Up, up and away we go!

 

Today is the day!  We leave for Disney this morning just after 10!  I don't know who is more excited, Max or his mom and dad!!  We'll be gone for 6 days, so I won't be posting much.  I do have one project to show you next week, but the rest will have to wait until I get back.  Tonight we'll be hitting the Magic Kingdom for dinner, the Main St. Electrical Parade and the fireworks...can't wait!!

Itty Bitties Birthday

One of the best perks of being a Stampin' Up demonstrator is that I receive free product rewards for achieving certain career milestones.  As a Counselor, I receive a free pre-selected bundle of products each time a new catalogue comes out!  Talk about a fantastic bonus!!  One of the products I received in my bundle from the Spring Catalogue is the Itty Bitties stamp set.  Now, I have to admit, I wasn't sure I would use such tiny images  very much...boy was I wrong!  I had great fun playing with this set...check out my first project below:

CAS Birthday card featuring the Itty Bitties stamp set with sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes.

Fun, huh?  I thought this card would work for either a man or a woman, and so kept the embellishments to a minimum.  I also had fun with the colour scheme of Pool Party, Summer Starfruit and Rich Razzleberry.  Not a trio of colours I would have thought to use together, but I was inspired by the gorgeous DSP in the Sale-a-bration flyer.  In fact, the strip of DSP I used on this card is from that Sycamore Street pack.  I can't believe how well Summer Starfruit works with just about everything...the trick, I have found, is to think of it as a neutral rather than a yellow.  Try it and suddenly you'll find tons of combinations you just love!

Now, tomorrow my family and I leave for Orlando and Disney!!!  We are all so excited because none of us have ever been!!  My husband and I both grew up in families for whom this kind of trip was just out of reach, so we are almost as excited as Max is.  I am going to pre-post some projects for you to enjoy while I'm gone, but know that I will be away until January 3rd, so if you've got Christmas Cash burning a hole in your pocket and you just HAVE to order from the Spring Catty the day it goes live (Jan 3rd), you can either order through my online store or email with your wish list.  I will check email when I get home and put any orders in first thing on the 4th.  Also, don't forget to check out the deals in the Online Clearance Rack...a great way to make your Christmas Cash go further!

FINALLY!! Time to stamp!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, surrounded by loved ones.  We had a fantastic celebration, pretty much perfect in every way.  My only regret is that I didn't get any stamping time in on Christmas Day...too busy preparing a 22 lb turkey!  I did, however, find time to get down to play with my Spring Catalogue goodies yesterday afternoon.  I have to admit it did take a while to get my Mojo working again after such a long time away from creating so I turned to one of my favourite online challenge sites for inspiration.  I'm actually just in under the wire to enter over at Pals Paper Arts, so I'd better get this post done!  Here is the sketch:


And here is my take on it:

Thank you card for PPA149 featuring the Daydream Medallions and Blooming With Kindness stamp sets as well as the Sycamore Street DSP (available FREE beginning Jan. 22nd)

I really didn't think Stampin' Up would be able to top last year's fabulous DSP offering for Sale-a-bration, but this year's is even better!  It has both vintage and modern images in a terrific combination of colours.  Here, I combined two of the more vintage patterns with the geometric hexagons and I love the way they work together.  The other new product I absolutely love is the new large rhinestones.  They are just awesome and I couldn't resist adding one to the centre of my bow for just a hint of bling!
Stay tuned...I'll be back tomorrow with more projects featuring new products.

You missed me?

 I'm still here and I'm ok!  I've had several emails from my faithful reader asking if everything is ok because it has been so long since my last post.  First of all, let me say thanks for worrying about me!  I am ok...just crazy busy with the last week of school and getting ready for Christmas.  Last weekend I baked 20 dozen cookies and squares to give away as gifts and then had to actually start my Christmas shopping!!  This week has been a blur of baking cupcakes for Christmas parties, attending school concerts and running around picking up last minute supplies.  On top of that, my son has come down with a double ear infection...just in time to fly to Disney on the 29th!  Here's hoping the anitbiotics he's taking work fast! I haven't been down to my stamp room AT ALL!!  I have a whole box of Spring Catty goodies waiting to be played with and haven't had a spare second to even put it all away yet!  That said, I know this is an incredibly busy time for everyone, so I'm not complaining.  In fact, I am so thankful that I have a wonderful family and am blessed with the means to provide a holiday filled with surprises and treats to delight them all.  The events of the past week have really brought home the importance of hugging my loved ones each and every day and not sweating the small stuff.

Sooo...I do have one little project for you.  This little guy is not my own design, I totally CASE'd it from fellow demonstrator Melissa Davies.  I did this as one of the make-n-takes at my team meeting this month and my son loved it so much he asked me to make one for each of his 17 classmates!  Thankfully this is a REALLY easy one to put together.  Have a look:

Rudolph Tealight Ornament

Here he is lit!

 This guy is SO easy to put together. Thank goodness, or I never would have had time to get 17 of them made for my son's class!  I did have to make a couple of changes from Melissa's design...adding the "chin" because my tealights were a touch too big and were peeking out at the bottomw of Rudy's face!  I also wanted a bit of contrast for the antlers, so I chose to do them in Crumb Cake instead of Chocolate Chip.  The final change I made was the way I coloured the "flame".  Melissa used Dazzling Details, but the drying time on that was too long for my needs, so I simply coloured the flame with a red sharpie.  Quick and easy!

I will do my best to get some projects done to show you this week...no promises though...I still have to finish my Christmas shopping...and then there's the wrapping!!

CLEARANCE RACK BLITZ IS ON!!

Stampin' Up has just added more than 300 items to the online Clearance Rack!  There are fantastic deals to be had (can you say ink pads for just $2.89 and Stampin' Write Markers for $0.99??) but only while supplies last.  Many items are priced at as much as 80% off the catalogue price.  There are also stamp sets listed at 40% off.  So what are you waiting for??  Click HERE to visit my website then click SHOP NOW to place your order.  Don't wait because deals like these will not last!

*Note:  All Clearance Rack orders must be placed through my online store and may not be placed through email or phone orders. 

Ready for Spring?

I know spring is a long way off, but I am all about fresh colours and flowers these days!  My Spring Catalogue and Sale-a-bration pre-order arrived this week and I finally had a bit of time last night to play with some of the new products.  Oh, I am soooo in love!  Check out this card and  gift tag ensemble I put together:

Card and tag ensemble featuring sneak peek products from the upcoming Spring and Sale-a-bration Catalogues

Gift tag featuring the Pop-up Posies Designer Kit - available January  3rd, 2013!

Any-occasion card featuring the Feel Goods stamp set (available January 3rd, 2013)

What's no to love, right??  I used a bunch of fabulous new products on these projects, but so far my favourite is the Pop-up Posies Designer Kit.  It contains enough supplies to make 9 tags and 3D flowers as well as the Just For You stamp I used on the tag.  The best part?  Its only $15.95!!!  I love it!
Other new products I used include the Honeycomb TIEF, as well as the absolutely fabulous DSP available for free during Sale-a-bration this year.  Its called Sycamore Street and has so many bright, fun colours and patterns its hard to know which ones to use first!  I also used some of the gorgeous ribbon that will also be available for free during SAB.  It is shiny and satiny and SO pretty!  On the tag I cut the layered ovals with new Ovals Collection Framelits..FINALLY  a set of nesting ovals!! So excited for these ones!  All of these fantastic new products will be available starting January 3rd, for the Spring Catalogue, or January 22nd for Sale-a-bration.  If you would like a copy of either of these fantastic new catties, drop me a line and I'll send them to you absolutely free. 
In the meantime, I'll keep playing with my new goodies in between wrapping Christmas presents and baking cookies.  Stay tuned for more sneak peeks and have a great weekend!!

M is for Merry

Today I want to show you the little treats I made to give the members of my Tri-city Stampers Team at our December meeting.  I wanted to use up some of the surplus fabric I had on hand so I used it to cover cardboard to create these little boxes...have a look:

Christmas treat holder featuring sentiment from Occasions Alphabet.

Not sure if you can tell in the photo, but the box is filled with yummy Lindt chocolate truffles...soooo good!  To make the box, I used the backing cardboard that comes with packs of DSP.  I used some Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive sheets, covered the entire piece of cardboard and then adhered the fabric to the cardboard.  I then ran it through the Big Shot using the Box #2 die (retired).  The cool thing is that it cuts both the cardboard and the fabric with no frayed edges!  I then assembled the box, wrapped some Early Espresso tulle around it and tied a bow.  I put the whole thing in a large cello bag and tied it shut with more tulle, this time in Cherry Cobbler.  The tag is stamped in Early Espresso and Cherry Cobbler, punched with the scalloped oval punch and then layered on a die-cut label of Candlelight Christmas DSP.  So quick and easy but really pretty!  My husband was so impressed he asked me to make some for his colleagues at work...good thing I have a TON of fabric!!

One More Circle Circus card!

Ok, I know I promised last week that I was done with the Circle Circus cards for a while, but I have one more to show you.  I actually much prefer it to one I showed you here, even though it is the same basic layout.  See what you think:

Thank you card featuring the Circle Circus stamp set with sentiment from Sassy Salutations

Inside view

So, which card do you prefer?  I have to say I like this one much better.  I focused more on the Rich Razzleberry shade in this one, using the Pool Party and Lucky Limeade more as accents.  I also really like the little hits of bling. 
On another note, I just received my box of goodies from my Spring Catalogue and Sale-a-bration pre-order...can't wait to put ink to paper and play with my new toys!  Stay tuned for some sneak peeks later this week!

Heartfelt Thanks

Today I want to show you the card I designed to thank the parents and volunteers who helped my colleague at school and I stage our last-minute concert last Friday.  Those of you who have children in school in Ontario know that things are a bit of a mess right now so we were forced to move the date of our Christmas concert up almost a week.  The show was wonderful and we have many parents to thank for their help behind the scenes.  Here is the card we'll send to each one:

Thank you card featuring the Festival of Prints DSP and sentiment from Perfectly Penned

 Because we have almost as many men as women helping us out I wanted the cards to have a masculine flavour.  I chose to use the woodgrain TIEF with the Core'dinations card stock in Early Espresso.  I die cut a heart from the music notes pattern in the Natural Compositions in honour of my students who performed beautifully on Friday evening.  The sentiment is die cut using the Apothecary Accents Framelits and adhered with dimensionals.  A simple card to express so much gratitude!

Last Circle Circus

Today I have the last in the series of cards I created for a custom kit using the Circle Circus stamp set.  Have a look:

Thank you card featuring the Circle Circus stamp set with sentiment from Sassy Salutations

Whaddya think?  Kinda funky, huh?  I used a bit of DSP from the Summer Smooches pack...love those chevrons!  The colour scheme is Lucky Limeade, Pool Party and Rich Razzleberry with a bit of silver Glimmer paper thrown in for some sparkle.  The more I work with this stamp set the more I like it!  Watch for a new Kit-to-Go featuring it in the new year.  In the meantime, have a great weekend!

Circle Circus #2

My apologies to those of you looking for inspiration for Christmas projects.  I am SO tired of Christmas crafting!  I've been doing Christmas since the Holiday catalogue pre-order started in July, so you can imagine that 6 months of Christmas crafting has pretty much done me in!  Our Occasions catalogue pre-order started this week and I am anxiously awaiting my box of new goodies.  In the meantime, I have another card I designed using the Circle Circus set.  Have a look!

Birthday card featuring the Circle Circus stamp set with sentiment from Sassy Salutations

This is another sample I created for a custom kit one of my customers ordered.  I think it is my favourite of the bunch!  I like the little hits of sparkle, the unexpected colour scheme and the sense of motion created by the circles moving across and down the card front.  I also like the negative space, giving a CAS look to a card that really isn't all that CAS! 

Experimenting with Circle Circus

Circle Circus is one of the most versatile stamp sets in our catalogue, yet it is often overlooked.  I pulled it out a while back when I was designing samples for my Chrismtas card buffets this fall.  I had such fun playing with it I decided I would start working on ideas for a new Kit-To-Go featuring this set.  At about the same time a customer of mine requested that I put together a kit as a gift for someone special for Christmas.  This is one of the designs I came up with, based on her colour preferences.  Have a look:

Funky and bright Birthday card featuring the Circle Circus stamp set with sentiment from Sassy Salutations

Fun, huh?  I love the bright colours on this card!  I also really like the way the font of the greeting enhances the funkiness of the design.  The colours I used are:  Melon Mambo, Tangerine Tango, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight and Lucky Limeade.  It doesn't get much brighter than that!  I had to work within the parameters of the supplies this customer had, so even though the floral circle in this set is much larger (1-3/4"), I punched out part of it using the 1" circle punch.  It allowed me to use several of the same image to create the focal point of the design.  I embossed part of the background using the Perfect Polka Dots TIEF, leaving a portion smooth at the bottom for the sentiment.  The baker's twine adds texture without overwhelming the design.  I added the rhinestones at the bottom because, well, who doesn't like a little bling on their birthday?!?

Dazzling Snowflakes

Today I have another project we'll be creating in my monthly technqiues class this week.  It uses the Dazzling Diamond Dust technqiue and is perfectly pretty!  Check it out:

Non-traditional Christmas card featuring the Snowflake Soiree stamp set.

I am loving the combination of Rich Razzleberry and Pool Party lately!  Not sure what it is, but those colours just really like each other in my eye.  This photo really doesn't do this card justice, as it is so sparkly and pretty....like sunshine on fresh snow.  You'll have to take my word for it or come to my class on Thursday to see for yourself!

A Dryer Sheet Christmas?

This month my techniques class will be learning the dryer sheet technique.  It is a neat way to add soft sparkle to a design, perfect for Christmas cards.  Here is the card we'll be making at class this Thursday:

Holiday card featuring the Lovely as a Tree stamp set with sentiment from Greetings of the Season

For this card I pulled out the tried-and-true Lovely as a Tree stamp set.  Those images are classic and will never, ever get tired...what's not to love about trees??  The sentiment is from the Greetings of the Season set in the Holiday catalogue.  What the photo doesn't show very well is the sparkle all over the focal image.  This technqiue uses Dazzling Diamonds glitter, which means all of us will leave class on Thursday looking very pretty indeed!

Experimenting with Circle Circus

She's Alive!

Finally!  I am back among the living.  Wow...this one really knocked my entire family out for a whole week!  Not fun and certainly not something I'd wish on anybody!  Thankfully the worst of it seems to be behind us, though my DH is still feeling under the weather.  I am sniffly but certainly much better than I was.  So, that means I'm back to stamping!  Today I have a fun Christmas card I designed a while back for one of my events this season.  The layout is based on a sketch challenge over at Pals Paper Arts, but I am WAY late to enter the challenge!  Even so, I thought you might like to see what I did, so here is the sketch:



...and here is my take on it:

Holiday card featuring the Snow Much Fun stamp set with sentiment from More Merry Messages.

Don't you just love the Snow Much Fun stamp set?  Those images are just too cute and beg to be coloured!  I have to say I sold several copies of that set during the Online Extravaganza sale when it was 50% off! On this card I used only a portion of the tall snowman, stamping it with Staz-On and colouring with my Stampin' Write markers.  The DSP in the background is from the Snow Festival pack.  I embossed the bottom of the card base using the Delicate Designs TIEF and then sponged lightly using Whisper White Craft ink for a frosted look.  I also made use of some of the white sweater trim from the Holiday catalogue which gives a cozy warmth to the design.  I took some liberties with the sketch, adding the sentiment banner at the bottom, which I embellished with a bit of Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine. 
There are a lot of elements to this card...I just couldn't stop adding stuff!  Gotta love it when those creative juices get flowing!  Here's hoping they keep flowing...a week in bed has put be WAY behind on just about everything!  Time to get back to my stamping corner...enjoy your Sunday, everyone!

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.

More Snow Swirled Elegance...for Halloween!?

Before I get to today's project I have to tell you about the Digital Scrapbooking promotion that is happening right now!  Did you know you can access three FREE digital downloads through my online store?  Just click SHOP NOW and then select Free Digital Downloads to get yours today.  Not only that, every digital kit is on sale for 50% OFF!!  Yes, you read that right!  Click the Digital Scrapbooking button to the right of this post and check out the fabulous kits available at a great price!

Now for a non-digital project!  I know today is Halloween, but I couldn't resist showing you another Christmas card to get you in the festive spirit.  Tomorrow is November and it is time to get cracking on those Christmas projects!!  This card is another one I created for my Snow Swirled Kit-to-Go.  Have a look:

Holiday card featuring the Snow Swirled stamp set.

I really love the way the new Lacy Brocade embossing folder works with the tree image.  It really gives a tried and true stamp new life.  As I mentioned above, this card is part of my new Snow Swirled Kit-to-go.  The kit features the Snow Swirled stamp set, Soft Suede and Crumb Cake ink pads and all the materials to make 12 cards.  there are also options to purchase the materials without the stamps and ink for those who already own them.  Check out the details on my Kits-to-Go tab at the top of this page.

Chock-full of fun

So?  Did you get your order in to take advantage of yesterday's big sale?  I certainly did and got several sets that have been on my wishlist for a while!
For anyone who may have ordered the Chock-full of Cheer stamp set, here is a little inspiration for you:

Christmas card featuring the Chock-full of Cheer stamp set.

One of the things I like most about this set is the fact that it includes both images and sentiments, making it a great choice for the holidays.  This card will be featured at some of my upcoming classes and is also part of a new Kit-to-Go I am offering.  The kit includes the stamp set, a Cherry Cobbler and Gumball Green ink pad and all of the materials required to make 12 cards.  There is also an option to purchase just the supplies if you already own the inks and stamps.  A great option for anyone who just can't fit a class into their schedule! 

Today's the Day!!

In case you missed the news, today is the BIG day! All stamps are ON SALE today only!!  Every stamp set, personalized stamp, individual stamp and cookie press stamp is 15% off.  Plus, orders placed through me via phone or email before 9:00 pm tonight will receive FREE SHIPPING!  That's a combined savings of 25%...it doesn't get better than this folks!  If you haven't already done so, get your list together and send me your order before 9:00 pm ET tonight.

Now for some inspiration...if you don't already own the Snow Swirled set you may want to add it to your order today.  Have a look at this card I designed for next month's classes:

Snowy Holiday card featuring the Snow Swirled stamp set.

Pretty, eh?  I love this neutral colour palette for Christmas.  I used Soft Suede, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla and added a little silver and champagne glimmer paper for some sparkle.

So....got your order together yet??  Remember, orders phoned or emailed to me before 9:00 tonight will receive FREE SHIPPING in addition to the 15% discount.  If you miss my deadline, you can till order through my online store and get the  15% discount until midnight MT (that's 2:00 am for us!)