More Saleabration fun

Happy Friday everyone!  I hope you've had a good week.  Mine hasn't been much fun...my sinus infection has returned and I'm feeling crummy.  I've not been able to take time off because we are into exams at school and my students are doing performance exams...which only I can grade!  Hence my silence in blogland lately.  Today I'm back with a project I designed using more fun Sale-a-bration freebies:

Birthday card featuring the Sketched Birthday stamp set and featuring the Sweet Sorbet DSP and Accessory Pack.

This was one of the projects at my All About Birthdays card buffet last weekend...it was a hit!  I ran out of kits for this one!

Here's a quick rundown of how to put this one together:

• I stamped each of the images in Sahara Sand ink and then punched them out using the Postage Stamp punch
• The size of the coloured squares is 1-3/8".
• The card base is Sahara Sand card stock and is embossed using the Decorative Dots TIEF - get it FREE during Sale-a-bration
• The DSP is from the Sweet Sorbet pack...also free during Sale-a-bration
• The scalloped white border is cut using the Tasteful Trim Bigz XL die
• The twine (love this stuff!) is from the Sweet Sorbet Accessory pack - also FREE during Sale-a-bration
• The sentiment banner is stamped in Sahara Sand ink and then die cut using the Bitty Banners Framelits.

For the inside of the card I stamped the balloon image three times, once each using Pool Party, Crisp Cantaloupe and Pistachio Pudding inks.  Once again the banner is stamped in Sahara Sand and die cut using the Bitty Banners Framelits.

Now, I'm sure some of you are wondering about who won my SAB giveaway from Tuesday.  Well, the lucky winner is....

Karen D who left this comment:

Hi Leena! It's hard to choose just one favorite as they are all great! But if I had to choose one, I would say the Sweet Sorbet DSP. I love all the designs! Thanks for the chance to win! 

Karen, I need to you contact me via email (just click the "Email Me" button in the right sidebar) so that I can arrange to send you your pack of Sweet Sorbet DSP!  Congratulations...and happy Sale-a-bration!!

Have a great weekend everyone...be sure to check in tomorrow.  I'll have a new challenge project from The Technique Twist for you.  I think you'll like it ;)

It's time for Sale-a-bration...and a give-away!

Wahoo!  Sale-a-bration has finally arrived!  I am so excited for this year's event!  The brochure is fabulous, chock-full of wonderful new products and some special bundles to make earning those freebies even easier.
Today I have a cute card I designed using several Sale-a-bration products:

Farewell card featuring the See Ya Later Sale-a-bration stamp set.

I love this stamp set!  The images in it were the first thing to catch my eye when I first viewed the Sale-a-bration brochure.  I love this little alligator...

...so much so that I used him again on the inside of the card!

Inside view with sentiment from the Just Saying stamp set.

In addition to the See Ya Later stamp set I also used the Decorative Dots TIEF, Sweet Sorbet DSP, and some twine from the Sweet Sorbet Accessory pack, all of which are from the Sale-a-bration brochure.  I love how the Core'dinations card stock looks embossed and sanded...it reminds me a little of the gator's scaly skin.  I used the zig-zag strip below the focal image to echo the gator's teeth and the pattern on the DSP also reminds me a bit of reptile skin.
Lots of fun on this card...are you in love with the Sale-a-bration offerings yet?  Leave me a comment telling me which item from the Sale-a-bration Brochure is your absolute favourite and you might just win it!  How's that for a great way to kick off a great promotion?!?  I'll be choosing one winner from all comments left on today's post, so be sure to leave me a note!

Now, as if Sale-a-bration weren't enough excitement for a Tuesday morning, here are this week's Weekly Deals:

	Wisteria Wonder Classic Stampin' Pad Item # 126985 Regular Price: $5.95 US/$7.25 CAN Discounted Price: $4.46 US/$7.13 CAN
	Daffodil Delight 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon Item # 125583 Regular Price: $6.95 US/$9.50 CAN Discounted Price: $5.21 US/$7.13 CAN
	Labels Collection Framelits Die Item # 125598 Regular Price: $26.95 US/$32.95 CAN Discounted Price: $20.21 US/$24.71 CAN
	Flower Garden Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Item # 123113 Regular Price: $7.95 US/$9.95 CAN Discounted Price: $5.96 US/$7.46 CAN
	Pool Party Classic Pad Item #126982 Regular Price: $5.95 US/$7.25 CAN Discounted Price: $4.46 US/$5.44 CAN
	Pear Pizzazz 3/4" Chevron Ribbon Item # 132567 Regular Price: $8.95 US/$12.50 CAN Discounted Price: $6.71 US/$9.38 CAN
	Winter Wonders Kit Item # 132567 Regular Price: $9.95 US/$10.95 CAN Discounted Price: $5.97 US/$6.57 CAN

Get 'em while you can!

Mom's Birthday Card

So, I a couple of weeks ago I mentioned that it was my mother's 71st birthday and promised to show you the card I had made for her.  Well, today is the day!  Here it is...

Birthday card featuring the Backyard Basics stamp set with sentiment from Simply Sketched (Hostess) stamp set.

My mom is a HUGE gardener and loves orchids.  I thought this image, from the Backyard Basics set, looked like some of the orchids in my mom's collection, so I thought it would be the perfect focal image for her card.

She is also an avid reader, so I thought the Pretty Print TIEF would be a suitable way to add some texture.  Here is a quick rundown of how I put it all together:

• I stamped the floral image on watercolour paper using Staz On ink and then coloured it using a blender pen and markers.  Colours I used were:  Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Crushed Curry, Old Olive and Always Artichoke
• I die cut the coloured image using the coordinating Backyard Basics Framelits.
• The background is a piece of Crumb Cake card stock that I embossed using the Pretty Print TIEF and then lightly sponged using Soft Suede ink.
• The label is die cut using the Apothecary Accents Framelits.
• The sentiment is from the Simply Sketched hostess set and is stamped in Soft Suede.  The floral image on the label is stamped in Crumb Cake ink.
• I used Crumb Cake seam binding ribbon and a Vintage Trinket brad for the bow.
• The card base is Soft Suede

Inside view with sentiment from Full of Life (retired)

A special card for a special lady!  Have a great Monday, everyone!!

A Simply Sketched Birthday

Whew...TGIF!!  We made it to Friday...wahoo!  Tonight is my All About Birthdays Card Buffet and I am very excited!  It is going to be a great evening!  Here is a card I designed for the event using the Simply Sketched hostess set from the Annual Catalogue:

Generic birthday card featuring the Simply Sketched hostess set.

I love coming up with card designs that are generic...perfect for both men and women and suitable for multiple occasions.  This particular design could work as a sympathy card or a thank you simply by using one of the other sentiments included in the stamp set.

I really like this colour scheme...that pop of yellow is rather unexpected, but really adds interest to the design.  I used some of the twine from the Sweet Sorbet Accessory pack available starting next Tuesday in the Sale-a-bration brochure.

Inside view with sentiment from Petite Pairs.

I carried that bit of yellow inside the card, matting the sentiment with a label cut from Summer Starfruit card stock, using the Chalk Talk Framelits.

Try your hand this weekend at creating a generic card.  They are great to have on-hand! Have a super weekend everyone!!

Revving up for the Weekend

Its Thursday!  One more day to go till the weekend...not sure I'll make it!  I am SO tired and am still fighting this sinus infection.  Add to that summatives and exams at school and my marking pile is a mile high.  *sigh*
The weekend can't come soon enough!

Here is a fun card I designed for my Card buffet tomorrow night suitable for a teen or tween boy:

Birthday card featuring the Rev up the Fun stamp set

The inspiration for this card was one designed by the uber-talented Heather Summers that I saw on Pinterest.  I borrowed Heather's colour scheme and layout for the focal image.

I love the fact that I was able to use up several small scraps of ribbon on this card...I hate throwing even an inch of that stuff out!

Inside view with sentiment from Really Good Greetings.

I know a couple of young men who would love this card...boys who love their toys!  Have a great Thursday everyone!!

Pink with Sprinkles

Who wouldn't like something pink with sprinkles on their birthday??  Here is another card I designed for my Birthday Card Buffet coming up this weekend...

Birthday card featuring the Create a Cupcake and Remembering Your Birthday stamp sets

This is the perfect girlie birthday card, no?  Lots of pink and lots of bling...what more could a girl want?

I don't have time today to go into the details of how I put this one together, but it is fairly straightforward...I bet you can figure it out!  Here is a shot of what I did on the inside:

Inside view.

If you haven't yet registered for the Birthday Card Buffet, there is still time!  The Friday evening session is full, but there are still seats available in the Saturday morning class.  Check my website for details and to register. 
Today is Tuesday, so that means a new crop of Weekly Deals to share with you!

	Stampin' Write Marker New Color Kit Item # 130034 Regular Price: $37.95 Discounted Price: $28.46
	Extra Large Oval Punch Item #119859 Regular Price: $22.95 Discounted Price: $17.21
	Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons Item # 127555 Regular Price: $7.95 Discounted Price: $5.96
	Shaker Frames Item # 124155 Regular Price: $5.95 Discounted Price: $4.46
	Scallop Trim Border Punch Item # 118402 Regular Price: $20.95 Discounted Price: $15.71
	Epic Day This and That Designer Washi Tape Item # 131269 Regular Price: $6.50 Discounted Price: $4.88
	Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Pad Item # 131172 Regular Price: $7.25  Discounted Price: $5.44
	Reasons I Heart You Swatchbook Template Item # 129013 Regular Price: $13.95  Discounted Price: $8.37

 Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Love Ya Monster Shaker Bubbles

I know that title doesn't make a bit of sense, but it certainly does summarize today's project.  This is my second attempt at the Bubble Background technique for this week's challenge at The Technique Twist...and I love it!

Monster Love featuring the Monster Maniacs and Just Saying stamp sets and using the Bubble Background technique.

Now it doesn't show up well in the photo, but those bubbles have a bit of shimmer to them!  I added some Frost White shimmer paint to my mixture which gives this technique a cool effect.  I decided to used my bubble background with the adorable Monster Maniacs stamp set, which has been languishing on my stamp shelf uninked since before the Christmas craziness.  I love those little monsters and they are great fun to colour.  I decided to do a shaker card that I can tuck into my son's backpack one day to remind him how much I love him.  He is very proud of my creations and gets very excited when I make a card "just for him".

Here is a quick how-to:

• I created my background using the technique I described in Saturday's post, but added some Frost White shimmer paint to the mixture.
• I stamped the monster on Naturals White card stock using Staz On ink and coloured the image using my markers and a blender pen.
• I die cut the circles for my frame using the Circles Collection framelits and assembled them using the Shaker Frames, some Window Sheets (also die cut using the Circles Collection framelits) and some clear micro beads from my stash.
• I added some Bermuda Bay Candy Dots to the frame.
• I added the zigzag borders in Bermuda Bay that I cut using the Finishing touches Edgelits.
• I used some Washi tape left over from Halloween.
• The Tangerine Tango background layer is embossed using the new Decorative Dots TIEF from the Saleabration brochure.
• The sentiment is from the Just Saying stamp set and is stamped in Basic Black ink and die cut using the Word Bubbles framelits.
• The tiny glittery heart is punched using the Owl Builder punch.

Inside view with sentiment from Hello, Lovely.

For the inside I stamped the little monster again using black Staz On ink.  On a scrap of Whisper White card stock I stamped the sentiment from the Hello, Lovely stamp set using Tangerine Tango ink.  I fussy cut it and then adhered it with dimensionals.

I think this one will make my boy smile when he finds it among his school books next week...and THAT will make ME smile!

Bubble Background Bonanza

It's Saturday and since I'm posting it must be time for a new challenge at The Technique Twist.  This time we're all about the bubbles!  I am LOVING the Bubble Background Technique, which was brand-new to me until a week or so ago.  Since I had never done it before, I decided to keep my first attempt fairly simple and not twist it up too much.  Check it out:

Valentine featuring the Crazy, Mixed-up Love stamp set and using the Bubble Background technique.

Isn't that fun??  Here is a closer look...

As soon as I saw what this technique looked like I knew I just had to use it with this stamp image...it was made for it!!  Here is how I did it:

• I started with some white acrylic paint I bought at our local dollar store in a small bowl.  
• I added many drops of Real Red reinker to tint it to a reddish hue.  
• Then I added some dish-washing soap and mixed it all up.  Now, here's a tip:  If you are using concentrated dish-washing soap add a little water as well.  I found that the mixture was too thick and didn't bubble well until I added a few drops of water.  Once I added the water it worked great!
• Using a drinking straw, I blew bubbles in the mixture.  As I blew, coloured bubbles started to form.  I kept blowing until the bubbles rose above the rim of the bowl and then I laid my Whisper White card stock on top of the bubbles.  The bubbles burst, leaving their imprint on the card stock.
• I repeated this several times until I had the texture and intensity of colour that I wanted.
• After the card stock had dried I ran it through the Big Shot with my Tasteful Trim die, which gave me the wavy strip.
• The black background is embossed using the new Decorative Dots TIEF...available Jan. 28th through Sale-a-bration.
• The lava lamp is inked using Basic Black and Real Red makers and is stamped on Whisper White card stock.  I die cut it using the Ovals Collection framelits and matted it on a larger Real Red oval.
• The sentiment is also inked with a Basic Black marker and is die cut using the Bitty Banners framelits.
• The tiny sparkly heart is punched using the Owl Builder punch.

Inside view with sentiment from the Love you to the Moon stamp set

For the inside I stamped the sentiment from the Love You to the Moon stamp set on a second die cut wavy strip using black Staz On ink.  So much fun!!

I did a second sample where I used a bit of a twist...you'll just have to check back on Monday to see that one!  Have a great weekend and if you have some stamping time give this technique a try.  It is great fun!  Be sure to stop by The Technique Twist to see what the amazing design team have come up with...you'll be inspired!

Another Sale-a-bration Sneak Peek

Today I have one of the Make-n-Take projects I did with my team at our monthly meeting this week.  It features lots of new product from the upcoming Sale-a-bration brochure.

Birthday card featuring the Banner Blast SAB stamp set with sentiment from Sassy Salutations.

Isn't that fun?  Here's a list of the new Sale-a-bration products I used:

• Sweet Sorbet DSP
• Sweet Sorbet Accessory Pack
• Banner Blast Stamp Set
• Banner punch
• Decorative Dots TIEF

I love the Banner Blast stamp set and matching punch!  It is so cute!!  On this card I used both stamped banners and some punched from the the Sweet Sorbet DSP...I like the way they work so well together.  Another new product I love the the twine from the Sweet Sorbet Accessory pack.  It is such a nice weight...not as visually heavy as ribbon, but with more presence than baker's twine.

Inside view with sentiment from Another Great Year.

On the inside of the card I stamped a few more banners and added a greeting from the Another Great Year set, which is in the new Occasions Catalogue.  As far as I'm concerned, one can never have too many birthday-themed greetings...I seem to make far more birthday cards than anything else!

Hung up on You Swap

Happy Wednesday...it's hump day!  Half-way to the weekend...wahoo!  I need a couple of days off...I'm down and out with a nasty sinus infection and could use some R & R!  Let me tell you, sinus pain is no fun!!
Enough whining from me...you came to see a fun project, so here is a cute card I did for my team swap at our monthly meeting this week.

Valentine's card featuring the Crazy Mixed-up Love (131071) and Banner Blast (SAB)  stamp sets

Isn't that fun??  I have had a bunch of those cute coat hanger clips sitting around for a while and when I saw the Hung up on You stamp in the Crazy Mixed-up Love I knew just what I wanted to do!

Here's what I did:

• I stamped three little banners from the Banner Blast Sale-a-bration stamp set using Real Red, Basic Black and Smokey Slate ink and then punched them out using the Banner punch (also available during Sale-a-bration).
• I inked the sentiment portion of the Hung up on You stamp using my black marker and stamped it on Whisper White card stock.  
• I adhered the hanger using glue dots and then the banners using dimensionals.
• The sparkly little heart is punched from red Glimmer paper using the Owl Builder punch.
• The chevron-patterned DSP is from the I Am Me pack.
• The frame is simply a rectangle cut from textured Smokey Slate card stock that I cut a square from using the Squares Collection framelits.  It is adhered to the card using dimensionals.

Inside view with sentiment from the Love you to the Moon stamp set (133143)

For the inside of the card I stamped more of the little banners across the top and then stamped the sentiment from the Love you to the Moon set in Real Red.  Fun and oh, so easy!

Speaking of fun, have you seen this week's Weekly Deals??  There are some great items on sale...can you say Chalk Talk Framelits??  Check it out:

	Neutrals Core'dinations Item # 129956 Regular Price: $29.95 Discounted Price: $22.46
	Basic Black 3/4" Chevron Ribbon Item # 130010 Regular Price: $12.50 Discounted Price: $9.38
	Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Item #121809 Regular Price: $9.95 Discounted Price: $7.46
	Chalk Talk Framelit Dies Item # 129983 Regular Price: $30.95 Discounted Price: $23.21
	Calypso Coral Classic Pad Item # 126983 Regular Price: $7.25 Discounted Price: $5.44
	Alphabet Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Item #130916 Regular Price: $9.95 Discounted Price: $7.46
	Note Card Envelopes Item # 131528 Regular Price: $6.95 Discounted Price: $5.21
	Storytime Ensemble Item # 127195 Regular Price: $21.95 Discounted Price: $13.17