Last Day of School

This year for some reason I got out the camera on my daughter's last day of Kindergarten while we were waiting for the school bus.  She was wearing turquoise and pink so that told me what colors to use.  The pink paper is a pink grid that comes from the Razzleberry Lemonade paper collection.  On that I stamped some butterflies from the "Priceless" stamp set in Melon Mambo ink.  I used Melon Mambo dotted grosgrain ribbon for embellishment along with the Scallop Ribbon Border punch and a die cut flower.

Sweet Soccer Layout

Back to scrapbooking....haven't posted any pages in a while!  Here's a soccer layout that I made with an old retired Stampin' Up! set called "Just Soccer".  I like this layout because I was able to put 9 pictures on 2 pages.  The stamping was done on the light blue background on the left and the dark blue background on the left.  This is a nice sketch that I'll have to use again.

Birthday Bakery Card

I designed this card for the Catalog Unveiling that I had earlier this month.  It's a cute birthday card using the new hostess set "Birthday Bakery" and the new patterned paper collection "Sunny Garden."  The colors for this card are So Saffron, Poppy Parade, Early Espresso, and Whisper White.  I used some new Early Espresso 1/8 inch Taffeta ribbon and the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch as well.

Simply Adorned Necklace

I just decided to take the plunge into the Simply Adorned line of custom jewelry that Stampin' Up! has.  I've been playing around with stamping on tiny pieces of paper to put inside the charm.  I still need some more practice, but here's what I have so far.

More Tropical Party Inspired by Catalog Cover (CIC3)

This is another card using the Tropical Party Set and the coordinating Island Oasis paper.  Since this card was inspired by the cover of the Stampin' Up! catalog, it counts as Catalog Inspiration Challenge #3.  The Friends card on the catalog cover usies a variety of patterned papers and the Top Note Big Shot die to create a "Friends" Card.  I used the Island Oasis paper and some coordinating cardstocks to create the Top Note Background accent.  This is a very colorful card using Rose Red, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Early Espresso, and Sahara Sand.

Tropical Party (CIC2)

Here's a cute card that I sent to all the members of my family before our vacation.  This card uses a similar layout to the "Just a little note" card on page 12 of the catalog.  The card has a row of circles across the bottom and an apple image cut out and raised with dimensionals towards the bottom right portion of the card.  It has a lot of white space making it look very clean and simple.

I wanted to use the new "Tropical Party" set that's in the Summer Mini Catalog.  The coconut image is cut out and popped up with dimensionals.  The colors used in this project are Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Early Espresso, and Rose Red.

New Catalog Inspiration Challenge

With the arrival of the new Stampin' Up! Catalog I've come up with a new idea to motivate myself throughout the year.  Instead of being inspired by ideas all over the world wide web, I'm going to try to use this year's catalog for my inspiration.  Perhaps I'll recreate a project that's in the book, or maybe I'll just take one element of a catalog project (like the layout or the color scheme) and use that to get me started. If you'd like to play along, feel free comment to this post with links to your creations.

For my first Catalog Inspiration Challenge (CIC1), I recreated one of the square cards on page 10 of the catalog that uses the Because I Care Stamp Set (Hostess Level 1 Set).  Instead of square though, I made it a standard rectangular card.  I used Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Blushing Bride and Certainly Celery for my color scheme.  I also simplified the ribbon embellishment and the scallop trip edge.

July Events

2010/11 Catalog Unveiling: July 15th 7:00pm


Come see the new catalog and some fun new products! We’ll make one project using some new products and spend the rest of the time “oohing and ahhing” over the new ideas and merchandise. Cost to attend is $5 which includes your own catalog, one make-and- and take project, and access to retired and handmade items that I’ll have for sale.

Scrap Studio: July 29th 6:30-9:00pm

Just bring your photos and your adhesive of choice and I will help you design customized scrapbook pages. You will have full access to all of my tools (Cricut, Big Shot, stamps, inks, papers, ribbons, and accessories) and my ideas and design expertise to create beautiful scrapbook layouts just for you! Leave my studio with completed pages ready to insert into your scrapbook and display for family and friends. Four Spots available for Scrap Studio Sessions.

• Minimum fee: $16.00 includes up to 2, 2- page layouts (4 12x12 pages total)

• Additional 2-page layouts: $8.00

• Adhesive Fee (if don't bring own): $1.00 per 2-page layout

• Premade layouts will also be available for quick assembly, ranging from $5-$10.

• Design/Tools Only Option: If you already have your own supplies that you want to use, but want to come to the Scrap Studio and still get my design service and use my tools - $10 fee per session.

Teacher Gifts

This year for the teacher thank you gifts I decided to give coordinating card sets.  Each set includes 5 matching cards with envelopes (each card with a different greeting).  For these very simple cards I cut 3"x4" pieces of pretty patterned paper and then straight stitched around the edges with my sewing machine.  I then glued the paper down on a white card and added a greeting stamped on an oval and framed with a scallop oval.  The result is very clean and simple.

Birthday Scrapbook Layout

I did some playing with my sewing machine and the new Island Oasis paper when I put together this Birthday layout.  The Island Oasis paper isn't just for tropical projects, it's so bright and cheerful and many of the designs are stripes and polka dots in fun festive colors.  The colors used in this layout are: Tempting Turquoise, Rose Red, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and So Saffron.

This layout design is great for birthday photos because you can fit 9 photos from the birthday party.  I'm definitely a scrapbooker that likes to put lots of photos in a layout since my scrapbooks are the only photo albums that I have.

Anniversary Card from Mom

Here's a photo of the beautiful card that my Mom sent me for our anniversary.  Thanks Mom!

Playing with Bargello

I'll be honest that I have no idea what Bargello is in the Needlepoint crafting world but in the papercrafting world it's a lot of fun and a great way to use up small scraps of striped patterned paper.  I got this idea out of the June Stampin Up! magazine for demonstrators and combined it with a Sketch Challenge SC281 to make some cute cards in two different color schemes. The method of creating this Bargello look is simple: cut strips of striped paper in varying lengths and arrange them on a piece of cardstock to create a pattern to your desire.  You can glue them down and then trim off the excess. 

The card shown above uses paper fromt the Sweet Pea Stack of papers from the Occasions Mini along with some oval punches (scalloped and regular), a Texturz embossing plate, and some chocolate chip grosgrain ribbon.

This card uses Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive together with some Cottage Wall patterned paper, Razzleberry polka dotted ribbon, the same oval punches and a Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder.

June Events

Scrap Studio - Friday, June 4th 12:30-3:00pm - Just bring your photos and your adhesive of choice and I will help you design customized scrapbook pages. You will have full access to all of my tools (Cricut, Big Shot, stamps, inks, papers, ribbons, and accessories) and my ideas and design expertise to create beautiful scrapbook layouts just for you! Leave my studio with completed pages ready to insert into your scrapbook and display for family and friends. Four Spots available for Scrap Studio Sessions (2 spots filled, 2 still available)

• Minimum fee: $16.00 includes up to 2, 2- page layouts (4 12x12 pages total)
• Additional 2-page layouts: $8.00
• Adhesive Fee (if don't bring own): $1.00 per 2-page layout
• Premade layouts will also be available for quick assembly, ranging from $5-$10.
• Design/Tools Only Option: If you already have your own supplies that you want to use, but want to come to the Scrap Studio and still get my design service and use my tools - $10 fee per session.

Card Studio - Friday, June 18th 12:30-3:00pm - Come make a stack of beautiful cards to suit your specific needs. You will have full access to all of my tools (Cricut, Big Shot, Sewing Machine, stamps, inks, papers, ribbons, and accessories) along with my ideas, card samples, and design expertise to create all the cards you need for your life! Need to make some invitations, birth announcements, or cards for a variety of occasions? Here's your chance! No need invest in all kinds of supplies and tools, use mine! Six spots available for Card Studio Classes. All you need to bring is your favorite adhesive.

• Minimum fee: $15 includes up to 8 standard size cards
• Additional cards : $1.50 each
• Adhesive charge for 8 cards (if don’t bring own): $2.00
• Design/Tools Only Option: If you already have your own supplies that you want to use, but want to come to the Scrap Studio and still get my design service and use my tools - $8 fee per session.

Clean and Simple Card Challenge

I discovered a new set of challenges to try...Clean and Simple Cards.  Sometimes Clean and Simple can be more practical and even look better than complicated and fancy.  My first challenge in this category was CAS66 (Inspired by Kelly).  The card inspiration was a card by kmahany on Splitcoast.  Since these cards are so simple, I had time to make 2!

The card above was made with Sweet Pea patterned paper, my paper piercer, Flower Burst Embosslit, and a leftover pink pirouette button bouquet button.

This card was made with a paper piercer, some Cottage Wall Designer Series paper, some white taffeta ribbon, and my Great Friend stamp set.

Simple Spring Scrapbook Layout

On Easter we took some photos of the family in our Easter attire on the back deck.  I threw this layout together quickly using the Flowers Sizzlet Decorative Strip die, some flower stamping, and a Cricut die cut (Stretch Your Imagination).

Mothers Day Card

For my Mom's Mothers Day card I used Sketch Challenge SC279 and Color Challenge CC269 (Lovely Gable Cameos).  I must admit, these colors were tricky for me...I do not use Gable Green or Cameo Coral much at all!  So I've found that the trick to these color challenges that have colors that you don't like is to use those colors sparingly on the card!  Therefore, my card is composed of mostly Lovely Lilac with "accents" of Gable Green and Cameo Coral.

Stamps: Wonderful Watercolors (retired)
Inks: Lovely Lilac, Gable Green, Cameo Coral
Papers: Lovely Lilac, Gable Green, Cameo Coral, Whisper White
Accessories: Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder, white organdy ribbon

Old Banana Ballet & Razzle Dazzle Giggles

Last week"s sketch challenge and color challenges were a lot of fun.  I created the card above using both and then tried the sketch challenge again with Razzleberry Lemonade papers and coordinating products.  Both Came out pretty cute, but I think the Razzleberry one is my favorite.

Stamps: Kind & Caring Thoughts, Pocket Silhouettes

Paper: Ballet Blue, Barely Banana, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Ink: Old Olive, Ballet Blue, Barely Banana
Accessories: Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Square Die, cuttlebug embossing folder
Techniques: Direct to Paper (inking on edges and embossed background)

Stamps: Razzle Dazzle
Paper: Razzleberry Lemonade, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry
Ink: Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo
Accessories: Scallop Square Die, Melon Mambo Dotted Ribbon
Techniques: Direct to Paper (inking on edges)

Hello Kitty Pages

Here are some layouts that I created for a friend of mine for pictures of her daughters upcoming Hello Kitty Birthday party.  I used Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Very Vanilla, Basic Black and Lavendar Lace cardstocks for these pages along with the sparkly patterned papers from the Sending Love Specialty paper collection.

May Stamping and Scrapping Events

I'm going to be trying some new things with my classes over the next few months.  This month I'm opening up my design studio to my local customers for some Studio Days.  This month I'll be hosting a Scrap Studio day and a Card Studio Day.  At these events all my tools and supplies will be at your fingertips to get the projects that you want to create done!  Since these classes are only available during the daytime, children are welcome.  If you and your friends are interested in alternate days of the week or time of day, contact me to arrange a special studio session.

Scrap Studio - Friday, May 7th 12:30-3:00pm - Just bring your photos and your adhesive of choice and I will help you design customized scrapbook pages.  You will have full access to all of my tools (Cricut, Big Shot, stamps, inks, papers, ribbons, and accessories) and my ideas and design expertise to create beautiful scrapbook layouts just for you!  Leave my studio with completed pages ready to insert into your scrapbook and display for family and friends.  Four Spots available for Scrap Studio Sessions.

Minimum fee: $16.00 includes  up to 2, 2- page layouts (4 12x12 pages total)
Additionals 2-page layouts: $8.00
Adhesive Fee (if don't bring own): $1.00 per 2-page layout
Premade layouts will also be available for quick assembly, ranging from $5-$10.

Card Studio - Friday, May 21st 12:30-3:00pm - Come make a stack of beautiful cards to suit your specific needs.  You will have full access to all of my tools (Cricut, Big Shot, stamps, inks, papers, ribbons, and accessories) along with my ideas, card samples, and design expertise to create all the cards you need for your life! Need to make some invitations, birth announcments, or cards for a variety of occasions?  Here's your chance! No need invest in all kinds of supplies and tools, use mine!  Six spots available for Card Studio Classes. All you need to bring is your favorite adhesive.

Minimum fee: $15 includes up to 8 standard size cards
Additional cards : $1.50 each

Basic Apricot Shadows Color & Sketch Challenge

Here's a card that I made for last week's sketch challenge (SC277) and color challenge(CC267) on Splitcoast Stampers.  The thought of using Apricot Appeal made me cringe...it's definitely not my favorite color!  But I actually grew to like this combination as I made the card.  I pulled out one of my favorite sets, Upsy Daisy for this one.  The Basic Gray helps this color scheme a lot by adding some contrast.

Stamps: Kind & Caring Thoughts, Upsy Daisy
Paper: Sage Shadow, Appricot Appeal, Basic Gray, Very Vanilla
Ink: Basic Gray, Apricot Appeal, Sage Shadow
Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, cuttlebug embossing folder
Techniques: Direct to Paper (inking on paper edges and embossed background)

Sunny Day Scrap a Stack

Here are some photos of a recent Scrap-a-Stack album class that I held using the Stampin Up! Sunny Day Simply Scrappin Kit along with some extra paper and ribbons.  These are simple pages, but can be assembled quickly and are flexible for use with summer and spring photos, even Easter!  The great thing is that in about an hour or 2 you can have a stash of 20 pages at your fingertips!

Sketch and Color Challenges

I've been in a bit of a creative slump lately so I thought it would be fun to do some Splitcoast Challenges again to get my creative juices flowing.  I made two cards that satisfy last week's Sketch Challenge (SC276) and one of them uses colors from last week's color challenge (CC266) Blushing Coral Rubies.  I also pulled out some stamps I haven't used in a while....FUN!

Stamps: Close as a Memory, Kind and Caring Thoughts

Paper: Ruby Red, Cameo Coral, Blush Blossom, Creamy Caramel, Very Vanilla
Ink: Ruby Red, Creamy Caramel
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

Stamps: Kind and Caring Thoughts
Paper: So Saffron, Sweet Pea DSP, Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive
Ink: So Saffron, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Sweet Pea Stitched Felt Flower

Spring Cards

Here are some cards that we made in a workshop last month.  I used a lot of new products from the Occasions Mini Catalog on these cards.   I'm really loving these acrylic mount stamps especially since they cost less!  I hope these springy cards inspire you to sit down and create today!

Stamps: Whimsical Words

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Melon Mambo

Papers: Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip (textured and smooth), Certainly Celery, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP

Accessories: Regal Rose Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Circle Punch, Circle Punch, Scallop Trim Border punch, Extra Large 2-step Bird Punch, dimensionals (for wings and roof)

Stamps: With All My Heart

Inks: Old Olive, Pale Plum

Papers: Rich Razzleberry, Pale Plum, Old Olive, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Cottage Wall DSP.

Accessories: White Taffeta Ribbon, Extra Large 2-Step Bird Punch (branch), Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die, Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder, Big Shot

Stamps: With All My Heart
Inks: Real Red
Papers: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Sending Love Specialty Paper
Accessories: Extra Large Fance Flower Punch, Circle Punches, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Chocolate Chip Sending Love Epoxy Brad

Cute as a Bug Cards

Here's a fun challenge that I like to do on occasion.  Get out a pretty pice of patterned paper and one images stamp set and make a bunch of coordinating cards in one sitting.  I did this one day with the hostess set "Love Bug" and a piece of sparkly, yet masculine, patterned paper.  I also used the new Sale-A-Bration Punch along with a lot of other punches for these.

New Scrapbook Pages Available

Sorry I've been slacking on my posting lately.  I'll try to do better! Here's a glimpse of some new "Green" layouts that I've released in my online store, made of all recycled papers.

Love Notes

Here are some photos of some valentines that I sent to loved ones last week.  I played around with the new Sending Love Specialty Paper.  This paper is so lovely because it has glitter already on the paper for some extra sparkle.  I also used the new "With All My Heart" stamp set, scallop trim border (Free Sale-A-Bration punch), the new Extra Large Fancy Flower punch, corduroy brads, and painted metal flower brads.