Teddy and Train

I have been busy preparing for a workshop that I am helping my mom with later today. She is a member of my downline and since we used to live so far apart, I really couldn't give her much in the way of training. So, we have been working together and have come up with some really cool make-and-takes and some great items for our hostess. I will post pictures later :) The problem is that is hasn't left me quite enough time for my own stamping :( So, last night I decided to take the bull by the horns and get back to it!

I fell in love with the "Teddy and Train" stamp set the first time I saw it last year. I bought the set and finally decided it was time to do something with it :) It is one of the few sets I was able to bring with me so I got it out and started playing with some color combinations and this is what developed:








To color the train, I used a Blender Pen because I didn't want the intensity of the Pacific Point and Tangerine Tango markers. I did use the marker, however, for the Daffodil Delight. I stamped my images with Basic Gray and then colored them in. I used Soft Suede with a Blender Pen to color the teddy bear and then used my Basic Black marker to add some stitch marks and to make his eyes and nose stand out better. I stamped the baby rattle on a scrap of Whisper White, cut it out, and then attached it using a dimensional. I also attached the matted verse from the Level 3 Hostess Set Occasional Quotes with dimensionals to "pop" it up.

The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Teddy and Train, Occasional Quotes

Cardstock: Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Gray, Pacific Point, Soft Suede

Accessories: Marina Mist 1/8-inch Taffeta Ribboon, Blender Pens, Daffodil Marker, Basic Black Marker, Stampin' Dimensionals, Big Shot with Square Lattice Emboss Folder, Photo Corners Punch

I think this is definitely one of my favorite color combinations. It will be fun to see what else I can do with it :) And I will definitely be playing with this stamp set - I love that little bear :) So, I need to get ready for the workshop - did I tell you that from now until the end of August you can earn extra FREE merchandise with a qualifying workshop? If you are in the San Diego area and would like to book a workshop with me contact me today at laurie.gibson57@yahoo.com . I am filling my calendar so book yours early :) 'Til next time.......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Some more Notecards

Oh my gosh!!!! Before I can even start this post I have to tell you how EXCITED I am!!! In the past 3 minutes I uploaded two photos, deleted them off, and reloaded them! On my old dial-up network that would have taken about 4 hours!!! I am lovin' this highspeed wireless!!! OK, deep breath.......

So, before I left Michigan I had taken more pictures of the flowers that were blooming in my front yard. I liked the Lilac Notecards so much that I decided to do something with the others, too. So, I dug out a package of the Notecards with Envelopes and put these together:

I had gotten a seed packet template from Judy Marshall that allowed me to change the name of the flower and add my name and location to the bottom. I love it!! Sooo cute. She originally designed this to be used on cards that incorporated some of the fun cardstock flowers that very creative people have been coming up with. But, I decided to opt for the easy way out on this set and use my photos. Once I get settled in to my own place and the rest of my supplies make it here, I will most likely give the others a try, too. It will be fun to see how many I can find. Here is a closer look at the seed packet template:

I was so excited to see how well the new colors and In Colors matched up to the flowers. On the yellow day lily I used Daffodil Delight as a mat. The orange day lily uses Peach Parfait, the iris uses Concord Crush, the lilac uses Elegant Eggplant, and the Snowball uses Pear Pizzazz. It's almost like they were all made for each other - LOL! How could Stampin' Up have known?? :)

The complete list of supplies:

Cardstock: Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Elegant Eggplant, Concord Crush, Whisper White

Accessories: Notecards with Envelopes, Scallop Trim Border Punch

These are so simple to make. I love the versatility handmade cards offer. I didn't do any stamping on these at all. I just printed the template on Whisper White cardstock, cut it to size and added my own photos. It really adds a part of me to the notecard that I can share with whomever I choose to send the note to. Hopefully, I will have some flowers here to use in the future. I am still working on a "house" for these little beauties and as soon as I come up with one, I will post it for you. In the meantime, take some of your favorite photos and turn them into personal notecards that you can share with a friend. 'Til next time......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Peace Within

It feels so good to be stamping again!! I just didn't realize how much I truly missed it :) I meant to have this posted last night but by the time I finished the card, the lighting in the house just wasn't good and the picture distorted the colors too much. So, today I may post twice - depends on how quickly the shopping goes :)

Anyway, about the card.....I decided to use a stamp set that I had purchased for my class back home but never quite got the chance to use - it is called "Peace Within." I love the images because they are the kind that offer endless possibilities for coloring. You can use the same color combination on several cards and each one will look different depending on the option you choose. This one uses the Many Marvelous Markers:





I love the kitty laying on the chair - what a life!! LOL!

The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Peace Within

Cardstock: Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi

Ink: Basic Gray

Accessories: Daffodil Delight 1/8-inch Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Markers - Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz, Wild Wasabi

I just love the new colors and this card uses four of them! And the new narrow Taffeta Ribbon is so easy to work with. I am so excited about a new year with Stampin' Up. I am putting together a card class for August and hopefully will be able to fill it :) Of course I will offer it through the mail as well for my long distance customers. I should have the link available by the end of the fist week in August so keep watch :)

My interview went well and now we are just waiting for an opening - but I will continue to look. So, in the meantime, I will stamping and building my next class for all of you :) I am happy to be back and sharing with you. 'Til next time......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Up and Running

Well, the blog is finally up and running again! :) I have really missed this!! I still don't have everything unpacked that I brought with me but I am making progress. It was a little warm this afternoon so my parents and I decided to go to one of our favorite spots to cool off - Shelter Island. We used to spend a lot of summer evenings there when I was young. Whenever it got too hot in the valley, we packed a picnic supper and headed there. It is a place I have missed dearly for the past 25 years.

But today, it was just thoroughly enjoyed! And when we got home I decided that rather than dragging out stamps, ink, and paper I would use My Digital Studio to create a greeting card for all of my friends in Michigan and elsewhere. I used a picture I took today and this is how it turned out:

I just love My Digita l Studio!!! At first, I thought it was not something I would ever be interested in owning. But, I was told that digital scrapbooking was the up-and-coming trend so I figured I should at least purchase it if I wanted to show it to my customers. Well, lo and behold----I was hooked!! You can do so much more than scrapbooking with this program!! As you can see, you can create greetings cards and you can make videos, interactive albums, and calendars. The possibilities are endless! And it is soooo much fun. You can swap out backgrounds and designer series papers without having to take them out and put them back and have them spread all over the table :) You can actually find the project you are working on - LOL! It works as an awesome design tool! I will definitely be doing a great deal more with it this year! It includes stamp sets, and embellishments as well. And Stampin' Up offers digital downloads quite often so you just keep building your library - and the best part is that whatever is in there NEVER retires! You can purchase your copy here or contact me to place your order. You will love it!

I thought I would share a few more of the photos I took today. It was an absolutely perfect day with a gently ocean breeze as we sat and watched the sailboats:

The land behind the boats is North Island where the naval air station is. Sometimes you can watch the fighter jets take off. Today, a huge white plane (some sort of transporter) took off but I wasn't ready with the camera at the time - I was engrossed in my Sudoku book :) There was enough wind today for windsurfing too:

He had been all around out in the closer part of the bay and was coming into the small beach on Shelter Island. Then we saw this huge ship heading out of the bay. It is a ship that transports cars and other vehicles. It was headed for Hawaii - wish I could have hitched a ride :)

Well, I have really enjoyed getting back into the swing of things. I have my interview tomorrow afternoon with two managers so hopefully, at least one of them will have a position and be willing to offer one to me.

Just a note about something that happened this week very close to my hometown in Michigan. A small plane crashed over Lake Michigan carrying 5 people. They were flying a cancer patient to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota when they lost power in the plane. One of the passengers was a doctor that works in the clinic we go to, another was a man my hubby worked for when we first moved to Michigan years ago. The cancer patient was the superintendant of one of the local high schools and his wife was with them as well. So far, the only survivor that has been found is the pilot. The other 4 are missing and presumed dead. These people are from a small community and they are all very promninent and well-known people. Please pray for the families of the victims and for this community. It has truly devastated many people. This is so tragic and sad and I appreciate all of you and your prayers for them. 'Til next time......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

I'm Here :) !!

Well, I made it. I am so glad I wasn't staying in Phoenix. It was still 100 degrees there at 10:00 at night!! When I got to San Diego it was 66 degrees :) Love it!!!

I got caught up on the latest news from the Stampin' Up Convention this morning. And now I am getting ready to have a cup of coffee and go shopping with my Mom.

We will be stamping this afternoon so check back as I will be "back in design mode" :) Sooooo excited!!!!! 'Til next time........

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

On My Way...... :)

I just wanted to let you know "today is the day!" I am flying out today for Santee, California!!! Can't wait to get there and get back to stamping!!! I have missed it soooooo much over the past few weeks.

I am finishing up some last minute things this morning and then my dear son and his girlfriend are driving me to the airport (flying out of Chicago-Midway). I am so excited to make this change!

I am sure I won't have a card to post this evening but I will let you know when I arrive. And be sure to check back tomorrow as I will be back in business!!!

Have a great day!!!! 'Til next time......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Fifth Avenue Floral

Well, only a few more days here in Michigan. I am flying out to San Diego on Thursday :) So excited for this change. I even have a job interview already set up - such a blessing!!!! After nearly 3 years of countless resumes that produced nothing, I can't help but be filled with excitement!! The packing and sorting seems never-ending but I must remain steadfast in my task......yada, yada.

So, on to something fun - like stamping :) Well, actually I stamped this awhile ago but it just seemed appropriate to share it with you now. One of my favorite stamp sets is Fifth Avenue Floral. I love the outlined flowers because they offer endless possibilities. You can color them in with markers, color them with the watercolor crayons or pencils, use your reinkers, pastels....and the list goes on. Or you can do like I did and just stamp them in an array of colors to create a subtle background:

I stamped the images using the same shades as my colored cardstock - Baja Breeze, Basic Gray, and Pink Pirouette - onto Whisper White. It is like making your own Designer Series Paper. Too fun!! And oh so simple! Then I stamped the sentiment with Basic Gray, smudged a bit of Pink Piroutte to look like a color burst and started stacking the layers. So quick and easy! And I just love this verse - really reminds us that we have but one life and we need to live it to its fullest!! I intend to start taking more time to enjoy what I love - stamping, friends, and family. Well, not necessarily in that order every day :)

The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Fifth Avenue Floral

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Basic Gray, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White

Ink: Baja Breeze, Basic Gray, Pink Pirouette

Accessories: Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon (retired)

Needless to say, I was absolutely thrilled when Stampin' Up brought back Baja Breeze and Pink Pirouette as part of their core colors. I didn't like Baja Breeze at first but the more I used it, the more I just couldn't get enough of it. Now it is like I have hooked up with an old friend :) I can't wait to get to my mom's and back to stamping. It will be a nice way to spend time with her and all of you. So, keep watch at the end of the week for new posts. 'Til next time......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

A Little Bummed :(

Well, I was hoping to be on my way to California this morning, but there has been a slight change in plans. My poor brother became quite ill and was unable to come back and drive out with me. So, I will be here for another week or so :(

So, I thought as long as I am still here, I would try to do a couple of posts if possible. This first one is another Build-a-Bear card - this one of for a boy's birthday:

I just love these little bears. They are so doggone cute! And they are perfect for a child's card or scrapbook page. Stampin' Up carries a whole line of DSP, stamp sets, and Big Shot dies to create some awesome designs. You can even make paper dolls with them - how cool is that??!!

The complete list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Beary Best Friends, Beary Nice Wishes

Cardstock: So Saffron, Ballet Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Pawsitively Prints DSP

Ink: Basic Gray

Accessories: Markers (So Saffron, Ballet Blue, Creamy Caramel, and Pumpkin Pie)

Some of the colors I used on this card are now retired, but I am anxious to be able to adjust them to the new colors once I get settled and can unpack my toys :) Until then, I will steal a moment now and then to share more with you and keep you posted on my journey west. 'Til next time......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

A Little Time Off

I just wanted to thank everyone for being so patient as I make the move to San Diego. I was hoping to be able to keep posting until I leave Michigan but it is becoming more and more difficult to find time to be online.

So, I will be signing off until I get to my new location. I look forward to getting settled and back to designing cards and scrapbook pages to share with you. I will dearly miss this, but I just have soooooo much to do. Please check back with me around the 14th of July for new postings. I should be there and back online around that time.

Thanks again to all of my customer who have faithfully attended my card class over the past year and few months - I will miss all you!!! You have become some of my best friends. And welcome Cindy!!! You will be a wonderful demonstrator. I look forward to being your mentor from afar :) Cindy will be taking over my card class here in Michigan and I hope to start a new one in San Diego as I work to expand my customer base there.

Please be sure to check out all of the exciting new products on my website and order 24/7. I am so excited to start my 4th year with Stampin' Up and am looking forward to growing my business. But, first things first. I will be packing and traveling west soon. Enjoy the 4th of July festivities in your area and be sure to oooooh and aaaaaaah at some fireworks for me :)

'Til next time......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!