Late Again!

Once again, I find myself playing catch-up after a very busy week!  I am a day late showing you this month's bonus project from Craft Project Central.  Check it out:

Treasure Chest Gift Box and Card designed by Amanda Corbett

Isn't that something?!?  Amanda never ceases to amaze me with her create talent!  I can just imagine creating this special project for a little boy's pirate-themed birthday party or a little girl's princess event.  The gift box is plenty big (5" x 8") to hold wonderful treasures for someone special.  To access the tutorial for this project, head over to Craft Project Central and learn all about bonus projects.  Then be sure to stop by Amanda's blog to let her know just how talented you think she is!

CASE'ing Mary

Today I have another card for you that I am planning to do at a private class I have coming up.  It is inspired by a gorgeous card by Mary Fish and uses a fantastic colour combo of Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso and Summer Starfruit. Check it out:

Simple Birthday card featuring the Papillon Potpourri stamp set with sentiment from Perfect Punches.

Inside view with sentiment from Sweet Essentials

I have to say, I sadly neglect this particular TIEF. It is beautiful but I often only pull it our for wedding cards!  Seeing Mary's use of it with the Core'dinations card stock has made me see so many more possibilities!  I used it as the focal image here and added a little butterfly stamped in Summer Starfruit and punched with the Elegant Butterfly punch.  This is an addition to Mary's original design which I feel balances the card a little better.  The sentiment, from Perfect Punches, is stamped in Early Espresso and punched out with the XL Oval punch. I added some of that luscious stitched satin ribbon in Summer Starfruit that I got for FREE this month, as well as some pearls to add a bit of elegance.  This card is SO simple to make but really effective thanks to that beautiful TIEF!  Gotta love simplicity!

Spooky Treats

Today I have another project for you from Craft Project Central.  This one is designed by Heidi King and is perfect for the spooky month ahead...

Spooky Treats Set and Card designed by Heidi King.

I love Heidi's colour choices for these projects.  The green really pops against the black and gray.  These projects would be great fun as treats for a Halloween party or for a child's school friends.  To access the tutorial for Heidi's projects visit Craft Project Central and subscribe to September. 

Another Self-CASE

Today I have another version of a card I posted last spring.  It features a couple of my favourite products.  Have a look:

Nature-inspired birthday card featuring the Papillon Potpourri stamp set with sentiment from Curly Cute.

Can you guess which products on this card are my fav's?  For starters it is the Natural Compositions DSP.  LOVE that stuff!!  On this card I sponged it all-over with Raspberry Ripple ink...so rich!  The second favourite item is actually two, but they coordinate, so they really count as one in my book.  The Papillion Potpourri stamp set and coordinating Elegant Butterfly punch are just such a fabulous combo!  They make creating beautiful butterfly embellishments so fast and easy.  On this card I stamped the two smaller butterflies on the card stock and then stamped, punched and popped up the larger butterfly.  So pretty and so easy!  I added a little 3/8" taffeta ribbon in soft suede and some pearls to girlie it up but take off the ribbon and pearls and change the pink to blue or green and this card could easily work for a man as well.  I may just CASE myself on this one again if the need arises!

Froggy Birthday

This weekend I spent a bit of time prepping for an upcoming class I have next weekend.  The hostess asked to do birthday cards...particularly one for a young boy.  She said she always has trouble coming up with designs for that particular demographic.  She's not alone!  Cards for young boys can be a challenge, but, thankfully, I have one (young boy, that is) and he thinks this card is kinda fun.  Check it out!

Birthday card for a young boy featuring the Perfectly Preserved and Moving Forward stamp sets with sentiments from Pennant Parade and Family Reunion.

Inside view with sentiment from the Delightful Dozen set.

Fun, eh?  I love that little froggy from the Moving Forward set...in fact, its the only stamp from that set that has actually seen ink so far!  I liked the idea of the frogs escaping from the jar...how many of us moms of little boys shudder to think about all the critters living in the various jars that find their way into our home over the summer months?   Thankfully, all of our "guests" have moved on the greener pastures and we are, for the moment, critter free.  Anyhow, my son thought it was pretty funny that the frogs were jumping out of the jar on this card.  In fact, he asked if he could give it to the one of this friends that has a birthday.  Nothing like the stamp of approval from a 5-year-old!  (Pardon the pun!!)  I stamped a border using the "happy birthday" stamp from the Family Reunion set and added a little tag from the Pennant Parade set.  The colour scheme is Lucky Limeade, Summer Starfruit and Basic Black.  The only embellishment is a bit of baker's twine to hold the tag on the jar. Simple and boy-friendly.   I hope my class attendees like it!

Playing Catch-up

Where the heck did the weekend go??  I can't believe it's Sunday night and I have to go to work in the morning.  How is it that two days can pass so darned quickly?!?  I am late posting today's project from Craft Project Central, so, without further ado, here is the latest offering courtesy of Laurie Zoellmer:

Tea Bag Box and Pop-Up Card

This lovely ensemble makes the perfect gift for the tea lover in your life!  The tea bag box holds several tea bags, and the coordinating card is sure to "wow" them when they open it and see the pop-up tea cup!  This fun project was designed by Laurie Zoellmer.  To access the tutorial for this design, visit Craft Project Central and subscribe to September.  

Now I need to go finish my laundry so my family has clean clothes to wear this week!  Yikes!!

TGIF!

What a week!  Why does the first month of the school year always seem so crazy??  I am wiped!  I've been going 90 miles an hour all week and I am SO ready to crash this weekend.  Unfortunately we have another busy one planned with our Austrian visitors, so no rest for the weary this time!  I just hope I can squeeze in some time to stamp! 
Today I have another neat project from Craft Project Central this month.  This one is designed by the ever-talented Regina Andari.  Have a look:

Ready-to-go-Flat-Fold Box and Note Cards designed by Regina Andari

I love the Hoop La La stamp set Regina used.  It is on my wishlist, but hasn't quite made it to the top.  This project is certainly making me want to bump it up a notch or two!  To access Regina's tutorial, subscribe to September over at Craft Project Central and if you get a chance stop by Regina's blog and let her know how much you appreciate her talent.

Birthday Card for a Little Man

Last week my brother's little guy celebrated his first birthday.  He did it in grand style with all of his aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents present and even had two great-uncles and aunts there as well.  It was a wonderful day and in honour of the big event I created this card:

Birthday card for a ONE year old featuring the Elebration and Memorable Moments stamp sets.

 I just love this image from last year's catalogue!  I've actually had this stamp for almost two years and this was the first time I've used it!!  It is the perfect image for a special brithday card.  I stamped it on watercolour paper using Staz-on ink and then coloured it using my Watercolour Crayons...love those things!  The DSP is from the Nursery Nest pack, which is also from last year's catty.  Lots of retired product here, but I used lots of NEW tools!  The Labels Collection Framelits, Edgelits and Finishing Touches TIEF are all new to this year's catalogue and add texture and interest to the design.

And now, here's a shot of the birthday boy enjoying his cake!  As you can see, he takes his food VERY seriously!

Happy Birthday Benjamin!!

Hope your day is as sweet as Ben's was!

Thanksgiving is Coming!

Are you ready?  Here in Canada we celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October.  This year, since October 1st is a Monday, our Thanksgiving Day is as early as it gets (October 8th)!  Fellow Canuck, and Craft Project Central designer Tara Bourgoin has designed this lovely table setting sure to set the perfect backdrop for your holiday meal, whether in October or November!

Thanksgiving Table Setting designed by Tara Bourgoin

Now wouldn't your turkey dinner look extra-yummy served on a table setting like this one?  To access Tara's tutorial, visit Craft Project Central and subscribe to September.  Better yet, book a class or party with me this month and I'll pay for your subscription for you!  That's right, a free month's subscription is my way of saying thanks for hosting an event with me this month.  Don't miss out...when September ends, so does this offer.  Call or email to book your event today!

Monday Morning Blues

I really dislike Mondays.  Especially after a busy weekend where I feel like I had no down time.  Ah well, the show must go on, as they say, and so must the school year, so off to work I go.  Before I do, I want to share a project with you that was inspired by one of the Make-n-Takes at Hamilton Regionals last month.  I blogged about it here, so you can see the original version of this project.  Here is another take on it that we did as one of the Make-n-Takes at my team meeting this month.

Vellum Note Card Pouch...love that stitched satin ribbon that is FREE right now with a $50 order!

Note cards and envelopes featuring the Everything Eleanor and Perfectly Penned stamp sets.

Isn't that a great little gift set?  I loved the vellum pouch idea from Regionals and also the single layer, stamps-and-ink-only design.  I really wanted to replicate that to show you that you don't need a ton of supplies to make something beautiful.  I used the Note Cards and Envelopes, stamped with three different colours of ink: Sahara Sand, Pool Party and Midnight Muse and used an image set and a sentiment set.  The possibilities for this project are just about endless!  The best part is that because you get 20 note cards and envelopes in a package you could make up five sets like this for just $7.50.  Talk about an economical gift idea!  I can tell you Max's teachers are going to be getting some of these little beauties come Christmas this year!
Have a great Monday and a good week everyone!

Mummified Fun

Happy Sunday morning everyone!  I hope your weekend is going well.  Our Austrian visitors arrived safe and sound yesterday and after a much-needed night's sleep last night we are preparing for my nephew's first birthday party.  I can't believe he's already a year old...how time flies!  I need to get busy this morning and make is birthday card, but first I want to show you this cute little Halloween ensemble I came up with a while back.  Have a look:

Halloween Treat Ensemble featuring the Googly Ghouls stamp set.

Card with faux stitching

Inside View of Card

Mini Treat Holder made with an up-cycled brad container

Mummified Candy Box made using the Fancy Favour Box die and lots of 7/8" cotton ribbon!

I can't tell you how much I love that little mummy!  He is just too cute and he inspired me to make this entire mummy-themed ensemble.  I got extra mileage out of my 7/8" cotton ribbon by cutting it in half lengthwise.  This made the edges more raw and frayed, perfect for the look I was going for, and allowed me to use far less of it than I would have if I'd used the full width.  I had great fun with this project...why not give it a try?  The little ghouls in your life will love it!
Now off to make a 1st birthday card!  Stay tuned for photos!!

Halloween Cuteness

I simply adore today's project from Craft Project Central, designed by the ever-so-talented Kim Score.  Check this out:

Monster Munchies Ensemble designed by Kim Score

Isn't that little punch art bat the cutest??  It is simply amazing what Kim can do with punches!  This is the latest project available when you subscribe to September over at Craft Project Central.  Head on over and check out the details and then stop by Kim's blog for more inspiration and to let her know how much you love this project.

There is also still time to earn your month's subscription for FREE by scheduling your stamping event with me during September.  Everyone who hosts a class or party will receive a subscription to September at CPC as my thanks to you.  Call or email today to schedule your event before time runs out.

TGIF!

Happy Friday!!  What a week this has been!  Work has been so busy and I've had something on every night and am just so ready for the weekend.  Unfortunately things aren't going to settle down much as we have family arriving from Austria tomorrow for a month-long visit and then my nephew's first birthday party on Sunday.  Ah, it just never ends...I need more hours in the day...either that or the power to stop time!
Enough whining...on to the good stuff!  Today I have a project to show you that I CASE'd from one of my fellow designers over at Craft Project Central to do as the make-n-take at my Tri-City Stampers team meeting this week.  It is a fun-fold Halloween card....take a look:

Cute Halloween card featuring the Googly Ghouls stamp set and Howlstooth and Scarringbone DSP.

Open the top flap...

...and then the bottom one to reveal the sentiment from Seasonal Sayings.

Isn't that a fun fold?  I love that little mummy peeking out the cut-out at the top of the card.  The cool thing about this design is that it would be easy to tuck a little treat inside!  Gotta love a card that doubles as a treat holder.  The Googly Ghouls stamp set is just about the cutest thing ever!  I am not a fan of the gory, blood-and-guts Halloween thing, but I do love fun, cute images and this set fits the bill.  That little spider with the googly eyes is just adorable.  I think I might have to find another use for him after Halloween is done...he's just too darned cute to only use at Halloween!
Have a great weekend...and check in tomorrow...I'll have another fun Halloween project for you!

Elegant Ensemble

Today's project is the latest offering from Craft Project Central.  It is designed by Monika Davis...have a look:

Elegant Greeting Card Set and Gift Tote Ensemble designed by Monika Davis.

Monika has used one of my all-time favourite sets, Just Believe, for this project.  It is one of the first sets I bought after becoming a demonstrator and I don't think I will ever get rid of it.  It is so versatile as is certainly evidenced by Monika's lovely project.  To access the tutorial for this design head over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to September or book a private class or workshop with me this month and receive your month's subscription FREE!  That's a $10 value just for booking an event!  Call or email today to book your September event.

One Card, Two Looks

My monthly techniques group meets this week and one of the gals asked if we could do a baby congrats card.  I am always happy to oblige requests when I can and wanted to come up with something that didn't scream "baby" so that the other members of the group could alter the greeting in the event they weren't in need of a baby card.  So, here is what I came up with...one card, two looks:

Baby Card featuring the Baby Bundle and Sweet Essentials stamp sets and using the Faux Quilting technique.

Birthday card featuring the Pretty Postage and Sweet Essentials stamp sets.

I think both cards work!  I switched up the birthday card a little by using a different TIEF for the Faux Quilting and changing the ribbon colour.  Both are easy subsitutions in a class situation, so I think this design should work for everyone.  Sure hope they all like it!

The Cure for a Missing Mojo...

...CASE something!  Yesterday I told you about my creative drought and how frustrating it is when you have work to do but can't design anything that looks even half-way decent.  So I let someone else do my designing for me!  Today's project was inspired by a card I saw on Pinterest.  It was a repin so I'm not sure who the original designer was, but  it sure did help me get over my mojo-less-ness!  Check it out:

Thinking of You card featuring the French Foliage and En Francais stamp sets with sentiment from Sweet Essentials.

This is one of the cards I am doing at my techniques class this month.  It uses the Triple Time technique.  I chose one of my favourite Fall stamp sets (French Foliage) and one of my new favourite sentiment sets (Sweet Essentials).  My colour inspiration was the Orchard Harvest DSP, though I didn't actually use any of it here.  I just love that paper and the rich Fall hues it contains and decided to incorporate them into this design.  The colours I used were:  More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake and Island Indigo.  I quite like the hit of blue amid the otherwise warm earthy tones.  It really makes the focal panel stand out from the background. 
It's amazing what making a single decent card can do to get the ol' Mojo working again.  I have a few projects to show you this week that came about after CASE'ing this project!  Stay tuned!

Toxic Decor

Happy Sunday everyone!  I hope  you are enjoying a restful weekend.  I spent some of my most frustrating time ever in my stamping corner yesterday!  I simply could not come up with anything presentable!  I  wasted ridiculous amounts of card stock and paper and finally my husband suggested I give up for the day and try again tomorrow.  Don't you hate when you have a creative block?!?  I tried all of my usual mojo-moving tricks but nothing was working.  I sure hope today is a better day because I have a lot to get done!
Since I couldn't design anything yesterday I haven't anything new to show you today, but I do get to show you this cool project from Julie Beltramo, my fellow designer at Craft Project Central.  Check it out:

Toxic Treats Decor Gift Set designed by Julie Beltramo

 I just love that little pumpkin treat box!  Going to have to make a few of those myself!  To access the tutorial for Julie's design, head over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to September.  You'll receive ten full-colour tutorials, that you'll be able to access for a full year, for just $10.  What a deal!  Also, during the month of September, book a class or workshop with me and I'll give you a month's subscription FREE!  That's right, my hostess bonus this month is a free month's subscription to CPC.  Call or email today to book your September event!

Fall Collage

Sometimes I love challenging myself to create cards that keep to the basics of stamp, ink and paper.  Today's project is the result of one of  my attempts at keeping it simple (ish):

Simple card featuring the French Foliage  and Perfectly Penned stamp sets.

Pretty basic, huh?  I deviated from my usual fall colour choices and incorporated some equally fall'ish but less used colours:  Always Artichoke, Bravo Burgundy, More Mustard, Soft Suede and Cajun Craze.  I have to say that I think this was the first time in over a year that my Bravo Burgundy ink pad has seen the light of day!  Anyhow, I die cut one of the labels from the Apothecary Accents set from a post-it note and used it as a mask in the centre of the card to leave a space for my sentiment and then I went to town stamping the images from the French Foliage set and then sponging using Crumb Cake and Soft Suede inks.  When I removed the mask I stamped the sentiment in Soft Suede in the centre of the label shape.  I could have left it at that  but I just had to add a little something  else and cross-stiched the little "X"'s at the points of the label.  Just a little something extra by way of subtle embellishment.  I layered the panel on a piece of Bravo Burgundy card stock and then mounted it on a Very Vanilla card base.  Super simple and easy to do!

Fall Foliage

Today I get to show the project I designed this month for Craft Project Central.  I used one of my very favourite Fall stamp sets and some of my favourite colours.  Have a look:

French Foliage Any Occasion Cards and Portfolio featuring the French Foliage and Itty Bitty Banners stamp sets

 I am so pleased with the way this turned out.  It really captured the look I was going for.  The portfolio holds four cards and coordinating envelopes.  The sentiments are mounted  so that they can be removed and adhered to a card  as needed.  It is the perfect set to keep on-hand for those times when you need a last-minute card.  To access the tutorial for this project, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to September.  It is only $10 and you'll get 10 full-colour tutorials that you can access for a full year.  You can also earn your subscription FREE from me by hosting a stamping event in the month of September.  It can be in my home or yours and all it takes is a minimum of 3 guests.  Call or email today to schedule your Girls' Night Out and earn your FREE subscription!

Retro Autumn Thanks

In case you missed it, I love the Fall.  I think my favourite thing about this season is the vibrant and rich tapestry of colour nature provides.  Like it is the last hurrah before the dull grayness of winter.  Today's project a celebration of Fall colours.  I based the layout on this week's sketch over at Retro Sketches.  First, here is the sketch:

And here is my card:

Autumn Thank You card for RS27 featuring the French Foliage stamp set and Orchard Harvest DSP

I told you this card was all about colour!  I really love the Orchard Harvest DSP...there truly isn't a single pattern in that pack that I dislike...not something I can always say!  I used it as the basis for my colour scheme:  Lucky Limeade, More Mustard, Island Indigo, Cajun Craze and Early Espresso.  I embossed the card base with my woodgrain TIEF...where has that one been all my life?!?  I added a couple of little Naturals Designer buttons and some quilted satin ribbon from last year's Holiday Mini.  Can you believe that is the only ribbon I own in Early Espresso??  Gonna have to do something about that with my next order.  in the meantime I hope you'll forgive the use of retired product :)

Happy First Day of School!

Today is the BIG day!  My baby started Kindergarten!!  He was so excited to get to school this morning and he did GREAT with the whole saying good-bye thing.  Mommy on the other hand, was a soggy mess!  He just kind of looked at me and said "Uh...can I go in now?"  I sat in the card and had a good long cry and then was good to go. 

The big drop off...I was already sniffling while taking this photo!

When I picked him up at the end of the day he told me it was a great day and he wanted a chocolate-dipped doughnut from Tim Horton's.  That was all he had to say. 
Today also marks back-to-work for me and, no surprise, here I am posting at 6:00 pm instead of 6:00 am!  Get used to it, folks!  The fall is always chaotic and I often find a week has passed without my putting ink to paper.  Today, though, I did get some stamping done and I have some new projects to show you later in the week.  But first, you have to see these fun fabric flowers from Craft Project Central:

Die cut fabric flowers designed by Carrie Sampsel

I really love each of these little gems!  I can't wait to try them out with some of the fabric I bought on sale.  Did you know Stampin' Up is offering all of it's retired fabrics for just $1.19 a box??  That's three fat quarters for just over a dollar...doesn't get any better than that!!  I bought tons and am sure going to try my hand at these flowers.  If you'd like to try them yourself you can access the tutorial by subscribing to September over at Craft Project Central.  It's only $10 and you'll get 10 great step-by-step tutorials.

If you'd rather win, than buy, you're in luck!  Hold a party or private class with me in the month of September and you will receive a month's subscription FREE!!  That's right, 10 free tutorials just for hosting a fun night with your friends.  Call or email today to schedule your event.

It's September?!?

How can it be September already???  I always feel a bit panicked at this time of year as I scramble to try and get my To-Do List completed before I head back to work.  I am very excited to share a couple of new ideas with you.  My new Kits-To-Go and Layout-of-the-Month Subscriptions will make it easier than ever to enjoy crafting in the comfort of your own home and on your own schedule.  Both offerings provide all the materials you need to complete various projects without having to find time to attend a class.  Could it get any easier??  Click the links for more information...here is a taste of a few of the projects available:

Since today marks the start of a new month, I get to show the first project for this month at Craft Project Central.  It is designed by Christy Fulk...

Monogram Card Gift Set designed by Christy Fulk

Everyone will love getting a note from you when you write it on one of you own monogrammed cards!  This elegant monogram card set comes with a see-through card box with a pretty flower belly band, six monogrammed cards, and six monogrammed envelopes!  Make one for yourself and a friend!  Makes a great gift for teachers, co-workers, and neighbors too!  Also makes for a fun class project!  To access the tutorial for this project subscribe to September over at Craft Project Central or read on to learn how you can earn a FREE month's subscription from me!

That's right, I am giving away a FREE month's subscription to Craft Project Central to everyone who books a party or private class with me this month.  The class must be scheduled before the end of September, so call or email today to book your event and let's get stamping!