Island Oasis

I am working on the absolute coooolest project I have ever made and it isn't quite ready yet :( But, I feel like I have neglected those of who that are kind enough to visit my blog so I felt I have to give you something :)

As mentioned before, I attended a Spring Fling event this past Saturday and we made some really fun projects using the new Island Oasis Designer Series Paper (which you can purchase here starting tomorrow!) I love this paper because it takes me away to a sandy beach with a tropical climate........ Oh, back to reality.

Anyway, here is one of the projects we made:

This little box is made using the Big Shot with the Scallop Square die. We cut 2 of them out of chipboard and then cut 2 from Rose Red DSP. We glued the paper squared to the chipboard and then mounted them onto the sides of a box made from Whisper White Cardstock. Then we attached flower made from the Island Floral die over Old Olive Satin Ribbon which was tied all around the box. Then we made 4 adorable little note cards to go inside:

We stamped the sentiments with the In A Word stamp set, punched them out with the Modern Label Punch and attached them with dimensionals. So cute and simple - just what we need to have on hand for those "just in case" moments.

We had so much fun using supplies from the new Summer Mini Catalog - I just love it all :) If you are my customer and you do not receive your copy in the mail by May 3, let me know and I will order a replacement for you. Well, I need to get back to that very cool project I am working on. I should have it posted tomorrow afternoon so be sure to check back. 'Til next time......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Gone Vintage

I just LOVE the new (or should I say old) vintage style in stamping. It gives the most amazing effect to a greeting card. I was so inspired when I saw the samples made by Sandi Dailey at the Spring Fling last Saturday that I decided I just had to give it a try.

The best stamp set for this technique is the Elements of Style which you will be able to purchase in just a few days - you will definitely want to get this one - TRUST ME !! :) Well, anyway, here is the card I came up with:






I really made this difficult for myself because I used my new colors that were in my Stampin' Success magazine. The base of the card is Early Espresso and I layered it with Marina Mist, Sahara Sand and Very Vanilla. This will definitely become a favorite combination for quite some time ( I am so happy they will all be core colors). The problem is that now I have to wait until June to buy them :(

To get the vintage effect, I stamped the Very Vanilla piece with Chocolate Chip and then ran it through the Big Shot using the Square Lattice embossing folder which is also in the Summer Mini catalog. Then I sponged Chocolate Chip over the texture and sponged Bashful Blue over the center where the flowers are. I thwacked (don't you love that word?) around the edges of all layers with Chocolate Chip. I stamped the hummingbird with chocolate chip onto a scrap of the Marina Mist, cut it out, and mounted it with Stampin' Dimensionals. Soooo cooool!! I am anxious to play around some more with this technique.

On the inside, I wanted to carry the theme through so I put a layer of Very Vanilla. I stamped the image off first so it would be lighter and then sponged the edge with Chocolate Chip and then rubbed a sponge with Bashful Blue around the outer edge to look like this:






The complete list of supplies is:

Stamp Set: Elements of Style

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla

Ink: Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Big Shot with Square Lattice embossing folder, Eyelet Border Punch, Bashful Blue Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

This card is perfect for any occasion - mainly because I just couldn't bring myself to cover any more of it up by adding a sentiment. We all need to have cards on hand for those times when we need one at a moment's notice. I plan to build a stock pile now that I am hooked on vintage :) 'Til next time.......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Kind and Caring Thoughts

I was gone all day yesterday doing the "doctor's appointments" thing for the hubby so I just have not had a chance to get to the design table. I feel the withdrawals coming on already :) So, I decided to go back through the cards I have made over the past year and see what I had left. I found one that I made when the current catalog and In Colors first appeared. I love the fact that demonstrators are able to purchase a couple of the upper level hostess sets during the pre-buy period because I seldom am able to earn them free. And I absolutely love this Level 3 set called Kind and Caring Thoughts:

Unfortunately, I couldn't get the colors of this card to come out as clear as I wanted them to. But, I used my favorite In Color combination of Rich Razzleberry and Bermuda Bay. I am soooo glad Rich Razzleberry is becoming a core color for Stampin' Up with the color renovation but I will be sad to say good-bye to Bermuda Bay - LOVE these two together. My picture here just does not do them justice :( And I love how the small butterfly from Flight of the Butterfly matches the ribbon - tooo cute!

My complete list of supplies for this is:

Stamp Set: Kind and Caring Thoughts (Level 3 Hostess), Flight of the Butterfly

Ink: Bermuda Bay, Rich Razzleberry

Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White

Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Rich Razzleberry Polka-dot Ribbon

It is fun to look back at what I have created in the past to see how my style has developed over time. At first, everything was super simple and as I have progressed I have begun to add more embellishments and layers to get more depth with my cards. The more I explore and learn, the more fun I have!!! I can't wait to see what the future brings with Stampin' Up. I love their products and am so excited for the new catalog coming in a few months. And, of course, sharing with all of you is the best part!! 'Til next time.........

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Another Shadowbox Card

I really got hooked on shadowbox cards after seeing the one Jenn Picard created for UStamp. So, I started thinking about all of the special occasions they could be used for. My cousin's 15th anniversary was this past week so I decided to create one for her. This is how it turned out:







Now, I just can't make enough of them!!! They are so fun to play around with and add embellishments to. The new stamp set, Elements of Style, from the upcoming Summer Mini Catalog is perfect for so many occasions. And you can simply change the sentiment on the inside of the card to fit your purpose. Here is a closer look at that stampset:






The flowers in the set work beautifully with these roses I created using the Floral Fusion sizzlit die and my Big Shot (are you convinced yet that you need one?) Of course, I cannot take credit for the original idea - there are instructions everywhere on the web for these. They are a little time consuming at first, but trust me - once you get started, they become quite simple and addicting. So addicting that I actually did a card similar to this for the swap at Ronda Wade's Spring Fling yesterday. I did 20 cards so that meant 40 roses! I now consider myself an expert :) Finally, I can "grow" flowers!!! Anyway, here is the complete list of supplies for the card:


Stamp Set: Elements of Style

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Bridesmaid Specialty Paper, Sahara Sand, Bella Bleu DSP

Ink: Sahara Sand

Accessories: Big Shot with Floral Fushion and Little Leaves Sizzlits and Clear Circle Die, Pretties Kit, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper Piercing Tool (for curling the petals), Mini Glue Dots


I was so pleased with the way this card turned out. I will denfinitely be making a lot more of them. I can also see just the card front in a small shadowbox frame. Wouldn't that be neat with a picture in the center? Oh, I feel a new project coming on...... :) 'Til next time.......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Summer Mini Swap

I am going to Ronda Wade's Spring Fling event on Saturday. I will be delivering my 23 swap cards for the Summer Mini Swap to Sandy Haynes that day. In return, I will receive just as many swaps back from other demonstrators in our group. We do this as a way to get ideas for the new products coming out on May 1st when the Summer Mini takes effect. We sent our list of choices and I was assigned the new stamp set called Favorite Thoughts. It consists of 4 verses focusing on women. Since our group is called "The Rubberqueens" I was so excited to have a verse that was made just for us:

"Don't treat me any differently than you would a queen!" I LOVE IT!!!!! It really should become our motto :) The image from the stamp set had to be the main focus of the card so I had to do something to showcase the verse. Since I liked how the punched Top Note frame turned out on another card, I decided to use that technique and just changed it a bit. This time I used the 1 3/8-inch circle punch. It allows more of the embossed Top Note to show and didn't leave too much empty space around the verse.

Here is the complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Favorite Thoughts

Cardstock: Basic Black, Bride Specialty Paper, Whisper White

Ink: Jet Black Stazon

Accessories: Big Shot with Top Note die and Finial Press Embossing Folder, 1 3/8-inch Circle Punch, 3/16-inch Circle Punch, Clear Rhinestone Brads (every queen deserves a little bling), Basic Black 1/4-inch Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

I love the design on the Bride Specialty Paper in the background. It is foiled onto the white paper and shines in the light - so lovely!!! There are so many different things you can do with this paper to spotlight the foiled design. I hope it doesn't retire when the new catalog comes out. I want to do so much more with it. I think this design would also make a beautiful card for a wedding. So, keep your fingers crossed :) 'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram

Color Renovation

I am really getting excited about the upcoming Color Renovation. I love the 5 new colors that are being introduced - Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Marina Mist, and Daffodil Delight. They are amazing!! And I am equally excited about the 10 returning In Colors from previous years. Two of my faves are Pacific Point and Tangerine Tango - wonderful combination!

Last year, I made a card using these two colors and now I am able to show it to you:

I also used the Clearly Thanks Printed Window Sheets. Have you seen these in action?? They are the coolest things. You don't even have to use stamps with them. They come in a package of 2 and each sheet has four designs printed on it. You simply cut them apart into 5 1/2 x 4 1/4-inch pieces and layer them right onto the front of your cardstock. I attached this one using the Jumbo 5/16-inch brads and then just tied the ribbon around (I really hope the ribbon comes back, too). So simple and quick!!! The other designs are some flowers, polka dots, and dandelions. The neat thing about these is that you can also color the printed parts using the Many Marvelous Markers or the Stampin' Pastels. Endless possibilities - which I love :)

'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

From my Swap Sister

One of the really fun things we did in the UStamp Spring Soiree group that I joined is a "Sister Swap". We all sent in our name and then we were paired up with someone and had to send three items to our "sister." My sister was Linda Craven from Australia. This is what I received from her this week:

I think everything is sooooo awesome!!! And the best part is that she doesn't even know me and still sent me chocolate!!??? So, it is true - stamping and chocolate are meant to go together no matter where you live :)

I love this little mock purse she made from an empty brad container:

She covered it with the Cottage Wall DSP and made a little monogram for me. Then she filled it with M&M's. SO CUTE!!! Now I have another idea for those empty containers.

Then she made this little pillow box with Vellum Cardstock:

First she embossed it with the Big Shot and Polka Dot Embossing Folder. Then she wrapped Rich Razzleberry polka dot ribbon around showing the solid side and then she made a cute flower with Cottage Wall DSP and the Scallop Circle Punch. You just punch a bunch of circles and wad them up and hook them in the middle with a brad. ADORABLE!! And, have you ever had a Cadbury Time Out bar? I have never even seen these before - 2 DIE 4!!!!! Oh my gosh - they are sooooo goooood!!!!! There were two mini sized bars in the pouch. Note that I said "were." I ate one and thought I had gone to heaven - hubby says I have to save the other one because it says on the wrapper that it was made in Australia. I'm voting for just saving the wrapper :) But, I don't know if I can get away with it. Well, back to my swap for Saturday - 'Til next time.....


Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Summer Mini Sneak Peek

I wanted to give you all a sneak peek at one of the FABULOUS sets coming up in May when the Summer Mini goes live. I love this set - Watercolor Trio. The watercolor sets always have a very soft finish which actually ends up looking quite elegant. I also did some experimenting with punches for this as well and you get the benefit of my labor :) This is what I came up with:

Turned out sooo coool!!!! But, I must admit it looks much better in real life because the afternoon light coming through my window skews the colors. I cut 3 Top Notes with my Big Shot (you have to have one of these!). I trimmed the border from the Basic Black and Confetti Cream notes so I could layer them behind the Sage Shadow one. Then I punched in on all four sides of the Basic Black and Sage Shadow notes using the 1 3/4-inch circle punch which made the coolest frame for my stamped image. I chose "From the Heart from this set because - from my heart, I truly am going to miss Sage Shadow. It is one of the many colors retiring on June 30th. Broke my heart when I read that :(

But, change is good and I am absolutely in LOVE with the new colors being introduced on July 1st. All demonstrators received samples in our monthly Stampin' Success magazine we get as a benefit this month. AND we get to preorder them in June. Do you want to be the first to get them with me???? Go here and join my team today and start reaping the benefits :) I can't wait to get them - just like Christmas !!

Anyway, back to the present - the complete list of supplies for my card is:

Stamp Set: Watercolor Trio

Cardstock: Confetti Cream, Basic Black, Sage Shadow, Nouveau Chic DSP

Ink: Jet Black Stazon, Sage Shadow

Accessories: Big Shot with SU Exclusive Top Note die and Finial Press Embossing Folder, 1 3/4-inch Circle Punch, Basic Black 1/4-inch Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

I love the look that you get using the embossing folders and it takes minimal time compared to using a light table and brass template. So, needless to say, I do alot more dry embossing now than I ever have. Well, I am finished designing for Thursday's card class and now I have 43 card fronts to finish for two swaps on Saturday. 'Til next time......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

King of the Grill

I have a brother who LOVES to cook on the grill. He and his family have a seasonal spot at a campground and we get to visit on the weekends in the summer and enjoy his talent!!! So, I thought this stamp set from the upcoming Summer Mini was perfect for his birthday card. This is how it came out:

Isn't that chef just the cutest?? :) I didn't want alot of color so I used my pastels. They have been on the shelf for such a long time - it has been fun to play with them again. It gives just enough color without being overpowering. And do you love the Brocade Blue paper on this? I used the Square Lattice embossing folder (also in the Summer Mini). The texture of this folder makes your paper almost feel like fabric. SOOOO COOOOL!!!!! I will definitely be using this often! And to top it all off - here is the inside of the card:

He definitely is the "king." I am all too happy to give credit where credit is due :)

The full list of supplies is:

Stamp Set: King of the Grill

Cardstock: Brocade Blue (retiring July 1), Real Red, Sahara Sand, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Gray

Accessories: Square Lattice emboss folder, Big Shot (love it more than ever), Jumbo Eyelets, Crop-a-Dile, Bashful Blue Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Pastels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Very simple and fun!! I think this would also be an adorable invitation to a Bar-b-que! Don't you just love the endless possibilities when you make your own cards??? I know I do. 'Til next time....


Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Shadowbox Card

Sorry about being MIA for a few days. My hubby has really had a tough time fighting off his last bout with pneumonia that occured a month ago. He suffered a relapse this past Friday and is back in the hospital. He is doing better but they are having a hard time pinpointing the problem. So, I am not sure how long they plan to keep him but I hope they don't let him out until he is healthy!!! In the meantime, I am busy running back and forth and trying to work part-time, apply for jobs, and keep up with my stamping :) I have my monthly class coming up in 10 days and I have to prepare 23 swap cards for the Summer Mini swap I joined and I have to make swap cards for Ronda Wade's Spring Fling on April 24th. So......thank goodness for my "rubber room." It really does keep me from going totally crazy :)

So, as you might have noticed in the right-hand column here on my blog, I have joined a group called "UStamp with Dawn and Friends." I have learned some amaaaaazing things from the very talented designers she features in her groups. The other day, I was inspired by Jen Picard's shadowbox card and immediately started playing around to come up with some of my own. Here is the first one I created:

The full list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Elements of Style (Summer Mini)

Cardstock: Basic Black, Noueau Chic DSP, Watercolor Paper, Groom Specialty Paper

Ink: Jet Black Stazon

Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Stampin' Pastels, Blender Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Mini Glue Dots, Bone Folder or Scoring Blade and Paper Cutter

I absolutely LOVE making these cards - definitely my new FAVE!!!! They are so easy and yet probably the most elegant ones I have ever been able to make. I had so many problems getting clear pictures and uploading more images that I will just have to try to describe things on my own. It is difficult to see in the picture, but the black frame on the card is actually raised up 1/4 inch. You make two score marks on the sides and then attach the outermost section to the card front with sticky strip. This allows the center section to be raised. You attach your focus piece first with dimensionals. It really is simple but looks like you spent hours - kinda like making Rice Krispie treats :) I will be making alot more of these cards. This one is 5 1/4-inches square so you have to buy the square envelopes. I am going to work at "tweaking" it so it will be the regular card size. Keep watch! 'Til next time......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Faux Postage

I like to add a technique each month in my card class so I have been going through my old albums from the Technique University I attended with Ronda Wade and my notebooks full of technique tutorials I have gotten from Splitcoast Stampers and came across one I really like but haven't done for awhile - faux postage. You print a template onto cardstock and then cut it to the size you want for your card front. This is the card we will be making in class on the 22nd:

Once you print the template, you make a mask for the "stamps" using the Window Sheets. You cut an oval-rectangle shape out of the window sheet using the craft knife and then lay it over the printed template. Using sponge daubers, you add layers of ink to fill in the opening. Then you stamp a small image in the center to create your postage stamp. So easy and so pretty!!! And this technique goes perfectly with the Extra Postage and Tiny Tags stamp sets in the Occasions Mini Catalog. You can still order this set through the end of the month.

The complete list of supplies is:

Stamp Set: Extra Postage, Tiny Tags

Cardstock: Pretty In Pink, Chocolate Chip, Taken With Teal, Very Vanilla, Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper (Occasions Mini)

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Bermuda Bay, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron

Accessories: Pretty In Pink 5/8-inch Satin Ribbon, Scallop Oval Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Sponge Daubers, Stampin' Dimensionals, Medium Window Sheets, Craft Knife and Cutting Mat

I love the look this technique gives a card - something out of the ordinary! It is nice to change things up a bit once in awhile.

Speaking of change, Stampin' Up is reinventing their color combinations in the new catalog that comes out July 1st. Thirty of the current colors will be retiring - yes, I know that sounds like a huge change, and it is. But, they are bringing back 10 In Colors from the past few years and adding 5 brand new colors. I will be posting all of the details tomorrow so be sure to come back. The retiring colors will no doubt be tagged - "while supplies last", so you will want to start stocking up on paper before they are gone forever. 'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Awash With Flowers

During the month of April, Stampin' Up is offering sneak peek offer at a stamp set that will be featured in the upcoming 2010-2011 catalog. I love this set!! We used it at the March card class. It involves 2-step stamping which is very simple to do. First you stamp the solid image and then overlay the outline image in a darker contrasting color. I like it because you don't have to line things up perfectly and it gives your images a unique quality - no two are ever alike! This is the card we made:









The supplies we used are:

Stamp Set: Awash With Flowers

Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Whisper White

Ink: Bermuda Bay, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Taken With Teal

Accessories: Bermuda Bay Polka-dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Trim Corner Punch, Small Heart Punch

We made the scalloped border by putting the flat edge of the whisper white cardstock into the Scallop Trim Corner Punch rather than the corner of the paper. We lined the punch up with the edge of the previous punch edge each time so we could get a straight line of punches. Then we inserted each point into the Small Heart Punch and punched the heart from the center of the points. Then we laid the ribbon behind the punched border. A little tricky the first time, but once you get the hang of it, it is really easy to do - and it gives a great effect!!

Here is all of the information about the special offer:

Stampin' Up! demonstrator site and online store:

"Two-Step into Spring!

From April 1-30 only, you can buy the brand-new Awash with Flowers Two-Step Stampin' set—or get it FREE when you host a $350 workshop!

Item Description Price

117062 Awash with Flowers (wood-mount) $39.95
120549 Awash with Flowers (clear-mount) $27.95

Plus, get 20% off a selection of springy Two-Step Stampin' sets:

Item ---Page-- Description -----------Regular Price --Sale Price
113824-- 94 ---Greenhouse Garden ---$25.95 --------$20.76
113734 --98 ---Fifth Avenue Floral ----$24.95 --------$19.96
111578 -101 ---Flower Fancy ----------$36.95 --------$29.56
113258 -112 ---Trendy Trees---------- $17.95--------- $14.36


View the flyer on the demonstrator website link above to see the beautiful creations you can make with the Awash with Flowers set—then contact me to place your order or schedule your workshop." Sorry, but no matter how many times I edit this, I cannot get that last section about the sets on sale to space out the way I want it to, so I just added dashes in between - hope that helps.

This is a terrific offer and it only lasts thru April 30th. Don't miss out - contact me today for full details!! ' Til next time......


Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Abundant Hope

This truly is a day of Abundant Hope. And I hope all of you have a happy day with family and friends and hope in knowing we are all blessed by God.

I just love the Abundant Hope stamp set in the Occasions Mini Catalog. The image of the flowers is so detailed and can be colored in so many different ways. You can use the Stampin' Pastels, the Many Marvelous Markers, the Watercolor Pencils, or the Watercolor Crayons - and each one will give a totally different effect. That is what I love about Stampin' Up - so many different ways to get creative. They truly make it easy. My card class made this card in February:

It is simple and yet portrays the beauty that comes with Spring.

The supplies we used are:

Stamp Set: Abundant Hope

Cardstock: Barely Banana, Elegant Eggplant, Mellow Moss, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Gray

Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon, Markers - Barely Banana, Mellow Moss, Pale Plum

So quick and yet very elegant for such a wonderful day! Have a terrific day everyone. 'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Easter Blessings

Easter has always been one of my favorite holidays. And not just because you get alot of chocolate :) The whole purpose of the holiday is to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The belief that He lives today is a huge part of my life. In fact, it is what keeps me going through good and bad times. It gives me strength everyday to keep pushing forward no matter what comes along. And I wish that same faith and peace for all of you.

So, I enjoy making cards to celebrate Spring and Easter and all of the new life that comes with both. Since my April card class will be meeting after Easter Sunday, we made this card in March:








It was very quick and simple yet portrays the beauty that both seasons offer. I used one of the big flowers from The Pretties Kit and sponged it with Barely Banana, Pale Plum, and Perfect Plum ink. I covered the Perfect Plum cardstock with Versamark ink and then embossed it with Irridescent Ice glitter. I just love the background it creates! Always adds a bit of elegance to any card. I attached the flower to the embossed piece with a 5/8-inch neutral brad and then attached the whole piece to the card with dimensionals. It turned out to be a beautiful way to bless my friends.


The full supply list is:


Stamp Set: Abundant Hope


Cardstock: Barely Banana, Pale Plum, Perfect Plum


Ink: Perfect Plum, Versamark


Accessories: 5/8-inch Neutral Brads, Pretties Kit, Irridescent Ice Glitter, Paper Piercing Tool and Mat, Scallop Border Punch, Elegant Eggplant 1/4-inch Grosgrain Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Heat Tool, 3/16-inch Corner Rounder Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals


I wish each and every one of you a blessed Easter and peace for your life. I will be spending that day with my brothers and their families but will miss my youngest brother and my parents who live on the west coast. I know they will be together also along with my nephew and his family. I hope you are able to share the day with your family and other people you love. 'Til next time.....


Happy Stamping,


Laurie


Remember to get your mammogram!