A LOVE-ly card

I got inspired to create this card by the color combo over at Create with Connie and Mary this week.  The color combo is:

Anyhow….I wanted to feature black since I have a tendency not to.  Plus, I had a picture of a card in one of my magazines that I wanted to use as a sketch, so presto….we have a card!

I used the More Amore DSP for the color combo and added a black base for the main images.  If you recognize that sentiment……I’ll just give you some props for being around the Stampin’ Up world for some time now!  That is an old, ahem, vintage rub-on I had in my stash!  Now, how’s that for using up some stash with the new stuff?!  It’s crazy to think that rub-ons are now old, but hey, they’re still great!

I added a faux stitch around the black piece of paper with my uniball signo white gel pen – a great non-messy way to create that oh, so popular blackboard look!

Stamps:  Hearts a Flutter (stamped by my six year old daughter, by the way!)

Ink:  Primrose Petals

Paper:  Pool Party, Primrose Petals, Basic Black, More Amore DSP, Silver Glimmer Paper

Accessories:  rub-on, uniball signo white gel pen, Hearts a flutter framelits, In color dahlia, paper doilies, full heart punch

Project Life: MDS 2 style

Any of you who know me know that I am an avid scrapbooker.  If you know me very well, you also know that having my busy life and two kids (well, 3 if you count the hubs!) to raise makes getting your scrapbooking done that much more difficult! 

MY Digital Studio 2 to the rescue!!!  I knew immediately when I saw the Best Life Ever photobook download that I would not be waiting for it to go on sale to purchase that download!  I purchased it right away so I could use it as my base for my Project Life moments. 

So, here you see the best of January in a few words and pictures! 

For organizational purposes, I keep all of my photos (from the last 6 years, at least) on an external hard drive attached to the computer that I use for My Digital Studio.  This makes it super easy to access all of those photos in a quick amount of time. 

Here’s my second page – I cropped into another photo to capture that little tiny picture of my husband and my sons hands.  It was just absolutely too precious!

Here’s a little tip – when organizing my photos on my external hard drive, I put all of my pictures in a Picture folder.  Within that folder are each of the previous years.  Each year has a folder of every month and I just copy my pictures as I take them throughout the month and paste them into their respective folders.  (Birthdays, holidays and vacations get their own separate folders.) This keeps me from having to spend hours downloading photos.  It also makes finding my pictures very easy when I need them!

You know, now is a GREAT time to purchase My Digital Studio – you can get free sale-a-bration items just for purchasing the program!  You can even earn free digital items!!!

Clean and Simple thanks

This clean and simple thank you card was also inspired by Andrea Walford and her Sunny Stampin’ blog.

I decided to go with the Island Indigo and Rich Razzleberry color combo.  I loved how rich the colors look on the stark white base.

Stamps:  Oh, Hello

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry, Island Indigo

Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Sycamore Street DSP

Accessories:  Basic Rhinestones

Vintage Verses on Sycamore Street

Here’s a card inspired by the lovely Andrea Walford on her Sunny Stampin’ blog.  I took the basic design and used what I had to create a similar card.

My color scheme came from the Sale-a-Bration Sycamore Street DSP.  I highlighted the Island Indigo and Tangerine Tango color combo.

Stamp set:  Vintage Verses

Ink:  Tangerine Tango

Paper:  Island Indigo, Whisper White, Sycamore Street DSP

Accessories:  Honeycomb embossing folder, Summer Smooches brad, Island Indigo SAB ribbon

Patterned Occasions card

I just love the catchy little phrases in the Patterned Occasions stamp set.  Take for instance, this little elephant.  Look at this cutie little sentiment – thanks a ton!  Adorable!  This card was even easier than yesterday’s card!

Just stamp, punch and adhere!  Really! 

Stamps:  Patterned Occasions

Ink:  Midnight Muse

Paper:  Going Gray (retired)

Accessories:  punch pack, Basic Rhinestones

Pretty Petites cards

I love this Pretty Petite stamp set and the matching Petite curly label punch you can get for FREE during Sale-a-Bration!

I have been whipping out a few of these little mini cards to put in orders for thank you notes.

These were super easy cards – completely made out of scraps!  (Except for the base).

Stamps:  Petite Punches

Ink: Real Red

Paper:  Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla, Retired DSP

Accessories:  Petite Curly Label Punch

Don’t forget it’s time to Sale-a-Brate!

Sale-a-Bration has begun!!!

Sale-a-Bration has begun!  It’s the most wonderful time of the Stampin’ Up year!  There are punches, embossing folders, buttons, ribbons, designer papers, and stamps, of course, for you to earn for FREE! 

Sale-A-Bration + Stampin' Up!'s 25th anniversary = the best time to host a Stampin' Up! party!

• Get FREE Silver Glimmer Paper when you host a $150 workshop!*
• Get a FREE hostess bundle when you host a $400 workshop!*

Hostess Bundle Details:
The Hostess Bundle includes

• Madison Avenue stamp set (wood- or clear-mount)
• Sycamore Street Designer Series Paper
• Sycamore Street Ribbon & Button Pack

*Offers are not incremental (i.e., a hostess does not receive two packages of Glimmer Paper for a $300 workshop or two bundles for an $800 workshop). Offer is valid on all order types, including orders from your Online Store. Customers will be prompted to select their qualifying bundle selection with a $400 order. They will be required to use one of the following item numbers for their free bundle:

• Wood-Mount Hostess Bundle: 133316
• Clear-Mount Hostess Bundle: 133317
• Free Glimmer Paper: 133318

Love to shop? How about shopping and getting rewarded? Welcome to Sale-A-Bration!

Customers may choose any one product from the Sale-A-Bration brochure for every $50* they spend. This year's offering includes exclusive stamp sets and accessories, as well as a selection of catalog stamp sets, digital content CDs, ribbon, buttons, and even an embossing folder! Now, more than ever, there's something for everyone!

And, of course, if you’ve ever thought about becoming a demonstrator, now is a GREAT time to join!

Sale-A-Bration + Stampin' Up!'s 25th anniversary = 25% more Starter Kit products for FREE!

Bonus products for your new recruits, rewards for you! Get a new recruit bundle when you recruit one new demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration!

The new recruit bundle includes the following products from the 2013-2014 annual catalog:

• Happy Day Stamp Set
• Modern Medley Designer Series Paper
• Hardware Clips Essentials

Mini Cards

Here are the 3X3” cards that I made during the open house last Saturday. 

This card was inspired by Leslie, one of my dear friends and club members who came Saturday.  Since we were using the Hearts a Flutter stamp set and framelits, we decided to try putting a valentine together with the bundle.  I think it was a fabulous idea, Leslie!

Here was the card I made as a sample idea.  I used the Patterned Occasions stamp set that will be available in JUST 4 DAYS!!!  That’s all you have left to wait until Sale-a-Bration starts! 

(In case you haven’t heard about it, Sale-a-Bration is the most wonderful time of the Stampin’ Up year!!!!)  You will have the opportunity to earn a free item for every $50 you spend – in addition to this darling stamp set, there is an embossing folder, a punch, a simply sent card set, and much more to choose from! 

Stamps:  Hearts a Flutter, Patterned Occasions

Ink:  Primrose Petals, Real Red

Paper:  Very Vanilla, Primrose Petals, More Amore DSP, Silver Glimmer paper

Accessories:  Hearts a Flutter framelits, Full Heart punch, Dazzling Diamonds

Open House Valentine treats

I saw a similar idea for a Valentine treat somewhere and decided to make my own version of this idea. 

I came up with this little darling treat!

There is a doily behind all of this, although it really just blends in with the background. 

I cut a few hearts with the Hearts a Flutter framelits and the Hearts a Flutter DSP.  I stamped that scalloped edge heart in Primrose Petals and cut it out with the framelits as well. 

Next, I added a full heart punch of the silver glimmer paper.

I took some of the large glue dots from the holiday mini to attach that treat bag.

I topped it all off with a Real Red bow.

Darling! 

Stamps:  Hearts a Flutter

Ink:  Primrose Petals

Paper:  Primrose Petals, Hearts a Flutter DSP, Silver Glimmer paper

Accessories:  Hearts a Flutter framelits, doilies, Real Red satin ribbon, 1X8” cello bags, Full heart punch

Happy Birthday card

My mother-in-law’s birthday is coming up Monday, so since I happened to be making a card last night, I decided it should be her card!

I got inspired by Cori Kozak this time over at Stampin’ Connection – it’s a great spot for demonstrators only!  And it’s free for all demonstrators to check out 24 hours a day!  Thousands of ideas all at your fingertips!  Believe me, now is a great time to start thinking about becoming a demonstrator!!!

Stamps:  Blue Ribbon

Ink:  Pool Party, Rich Razzleberry

Paper:  Sycamore Street DSP (SAB), Pool Party, Island Indigo, Crumb Cake, Whisper White

Accessories:  2 3/8” scallop circle punch, 1 3/4”, 1 3/8”, 1 1/4” circle punches, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing folder, Island Indigo ribbon (SAB)

Thanks so Much

I must say that I took some inspiration from Debbie Currier on the demonstrator sharing site, Stampin’ Connection to make this card.  While I personally think her card is much more beautiful, I loved the overall idea of the sketch and went with that to create this card. 

I used some of the upcoming Sale-a-Bration items to create this and inspire the color combo of the page. 

Stamps:  Oh, Hello

Ink:  Island Indigo, Summer Starfruit

Paper:  Pool Party, Whisper White, Sahara Sand, Tangerine Tango, Sycamore Street DSP (SAB)

Accessories:  1 3/8” circle punch, Basic Rhinestones, Small Butterfly punch, Vine Street embossing folder (SAB)

Jamestowne

I tried to post this the other day, but somehow the computer lost my post (argh!)

Anyway, I finally got back into my scrapbooking groove and here is one of the layouts I made. 

I pulled out the Orchard Harvest DSP from the holiday catalogue to create this page.  I just mixed and matched different patterns of paper to make the page.

I took one of the retired Spice Cake buttons in More Mustard and punched a circle to make an accent.  I topped that off with an in-color Rasberry Ripple dahlia. 

On this side, I just made a journaling card out of a scrap of paper.  I added Island Indigo baker’s twine to spruce it up a bit!

Ink:  Island Indigo

Paper:  Very Vanilla, Cajun Craze, Orchard Harvest DSP

Accessories:  Island Indigo baker’s twine, Island Indigo and Very Vanilla ribbon, Spice Cake button, In Color dahlia, 1 3/8” circle punch, Letter stickers (non-SU)

Create with Connie and Mary CCMC233

I decided to try another of these challenges this week.  I’m glad I did, too, because my mojo just took off last night!  I didn’t turn out with a card that looks just like this sketch, but I was really pleased with the result!

I started with the More Amore DS (isn’t it gorgeous?!) and added a few banners and hearts using the Hearts a Flutter stamp set and framelits.  I layered all of those with a paper doily (I can’t have enough of these).  I wasn’t quite sure that I was finished, so I decided a few silver glimmer paper accents might really top off the look.  And I was quite happy with it!  I thought about adding a sentiment and decided it was just fine without one.

Stamps:  Hearts a Flutter

Ink:  Primrose Petals

Paper:  Primrose Petals, Pool Party, More Amore DSP, Silver Glimmer Paper

Accessories:  Paper Doilies, Hearts a Flutter framelits

For You, With Love

From January 3 through January 21, Stampin’ Up!’s got two super special valentine offers sure to set your heart aflutter!
1. Get the Sealed with Love Simply Sent Kit FREE—a $7.95 US/$9.95 CAN value—when you buy the brand-new My Little Valentine Stamp Set! This four-piece stamp set, created exclusively for this promotion, contains the perfect sentiments to express your feelings for your children, spouse, girlfriends, or mail carrier!

132242
My Little Valentine (English; clear-mount)
$9.95 US/$11.95 CAN

132245
Enamorados (Spanish; clear-mount)
$9.95 US/$11.95 CAN

132248
Mon petit amour (French; clear-mount)
$9.95 US/$11.95 CAN

2. Purchase the Valentine Treat Bundle—complete with the brand-new Happy Valentine Heart Single Stamp and the cutest little treat bags ideal for all of your precious valentines. Even better, the brand-new Happy Valentine Heart stamp coordinates perfectly with our Full Heart Punch for fast and easy creating.*

132771 - Valentine Treat Bundle Includes the Happy Valentine Heart Single Stamp (clear-mount) and 1" x 8" cellophane bags
Retail value:  $7.45 US/$9.20 CAN
Bundle Price:  $5.95 US/ $7.25 CAN

*Full Heart Punch not included in bundle

Both of these offers—and the exclusive stamps—are only available through January 21, so order online today to take advantage of these limited-time offers!

You can also come to my Open House next Saturday, January 12 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. to check out some of the new items from the spring catalogue.  All orders will receive free shipping!  PLUS, I will be giving away a free $15 gift certificate!!!

Button Buddies meets Collage Curios

I love these little dahlias that are in the big catalogue – I think they are so adorable – and they look so cute with this vase stamp!  I decided to pair this with the Collage Curios stamp set from the spring catalogue.  I just so happened to find an extra pre-cut set of white mats for the triple layer stamping on the floor (because my stamp area is sooooo remarkably clean )

Anyway, not anything too special – I just liked the way it turned out!

Stamps:  Button Buddies, Collage Curios

Ink:  So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Primrose Pink

Accessories:  In Color Dahlias

Christmas Cards from my friends

First, let me apologize to you for not sending out any Christmas cards!  This is the first year in many years that I just didn’t even send out any cards or pictures!  I know you already know, but baby #2 really throws a kink into your schedule! 

So, here are the wonderful handmade cards that I got this year (they are on my display table now!!!)

From my dear friend, Angel, who is now in Pennsylvania – isn’t this gorgeous?!

From my dear friend, and Creative Memories consultant, Jenny West. I love this combination of stamps!!!

From my oh, so creative and wonderful and only downline, Carol Manning.  Is this embossing, snowflake and glimmer paper combination just splendid?  I couldn’t have designed a better card myself!!!

And, from my longtime friend, Leslie – she definitely mastered the watercoloring and marker combo on this stamp set!!!!

Thanks to you, gals!  Hopefully next year I will have my craft on again in time to actually send you a card!