First Day

Well, in just a few short days, my baby will be starting Kindergarten.  I can't believe this day has come...I have thought about it many times since he was born and now, here he is, heading off into the big bad world.  To say this coming Tuesday will  be difficult for me is an understatement.  As  a teacher I know all too well the kinds of things he is going to be exposed to at school and it scares the bejesus out of me!  I am just hoping I can keep it together long enough to drop him off at school and then come home and have a  good cry!  I created this card to tuck in his back pack on the first day.  I was inspired by two challenges:  the sketch at Nacho Average Challenges and the Back-to-school theme at Stampin' Royalty.  Firstly, here is the sketch:

And here is my card:

First Day of School card for NAC9 and SR139 featuring the Greeting Card Kids stamp set and sentiment from First Day (retired)

Inside view with sentiments from Bring on the Cake and Perfect Words (retired)

This card is a real blend of old and new.  I love the images in the Greeting Card Kids set and this particular one really speaks to me as the little boy looks just like my little guy (spiky blond hair and all!).  I chose to use the Storytime DSP for this card, but opted out of the school-theme patterns so that the focal image would really stand out.  I coloured the image using a blender pen and watercolor crayons...if you haven't tried these yet you absolutely don't know what you're missing!  The sentiment on the front of the card is from a long-retired set called First Day.  It is one of the few retired sets I just couldn't part with and I have to say I use it an awful lot.  On the inside of the card I used two different sentiment sets.  The Wishing you a wonderful day comes from the Bring on the Cake set and the Big Hug is from the Perfect Words hostess set from last year's catalogue.  The little apple is from the brand new Perfectly Preserved set and I die cut it out with my Cannery Framelits set.
I know my boy will appreciate this card.   He so loves any card I make.  He is my best marketer...any time I make a card for one of his friends or teachers he is right there saying "My Mommy made this card.  She's really good at making cards.  She can teach you to make cards too"!!  Gotta love free advertising!

Vintage Ornaments

Today's project is one I created just for the fun of it.  How often do I get to do that???  It's pretty rare these days!  I based the layout on this week's sketch challenge over at The Paper Players.  Here's the sketch:

And here is my just-for-fun card:

Vintage Christmas Card for PP110 featuring the Ornament Keepsakes stamp set with sentiment from More Merry Messages.

Inside View

Pretty, huh?  I have to say I haven't played with the Candlelight Christmas DSP much, but I really like the way it works on this card.  I also simply adore the Core'dinations card stock...where has it been all my life?!?  It adds such lovely, subtle texture to any project I use it on.  To stamp the ornaments, I first inked the stamp with the base colour (Real Red for the large ornament and Lucky Limeade for the smaller ones) and then added Early Espresso around the edges with a sponge dauber.  The result is dimension and the look of a soft, aged patina on each ornament.  I popped up the large ornament with dimensionals and then doublde up the dimensionals for the two smaller ornaments.  This really was a simple card to put together but I just love the result!

August Bonus

Today I get to show you this month's bonus project over at Craft Project Central.  It is a cu-ute portfolio designed by Kristine McIntosh. 

Card Portfolio designed by Kristine McIntosh

This is so pretty and would make a lovely gift for just about anyone.  I love that Kris used many different patterns from the Twitterpated DSP pack...they're all so fantastic!  To access the tutorial for this project visit Craft Project Central to learn how you can earn the bonus project.  Then stop by Kris' wonderful blog to check out her other fabulous creations.  I'll be back tomorrow with some Holiday inspiration for you...have a great day!

An Apple for the Mojo

Time for something new...I know...it's about time!  Yesterday I sat down to stamp and pulled up some of my favourite sketch challenges on my iPad.  This week's Mojo Monday sketch jump-started my creativity...have a look:

 

First day of School card and coordinating envelope for MOJO256 featuring the Perfectly Preserved stamp set and Orchard Harvest DSP

I finally caved and ordered the  Cannery Framelits.  I really thought I could just fussy-cut the images in my Perfectly Preserved stamp set, but who am I kidding?!?  The Framelits are SO much faster and perfect every time!  Anyhow, I put them to good use cutting out the apple and stem on this card.  I designed it to give to my teaching partner, along with a little gift, on the first day of school next week.  We work so well together and I always like to give her a little something to get the year off to a good start.  I really like the way the different patterns in the Orchard Harvest DSP work so well together.  It makes it so easy to mix patterns.  The best part about this card is that I'm actually posting it in time to enter the challenge!  I've been a wee bit off in my timing so far this summer!  Why not try your hand at this sketch?  I'd love to see what you come up with!

Regionals Make-n-Take

I know I promised you something new from me yesterday and I do have some new projects to show you, but first I wanted to show you one of the fantastic Make-n-Takes we did last weekend at Regionals.  I so love this project...so simple, but so great!  Check it out:

Envelope pouch made from Vellum card stock.  It holds 4 note cards and envelopes...so quick and easy to make!

These are the cards and envelopes that are inside the pouch.  We used the Clock Works and Sweet Essentials stamp sets.

Isn't that a great little gift ensemble??  I absolutely LOVE the colour combo we used:  Pool Party, Gumball Green, More Mustard, Calypso Coral and Basic Gray.  I would never have put those colours together myself, but I so love them!  These cards we SO easy to create...just stamp away!  No embellies or embossing to fuss with.  Just ink, paper and stamps.  Gotta love it!  I actually challenged those from my team who were with me at Regionals to create their own version of this ensemble, using different stamps and inks.  They're going to bring them to share at our next meeting which means I need to get busy on my own design! 

I'm Back!

Well, I've returned from my week away and I have to say I'm happy to be home.  There's something about sleeping in one's own bed that just makes home the best place there is!  My son and I had a great week with Grammy and Grampy...he got spoiled rotten and I got some time to myself.  Good thing, because I came down with yet another summer cold and spent the week recuperating...just in time to go back to work next week!!  I was feeling so crummy I did almost no stamping while I was away...just slept, read and generally vegged out.  Never fear, though!  I have a terrific project to show you today from Kim Score over at Craft Project Central.  Check this out:

Fancy Gift Box and Card designed by Kim Score.

Isn't that the coolest box?!?  It is sure to impress!  The box is big enough to hold lots of little treats or small gifts.  Change up the papers for any occasion or add a handle to the sides to make a special basket!  The accompanying card coordinates purrrrfectly!!  To access the tutorial for this project and NINE others simply head over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to August...it's only $10!  Then stop by Kim's blog and tell her what a genius she is!  
Today I have some quality stamping time set aside, so I'll have something new for you tomorrow...in the meantime, have a wonderful Sunday!

Step it Up

Today I want to show you a card that I based on one I showed you last week.  I needed thank you cards to send to the ladies who participated in my recent swap so I took the basic design of this card and stepped it up a little.

Fall Thank You card featuring the Friendship Preserves and Wonderfall stamp sets

Doesn't the change in the colour of the card base just take this to a whole new level??  I also love the added texture of the stamped leaves in the background.  This card is the perfect example of what happens when you play with your designs.  Don't be afraid to experiment with colour and texture...you may surprise yourself with the result!

Today I'll be heading home from the cottage and coming to grips with the reality that summer is nearly over.  *sigh*  The good news is that I've taken some stamping supplies with me and should have some fun projects to show you this week...stay tuned!

Halloween Fun

Today I have the latest project from the designers over at Craft Project Central to show you.  This is a cute idea for Halloween designed by Regina Andari...

Mummy-in-the-Window Treat Box and card designed by Regina Andari

I just love that little Mummy from the Googly Ghouls stamp set.  You'll see more of him from me in the coming weeks...but this little project is just too cute!  I love that it isn't all typical Halloween black and orange, but rather lovely fall shades.  It would be easy to swap out the mummy for different images to create a gift box for just about any occasion.  To access the tutorial for this project, head over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to August.  Then swing by Regina's blog and tell her how adorable this project is!

More Swap-spiration

While I am enjoying life by the lake for the week I have another couple of cards I received in a swap I recently hosted.  I hope they inspire you as much as they have me...

Lovely Christmas card designed by Stephanie VanDorp and featuring the Merry Minis and Greetings of the Season stamp sets.

Cute card designed by Tammie White and featuring the Frosty Friends A La Carte stamp with sentiment from Christmas Lodge

Once again, I LOVE both of these cards!  Steph's card is so creative in the way she used the Window Frames Framelits to create a window for her little ornaments to hang in...I also love that she used Core'dinations cardstock with the Vintage Wallpaper TIEF...gorgeous!
Tammie's card is just plain cute...but there's nothing plain about it!  What you likely can't tell from the photo is that she used the Burnished Vellum technique to give the snowmen dimension and perfect snowy-white colour.  I also love the little touches of Dazzling Details glitter she used for some subtle sparkle. 
Sooooo....have you started thinking about your holiday crafting yet??  It's never too early to get started and finish before the chaos of the holiday season is upon us.  Let's book your holiday card party today and get you started with some FREE stuff!  I am now filling my fall calendar and it is getting busy already!  Send me an email today to reserve your preferred date.  I'll get back to you when I return from my northern sojourn this weekend.

The best swap card...ever!

Today I want to show you an absolutely stunning card I received as part of a swap I recently hosted.  This is, by far, the most beautiful swap card I have ever received...take a look and you'll see why!

Stunning Christmas card designed by Gail Lowe featuring the Watercolour Winter stamp set...note the beautifully stamped coordinating envelope!

The inside is just as beautiful as the outside!

Isn't that something?!?  What is even more amazing is that this was Gail's first swap ever!  All I can say is WOWZERS!  All that fussy cutting and embossing...so elegant!  I told Gail she was most welcome to join my swaps in the future!

Some Inspiration

One of the many things I love about being a demonstrator is swapping card designs with fellow demonstrators from all across Canada.  I recently hosted a swap of cards using stamp sets from the new Holiday Catalogue and WOW did I get some beautiful cards!  Today I want to show you a couple of my favourites:

Wintery Christmas card  featuring the Snowflake Soiree and Greetings of the Season sets designed by Christine Kokiw

Fun and oh-so-creative card featuring the Wonderful Winterland stamp set designed by Kim Munro

Aren't those fun?  I love them both for different reasons.  Christine's card is elegant and detailed and features so many elements it is easy to miss them all at first glance.  One element that doesn't show well in the photo is that she used the Dazzling Diamonds technique on the panel of stamped snowflakes.  So pretty and sparkly...like freshly fallen snow.  Kim's card is just so darned cute!  I love the way she used the image in place of the letter 'o'...so whimsical and fun...not to mention her watercolouring is fabulous!  I hope you enjoyed these...I'll have a couple more tomorrow.  But first I need to show you the latest offering from Craft Project Central.  Check this out:

Embossed Vellum Gift Bag and Card designed by Laurie Zoellmer

Isn't that so soft and pretty?  I love how delicate it looks...perfect for gift giving to just about anyone.  To access the tutorial for Laurie's project just subscribe to August over at CPC.

A Glitterific Project

Today I want to show one of the make-n-takes we did at our Tri-City Stampers team meeting this month.  I wanted to showcase some of the new products from the Holiday Catalogue that some of our team members may not have had the chance to purchase yet and so I came up with this:

Sparkly Christmas Ornament featuring the Candlelight Christmas specialty DSP, red and silver glimmer paper and the Joyous Season stamp set.

I have to say this photo really doesn't do this project justice!  It is so sparkly and pretty...just like Christmas should be!  I used the flocked window sheets from the Candlelight Christmas specialty DSP pack for the base and then added snowflakes I die cut using the new Snow Flurry die.  I layered that with the oval from the Joyous Season set that I stamped and heat embossed in silver.  Finally, I layered an ornament that I die cut in red glimmer paper using my Holiday Ornament Framelits.  The cool thing about this ornament is that its pretty on both sides, perfect to hang on your Christmas tree!

A FANTABULOUS Day

Yesterday was such  fun day!  I, along with several members of my Tri-City Stampers Team, attended the Hamilton Regional Seminar held by Stampin' Up.  It was an awesome day filled with prizes (FREE stuff!), inspiration, stamping projects and lots of fun and fellowship with other demonstrators from the area.  CEO and Co-Founder Shelli Gardiner was there and we had a chance to visit with her for a few minutes. Here are a few photos of our chat:

We're all listening intently to what Shelli has to say.  Like our aprons?  Shelli did!  They were made by team member Laura Bart...fun, eh?

Shelli was happy to meet Rob...yes...there IS such a thing as a male demonstrator!

L-R:  Stephanie VanDorp, Rob Krete, Shelli Gardiner, ME!, Laura Bart

Some of my awesome team...thanks for a great day guys!  Convention 2013 here we come!!

 We left at the end of the day refreshed, recharged and inspired...what more could you ask for?  Attending Regionals is just one of the many perks of being a Stampin' Up demonstrator.  Want to know more?  I would love to chat with you about why I love what I do and how you can join my Tri-City Stampers team.  Let's get together over coffee and chat!

Now for a heads' up...today I am heading up to my parents' place in Northern Ontario for a week of relaxation by the lake.  I have pre-posted projects for you to enjoy each day I am away, but please note I won't be available by phone or email all week.  But remember, my online store NEVER closes!  I hope you have a great week!

Something new..

...from Craft Project Central!  Today I am at the Stampin' Up Hamilton Regional seminar having lots of stampy fun. While I am away I have a wonderful idea from fellow designer Heidi King.  Have a look:

Clipboard and Stationery Set designed by Heidi  King.

I have to say that the Fan Fair DSP pack is one of my fav's from the new catty.  I love soft vintage feel and trendy images.  Heidi has done a wonderful job showcasing that with this lovely set.  To access the tutorial for this project simply subscribe to August over at CPC...then head to Heidi's blog and let her know how much you love her design.

Blog Candy Winner

Thanks to all for your kind comments on my 2nd Bloggaversary!  It really is gratifying to know that there are others out there who are actually interested in what I have to say and create!  So...without further ado, the winner of my Bloggaversary Blog Candy is...

EILEEN!!

Congratulations, Eileen!  Please send me an email with your shipping information and I will get your goodies in the mail this weekend!

I am off to the Hamilton  Regional seminar with several members of my team tomorrow.  It promises to be a great day!  I'm sure I'll have lots to share when I get back.  Have a great weekend everyone! 

Ghoulish Fun

Today's card is a wee bit out of the ordinary for me.  I don't typically make or send Halloween cards.  It's just not a big deal for us...however, now that my son is getting to an age where Halloween is a big event, I feel as though I have to get into the spirit a bit more.  Hence today's project, based on this week's sketch over at Stamping 411:

Halloween card for SSC 268 featuring the Googly Ghouls stamp set

Now, the colour scheme for this card is actually from last week's colour challenge over at Nacho Average  Challenges (another fun challenge site I stumbled across) that featured Night of Navy, Rich Razzleberry and Lucky Limeade.  Of course, once again, I am too late posting this to enter that particular challenge, but I'm just in time for the sketch!  In any case, that colour combo said Halloween to me and led to this card.  My Big Shot got a real workout on this one!  Here is the list of Big Shot products I used here:  Spider Web TIEF, Cheveron TIEF, Labels Collection Framelits, Finishing Touches Edgelits.  Isn't it amazing what that tool can do??  I can't imagine this card without all of those elements.  The best part, though is those fun little googlie eyes on Frankie...they just bring him to life!  Even better, they're only $2.95 for 50!  What a deal!!  My son really liked this card...in fact he told me that I have to send it to him for Halloween!  Getting his dibs in early, I guess!

Speaking of dibs...I'll be back later this morning to announce the lucky winner of my Bloggaversary Blog Candy giveaway.  See you soon!

Blooming Thanks

Today I have a simple card for you that I put together a while back.  Have a look:

Simple Thank You card featuring the Blooming with Kindness stamp set

I absolutely adore the Blooming With Kindness stamp set!  It is so beautiful and includes both the gorgeous floral image and several sentiments in lovely cursive script...perfect for someone who is new to stamping and wants lots of versatility from a stamp set.  Plus it is really reasonably priced at only $20.95 for Clear Mount!

In designing this card I wanted to keep the focus on the image, so I kept it quite CAS.  I added a little strip of Comfort Cafe DSP that I embossed using my Square Lattice TIEF and embellished with a bit of Crochet Trim.  It really looks like a strip of specialty ribbon, rather than paper!  I added a Naturals Designer Button threaded with a bit of Linen Thread to complete the look.  Simple and quick, yet elegant!

On another note, this is just a reminder about my Bloggaversary Blog Candy Giveaway.  To enter just leave a comment on THIS POST before Friday, August 17th.  Good luck!

I Missed it!

I missed my Bloggaversary!  How could I forget that August 11th, 2010 is when I claimed my little patch of cyberspace and embarked on my blogging adventure?!?  I feel so badly about missing that special date that I am adding even more goodies to the bundle of blog candy I was going to offer.  Lucky for you!!  Here is a photo of all of the stamping goodness:

BLOG CANDY!!  To celebrate my 2nd Bloggaversary!  To enter to win just leave a comment on this post before Friday, August 17th.

To be eligible to win this bundle of freebies just leave a comment on this post before Friday, August 17th.  I will announce one lucky winner on Friday and ship it out to you for free!  How great is that?!?

Today I also need to show you the latest project offering from Craft Project Central.  Check out this idea designed by Julie Beltramo:

Friendship Gift Set designed by Julie Beltramo

To access the tutorial for this project, head over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to August.  You'll get 10 full-colour tutorials for just $10...what a deal!

This is also a reminder that tomorrow is the last day to register for my Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Camp.  Don't miss out!

Team Congrats

Last month two members of my Tri-City Stampers team achieved promotions!  We honoured them at our team meeting last night and today I want to share the cards I made for them.  Have a look...

Congratulations card featuring the Button, Button stamp set with sentiment from Curly Cute.

Congratulations card featuring the Workshop Words (retired) stamp set.

The first card is for one of my team members who is a hobby demonstrator and just loves Stampin' Up, but who is also a wonderful seamstress and retired Family Studies teacher.  I know she likes the Button, Button stamp set, so I used it, along with each of the new In-Colours, to create her card.  I added a bit of scoring detail to the sentiment panel with my Simply Scored Scoring Tool and some texture to the background with my Square Lattice TIEF.  The second card is for a gal who is working hard to build her business and uses a bunch of retired product, as well as some brand new ones!  The background is embossed with the Chevron TIEF, which is new to the catalogue this year.  The DSP is from the Snow Festival pack from the new Holiday Catty.  The large and medium star punches are retired, but the small and extra-small stars are from the Holiday Collection Framelits and Merry Minis punch packs respectively.  The sentiment is from a set called Workshop Words that we received at Convention last year.  The colour scheme is Gumball Green, Melon Mambo and Whisper White...though the colour in the photo is a bit off.  My wonderful photography skills strike again! 
In addition to these cards, my team members also receive product rewards when they reach various milestones.  I want them to feel as special and appreciated as they are!  For more information about joining my team of wonderful stampers, click HERE.  I'd love to chat with you about all the wonderful benefits of the Stampin' Up opportunity.

A Winner and a Deer

Happy Monday everyone!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend...we were busy as always around here.  The To-Do list is gradually getting shorter in anticipation of our Austrian visitors next month.  Today, as promised, I have the winner of the free month's subscription to Craft Project Central.  So...without further ado...the winner is...

HOFKISSED

Congratulations!  I'll be in touch about how to access your free subscription.

Now for some stamping!  Today I have another Christmas card for you.  It uses one of the new sets from the Annual Catalogue as well as some new products from the Holiday catty.  Check it out:

Elegant Christmas card featuring the Christmas Deer stamp set with sentiment from Petite Pairs

Once again, I based the layout for this design on a sketch challenge but am too late to enter!  I used last week's sketch over at Stamping 411. The sketch is pretty simple and so is this card.  The background is the new Core'dinations card stock in Early Espresso, that I embossed with the new Lacy Brocade TIEF and then lightly sanded.  I also used a bit of the new Candlelight Christmas DSP...so pretty!  I added a bit of Cherry Cobbler seam binding ribbon and a glimmer brad for a bit of sparkle.  Quick and easy...made even easier because the design work was already done...gotta love working from a sketch! 

Merry Minis

Ok...I think this is the most CAS card I have ever made.  Ready for it?  Here we go...

VERY CAS Christmas card featuring the Merry Minis stamp set with sentiment from Tiny Tags.

See what I mean?  Couldn't be much more minimalist than this, right?  I have to tell you I am still itching to stamp something on that naked background or add some DSP or ribbon or embossing or...something!?!  But I am suppressing that urge and leaving it as-is.  This layout was inspired by last week's sketch over at Retro Sketches, another challenge blog I recently discovered.  I'm too late posting this to enter the challenge, but I wanted to be sure to give credit where it is due.  So...whaddya think??  Not what you're used to seeing from me, right?  I have to say, though, that I do rather like this cute little card.  In fact, I'm considering using it for my swaps at Regionals next weekend.  It does have all the requisite design elements:  texture, dimension (the trees are popped up), and movement (the embossing carries the eye across the page to the focal images).  I'm just having a really hard time looking at that expanse of naked Crumb Cake cardstock...breathe Leena, breathe.  It will be ok...naked is good...well unless we're talking about ME naked...then its bad...very, very bad.  Ahhh...the creative tension is killing me!  I better end this post now and go make something with LOTS of layers...and ribbon...and DSP...and buttons...and brads...and...

Oh...before I go, I have to show you the latest project over at CPC.  Check it out:

Comfort Cafe Wreath and Card designed by Christy Fulk

SO pretty!  Love those flowers!  Wouldn't this be lovely hanging on your front door this fall?  I know it would look great on mine...and I could finally take down the Easter swags I've had up since April!  I had better get busy...I need two for my double door!  If you'd like the tutorial for this project, head over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to August.  Then stop by Christy's blog and leave her some love.  Then come back here and leave a comment on my insane ramblings so you're entered in my draw for a free month's subscription to CPC.  I'm announcing the winner tomorrow.  Got all that?  Good...now have a great Sunday!

Freshly Made Fall

Happy Saturday everyone!  I recently discovered another sketch challenge blog to add to my reading list.  I know Freshly Made Sketches has been around for a while but I just discovered them!  Here is this week's sketch followed by my take on it:

Thank you card for FMS47 featuring the Friendship Preserves stamp set and Orchard Harvest DSP.

I really like this sketch...it is so versatile!  I've already used it to create another thank you card design for a swap I am hosting.  I can't post that one until I've sent out the swaps, but suffice to say this sketch made it easy!  I took the liberty of adding the button element to my design, even though it isn't part of the sketch...you know how I feel about embellies!  To stamp the focal image I inked up my stamp with More Mustard ink and then used a sponge dauber to add Cajun Craze around the edges.  I love the way those two colours blend.  Not sure it shows in the photo, but I used my new piercing template to add a pierced border on the Early Espresso mat behind the stamped image.  A really easy way to add interest to any design.  The background piece of DSP is embossed using the new Wood Grain TIEF...that one is fast-becoming a go-to design element for me. If you haven't purchased this one yet you NEED it!

On another note, there is just one more day left to enter my draw for a free month's subscription to Craft Project Central.  Just leave a comment on any post dated August 5th -12th to enter.  I will announce the winner on Monday.  In the meantime, have a great weekend!!

A Bit Over the Top

Today's project is one that I most certainly wouldn't do in a class or workshop, but really like none-the-less.  It is a wee bit too involved to do in a class setting but sometimes it's fun to just allow yourself to go a little embellishment happy.  Have a look and you'll see what I mean...

Over-the-top Christmas card featuring the Evergreen stamp set.

Inside View with sentiment from Greetings of the Season

Soooo...I kinda went a little crazy with the pearls.  I just couldn't stop!  Now, looking at it again, I probably should have...they are a bit much!  There are a couple of things I do love about this card, though. Firstly, the music background.  It is from the Natural Compositions specialty paper pack.  The images come clear-embossed on a neutral brown background.  I just sponged Cherry Cobbler ink all over to make the notes pop off the page...they almost look like they're embossed in gold!  Very cool and so easy!  The other element I love is the new scalloped tulle ribbon.  Here I used the Crumb Cake version, but it is also available in Cherry Cobbler and Early Espresso.  So soft and pretty...it adds a truly unique element to any design.  Of course I also love the Evergreen stamp set.  I just can't get enough of that set...you'll most definitely be seeing more of it in the coming months.

Now a couple of reminders...
Firstly, don't forget to enter my monthly draw for a free month's subscription to Craft Project Central.  Just leave a comment on any post dated August 5th -12th.  I will announce one lucky winner here on the 13th.

Secondly, there is just one more week to register for my Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Camp coming up at the end of the month.  In case you missed it, here is a photo of the projects we'll be making:

Register by August 16th.  Don't be disappointed!

All of the details for this event are listed HERE.  Be sure to get in before the deadline...you won't want to miss this event!

She's Done it Again!

Wait until you see this adorable project from Amanda Corbett at Craft Project Central!  I am in awe of her creative talent.  Check this out...

Butterfly Gift Box designed by Amanda Corbett

Isn't that just beautiful?!?  Who wouldn't love to receive a gift enclosed in that lovely box?  To access the tutorial for Amanda's project simply subscribe to August over at Craft Project Central.  For only $10 you'll receive TEN full-colour, step-by-step tutorials for fabulous projects.  Then stop by Amanda's blog and let her know how much you love this project.  Oh...and before you go, be sure to enter my draw for a free month's subscription to CPC by leaving a comment on any post dated August 5th - 12th.  I will post the winner on August 13th.  Good luck!!

A New Spin

First off, I must apologize for my late post today...last night was a "campout" night for Max and I.  He has been wanting to campout in our backyard all summer and, after two previous failed attempts last night was the night.  I was out at a meeting until 9:30, came home and headed out to the tent.  Not an especially restful night, to say the least!  I miss camping in the wilderness with no noise but the crickets and the occasional loon from the lake.  Last night it was all about the trains, planes, automobiles and...garbage trucks.  Note to self:  DO NOT attempt to campout on garbage night!
Anyhow...on to some stamping!  Today's project is another one I designed for an upcoming class.  It is a new spin on the Faux Wax Seal and Faux Metal techniques.  I'm calling this a "Faux Fossil".  You'll see what I mean...

Masculine card featuring the French Foliage stamp set with sentiment from Tiny Tags

Cool, eh?  To create the leaf I began by pouring some gold embossing powder on a scrap of brushed gold card stock.  I then heated it from beneath until it melted into a pool.  I quickly laid the leaf stamp in the pool of melted powder and left it there until the pool hardened.  When I pulled off the stamp I was left with the imprint of the image.  I then tore the image out of the scrap paper and inked the edges with Early Espresso ink.  Quick and easy and pretty darned cool.  The background is the new Core'dinations card stock that I ran through my woodgrain TIEF and then sanded.  The rest of this card is pretty straightforward with the Always Artichoke mat and card base in Crumb Cake.  I left the inside blank, but I'm thinking I might do something like "Happy Birthday (you old fossil you!)" or something to that effect.  Of course I would have to be sure the recipient had a sense of humor!!
On another note, don't forget to enter my draw for a free month's subscription to Craft Project Central.  Just leave a comment on any (or every!) post dated August 5th - 12th.  I will draw one winner and announce it on the 13th.  Good luck!

Cracked Ice for Christmas

What  a crazy-busy weekend that was!  We worked through our To-Do List in preparation for the arrival of two of my uncles and aunts from Austria in September.  When you have family that live so far away a visit is a BIG deal, so we want our home in ship-shape.  We're not quite there yet, but things certainly are looking better! 
I spent a wee bit of time prepping for my monthly techniques class last week and came up with a look that I really like.  I'm calling it Cracked Ice...check it out and you'll see why...

Frosty Christmas card featuring the Snowflake Serenad stamp set with sentiment from Sweet Essentials.

A closer look

Isn't that a cool background??  Here is a quick explanation of how I did it:
Stamp the snowflakes on a 4"x 5-1/4" piece of clear acetate (I used Stampin' Up window sheets) using white Staz On.  Once the ink has dried, flip the stamped acetate over and apply a thin coat of Crystal Effects all over the back side.  Add several drops of Baja Breeze reinker and, using a paint brush, spread it out across the Crystal Effects, allowing it to swirl a little.  Take a piece of white tissue paper, cut slightly larger than the acetate, and crumple it up.  Uncrumple the tissue, leaving lots of wrinkles in it.  Lay it over the inked Crystal Effects and lightly tap the tissue down into it.  You want to make sure the tissue is pressed right into the glue and is even.  Layer the whole thing on a 4-1/8" x 5-3/8" piece of Baja Breeze card stock and set it aside to dry. You can make up several background pieces at a time and allow them to dry so you have some ready to go for when inspiration strikes.  I really love this technique...I hope my class participants do too!

Now for another project from this month's offerings at Craft Project Central. This adorable little ensemble comes to you from Monkia Davis.  Check it out:

Ladybug Treat Box and Card designed by Monika Davis

Isn't that too cute?!?  Almost makes me wish I had a little girl to make this for, although I'm sure my son would love it too!  To access the tutorial for this project subscribe to August over at Craft Project Central.  You'll get 10 fabulous projects for just $10!! 

This is also a quick reminder that I'm giving away a month's subscription to one of my lucky blog readers.  To be entered in the draw simply leave a comment on any post dated between August 5th and 12th.  I will post the winner on the 13th.  It's that easy!  Good luck!!

Autumn Birthday

This week my monthly techniques group meets.  Today I want to show you one of the projects we'll be doing.  Have a look:

Fall Birthday card featuring the French Foliage stamp set with sentiment from Perfectly Penned.

Inside view with sentiment from Bring on the Cake.

I so love Fall colours!  This design was inspired by a bunch of negatives I had leftover from my cutting leaves using my new Autumn Accents die.  I thought it might be cool to use the negative shapes as stencils to sponge a background and so I went to work. I used my sponge daubers to apply ink inside the stencil.  For the maple leaf I used More Mustard, Cajun Craze and Cherry Cobbler.  For the oak leaf I used More Mustard and Soft Suede.  For those of you wondering how I did the layer behind the sentiment label, check out my Tutorials page for a quick how-to.  This card came together easily and I really like the result!  I hope my class participants do too!

Just a quick reminder to enter my giveaway for a free month's subscription to Craft Project Central by leaving a comment on any post dated August 5th - 12th.  The winner will be announced on the 13th...it could be you!

Perfect Fall Project and a Give-away!

Today I have another project for you from one of my fellow designers at Craft Project Central.  This adorable little project is brought to you by Regina Andari.  Check this out:

Friendship Preserves Basket and Note Cards designed by Regina Andari.

I simply adore this project!  What a great little basket to present the note cards or even to hold a little gift.  I love the use of the Core'dinations card stock...it adds so much interest to the basket.  To access the tutorial for this project simply subscribe to August over at Craft Project Central.  Be sure to also stop by Regina's blog to let her know how much you love her project!

Now, as happens every month I design a project for CPC, I get to give away a free month's subscription to all the creative goodness!  So, beginning today until next Sunday, August 12th each comment left on any post dated from the 5th to the 12th will be entered into the drawing for the free subscription.  I will announce the winner here on Monday, August 13th.  Good luck!