If you've been crafting for as many years as I have, you may have drawers of supplies and embellishments like I do.  Too embarrassed to show you what they actually look like, I did attempt to clean and sort through them the other day.  I happen to come across these puzzles:

I had several packs of them that I bought on clearance at least a year ago.  I always had good intentions of using them right away but, like a lot of other craft store finds, they end up in the dark chasms of my craft drawers. 

Armed with determination, I set out to stamp something pretty.  I pulled out two favorite stamp sets, Field Flowers (#122862-C, #122760-W) and Hello, Doily (#122847-C, #122845-W).

The doily stamp really helped fill the space and is such a pretty background for the flowers.  I wanted to have some ink on each piece of the puzzle so placement was key!  Overall, I'm pretty happy with the results.

My ladies attending my March Stamp Camps will be doing this as a bonus project.  One less thing in my craft stash!

Thanks for visiting!

A long holiday weekend has afforded me the opportunity to spend more time in my craft room.  I love when that happens!  With some free time on my hands, I reached for a new stamp called Swallowtail (#129216-C, #129213-W).  I'll admit, it's a little intimidating at first because of it's size but once I started playing with it, I liked it!

The detail in this stamp is so beautiful.  Because of that I wanted to keep the rest of the card simple.  To add just a little color, I added three paper flags using the Print Poetry paper pack (#129312).  I also added a layer of Raspberry Ripple card stock to coordinate with the sentiment and a sweet little button with linen thread.  And finally, for some added interest, I took out the Color Spritzer Tool  (#107066) from my "Cool Tool" box and spritzed Raspberry Ripple ink from a marker to the card.

We are just about half way through the biggest and best promotion of the year...Sale-a-bration.  If you haven't taken advantage of this great deal, now is the time to do so.  For every $50 you spend, you will earn FREE stuff!  Yep, I said FREE!  Read all about it.

Have a great day.

Today's post was completely inspired (and encouraged) by my friend and fellow demonstrator, Holly Krautkremer.  She makes scrapbooking look so fun and easy!

I am in the process of working on a scrapbook of my beloved pup, Kayla, who passed away from cancer a few months ago.  Armed with a scrapbooking magazine and a cup of coffee, I came across a sketch that really appealed to me.  So, I went to work to create a 12x12 page that showcased the beautiful, brown eyes that always melted my heart. 

The sketch is simple, but allows my sweet girl to be the focus of the page. The fun colors and patterns in the Sunshine and Sprinkles designer series paper (#126922) pops off of the white background.  I added a few flowers created with the Big Shot and the Blossom Party Original die (#115971) for some dimension.  And that was it.  Simple. Easy. Stress free. 

Does this sketch look familiar?  If you saw yesterday's post you might see the resemblance.  Take a look at the side-by-side comparison:

Same sketch! I actually made the scrapbook page first.  It didn't take long before I realized what a great card layout it would make too.  I was really surprised how quickly both of them came together. 

I know so many card makers that are intimidated by scrapbooking.  I was one of them!

Keep it simple. Don't stress out over a layout or sketch or the amount of embellishments you have.  As my friend, Holly, says, "Just have fun!"

 Enjoy what is left of your weekend.  Make some time to create something memorable!

Welcome to the weekend and to my Saturday Share.  This bright, Spring-like card showcases the Sunshine and Sprinkles designer series paper (#126922).  This paper just makes me happy!  With so many patterns and colors, this paper pack can be an excellent addition to your paper collection.

I've paired the paper up with the For the Birds stamp set (#126405 - W, #126407 - C).  This all-occasion stamp set is perfect for those who enjoy coloring.  With so many coloring options to choose from, there is a technique for everyone. 

I stamped the image in Black Stazon ink (#101406) - required anytime you are going to do some type of coloring.  Stazon ink is fast-drying, solvent ink.  Solvent ink is also waterproof, fade proof and perfect for stamping on non-porous surfaces.  In this case, the Stazon ink will not bleed when I color the image.

To color my happy birds and the rest of the image, I used Blender Pens (#102845) and my ink pads. The blender pens are easy to use, easy to clean and come in a pack of three, dual-tipped pens.  These will last a very long time.

I hope you are able to take time this weekend and create something fun. Be sure to come back tomorrow so I can show you the scrapbook page I made using this same paper!

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I had a lovely surprise waiting for me in my mailbox today.  My friend and upline, Pennie McCallum, sent me this fun and bright card.  The colors are so cheerful, it put an automatic smile on my face.

Does that stamp look familiar?  If not, perhaps you're not aware of Stampin' Up!'s new single stamps.  For a limited time only, 10 single stamps, with never-before-released images are available for purchase.  Click her to see all 10 images.  These stamps are only available through March 31, 2013.

If you like the ability to buy just one stamp versus an entire set, single stamps are a perfect option for you.  Inexpensive and versatile, any of these stamps are a great addition to you collection.

And, don't forget, Sale-a-bration is in full force!  For every $50 you spend (including any single stamps) you earn a Sale-a-bration item for FREE. This is a great opportunity to get the biggest bang for your buck.  Would you like to host a stamping party?  Hostess' truly get spoiled during Sale-a-bration with even more additional product.  Contact me to book your party today!

Have a GREAT day!

I finally had the opportunity to ink up a stamp I've had on my shelf for awhile  - the Just Thinking (#129940) stamp.  It's not often that I leave a stamp un-inked, but this one got over-looked.  It was time to put it to use!  Coupled with the paper from the Parker's Patterns Designer Series Paper (#131021), I was able to keep this card gender neutral.  The Cherry Cobbler paper, ink and seam binding give it a nice coordinated look and a "pop" from the base of the card.

To add a little texture, I used the Fancy Fan embossing folder (#127751) and the Big Shot.  This is one of my favorite embossing folders and complements most stamped images beautifully.

One of the great features of this stamp is that is coordinates with the Window Frame Framelits (#129021).  Framelits take the hassle out of cutting images and create perfect die-cut elements. 

And finally, what's a great card without a little 3-D?  I added an antique brad and some pearls to add a bit of dimension. Quick. Easy. Simple.

So, what stamp or embellishment have you neglected lately?  I encourage to get it out and use it! 

Happy Stamping!

It's hard for me to decide what my favorite Sale-a-bration product is, but the stamp set, Feeling Sentimental, is definitely in the top 5. I'm drawn to the line art images and the vintage style of each stamp.  So many possibilities with this set!

I like having all-occasion cards on hand.  I love when I can reach in to my card box, add any sentiment and get the card in the mail.  That was my intention when I made these:

Do you see that gorgeous paisley blue paper?  Most people don't realize that it is Stampin' Up! paper, but it is!  It's a hidden jewel that I'm about to un-hide.  On page 16 of the Spring Catalog...the Print Poetry Designer Series Paper Stack, #129312.  This stunning pack of paper has 48 sheets of 4-1/2"x6-1/2" sheets in the following designs:

The paper is double-sided and unfortunately the picture only shows a snippet of the other side.  That's where I found my beautiful paisley paper!   Priced at only $6.95 US, this is a GREAT way to add color and pop to your projects. The assortment is fantastic!

SALE-A-BRATION - For every $50 of product you spend, you earn a Sale-a-bration product for FREE! You could choose the Feeling Sentimental Set above or choose from 18 other products!  Learn more about Sale-a-bration here.

 Have a GREAT day!

Let's take a break from all the promotions posts, shall we?  It's time to get back to the craft room and CREATE! 

This afternoon I am teaching a class on how to make the stationery portfolio on page 147 in the 2012-2013 Stampin' Up! catalog.  It's a perfect accompaniment to the beautiful and elegant English Ivy Stationery also list on page 147.

The sample in the catalog uses the color Summer Starfruit with the Crumb Cake, but I was drawn more to the jewel colors in Raspberry Ripple and Primrose Petals.  Any color could be used, it's just a personal preference.

This is a perfect gift to have on hand for a hostess, friend or just for yourself!

Thanks to my friend and fellow demonstrator, Linda Heller, for the instructions!

Have a great day!

I have a fun card to share today.  It's simple, bright and can be used for nearly any occasion. It was inspired by a card swap I received at the Stampin' Up! convention in July.  The inspiration card was made by Heather Wnek.

The stamp set is called Lacy and Lovely (#122887 Clear-mount, #122885 Wood-mount) and is it ever!  These medallion-like images are so intricate and detailed and stamp beautifully!  My favorite image is the one stamped in Daffodil Delight - swirls, paisley, dots and dashes - it has it all!

The border around the card was created using a Tempting Turquoise marker and a ruler.  No rhyme or reason behind what I did, I just wanted to create some interest.  The card measures 3-3/8 x 6-5/8.  Stampin' Up! used to sell envelopes to accommodate this size, but know I can easily create one with my Simply Scored Tool (#122334).

To finish the card off, I put a few of the medallions on some Stampin' dimensionals(#104430) and topped them off with some bling with the Rinestone Basic Jewels (#119246).  The perfect card for almost any occasion!

To order the Lacy and Lovely set for yourself, click here to go to my On-line store!

As promised yesterday, I have another project using the a new stamp set, Betsy's Blossom. My favorite part of today's card?  The colors!  Rich Razzleberry, Lucky Limeade and Daffodil Delight...wow.  Had they not been in the Floral District Designer Series Paper, I'm  not sure I would have put them together. 

I wanted to add leaves to my florals but wanted some a little smaller than the one provided in the stamp set, so I made my own!  Here's a little trick anyone can do with any size circle punch.

Punch a circle using your circle punch (the smaller the circle, the smaller the leaf).  In my sample, I used the 1" circle punch.

Re-insert the punched circle back into the punch until the desired size leaf can be seen in the center of the punch.

Punch and enjoy your handmade leaf!

For some added interest, I ran my leaves through the Big Shot using the Square Lattice embossing folder.

Reminder!!  There is less than one week remaining to purchase items in the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog.  To purchase retiring items, visit my on-line store today!  Don't miss out!