Tuesday, December 31, 2013

happy new year

 Here's to a happy, healthy and successful 2014! Both cards were embossed using Versamark and gold and silver embossing powder on black cardstock.  The cards use a variety of stamps:  the sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes; glasses from Embellished Events; Gorgeous Grunge images; and thefirework and stars are from a Close to My Heart stamp set.  Have a Happy New Year and stay safe and warm!

Monday, December 30, 2013

Cheers in Gold

While designing a card celebrating the New Year in mind, I spent a while yesterday playing with the champagne glass image in the Embellished Events stamp set in the annual catalog.  Today's card can be used for any celebration since the greeting (from Happy Hour) is very general.  The glass was stamped twice using Versamark, embossed with SU's gold embossing powder and then cut out.  The line image behind the glasses is from Gorgeous Grunge.  I added a strip of gold Washi tape from the Occasions Mini along the bottom of the white cardstock before adhering it to the Gold Glimmer paper.  So many fun things you can do with the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set and embossing powder!  Have a great day and keep warm!!!!

Friday, December 27, 2013

We had a wonderful Christmas with our family and friends and have great memories.  Needless to say, Sydney was the Belle of
Ball~~she is such a beautiful and loving child. I just am amazed at her sense of humor and gracious demeanor.  As she passed around the presents she chose for us, she would sit next to the person who was opening his or her present.  Her little hands were clenched together in anticipation as she watched each one open the present she chose especially for them.  Each gift was so thoughtful and she was so proud of her purchases.  I could write about my wonderful family all day, but I will switch to today's cards.  After a lazy day here yesterday, last night I went downstairs to make a Happy New Year card and instead created the two Valentine cards posted here today.  The stamp set used is the
the Countless Sayings 1 photopolymer stamp set that was recently released.  I used the Hearts Framelits to diecut a heart on the top layer for each card.  After adhering  a piece of Fresh Prints DSP on the one card front and a embossed heart on the other front, I added the top layer using dimensionals.  By using the dimensionals, I was able to easily tie the retired ribbon around the edge of the hearts and emphasize the white on white layer without sponging the edges of the top layer.  Have a great day and find yourself some stampin' time this weekend!!

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Christmas Blessings

to you and yours!  Enjoy the peace and beauty of this special time of the year.  From my house to yours~~Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 23, 2013

To The Moon and Back

The image on today's card is in the Love You To The Moon stamp set in the new Occasions Mini.  This card is perfect for Valentine's Day or for the child in your life who has had the book, Guess How Much I Love You, read to him or her.  The pattern paper is from the Fresh Prints DSP stack and that was the inspiration for the color combo of Crumb Cake and Coastal Cabana.   I even colored in the little dots on the image using my markers to match the DSP~~going out of some of the lines! The banners and heart is from the Hearts A Flutter stamp set and coordinating framelits.  The only thing I would change on this card is I should have added texture to the Coastal Cabana cardstock using an embossing folder.  Oh well~~next time! Have a great day and keep safe and warm while getting all the last minute things finished up!

Friday, December 20, 2013

A Snowman Hi

The image on today's card is another from the Best of Snow set.  I used a color combination of Basic Gray, Strawberry Slush and white~~a little change from the numerous Cherry Cobbler, Red and Pool Party cards I have been creating recently.  Another cute little image, the snowman truly makes this a happy card to send or receive.  The little "hi" banner is from the Sale-a-bration set, Banner Blast.  The other two banners were cut from the coordinating DSP stacks in the annual catalog.  And finally, the Stylish Stripes embossing folder certainly adds a whole lot of pretty.  Today I will be spending some of my time making Christmas packages pretty.  Have a great day and a wonderful weekend.  And since this is the last weekend before Christmas, find a little time to sit back and  enjoy your surroundings.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Best of Snow

The new Best of Snow hedgehog and snowman image is so darn adorable!  I needed a few more Christmas cards so I put it to good use as soon as the UPS man dropped it off.  As a matter of fact, it was still cold when I inked it up--hahaha!!!  When I completed the Christmas cards and noticed the Valentine stamp that I used on yesterday's Valentine cards, I decided that this set can go from Christmas to Valentine's Day and any event in between!  I teamed the image up with the Winter Frost DSP and a sentiment from Greetings of the Season for my Christmas card.  I added a little heart and the sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes for a Valentine and tied it up with Cherry Cobbler seam binding.  This would also be an adorable anniversary card, too.  I think this just might be the second Valentine we make at January's classes.  Have a great day!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Next Card Class



It is one week until Christmas and I do not have my cards out yet.  So yesterday, I spent the day adding finishing touches to the cards and addressing the envelopes.  While doing that, I thought that I should probably announce the dates for the next classes.  My group will be meeting on Saturday, January 11th from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.  Cherie's group will meet on Sunday, January 12th from 1:00 - 3:00.   The theme will be Valentines and we will be making today's card at that class.  The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes and the row of hearts is from the Language of Love stamp set in the new Occasions Mini.  I have a red and black version of this card, but for some reason, blogger will not keep it as a portrait photo.  I have spent the last couple of hours trying to take new photos and rotating them--but just won't work. So, only one card today.  Have a great day and find yourself a little stampin' time!


Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Sale-A-Bration Sneak Peek!

Recently I earned a few free items that Stampin' Up is offering during Sale-a-bration.  SAB is that time of the year when you earn free gifts with each $50 purchase of any Stampin' Up items. Sale-a-bration begins on January 26th and runs thru March 31, 2014.  Today's cards include two of the designs in the SAB Sweet Sorbet DSP pack. The colors in this paper assortment  include Pistachio Pudding, Crisp Cantaloupe, Pool Party, Sahara Sand and Summer Starfruit.  In addition, some of the patterns include Basic Black.  I created a soft and pretty birthday card with one design while the use of black cardstock and ribbon created a more striking feel on the "just because" card.  The paper pack includes 12 sheets (2 each of six designs) of 12" x 12" paper and is one of  several items available during Sale-a-bration.  Between the new Occasions Mini and Sale-a-bration, I will not run out of blog post material!  Have a great day!

Monday, December 16, 2013

A Christmas-filled Weekend!

 It was a busy, Christmas-filled weekend!  Sydney came over on Saturday for our annual "Baking Christmas Cookies with Sydney Day".  We mixed, rolled, cut, pressed, frosted, decorated and then had to clean up our messy place!  By Saturday evening, we were both "baked out"! Before Sydney left on Sunday, she made pretty Christmas cards for her mommy and daddy.  And when she left, I decided it was time to get my packages ready for the post office. The photos are two of the little treat bags I created which were included in a couple of the packages.  I used punches for the Santa hat which I adhered to a Top Note die that was scored and embossed using the Stylish Stripes folder.  The sentiment on the bag is from the Christmas Tagables stamp set and punched out using the Artisan label punch.  They are very festive and I will be making something similar for our Christmas table favors.  So, off to the post office I go!  Have a great day!

Friday, December 13, 2013

Tag Topper Punch Favors

Last year I made the pretty little favors to the left for our Cricut Christmas get together.  I used the now retired Sizzix Two Tags die.  Pictured on the right is a similar favor I created yesterday using the new Tag Topper Scallop punch available in the new Occasions Mini.  So, for those who do not have a Big Shot or the die used last year, come January 4th, you will be able to order the punch and make these favors.  I used cardstock measuring 2" x 5", scored at 2" and 3".  The favors can be longer, but not wider as the punch will only fit 2" wide strips of paper.  The little favors were embellished with tulle, ribbon and tags made using circle punches.  And as last year, the favor holds a wrapped Hershey nugget.  I see these as cute little Valentine favors being created in  the next card class!  Have a great weekend and find yourself a little stampin' time!!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

So the document posted, but you can't read the specifics!!!  Each set is priced at $13.95 plus tax and shipping.  

Countless Sayings 1 (includes the 2 love images) is Item No. 135892.

Countless Sayings 2 (includes the You're So Sweet image) is Item No. 135893.

After all this, I should have probably just directed you to my website where you click on shop and go to New Arrivals!!!  OK, this should be the last post for today!!


Two New Photopolymer Sets

Stampin' Up released two new photopolymer stamp sets today.  Considering how quickly Endless Wishes sold out, I thought I better post this today.  That being said, I am trying to post from my MacBook, so not sure how it will turn up.  (In the past I have problems using my iPad to post these kinds of documents. ) Anyway, I am hitting the "publish" button now, so if it doesn't turn out, I am so sorry!!!  

Christmas Stockings


Yesterday I spent the afternoon creating gift card holders for our great nieces and nephews.  I participated in a Stampin' Up event and was the recipient of the retired Sizzix Holiday Stocking die.  So I put it to use right away.  I used a variety of cardstock and embossing folders so that each is a little different.  The snowflakes and holly on the stockings are retired felt die cuts and were the finishing touch on each of the stockings.  For all stockings (with the exception of Elisabeth's) the names were added to the stocking using a white gel pen.  I diecut two stockings for each to create the pocket for the gift card.  As far as the top, heel and toe of the stockings, I only added those pieces to the stocking front.  These will be easy to mail and the kids will like them~~hopefully!  Have a great day and find yourself a little stampin' time! 

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Pink With Sprinkles On Top. . .

.  . .describes the little cupcake on today's card.  The sentiment on this card is just so cute and I knew that the Create A Cupcake stamp set and coordinating punch would create the perfect little cupcake.  So out came the Melon Mambo and Chocolate Chip ink pads and in no time at all, the cupcake was ready for the "sprinkles" and a cherry on top.  I was originally going to tie a ribbon around the center of the card.   But then the paper trimmer caught my eye and I decided that the scallop edge of the rotary trimmer would be perfect for a decorative border in the center of the card instead.  I also used the score tool to add a little texture.  After stamping the sentiment using the Chocolate Chip ink, I adhered the cupcake to a scallop circle  and then to the card front.  Cute, cute, cute!!  Have a great day.  Be careful in the snow and be sure you bundle up as
it is going to get frigid cold tonight!   

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

pssst...

One of the stamps in the Happy Watercolor set (Occasions Mini) is the sentiment "pssst...".  On the banner card to the left I used it as the lead-in to the inside of the card which says "happy birthday to you".  Two of the banners on the front of the card are patterns from the Watercolor Wonder DSP~~I really like that paper pack.  The third banner is Island Indigo cardstock which I ran thru the Stylish Stripes (Holiday Mini) embossing folder before cutting the tale.  For the "Love You" card, instead of stamping the "pssst..." on the card, I stamped it on the envelope front.  The image on the card is from the Love You to the Moon set, also in the new Occasions Mini.  Another new item on this black card is the silver Baker's Twine.  Doesn't show up very well here, but it is pretty.  Have a great day and keep warm!

Clearance Rack Blitz Edited


There was a typo in the link to my website.  It should read:

Monday, December 9, 2013

Striking Red Flowers

The stamped images on today's card were both done the same way:  stamped using Versamark, heat embossed with black embossing powder and then colored in using my SU Marvelous Markers.  The image on the red ribbon card was originally stamped on a different card, but I colored way out of the lines.  Rather than waste the flower, I cut it out and in that way got rid of the bad color job--hahaha!!!  The words on the card are from none other than Fabulous Phrases.  Unfortunately, both the beautiful ribbon and the corner punch are retired items. The pattern papers on the card to the right are from the Fresh Prints Designers Series Paper stack in the Occasions Mini.  There are 4 each of 12 double-sided designs in the stack for a total of 48 sheets, each measuring 4-1/2" x 6-1/2".  Besides Whisper White and Real Red, the other colors in this stack are Coastal Cabana and Crumb Cake.  These could be Christmas cards because of the color combination, but I am leaning more towards Valentines.  Have a great day and be careful on the snow-covered streets.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Retro Fresh Washi Tape

Another Occasions Mini sneak preview:  Retro  Fresh Washi tape includes some bright colors and cute patterns.  Today's card was made using Coastal Cabana and Tangerine Tango cardstock layers on a white card base.  I adhered the three Washi tapes on white cardstock so you could see the patterns easily.  Do you notice the tiny scallop edge on the white cardstock?  I created that edge using the Rotary Add-on to the Stampin' Trimmer and the tiny wave rotary blade.   This particular item is in the annual catalog and something I have been debating about whether or not to purchase.  The "to" purchase won--lol!!  The sentiment is from a new stamp set in the Occasions Mimi, Another Great Year.  As you can see, the font is very pretty and the set includes cute images, too.  These items will be available for purchase beginning January 3rd.  Between now and then, I will be posting little sneak peeks.  Have a great weekend, find yourself a little stampin' time and keep warm!!!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Sweetheart Treat Bags

Valentines?  Really?  I haven't even finished my Christmas cards, but Mr. UPS came yesterday with some new goodies!  I have so many things I want to share, but today I am showing the Sweetheart Treat Bags.  The bags themselves measure approximately 5-1/2" x 3-1/2".  I had in my mind that they were smaller, so it was a pleasant surprise that they were not so small.  The kit includes the bags, Pool Party baker's twine and the Pool Party/white striped little banners. On the bag with the little heart on the tag, I used the stamp from Teeny Tiny Wishes and a punched heart to embellish the tag a bit.  The bag on the right was folded over on top before being wrapped with the twine.  The stamped image on this tag is from the Love You To The Moon set in the new Occasions mini~~a copy of which you should be receiving soon.  I then layered the striped Pool Party Banner with Pool Party cardstock.  Basically, everything you need to create 12 little goody bags is in the kit.  I know the hearts on the bags make us think Valentines, but with a little Christmas sentiment and/or snowflakes or something, these could be cute Christmas favors, too.  The cost of $4.95 plus tax and shipping is a good value.  The tags can be simple or more detailed. These are an adorable item, but keep in mind that these Sweetheart Treat Bags are only available while supplies.  Have a great day

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Marina Mist & Soft Suede

A couple of years ago, I wanted nothing to do with the color Soft Suede.  And then one of my friends ordered a package of DSP and the colors included Baja Breeze and Soft Suede.  I saw that paper in person and Soft Suede has become a color of choice when I need a more neutral color.  Since Baja Breeze is no longer, I used Marina Mist for today's card.  The stamped design is from Creative Elements.  I stamped the image using Soft Suede ink and then colored it in using a combination of Soft Suede and Marina Mist inks and a blender pen. The butterfly is definitely hiding a little oops!  And it was the very last little section I was filling in.  Oh well~~the butterfly looks like it belongs there!  The Soft Suede DSP meets the stamped cardstock under the ribbon. To achieve this decorative ribbon effect, add a strip of adhesive to the card front and then adhere the ribbon, pleating it as you go along.  I find it better to leave the ribbon on the spool while gathering/pleating so as to have enough length for the card.  I am looking at the card right now and I do think I will add a couple of little pearls on the "celebrate" oval.  Have a great day!

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

My Mom's Card

I talked to my Mom yesterday and she said she received her birthday card.  So, today I am posting the card I made for her.  The layout idea is from a card which Lisa, a Stampin' Up demonstrator, posted on the demo website.  The Elegant Eggplant paper is from the Regals DSP stack.  Just as on yesterday's card, the "happy birthday" is from the Express Yourself set and "Mom" is from the retired Loved Ones set.  The heart image is from the Hearts A Flutter set and a coordinating framelit made it easy to cut out!!  I used a Bitty Banners framelit for the little "love you" banner, the words being from Fabulous Phrases.  The Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch added a nice touch of dainty.  And the finishing touch~~my butterflies!!! On the white liner on the inside of the card I added a little strip of the DSP and a butterfly and added a handwritten note.  I think this could be a really pretty Valentine, too!  I will work on that!  Have a great day and enjoy the last  of our "warm" weather days!!  The cold is on its way!

Monday, December 2, 2013

Birthday For Mom

December has arrived which means that John and I will be sending birthday wishes to our moms.  I was playing around and today's card is just one of a few ideas I have.  I started out by embossing the lower section of the white cardstock using the Stylish Stripes embossing folder.  I then used a combination of stamp sets:  "mom" is from the retired Loved Ones set; "happy birthday" from the hostess set Express Yourself; and the candle from Create a Cupcake.  The ribbon is also retired, but it is one of my favorite retired products.  The red and white color combination lends itself to being a good Christmas card, too.  Change the sentiment to Merry Christmas and replace the candle with a little snowflake or something.  Have a great day!

Sunday, December 1, 2013

December Offerings!

Today Stampin' Up announced a couple of things: 

Cyber Monday Specials
In addition to the Holiday sale that I mentioned in my November 19th post, SU has the following items at 30% off on December 2nd only (the last day of the holiday sale):

Envelope Liners Framelits Dies (item 132172)
 $26.95
 $18.87
 Expressions Thinlits Dies (item 132171)
 $24.95
 $17.47
 Holly Jolly Greetings Simply Sent (item 132159)
 $14.95
 $10.47
 Snowflake Season Simply Sent  (item 132176)
 $14.95
 $10.47
 Large Rhinestone Basic Jewels (item 129324)
$4.95
$3.47
 Extra-Large Gift Box (item 132147)
 $3.95
$2.77


The December Best of 25
These are images from previous Sale-a-bration stamp sets. (Item No. 134393 Price: $14.95)  This is the last "Best of 25 Years" stamp sets that will be available.  All Best of 25 sets are available thru March 31st. 
 
Valentine Products
Today is the first day to order items from the "Whole Lot of Love" items that were listed in my November 27th post. 
 
I think I got it all!! If you have any questions, give me a call or send an email.   Enjoy the rest of your Sunday! 
 
 
 


Friday, November 29, 2013

We had a very nice Thanksgiving.  We truly are blessed!  The majority of my posts lately have been holiday-related.  For a little change of pace, today's card is a "just because" card created using Tangerine Tango and Daffodil Delight.  The Daffodil flowers are from the Flower Shop set and the little Tangerine flowers are from the Summer Silhouettes.  The color combination is bright and cheerful and since I used the sentiment "just because" from the A Dozen Thoughts set, the card is versatile and can be sent for a variety of occasions.  I left the inside blank and will add a little handwritten sentiment when the card is needed.  Now I am debating on whether to go shopping or stay home where there is peace, quiet and warmth!  Have a great day and find yourself a little stampin' time!

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving & Happy Hanukkah

Have a wonderful day with family and friends.  I appreciate your friendship and support today and everyday.  Thank you!
And to those of you who are of the Jewish faith, Happy Hanukkah!  From what I understand, Thanksgiving and Hanukkah overlapping is a rarity and will not happen again for something like 80,000 years!!  Did I hear and read that right? 
Wishing all a great day! 

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Whole Lot Of Love


Yesterday Stampin' Up introduced us to their Valentine stamps and such.  These items will be available beginning December 1st thru January 27th or while supplies last.  The first item that jumped out at me is the little polka dot treat bag set.  I don't know about you, but I am stocking up on these little bags as I like them a lot!!! The little note cards are cute, too.   I am still not sure about the stamp sets/stamp, as I am waiting to see if the final "Best of 25" stamp set will be Valentine-related. As soon as I see that set, I will pass it along.  After the way the Endless Wishes stamp set sold out, I will not be taking my chances on those items I really like; i.e., Sweetheart Treat Bags.  Have a great day and if you are traveling for the holiday weekend, be safe and take your time!!



Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Festive Flurry Ornament

Mr. Brown brought my Stampin' Up order yesterday afternoon--yeah!  In that order was the Festive Flurry Ornament Kit (#135813 @ $14.95 plus tax and shipping) that is available for a limited time.  Needless to say, I just had to make an ornament right away.  If you purchased the kit, the first thing to remember is that the points of the snowflakes are dainty so you need to be careful when you are punching them out.  I didn't get thru the first snowflake without ripping one little point.  So, I made a mental note to slow down!  The folding of the scored lines is a little more challenging with the glimmer paper snowflake. Once again, just take your time.  For some reason, neither of my snowflakes is completely level, although the
second one is better than the first.  The ornaments are a beautiful addition to packages, as you can see from the photos.  I will be back at it later on so I can perfect my Festive Flurry Ornament making skills!  Have a great day! 

Monday, November 25, 2013

My Thanksgiving Favors

Today's photos are of the favors that will be on the Thanksgiving table this year.  For the first time in a few years, we will all be sitting at the dining room table and that meant I only needed ten favors.  A few weeks ago I was at Hobby Lobby when there was a 50% discount on all their glass containers.  I purchased quite a few not knowing what I was going to do with them.  I just knew the price was right.  Shortly thereafter I saw the Autumn colored M&Ms and purchased a bag.  What was I thinking when purchasing only one bag?  After washing all of the little jars I started filling them with the Autumn M&Ms and I needed more candy.  Unfortunately, at the stores around me the Autumn M&Ms were already replaced by Christmas M&Ms.  Therefore, some of the favors contain Sixlets.  I added the little stamped sentiment on the top of the jar, made simple name tags and tied ribbon and raffia around each jar.  In a  little while I am off to do the grocery shopping for Thanksgiving.  Have a great day! 

Friday, November 22, 2013

Silver & Gold

As I was going thru my embossing supplies , I noticed that I own both silver and gold Stampin' Up embossing powder.  I don't think I have ever posted a card that was embossed with gold.  So I decided that this holiday season is the perfect time to do so.  And to give equal exposure to silver, I made one of each--lol!  All of the images/sentiments were stamped in Versamark prior to adding the embossing powders.  The silver embossed layer was matted on Smoky Slate cardstock while the gold embossed layer was matted on Crumb Cake cardstock.  On the inside of each card, I stamped the corresponding image in the lower right corner and on the envelopes.  In other words, Crumb Cake snowflakes on the gold and Smoky Slate poinsettias on the silver.  The cards are both really pretty. So if you have not yet started your holiday cards, you might want to consider a silver or gold embossed card.  I think the single evergreen tree from Lovely As A Tree would be very elegant stamped and embossed in either silver or gold.  I will have to try that later.  Have a great weekend and find yourself a little stampin' time!

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Sympathy Cards

I was in need of sympathy cards and I had none.  So last night I went down to my scraproom and got busy.  I used a combination of stamp sets: En Francais, Simply Sketched and Love and  Sympathy.  The background on the white cardstock was first stamped off on a scrap piece of paper. I then dabbed the stamp with a paper towel to create a more faded image on sections of the background before stamping on the white.  For the flower on each card, I inked up the stamp using my markers. After completing the stamping, I tore and sponged the edges of the white cardstock.  I like both cards, but the Early Espresso/Chocolate Chip is my favorite of the two.  Which do you prefer?  Have a great day!

  

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

A Little More Chalk Talk

 Yesterday I posted a card using the Chalk Talk Framelits and stamp set and decided that I would follow up on making a few more cards using the same products.  I will say that I spent a little more time on these cards than I thought I would, but all three cards in the grouping to the left were created using the same stamp set and framelits as yesterday's card.   While I stuck with the Chalk Talk framelits for the fourth card, I totally switched gears on the images and sentiment. The "drinks" are from Happy Hour; "a little dash of" is from Endlesss Wishes; and "Christmas cheer" is from Sweet Essentials.  So if you have those Chalk Talk framelits sitting around, use them!  They can certainly be used with a number of stamp sets, not just Chalk Talk!  Have a great day!