Last day for the Extravaganza and Down and Out

I am SO sick!!  I've picked up the same bug my son has but I've got it so much worse than he does!  Not fun and certainly not conducive to stamping!  I'll have something new to show you when I'm feeling better, but I did want to take a minute to remind you all that today is the last day for the Online Extravaganza sale.  To end with a bang, Stampin' Up has a 24-hour sale on the following fab products:

Clear Block Storage Caddy Reg. $18.95 TODAY ONLY $15.16

Clear Block Bundle Reg. $89.95 TODAY ONLY $71.96

Stack & Store Caddy Reg. $44.95 TODAY ONLY $35.96

Be sure to get your order in before midnight tonight or you'll miss out on these great prices.

Also, just a quick reminder about my Customer Appreciation Open House and Santa's Little Helper events this Saturday.  If you haven't yet RSVP'd please do so by tomorrow.  Now I'm headed back to bed in the hopes of being better by Saturday!!

Feeling Festive

Well I have finally succumbed to one of the many bugs that have been flying around at work and am off today with a fever, aches and chills.  I suppose it was bound to happen sooner or later, but it had sure better pass quickly...I don't have time to be sick!  The only good thing about being home today is that I get to lie on the couch and enjoy my Christmas decorations.  I got everything but the tree put up yesterday (which is probably why I'm sick today...I kinda over-did it!  Anyhow, it is certainly looking festive and feeling much more like Christmas in our house.  To celebrate the upcoming season I have a simple holiday card for you...

Simple Christmas card featuring the Christmas Lodge stamp set.

To start, I stamped the tree using Sahara Sand ink and then die cut it out using my Labels Collection Framelits.  I sponged the edges of the label and then stamped the sentiment in Versamark and heat-embossed using pewter embossing powder.  The DSP is from the Festival of Prints pack...by the way if you like that DSP format, you're going to LOVE what's coming in the Spring Catalogue!  I added a bit of Always Artichoke seam binding ribbon for texture. Simple, quick yet oh, so traditional.

On another note, just a reminder to RSVP for my Customer Appreciation Holiday Open House coming up this Saturday, December 1st from 2-5 pm.  Drop by for an hour or so to enjoy some festive fun and allow me to thank you for your support of my business this past year.

Heart of Christmas

I am SO glad it's the weekend!!  This has been the longest week and I am so ready for time off work.  This won't exactly be a relaxing weekend though...I have my second sitting for my Christmas Card Buffet this afternoon...lots of folks wanting to get their Christmas cards made!  Then I have to get my house decorated...December's almost here!!
Today I have another card I designed for my Buffet.  Have a look:

Holiday card featuring the Heart of Christmas a la carte stamp

This is another quick and easy card to put together.  I like the look of the tulle in place of another card stock or ribbon layer.  I actually thought about using fabric, but didn't have enough for the number of kits I needed to make, so tulle it is!  I will miss this stuff when the Holiday catty expires at the beginning of January.  It is such an easy way to add softness and texture to a design.  Be sure to stock up before it's goes away!
Now I'm off to set up for my class this afternoon...have a great weekend everyone!

A Quickie!

Happy Black Friday!!  I'm so glad you've taken time out from shopping to stop by.  I've been busy all week prepping for my Christmas Card Buffet coming up this weekend. I needed one more quick card design and came up with this CAS card inspired by a tag created by Judith Naylor that I received in a swap recently.  Check it out:

CAS  Holiday card using a sentiment from the (retired) Many Merry Messages set

The first thing my son said was "Where are his eyes?" Of course, he wasn't especially satisfied with my answer which was something about artistic license. Sheesh...five-year olds!!  Anyhow, I tried this guy with and without eyes and decided he definitely looks better without them, so there! 
This card comes together really quickly with just a bit of punching and some embossing.  The circle sizes I used were 1-3/4", 1-3/8" and 1".  I used the retired Snowburst TIEF to give the snowman texture...why, oh why did they retire that folder?!?
In case you still haven't checked it out, the Online Extravaganza is in full swing.  There are some SUPER deals, so be sure to click the graphic in the upper right corner of this page to view the sale flyer.  Remember, you don't have to place your order online to qualify for the sale prices...you can call or email me directly as well.  Don't wait...this sale ends on the 29th!

Summer in November

Today I want to show you a card I designed to welcome the newest member of my Tri-City Stampers team.  It uses one of my favourite color combos:  Rich Razzleberry and Lucky Limeade.  Have a look:

Any-Occasion card featuring the Summer Silhouettes stamp set

Inside view with sentiment from Workshop Words stamp set.

I love this stamp set!  I have been coveting it since it first appeared in the Annual Catalogue last June, but only finally purchased it during the big One-Day sale last month. I pulled it out to create a special card to welcome a new team member.  The colour combo is so fresh and clean...it reminds me of summer! Ah, for those warm, sunny days!  It will be some months before we experience those again here in Southern Ontario!! Winter is coming and the thermometer cetainly shows it!  I had to scrape frost off my car this morning when I left for work!  UGH!

SALE TIME!

Today is the day!!  Stampin' Up's HUGE promotion, the Online Extravaganza, start today!!  To start things off with BANG, there are three "Door Crasher" items that are on sale TODAY ONLY.  Are you ready for this? 

The BIG SHOT IS ON SALE!  

So is the Doctor's Bag and the Simply Scored diagonal plate!!  All three of these fantastic products are on sale for 20% off until midnight tonight.  If you've been conveting a Big Shot, now is the time to finally take the plunge!  In addition to the above items, there is a ton more that is reduced by up to 50%. Click HERE to view the complete list of sale items.

Now, don't be misled by the name of this sale...the sale prices may be had on ANY order type...not just online through my web store, though that is one way you can take advantage of these great deals!

Now for some stamping!  It's time for a little break from Chistmas projects! Today I have the card I designed for my son to give my husband on his birthday. 

Masculine birthday card featuring the World's Greatest a la carte stamp and Family Reunion stamp set.

This stamp is one I have wanted for a long time.  I finally gave in and purchased it during the Spooktacular stamp sale last month.  I love that it works so well as the focal point for a design.  I also really like the World Spectacular DSP...it features rich, bold colours and fantastic images for masculine cards.  My son loved the hat-wearing elephants!  (So do I!!)

Have a great week...and don't forget to take advantage of the sale price on the Big Shot today only!

Last Faux Mother-of-Pearl...I promise!

Ok, today I have one more Faux Mother-of-Pearl (FMP) project for you!  This is a card I made with left-overs from the other projects I showed you earlier this week!  Have a look:

Traditional Holiday card featuring the Bells and Boughs stamp set and the Faux Mother-of-Pearl technique.

Inside view

I left the front of this card sentiment-free.  I just couldn't find a place to put one that I liked the look of, so I opted for none!  The focal image was, once again, done with the FMP technique and this time it almost looks as good in the photo as it does IRL!  Thanks for your patience with me and all of my FMP projects this week.  I have a tendency to get on a roll with something and go a little nuts!  I promise...no more FMP for a loooong while!
Happy Friday everyone...have a great weekend!

More Faux Mother-of-Pearl!

First of all, I need to wish my darling husband a very happy 42nd birthday!! 

He is celebrating today with (we hope!) a nice dinner out at our favourite restaurant.  I'll post the card I made for him later this week.

Yesterday I showed you a simple gift tag that featured the Faux Mother-of-Pearl (FMP) technique.  Today I have a gift card holder to show you!  I did this as one of the make-n-takes at my Tri-City Stampers team meeting this month. 

Vintage-inspired gift card holder featuring the Faux Mother-of-Pearl technique and the Bells and Boughs stamp set.

Open view

Very Vintage-y, huh?  My team members quite liked this one!  I used Cherry Cobbler Core'dinations card stock...I hadn't planned to but was completely out of regular Cherry Cobbler!  I'm kinda glad I was because I like the distressed look.  Once again, it is hard to see the full effect of the FMP...my camera just doesn't do it justice...but the focal image really doesn shimmer and shine quite nicely...honest! 
Now before you email asking for instructions for how to mat the label from the Apothecary Accents Framelits, click the Tutorials tab at the top of this page.  There is a step-by-step photo tutorial there.  :)

Faux Mother-of-Pearl for Christmas

This month my techniques group learned the faux Mother-of-Pearl (FMP) technique.  It really is a super simple technique that offers lots of wow-factor.  Today I want to show you the first in a series of projects that all feature FMP.  This particular one is the one my techniques group made this month:

Gift tag featuring the Faux Mother-of-Pearl technique and the Bells and Boughs stamp set with sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes.

Sadly this photo is over-exposed a little and you can't really get the full effect of the FMP technique.  Here's a quick how-to in case you're unfamiliar with the technique:  Using a piece of plastic wrap crumpled into a loose ball, dab Frost White Shimmer Paint randomly on a piece of glossy cardstock.  Allow the shimmer paint to dry completely (overnight is best) and then sponge Crumb Cake ink all over the glossy card stock.  The shimmer paint will resist the ink giving that FMP look.  Wipe off any excess ink with a tissue and then stamp your image using Staz-on ink.  Colour the image as desired using ink pads and blender pens.  Super simple and really effective! Stop by tomorrow when I'll have another project featuring this technique.
Now, speaking of gift tags, have you registered for my Tags...You're It! event coming up this weekend?  The Friday evening session is full but there are still a few spots left for the Saturday morning time slot.  Be sure to call or email to hold your place by Thursday if you'd like to attend.  Details are on the Upcoming Events tab at the top of this page.  See you soon!

Blingy Minis

Today I have a fun ensemble for you that I designed for two different purposes!  The card was for a class I did last week and the tag was for my upcoming Tags...You're It! event.  Check it out:

Blinged out Holiday Ensemble featuring the Merry Minis punch pack and sentiment from Petite Pairs

Card

Gift tag

I don't quite know just what it is about the argyle TIEF in vanilla that seems so Christmasy to me?!  Maybe it reminds me of a cozy cable-knit sweater.  All I know is that I really love this combination for the holidays...add some bling and a little DSP from the Festival of Prints stack and this card is one of my fav's this season! 

Christmas Blessings

Happy Monday,  everyone!  I hope you had a good weekend and were able to get outside to enjoy the milder weather here yesterday.  Last Friday I held a free Christmas card class for one of my lucky Door Prize winners from the Rockton Fair.  Cathy and her friends made three holiday cards and today I want to show you one of them!  Have a look:

Simple, yet elegant Christmas card featuring the Christmas Blessings stamp set.

This card was definitely a hit!  Here is a list of the products I used:

Christmas Blessings stamp set

Lacy Brocade TIEF

Perfect Polka Dots TIEF

Apothecary Accents Framelits

Oval Accent Bigz Die

Big Shot

Very Vanilla Card stock

Cherry Cobbler Card stock

Always Artichoke Card stock

Antique Brads

Always Artichoke Seam Binding Ribbon

Pewter Embossing Powder

Versamark Ink pad

Heat Tool

Embossing Buddy

Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Write Marker

Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker

The great thing about this card is that it really is pretty quick and easy to put together thanks to my Big Shot.  Most of the WOW factor is taken care of with a few cranks of the handle!  

If you haven't taken the plunge and purchased the Big Shot yet, why not do what I did and add it to your Christmas Wish List?  If you already own this wonderful machine, why not pick out some of those dies and embossing folders you've been coveting?  The year I asked for my Big Shot and some dies my husband was thrilled to discover that all of his Christmas shopping could be done with just one phone call!  Plus, I even provide free gift wrapping!  Let your significant other know just how badly you want a Big Shot and I'll help make it happen...but make sure he places his order before December 13th to ensure delivery in time for Christmas!!

Faux Mother-of-Pearl Snowflakes

Today I have another one of the projects I designed for my techniques class that meets tonight.  It uses the Faux Mother-of-Pearl technique.

Non-traditional Holiday card featuring the Faux-Mother-of-Pearl technique and the Snowflake Serenade stamp set.  Sentiment is from the (retired) Many Merry Messages set.

There are several things about this card that are out of my comfort zone.  Firstly, the non-traditional colour scheme for the holidays.  I am a red and green kinda gal when it comes to Christmas, but sometimes it is fun to experiment with different colours.  Now, I will NEVER decorate my house in these colours for the holidays, but I have to say, I don't mind them on this card.  The second thing that is a wee bit out of the norm for me is the fact that this is a square card.  I don't often do them and to be honest, I find them hard to design!  You wouldn't think a square would be that much harder to work with but honestly, I find it much trickier!  The background behind the snowflakes is the Faux-Mother-of-Pearl, but it doesn't shimmer much in the photo.  The snowflakes are heat embossed in silver.  I added some bling with the brushed silver card stock and the rhinestones.  The sentiment from the retired Many Merry Message set is just the perfect size and font to complete the look.

Silver Star Tree

Do you ever see a stamp that you just have to have, buy it and then wonder what the heck to do with it?  That was the case with me and the Star Tree A La Carte  stamp.  I loved the image and bought it right after the new catty came out, but haven't been able to come up with a design that I like that uses it!  This past weekend I think I finally got it right!  Have a look:

Holiday card featuring the Star Tree stamp with sentimen from Pennant Parade

I do really like this stamp heat embossed in metallic colours.  This time I used silver and am really happy with the result.  I added a bit of brushed silver cardstock that I embossed and die cut with my Edgelits.  The seam binding ribbon and glimmer brad add just the right amount of sparkle.  This design is one I plan to use this weekend for my lucky Rockton Fair door prize winner's free class.  I hope she and her friends will like it!

Serene Snowfall

Today I have one of the cards I designed for my techniques class this month. It uses the Salted Background technique.  Check it out:

Serene (and chilly!) winter scene featuring the Serene Silhouettes stamp set with sentiment from More Merry Messages.

Talk about CAS!!  This card is positively naked!!  I left it that way to add to the starkness of the scene.  I can almost see those little birdies shivering!  See the snow falling against the night sky?  That's the salted background technique!  It is so easy and adds such a cool effect to the scene.  This technique also works well to create a starry night sky.  I have wanted to do a scene like this one since I first saw the Serene Silhouettes stamp set in the new catty last June!  It only took my five months to get around to it!!

Tags Class Preview

Today I have a little sneak peek at some of the projects I'll be offering as part of my Tags...You're It! class coming up in a couple of weeks.  I had great fun this weekend designing all sorts of gift tags...here is a sampling  of what you can expect:

Selection of Gift Tags for my upcoming Tags You're It! class.

This class is being offered in two different time slots, however the Friday evening class is full.  There are still spots available in the Saturday morning class, but they're going fast, so be sure to call or email to reserve your spot!  For additional details about this event, click the Upcoming Classes and Events tab at the top of this page.

Brrr...it"s November!!

Happy November everyone!  I hope your little ones had fun dressing up and trick-or-treating.  I know ours had a great time...he's been looking forward to it for weeks!  Here is a shot of our little Luigi:

Last year he was Mario and this year he decided to be Mario's brother Luigi.  For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, be glad!  I know more than I ever wanted to about the world of Super Mario Bros. and my house is overrun with various plush characters my son just HAD to have!  Suffice to say, Mario isn't going anywhere any time soon...next year he wants to be Yoshi!!

Anyhow, now that November is here, and along with it the colder weather, I have a fun holiday card to share with you.  Check it out:

Holiday card featuring the Chock-ful of Cheer stamp set.

I have to say I really miss the Snowburst embossing folder...I pulled it out for the background on this card.  It just works perfectly, I think.  I designed this project for my latest Kit-to-Go featuring the Chock-ful of Cheer stamp set.  For details on this kit and others, click the Kits-to-Go tab at the top of this page.