Sketch # 3:

If you haven't yet noticed, I love, love, LOVE layers and this card has LOTS of them! So far, this is my favourite sketch!  The stamp set that I used is Thank You Kindly (sticking around for another year) and the paper, which is retiring, is "Jolly Holiday". Have you ever thought of using Christmas DSP for a NON Christmas card?  You can!

Sweet Sunday Sketch # 4:

This card uses one of my FAVOURITE papers from the current catalogue called "Sweet and Sour".  It's a specialty DSP so each of the pages has one side accented with clear embossing.  Since it's in the CURRENT Idea Book, that means it's retiring in less than 30 days, so if you love it too, now's the time to get it!

The stamped sentiment is from a BRAND NEW SET called "Best of Everything". It's ADORABLE and I just know you're going to like it!

Sweet Sunday Sketch # 5:

I can't seem to put my hands on this one at the moment, but as soon as I can find it, I'll upload it!  And if I can't...I'll just make a new one!

Happy Stampin'!

Did You Know?

Stampin' UP! and Build A Bear have been partnering for a few years now and there are all kinds of fun Build A Bear products from which you can choose!

And you could make this:

Instructions

1. Cut letters c, h, o, r, e, and s from Chocolate Chip card stock using Big Shot and Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Sizzlits dies. Adhere to Certainly Celery textured card stock.
2. Cut bear image from Kraft card stock using Big Shot and Bear Bigz die. Adhere Basic Black card stock behind bear's eyes. Cut second bear image from Naturals Ivory card stock and adhere muzzle to Kraft bear. Cut third bear from Basic Black card stock and adhere mouth and nose to Kraft bear.
3. Cut shirt from So Saffron textured card stock and Very Vanilla cards stock using Big Shot and Beary Essentials Bigz die. Cut pants from Pawsitively Prints Designer Series paper using Big Shot and Beary Essentials Bigz die. Cut shoes from Chocolate Chip card stock using Big Shot and Beary Essentitals Bigz die. Trim Very Vanilla shirt and adhere just the collar to Kraft bear. Adhere shoes, pants, and shirt to bear. Adhere bear to Certainly Celery textured card stock using Stampin' Dimensionals.
4. Print circles and lines on Very Vanilla card stock. Adhere to Certainly Celery Textured card stock. Adhere medium window sheet to card stock using Crystal Effects.

Or, add a few EXTRA products, step it up a bit and make this:

Instructions

1. Cut letters c, h, o, r, e, and s from Chocolate Chip card stock using Big Shot and Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Sizzlits dies. Adhere to Certainly Celery textured card stock.
2. Cut bear image from Kraft card stock using Big Shot and Bear Bigz die. Adhere Basic Black card stock behind bear's eyes. Cut second bear image from Naturals Ivory card stock and adhere muzzle to Kraft bear. Cut third bear from Basic Black card stock and adhere mouth and nose to Kraft bear.
3. Cut shirt from So Saffron textured card stock and Very Vanilla cards stock using Big Shot and Beary Essentials Bigz die. Cut pants from Pawsitively Prints Designer Series paper using Big Shot and Beary Essentials Bigz die. Cut shoes from Chocolate Chip card stock using Big Shot and Beary Essentitals Bigz die. Trim Very Vanilla shirt and adhere just the collar to Kraft bear. Adhere shoes, pants, and shirt to bear. Cut hat from Ballet Blue card stock using Big Shot and Beary Boy Sizzlits die. Cut star from Pumpkin Pie card stock using Big Shot and Beary Boy Sizzlits die. Adhere hat and star to bear using Stampin' Dimensionals. Adhere bear to Certainly Celery textured card stock using Stampin' Dimensionals.
4. Print circles and lines on Very Vanilla card stock. Adhere to Certainly Celery Textured card stock. Adhere medium window sheet to card stock using Crystal Effects.
5. Stamp bear head image in Chocolate Chip ink on Very Vanilla card stock five times. Cover bear heads with contact paper on both sides and cut out. Adhere bear heads to window sheets using Velcro.

You can shop for all your Build A Bear Stampin' Supplies right HERE in my online store!

Happy Stampin'!

Going, going, GONE!

This is my second post for today, so please scroll down to see what else I've been doing.

Well, it's June 1st and that means...time for the Stampin' UP! last chance list!  I get SO excited about this every year, because as a demonstrator it means "out with the old and in with the new". Now, of course, there are some sets I simply LOVE with which I refuse to part (at least for an extra year or two), but for the most part, come July 1st, I am ALL about selling sets that are no longer available and replacing them with lots of new fun stuff! I live in a teeny, tiny condo with my hubby and three children, so it's not like there's a lot of extra space around here!

Here's how the last chance list works:

• STAMPS: These are produced in house, so will be available until June 30th
• ACCESSORIES: These are available WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! I can not stress that enough - WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! This means that when they're gone, THEY'RE GONE! And past experience tells me that they go fast! So, if there's an accessory that's discontinued (be it ribbon, brads or chipboard) and you KNOW you're going to need *fill in the blank* to finish so and so's *album, book, project*, GET IT NOW! You can go to my online store and start shopping right away.  You don't need to contact me and your order will be shipped right to your door. You will still receive a thank you card from me for your online order.

You can download the lists here:

• Download the last-chance Stamps List
• Download the last-chance Definitely Decorative List
• Download the last-chance Accessories List

I will try to update the Accessories Last Chance list on my blog as often as possible, but PLEASE be patient! Changes can happen quickly and sometimes I'm actually NOT sitting by my computer (I know, you're shocked!) to update immediately.

Most importantly!  SHOP NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!!!

Watercolour Wednesday - CCMC Sketch CASE and my own version

Happy Watercolour Wednesday my friends! My apologies for not posting last week, but things have been a little busy around here.  You see, I got about 2 weeks notice that I was accepted to participate in a school fundraiser/marketplace TONIGHT!  So, I've been creating like a MAD WOMAN!!!

Today, I'd like to show you some cards that I created for the CCMC Sketch Challenge.  If you haven't been to the Create with Connie and Mary blog, you REALLY need to check it out! And, every time a new mini comes out they do a Create with Connie and Mary Tutorial blog for 5 weeks with LOTS of tutorials!  It's a paid subscription, but SO worth it!!!  We're only two weeks in to the Summer Mini edition and the tutorials have been FABULOUS!

Anyway...I was chatting with Connie via email and I asked if I could CASE her card...I mean, why mess with perfection???

Here's my CASE of Connie's card:

I did change it up just a little, teensy bit...I did a bow instead of a knot and matted the focal image on Old Olive instead of Basic Grey (at least it looks like Basic Grey in Connie's picture).  As I said, I didn't want to change it TOO much, because one really shouldn't mess with perfection!

And here's a little close up of the ribbon:

Now, here's a different take on it with the sketch flipped:

It's not exactly the same as the sketch, but the basic idea is the same. I just love these little girls for watercolouring.  I sure hope they stay in the new catalog when it's released!

As demonstrators, we got a sneak peek of it today and I'm SO excited to see the whole thing!  I'll get the new catalog as soon as I place my first demonstrator order this month.  I'm waiting for the insanity to die down a little at SU! before I do that though.

If YOU want to get a copy of the catalog before most everyone else, it's not too late to become a Stampin' UP! demonstrator.  Contact me ASAP and we'll get you started. With an expedited order, you could have your catalog in your hot little hands before the end of next week.  How awesome would THAT be?

Here's the sentiment detail:

The main image comes from the set "The Nicest Things", so I thought the sentiment was just PERFECT!

Watercolouring Tips from the Heart:

• You CAN watercolour on Whisper White Cardstock...you just need a VERY light touch!  Too much water will make the paper pill and basically fall apart, so if you're trying to layer, I'd avoid it. I used Whisper White for my CASE of Connie's card because I basically knew exactly what I'd be doing.
• You CAN fix mistakes on watercolour paper. Since you're using Staz-ON ink, all you need to do is SATURATE the area with water and soak it up with a paper towel.  As you soak up the water, you'll soak up the colour. It's a little more difficult with red, so you want to be careful with that one.

What do you think?

STAMPS: Touch of Kindness, The Nicest Things, Happy Greetings

INK: Staz-ON, Tangering Tango

PAPER: Whisper White, Rose Red, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight and Certainly Celery Cardstock; Sweet & Sour Specialty DSP; Beyond the Garden DSP; Watercolour Paper

ACCESSORIES: Watercolour Wonder Crayons, Aqua Painters, Ribbon, Punches, Brads and Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

P.S. Two weeks ago, in this post, I asked if you knew what the "secret" was on the card. I only had two guesses and neither was correct.  So, I'll tell you the answer. When I stamped the sentiment (directly on the focal image - you'd think I'd learn!) I stamped it crooked.  So, I stamped it again on watercolour paper and cut it out by hand.  Then I matted in on another piece of Tangerine Tango before adhering it the front of the card using Stampin' Dimensionals - proving ONCE again that there are NO mistakes...only opportunity for CREATIVITY!