On the Grow - Part Two

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

I couldn't very well show you one image from this fun stamp set and not share the other, so you get TWO cards today - lucky you!

I found an older Viva la Verve sketch that I used for this card. I completely fell in love with all those layers! Here are some of the details:




Don't you just LOVE those brads? On a recent order, I added all the brads that are available in the colour collections and I'm so glad I did! The ones I used for this card are Pumpkin Pie from the Brights Collection. One of my FAVOURITE things about Stampin' UP! is that everything matches!  So, you don't need to worry that your "orange" brads won't be the same shade as your "orange" paper.  Simply select the same "orange" and you're good to go! Inks and markers match too!

I finished the inside of this card with some matching paper and the Scallop Trim Border Punch.

Here's a close up of the coloured image:

I used Wild Wasabi and Garden Green to colour the leaves. For the flowers, I used Tangerine Tango, Cajun Craze and a touch of Cherry Cobbler for the flower middles. On the vase/jar, I used a touch of Bashful Blue and really washed it out, so it looked close to clear. The background was done using Peach Parfait, again, really washed out.

But Christyne, you're thinking...there's no Peach Parfait Watercolour Crayon, how did you do that?

Watercolouring using ink from an ink pad:

• While your ink pad is still closed, squeeze it a little bit.
• When you open your ink pad, you'll notice a small deposit of colour in the lid.
• Dip your Aqua Painter into ink on your lid and use this to colour your image.
• Couldn't be easier!

Here's my completed card:

I think this will be the card I send to my MIL for Mother's Day. Now I just need to come up with one for MY mom!

What do you think?

STAMPS: On the Grow - Available May 1st!
INKS: Staz-On, Peach Parfait
PAPERS: Whisper White, Rose Red and Tangerine Tango Cardstock; Sweet and Sour Specialty DSP (each it is clear embossed on one side!); Watercolour Paper.
ACCESSORIES: Watercolour Crayons, Aqua Painters, Brads, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

ATC Tuesday - On the Grow

I got On the Grow last week as part of my summer mini pre-order and couldn't wait to ink it up!  Of course, it just BEGS to be watercoloured, but then I would have had to wait till Watercolour Wednesday to showcase it. Since I just started a series last week, that would mean I'd have to wait till the middle of MAY to put this card up.  NO WAY!

So I decided to cheat a little and use if for ATC Tuesday this week.  You don't mind, right?

Here's the ATC portion of the card. I used a piece of our Watercolour Paper and trimmed it to 2 1/2 x 3 1/2". After I had it coloured, I decided that I wanted to add a border, so I trimmed it further to 2 1/4 x 3 1/4" so I could add a Melon Mambo mat making it ATC size (2 1/2 x 3 1/2"). 

This sentiment is SO. MUCH. FUN. And don't you just love the long banner? I got this FAB idea from Diana Gibbs for making a really long jewelry tag. Here's how you do it:

• Cut your strip of paper to 3/8" wide. At this point, it doesn't matter how long it is.
• Rather than just inserting it into the punch, flip the punch over and put one end into the punch going through the punch shape.
• It will look like one end of the paper is through the punch and then you'll have a long tail sticking out.
• Essentially what you're doing is just punching one end of paper. This creates your really LONG jewelry tag.
• Stamp your sentiment up close to the "tag" end (where the little circle is) and then use your square punch (size really doesn't matter - LOL!) to punch out the "banner" end.
• Embellish the tag as desired.  I took my 1/16" handheld punch and punched a hole in the little circle.  Then I tied a piece of Whisper White Baker's Twine through the hole.
• Adhere to your card using glue dots.  If you bend it up just a bit, it looks even MORE like a little banner.

Here's the finished card:

I used Pink Pirouette for my base and Pink Pirouette again for my first layer stamped with Versamark using the Flower Fest Set from the Summer Mini. I added a partial layer of Melon Mambo also stamped with the same flower and Versamark Ink.

My focal image is adhered to the front of the card using Stampin' Dimensionals.

What do you think?

STAMPS: On the Grow, Flower Fest

INK: Staz-On, Versamark

PAPERS: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette and Melon Mambo Cardstock; Watercolour Paper

ACCESSORIES: Punches, Watercolour Crayons, Aqua Painters, Stampin' Dimensionals, Whisper White Baker's Twine

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for a look at week #2 in my "For Teacher" series.

Happy Stampin'!

Holy Layers Batman! Can you say EXTRA POSTAGE?

This is my second post for today! Scroll down to see what else I've been doing!

When I saw this card by the lovely and talented Ann Schach, I just KNEW I'd have to recreate it! I mean really, how could you not? It's stunning!!!

Well, between the Creativ Festival and Easter, my "The Open Sea" set (123030 Wood - $32.95; 123032 Clear - $22.95), which will be available to order on May 1st when the Summer Mini launches, was left untouched.

Now, the Creativ Festival and Easter are behind us...the kids are hopped up on chocolate and doing their own thing, I decided it was time to create!

Since I don't have ALL the elements Ann used (I'm missing those GORGEOUS grommets - they'll be on my next order!), I had to improvise. I used these Antique Brad (117273 - $7.50) instead. I chose these ones in particular because I thought they looked a lot like a compass - carrying the theme!

I sure hope Ann doesn't mind my shameless CASEing of her card, because these elements are laid out exactly the same on her card.  Why mess with perfection?

Here's the completed card:

It's all in the details:

• Antique Brads - going rustic
• Distressing - a LOT of Early Espresso Ink
• Sponging - the Whisper White on which I stamped my images was a little too stark for my liking so I sponged all over them after I cut them out using my Early Espresso Classic Ink and a sponge
• Layers - oh how I love them!!! IMO, you can NEVER have too many layers on a card - sure, there's extra postage to be paid, but it's worth it
• Baker's Twine - not even available yet (will be May 1st) and I'm already crossing all my parts that it will be carried over into the new Idea Book and Catalog for the 2011-2012 year...LOVE this stuff!

Inside:

I continued sponging on the Whisper White so it wasn't so stark and layered the Whisper White Cardstock on the same piece of DSP that I used in the small panel on the front before adhering it to the inside of the card.

I stamped the Happy Father's Day on the inside as this will be FIL's Father's Day card. When I first saw this set, I just KNEW it would be perfect to create cards for him as he just loves boats and has even made a few rather large replica sail boats himself.

What do you think?

STAMPS: The Open Sea, Teeny Tiny Wishes

INK: Early Espresso, Not Quite Navy

PAPERS: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler and Not Quite Navy Cardstock; Nautical Expedition DSP

ACCESSORIES: Bakers Twine, Antique Brads, Metallic Brads and LOTS of Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

MDS Monday - Engineer in the Making

My BIL is an engineer. He studied for years and now owns his own construction business. So, ummm...if you need anybody, let me know!

Meanwhile, he's building a house for himself, my sister and their family.  When we visited last summer, the house was pretty much done (on the outside), but there were still some things that needed to be done.

Never one to shy away from work, Jonathan wanted to help:

He looked SO DARN CUTE in the construction hat, that I just had to snap a few pics!

Happy MDSin'!

P.S. Don't forget!  Ten Card Class is THIS Saturday, April 30th!!!  Check it out here.

Did You Know?

Exclusive Products
Stampin' Up! manufactures many of its own products, and contracts with other manufacturers to offer products exclusive to Stampin' Up! 

Exclusive Colours
Each of our exclusive colours is organized into one of our colour collections : Brights, Regals, Subtles, and Neutrals. Once you have selected your colour scheme, you have a full range of coordinating products to choose from while taking the guesswork out of color coordination. 
We also have an In Colour palette with five of the year's hottest colours. These shades are exclusive to our product lines, and you'll love how we incorporate them into our Designers Series paper, kits, and embellishments. 
Each year, we'll introduce five new In Colours, and you'll be able to enjoy them for two years. Just think, starting in 2011, you'll always have 10 trendy In Colours to choose from.

Exclusive Designs
Our award-winning rubber stamp art and designed products are created by our talented artists and designers, and are not available anywhere else in the crafting world. 

Watercolour Wednesday - For Teacher

This is week #1 of this series.  In the coming weeks, I'll be showing you four different cards that are just PERFECT for children to give to their teachers at different times of year.  Buy the set, and you're covered for the year!

My first card is a halloween card and my little painted lady is just too cute!

Since this is WATERCOLOUR Wednesday, she is, of course, water coloured.

I used my watercolour crayons (as usual) - don't know what I ever did without 'em! When I was done, I sponged around the outside edge of the punched image (used my 2 1/2" circle punch) using Concord Crush Ink.

My card base is Sahara Sand (which I'll use for all four cards) because I wanted a neutral shade and because I have LOTS of it - LOL!

I sponged the edges of each layer using matching ink for a little added interest and dimension.

 Here's some of the sentiment detail:

• stamped in Concord Crush
• Punched with Word Window Punch
• Layered on Pumpkin Pie Modern Label Punch
• Adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals ('cause you know me and those Dimensionals!)

And of course, the inside is finished with a strip of matching Designer Series Paper on Whisper White Cardstock.

What do you think?

STAMPS: Greeting Card Kids, Teeny Tiny Wishes
INK: Staz-On, Concord Crush, Pumpkin Pie
PAPERS: Sahara Sand, Pumpkin Pie, Concord Crush and Whisper White Cardstock; Watercolour Paper; Concord Crush DSP from Hostess Level 1 pack
ACCESSORIES: Punches, Watercolour Crayons, Aqua Painters, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

MDS Monday - SWIM

Yes, I KNOW it's Tuesday! And yes, I KNOW by the post date, this actually LOOKS like it was posted on Monday night...but yeah, SO not!!!

Anyway, here's my MDS Monday on a Tuesday:

I used Marina Mist and Not Quite Navy on this one. And my littlest man...of course!

Happy MDSin'!

Did You Know?

Stampin' Up! offers combinations of stamps and accessories specifically designed to work together to create a pleasing, consistent feel. These combinations simplify the project-making process--you can choose a theme, select its coordinating products, and plan your project. Here we present projects to demonstrate various project types you can make with one style.

Each year we're excited to share our exclusive collections inspired by the season's hottest trends. We consistently refresh our Style Watch lines to make sure we're providing up-to-date stamp sets and embellishments that fit your style and coordinate effortlessly.

Product Coordination
Each collection features products that coordinate in colour, texture, and theme. You may see different components in each line, but you'll always see several stamp sets, a coordinating alphabet or wheel, and several embellishments (think Designer Series paper, punches, ribbon, Accents & Elements, Rub-Ons, and more) to put the finishing touch on your projects.

Ten Card Class Preview

*WATERCOLOUR WEDNESDAY WILL RETURN NEXT WEEK*

I'll be teaching my first class as a Stampin' UP! demonstrator on April 30th and I couldn't be more thrilled. Creating the cards I'll be showing you is SO much fun!

Today, I thought I'd show you one of the cards we'll be making.  It uses our Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper.  I'll admit that when I first saw this paper, I was SURE it wasn't for me.  Having seen samples using it and now making cards using it myself, I've fallen in love with it!

If you can't make it to class, here are the step by step instructions to make this card:

• Cut a piece of Daffodil Delight Cardstock to 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" and score it at 4 1/4". Fold it in half.
• Cut a piece of Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper to 4" x 5 1/4" and adhere to the front of the card base.
• Cut a different pattern of Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper to 1 3/4" x 4 3/4" and mat it on a piece of 2" x 5" Chocolate Chip (yes, it looks like Basic Black in the photo - I promise it's Chocolate Chip!).
• Cut a piece of 2" x 3" Whisper White Cardstock on which you will stamp your focal image.  For this card, I used Aviary. Mat your Whisper White piece on 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" piece of Daffodil Delight and again on a piece of 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" of Chocolate Chip.  Adhere to front of card, using Stampin' Dimensionals.
• Stamp just 4 you (or sentiment of your choice) from Hodgepodge Happiness in Chocolate Chip on Whisper White Cardstock. Punch out using Word Window Punch. Mat in on piece of Chocolate Chip Cardstock punched with the Modern Label Punch. Adhere to front of card using Stampin' Dimensionals on ONE end and adhesive on the other.

Now...if you want directions for the other NINE cards we'll be making, you'll have to come to class!

Class will be held on April 30th at 1 p.m.  There is only enough space for 10 stampers, so you want to register EARLY!

COST: Register and pay by April by April 17th and pay only $25; after April 17th and up to including the 24th, pay $30.

SPECIAL OFFER!!!  Bring a friend and when you register and pre-pay for BOTH of you, you'll pay only $20 each!!!

Contact me directly to register for class and I'll send you a PayPal invoice.

Happy Stampin'!!!

Strength and Hope for a friend in need

The Strength and Hope Stamp set will be available in the Summer Mini beginning May 1st, 2011.  It's sale will see $2 per set donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. In my travels through cyber space, I have seen a LOT of cards made with this set and, in my opinion, you just CAN'T make a bad card with this set. It's just not possible!

When I found a GORGEOUS card by Lianne Carper, I just KNEW I would have to CASE (Copy and Share Everything) it. It will be going to a friend's sister who is battling cancer.

Here are some of the bits and pieces:

I love the butterfly that comes with this set. I especially love cutting it out and layering several of them. I learned this trick from a fellow demonstrator named Tana. I've seen her do it with the butterfly punch, but it works with this one too.

In this next photo, you can see that I used Stampin' Dimensionals on the wings. By adding Glue Dots to the centre of the butterfly and squishing all three butterflies together, you can achieve the illusion of  a flying butterfly. LOVE THIS!

Here's the bow detail. If I'd had some of the new Whisper White Baker's Twine that will be available in the new Summer Mini, I would have used that.  I haven't finalized my Summer Mini order as of yet, but when I do, you can be sure the Baker's Twine (in all three colours!) will be on it!



The sentiment in this set is the letter "H" and the word "hope".  There's also three rows of words. I stamped these behind the "H" in River Rock Ink on Whisper White Cardstock. I had to stamp it twice - this was easy to do since I have the clear mount version of this set. I used more Stampin' Dimensionals for the sentiment.

Here's the completed card:

What do you think?

STAMPS: Strength and Hope
INKS: River Rock, Not Quite Navy
PAPERS: Whisper White and Not Quite Navy Cardstock; Paisley Prints DSP
ACCESSORIES: Ribbon, Punches, Linen Thread, Button, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

MDS Monday - Photo Background

Imagine my excitement when I discovered that you could actually use a WHOLE PHOTO instead of background paper!  If you figured this out months ago, please don't laugh at me!

I whipped this one up in a couple of minutes (OK, maybe like 15 or so...) while I was hanging out with my most awesome downline Diana before her OSW (that's one sheet wonder) class.

My favourite part of July 1st festivities has ALWAYS been the fireworks show at the end of the night.  I've had to cover the kids ears for a few years, but I still don't miss it!

This layout is VERY simple!  One photo for the background and three smaller photos at the bottom, matted with Whisper White.

Have yourself a great MDS day!

Stamping 411 in Bright and Cheery Colours!

The temperature is up to 13C where I am!!!  That's about 55F for my American friends - WOOT! So, today's card brings bright and cheery colours ready for summer.  Yes, I KNOW spring has BARELY started, but I am SO ready for warm summer weather!

For my card, I decided to play along with the operators at Stamping 411!

 What do you think of this?  I just love this bow! And how's that for bright and cheery? Nothing says happy like Real Red! Our taffeta ribbon is one of my favourites to use.  It's so soft and supple - it makes FABULOUS bows!

You know what else? It come is 11 colours! You can see them all here.



If you know ANYTHING about me, you know how much I LOVE layers!  If I was ever down to only one package of Stampin' Dimensionals, I think I might start having heart palpitations - LOL! When I place my demonstrator orders, there's ALWAYS at least one package on there! Good thing I can get them for 20% off...you can too if you join my team!  All your favourite Stampin' UP! products for at least 20% off as long as you remain an active demonstrator. Cool, or what?

The sentiment, in this case, wasn't attached with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I simply added a bit of Snail under the end that was on top of the image panel and let it "float" off the edge.

And now...without further ado...the full card front! Like I said - BRIGHT AND CHEERY! I didn't have any DSP with the colours I wanted to use, so I just made my own! Love, love, LOVE that I can do that!

I stamped the flower from Bold Blossom using Real Red, Tangerine Tango and Tempting Turquoise Ink on a 4 x 5 1/4" piece of Whisper White Cardstock before adhering it to my Tempting Turquoise Base.

This is such a fun little stamp set! And it's inexpensive too - only $15.95 for wood mount and $11.95 for clear mount.  You can't beat that!

Tips from the Heart for making your own Designer Series Paper:

• Start with the largest stamp first. In this case, that didn't matter as I was only using one image. Your smaller images are GREAT for filling in gaps, so save them till last.
• Start with the lightest colour first. If you start with darker colours, you're going to find the piece overwhelming.
• Fill in the gaps.  The best Designer Series Paper is COVERED. You want your Designer Series Paper to be the same.
• Make a WHOLE sheet!  For my card, I only made one panel, but you can make a whole sheet of your own Designer Series Paper.  This is known as a "one sheet wonder" and is often cut into smaller pieces to get many cards from one sheet of paper.
• Have fun! Don't try and be too precise or your paper will look like it was store bought.  You want it to be fun and whimsical. You want it to be a part of you!

When I first started making cards, I almost NEVER finished the inside of the card. But after awhile, I started thinking that all the cards you can BUY in those card stores are all finished on the inside.  Sometimes it's only a sentiment, but still.  Most of my cards DON'T have a sentiment inside (unless it's specifically requested by a client), but I do like to finish them on the inside now.  Sometimes it's a stamped image.  Sometimes it's an extra strip of Designer Series Paper. Just a little extra something to show again how much you care.

I hope you enjoyed my little bit of summer!  Why don't you leave me a quick comment and let me know what you think?

STAMPS: Bold Blossom
INKS: Old Olive, Real Red, Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise
PAPERS: Whisper White, Real Red, Tangerine Tango and Tempting Turquoise Cardstock
ACCESSORIES: Real Red 3/8 Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Punches

Happy Stampin'!

Tiny Tags for a friend - Simply Adorned

Have you experienced Stampin' UP!'s jewelry line, Simply Adorned?  It's simply GORGEOUS!

Here's just one sample from the Stampin' UP! website:

Isn't it darling?  The set used is Tiny Tags - it's not JUST for tags! It's the perfect size for these tiny little charms, which are available in sizes from 5/8" (square and round) up to 1 1/2" X 2" (rectangle).  The size shown here is the 1" square charm.

Each charm comes in a plain brown box which can be EASILY decorated, making it just perfect!  What's more, you could even create a matching card!

What do you think?

STAMPS: Tiny Tags

INK: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Sahara Sand; Crushed Curry (retired, but could be replaces with Daffodil Delight)

PAPERS: Very Vanilla and Rich Razzleberry Cardstock

ACCESSORIES: Simply Adorned Line of Jewelry

Happy Stampin'!

Watercolour Wednesday - The Nicest Things

I love doing nice things for people...especially friends.  One of my favourite things to do (of course) is send/hand deliver a card.

This morning, I noticed a friend was having a pretty rough day (gotta love Facebook!), so I let her know that I would be in her area and if she needed an afternoon pick me up in the way of a visit and coffee that I would make myself available.

She had a meeting that she had to take over her lunch, so she had NO spare time. I really wanted to brighten her day, so I made a card and dropped it off with the receptionist at her workplace.

My card did the trick because when I was on my way home, I received a notification (again, gotta love Facebook!) that she had received the card and was absolutely thrilled with it.  She said I had made her smile in what was an otherwise bad day.  Mission accomplished!

Wanna see?

Look at all those layers!  YUMMY!  And dimensionals?  Oh yeah baby!  I used 14 of those things on this card!

Here's the inside (before I wrote all the mushy stuff!):

And now...what you've been waiting for!!!  The card front!

It's Sketch Challenge day over SplitCoast Stampers, so I used that as my starting point.  The main image panel was PERFECT for an ATC sized image and these two sweet little girls from "The Nicest Things" were a great fit!

The first thing I did was cut down my watercolour paper.  It comes in 3 3/4" x 5", but since I wanted an ATC, I cut it down to 2 1/2" x 3 1/2".  You can get TWO ATC out of one sheet of watercolour paper! Then I stamped the girls in Staz-ON ink as this is the best ink for watercolouring.  It doesn't matter how much water you use, this stuff just DOES. NOT. RUN.

Then I just went to town with my watercolour crayons and aqua painters. I used colours from all four families on this one, so I don't think I can list all of them.

Once my image panel was completely dry, I matted in on a piece 2 5/8" x 3 5/8" piece of Baja Breeze Cardstock.  Then, I just started adding layers like on the sketch till I was happy with the results and stuck it all down.

On the inside of the card, I layered a piece of Whisper White over some Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper (DSP) and stamped the sentiment and little bunny in a pot from the same set. Is that bunny not the cutest thing you've ever seen?

What do you think?

STAMPS: The Nicest Things
INK: Staz-ON, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip
PAPERS: Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze and Whisper White Cardstock; Paisley Petals DSP
ACCESSORIES: Watercolour Crayons, Aqua Painters, Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

Love a Deal? Get it NOW!!!

Stampin' UP! has restocked the Clearance Rack and it's LOADED with goodness!  There are even some Grab Bags available where everything is a surprise! And, really...who doesn't love surprises?

Just imagine...you spend $18 and get $72 worth of product!  And it's not like we're talking penny candy here...we're talking the genuine article! 100% Stampin' UP! awesomeness!  You can't beat that!

Don't wait though!  Head on over to the Clearance Rack now, before it's all gone!

Please note: Clearance Rack merchandise can only be purchased through an online order.

HAPPY SHOPPING!

MDS Monday - It's just a little makeup!

Last year, my daughter had to opportunity to be part of a series of one act plays at her school.  She had a part in "The Devil and Daniel Webster" as one of the "jury members".

Of course, before the play could take place, there had to be dress rehearsals, set work, make up trials...there's lots to do as I'm sure you can imagine.

So, one day, she came home from school, looking like this:

What's a mom to do?  Take pictures of course!

I used MDS once again, because of course...it's MDS Monday! My background is textured Concord Crush cardstock and I "stamped" using Extreme Elements in the same colour as well as Whisper White on which I reduced the opacity.  The text was added using Whisper White.

Happy MDSin'!

Four Frames and Some Tiny Wishes

My apologies for the late day posting! It's the first day of pre-orders for Stampin' UP! demonstrators, so things are little hectic to say the least!

I haven't had the chance to finish up my card using the ATC posted here, but I didn't want to leave you hanging, so here's a little card straight from the Stampin' UP! website:

This little note card is SO adorable and perfect for showcasing the Four Frames Stamp Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper. It would be PERFECT attached to a small gift or a bouquet of flowers.

Want to learn how to make it? Sign up for my 10 card class on April 30th and I'll show you how! It's just ONE of the ten fabulous cards we'll be making in class!

It uses the Decorative Label Punch as well as the Boho Blossoms and 2-Step Bird Punch.  A little 1/2 circle punched out of the focal image makes a spot for the flowers.

What do you think?

STAMPS: Four Frames, Teeny Tiny Wishes
INK: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Old Olive
PAPERS: Cherry Cobbler, Watercolour Paper; Paisley Petals DSP
ACCESSORIES: Aqua Painters, Punches, Ribbon

Happy Stampin'!

Watercolour Wednesday - Back to the Well

When I first saw the Countryside Stamp Set, it made me think of my Grampy and his farm. This card, reminds me of his truck. At least I think he had a truck...probably not in his later years, but I'm pretty sure I've heard stories about riding in his truck as a little girl.  In my imagination, his truck looks just like that.

I KNOW he had a well...the whole house was on well water and it was COLD! My sister and I used to "swim" in old wash basins when we were little and Grampy would fill them up for us.  BRRR!!!  My Dad used to go into the house and sneak out some warm water for us so it wouldn't be so cold.

I KNOW the well wasn't the pump variety shown in this ATC:

but it still reminds me of him. If I close my eyes and imagine he did have a pump, I can see him at it, getting water to water his big garden.  I can see him carrying the bucket out to the garden. I can see Kimmy (his dog) following along behind him.

In his later years, he didn't garden so much, but the picture I see is the way I saw him as a little girl.

He passed away 25 years ago this April and I still miss him.  I wish he could be here to see his grandchildren...I wish he could have been at my wedding...I wish...well...I wish a lot of things.

I hope you like my ATC.  Tomorrow will be SUPER busy (especially since it's the LAST day to order for SAB), so I won't be able to update.  Come back on Friday though, and I'll show you how I turned my ATC into a card.


STAMPS: Countryside, Clearly for You
INK: Staz-ON
PAPERS: Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery and Marina Mist Cardstock; Elegant Soiree DSP; Watercolour Paper
ACCESSORIES: Word Window Punch, Metallic Brads

Happy Stampin'!

Summer Mini Sneak Peek - Strength & Hope

Can you believe it?  The Summer Mini is right around the corner!  How exciting!

Of course, with the Summer Mini starting up in just over a month, that means that Sale-A-Bration is just about finished - just three more days (if you count today)! So, if there's anything you've been meaning to get to earn free product, NOW is the time!  Just click here to get started!

Here's my Summer Mini sneak peek for today:

Want to see the whole thing?  I'm doing a count down to the mini special edition newsletter for which you can sign up.  You'll need to click on the "sign up" box in the top left corner and select the "summer mini" option in my newsletter list.

I'll also be revealing how I made the butterfly look like it's flying off the page in my newsletter.

Happy Stampin'!

MDS Monday - A Favourite Field Trip

These pics are from last year, but I just got around to MDSing them!

This is just a quick post today as we JUST got back from a weekend getaway and I have a PILE of laundry to do!

Happy MDSin'!

Watercolour Wednesday - Bundle of Joy for Jill

Recently my friend Jill and her husband Mark added a new little bundle to their family.  Well...what's a card maker to do?  Make a card of course!

Here's what I made:

Would you believe that I DIDN'T own ANY baby sets? How did such an oversight happen? Fortunately, I needed to submit a customer order and added "Teddy and Train" to the list for myself - problem solved! And just in the nick of time too - PHEW!!!

So, I stamped this ADORABLE little teddy on our watercolour paper using Staz-On ink and coloured him in using our Watercolour Wonder Crayons in Crumb Cake and Soft Suede.  You may remember that I used them last on this card. By heading over to that post, you can find all the tips I posted on ways to use the crayons.

I stamped the sentiment using Early Espresso Ink.

I wanted to keep the card simple and elegant, so I didn't add a lot of extra stuff to the image panel.  I used a piece of Paisley Prints DSP (available in the NEW 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog) and added a piece of Marina Mist 3/8" taffeta to finish off the card.

What do you think?

STAMPS: Teddy and Train
INKS: Black Staz-On, Early Espresso
PAPERS: Watercolour Paper, Marina Mist Cardstock and Paisley Prints DSP
ACCESSORIES: Ribbon, Watercolour Wonder Crayons, Aqua Painters

Happy Stampin'!

MDS Monday - Reasons to join my Stampin' UP! team

One of the most amazing things about being part of this fantastic company are the events.  And let me tell you: Stampin' UP! knows how to put on a show!

Last year, I had the opportunity to attended a Regional Event in Hamilton with my most awesomest upline Caroline (F) LeBel! I got to hang out with "Canadians, INK!" which is the name of Caroline's team and our "mommy" team to "Canadian Blossoms".

Here are just a few reasons to join my team:

Good Friends: Just because Julie and Caroline aren't on the same team, doesn't mean they can't be friends!  We're just one big happy family!

Shannon West: This girl is cute, cute, CUTE!  And she's super dynamic.  Any chance you get to hear her speak is one you should most DEFINITELY take!

Swapping Cards: At any Stampin' UP! event, there are demonstrators swapping: cards, card fronts, 3-D items. It's SO much fun to gather ideas from other demonstrators by swapping!

Shelli Gardner: Last, but certainly NOT least, is Shelli Gardner, Co-Founder and CEO of Stampin' UP! This girl is a dynamo and it's contagious!!!  I came away from this spectacular event energized and ready to do more, more, more in my business!

And now, during Sale-A-Bration, is really the BEST time to join my team and Stampin' UP! The starter kit is on SALE for $182.75 (that's 15% off!) and as added bonus, you get an extra $60 worth of goodies from Stampin' UP! In addition, as an EXTRA bonus, if you join now, I'll give you your choice of ANY regular stamp set from the Idea Book and Catalog (this does not includes Hostess Sets).  That's right - ANY stamp set. Even the really expensive $58.95 set Define Your Life if that's the set you want.

For my MDS layout above, I used Textured Poppy Parade Cardstock for my background and then stamped using the Medallion Stamp Brush in Whisper White.  I achieved the effect of transparency, by reducing the opacity of my stamp brush to 10%.  I added photos, text and embellishments and had a scrapbook page in under half an hour.  That's the beauty of MDS - quick and easy.  The BEST part?  NO CLEAN UP!!!!

So, what are you waiting for?  No time like the present!  Just click here and you can get started right away! As of this morning, there's only 10 more days to take advantage of this great offer!

Happy MDSin'!

Back to Basics with Paper and Ink

I love embellishments, don't get me wrong. But sometimes, you need to let the paper and the stamped images speak for themselves.

For this card, I used three different stamp sets, two of which are from the Sale-A-Bration brochure and will only be available for the next 11 days!  The other stamp set that I used is "Clearly For You" and it's in the Occasions Mini which is available until April 30th when the new SUMMER MINI takes effect!

And...speaking of SUMMER MINI, I'll be putting out an additional newsletter every Tuesday for the next 6 weeks to introduce you to the goodness that will be in the SUMMER MINI beginning May 1st.  You're going to LOVE IT!!!  In order to receive this newsletter, you MUST sign up for it.  If you're already receiving my semi-monthly newsletter, you'll need to change your preferences.  Because this SUMMER MINI newsletter will be weekly for the next six weeks, I will NOT be sending it out to my regular newsletter subscribers without their permission.  If you have ANY difficulty whatsoever updating your preferences, please email me and let me know.  I can make the changes for you, at your request.

Now, for today's card:

I read a FaceBook status update of a very close friend this morning and it was somewhat disturbing.  This girl has the most amazing, generous, giving, kind spirit and to see her hurt breaks my heart.  We chatted a little bit and I decided that she needed a more tangible reminder of just how awesome she is.

So, I picked up my colour coach and decided on: Rich Razzleberry, Early Espresso and Pretty in Pink.  I threw in some Regal Rose for a little brighter Pink.

I started off by stamping the Early Espresso Base using the large image from the Bliss Stamp Set (available with a $60 purchase only for the next 11 days!) and Versamark ink. Then I stamped the images from Sweet Summer (also available only for the next 11 days!) on Whisper White Cardstock using Garden Green, Regal Rose and Rich Razzleberry Inks.

The sentiment (from Clearly For You) is stamped in Regal Rose on Whisper White Cardstock, punched out using the Word Window Punch and matted on a piece of Rich Razzleberry Cardstock punched out using the Modern Label Punch.

There's an appropriate amount of mush on the inside.

What do you think:

STAMPS: Bliss, Sweet Summer and Clearly For You
INKS: Garden Green, Regal Rose, Rich Razzleberry
PAPERS: Whisper White, Early Espresso and Rich Razzleberry Cardstock, Pretty in Pink DSP
ACCESSORIES: Punches, Stampin' Dimensionals

MDS Monday - What You SEE is what you get!

Ever wondered what exactly is ON the My Digital Studio discs you get when you order this fantastic product?

Stampin' UP! now has a catalog where you can see it all!  Everything on the disc and ALL the downloads up to and including January 2011.  You can see the catalog by clicking on the link in my right side bar.  How awesome is that?  It's kind of big to print up (76 pages!), but you could if you wanted to at least print up the download pages and keep track of what you've purchased so you don't accidentally purchase the same thing twice *coughcough* not that I know ANYTHING about THAT *coughcough*

And, since it's MDS Monday, here's a 12 X 12 page that I created of my DD.  It's VERY simple, but sometimes simple is JUST RIGHT and it lets the photos speak for themselves.  Besides, not that I'm biased or anything, but she's GORGEOUS!

What do you think?

I used Wild Wasabi for the Background Paper and added a layer of Whisper White for the vellum effect.  I chose two VERY simple embellishments, opting for Garden Green buttons and Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon.

Happy MDSin'!

Sunny Sunday Sketch - Week 23 - REVEAL!

Yes, I KNOW I haven't been consistent with my sketches, but I'm still going to keep them in numerical order rather than trying to figure which week is which.  So...we'll call them "sketch weeks" instead of actual weeks - LOL!  And...in two "SKETCH WEEKS" I'll have some blog candy, since it'll be "Sketch Week" 25.  Sound good?

So, yesterday I gave you a sneak peek of some new papers and a new stamp set that will be released in the new Idea Book and Catalog.  I've only had to papers and stamp set for a few days and I can tell you that I LOVE IT!  I'm sure you will too!

Here's the front of my card:

Isn't this paper GORGEOUS?  And that's only ONE of the TWELVE patterns that are in the pack!  You get 12 pages of Designer Series Paper, 2 each of six designs and it's all double sided.  Trust me when I tell you that you're going to want more than one pack of this paper! I ordered three packs with my pre-order and I can't WAIT till April 1st so I can get MORE!

Want to get it during the pre-order?  No problem!  All you have to do is sign up to become a demonstrator. It's just one of the many perks you get by joining my team.  You'll also get the starter kit at 15% off, so you'll pay only $182.75 instead of $215.  As another added bonus, during Sale-A-Bration, you also get a product bonus of $60 including the Colour Coach! This really IS the BEST time to become a Stampin' UP! Demonstrator!  And there's no pressure to buy anything ever again!  If you just want the kit, GREAT!  You'll still maintain active status till the end of June and still be able to receive at least 20% off every single order. If you place a $200 order in the first 60 days, you'll get 30% off that order.  You just can't lose!

If you need even MORE incentive, you'll be able to get first crack at all the retiring stamps/accessories when Stampin' UP! announces the retired list around the middle of May.

I stamped the Four Frames onto my Whisper White Cardstock and then chose one of the sentiments from Silhouette Sentiments (a Level 1 Hostess Set) to stamp inside the frame.  This set is perfect if you just want a little something in the way of a sentiment.

To finish off today's post, I'll show you the inside of my card:

It's simple and elegant and adds just the right touch.  I like finishing the inside of my cards with just a snippet of something from the front. I think it makes it looked more "polished".

What do you think?

STAMPS: Four Frames, Silhouette Sentiments (Level 1 Hostess Set)
INK: Not Quite Navy, Versamark
PAPERS: Whisper White and Baja Breeze Cardstock; Paisley Prints DSP
ACCESSORIES: Punches, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

There's a new paper in town - you're gonna love it!

Here's a little sneak peek:

This is a new paper and stamp set that will be in the NEW 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog...but YOU can get it beginning April 1st - a full THREE MONTHS before it's released. How fantastic is THAT?

Today, I'm just showing you a little sneak peek.  You'll have to come back tomorrow to see the whole thing. It'll be my Sunny Sunday Sketch for this week!

The paper is called Paisley Prints and the Stamp Set is called Four Frames and coordinates with the Decorative Label Punch.

What do you think?

STAMPS: Four Frames
INK: Not Quite Navy
PAPERS: Whisper White and Baja Breeze Cardstock; Paisley Prints DSP
ACCESSORIES: Decorative Label Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch

Happy Stampin'!

Ornament Punch Available for Ordering

We're happy to announce the Extra-Large Ornament punch (item 119847) is available to order. The quality problems we were experiencing with the punch have been resolved and our supply is ready to go.

Thank you for your patience as we work to provide you with high-quality products.

Ornament Punch  119847
Price: $23.95

Punches are a quick and easy way to add interest, dimension, and color to your cards, tags, and scrapbook pages. You can glue punched shapes directly onto your projects or layer a sheet of card stock that has been punched over a coordinating card stock for a reverse effect.

■ New, sleeker body style
■ Larger surface area offers precise cutting and leverage
■ Locks to store

Happy Stampin'!

Stampin' UP! Petal Cone Die

Have you had a chance to shop the Occasions Mini Catalog yet? If not, why not?  There's less than two months left to order all the goodness from it and then it'll be gone! April 30th, 2011 is the last date for this mini!

One of the FABULOUS things in the Occasions Mini is the new Petal Cone Die.  If you're coming to my Ten Card Class at the end of the month, I'll have some samples of the fun things you can create with it to show you then!

Hope you can join me!!!

Ten Card Class - Coming at the end March

I hope you'll join me as I start introducing classes to my schedule!


My first class will be a ten card class featuring all occasions stamp sets using several different stamp sets include Apple Blossoms, the Level 2 Hostess Set seen here:


Join me on Sunday March 27th, 2011 at 1 p.m. and we'll make 10 all occasion cards, using a variety of stamp sets, including the Level 2 Hostess Set. If orders on the day of class total $395 or more, I'll choose a lucky winner to receive the set!

Early Bird Cost: $25 - Register and Pay prior to March 15th

Regular Cost: $30 - Register and Pay prior to March 20th

Place a $60 order on class day and your $25/$30 class fee will be applied to your order as a discount!

SPACE IS LIMITED TO 10 STAMPERS, so reserve early to avoid disappointment.

Pricing

Early Bird Pricing $25.00 Bring a Friend Price (per person) $20.00 Regular Price $30.00