So I saw this thing on YouTube...

If you have children in your house, I can almost guarantee that you've had at LEAST one conversation start in this manner...

This time around *I* was the one who saw a thing on YouTube! And what I saw was a super cute card that was part of the incredibly talented Connie Stewart's collection of "Make it in Minutes" cards.

She made flowers...and I started off making flowers too, but the more I stamped them, the more they looked like Mickey Mouse! :)

Now...if we're friends on Facebook, you already know we're going on a Mediterranean cruise in September. I don't think I mentioned it was a DISNEY CRUISE!!

If you've known me for any length of time, you KNOW our family is a bunch of Disney FREAKS! So...pair that with the fact that I haven't cruised in over 20 years and that a Mediterranean cruise has been on my bucket list for YEARS...well...you can just imagine the excitement around here!

One of the things that happens on Disney Cruise is something called Fish Extenders (I'll let you look that up...it's a post for another day) and another is people spreading Pixie Dust all over the place!

Pixie dust can be anything from a small gift, to a card, to a special thank you, etc.

So...as I was stamping what was supposed to be flowers and seeing Mickey Mouse instead, I decided that these cards would be PERFECT to spread around a little Pixie Dust! So I made 16...

I started off with a base of thick Whisper White Cardstock and added a layer of Marina Mist (I really need to use this colour more often!). My images (from Swirly Bird) were stamped in Pink Pirouette and Flirty Flamingo. I stamped my sentiment (from the retiring Scenic Sayings) in Marina Mist Ink.

The finishing touch was a few rhinestones added to each card and...DONE! Thanks Connie for the great card idea!

What do you think?

STAMPS: Swirly Bird, Scenic Sayings (retiring)
INK: Pink Pirouette, Flirty Flamingo and Marina Mist
PAPERS: Thick Whisper White, Whisper White and Marina Mist Cardtock
ACCESSORIES: Basic Rhinestones

Happy Stampin'!

From This to That Friday

Back on Monday, I showed you a totally cute ATC.

I love the way it turned out - simple and sweet...which worked out for me since I've been battling a cold for the past week or so. It seems to want to keep hanging on - UGH. I'm doing everything I should be doing - lots of rest, fluids, etc...but this one is stubborn!

But you didn't come here to hear me whine about my cold (I sound like a man - LOL!), you want to see what I did with the cute ATC from Monday, right?

Check it out:

I didn't want to take away too much from the ATC, so I went with the mostly black background. I just love the little hearts in the Pop of Pink Designer Series Paper. It's retiring, so don't delay if you love it as much as I do!

Here's a close up of the metallic thread I used:

I went with silver and black this time around. You can't see the black all that well in the picture, but it's definitely there! And good news!! The metallic thread is going to remain in the new 2017-2018 annual catalogue! Thank goodness, because it's become one of my favourite embellishments! Oh...and the enamel shapes are still in there too. :)


What do you think?

STAMPS: Perfect Mix
INK: Archival Black
PAPERS: Whisper White, Smokey Slate and Melon Mambo Cardstock; Pop of Pink DSP
ACCESSORIES: Enamel Shapes, Metallic Thread, Marker, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

It's time to say goodbye...

Stampin' UP! announced the retiring list earlier this week and it's quite extensive - 10 pages to be exact! Are you ready??

Click HERE for the PDF
Click HERE for the sortable EXCEL file (you can sort alphabetically, by page number, etc.)

A few things to note:

• All retiring items WILL be discontinued after May 31st, 2017.
• All retiring accessories and tools are ONLY available WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
• Due to high demand for retiring stamp sets, we'll keep producing retiring stamp sets ONLY until May 22nd, 2017. After May 22nd, 2017, all retiring stamp sets will ONLY be available WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
• Select discounts may vary by market depending on inventory levels and discount can NOT be honoured in Canada if they are from another market.
• Depending on inventory levels, Stampin' UP! MAY add additional discounts in May 2017. However, these discounts will NOT be pre-announced.
• If you purchase a product at retail price and then it is later discounted, Stampin' UP! will NOT refund the difference.
• If there is a product you would like, I recommend buying it right away and not waiting to see if it's discounted later on or you may risk it being SOLD OUT.
• Discounts will be applied to SELECT retiring items only.

Please don't hesitate to contact me with ANY questions!

Happy Stampin'!

Happy Birthday!

Last week, my son's girlfriend turned 18 and that was something to celebrate! He treated her to dinner and movie and they had a fabulous time!

I made her this card:

I used the Large Numbers Framelits and my Big Shot to cut out the numbers in both Melon Mambo and Basic Black. They were attached to the Whisper White circle using Stampin' Dimensionals.

And it was PERFECT for the Paper Craft Crew Challenge to use Metallic Embellishments.

I used some Gold and Black Metallic Thread and I just love the way it turned out!

I even created a matching envelope using the Envelope Punch Board.

And closed it with a magnet! I get the rare earth magnets and hide them behind cardstock and DSP. They're really thin, so they're pretty easy to disguise.

What do you think?

STAMPS: None
INK: None
PAPERS: Whisper White, Melon Mambo and Basic Black Cardstock, Pop of Pink DSP
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Dies, Metallic Thread, Stampin' Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Magnets

Happy Stampin'!

ATC Monday - You're GRATE!

Don't worry! I haven't taken leave of my senses and I STILL know how to spell - LOL!

Check this out though!

See? Now you understand my CRAZY spelling - heehee!!

It's RETIREMENT day! Today, April 10th, is when Stampin' UP! announces the retiring list - items that will not be carrying over into the next 2017-2018 annual catalogue.

The image above is from the Perfect Mix set that appeared in the Occasions Catalogue (valid until May 31st), but it is NOT making its way to the new annual catalogue, so if you love it, it's best to order it NOW.

I turned this ATC into a super cute card, but you'll have to wait till Friday to see it!

What do you think?

STAMPS: Perfect Mix
INK: Archival Black
PAPERS: Whisper White, Smokey Slate and Melon Mambo Cardstock
ACCESSORIES: Enamel Shapes

Happy Stampin'!

From This to That Friday

Happy Friday! Another week in the books and now it's the weekend! Do you have any plans??

I do! Tomorrow is On Stage Local and I can't wait! I'll have to be up and out SUPER early since I'm volunteering at check in, but that's OK! Because there's nothing a good cup of coffee can't fix - LOL!

The best part?? We'll get to see NEW stamp sets and the NEW catalogue (which I can't show you until my Open House - SORRY!). I can't wait to start playing with all the new goodies! You'll be able to see some projects created with the products in the coming weeks.

Now...on to today's card! You'll remember the not very exciting ATC from Monday:

And this is what happened to it!

I belong to several heart related groups on Facebook (two of my children were born with Congenital Heart Disease) and in one group (where the moms chat about getting healthier) I asked if anyone would like to receive cards in the mail. Of course, everyone said YES and shared their birthdays (and mailing addresses) with me. The first birthday since we started the group is coming up next week and this is the card that's going out. K celebrates her birthday next Saturday, but I don't think she reads my blog, so the surprise won't be spoiled.

I started with the ATC and paired it with Crumb Cake Cardstock. I was going to go with Sahara Sand, but I used that on Wednesday's card, so I wanted to choose a different neutral. Originally, I was going to choose a Blushing Bride Base, but all the Designer Series Paper that I had with Blushing Bride as one of the colours also used Very Vanilla as the base colour.  Since I'd already used Whisper White on the ATC, I knew that wouldn't work.

The numbers were stamped with Watermelon Wonder Ink on Whisper White Cardstock and cut out using the Large Numbers Framelits and the Big Shot. They were adhered to the card front using Stampin' Dimensionals.

What do you think?

STAMPS: Number of Years
INK: Blushing Bride, Watermelon Wonder
PAPERS: Whisper White, Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake and Watermelon Wonder Cardstock; Crumb Cake DSP
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Dies, Basic Rhinestone, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

OnStage LIVE!!

It's happening RIGHT NOW in Amsterdam. I HAVE information but I can't share it with you yet!

I CAN tell you that it's only a matter of DAYS before Stampin' UP! announces that the 2015-2017 In Colours WILL be retiring!

Avoid disappointment and place your order TODAY before the announcement. Contact me and I'll help you out!

By Special Request

A couple of weeks ago, a dear friend sent me a message asking me to create a special birthday card for someone turning 65. Turns out that this weeks Paper Craft Crew Sketch was just the ticket. Plus, I'd already completed all the other Paper Craft Crew challenges up to this one, so why not stay ahead of the game?

Here's the sketch:

And here's my card:

I started off with a base of Sahara Sand and added a layer of Sahara Sand DSP from the Neutrals Designer Series Paper stack. In the stack you get four sheets (two different designs) in each of 10 colours! It's great value for money considering that if you cut each 12 x 12" sheet of DSP into 6, you could get 240 (!!!) card fronts out of one stack of paper. Of course, if you cut each sheet into even smaller pieces, the possibilities are ENDLESS! Well...maybe not quite endless, but definitely too many for me to count - LOL!

The next layer up is a piece of Watermelon Wonder Cardstock (retiring soon!), cut to 4 ⅝" x 2 ⅞" and on top of that is a layer of Whisper White, cut to 4 ½" x 2 ¾".

On the piece of Whisper White Cardstock, I stamped images from the Number of Years Stamp Set. The numbers are from the same set and were cut out using the Large Numbers Framelits.

I added a banner with a little scalloped circle tucked behind it and finished off the card by wrapping Whisper White Bakers around the whole card.

Other than NOT adding a sentiment to the bottom right, I think this is one of the few times I've actually followed an entire sketch - LOL!

The sentiment went on the inside instead:

And last but not least, a little bit of bling never hurt! Plus, I figure if you're celebrating your 65th birthday, rhinestones are a MUST!

Now...I need your help! I made two versions of this card - one with Watermelon Wonder Ink sponged around the outside edge of the Whisper White Panel and one without. Which one do you like best?

Let me know in the comments below and I'll draw a random comment - that person will receive the same card in the mail. I'll even customize it for you with a number of your choosing!

What do you think?

STAMPS: Number of Years
INK: Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, Watermelon Wonder, Sahara Sand
PAPERS: Whisper White, Sahara Sand and Watermelon Wonder Cardstock; Sahara Sand DSP
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Dies, Basic Rhinestones, Baker's Twine, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sponges

Happy Stampin'!

ATC Monday - Number of Years

Welcome to a week with Number of Years!

I love this set for its big, bold numbers - you could almost (almost!) just die cut them and slap them on the front of the card...but what fun would THAT be??

Today's ATC doesn't look like much, but just wait till Friday!

My base is Watermelon Wonder with a layer of Blushing Bride on top. You wouldn't think these colours wouldn't go together since one is fairly bright and the other is definitely subtle, but they really do! You should get some of both...especially the Watermelon Wonder which will be part of the retirement list announcement early next week.

I stamped the sentiment in Watermelon Wonder and then used Blushing Bride (stamped off) to get all the little dots on the card.

The banner was stamped with Watermelon Wonder on Watermelon Wonder Cardstock and then cut out. The finishing touch was the Basic Rhinestone.

Don't forget to come back on Friday (and really EVERY day this week) to see how I used my ATC.

What do you think?

STAMPS: Number of Years
INK: Blushing Bride, Watermelon Wonder
PAPERS: Whisper White, Blushing Bride and Watermelon Wonder
ACCESSORIES: Basic Rhinestones

Happy Stampin'!

Happy Mail!

Paper Pumpkin by Stampin’ Up! is a crafting subscription kit that delivers creativity to your door each and every month. Each box includes everything you need to make a stunning project.

We’ll surprise you with projects like cards, gift packaging, home décor, and more for just $26.95 a month (shipping included). Talk about happy mail!

WHAT INSIDE?

Every kit includes an exclusive stamp set, ink spot, and embellishments to create a predesigned project. At least six times a year, we send an all card kit with eight or more cards. Sometimes the kit includes cards plus gift bags, banners, treat bags, or boxes. Other times, it’s home décor, giftables, or just treat packaging. No matter what it is—we promise you’ll love it, or we’ll make it right!

WHEN DOES IT SHIP

Treat yourself to a crafting surprise every month. Because sometimes the best way to get creative is inside the box—the little red box that arrives at your door around the 20th of the month. We make it fast, easy, and fun for you to enjoy your favorite hobby—creating! Subscribe by the 10th of any month to get your first kit delivered that month. We can’t wait to craft with you!

FAST. EASY. FUN!

As a crafter, creator, and maker, you want to be “that person” who always has cards and gifts on hand for every occasion. You’ll always be ready—armed with lots of pretty, perfectly put together projects. In other words, we do the hard part, leave the fun to you, and make you look good. (Don’t worry; your secret is safe with us.)

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

There are two ways to subscribe to Paper Pumpkin.
First, we offer a monthly subscription where you pay as you go for

ONLY $26.95 A MONTH (SHIPPING INCLUDED.)

Click here 

Secondly, we offer prepaid subscriptions which allow you to pay ahead or give as a gift. Prepaids can be purchased here.  After you purchase a subscription, we’ll email you a prepaid code to redeem here at www.paperpumpkin.com to set up your subscription to start receiving your kits.

Email christyne@handstampedfromtheheart.ca with any questions.

Have a wonderful day!