Bears, bears, and more bears!

Stampin' Up was lucky enough last year (or should I say - smart enough) to enter into an agreement with Build-a-Bear Workshop that enabled them to create some really fun stamp sets and other accessories featuring a pair of adorable little bears. They are so cute and if you use all of the Big Sot dies, you can even create paper dolls and outfits :) Tooo fun!! But, in my card class, we stuck to the stamps and one of the cards we created was this:






The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Beary Best Friends, Beary Nice Wishes

Cardstock: Naturals White, Pretty In Pink, Almost Amethyst, Pawsitively Prints DSP

Ink: Basic Gray

Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Pretty In Pink 3/8-inch Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Markers - Certainly Celery, Creamy Caramel, Basic Black, So Saffron, Almost Amethyst, Pretty In Pink

I had actually designed this for my great-niece's first birthday. I just love this stamp set - the bears are so cute!! And I learned that if you always center your cardstock over the border punch you are using, your outside edges will always match and it makes it come out perfect if you want to layer pieces punched with the same border. This designer series paper and the Almost Amethyst cardstock will retire after tomorrow :( Love them both but I can't wait until Thursday when all of the new products become available. Have you ordered a catalog yet?? Trust me, this is one of the best ever :) You can order one from me here or contact me and I will get one for you. I am really looking forward to getting back to stamping as soon as I get moved. I will be able to show you more of the wonderful new colors and products that will be available over the next year. It is always so much fun to get some new toys to play with :) Not much longer :) But, back to packing for now. 'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Upsy Daisy

One of my favorite color combinations over the past year has been Rich Razzleberry and Bermuda Bay. I will really hate to see Bermuda Bay leave us - it really reminds me of the sea. I have seen photos of the Carribbean that match it perfectly :) (have never had the pleasure of seeing it in person). This is one of my favorite cards using that combo:

So so glad the Upsy Daisy stamp set is sticking around for at least another year, too. It is a great "go to" set for a quick and easy card. I cheat a little when it comes to the ticket corners. I have to admit that I learned a trick at a Stampin' Up Regional event a few years ago - right about the time they came out with the punch. I learned you could line up the corner of your cardstock with the "X" on the back of the 1/2-inch circle punch and get a ticket corner. So, needless to say - I have a 2-in-1 punch now :) I would post a picture showing the lining up process, but the punch is already packed away - sorry. I will have to make a note to post that at a later date. In these tough economic times, we all have to save money any way we can :) Besides, the price of the Ticket Corner Punch covers a pack of cardstock - which I am always in need of !! Anyway, back to today's card. I loved this polka-dot ribbon, too. It came just in the In Colors last year and I used them all - gorgeous. The really cool thing about it was that you could use it with or without the polka-dots because it is plain on the back side. Another 2-in-1!! Gotta love 'em!

The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Upsy Daisy

Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White

Ink: Bermuda Bay, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: 1/2-inch Circle Punch, Bermuda Bay Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots

I have found that if I make my bow separate, the ribbon ends up laying better on the card. I just attach the bow on top with a mini glue dot. It lays much nicer in an envelope to mail as well with less chance of needing to pay extra postage for bulkiness. I will have to adjust my color combos this year but with all of the yummy new colors, I'm sure I will enjoy the task :) 'Til next time......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Bar-b-Cutie!!!

I love summer bar-b-ques!!! I am really looking forward to the one we are having here at the house in a couple of weeks. It will be my last chance to spend the day with my extended family. I have notified the relatives and we should have a house full :) Fun times!!! And most times, I can find some real "kodak" moments for future projects as well. I just finished all of the steps to become certified in My Digital Studio. It is amazing how much you can do with that program!!! So much more than just scrapbooking - you can create cards, calendars, interactive photo albums... soooooo cool!! I can't wait to really dig into it and share some fun stuff with you. But, that will have to wait until I get moved. The next couple of weeks are sure to be a whirlwind!!! I will enjoy the break when we have the bar-b-que. In keeping with that theme, I wanted to show you this punch card my class made last summer:





Isn't she just the cutest??? Oh my gosh, I love her - too bad I can't take credit for the creativity. I got the idea from a card that Tamie Ackerson had created that she had found somewhere on the web. So, I don't know who the original creator is, but I sure appreciate the fact that she shared her :) The only thing stamped on this card is the BBQ label. Everything else was created using Stampin' Up punches. I love making these cards. They are so fun. It is amazing what you can come up with once you get punching :) If you would like to recreate this card - you need to hurry. The stamp set will be retiring on June 30th along with this particular red cardstock. It is one of the few remaining colors still available and that could change in a heartbeat.

The full list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Only Ovals

Cardstock: Ruby Red, Basic Black, Blush Blossom, DSP (retired)

Ink: Ruby Red

Accessories: Punches - Scallop Circle, Scallop Square, 1 3/4-inch Circle, Small Oval, Wide Oval, Stampin' Dimensionals, Red Gingham Ribbon (retiring), Basic Black Marker, Mini Glue Dots

She is just so precious and I am sure she would be welcome at anyone's bar-b-que :) This would make a great invitation to send out to all of your friends. I would probably have done that if I wasn't so pressed for time :) But, since I can use the grill pretty much year-round where I am going, I'm sure I will have opportunities to do that in the future. So, fire up your grill and have fun this summer! 'Til next time.......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Garden Whimsy

Another of my favorite stamp sets will be retiring soon - Garden Whimsy. I have loved this set from the first time I saw it! My card class made this card with it last year. We used Gable Green cardstock which is one of my all-time faves as well. So sorry to say good-bye to this pair. I just love this little swirled verse that reminds us to be happy no matter where we are because at least we are able to be there :) :

The ribbon covers the words but it says "the time to be happy is now. the place to be happy is here." I just love it. It really seems to fit my life right now with everything changing so much. That is true about so many of the stamp sets I own. I tend to choose the ones that fit my life :) Funny how that turns out. Anyway, the ribbon was created using the White Organza Ribbon and we just colored the woven edge with the Melon Mambo Marker. This is a great way to adapt your ribbon to your project.

The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Garden Whimsy

Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Gable Green, Pretty In Pink, Whisper White

Ink: Melon Mambo, Gable Green

Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, White Organza Ribbon, Ticket Corner Punch, Melon Mambo Marker

I love this card because, again, it is simple and quick. So easy to put together and yet super cute to brighten someone's day. I am leaving "packing mode" for a few hours today to have lunch with a very good friend and to do at least one more of the webinars for My Digital Studio. This program is so cool and I can't wait to learn even more about it. 'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Bright Blessings

Every day of my life is filled with blessings - friends, family, and stamping. I have been so blessed to have been introduced to Stampin' Up and have made many friends in the process. Sometimes we tend to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and need a little reminder to count those blessings that we may take for granted. But, we need to slow down a bit in order to do this so I created this card to help me with that:






I just love this turtle (or he may be a tortoise). He appears to be looking up and that is where our blessings come from - God. He is a shining example of slowing down and looking up :) The verse comes from the God's Blessings set. I am so glad each of these is carrying over to the new stamping year. I reach for these sets often for so many different occasions. I will have to change my colors up a bit as the card base and DSP are both retiring, but I always love a challenge!

The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Nature's Nest, God's Blessings

Cardstock: Green Galore, Garden Green, Kaleidoscope DSP, Confetti Cream

Ink: Garden Green, Jet Black Stazon

Accessories: Scallop Border Punch

This card is very simple and to the point - just the kind to make in a pinch. This is a good card to have on hand for those moments when life gets the best of us. I count all of you who visit my blog among my blessings :) Thank you so much. 'Til next time....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Humor In High Heels

Sometimes in life we just need to make a statement. We need to feel like what we have to say really matters to someone. Many women make their statement with the shoes they wear - and they have a pair for every outfit :) Personally, I get by with one pair in each genre - tennis shoes, flip flops, sneakers, and dress shoes. I would rather spend my money on stamps!! But, back to the shoes and the statements - a while back, I demonstrated the "Faux Leather" technique at one of Ronda Wade's technique events. I needed to make some samples showcasing the technique. Well, one of my favorite (and retiring :( ) stamp sets is Humor In High Heels. I heard that - there is no humor in wearing high heels!! They hurt your feet and you can't wait to kick them off at the end of the day - I know, I know!! But, I must admit that your shoes can convey your mood. Take this for example:

Tell me that a woman who wears bright red boots isn't making a statement ! :) I love this verse. Even I have been known to change my attitude simply by changing my footwear. I remember how important it was, when I was growing up, to have a pair of white go-go boots just like Nancy Sinatra wore when she sang about using them to "walk all over you." You were just not anybody unless you had a pair. I begged and begged for them. I don't remember having a pair of white ones but I can remember my father reluctantly letting me wear knee-high brown suede ones with those white "hot pants" he was not too fond of either :) But, hey, I made my statement!!

Oh well, back to the technique. Faux Leather is really quite simple to do. You stamp your project with Versamark Ink using the direct-to-paper method and cover with clear embossing powder. Then use the tip of your bone folder to make squiggly lines through the powder to make it look line leather (or alligator skin). Then shake off any excess and heat with your heat tool. It comes out looking like this:

It is soooo cool!!! And it really looks like leather. I did just the top portion on the boot to make it more like a real boot because the bottom sections on them are always smooth. I added some Silver Elastic Cord just for extra style :) The strap is a piece of Real Red 1/4-inch Grosgrain Ribbon folded over and attached with a Rhinestone brad. Ladies love their "bling" !!

The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Humor in High Heels

Cardstock: Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White

Ink: Real Red, Versamark

Accessories: Clear Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Bone Folder, Silver Elastic Cord, Clear Rhinestone Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals

Well, back to packing. I encourage you all to get out there today and make your statement!! It will brighten your day :) 'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remeber to get your mammogram!

Bloomin' Beautiful

Well, I have begun the very HUGE task of packing. So, I dug through the trenches for some samples to share with you over the next few weeks :) I decided to start off with some that use some retiring favorites. I am sad to see alot of the colors leave and some of the stamp sets that I love will soon be history :( Today I am sharing a card I made using one of my all-time favorite sets - Bloomin' Beautiful:





I love this vase full of flowers - they live forever :) I used the color combination of Pretty In Pink and Taken With Teal. I will truly miss that color!! Don't get me wrong - I do love the new colors and am eagerly anticipating their arrival - I just hate to see my old favorites go :( I stamped the bouquet image and then colored the flowers with the Taken With Teal pastel. They give such a soft appearance to your image. I colored the centers of the flowers with the marker in the same color. Then I colored the vase with the Pretty in Pink marker and the leaves with the Certainly Celery pastel. I stamped the sentiment using another favorite retiring set - Happy Everything. It was such a verstatile little set that could be used for many occasions. Then I added a strip of the wonderful Pretty In Pink striped grosgrain ribbon (also leaving us on June 30). Truly one of my favorite cards - simple and sweet.

The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Bloomin' Beautiful, Happy Everything

Cardstock: Pretty In Pink, Taken With Teal, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Gray, Taken With Teal

Accessories: Stampin' Pastels, Markers, Pretty In Pink Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

We have all been told it takes less muscles to smile than it takes to frown - so I hope you take the time to be "happy in everything." Life is short and we need to make the most of the time we have :) 'Til next time.......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Daisies #2

For the next few weeks I will be sharing some cards I have made in the past - both with my monthly card class and some I created before the group got started. I have begun to pack things away for the move on July 11th, so for the time being I have to put off any new creations :( Oh well, I have much to look forward to and many fond memories to take with me.

One of the things my group always enjoyed was using the Big Shot. We tried to incorporate it into our projects each month. This is one of the cards we made using that:

I just adore the Daisies #2 die. I used 2 pieces of each layer to create this flower. I attached it to the card using the Build-a-Brad. Those are so fun because you can create any center you want for your flower. It just depends on the cardstock you use. This card also uses a couple of my favorite retiring colors - Mellow Moss and Barely Banana. When paired with Basic Black they just pop!! I stamped this verse from Herb Expressions in Whisper White Craft Ink.

The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Herb Expressions

Cardstock: Barely Banana, Basic Black, Mellow Moss, Whisper White

Ink: Whisper White Craft

Accessories: Big Shot with Daisies #2 die, Build-a-Brad set, Paper Piercing Tool, Black Gingham Ribbon

This card is very simple which is a style I love. And yet, it is one I could receive myself and never tire of. It serves as a daily reminder to stop and smell the flowers :) Well, off to do more packing. 'Til next time......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Asian Artistry

I had just one more card to design for card class tonight so I went through the samples already completed to see what would best finish off the set. We didn't have a card offering Get Well Wishes yet so I looked through the stacks of stamp sets to find one we hadn't used in awhile. Not only did I find one, but it is actually one we have never used. Asian Artistry is a level 2 hostess set and is very simple yet elegant - a style we all love! I also wanted to showcase some of the new In Colors so this is what I came up with:





We all just LOVE the Big Shot, so naturally the card needed to involve that as well :) I cut three Top Notes and used them to create kind of a 3-dimensional feel to the matting of the main image. The DSP is the new Greeenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper - so beautiful!! I had to color the stamps with the In Color Markers because we were unable to preorder the ink pads. But, I don't see that as an obstacle - it becomes an opportunity to change things up a bit.

The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Asian Artistry, Sincere Salutations

Cardstock: Naturals White, Pear Pizzazz, Concord Crush, Greenhouse Gala DSP

Accessories: Big Shot with Top Note die, Pear Pizzazz and Concord Crush Markers, Certainly Celery Satin Ribbon

This card is super simple and quick. I love these colors together because they are very rich-looking with a shadow of subtlety. Very neat combination that I think would brighten anyone's day if they were feeling a little "under the weather."

Tonight is my last card class here in Michigan. I will be leaving for San Diego in a few weeks. It will be a tough night for me as I have become to cherish the third Thursday of the month and the ladies I share it with. We have become great friends and I love sharing my ideas with them. I will miss all of them so much!! I will be spending my time figuring out ways to hold a long-distance card class with them :) They keep me motivated and I will miss that. Hopefully, I will be able to start a class up when I get settled in my new home (wherever that might be :) ). I have mixed emotions about leaving Michigan. It will be hard moving away with my son staying here, but life happens. I will not miss icy roads, thunderstorms, tornadoes or hot and humid days in the summer. I will miss the colors of fall, the hundreds of shades of green in the spring, and the friends and family I will leave here. But, I look forward to no mosquitoes and the ocean. I love the salty smell in the air at the beach and nothing beats watching the sun set over the bay. So, thank goodness for e-mail so I can keep in touch more often and share photos. Well, I have to go get some chocolate for tonight - we're definitely gonna need some :) 'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

The Sweet Shoppe

As I have told you, I love ice cream! It is one of my favorite things about summer. And there are so many awesome flavors that didn't use to exist. When I was a kid, it was pretty much chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, neopolitan, or sherbet. Nowadays, ice cream has anything but the kitchen sink in it! :) My absolute favorites are Breyer's Black Raspberry Chocolate and Coldstone Creamery's Founder's Favorite. I just don't dare buy either one very often because it quickly becomes an addiction issue - once I start eating, I just can't stop!!! LOL! So, since I shouldn't eat it, I have to find other ways to enjoy it - like this:

I have seen this card done a few different ways and decided to incorporate all that I have seen into one. And, staying true to my heritage, used chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry for my cones. I love the little "counter." It feels like I could just pull up a stool and enjoy :) Here is a view from the side:

I really wish this was totally my own idea but it isn't. Oh, to be this creative! But, for now I will continue to draw my inspiration from others.

The full list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Sweet Scoops

Cardstock: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Creamy Caramel, Very Vanilla

Ink: Early Espresso, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla Craft, Pretty In Pink

Accessories: Scallop Border Punch, Word Window Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Close to Cocoa Marker, Sticky Strip

To make the awning, I cut a strip of Whisper White cardstock 1" x 4 1/8". I punched 11 word windows. The easiest way I found to put it together was to lay the strip on my grid paper vertically so I could center the punched pieces onto it across the 1-inch width. This will also make it a bit easier to get everything straight. They hang over about 3/8-inch on each side. Be sure to butt them up tightly to the previous one so you have no gaps. Then score right along the edge of the strip on both sides. That gives a little strength to the awning and allows it to look finished. I laid a piece of sticky strip the full length on the back of one side right next to the white strip and attached the awning to the top of the card by the fold. If you put the sticky strip tight to that strip, none of it will be uncovered between the scallops. Once you have it attached, you fold outward on the scored line and then fold the other scalloped edges down. So cute!!! For the counter, I simply figured out how tall I wanted it to be (2 1/2") and then added 3/4-inch to it. I scored it at 3/4-inch and folded that piece forward after attaching it to the card front. Be sure not to put any adhesive on the 3/4-inch section. I used the Close to Cocoa marker to draw some random lines on the Creamy Caramel piece in an attempt to give it a "wood look." It was just too plain otherwise :) Istamped the sentiment with Early Espresso ink and then I stamped the chocolate and strawberry scoops on Whisper White cardstock and stamped the Vanilla with craft ink on Very Vanilla cardstock, cut them out, and mounted them over the cones with dimensionals. I got too close to the counter with my center cone so it kind of looks like someone took a bite out of the bottom :) Better start watching for drips! Well, I hope you have enjoyed our trip to the Sweet Shoppe - go ahead and have a double dip on me!! :) 'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Stained Glass Butterflies

Whenever possible I try to teach a new technique at my monthly card class. I know there are a ton of new ones, but sometimes it is fun just to bring one back that you haven't done in awhile. I was on Gretchen Barron's blog one day and she had used one that I love but had just added to those on the back burner :) The Stained Glass technique is really simple. She had used it on the single butterfly stamp that is featured in the Summer Mini catalog. It sparked my imagination to come up with this:

I changed the colors that she used but I really liked the basic layout, so I chose to stick with her example. To do this technique, you stamp your image onto Vellum Cardstock with Versamark ink and then emboss with Black Emboss Powder using your heat tool. Then you turn your cardstock over and color the image on the backside using your markers. I cut out the images and layered them over a stamped image using dimensionals. Gretchen's idea to do this is great because you don't have to try to cut out those tiny antennae because they are already stamped. Here is a closer view:

Sorry that it appears a little blurry - I was pretty close with my camera :) I just love the color combination - Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, and Daffodil Delight. The first two are returning In Colors and we never had markers for them before. I am so excited to have them now because these were two of my favorite colors!! And I just love Daffodil Delight. I was so concerned when I heard we were losing Summer Sun and Yo Yo Yellow, but this replacement could not have been more perfect!! I will miss the very subtle Barely Banana, however. You couldn't beat that when you needed something very pastel. But, for now, So Saffron will suffice :) Where there is a will, there is a way.

The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: All a Flutter, Watercolor Trio

Cardstock: Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, Vellum (cardstock weight)

Ink: Versamark, Pacific Point, Jet Black Stazon

Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Black Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Pumpkin Pie 1/4-inch Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

This card was actually very simple to make and yet appears as though I worked for hours....almost like making Rice Krispie treats LOL!!! It is fun to use different techniques and styles - it keeps things interesting. Don't ever be afraid to try something new and be a little adventurous in your card making and scrapbooking :) 'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Masculine Birthday (yes, they do have them)

On my daily "journey through the blogs", I have been noticing alot of challenges to come up with Masculine cards. It does seem that when I think of designing a card, I tend to focus on my female friends and family members more. I guess I just always think they will enjoy receiving a handmade card whereas, the men just look at them and throw them away :) Besides, I don't think they would enjoy all of the "flowery" images I have in my stamp sets :) But, as I have been doing more and more designing, my husband has been taking more of an interest in what I make. So, I have been trying the past few weeks to give a bit more of my attention to masculine cards. With Father's Day fast approaching, I have done a couple for the occasion - but whether they like it (or admit it) or not, men do have birthdays!! :) So, today I pulled out a stamp set that I hadn't used in quite some time to make this:






I did a class with Ronda Wade this past week and we made a card using this stamp set. Funny, that I just focused on this for fall. But, it is perfect year 'round for the guys in our lives. Especially here in Michigan where so many men hunt every year. If nothing else, it might motivate them to start preparing in advance for those hunting weekends - then we would have dates for our stamp camps much earlier this year :) Yes, ladies - always thinkin' !!! LOL! Any excuse to stamp is a good one, in my opinion!

Well, back on track here. I totally copied Ronda's idea of placing the pheasant, leaves, and I have no idea what those other things are - they kind of look like some weed with a seed or berry on the branch - who knows? They just look cool. So, I stamped the pheasant with Jet Black Stazon, the leaves with Not Quite Navy, and those berry things with Cherry Cobbler (LOVE this color!!!) which is one of the new colors. I stamped the sentiment using the new Level 3 Hostess Set called Occasional Quotes. This set is so awesome!!! And one of the benefits of being a demonstrator is the opportunity to purchase one Level 2 and one Level 3 Hostess Set during the preorder period. That is happening this month and you can get in on it for half price!!! This month only, you can purchase a special starter kit for only $99. Remember, you are not obligated in any way to hold parties or events. You can simply join just to enjoy the discount on your purchases. This is such a great deal and it all ends on June 30th. Contact me today or go to my website to join my team using the authorization code 57lolly. So, back to the card....

The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Autumn Days, Occasional Quotes

Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Naturals Ivory

Ink: Jet Black Stazon, Cherry Cobbler, Not Quite Navy

Accessories: Big Shot (order yours today!), Square Lattice Impressions Folder (a perfect reason to order a Big Shot), Basic Black 1 1/4-inch Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Natural Hemp Twine, 5/16-inch Jumbo Neutrals Brads, 3/16-inch Hole Punch, Stampin' Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals

I know it is a bit difficult to see in the picture, but I sponged across the corners of the Cherry Cobbler Cardstock with Cherry Cobbler ink after embossing just to add some depth to the texture -so much better in person! I know we all say that, but it really is true. And the Cherry Cobbler is an amazingly rich-looking color and the picture just does not do it justice! It is gorgeous! I tied a piece of hemp twine around a strip of black 1 1/4-inch striped grosgrain ribbon to change it up a bit from tying a knot or a bow. When I first saw this ribbon in the catalog last year, I wasn't quite sure I would like it. But, I love this ribbon. It is really soft and super easy to work with!!! I can't wait to get it in every color once the new catalog sales period starts. But, until then, keep your husbands and fathers in mind this week for "their day" coming up next Sunday and create a handmade card for them - they really will appreciate your effort. 'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Artistic Etchings

I am so excited about the vintage offerings in the new catalog. One set that was available for demonstrators to preorder is called Artistic Etchings. It is all about "French." Ooooh la la :) I was especially drawn to this set because one of my grandmothers was actually born in France. She used to tell me stories about gathering water from the well in the middle of her village and stomping grapes in her bare feet so her father could make wine. I loved her stories and have always dreamed of visiting France to see the place where she grew up. Well, I don't see that happening anytime soon, but at least I can use these images to spark my imagination:

I got the inspiration for my color scheme and layout from Jan Tink -she is very creative!!! I love the Newsprint Designer Series Paper (also a preorder item) that will be offered in the new catalog. It is absolutely PERFECT for vintage designs. So many demonstrators have been using pages from old dictionaries and other books and now we will have our own paper to work with!! I can't wait to use this for scrapbooking too. The black images were stamped with Versamark and then embossed with Black Emboss Powder and the gold images were stamped in Versamark and then embossed in Gold. I wasn't all that pleased with the way this turned out - simply because I tried the Log Cabin Spritz Spray and that is definitely still a work in progress for me. I think I went a little heavy with it and I got a big drop of it and tried to smooth it out and ended up with that large smudge :( But, it takes practice. I may end up just giving up on it but I do want to see if I can master it - I never back down from a challenge :) So, I decided to carry the theme to the inside of the card as well:

I stamped the medallion image off on scrap paper once before applying it to the cardstock and then stamped the Eifel Tower image with Versamark Ink. I sponged around the edges of everything with Cherry Cobbler and then Early Espresso - both new colors that I just adore!!! They are amazing :)

The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Artistic Etchings

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Newsprint Designer Series Paper

Ink: Versamark, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso

Accessories: Black and Gold Emboss Powders, Heat Tool, Modern Label Punch, Gold Brads, 3/16-inch Hole Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Log Cabin Spritz Spray, Stampin' Sponges

I am excited to feel like I can connect my stamping to a person who has meant so much to my life. My grandmother was a wonderful woman who I adored. She made the best homemade bread I have ever tasted, tought me how to play cards for chocolate-covered peanuts or marshmallows that had to be sucked on to soften up before you could chew them, and peeled the apples for her pies close to the time my brothers and I would come to visit. She would save the apple peelings in a bowl so we could eat them. To us, that was almost as good as the pie :) I cherish my memories of her and will always share her with my son. I wish he could have known her, but sadly, she had passed on long before he was born. But, that is what scrapbooks and journals were created for. Hopefully you won't mind if I share some of those with you as I explore some of the French offerings from the new catalog. 'Til next time......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

SNEAK PEEK SPECTACULAR!!

Mark your calendar for June 19th and join me in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan for the Sneak Peek Spectacular!! Hosted by myself and Sherry Camp, you will make 5 projects including a basket, notecards, patterned box, and two greeting cards. The price of $25 includes the projects, lunch, and $13 worth of product that you will use that day and have plenty left over to use at home. We will be using products from the new catalog and new colors!! We will also do some demonstrations to inspire your creativity. So, please join us from 10 am to 2 pm on the 19th. You will find a Paypal button in the left column to sign up and reserve your spot. RSVP by noon on June 15th so we can order your product and have everything prepared for you. Oh, and did I mention door prizes? That's right, we will be giving away some new items as well as some old favorites. You will receive one ticket in your packet and have the opportunity to purchase extras.

So, to whet your appetite....this is a couple of the projects you will be doing. First, this little basket is made using two new colors and one of the new In Colors along with Chocolate Chip:





Your free products include a package of the Filigree Designer Brads and a roll of Sticky Strip. I just love how these little baskets look like straw purses - sooo cute!! This one was made using Daffodil Delight, Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz, and Chocolate Chip cardstock and the Big Shot (yes, I know you still want one :) ) It is so easy to assemble and it holds these:




Another project will be these four notecards with envelopes that fit right into the basket. These cards are the perfect size to give with a gift. And they feature the new Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper (which I love!)

The complete list for both projects:

Stamp Set: Friends Never Fade, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White

Ink: Early Espresso, Baja Breeze

Accessories: Big Shot, Baskets and Blooms die, Square Lattice Impressions Folder, Filigree Designer Brads, Natural Hemp Twine, Whisper White 1/4-inch Grosgrain Ribbon, Whisper White 3x3 Envelopes, Sticky Strip, Printer Paper (non SU)

This is the handiest little thing to have around and it is always nice to have these cards on hand for gift-giving. So easy and cute! I know you will have a great time and learn lots so we hope to see in Mt. Pleasant! If you are long distance, the cost is $30 and we will cut your projects for you and mail them ready to be assembled along with your free product. Choose your option on the Paypal button to join us. 'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

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Lovely Lilacs

Back on May 1st, I followed a blog tour and remembered that on a website of a demonstrator from Hawaii, there were the most beautiful notecards made with photos of her tropical garden. I was in awe, to say the least!! As I have said before, I can kill an air fern so I don't do much in the way of gardening. But, I have some flowers that are pretty much self-sufficient so they bloom every year :) In my front yard, I have 4 rather large lilac bushes. A couple of them are actually more like lilac trees. They bloom heavily every other year - maybe that is normal, I just am not real savvy about that stuff. So, last year was a good year for them and I took a few pictures. I was playing around with my new camera and did some close-ups and had a bunch of fun.

Anyway, I decided that I would see what I could come up with for notecards using my photos. I worked on them for awhile yesterday and planned to post them but evidently Blogger was having issues and I couldn't start a new post. Thankfully, they finally resolved the issue a few hours ago so I could show you these:

I used Garden Green for the card base and Certainly Celery Designer Series Paper for the first layer. I started with a rectangle that measured 4 1/4 x 5 11/16-inches. I had to make it slightly wider than the card to make the scallops come out right. But it ended up pretty much the exact size of the card front so - perfect!! I ran the 3 1/2 x 5-inch piece of Elegant Eggplant through my Big Shot (you know you want one!). I cut my photos to 3 1/4x3 1/4-inches and layered them onto Whisper White 3 3/8 x 3 3/8-inches. I attached them using snail adhesive but attached the sentiment and it's layers using Stampin' Dimensionals. The photos are actually all taken from the same bush (or tree). Here is a closer look:

I wish we had "smell-e-blog" so you can enjoy the full experience!! LOL :) They truly do make the day fragrant when they are in full bloom. Pity they don't last longer - like maybe all summer. It seems that just as they reach their full potential, the blossoms begin to die off. Oh well, that is why we have cameras, right? And thank goodness we can put those photos on our hard drive to print over and over!

So, once I had these babies finished, I thought they needed a place to stay. So, I got out the ruler and did some measuring to come up with a box for them:

I thought it best to carry the theme of the cards to the box top so I would remember what was inside - I do have hair color issues, if you know what I mean :) I used left over pieces from the photos and stamped the same sentiment from the Elements of Style stamp set. I know - I know - that stamp set again!! I'm just sayin' - it is a must have set!!! There are just so many cards that little sentiment is perfect for. Here is a look at the total package:

The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Elements of Style

Cardstock: Garden Green, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White, Certainly Celery Designer Series Paper

Ink: Elegant Eggplant

Accessories: Big Shot with Square Lattice Impressions Folder, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

These were so fun to make. I took several photos of my purple irises last week and they will be my next project like this. It really makes me feel like I am part of the card because it showcases something that I love!! And after I move, I will have the photos to always look back on. A little nostalgia is always good for the soul. 'Til next time......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

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Hooray for the Red,White, and Blue!

One of the things I love about summer (along with ice cream cones) is the 4th of July. I love to ooooh and aaaaaah at the fireworks, have bar-b-ques with family and friends, light sparklers, and ride on my brother's pontoon boat in the boat parade :) So many memories are made on the 4th of July. When I visited Gretchen Barron's blog about a week ago, I saw the cutest little project she had made and decided to alter it to fit the 4th. I started by cutting out red, white, and blue stars with my Big Shot and then attached them to straws:






Then I made the main part of the project using Night of Navy, Real Red, and Confetti White cardstock:






I KNOW!!!! Isn't it just the cutest little basket??!! Thank you, Gretchen for another great idea! She is so creative!!! I stamped the Confetti White Cardstock with images from the "July Fourth" stamp set in the Summer Mini Catalog. After I cut the basket pieces using the Basket and Blooms die with my Big Shot, I ran them through using the Square Lattice Impressions Folder. It makes the basket look like a straw purse!!! Toooo cute! And so easy to do. I filled mine with crepe paper which I cut into 5-inch lengths, ran them through my crimper, cut them into thin slices, and then wadded them up in a ball and then fluffed them out. I would have used that shredded paper filler but my local dollar store is pretty limited on supplies like that :) But, hey, it worked fine! So, then I made a little tag and tied it on one side using the Natural Hemp Twine and added a layered star with a dimensional to end up with this:






The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: July Fourth

Cardstock: Real Red, Confetti White, Night of Navy, Whisper White

Ink: Night of Navy, Real Red

Accessories: Big Shot (now I really know you want one!), Baskets and Blooms die, Square Lattice Impressions Folder, Natural Hemp Twine, Crop-a-Dile, Small and Large Tag Punches, Stampin' Dimensionals, Bone Folder (for scoring), Sticky Strip

I think it will be cute decoration for the picnic table at the bar-b-que!! I'll be sure to take pictures - it will be my last big bash here in Michigan before I head west. I would come back to visit next year but I will be much closer to Salt Lake City and hopefully headed to Convention instead :)'Til next time......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

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Because I Care

If this does not make you want a Big Shot, I don't know what will :) Another item on the preorder is the new Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Folder. I fell in LOVE with this!!! I had my card all planned out until this happened:

GORGEOUS!!!!!! My original thought was to layer an image over this but once I ran it through the Big Shot and saw the impression I knew there was no way I could cover this up. This is amazing!!!! And it is the exact image as the Vintage Decor Elements Stencil in the Summer Mini Catalog - how awesome is that??!!! I love things that coordinate. That is something Stampin' Up truly specializes in. And I know you want one of these now! And you don't have to wait until July if you take advantage of the awesome discounted Starter Kit this month. Contact me for details or go to my website to sign up today with the password - "you rock". Trust me, you will not regret it :) So, anyway, back to the card. Once I saw how gorgeous this came out, I really toned it down:

This just screams "simple embellishment." So, I stuck with the stamp set I originally chose which is a new Level 1 hostess set for next year. You could earn this so easy!! I stamped the qoute in Marina Mist on Whisper White cardstock and punched it out with the Large Oval Punch. Then I punched the Scallop Oval in Marina Mist and layered it onto a piece of Daffodil Delight punched with the Wide Oval Punch. Don't you love these colors?? They are brand new this year!!

The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Because I Care

Cardstock: Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist, Whisper White

Ink: Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist

Accessories: Big Shot with Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Folder, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Daffodil Delight 1/8-inch Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

This folder will definitely be my "go to" tool for simple, quick, and yet very elegant cards from this point on!! I just can't get enough already!! LOL! And I just love the floral image in this stamp set. It was supposed to go on the front of the card but I put it on the inside instead:

I love cards that go together quickly because sometimes you just don't get much notice before you need one. This will, no doubt, be made several times over. In fact, it is so quick and simple that I may utilize my spare time (if I ever get any) to make a stash of them. Take time to smell the flowers today and let someone know that you care about them. 'Til next time......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Are You Ready For A Sneak Peek???

One of the awesome benefits of being a Stampin' Up Demonstrator is getting to preorder upcoming items. It is sooooo fun to get them in your hands before anyone else!!! Wooohooo! Such is the case this month. We are able to preorder select items from the upcoming 2010-2011 Catalog. And I have only 3 words for you --- OH MY GOODNESS!!! I cannot wait to show you everything. If you want to get your own "sneak peek", come to my card class on the 17th :) We will be using some of the new products and papers.

Also, mark your calendar for June 19th for a very special event in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. I am working with Sherry Camp to bring you an awesome day of Sneak Peek projects and demonstrations. I am working on the flyer and we will have it out this weekend :) I know there has to be a way to put a link on here - and I WILL figure it out one way or another!

Those of you who are attending my card class this month will be making this card:





I cannot tell you how awesome these colors are up close and personal!! I used the new In Color, Pear Pizzazz for the card base. I put a layer of Baja Breeze through my Big Shot (I can't believe you haven't gotten this yet!) using the Square Lattice Impressions Folder and then added a layer of the new Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper. Please expect to see A LOT of this on my blog over the next year - I LOVE every single sheet of paper in this package. I have preordered my limit :) LOL!! I have to be careful, though, because I can't get any more until July 1st :( I am definitely anticipating withdrawals....uggghhh!

So, back to the card - sorry :) I stamped the image using the new "Friends Never Fade" stamp set. It coordinates perfectly with the paper!! This is soooo awesome! Oh my gosh, I can hardly contain myself-----whew! The whole set is a "must have" if I have ever seen one. Very, very nice. Anyway, I stamped the image with Baja Breeze on Whisper White and layered it onto Chocolate Chip and then onto a piece of Pear Pizzazz that I embossed with the same folder as before and then onto another layer of Chocolate Chip. The ribbon is the new 1/8-inch Taffeta in Marina Mist. I wasn't too sure about this when I first read the size but I am in love again - no surprise there, right? :) It is so easy to work with! Wow, has my list grown since I first looked at my copy of the new catalog! Yes, that is another benefit of being a demonstrator. We received our copy of the catalog with our first demonstrator order this month. As soon as they said that, I knew I had to pay some UPS worker's salary by expediting my order - just too long to wait otherwise!! I really should be moving to Utah instead of California :)

The complete list of supplies is:

Stamp Set: Friends Never Fade

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, Greenhouse Gala DSP

Ink: Baja Breeze

Accessories: Big Shot with Square Lattice Impressions Folder, Marina Mist 1/8-inch Taffeta, Stampin' Dimensionals

Super cute and simple!! I love the flower images in this stamp set - and they are all on the paper! Speaking of flowers, as I walked down to my mailbox yesterday, I came across these:





My purple irises are truly something I will miss. Every year I seem to have more and more of them. We had gotten some rain early in the day and these are shaded by a row of trees. If you look closely, you can even see beads of water on the petals. Truly, truly God's hands at work :) I made this picture my desktop wallpaper because they are just so gorgeous!!! I am thinking of using an idea I saw on a blog by someone who lives in Hawaii (sorry, can't remember who offhand) and adding pictures of my irises to some little note cards.....Look for the kit soon :)

Well, I need to get back to designing for the card class, planning for the Sneak Peek event, and packing to move.....OY VAY !!!!!! (Not sure if that is how you spell that, but it is certainly how I feel - good thing I do my best work under pressure :) ). 'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

I Scream, You Scream.....

We all scream for Ice Cream!!!!!

It has been sooooo hot and muggy here in mid-Michigan lately!!! But, the local ice cream parlors have been opening up and bringing with them the best part of summer - ICE CREAM CONES!!!!! LOL - I anticipate this every year :) You see, these places close up in the fall because they don't think people like ice cream when it is cold outside. Haven't they heard of "snuggies" ???? I just wrap up in a blanket and eat it anyway - I need my dairy products! Geeeezzz !!

Well, onto the post :) There is just the cutest little stamp set in the Summer Mini Catalog called Sweet Scoops. I wasn't going to buy it until I started seeing all of the cute projects done with it. That happens to me so often :) I knew I just had to have it to play with. I wanted to showcase the ice cream cone as the focal point of my card so this is what I came up with:

I know what you are thinking...... "not another shadowbox card!!!" Well, it just seemed like the way to go with this. And, I needed to showcase the retiring colors as well :) I stamped each of the scoops on Whisper White (great way to use up those scraps) and then cut them out so I could have a triple dip!! I love these colors - it looks like rainbow sherbet, don't you think? Tooo Cool! I used the Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper for the background and the Scallop Border Punch for my edging. To make the opening in the frame, I used the 1 3/4-inch Circle Punch. This card was actually much faster and easier than the others because there are fewer embellishments. But, it is fun and it showcases one of the best things in life - ice cream :)

The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Sweet Scoops

Cardstock: Pixie Pink, Whisper White, Kaleidoscope DSP, Gable Green

Ink: Creamy Caramel, Gable Green, Apricot Appeal, Pixie Pink

Accessories: 1 3/4-inch Circle Punch, Scallop Border Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

I guess this ice cream is for a retirement party because all of the paper and inks are retiring on June 30. So, if you love the card and want to make one just like it, contact me today or visit my website to place your order - they are going fast!!! Well, now I have to go find some ice cream for real because I have fallen victim to self-influence :) 'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Swap Card

Tonight was the monthly meeting with my upline group. Each month we get together for tips and training. We offer each other ideas and motivation. Ronda Wade is our group leader and she is so amazing. She does everything she can to help us in our business. Speaking of which, June is the best month to join Stampin' Up. This month you can purchase a starter kit for only $99!! That is half of the normal cost. You get 2 stamp sets, inks, cardstock, catalogs, forms, and other supplies to get started. Plus you will receive the Stampin' Success magazine each month with tons of ideas in each issue!! You can even customize your kit by choosing your stamp sets and colors - WHAT A DEAL!!!!

Anyway, at this meeting each month, we have a swap. We make just a card front and take 16 identical ones. We put 1 on the board to be voted on as the "best of show" and we swap the rest. It is a terrific way to get some great ideas for layouts and color combinations. I love the swap - we have some very talented women in our group :)

This is the card I made:






I started with a base of Bermuda Bay (retiring soon). I layered Soft Suede and then a piece of the Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper (also retiring soon). Then I added some Rose Red 1 1/4-inch Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (yes, this too). On a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock I stamped the bird image from Friends 24-7 and the floral image from Elements of Style (yes, this again :) ). It came out looking as if the branch is actually part of a flowering tree. Too cool!! I colored the flowers with Rose Red using a Q-tip. Never under-estimate the value of household items :) LOL!! Then I ran that through the Big Shot (you have to have this!!) using the Square Lattice Embossing Folder. I trimmed off the edges with the Eyelet Border Punch. Then I stamped the sentiment from Friends 24-7, layered it and added it with dimensionals. I love the way it turned out - and having a Stampin' Up business has brought me soooo many new friends!

The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Friends 24-7, Elements of Style

Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper

Ink: Soft Suede, Rose Red

Accessories: Big Shot with Square Lattice Emboss Folder, Eyelet Border Punch, Rose Red 1 1/4-inch Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

I love this card and am so glad I was able to share it with my friends - including you :) I hope this inspires you to swap ideas with someone who shares your love of stamping. 'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!