I recently returned from an awesome vacation to the Rocky Mountains where I was able to reunite with family and kick back and relax.  It gave me an opportunity to re-energize and rejuvenate.  It was exactly what I needed.

Soon after I came home, I taught another class in Clermont, FL for the Clermont Woman's Club.  These women are fantastic and they love to stamp! We had so much fun.  Every month we meet at the Woman's Club historic home in Clermont.  If you would like to join us for class next month, please contact me!  We meet on the 4th Wednesday of every month at 10:00am.  Space is limited, so please act quickly.  Click here to see where we meet for class. 

 

One of the projects we made at our last class was this super cute card. This was an opportunity for me to introduce the new Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch (that's a mouthful).  This punch is brand new and was just released in the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog (#122464).  For less than $24, you get 3 punches in 1! This punch offers so many crafting opportunities, I highly recommend this punch as a staple to your crafting supplies - you won't be disappointed.

For the card above, we only used two of the three punches, creating two layers of flowers on each stem.  By using different sheets of scrapbook paper we were able to add dimension and interest.  To hold the layers together I added a rhinestone brad in the center and popped them both up from the card with a Stampin' dimensional.

To add a little more interest, instead of stamping blades of grass with ink, we created our own grass by looping Pear Pizzazz ribbon along a strip of Sticky Strip. The Sticky Strip (very strong, double-sided tape) was all that was needed to secure the ribbon to the card. It became such a "wow factor" and everyone loved creating something "unexpected".

Again, if you have interest in joining me for class, please let me know.  If you can't come to this class, I have several other classes I teach each month at different venues. I'd love to have you join us!

Thanks for stopping by! 

Happy Memorial Day! Thanks to all of you who have (and who are) selflessly serving our country.  I appreciate you!

In the Summer Mini Catalog, Stampin' Up! has an offer you can't refuse - especially if you or someone you love has been touched by breast cancer.  Beginning from May through August 31st, SU! is donating $2 from the purchase of each set to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). This money will be used to fund clinical and translational research worldwide.  The Strength and Hope set also comes in digital form for only $9.95.

Click below to view the stamp set and digital set:

Download Strength_Hope_Images

My card today was a tribute to my cousin who lost her battle to breast cancer 10 months ago.

I added an interesting dimensional element to this card - a flattened bottle cap and an epoxy cover.  I really like it.  Other elements on this card include Vintage Flower Adornments, lace ribbon and the Elegant Lines embossing folder for the Big Shot.

This card was completed by both of my monthly stamp camps and everyone loved the vintage feel and look of the card.  For those who did not want to have the "H" for hope in the center, the substituted another letter from an alphabet set.  A big "thank you" to all of my ladies who have purchased this set to date.

The clear mount set is only $13.95 and the wood set is $17.95.  Won't you please consider owning this awesome set while at the same time making a contribution to one of
the leading research foundations for breast cancer research? 

Thanks for stopping by.

With a new stamp set in hand, I set off to create a card with a fun fold today.  This will be used as a graduation card but could easily be modified to use for any purpose.

 
 
The base of the card is 8x8 card stock that is scored at 4" on the long and short side.  This creates a grid of 4 - 4" squares. By cutting the lower score mark to the center, it allows you to fold and adhere the square on the lower left under the square on the lower right.  This is what forces the top two squares to fold and come up. Before assembling the card, I scored a diagonal line in the upper right square.  By doing this, the card is able to fold down and close. The card stock with the sentiment on it is only adhered at the top of the card, otherwise the card could not fold and close.  If you are having trouble understanding, leave me a comment and I will try to post a template.

The nautical set I used is called The Open Sea and it is currently available in the Summer Mini Catalog through August 31st.  It is a GREAT set for masculine cards.  The detail in the images is incredible.  I really enjoy this set, especially when it is paired with Nautical Expedition designer paper (that's a piece of it on the front of the card). The sentiment is from a set called Word Play located on page 147 in the main catalog.  This is another great, versatile set.

I still have a few more projects to show you, so come back on Friday to see what I have done with the new Hope and Strength set. 

Have a great day!

Wow, time goes by fast. I never intend for so much time to pass between posts but the next thing I know more than a month has gone by!  So much for consistent blogging...

The good news is I have been stamping a lot over the last 4 weeks and I have a number of projects to show you.  My first project was one of my favorites.  Take a look and then I will explain:

 
The awesome "cupcakes" were the wrapping for my niece's and SIL's birthday present. When you lift the ribbon topper there is a cupcake paper liner that serves as a place to put chocolate, candy or in my case a check :) The directions for these were obtained from Becky Roberts in a Christmas tutorial she offered last year.  Here are a few more pictures:

 
I also had to make a box to hold the cupcakes.  It's been awhile since I made them, but I believe I found the template for the boxes from another fellow demonstrator, Wendy Hawkinson. 

These were a big hit and really very easy to make.  A little time was involved, but it was worth the effort.

I've got more projects to show you so be sure to stop by a few times this week and next.