Last Day!!

Today is the last day to order from the 2011/2012 Idea Book and Catalogue.  Items on the Retiring Lists will disappear forever as of Midnight tonight, so get your order in before it's too late!
Speaking of retiring, there are several colleagues of mine at school who are calling it quits.  Moving on to bigger and better things after a long teaching career.  I have been showcasing the cards I was asked to make for each retiree this week and today I have one that I designed for the outdoorsman in the group.  Have a look...

Retirement card for a colleague featuring the Lovely as A Tree set and sentiment from Word Play.

I wish I could take full credit for this design; however I totally CASE'd this from Michelle Zindorf, Goddess of the Brayer.  I knew that I wanted to do a lake-side scene and so I scoured Michelle's old tutorials and found this beauty.  The original card used a long-retired set called Le Jardin Botanique, but, since I sold that set ages ago, I decided to try it with Lovely as a Tree instead.  I have to say, I think it works.  The other challenge was that Michelle designed her card before the colour renovation using colours that are no longer part of the SU line-up.  I had to improvise using current colours, but I think it still works.  I get a bit nostalgic when I look at this card...memories of summers on the lake...I can almost hear the call of the loons.  I sure hope my colleague likes it and that it inspires many happy retired days by (and on) the lake.

Another XL Card

Today I have another of the retirement cards I was asked to make for our retiring colleagues at school.  This one is pretty and feminine and is for a member of my Inky Paws monthly club.  Inky Paws is our monthly card class that I run in the staff room after school.  Have a look...

Soft and pretty card for a retiring colleague.  Sentiment is from the retired Well Scripted set.  Flourish on the butterfly is from the Creative Elements set.  The flower is inspired by the cover of last month's Stampin' Success (Stampin' Up!'s demonstrator magazine)

Flower detail

Inside detail with images from the Creative Elements set.

Sooo...this one took a while.  That flower was not quick or easy, but so worth the effort.  I wanted to do something over-the-top for this special lady, as she will be moving to the west coast to be near her son and his family.  I likely won't get to stamp with her anytime soon and I wanted to give her something special to honour her retirement as well as our many hours spent stamping together.  I sure hope she likes it!

On another note...time is running out to order retiring stamps and accessories from the Last Chance List.  If you haven't already done so, get your order in before tomorrow at midnight or you will be disappointed.  Also, if you haven't yet RSVP'd for my New Catalogue Open House...what are you waiting for??  Leave me a comment here or drop me a quick email to let me know you'll be joining us on the 2nd.  It promises to be a ton of fun!!

May Bonus Project

Today I get to show you this month's  bonus project from Craft Project Central.  It is a cute birthday ensemble designed by Carrie Rhoades.  Have a look...

Vintage birthday ensemble designed by Carrie Rhoades.

Isn't that gorgeous?  I love Carrie's choice of colour pallette and all the little vintage touches.  To get the instructions for Carrie's project, head over to Craft Project Central and subscribe...it is worth every penny!

A bunch of BIG cards!

That's what I've been working on all weekend.  I was asked by the social committee at school to make cards for the four members of our staff who are retiring at the end of this school year.  Two are teachers, one is a VP and the fourth is our Office Manager (who totally runs the school!).  All four are wonderful colleagues and will be deeply missed by our staff.  Now the challenge when making cards that more than 60 people have to sign is that they have to be BIG.  Big is hard when most of the products you have to work with are designed for use on a standard 4-1'4" x 5-1/2" card.  I found myself needing to get creative in my designs to that the images weren't lost in the expanse of the large card front.  The first card I did was for a man who is a rocker at heart.  He plays the guitar and is in a band.  So here is the card I designed for him...

Retirement card for a colleague featuring the Extreme Elements, Extreme Guitar, Grunge Rock and Word Play stamp sets.

Inside detail...sentiment is a one I printed in MS Word using RGB codes from MDS so the colours match perfectly!

...not exactly your typical retirement card, eh?  I think it is perfect for the recipient, though!  As I mentioned, this card is big.  It the base is a full sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" card stock folded in half.  I added additional space by making the inner white layers fold out...two 8 1/2" x 11" pieces again.  Hopefully this will be enough space for everyone to sign and wish him well.  I don't think I could have made it any bigger if I'd tried!
Stay tuned for more Plus-sized  cards later this week...

Are you coming...

...to my New Catalogue Open House?  It's going to be a great time!  Today I have one of the two make-n-takes you'll be able to do at my Open House...have a look...

Clean and Cute birthday card featuring the Bright Blossoms and Itty Bitty Banners stamp sets as well as Summer Smooches DSP.

I absolutely love this stamp set and the combination of Island Indigo and the new Gumball Green In-Colours.  They are so crisp and fresh looking.  Paired against Whisper White, they just pop.  Sooo...have I convinced you yet??  Check out the details of my event in the left sidebar and then drop me a line or leave me a comment to let me know you're coming this Saturday!  See you then!!

Pretty Gift Set

Today, over at Craft Project Central, a lovely new project posted.  Designed by Kim Score, this pretty box and coordinating card are perfect for gift giving.  Check it out...

Ornate topped box and card designed by Kim Score.

The ornate top box paired with the beautiful Twitterpated designer paper is the perfect packaging for that special someone.  Adapt the box with other designer papers for great seasonal packaging too!  The end of the school year is quickly approaching and what teacher wouldn’t be impressed with a little something presented in this special box with the matching card?  Substitute the Well Worn masculine designer paper for male teachers!  If you would like the instructions to make Kim's project, just subscribe to May.  You'll get full-colour instructions for this and nine other projects for just $10! 

Colour Blocked Speed

I am certainly on a roll with the man cards these days!  I often have trouble coming up with simple designs for men...I usually end up distressing and sponging and layering like crazy when trying to design something masculine.  Today's project, I'm proud to say, is super simple!  It also is suitable for this week's Masculine challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments.  Check it out...

Quick and easy Man-card for HSS119 featuring the Need for Speed and Word Play stamp sets

I often forget what great stamps my clear mount blocks make.  For this card I created colour blocks using my A and B blocks.  I then stamped the car using my new basic black ink pad (love it!!)  This is a quick and easy way to add colour to a line-art image without actually having to colour it in.  Super fast!  The DSP is from the Big Top Birthday pack...going to miss that one come June 1st (but I'll get over it in a hurry...there are some GREAT new papers in the upcoming Catty).  I embossed the background with the houndstooth embossing folder and tore away a corner so that the sentiment (from the Word Play set) could peek through.  Fast, easy and cool enough for any teenaged boy.

Happiness for the Monkey and something new from CPC

This week's challenge over at A La Card Monkey is all about Happiness and the things that give us joy.  Here is the sketch:

And here is my take on it:

Happy card for Monkey109 featuring the new Floral District DSP and Betsy's Blossoms stamp set.  Sentiment is from Pursuit of Happiness.

I love this card.  It is so cheerful and bright! For me, the sentiment says it all.  We often forget to just be happy in the present...not someday when we land that big promotion or buy our dream home or meet the perfect mate.  It is so important to just count our blessings and be happy.  Now.  This minute.  I hope this card makes you smile today :)

In other news, there is another great project posted over at Craft Project Central today, designed by fellow Canuck Tara Burgoin. For a child, losing their first tooth can be both exciting and scary!  And for the parents, it’s another passing moment that signifies that their "baby" is growing up.  This Tooth Fairy Door project is intended to help make the arrival of the Tooth Fairy enchanting and memorable for kids and their parents alike!


The Tooth Fairy door sits on the child’s nightstand, alongside the little bed and side table.  On the bed the child lays their tooth, and on the side table, they sign a "thank you" card.  When they go to sleep, the Tooth Fairy has a way to enter quietly into their room, take the tooth and the card, and in place leaves a little gift of money or a small toy.  On her way out, she leaves the door a bit ajar, so there is no mistaking that she has been there!

Today's adorable project designed by Tara Burgoin

 To get the instructions for Tara’s project, head on over to CPC and subscribe to May 2012...then stop by Tara's blog and let her know how much you love her project.

Polka Dots and Flowers

That's the theme for today!  I designed this card as one of the make-n-takes for my New Catalogue launch event coming up on June 2nd.  I wanted something that would feature new products but also be quick and easy to make.  This card fits the bill perfectly!  It also fits this week's challenge over at The Paper Players, which is all about polka dots!  Have a look...

CAS Thank you card for PP96 featuring the Mixed Bunch stamp set with sentiment from Fabulous Phrases

Cute, eh?  This was SO quick and easy to make!  It uses some of my favourite new products:  the Mixed Bunch stamp set and coordinating Blossom punch and the new Floral district DSP.  LOVE the patterns and bright colours in that pack!  I've almost used up the entire pack and I've only had if for two weeks!  Can't wait till June 1st so I can order more!!

Shadow Stamping

Today I have another man card that I designed for my techniques group this month.  It uses the shadow stamping technique (also known as faux embossing) which creates the illusion of a raised image with ink.  It also allowed me to review Masking with them, as a couple of my club members are new.  Have a look...

Father's Day card for my DH featuring the Just Believe and Family Reunion stamp sets

Inside view with sentiments from the Full of Life and Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp sets

Its not terribly visible in the photo, but the floral image is stamped twice, once in crumb cake and again in soft suede ink, with the latter stamped slightly offset from the former.  The result is the illusion of depth.  I created the sun by punching a 1 3/4" circle in a self-adhesive note and using it to mask my image panel.  I used Summer Starfruit and Cajun Craze ink to sponge inside the circle.  The DSP in the background is from the new Comfort Cafe pack...loving the variety in there!  The button is one of the new Naturals buttons from the upcoming Annual Catalogue...I tied using a nifty trick I saw on Pinterest (my newest time-waster!)  The best thing about this card is that I stamped it using my new Soft Suede ink pad...oohhh...how I love these new pads...can't wait to replace ALL of my colours!  The image quality is absolutely perfect!

Wait till you see this...

...fantastic project from Craft Project Central!  Check it out...

AMAZING Table Saw gift card holder designed by Amanda Corbet

Isn't that fantastic?!?  I am a huge fan of Amanda's work...she never fails to impress...but this is off-the-charts!  I can not wait to make a bunch of these for the men in my life.  They're all handy "Tim-The-Tool-Man-Taylor-types" and they will love this.  If you're as excited about this one as I am, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to May.  You'll get full colour instructions to make this and 9 other great projects for just $10.  Then head over to Amanda's blog and tell her just how talented she is!

Another one for the boys

Today's card is another one I did with my team at our monthly meeting.  I designed it to be quick and easy and doable at a workshop.  Since Father's Day is coming up I am on a roll with designing masculine cards.  Have a look...

Masculine Birthday card featuring the new Papaya Collage stamp set with sentiment from Perfectly Penned

Inside view with sentiment from Bring on the Cake.

Fun, eh?  I love the new Papaya Collage set.  It is so eclectic with diverse images that don't, at first glance, appear to belong together.  Perhaps that is why I'm drawn to it!  The bird and party hat are both from that set...see what I mean about diverse images?  The cool thing is, with so many different images, there are almost unlimited possibilities for it which makes it a great investment!  The label on the front is cut with the new Apothecary Accents framelits, as is the vanilla label on the inside.  Oh how I love those framelits!!  The DSP on the front of the card is from the new Comfort Cafe pack.  So many wonderful patterns, many of which are suitable for masculine designs. 
If you would like a free copy of the brand new Annual Catalogue, come on out to my New Catalogue launch on June 2nd.  If you are not in the Cambridge area and are unable to join us, drop me a line and  I will mail you one absolutely free of charge. 
Now, we here in Canada are celebrating the unofficial start of summer with our first long weekend, so I am headed out to the deck with my new catty and a tall, cold beverage.  Have a great weekend, everyone!

Open Sea Techniques

Today's project is one I designed for my Stamp-a-Latte monthly techniques group.  I was inspired by a swap card I received at our team meeting last month by Christine Kokiw (yep, she's done it again!).  She used a really cool technique that I couldn't wait to show my club.  To view Christine's card click HERE.  Then check out my version...

Father's Day card featuring the Dry-Embossed Vellum and Faux Wax Seal techniques

So, this card features TWO different techniques (well, not counting the distressing).  The first is one I'm called Dry Embossed Vellum.  It is hard to tell in this photo, but the sails of the ship are actually raised.  I accomplished that by burnishing the back side of the stamped piece of vellum with my stylus and the foam from my mat pack.  The vellum turns white when it is burnished, so the sails look puffy and white when you're finished.  Cool, eh?  My club members LOVED it!
 The faux wax seal is a technique I stumbled across a while back while playing with my embossing powders.  To create it I poured a little puddle of embossing powder on a piece of cardstock and then heated it from beneath with my heat tool.  Once all the powder melted I pressed the compass stamp into it and left it there while the melted powder cooled and solidified.  I peeled the stamp off and was left with the impression of it in the embossing powder.  I then tore it out of the piece of cardstock, sponged the edges with Early Espresso ink and adhered it to my card. 
Now you may be wondering which dies I used to cut those layered labels in the background.  The larger one is the new Oval Accent die, which I am quickly growing to love!  The smaller one is from the Apothecary Accents framelits collection.  If you like the Labels framelits from the last mini, you'll love these too!! 
As for the rest of the card, I used the sentiment from the Best Dad Ever set, stamped it in Early Espresso (I used a new Early Espresso pad...the colour is fabulous!!) and hand cut it into a banner.  I added an antique brad (thank heavens those didn't retire!!) and attached it to the card front.  The card base is textured River Rock...really gonna miss the textured cardstock!  If you feel the same you may want to stock up before the 31st!

An Adorable Idea from Craft Project Central

It's time for yet another great project from Craft Project Central.  Today's designer is Jennifer Timko.  Check this super-cute idea:

Adorable Shower Invitation and Favour idea designed by Jennifer Timko

I’m always looking for cute party favors and invitations for my own personal use, and my friends are always asking me if I have ideas for their parties too!  Well, here’s a super cute Sailboat Party Favor and invitation that could be used for a baby shower, or easily adapted for a birthday party!  Just add the children’s names to the flags on the boats and use the You’re Invited sentiment on the invitation!  Put a special treat in the Sailboat and it’s smooth sailing for a fun party with a darling theme!  To access the full colour instructions for this and nine other great projects, head on over the Craft Project Central and subscribe to May 2012.  You'll have a year to download the tutorials and create the projects...all for just $10!  When you're done at CPC, be sure to stop by Jennifer's blog and let her know how much you love this project!

Oval Accents Treat Holder

Last week at our monthly Jammin' Stampers team meeting, fellow demonstrator Christine Kokiw did a fun make'n'take with us using the Petite Purse die.  Here is a photo of the finished project:

As I was preparing for my own Tri-City Stampers team meeting this past Monday, I came up with a tweak on Christine's design using the new Oval Accents die...check it out...

Petite Purse treat holder using the Oval Accents die

Cute, eh?  I used the new Gumball Green In-Colour as well as a bit of the new Chock full of Cheer DSP.  It works for more than just Christmas!  Here is a rundown of all the new products I used on this project:

Oval Accents die

Bitty Banners Framelits

Apothecary Accents Framelits

Itty Bitty Banners stamp set

Gumball Green cardstock, stiched satin ribbon and ink

Primrose Petals cardstock.

I am loving this new die!  Tomorrow I'll have a card I designed using it...gotta love getting new toys to play with!

Something for DAD

Time for yet another great project idea from Craft Project Central!  This one is timely too...just in time for Father's Day!

DAD Shadow Box and co-ordinating card designed by Heidi  King

This project would be absolutely perfect for my dad...he is the king of tools and the ultimate hand-man!  I just may have to make one for him...he'll love  it!  While I'm doing that, head on over to Heidi's blog...she has some great projects over there!

I Blew It!

I was sooo busy this weekend I completely forgot to tell you all about the newest project over at Craft Project Central!! Do you like to give gift cards but want a fun new way to package and give them?  Here’s something new to try!  How about a gift card bouquet and a matching fun-fold card too!?!  After opening the gift card, your recipient can put the pretty bouquet on their desk to remind them of your gift and brighten up their day!  This is a great project for a teacher, co-worker, or anyone you want to give a little something special to!  This project is a fun class or camp project too!

Gift Card Bouquet and co-ordinating card designed by Sharon Burkert

You can get full-colour instructions to create this and 9 other projects by purchasing  this month's subscription for just $10.  If you have time, head on over to Sharon's Blog and show her some love too!

I'm really trying...

...to learn to love the new Summer Starfruit In-colour.  It is a shade of yellow that just doesn't quite do it for me...however, I am really trying to find ways to use it to allow it to grow on me.  The card I have for you today is based on one we did last week at our Jammin' Stampers team meeting. I adapted it (and toned down the Summer Starfruit!) for my own Tri-City Stampers team meeting tonight.  See what you think...

Any-occasion card and coordinating envelope featuring the new Papaya Collage and Layered Labels stamp sets.

So....the yellow looks ok when it is toned down with the Midnight Muse, no?  I don't mind it on this card...maybe it is growing on me after all.  Here is the rundown of new products I used on this card:
Papaya Collage stamp set
Layered Labels stamp set
Apothecary Accents Framelits
Comfort Cafe DSP
Summer Starfruit and Midnight Muse In-color card stock and ink

I also added a little touch to the coordinating enveloped by die cutting the flap with my Adorning Accents Edgelits and then stamped it using the vine stamp from the Papaya Collage set.  It adds  a pretty touch when the envelope matches the card, no?

Sending Love...

...on Mother's Day.  Yes, it still, technically is Mother's Day...there's a little more than an hour left to celebrate!  I've had such a busy weekend this is the first chance I've had to sit down at my computer!  I truly hope that all you Moms out there had a wonderful day and felt pampered and appreciated.  Today's post is a cute card I came up with while playing with the new Betsy's Blossoms stamp set.  I am always trying to find new ways to use stamps to make them more versatile and multipurpose.  Have a look...

Cute card featuring the Betsy's Blossoms stamp set with sentiment from Easy Events.

 This card is really simple, but kinda cute.  To create the tree I stamped the large floral image from Betsy's Blossoms in Gumball Green (my new favourite green!) and then punched it out using my 2 1/2", 1 3/4" and 1 1/4" circle punches.  I layered them with dimensionals so the tree really does have shape.  The trunk is a modern label punched out of chocolate chip cardstock.  Do you like the grass?  That was done by punching the edge using the scallop edge punch and then re-punching, offsetting the scallops.  Cute idea, huh?  The little banner was cut using the new Bitty Banners Framelits.  I layered it on real red and hand trimmed the mat.

Make a Cake

...no baking required!  Today I have another sneak peek for you from the upcoming Annual Catalogue from Stampin' Up!  It uses a new set called Make a Cake...

Cute Wedding card featuring the new Make a Cake and Itty Bitty Banners stamp set as well as the new Apothecary Accents and Bitty Banners Framelits.

Cute, eh?  This one uses a bunch of new products you'll see in the new catty...here's a list, in case you want to start your wishlist early:

Make A Cake stamp set

Itty Bitty Banners stamp set

Patio Party Designer Series Paper

Apothecary Accents Framelits

Bitty Banners Framelits

I think of all the new products the ones I am most excited about are the Framelits!  I fell in love with them in the Occasions Mini and am thrilled there are more in the upcoming catalogue.  Here's hoping SU keeps 'em coming in the Holiday Catalogue when it is released in August!!

Speaking of the new catalogue, I am holding a launch party!!  My New Catty Open House will take place on Saturday, June 2nd from 1-4 pm and all are welcome!   Details of the event may be found HERE.  The party is FREE, the Make-n-takes are FREE...and you'll leave with a brand spankin' new FREE catalogue!  And who doesn't like FREE??  PLUS, as part of this event, I'll be holding my annual" Out With the Old Yard Sale", where I'll be selling retired product at 50-60% off catalogue prices.  Making purchases at the yard sale will get you a discount on your first order from the new catty.  The more retired product you buy, the more you'll save on your first order of new product.  Can't ask for better than that, now can you??  If you plan to attend (and why wouldn't you??) drop me a quick email by the end of May so I know how many to expect.

Something Blue for the Monkey...

Last weekend I had some quality playtime with my new goodies from the upcoming Annual catalogue.  I have to say first off that the new ink pads are THE BOMB!!!  They provide perfect coverage with just a couple of light taps.  I kept finding myself wanting to use the new In-Colours on all my projects just so I could use the new pads!  When I went back to my old pads after using the new ones, it seemed like SO much work to get my stamps to ink!  I am most definitely going to be buying a new set of pads...what a difference!  Now to figure out what to do with my old ones!  The only caveat with the new pads is that they require a light touch...push too hard and you'll end up with nasty halos around all of your images.  My first few tries with it were a disaster, but once I got the feel for it I was in love!  Now for the first card I made with one of the new pads...

Thank you card for Monkey107 featuring the Day of Gratitude and Itty Bitty Banners stamp sets.

Inside detail with image from the new Forever With You stamp set.

Like that blue?  It is the new Midnight Muse, one of five new In-Colours for 2012-2014.  It is a deep, rich shade of blue that falls nicely between Night Navy and Not Quite Navy.  It also works rather well with the current In-Colous Pool Party and Island Indigo.  I've actually used both of those blues on this card...the top square is Pool Party and the middle one is Island Indigo.  The DSP is from the new Comfort Cafe pack...very warm and homespun patterns and colours.  This one will be very popular for fall.  The layout for this card is from this week's sketch challenge over at A La Card Monkey.  It has been ages since I've had time to play along, so it was fun to do so with my new goodies! 

Another great project and Blog Candy winner!

It's time for another fabulous project from this month's line-up over at Craft Project Central.  Do you have a student graduating this year?  If so, here are a couple of projects that can help you get ready for the big celebration!  The project includes a "Congrats" Banner and a Graduation Cap centerpiece.  Customize the project to the specific school colors for a special project sure to make your grad feel special!

Graduation banner and centrepiece designed by Christy Fulk

 What a great idea!  To get the instructions to create this project just subscribe to May over at Craft Project Central.  In addition to this project you'll get full-colour instructions for NINE others...all for just $10! And if you have time, stop by Christy's blog and let her know how much you like her design.


Now on to the news you've all been waiting for...the winner of my blog candy giveaway for a free month's subscription to CPC is...*drumroll*...

CHRISTINE K

Christine was selected using www.randomnumber.org, which choose the number 2 as the winner.  She was the second person to comment back on May 1st when I first announced this giveaway.  Congratulations Christine!  I will need you to email me with your full contact info so that I can set up your free subscription.

 

 

Creating Pretty...

Another great feature over at Craft Project Central is the Creating Pretty Cards monthly sketch challenge.  This month's CAS sketch was designed by Kris Kilkenny...check it out:

 

 And here is my take on it...

Sunny card for CPC11

 So...wondering what that paper is?  It is the new Floral District DSP from the soon-to-be-released new Annual Catalogue.  Isn't it fun?  I love the bright, sunny colours and thought it worked perfectly with the sentiment from the Pursuit of Happiness set.  The little blossoms on the sentiment panel are from a new set called Betsy's Blossoms, which pairs perfectly with the DSP.  I so can't wait for you all to see the new catty!  It is chock full of fantastic new products...you'll have trouble deciding which ones to order first!

Just a quick reminder that today is the last day to enter my draw for a free month's subscription to Craft Project Central.  Simply leave a comment on any post between May 1st and May 8th (today!) to enter.  I will draw one lucky winner and post their name tomorrow...maybe it will be you!