Playing with Les Papillions

I love butterflies.  I plant flowers in my garden that I know will attract them.  I so enjoy spending summer afternoons on my deck, reading and watching for the colourful winged visitors to my little patch of paradise.  When I first saw the the Papillion Potpourri set in the new catty and then saw the coordinating punch I have to admit I did a little happy dance.  I SO LOVE them both.  So why is it, you might ask, that it has taken me this long to finally make a card using them?  The answer:  my real job gets in the way of my fun.  Now that the school year is finally over (LAST DAY TODAY!!!) I will have more time to play...and believe me, play I will.  So, here, without further ado, is today's project...

Any-occasion card featuring the Papillion Potpourri stamp set with sentiment from Sweet Essentials

Isn't that little butterfly just the sweetest?  I knew as soon as I saw that particular butterfly image that I wanted to pair it with this pattern in the Twitterpated DSP pack.  They work rather nicely together, no?  I kept the colour scheme simple, using Basic Gray in addition to the Riding Hood Red and Whisper White.  I am really wishing I had some of the Basic Gray stitched grosgrain ribbon...I think it would have worked better than the white here...guess what's on my next order??
Oh...before I forget...here's a little tip for using the new Finishing Touches Edgelit that I used here (on the decorative grey border):  the first time you use it you will find that all the little bits from the holes get stuck in the die.  I was going to take the time to clean them all out but then got distracted and never got around to it.  SO glad I didn't!  When I used it to cut the border on this card, the little bits were still stuck in the die.  I didn't think too much about it until I ran it through my Big Shot and, lo and behold, the little bits stayed in the holes that I had cut, rather than in the die!  I just had to pop them out (a little rolling of the card stock did the trick).  So...the moral of the story is, don't clean the bits out of your die after the first use.  Leave 'em there and make your life SO much easier!

Working my Mojo

Today I did something WAY out of my comfort zone.  I made a round(ish) card!  I never do that...occasionally I do square, but never round.  This week's challenge over at Mojo Monday inspired me to try something new.  Here is the  sketch;

And here is my version:

Thank You card for MOJO247 featuring the Papillion Potpourri stamp set and sentiment from the Pursuit of  Happiness

See what I mean about  the "ish" part?  While not exactly round, I think it fits the bill for the sketch.  I pulled out my Floral Frames Framelits and cut the card base using the largest of the dies.  The DSP circle is from the International Bazaar pack...so love that stuff!  I stamped one of the medallions from the Daydream Medallions set and cut it out using another of the Floral Frames Framelits.  The Lucky Limeade strip is embossed using the Fancy Fan embossing folder.  I stamped the butterfly image from the Papillion Potpourri set in Rich Razzleberry and punched it out with the Elegant Butterfly punch.  The sentiment, from the Pursuit of Happiness set, is stamped in Lucky Limeade, though it looks washed out in the photo.  I added  a little leftover ribbon from my Sale-a-bration freebies and then went a little nuts with the bling.  One can't have too much sparkle, can one?  So...whaddya think of my first round card attempt??

My Baby's Graduating!

My son is graduating from preschool today...ready for big-kid school in September.  To thank his wonderful teachers I made some cute little gifts (more on those later) and cards for each of them.  Today I have one of the two designs for you.  I based the layout on this week's sketch challenge over at Pals Paper Arts.  First, here is the sketch:



And here is my teacher-thank-you version:

Teacher Thank-you Card for PPA137 featuring the (retired) First Day stamp set, the new Storytime DSP and sentiment from the Family Reunion stamp set.

Fun, eh?  I have had this set since it was in the Summer Mini two years ago...I've been waiting to use it and this was the perfect occasion to ink it up!  I stamped the little bookworm and the apples in Staz-on and coloured them with my markers and blender pen.  I love that little worm...he's so cute!  The A+ is from the same set and looks fantastic stamped with my new edition Real Red ink pad...such awesome coverage!  What makes this card, however, is the DSP!  I fell in love with this paper as soon as I saw it in the catalogue. The images are so retro and fun and remind me of the Readers I had when I was in school.  Of course, the images also speak to the teacher in me, so how could I not snap up a pack with my first new catty order?!  Today I get to attend the little graduation ceremony..can't wait to watch my baby walk the across the stage to get his certificate!  Now to figure out how NOT to cry...*sniff*...

Kindness for the Players

Well, I survived getting yet another year older...hard to believe I'm THIS old!!  Many, many thanks to all who left kind wishes in their comments on my big day.  It was so nice to have my cyber-friends wishing me well.  I was chatting with an old friend from my university days on Monday when she called to wish me a happy birthday.  We realized that next May will mark 20 years since we graduated together!!  How the heck did that happen?!?  Neither of us feel any older and she certainly doesn't look older (that's what not having kids will do for you!), yet almost 20 years have passed since we walked the hallowed halls of Queen's University (GO GAELS!). 
Anyhow...enough waxing nostalgic!  On to some stamping!  I finally got a chance to play tonight after all the birthday hoopla died down.  I headed over to one of my favourite challenge sites,  The Paper Players, to get my mojo working.  This week's challenge is a simple sketch that left itself  open to SO many possibilities!  I pulled out one of my new, as yet uninked, sets from the new catty.  First, here's the sketch...

 

...and here's my take on it:

Thank you card for PP101 featuring the Blooming With Kindness set with sentiment  from Lovely Little Labels

Lots of fab new product on this one!  In addition to the two stamp sets, I used Comfort Cafe DSP and Natural Composition Specialty Paper.  Peeking out from behind the flower is a doily cut with the Delicate Doilies Sizzlet.  The flower itself was cut with the new Floral Frames Framelits and I cut the decorative edge on the blue layer behind the DSP using the Finishing Touches Edgelits.  That gorgeous ribbon is the new Stitched Satin...so love that stuff.  (Are you impressed...I remembered all those names without looking at my catty!!).  To stamp the flower I first inked it with Summer Starfruit and then tapped my More  Mustard marker randomly all  over.  The result is a subtly shaded flower.  To soften it, I sponged it all over with Crumb Cake ink.

Be A Big Shot

In case you missed my earlier posts, today is my birthday and to celebrate I've been offering some FABULOUS deals on some of my favourite Stampin' Up! products all day long.  My final offer is a really BIG one...

UNTIL MIDNIGHT (ET) TAKE 

20% OFF THE BIG SHOT!!

To take advantage of this offer simply call or email me before the special expires with the details of what you would like to order.  I will finalize your total and send you an email first thing tomorrow confirming your order and making arrangements for payment.  Please note that this special is only available by ordering directly through me; orders placed in my online store will not qualify for the discount.

A Deal To DIE For

In case you missed my earlier posts, today is my birthday and to celebrate I'm offering some FABULOUS deals on some of my favourite Stampin' Up! products all day long.  I'll be posting new timed specials all day, so you'll want to check back here several times today.  The last special will post at 9:00 pm tonight and its a great one, don't miss it!
This one is to DIE for!  That's right...

UNTIL 9:00 pm (ET) TAKE 

20% OFF ALL DIES AND PUNCHES!!

To take advantage of this, and any of my other specials today, simply call or email me before the special expires with the details of what you would like to order.  If you would like, I can keep your order open for you to wait to see what other surprises I have in store today.  When you're finished shopping just let me know and I will finalize your total and arrange for payment.  Please note that these specials are only available by ordering directly through me; orders placed in my online store will not qualify for the discounts.

Make a Good Impression

In case you missed my earlier posts, today is my birthday and to celebrate I'm offering some FABULOUS deals on some of my favourite Stampin' Up! products all day long.  I'll be posting new timed specials all day, so you'll want to check back here several times today.  The last special will post at 9:00 pm tonight and its a great one, don't miss it!
My very favourite crafting tool is my Big Shot and one of my go-to accessories for that wonderful machine are the Textured Impressions Embossing Folders.  I love how fast and easy it is to take a project from nice to WOW with them.  So...

UNTIL 6:00 pm (ET) TAKE 

20% OFF ALL TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS EMBOSSING FOLDERS!!

To take advantage of this, and any of my other specials today, simply call or email me with the details of what you would like to order.  If you would like, I can keep your order open for you to wait to see what other surprises I have in store today.  When you're finished shopping just let me know and I will finalize your total and arrange for payment.  Please note that these specials are only available by ordering directly through me; orders placed in my online store will not qualify for the discounts.

Deals on DSP!

In case you missed my earlier posts, today is my birthday and to celebrate I'm offering some FABULOUS deals on some of my favourite Stampin' Up! products all day long.  I'll be posting new timed specials all day, so you'll want to check back here several times today.  The last special will post at 9:00 pm tonight and its a great one, don't miss it!
Another one of my weaknesses is my affinity for Designer Series Paper (DSP).  I so love all those pretty colours and patterns and I often use it as the basis for my designs. 

UNTIL 3:00 pm (ET) TAKE 

20% OFF ALL DESIGNER SERIES PAPER!!

To take advantage of this, and any of my other specials today, simply call or email me before the special expires with the details of what you would like to order.  If you would like, I can keep your order open for you to wait to see what other surprises I have in store today.  When you're finished shopping just let me know and I will finalize your total and arrange for payment.  Please note that these specials are only available by ordering directly through me; orders placed in my online store will not qualify for the discounts.

20% off Embellishments until Noon Today!

In case you missed my earlier post, today is my birthday and to celebrate I'm offering some FABULOUS deals on some of my favourite Stampin' Up! products all day long.  I'll be posting new timed specials all day, so you'll want to check back here several times today.  The last special will post at 9:00 pm tonight and its a great one, don't miss it!
Everyone who has followed my blog knows how much I LOVE embellishments!  All that pretty ribbon and blingy brads just make me so happy!  So...

UNTIL NOON (ET) TAKE 

20% OFF ALL EMBELLISHMENTS!!

To take advantage of this, and any of my other specials today, simply call or email me, before the special expires, with the details of what you would like to order.  If you would like, I can keep your order open for you to wait to see what other surprises I have in store today.  When you're finished shopping just let me know and I will finalize your total and arrange for payment.  Please note that these specials are only available by ordering directly through me; orders placed in my online store will not qualify for the discounts.

It's My Birthday...

...and to celebrate I'm offering some FABULOUS deals on some of my favourite Stampin' Up! products all day long.  I'll be posting new timed specials all day, so you'll want to check back here several times today.  The last special will post at 9:00 pm tonight and its a great one, don't miss it!
My first special of the day is on the new firm foam ink pads.  I am SO in love with these new pads...the quality of the stamped images produced with these pads is unbelievable...so much so that I am in the process of replacing ALL of my ink pads!  So here we go...

UNTIL 9:00 AM (ET) TAKE 

20% OFF NEW FIRM FOAM INK PADS!!

To take advantage of this, and any of my other specials today, simply call or email me before the special expires with the details of what you would like to order.  If you would like, I can keep your order open for you to wait to see what other surprises I have in store today.  When you're finished shopping just let me know and I will finalize your total and arrange for payment.  Please note that these specials are only available by ordering directly through me; orders placed in my online store will not qualify for the discounts.

Bright Birthday

Happy Saturday everyone!  I hope your weekend is off to a wonderful start!  I am up bright and early to register my son for swimming lessons this morning.  Online registration starts in a few minutes so this post will be a quickie! 
Today I have a fast and easy birthday card for you.  Have a look:

Simple Birthday card featuring the Bright Blossoms stamp set with sentiment from the Bring on the Cake set.

 Isn't that a bright a cheerful card?  Who wouldn't love to receive this one on their big day?  I chose my colour palette based on the Summer Smooches DSP:  Lucky Limeade, Tangerine Tango, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight, Tempting Turquoise and Real Red.  I embossed the card base using my Perfect Polka dots Textured Impressions folder.  I added a little row of piercing to balance the sentiment.  I hope this happy card brightens your day!  Have a great weekend!!

XL Poppies

One of my favourite new stamps from the new Annual Catalogue is the Pleasant Poppies background stamp.  The image is beautiful and so versatile and so...BIG!  When I had to design more over-sized cards for staff farewells I turned to that gorgeous image...and here's the result:

Over-sized Farewell card featuring the Pleasant Poppies background stamp and sentiment from Loving Thoughts

Same card, different colours

I have to say that once I came up with this design it was quick and easy to put together the four cards I needed.  Though the image on each card is heat embossed in black,  I did each one in a different colour scheme so no one would feel like they were getting the exact same as someone else.  I don't really  know any of the four ladies these cards are for, so it was difficult to come up with a unique design for each one.   On a staff of over 60 it is hard to get to know everyone, especially since most of them have only been at our school for less than a year.  I happily delivered the finished cards last Monday, thrilled to be finished with over-sized cards for a while!

Thank me Baby One More Time

Ok...today I want to show you the second set of baby thank you's for my Baby-Thank-You-Bonanza coming up this Thursday.  These ones are for the one gal who knows that she is having a little girl.  They are a bit more feminine, but not too frilly.  This mom is not a ruffles and lace kinda gal.  Have a look:

Another baby thank you card featuring the Baby Boutique stamp set with sentiment from Lovely Little Labels

Same layout, different theme with images from the retired Fox and Friends set and sentiment from Tiny Tags.

So, you'll notice both cards use essentially the same layout.  I kept the horizontal orientation because I find it easier to write in horizontal cards...anybody else find that?  Maybe I'm just weird!  Anyhow, the first card is a bit softer with a colour palette of  Crumb Cake and Pink Pirouette on the Whisper White card base.  The second is a bit bolder with Chocolate Chip and Pretty in Pink.  I think both will go together fairly quickly, though the first is certainly simpler.  We'll see what my mom-to-be thinks!  Tonight I'll be cutting up a storm as I prep for 80 cards!!  Thank goodness I'll be in the coolness of my basement...today is to be another scorcher!  Heat, humidity and teenagers do not mix...trust me on this one.

Thanks, Baby

Yesterday I mentioned that I've been working on designs for baby thank you cards for my Baby-Thank-You-Bonanaza that I am holding later this week.  The moms-to-be and I are getting together to make 80 thank you cards in one afternoon.  Impossible?  Maybe, but I think we'll get close.  As I've been designing I've been trying to keep the layouts as simple as possible while still keeping some of the "cute factor".  I'm using our fabulous little note cards...they're perfectly sized for thank you's...less room to write!  Here are a couple of the ones I've come up with that I like...

Baby Thank you card featuring the Aviary stamp set with sentiment from Fabulous Phrases.

Another option featuring the Baby Boutique and Lovely Little Labels stamp sets

Whaddya think?  My favourite is the little owls...love that little stamp!  I used the new Argyle embossing folder for the Pool Party panel...so love that pattern!  I added a little softness with a hint of ruffled ribbon peeking out from behind the panel.  The second card is a bit simpler in that there is less stamping involved.  I embossed the card base using the Stripes embossing folder and added a bit of babyness with the now-retired eyelet border punch.  I used the new Lovely Little Labels set and coordinating punch for the sentiment...kinda cute, no?  I got the idea for the placement of the label on the stamped bib from the catalogue...gotta love the inspiration in that wonderful book!  We'll see if my ladies like either of these designs.  I have a couple more girlie ones I'll show you tomorrow...in the meantime, stay cool....it is hot, hot, hot here in Cambridge!

Last of the XL Babies

Yesterday I finally finished the last of my XL Baby cards.  I am really glad to have that task behind me, as it proved to be a bigger challenge than I had expected.  I procrastinated more than I likely should have, but, now that they're done, I am relieved.  See what you think...

Another Over-sized baby card featuring the new Baby Boutique stamp set, as well as the Broadsheet Alphabet.  The DSP is from the Domestic Goddess pack from last year's catty.

So, is this gender-neutral??  It is for a gal who doesn't know what she is having, so I wanted to keep it as neutral as possible.  I figured the Pool Party and Calypso Coral were a good combo...bright, yet suitably babyish.  I love the new Baby Boutique stamp set in the new Annual Catalogue and especially love the way it works with the Broadsheet Alphabet set.  All of the squares are punched with the 1 1/4" square and then layered on the scalloped square.  Thankfully they filled up the card rather well, given that the base is 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"!  I finished these card none too soon...the shower for these moms-to-be is next week...on my birthday!  Don't know yet if I'll be able to make it to the actual shower...hubby has plans for my big day...but I sure hope these ladies like their cards.  Later this week I am holding a Baby-Thank-You-Card-Bonanza for the three moms-to-be.  They are all getting together with me to make 80 thank you cards!  I've been working on some designs that I'll show you tomorrow.  In the meantime, have a great day!

One in a Million Birthday

Today is my friend's birthday and, while  I remembered her birthday was coming up, and on several occasions thought about mailing her a card, sadly, I have not yet done so.  I am THE WORST when it comes to sending cards!!  I make dozens and dozens of them and they rarely see the inside of an envelope!  Today's project is one I designed for my techniques group that met this past week with the intention of sending it to my friend when I was done with it.  It is still sitting on my stamping table.  She'll get it next week and not be in the least bit surprised that I'm late...again!  I used this week's sketch over at Mojo Monday as my inspiration.  I made a few alterations to the original sketch, moving a few elements around. Here is the sketch:

And here is my version:

Birthday card for MOJO245 featuring the Tie-dye technique and Betsy's Blossoms stamp set with sentiment from One in a Million

Inside view

Fun and bright, eh?  I used the Tie-dye technique with Tangerine Tango and Melon Mambo to stamp the flowers from Betsy's Blossoms.  The leaves and sentiment are stamped in Gumball Green.  In case you're wondering what the DSP is, it is from the International Bazaar pack...so in love with that paper!  I also broke in my new chevron embossing folder...love that one too! 
I have SO much to do this weekend...two classes next week to prep for, a new project to design for another guest designer gig and more BIG cards to make for work...I need a four-day weekend!!  The good news is that I'll have lots to share with you next week!  In the meantime, have a great weekend!

Another Big Baby

Today I have another big baby card for you.  I have to say, of the bunch, this is my favourite so far.  It is by no means simple, but I just think its really cute.  Check it out:

Sweet baby card featuring the Well Scripted stamp set (retired) and the Advanced Faux Quilting technique

Sweet, eh?  I think the recipient will love it.  She is having a girl, but she's not the frilly-pink type, so I decided to play down the pink and focus on cute girlie details like the eyelet trim and little buttons.  I used the Advanced Faux quilting technique for the background, but had to splice together two lattice die cuts to make it big enough for this jumbo card.  I think it works and isn't too obvious where the joint is.  The colour scheme is about as baby as it gets:  Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette, Certainly Celery and Perfect Plum.  The bear is made using retired Creamy Caramel cardstock...it just is the perfect brown for bears and I am hoarding my leftover stash for occasions just like this.  The little teeny buttons are from this past spring's Occasions Mini.  I also used some white satin ribbon (retired) and the eyelet border punch (retired, but available on the Clearance Rack!)  The card base is stamped with the ABC background stamp that just retired on May 31st...so perfect for cards for little ones!  This weekend I HAVE to get the rest of these jumbo cards done, so I'll definitely have more to show you next week.  In the meantime, TGIF and have a great weekend!  Don't forget to be good to dear ol' Dad on Sunday!

XL Baby

I'm back at designing over-sized cards again!  This time they are for babies...or at least baby showers.  There is a bit of a baby boom on our staff at school and I have been charged with making the cards for each of the moms-to-be.  Again, they have to be big cards to allow for about 30 or so signatures, so I am working with a much larger canvas than usual.  Today I have the first design for you.  This mom doesn't know what she's having so I tried to keep it somewhat gender-neutral.  Have a look...

Simple Baby card featuring the Letter It alphabet set.

Pretty simple, eh?  I liked the idea of doing a banner using the Letter It alphabet set.  I also used a couple of retired products on this card:  Nursery Nest DSP (from last year's catty) and the mini clothespins.  I really loved those little things but found them a wee bit large to use on a standard-sized card.  Not so with a jumbo one...they are just perfect!  I drew my colour scheme from the DSP:  Pear Pizzazz (miss that In-Colour!), Perfect Plum and Blushing Bride (miss that one too!).  I hung my little banner from some white baker's twine and popped up both the banners and the letters with dimensionals.  I hope the recipient of this card likes it...she is part of my monthly Inky Paws club that I run at work, so I know she'll appreciate the work that goes into a handmade card!

One more...

Ok, I know I said last week that I was done with the Faux Patina projects for a while.  Here's the thing:  after demonstrating the technique five times last Saturday I was left with five card-sized pieces of gorgeous Faux Patina.  Now I couldn't very well just throw them out, could I??  So, I decided to use one to create a sample for my techniques group this week.  It is a bit of a variation on one of the cards I showed you last week...which just goes to show how versatile this beautiful technique is!  Have a look...

Friendship card featuring the Field Flowers stamp set and using the Faux Patina technique.

Simple and elegant, eh?  I can't get enough of those Labels framelits (and I have it on very good authority that there are more to come in the upcoming Holiday Catalogue!).  I also used a little ribbon saving trick.  I used less than 5 inches of lace trim on this card.  I trimmed short little bits for either end and adhered them to the front and the back of the cardfront with glue dots.  The label is so large why would I want to waste all that beautiful lace hiding behind it?  I also used a wee bit of lace on the brad, simply sticking the prongs of the brad through the holes in the lace.  Easy-peasy and cost-effective to boot! 
Now I'm off to work on more XL cards.  I have SIX MORE to make for our ladies year-end event.  We have three staff members having babies and three who are leaving for other  schools.  That's a lot of big cards!  Time to get creative with filling all that extra space...

Emerging Butterflies

Today I have a card I designed for my monthly techniques group that meets this week.  It uses a technique sometimes known as Emerging Colours or Joseph's coat.  Whatever you call it, it is gorgeous!  Have a look:

Pretty any-occasion card featuring the Emerging Colours technique and the Creative Elements and Itty Bitty Banners stamp sets.

Once again, I couldn't resist pulling out some of my new catty goodies!  The DSP in the background is from the Patio Party pack...lots to love in there, but my favourite pattern is definitely these little bitty butterflies. To get the multi-coloured butterflies on the focal image I sponged Summer Starfruit, Baja Breeze and Primrose Petals ink on a square of whisper white randomly.  I then stamped the butterfly image from Creative Elements in Versamark and clear embossed them.  I then brayerd on Midnight Muse ink, covering the sponged colour.  The embossing resists the ink, so I wiped off the excess with a paper towel and voila...butterflies that pop out in vibrant colour.  I added some stitched satin ribbon in Summer Starfruit and a butterfly punched, with the new Elegant Butterfly punch, in Primrose Petals.  I added a rhinestone body to the butterfly, as well as a little banner and one of the to-die-for little In-Colour Dahlias.  Gotta love new stuff!!

International Bazaar

Tonight I have my monthly team meeting for my Tri-City Stampers team.  A big part of our meetings is always fun make-n-takes.  This month I wanted to highlight some of the wonderful new products in the catalogue that members of my team may not have had a chance to order yet.  One of my favourite new DSP packs is International Bazaar.  It has such a wonderful variety of rich colours and patterns I just had to pull it out for this project.  Have a look:

Congratulations card featuring the Herringbone technique using the new International Bazaar DSP.  Sentiment is from Layer Labels.

Aren't those colours fabulous??  They are so vibrant and rich , yet they all work so well together.  Another neat thing about this DSP is that is uses Bravo Burgundy!!  I so rarely use that colour it was good to pull it out again.  I only wish I had ribbon in that shade, as I would have preferred it to the Daffodil Delight I ended up using.  This DSP also offers lots of possibilities for masculine cards, which so many of us struggle with.
To create the background I used the Herringbone technique, which was one that was featured at the demo event I participated in last weekend.  What a great way to add WOW to a project without a lot of effort (or expense!).  Because the background has so much going on I kept the rest of the card simple, adding only the sentiment from the Layered Labels set that I cut out with my new Apothecary Accents framelits.  I heat embossed the sentiment in gold and added an antique brad (once again the perfect finishing touch!).  I hope my team members enjoy making this card and grow to love the International Bazaar DSP as much as I do!

Whew!

What a busy weekend this has been!  I don't know how it could possibly be Sunday evening already, but here we are on the brink of yet another work week!  The good news is that I only have three more until school is done for the year...yay summer!!  I am SOOO ready for a break from disrespectful, unmotivated teenagers!!  I get to spend all summer home with my boy...so looking forward to it! 
As you may recall, yesterday I took part in a demo-only event here in Cambridge. I did a demo-theatre bit featuring the Faux Patina technique, which everyone loved.  I am amazed that more people aren't' familiar with that fabulous technique!  We also had opportunity to make several great projects and today I want to show you one I especially loved.  It was designed by Denise Donald...have a look:

Birthday card featuring the Advanced Faux Quilting technique and using a fun fancy fold.

Side view to show the cool fold.

Isn't that fun??  I really love this faux quilting technique...so much so that I used it on another project I created today that you'll see later this week.  I also really like this fold...it is so unusual and a great change from standard-sized cards.  In case you're wondering, the DSP is from the Patio Party pack and the sentiment is from the new Memorable Moments set.  I also added a bit of the gorgeous stitched satin ribbon in Midnight Muse...so rich-looking and easy to work with!  Thanks for sharing this fabulous card with us Denise!!

Stippled Blossom Birthday

This week my first order from the new catalogue arrived.  I've been so busy I haven't  had much time to play with all my new stuff, but I did manage to break in a few items.  Check out the project I made...

Beautiful birthday card featuring the new Stippled Blossoms stamp set as well as a sentiment from the Bring on the Cake set.

I used quite a few new products on this card...here is the rundown:

Stippled Blossoms stamp set

Fancy Fan embossing folder

Finishing Touches edgelits

Faceted Vintage buttons

Not a bad way to break in a bunch of new stuff, eh?  Of these new items I think the faceted buttons will become a fav...they work with anything!  I also really like the new edgelits...they add such a nice touch and will make me miss my eyelet border punch a little less!
Today I am off to a demo-only event being held by my upline.  I am demonstrating all those Faux Patina projects I showed you this week, so wish me luck!  I'm really looking forward to spending the day with members of my team as we learn from and inspire each other.  Hope your Saturday is a great one too!

One more Faux Patina project

Are you sick of Faux Patina yet??  Can you tell that has been my focus for the last week or so?  Today I have the last of the projects using this great technique.  It is another card I designed for our event this weekend...and I think we'll likely do it at my monthly techniques group this month too!  Have a look...

Simple friendship card featuring the Field Flowers and Tiny Tags stamp sets.

Inside view.

A couple of days ago I mentioned that I was playing around with different colours of embossing powder for this technique.  For this card I used gold...a completely different look from the pewter, don't you think?  I also allowed more of the blue to show through because I knew I wanted the background to coordinate with my flowers.  The basic design of this card is CASE'd from one I found on Splitcoast Stampers...lots of great inspiration there!!  I hope you've enjoyed these four Faux Patina projects...I sure did have fun making them!

Remember when...

As I was designing my scrapbook layout for my demonstration coming up this Saturday I found myself struggling to design a page without an actual photo to work with.  So I dug through my wedding photos and found one that worked perfectly with the Faux Patina technique.  It was done in sepia, which worked so well with what I wanted to do.  Have a look...

8 x 8" scrapbook layout featuring the Faux Patina technique and using a sentiment from the Word Play stamp set.

So....this whole scrapbooking thing is WAY out of my comfort zone.  I am an instant gratification kinda gal...I like to sit down for a couple of hours and have a finished project...hence my tendency to gravitate toward mini albums and cards.  I have never done an entire scrapbook in my life, though I likely should get started if I am ever going to do something with the thousands of baby pictures we took of my son!  Since I had to do a layout for this demonstration I decided to go with an 8x8...didn't want to try a 12x12 just yet.  I have to say I am quite pleased with the way this turned out...I may even frame it!  I especially like the little bouquet of satin roses (retired)...reminds me of my wedding dress!  I also like that my husband is wearing that crazy top hat in this photo...makes it look all the more vintage.  He's also holding a cane...went all-out at the tuxedo rental place (they saw him coming!).  I didn't even know he was doing all of that until he showed up at the wedding!  Anyhow...it was a great day...seems like just yesterday, yet we're celebrating our 8th anniversary this fall!  Hard to believe, yet when we look in the mirror we sure look a whole lot older...funny how that happens!!

Faux metal box

Today I have the second project in my series of Faux Patina samples.  This one is a little box I made using the Petite Pocket die.  Super easy to put a box together with that die...though this one took a little longer because of the Faux Patina technique.  The result is pretty cool though...check it out...

Faux-metal box made using the Petite Pocket die and the Faux Patina technique and featuring the Creative Elements and Tiny Tags stamp sets

Tag detail.

I have to say that these photos really don't do it much justice...they're overexposed AGAIN!  I really need to get a proper light box for taking photos of my stuff!    Anyhow...neat project and it goes perfectly with the card I posted yesterday for a lovely gift ensemble for Father's Day.  This box will hold a bottle of cologne quite nicely.
Tomorrow I'm heading waaayyy out of my comfort zone and showing you an 8x8 scrapbook page I did using this technique...stay tuned...

Vintage Dad

Next weekend I am participating in a demo-only event being held by my upline.  I've been asked to participate in a forum of sorts in which I will demonstrate the Faux Patina technique.  Yesterday I spent time creating my samples for the event:  a card, a 3D item and a scrapbook layout that all use that technique.  Today I have the card to show you.  It is another masculine card (good thing Father's Day will soon be here!) which qualifies it for this week's challenge over at Stampin' Royalty.  Have a look...

Father's Day card for SR126 using the Faux Patina technique and featuring the Artistic Etchings stamp set.

Hmmm...looking at this photo I realize it is a bit overexposed.  The focal image isn't actually that stark white!  Ah well, you get the idea...no time for a retake!  In making this card, I experimented with various embossing powders.  I like the pewter powder best, which is what I used for this card.  Gonna need to order more of that stuff...so glad it carried over into the new Catty!! 
This card uses tons of my favourite products:  First Edition DSP...that's one I don't think I could live without...and then there are those antique brads...haven't used them in a while but they are still my all-time favourite embelly!   Of course, those gorgeous images are from one of my fav stamp sets:  Artistic Etchings...I will cry long and loud if they ever retire that one! 
Not sure if I'll send this one to my dad...he's not the world-traveling type.  If I don't I can easily switch up the little tag for a friend's birthday...gotta love convertible cards!

Note Tote and Cards

Whew!!  I'm pooped!  Yesterday was a whirlwind of a day as I held my open house and retired product yard sale.  Lots of guests stopped by and took advantage of the great deals I was offering.  Everyone LOVES the new catty...I heard lots of comments about the layout and how easy it is to find everything.  Kudos to Stampin' Up! for a fabulous new design...it's a hit! 
If you weren't able to make it yesterday I have great news for you!  My yard sale is going digital!!  Check out the "Retired Product Yard Sale" tab at the top of this page for some great deals on retired stamp sets.  Later in the week I'll also add some DSP and Simply Scrappin' Kits once I inventory what I have left.
Now for today's project...I designed this cute little note tote to hold 3x3 cards and envelopes with gifts for Max's teachers in mind.  He is graduating from preschool at the end of the month and he adores his teachers so I wanted to make something special for them both.  Have a look...

Cute Note Tote and coordinating cards featuring products from the new Summer Smooches Suite.

Close up of the box which is made using two scalloped envelope die cuts and two tag die cuts. 

Close up of the cards...there are two of each design in the box.

This little box really is super easy to make.  We made it at my Big Shot club this month and it took no time to put together.  I love finding new ways to use dies beyond what they were originally designed for...makes them that much better an investment!  Stay tuned for a tutorial on how to put the box together...

Pretty Poppies for the Monkey

I am a guest designer for this week's sketch challenge over at A La Card Monkey, and today I get to share my take on the sketch with you.  The sketch is really simple so I kept my card likewise, though I had to add a few little embellies ;).  First of all, here is the sketch:

 Now, I have no real need for a graduation card just now, so the ladies over at the Monkey gave us the option of doing another themed card.  So...here it is:

Simple card for Monkey111 featuring Floral District DSP with sentiment from Loving Thoughts

Now, I haven't managed to get my hands on the fabulous new poppy background stamp from the new catty yet.  Sadly we can't overnight our orders here in Canada (good thing 'cuz I'd spend WAY too much on shipping!).  The focal image on this card is actually from the Floral District DSP.  I just cut my paper to highlight some of those beautiful poppies, matted it on a layer of card stock and voila...ink-free focal image!  The only stamping on this card is the sentiment, which is from the Loving Thoughts stamp set (a carry-over from the most recent mini). 
If you've got a spare hour this afternoon, drop on by for my New Catty Open House and Out-With-The-Old Yard Sale.  It's going to be lots of fun and you are guaranteed to find some great deals.  I just finished laying out all of my sale items and (yikes!) there is a lot of stuff!!  My 5-year-old son said "Wow Mommy...why are you covering all of our tables with your stamps?" Out of the mouths of babes...
Stop by between 1:00 and 4:00 and check it out (and help me unload some retired product...I don't want to have to haul it all back down to my stampin' corner...where would I put it?!?)  Hope to see you soon...have a happy Saturday!

Happy New Catty!!!

Today is the day we've all been anticipating for months.  The new Annual Catalogue goes live TODAY!  We can begin placing orders today at Noon MT...let me tell you, I've got a whopper to go in as soon as I get home from work!
Speaking of work, I have the last of the cards I made for my retiring colleagues.  This one is for our Office Manager, who is one of the nicest, most helpful, kindest ladies you will ever meet.  She is also the one who runs our entire school.  Some schools are run by the principal...ours is run by this lady.  She is the BEST and we will sorely miss her when she is gone.  She is a former student of our school, so retiring is a HUGE deal for her...she has been at our school, literally, her whole life!  Here is the very special card I made for her...

Pretty card for a special lady, featuring the Bordering on Romance stamp set with sentiment from Loving Thoughts.

As you can imagine, creating a card big enough for more than 60 people to sign is a challenge.  In order to create a focal image large enough for such a big card, I stamped the floral image several times and then coloured it using markers and a blender pen.  Believe it or not, the blossoms only use the Ridinghood Red marker...it really blends and shades beautifully.  Some of the flowers are fussy-cut and popped up to give dimension.  I've decided I really love the combination of Ridinghood Red and Baja Breeze.  I need to use it again on a more typically-sized project!

Now I'm off to finish the final preparations for my big Open House tomorrow.  If you haven't already RSVP'd, no worries.  Just stop by any time between 1 and 4...see you soon!