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Saturday, February 18, 2012

Mixed Bunch gets Dazzling Diamond Dust

So...the other day (maybe last week?), I got an email in my inbox from SUDSOL (if you're a demonstrator, you WANT to join this site - click in the link in my right hand sidebar) about a technique called Dazzling Diamond Dust.

Well...I finally carved out ENOUGH time to be able to try the technique and GAK!!! I had no Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder! What? I know...I was shocked too!

Well, thank goodness it turns out that if you mix equal parts of clear embossing powder and Dazzling Diamonds you can get a VERY similar effect. PHEW!!!

So, I went to the science lab my creating space and got started. And...OH. MY. GOSH. I think I'm in love with this new technique. Here's what I made:


I used the Mixed Bunch set and stamped it in Pacific Point, Pumpkin Pie and Daffodil Delight. Then the fun started! I covered the WHOLE surface of the stamped panel with Versamark and then coated it in my homemade Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder (I ordered some, so it will be here in time for my March 3rd class when we'll be making this card). The next step was whipping out the heat gun and embossing it. Now...I have to admit that it was a little difficult to see the "change" as the embossing powder set, but I persevered and got the job done. :)

I have to say, I love it!! So bright and cheery! And that's why it made the cut for my Cheery cards class on March 3rd. I still have a FEW spots left, so if you'd like to come, let me know ASAP!

Would YOU like this card? Since it's so late in the day, this will be a two day (ish) give away. So, leave me a comment between now and midnight EST on February 19th, 2012 and I'll chose a winner on Monday Feb. 20th, 2012.

What do you think?

STAMPS: Mixed Bunch, Little Friends
INK: Pacific Point, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Versamark
PAPERS: Whisper White and Pacific Point Cardstock
ACCESSORIES: Embossing Powder

Happy Stampin'!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Busy Day Ahead...and some news!!!

When I made the switch to Business Demonstrator last January, I had NO idea what lay ahead. I just knew that I wanted to be able to do more for my family as a Stampin' UP! demonstrator. I wanted to be able to buy that "monkey on a stick". Yes...that's TOTALLY obscure and there's probably less than a handful of people who know what that means, but that's OK.

I've been working VERY hard to make things happen this year and today I got notice that thanks to a new demonstrator who saw something in me that made her want to sign up, that I promoted to Counselor (that's Manager for my American friends - WOOT!)! I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am about this and what this means to my business. Stampin' UP! is one of the best companies in the world and I get to be part of it all!!!

To that end, instead of a card today, I borrowed a layout from the Stampin' UP! website. It's not my family, but it's how I'm feeling today and I do hope you'll share in my excitement.


I'm incredibly grateful for the love an support of my family - both the ones that live with me and my Stampin' UP! family! I'm incredibly grateful that they believed in me and had faith.

And now...before I ruin makeup, I'm going to sign off.

Have a GREAT day everyone...and thank you!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Send me Soaring for the Stampin' Queens

Can you believe it??? This is my 600th post!!!!

So yesterday, I showed you the card I made for my hubby for Valentine's Day. Then, I told you that you couldn't have it.

Today, I'm showing you the card I made for youngest DS for Valentine's Day. Again, you can't have it - LOL!

When youngest DS saw the card I made for hubby, he asked if I had made him one too. Ummm...nope! OOPS! I asked if he'd like for me to make him one and he said yes.

Since I still had Send me Soaring out on the table (and the Just Add Cake DSP too, by the way), I decided to go with that.

Since today is Stampin' Queens Day, I used this sketch:



but I changed it up a little bit and made it square. Let me tell you, this one gave me a heck of a time! I think when Cristena makes these things up, she needs more coffee in her system or SOMETHING - sheesh!!! Fortunately, I've seen the sketches for the next few months and none look THIS difficult - PHEW!!!

Here's the card I created:


I started off with a 5 x 5" card base and added a piece of Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper, a layer of Whisper White Cardstock and then the little banners/flags. I stamped the main image using the clouds and kites (had to use a heart one of course) and adhered it using Stampin' Dimensionals.

Thanks to Ann Schach for her awesome tip of microwaving our Seam Binding! Who knew?

What do you think?

STAMPS: Send me Soaring
INK: Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, Poppy Parade
PAPERS: Whisper White and Poppy Parade Cardstock; Just Add Cake DSP
ACCESSORIES: Seam Binding, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

If ain't broke...

...don't fix it! Sometimes, you find a TRULY awesome card and you just KNOW you're going to have to CASE it...with a WHOLE lot of emphasis on the COPY and considerably LESS on the selectively edit.

But first...my MOJO card from yesterday. Yes, I know I said you could have it, but I loved it SO much that I had to give it to my hubby for Valentine's Day (and a day early no less!).

You DO, however, get to see it (though not the mush on the inside):


I started off with a piece of Real Red Cardstock and added a layer of Designer Series Paper from "Just Add Cake". For the additional cardstock colours, I pulled from the DSP using Wild Wasabi and Baja Breeze.

Yesterday, I received the order that contained "Send Me Soaring" (one of the few sets I didn't think I needed from the Occasions Mini...until we used it at Regionals) and I just had to ink it up right away! I'll admit that the kite string is DEFINITELY tricky, but if you take extra care, you're good to go! This is most decidedly a stamp that falls into the GENTLY tap, tap, tap category. My class attendees will know what this means...and if you haven't been to a class yet, what are you waiting for? My upcoming class can be seen here.

When I gave the card to my hubby, *I* cried! How pathetic is THAT? This is our 25th Valentine's Day together and he STILL sends me soaring, so the sentiment was VERY appropriate!

Enough mushy stuff...on to the card that you DO get to have if you remember to comment!


This is my "If it ain't broke" card, completely CASE'd from the lovely and talented Robin Merriman. The one single thing I changed was stamping the "Wish Big" sentiment from Short and Sweet in Melon Mambo.

My card base is 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" and the single layer is 4" x 5 1/4" Whisper White. I stamped a collage pattern (much like Robin's) using Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo and Pacific Point.

I used the new Blossom Punch to punch out the Designer Series Paper and the stamped flower image. I even added GLITTER! Thank goodness for Dazzling Details - no glitter messes - YAY!!!

Now...the BAD news is, I only have ONE of these to give away, so if you'd like it, be sure to leave a comment, TODAY, February 14th, 2012 before midnight EST. The GOOD news is, I think I'll add this card to the March class because it DEFINITELY falls into the "cheery" category. So, if you don't win, you can come make one!

What do you think?

STAMPS: Short and Sweet, Send Me Soaring, Mixed Bunch
INK: Basic Black, Baja Breeze, Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo and Pacific Point
PAPERS: Real Red, Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, Melon Mambo and Whisper White Cardstock; Just Add Cake DSP
ACCESSORIES: Punches, Stampin' Dimensionals, Dazzling Details

Happy Stampin'!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Class Valentines - check!

I'm normally VERY organized, but January and the first part of February have been SO crazy that I am cutting it down to the wire!

These are the Valentine treats for Jonathan's class:


I started off with the 1 x 8 cello bags and one pencil, but that looked a little cheap, so I had to go out and buy MORE pencils so I could put two in each bag - MUCH better!

I cut 2 x 2 pieces of Real Red Cardstock and folded them in half, adhering them to the top of the bag using Sticky Strip. The opening of the bag is at the BOTTOM, so if I'm LUCKY, the kids won't destroy the tag and actually open from the bottom...meh...who am I kidding???

I punched out the hearts using the full heart punch and Pretty In Pink Designer Series Paper and stamped the little round image from P.S. I Love You afterward. They were adhered to the folded Real Red Cardstock with Snail Adhesive.

Congratulations to Cathy who won one of the cards that I made for the Gala on Saturday!!

I won't be able to give any of the treats I made away as there is JUST enough for Jonathan's class. I'm about to try and squeeze in the MOJO Monday, so you can have that one when it's done. :)

What do you think?

STAMPS: P.S. I love you
INK: Real Red
PAPERS: Real Red Cardstock; Pretty In Pink DSP
ACCESSORIES: Punch, Cello Bags

Happy Stampin'!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

P.S. I Love You

LOVE YOU CARD

Stamps
• P.S. I Love You

Paper
• Crumb Cake Card Stock
• Early Espresso Card Stock
• Pink Pirouette Card Stock
• 2011-2013 In Color Patterns Designer Series Paper

Ink
• Calypso Coral Classic Stampin’ Pad®
• Early Espresso Classic Stampin’ Pad
• VersaMark® Pad
• Blushing Bride Smooch Spritz®
• White Stampin’ Emboss® Powder

Accessories
• Calypso Coral Baker’s Twine
• Calypso Coral 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon
• Stampin’ Dimensionals®
• Crop-A-Dile™
• 1/2" Circle Punch
• Sponge Daubers

My apologies friends, this isn't my card, but as soon as I can I'll make one just the same for YOU!

As you saw in yesterday's post, I'm attending the Have a Heart Gala today and things are pretty hectic!

I'll be back tomorrow with MY version of this card and ANOTHER card to show you.

Happy Stampin'!

Friday, February 10, 2012

From My Heart to Yours

Tomorrow, I'll be attending the Have A Heart Gala in memory of Wyatt. It's a fundraiser for the Labbatt Family Heart Centre at the Hospital for Sick Children where Wyatt spend most of his young and much too short life.

Since two of my children were also born with congenital heart conditions, this cause is VERY near and dear to my heart. I volunteer at the gala and also provide a small token for the gift bags as well as a basket of stamping goodies that will be put up for raffle.

I made 49 of these today (I'll make more tomorrow), one for YOU and 48 to take to the Gala:


I started off with a 3 x 3 card base made from textured Pink Pirouette Cardstock and added a strip of Pink Pirouette Designer Series Paper from the subtles pack. I stamped the heart from P.S. I love you in Real Red on Whisper White and punched it out using the Heart Punch. It was adhered to the front of the card using Stampin' Dimensionals.

Congratulations once again to Lindsay who won yesterday's fun and cheery card!

If YOU would like today's card, please be sure to leave me a comment today, Friday February 10th, 2012 before midnight EST. I'll choose a winner tomorrow morning!

What do you think?

STAMPS: P.S. I love you
INK: Real Red
PAPERS: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette and Real Red Candstock; Pink Pirouette DSP
ACCESSORIES: Punches, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

Just a reminder...

...that if you've won a card in my 30 cards in 30 days giveaway, you need to contact me to claim your card. Unless I mention that I "know where you live", please don't assume I can find your addy or that I already have it.

I'll be back in a couple of hours with today's card!

Thanks!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Mixed Bunch for fun!

My March class, on March 3rd, will feature fun and cheery cards! This is just ONE of them (we'll be making EIGHT!):



I started off with a white card base and added a layer of Poppy Parade Designer Series Paper from the "Just Add Cake" paper pack. I'm going to miss Poppy Parade when it retires at the end of May!

Since our paper is double sided, I just flipped over the Poppy Parade piece of DSP to use the strips for my paper "ribbon". I stamped my flower from Mixed Bunch in Calypso Coral and punched it out using the new Blossom Punch. To add a little pizzazz to the flower, I coloured my Basic Rhinestones with a permanent marker before adhering them to the flower.

I haven't added a sentiment yet, because I'm not sure what it should be - LOL! If YOU win this card, you can tell me if you'd like me to add a sentiment or not.

Congratulations to one of my newest followers, Lucy's Soup Can, who won yesterday's card! Please email me with your snail mail addy so I can send this card off to you. Thanks!

If you'd like to win this card, be sure to leave me a comment today, February 9th, 2012 before midnight EST and I'll choose a winner tomorrow.

What do you think?

STAMPS: Mixed Bunch
INK: Calypso Coral
PAPERS: Whisper White Cardstock; Just Add Cake DSP
ACCESSORIES: Punches, Basic Rhinestones, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Go Big or Go Home for the Stampin' Queens!

Or...some things have to be seen to be believed...which is not only the sentiment, but also how I felt after looking at the colour combo on the Colour Coach. Soft Suede, So Saffron and Regal Rose? Really? Yes, REALLY!!!

Look at this:


Would you have thought that those three colours would look so good together? Me neither - but there you have it!

I started off with the ribbon as my inspiration and then added the rest of the elements. Of COURSE, I used Everything Eleanor again (you're surprised? LOL!) and added in just a touch of "Just Believe" (the sentiment).

Here's the sketch, so you can give it a try too:


Congratulations to Teresa who won yesterday's card!!! I already have Teresa's addy, so I'll pop it in the mail for her!

Would YOU like to win this card? Just leave me a comment today, February 8th, 2012 before midnight EST and tomorrow morning, I'll chose a winner!

What do you think?

STAMPS: Everything Eleanor, Just Believe
INK: So Saffron, Soft Suede
PAPERS: Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Soft Suede, Regal Rose
ACCESSORIES: Ribbon, Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Almost forgot!!!

I used Random.org to determine the winner of the Fresh Vintage stamp set! I had eight comments, I so input the numbers 1 and 8 as the numbers between which random.org should choose.

Random.org selected # 1! That means that SHELLEY!!! you win! Please email me with your snail mail address so I can send the stamp set off to you!

Happy Stampin'!

From this...to that...

Now my this to that feature is usually where I take an ATC (Artist Trading Card) and use it as the focal point on a card. Today? Not so much...

I was pulling papers, etc yesterday with the intention of creating my Stampin' Queens card for tomorrow, but I ended up with a card for the MOJO Monday sketch. Yeah...I know. Weird!

Anyway...I was still being inspired by the teeny tiny twitterpated lolly, so I reached for my Twitterpated Designer Series Paper again. This time I went with Blushing Bride (I'm going to miss that when it retires at the end of May!), Basic Grey and Island Indigo:


I stamped the sentiment from Word Play on Whisper White and punched it out with the Extra-Large Oval Punch before adhering it to the Island Indigo Oval which was embossed and then hand cut.

The Basic Grey DSP was looking a little boring, so I added some faux stitching with my white gel pen.

To finish the inside, I started with another piece of the Basic Grey DSP and added a piece of Whisper White on which I doodled and added the small flower from Bordering on Romance.


Congratulations to Lindsay who won the most adorable little box from yesterday! It'll ship flat, so if you can email me your addy (yes, again! LOL!), I'll send it off!

Would YOU like to receive today's card? Just leave me a comment today, February 7th, 2012 before midnight EST and I'll choose a winner tomorrow!

What do you think?

STAMPS: Word Play, Bordering on Romance
INK: Island Indigo, Basic Grey
PAPERS: Whisper White, Blushing Bride and Island Indigo Cardstock; Twitterpated DSP
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot Baby!, Ribbon, Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Markers, White Gel Pen

Happy Stampin'!

Monday, February 6, 2012

What inspires you?

Where do you find your inspiration? In the Stampin' UP! Designer Series Paper? In the cardstock colours? In the colours you chose for your home? In your outside world?

Wherever you find inspiration, I hope it leads to pretty things in your life!

Today's card started off because I had an unfinished lolly sitting in my workspace. It was just a tiny strip of Twitterpated Designer Series Paper (have I mentioned that I love it?). This paper is also available as a digital download, so if you've already started you FREE trial of My Digital Studio and you're ALREADY addicted, perhaps you'd like to add it to your collection. You not only get the paper, but a whole slew of embellishment/accessories as well...not to mention a 12 x 12 designer template. Take a look:


So much goodness in one small package!!!

And speaking of small packages, today's card is not actually a card. It's a tiny little package into which you can place tiny little bits of love. And I when I say tiny, I mean tiny. Take a look:


I followed the directions on Brenda's site to make the little box and I think it turned out just PERFECT!! The base of the little box/purse is only 2" square. Could it be any cuter?

Is it wrong for me to say that I hope no once comments so I can keep it? LOL! Well...it's a good thing I can make more!

Congratulations to Denise, who wins yesterday's set of notecards! I know where she lives...so I can hand deliver them - LOL!

Would YOU like to win today's most adorable box? Just leave me a comment today, February 6th, 2012 before midnight EST and I'll choose a winner tomorrow morning! It does open up to ship flat, so you won't have to worry about receiving it all squished.

What do you think?

STAMPS: None
INK: None
PAPERS: Twitterpated DSP, Island Indigo Cardstock
ACCESSORIES: Ribbon, Big Shot Baby!, Framelits, Glue Dots, Simply Scored, Stampin' Dimensionals, Basic Large Pearls

Happy Stampin'!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Just a Note...

Sometimes you just need a little note and not a whole card. Today's creation is all about just a note. Just a little simple something to let someone know you appreciate them.


I started off with Everything Eleanor (you're surprised? LOL!) and stamped the large swirl in Crumb Cake on Very Vanilla Cardstock. The Very Vanilla layer is matted on Crumb Cake and then on Rose Red Cardstock. I added a layer of Rose Red punched with the scallop trim border punch and adhered a flower from Everything Eleanor stamped in Rose Red.

Congratulations to EVERYONE who commented on yesterday's post! YOU ALL WIN!!! First come, first served! Let me know which card you'd like and I'll pop it in the mail to you!

Would YOU like to receive this set of notecards? Just leave me a comment today, February 5th, 2012 before midnight EST and I'll select a winner tomorrow.

What do you think?

STAMPS: Everything Eleanor
INK: Rose Red and Crumb Cake
PAPERS: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake and Rose Red Cardstock
ACCESSORIES: Punches, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

Saturday, February 4, 2012

It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood...

...a beautiful day for a neighbour...won't you be mine?

When Scott Nielsen of Stampin' UP! did this at Leadership, he had us all in STITCHES!

I'd like YOU to be my neighbour and come to my classes, like the one we're having today which features Easy Events:


Of course, today's class is already in full swing, but next month is gearing up to be fun! Look for fun and cheery cards as we welcome spring, which will be just around the corner!

Congratulations to Erica who won yesterday's card!! Erica, please send me your snail mail address and I'll send this off to you in no time!!

Would YOU like to win one of these cards? I'll be choosing EIGHT people from the comments below. Just leave me a comment today, February 4th, 2012 before midnight EST and I'll choose the winners tomorrow!!

Happy Stampin'!

Friday, February 3, 2012

From me to you from Leadership!

While we were at Leadership, we had the opportunity to do some make and takes. I think we had five or six that we SHOULD have been able to complete in the 2 1/2 hours we were allotted. Yeah...not so much.

We arrived late (lunch with new friends!) and chatted WAY too much! I FINALLY got to meet Ann Schach (but forgot to take a picture!) and when I looked at my watch it was time to go!

How many of the make and takes did I get done. One. Yep! Just one. Well...technically two, because that first packet contained two cards, one to keep and one to donate to Ronald McDonald House.

Here it is:


We started off with a Daffodil Delight base and then stamped some of the images from Mixed Bunched (which we received for FREE!) on Whisper White and Old Olive. The rick rack was a little tricky to do with the punch, so when I make it again (and I will because it's SO cute) I think I'll use the Tasteful Trim Die and my Big Shot.

I love the new blossom punch that goes with this set! It's especially fun to cut into the petals and curl them up.

There were NO comments on yesterday's card, so I get to keep that one!!!

If YOU would like to receive today's card, please leave me a comment today, February 3rd, 2012 before midnight EST and I'll choose a random winner tomorrow.

What do you think?

STAMP: Mixed Bunch, Thank You Kindly
INK: Daffodil Delight, Poppy Parade, Old Olive
PAPERS: Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Poppy Parade
ACCESSORIES: Punches, Stampin' Dimensionals, Blossom Builders Kit, Baker's Twine, Button, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Stampin'!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Short and Sweet!

Today's post is going to be short and sweet, because I'm taking my DD and her BFF to try on PROM dresses! PROM DRESSES! Can you just imagine? How in the world did they grow up this fast? I remember having to pick up BFF at school so she could reach the water fountain for a drink while they were in kindergarden. Unreal!


This card is a COMPLETE CASE of Barb Mullikin - hey...if it ain't broke, don't fix it!!!

The winner of YESTERDAY'S card is Ann Schach!!! Ann, I'm sure I have your snail mail addy somewhere, but if you could send it to me again, it would make my life SO much easier - LOL!

Would YOU like to receive this card? Just leave me a comment before midnight EST today, February 2nd, 2012. I'll choose a random winner tomorrow!

Happy Stampin'!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

30 cards in 30 days should be EASY with this list!!!

FEBRUARY 2011
MONTH-LONG OBSERVANCES
Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
American Heart Month
American History Month
An Affair to Remember Month
Avocado and Banana Month
Bake for Family Fun Month
Beans Month
Black History Month
Candy Month
Canned Foods Month
Cat Health Month
Chocolate Month
Creative Romance Month
Dog Training Education Month
Exotic Vegetables and Star Fruit Month
February is Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month
Friendship Month
Great American Pie Month
International Boost Self-Esteem Month
International Embroidery Month
International Expect Success Month
International Friendship Month
International Hoof Care Month
International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month
Jobs in Golf Month
Kids ENT Month
Lent
Library Lovers Month
Low Vision Awareness Month
National African American History Month
National Bird Feeding Month
National Care About Your Indoor Air Month
National Cherry Month
National Children's Dental Health Month
National Condom Month
National Embroidery Month
National Grapefruit Month
National Hot Breakfast Month
National Laugh Friendly Month
National Mend a Broken Heart Month
National Parent Leadership Month
National Pet Dental Health Month
National Senior Independence Month
National Snack Food Month
National Time Management Month
National Weddings Month
National Wild Bird Feeding Month
National Wise Health Consumer Month
Plant the Seeds of Greatness Month
Potato Lovers Month
Pull Your Sofa Off the Wall Month
Relationship Wellness Month
Responsible Pet Owners' Month
Return Shopping Carts to the
Supermarket Month
Spiritual Teacher Month
Spunky Old Broads Month
Sweet Potato Month
Umbrella Month
Wise Health Consumer Month
Worldwide Renaissance of the Heart Month
Youth Leadership Month

WEEK 1 OBSERVANCES
Consumer Protection Week
International Snow Sculpting Month
National Burn Awareness Week
National Patient Recognition Week
National School Counselors Week
Pride in Food Services Week
Solo Diners Eat Out Week
Women’s Heart Week

WEEK 2 OBSERVANCES
Boy Scout Anniversary Week
Children’s Authors/Illustrators Week
Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week
Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Month
Dump Your Significant Jerk Week
Freelance Writer Appreciation Week
Getting Dizzy Week
Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week
International Coaching Week
International Friendship Week
International Networking Week
Just Say No to Powerpoint Week
Love Makes the World Go Round, But Laughter
Keeps Us From Getting Dizzy Week
National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week
National Children of Alcoholics Week
National Green Week
National Pancake Week
National School Counseling Week
National Secondhand Wardrobe Week
Publicity for Profit Week
Risk Awareness Week
PTA Take Your Family to School Week

WEEK 3 OBSERVANCES
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Staff Education Week
Celebration of Love Week
Children of Alcoholics Week
Great Backyard Bird Count Week
International Flirting Week
Jell-O Week
Love a Mensch Week
Love Your Pet Week
National Condom Week
National Entrepreneurship Week
Random Acts of Kindness Week
Meatfare Week

WEEK 4 OBSERVANCES
American Crossword Puzzle Month
Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week
Build a Better Tradeshow Image Week
Learning Disabilities Week
National Conference on Education
National Crossword Puzzle Week
National Engineers Week
National Future Farmers of America Week
National Pancake Week
Read to Me Week
Texas Cowboy Poetry Week

WEEK 5 OBSERVANCES
National Eating Disorders Week
National Secondhand Wardrobe Week
Peace Corps Week
Telecommuter Appreciation Week

February 1st
African American Coaches Day
Car Insurance Day
Clark Gable's Birthday (1901)
G.I. Joe Day
Healthy Heart Day
Hula in the Coola Day
Jerry Spinelli's Birthday (1941)
National Freedom Day
National Girls & Women in Sports Day
Robinson Crusoe Day
Serpent Day
Spunky Old Broads Day
Wear Red Day
Women Heart Health Day
Working Naked Day

February 2nd
Ayn Rand's Birthday (1905)
Bonza Bottler Day (2/2)
Candlemas Day
Crepes Day
Groundhog Day
Hedgehog Day
Ina Garten’s Birthday (1948)
James Joyce's Birthday (1882)
Judith Viorst's Birthday (1931)
Purification Day
Sled Dog Day
World Wetland Day

February 3rd
Bubble Gum Day
Carrot Cake Day
Cordova Ice Worm Day
Gertrude Stein’s Birthday (1874)
James Michener's Birthday (1907)
Maura Tierney’s Birthday (1965)
National Give Kids a Smile Day
National Wear Red Day
Norman Rockwell’s Birthday (1894)
Take a Cruise Day
The Day Music Died (1959)
Plane Crash killed B Holly, R Valens, Big Bopper

February 4th
Charles Lindbergh's Birthday (1902)
Create a Vacuum Day
Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
Laura Ingalls Wilder Day
Liberace Day
National Stuffed Mushroom Day
Quacker Day
Spoiled Cats Day
Thank a Mailman Day
USO Day
World Cancer Day

February 5th
Christopher Guest's BIrthday (1948)
Disaster Day
Dump Your Significant Jerk Day
Hank Aaron's Birthday (1934)
National Weatherperson's Day
John Jeffries Birthday (1744) – First US Weatherman
Old Shoes Day
Superbowl Sunday
Western Monarch Day
World Nutella Day

February 6th
Babe Ruth’s Birthday (1895)
Bob Marley’s Birthday (1945)
Great Pie Day
Lame Duck Day
Monopoly Board Game Invented (1935)
National Compliment Day
Ronald Reagan's Birthday (1911)

February 7th
African American Coaches Day
Ballet Day
Charles Dicken's Birthday (1812)
James Spader’s Birthday (1960)
Man Day
Laura Ingalls Wilder's Birthday (1867)
Send a Card to a Friend Day
Sinclair Lewis’ Birthday (1885)
Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day

February 8th
Boy Scouts Day
John Williams' Birthday (1932)
Jules Verne's Birthday (1828)
Kite-Flying Day
Laugh and Get Rich Day
Moo Cow Day
Opera Day
World Marriage Day

February 9th
Alice Walker's Birthday (1944)
Bad Poetry Day
Carole King's Birthday (1942)
Charles Shaughnessy's Birthday (1955)
Corvette Day
Hershey's Chocolate Founded (1894)
Lunar Eclipse Day
National Stop Bullying Day
Read in the Bathtub Day
Toothache Day

February 10th
Boris Pasternak's Birthday (1890)
E.L. Konigsburg's Birthday (1930)
Glenn Beck’s Birthday (1964)
Plimsoll Day
Umbrella Day

February 11th
Be Electrific Day
Daytona Pole Day
Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day
Leslie Nielsen’s Birthday (1926)
Make a Friend Day
National Inventor's Day
National Shut-In Visitation Day
Professional Sports Wives Day
Pro Sports Wives Day
Sarah Palin's Birthday (1964)
Satisfied Being Single Day
Thomas Edison’s Birthday (1847)
White T-Shirt Day

February 12th
Aaron Sanchez’ Birthday (1976)
Abraham Lincoln's Birthday (1809)
Darwin Day
First Barbie Dolls for Sale
Judy Blume's Birthday (1938)
Log Cabin Day
Michael McDonald’s Birthday (1952)
NAACP Day
National Plum Pudding Day
Paul Bunyan Day
Safety Pup Day
Winter Olympics Start
World Marriage Day

February 13th
Bess Truman's Birthday (1885)
Blame Someone Else Day
Clean Out Your Computer Day
Dream of Your Sweetheart Day
Employee Legal Awareness Day
Get a Different Name Day
Grant Wood's Birthday (1892)
I Value Your Friendship Day
L.L. Bean's Birthday (1873)
Madly in Love With Me Day
Peter Gabriel’s Birthday (1950)
Read to Your Child Day
Stamp Collectors Day
Tennessee Ernie Ford’s Birthday (1919)
Westminster Dog Show

February 14th
Extraterrestrial Culture Day
Ferris Wheel Day
Florence Henderson's Birthday (1934)
Frederick Douglass Day
League of Women Voters Day
Library Lovers Day
National Call In Single Day
National Condom Day
National Have a Heart Day
National Organ Donor Day
Pet Theft Awareness Day
Quirky Alone Day
Race Relations Day
St. Valentine's Day
World Marriage Day

February 15th
Burger Lovers Day
Carnival
Galileo Galilei's Birthday (1564)
Jewelry Day
John Barrymore’s Birthday (1882)
Lupercalia
Matt Groening's Birthday (1954)
National Gumdrop Day
Remember the Maine Day
Singles Awareness Day
Susan B. Anthony's Birthday (1820)

February 16th
Do a Grouch a Favor Day
Hugh Beaumont’s Birthday (1909)
Innovation Day
Pistachio Nut Day

February 17th
Champion Crab Races Day
Human Spirit Day
Melba Toast Day
My Way Day
National PTA Founders Day
Random Acts of Kindness Day
Robert Newton Peck's Birthday (1928)
World Human Spirit Day

February 18th
John Hughes' Birthday (1950)
Louis Comfort Tiffany's Birthday (1848)
Molly Ringwald's Birthday (1968)
National Battery Day
Play Doh Day
Pluto Day
Toni Morrison's Birthday (1931)
Wallace Stegner's Birthday (1909)
Watch Casablanca Day

February 19th
Jill Kremetz' Birthday (1940)
Mike Hignite’s Birthday (My Son)
Mr. Roger's Neighborhood debuted in 1968
National Chocolate Mint Day
Nicolas Copernicus' Birthday (1473)
Seal’s Birthday (1963)

February 20th
Ansel Adams' Birthday (1902)
Cherry Pie Day
Clam Chowder Day
Gloria Vanderbilt's Birthday (1924)
Hoodie-Hoo Day
You are supposed to go outside to shout "Hoodie-hoo!" to scare away Winter and make way for Spring!
Hubert de Givenchy (1927)
Love Your Pet Day
National Women's Heart Health Day
President’s Day
Sidney Poitier’s Birthday (1927)
World Day for Social Justice

February 21st
Alan Rickman’s Birthday (1946)
Anais Nin's Birthday (1903)
Andres Segovia’s Birthday (1893)
Barley Pudding Day
Card Reading Day
Erma Bombeck’s Birthday (1927)
International Mother Language Day
International Pancake Day
Kelsey Grammar’s Birthday (1955)
Lidi Bstianich’s Birthday (1947)
Mardi Gras Day
Paczki Day
Shrove Tuesday

February 22nd
Ash Wednesday
Be Humble Day
Clinton Kelly’s Birthday (1969)
Frederic Chopin’s Birthday (1810)
George Washington's Birthday (1732)
Inconvenience Yourself Day
International World Thinking Day
Lady Olave Baden Powell’s Birthday (1889)
Lent
Lord Robert Baden Powell's Birthday (1857)
National Margarita Day
Recreational Sports & Fitness Day
Robert Young’s Birthday (1907)
Sheldon Leonard’s Birthday (1907)
Single Tasking Day
Walking the Dog Day
Woolworth’s Day
World Thinking Day

February 23rd
Banana Bread Day
Curling is Cool Day
Diesel Engine Day
George Handel’s Birthday (1685)
Howard Jones' Birthday (1955)
International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day
Little Lulu Day
National Chili Day
National Personal Chef's Day
Tennis Day

February 24th
Dinosaur Lovers Day
National Personal Chef Day
National Tortilla Chip Day
Steven Jobs’ Birthday (1955)
Willhelm Grimm’s Birthday (1786)

February 25th
American Birkenbeider Race
Go Bowling Day
Open that Bottle Night
Pierre Auguste Renoir’s Birthday (1841)
Pistol Patent Day

February 26th
For Pete Sake’s Day
International Sword Swallowers Day
Johnny Cash's Birthday (1932)
Levi Strauss' Birthday (1829)
Mark Dacascos’ (Iron Chef Chairman) Birthday (1964)
National Pistachio Day
Ring Finger Day
Spay Day USA
Tell a Fairy Tale Day
Victor Hugo's Birthday (1802)
William "Buffalo Bill" Cody's Birthday (1846)
William Frawley's Birthday (1887)

February 27th
Academy Awards Night
Daytona 500
Flip a Pancake Day
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Birthday (1807)
Howard Hesseman’s Birthday (1940)
International Polar Bear Day
John Steinbeck’s Birthday (1902)
Josh Groban’s Birthday (1981)
No Brainer Day

February 28th
Floral Design Day
National Tooth Fairy Day
Public Sleeping Day
Purim
Rare Disease Day
Spay Day USA

February 29th
Bachelor’s Day
Inspirational Underlings Day
Leap Year Day


Happy Stampin' My Friends!

Everything Eleanor for the Stampin' Queens - AGAIN!

I know, I know...but I couldn't help it! This set goes SO well with these papers. I just can't seem to put it all away. And, I know you'll forgive me, because this card is ANOTHER one in my series of 30 cards in 30 days, so YOU could win it!

This was the sketch we were given:



but it didn't really work for me, so I flipped it on its side and that made me MUCH happier!


Here's the front of my card:


I started off with a Very Vanilla base and then added Poppy Parade (I'm going to miss this colour!!!) and a piece of Attic Boutique Designer Series Paper, which was sponged with Pool Party Ink. Before adhering it to the card base, I wrapped a piece of Pool Party ribbon around it. 

The next step was to figure out what to do with all those circles! I started off with the Big Shot and Scallop Circle Die #2 to get the scalloped circle and then just sort of went to town with the Circle Scissor Plus until I was happy - LOL! The Very Vanilla and Pool Party circles were sponged with Pool Party Ink for added dimension (and just because it was fun!).

I stamped the largest flower from Everything Eleanor on the smallest of the Very Vanilla circles and then stamped it again on another piece of Very Vanilla cardstock and cut it out. I adhered it using Stampin' Dimensionals and if you look REALLY closely, you can see the Dazzling Details on the pistils. I then stamped and cut out three of the smallest flowers, adhering them with Stampin' Dimensionals too.

And now for the inside:


I just love it! It doesn't leave much room for writing, but if you needed a note that was short and sweet, this would be the ticket!

I sponged the edges of the Very Vanilla layer with Pool Party and added a matching piece of the Attic Boutique DSP and a piece of punched Pool Party. The stamped flower was the finishing touch!

Since I only had ONE comment yesterday, Denise is the winner of yesterday's card!!!! I'll be seeing her at class on Saturday, so don't need to mail it - WOOT!

Would YOU like to receive this card? Leave me a comment before midnight EST today February 1st, 2012 and tomorrow I'll pick a random winner and send them this card!

What do you think?

STAMPS: Everything Eleanor
INK: Pool Party, Poppy Parade
PAPERS: Very Vanilla, Pool Party and Poppy Parade Cardstock; Attic Boutique DSP
ACCESSORIES: Ribbon, Punches, BIG SHOT BABY!, Stampin' Dimensionals, Dazzling Details

Happy Stampin'!

Here we go round the blogging bush...

...or maybe not. Never mind - LOL! I was trying to be funny, but maybe it's too early in the day for that?

Anyway...I wasn't going to participate in this blog tour, because having just come back from Leadership and trying to get back into the swing of things, I didn't want to add something MORE to my plate.

However, Patti twisted my arm asked nicely and I just couldn't turn her down! So, I'll be showing you three of the swap cards that I did for Leadership! One is from the Occasions Mini, one is from the Sale-a-Bration brochure and one is from the Idea Book and Catalogue. We're supposed to featuring Occasions/SAB, so I sure hope you don't mind the addition of something from the big catty. You don't, do you?

Here's the first card I did:



It was for general swapping. At most Stampin' UP! events there is general swapping. You make as many cards as you'd like to receive back and walk around saying, "Are you swapping? Are you swapping? Are you swapping?" as many times as you have cards until you've given away all of your and received as many back...or until you're hoarse...whichever happens first. It's great for getting new ideas!

This one was a CASE from the Occasions Mini and another demonstrator (whose name escapes me - SORRY!) and it was a LOT of fun to make. I spent the afternoon stamping with my downline (who also went to Leadership) and even though I made FORTY!!! the time seemed to go really fast while I was creating them. I guess that's what happens when you're stamping with friends.

My second card was made using the Bordering on Romance Set from the Occasions Mini:


This one was for an organized swap. This means you get together with other demonstrators at a pre-determined time and place and swap with JUST those demonstrators. Lyssa organized this swap and it was just AMAZING! Not a bad one in the bunch!

I stamped the image with Staz-On and watercoloured it (times 20!). It was time consuming, but the result was definitely worth it! Then...thanks to Ann Schach and the fact that Santa brought me Sharpies this year for Christmas, I added coloured rhinestones - LOVE this effect! I also used my FAVOURITE paper from the Occasions Mini - Twitterpated. It's a REALLY good thing we got more of it at Leadership, because I just LOVE IT!!!

My third card features French Foliage which can be found in the Idea Book and Catalogue:


This was also for an organized swap, again hosted by Lyssa. Have I mentioned that she's AWESOME?

I started off with a piece of Very Vanilla and scored it using the Simply Scored (BTW, there's a new diagonal plate coming out!) and then stamped and sponged my way to the panel you see on the card. Lots of work, but well worth it!

Now...if you'd like to try out SUDSOL where you can learn LOTS of techniques and see ALL kinds of inspiration, you can start with my gallery here. I host the Chat and Challenge once a month, so you'll see a lot of sketches there, but also LOTS of cards! I've been the featured stamper as well as on the SUDSOL design team in the past.

One of my FAVOURITE parts about SUDSOL is the fact that a LOT of the samples are EXCLUSIVE! This means that if you're a demonstrator, your customers won't have seen the same ideas all over the internet. As SUDSOL members, we share freely, but it's just between us! And did you know that as a demonstrator you can try out SUDSOL for FREE for two weeks? Just click on the link in my right hand sidebar.

I do hope you've enjoyed this stop on the tour and that you'll continue along right to the end.

What do you think?

STAMPS: Fresh Vintage, Happiest Birthday Wishes (Hostess Set), Bordering on Romance, French Foliage
INK: Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Soft Suede, Island Indigo, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke
PAPERS: Very Vanilla, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Early Espresso, Not Quite Navy and Cajun Craze Cardstock; Everyday Enchantment, Twitterpated and Well Worn DSP; Watercolour Paper
ACCESSORIES: Punches, Basic Pearls, Watercolour Crayons, Aqua Painters, Basic Rhinestones, Simply Scored, Sponges, Mini Library Clips, Stampin' Dimensionals

CONTINUE on the Blog Tour


*DISCLAIMER*
Yes, I know some of the colours look wonky. Photoshop and I are not getting along right now and I'm having to use an online photo editor. Rest assured that the colours I listed in the supplies are accurate. Sometimes what you see is NOT what you get. *sigh*

Happy Stampin'!