Happy 4th of July week

Well...another Stampin' Up! year closes and we say goodbye to some awesome stamp sets. I just turned in my last order. However, as they say...when one door closes, another opens. I'm sure I will fall in love with a lot of new sets once I start seeing samples done with them...even if they aren't on my wish list right now. I'm also excited to go to Convention at the end of July and get the free sets from there...all of them are on my wish list! Yippee!

Yesterday and today I had a mini "Open House" and invited my customers over to see my retired sets for sale (from previous years), do a Make & Take and pick up their NEW catalog. For a last minute thing...I think it was successful! Everyone is excited about the new catalog!

In celebration of the 4th of July week, here is a card I made last year. It brings back Bud Basics...a set that I'm SO happy made it into the new catalog! And as I write this, I can hear fireworks outside and I'm thankful for the freedom we enjoy in America. God Bless America... Have a safe and happy holiday.

SO thankful!

OH...I'm so thankful to be back! I cannot believe how much I do on the computer each day. It was driving me crazy trying to fix it on my own. I guess I don't feel bad, it took the Geek Squad agent almost 4 hours trying to fix it...only to determine that we are going to have to do a complete restore...on another day, thank goodness! I put that off for 2 weeks so I can recover from this experience. Whew.

So...I haven't done ANY stamping the past few days, except for a little work on my Technique Junkies assignments for the upcoming newsletter. Mainly cause I've been trying to get my computer up and running. I guess I'll be playing catch up this weekend on my stamping assignments.

Glad you hung in with me. I'll have some samples to show you tomorrow! Take care.

I need to adjust my computer font size...he left it VERY tiny! lol!

ACKKKKKK!!!!!

My computer is on the fritz!!! I haven't been able to access anything for a couple days now! I finally came over to my mom's house to use her computer, so at least I could post that I haven't dropped off the face of the earth! I have the Geek Squad coming out tomorrow to look at it, hopefully I'll be back in business tomorrow afternoon!

SO.....have you seen the new SU catalog? Mine arrived and I'm SO happy! Can't wait to sit down and make out what will be a LONG list, I'm sure!!!

Be back soon!

Control Freaks Swap

Have you ever TOTALLY forgotten about a stamp commitment? I'm part of a group where we make 3 cards to be submitted to magazines every other month. It is due this Wednesday and I had completely forgotten about it. I don't know what made me think to look at the due date today. So, guess what I did? Worked on those all afternoon! Luckily, I had a couple ideas in my head and I just used those. Whew! Dropped them at the post office before 5:00 PM, so they should be on time. I hate being late!

I think I've mentioned that I'm a member of a very AWESOME group of gals, the Control Freak Swappers. We have large swaps (close to 40 swaps) for every new mini and a couple just for fun in between. I'm amazed at these girls' work and was proud to be asked to join them almost two years ago! Here is my swap card for the Preview Catalog. I used the new set Baroque Motifs. This is not my normal style of stamp set, but I wanted to challenge myself a little and I loved the scroll background stamp. I also used the new In-Colors...they are SO great. I must admit that I was lamenting the loss of this year's In-Colors, but the new ones have definitely soothed my soul! lol! And yes, I cut out 80 of those flowers! But, I LOVE the new Three for You mini flower punch!

Set: Baroque Motifs

C/S: Very Vanilla, River Rock, Groovy Guava

Inks: Groovy Guava

Other: Versamark, Iridescent Ice EP, Ivory grosgrain ribbon, Three for You punch box, Large oval punch, dimensionals

Haute Couture

I know this set is retired, unfortunately, but I was commissioned by my Mary Kay consultant to make up several of these for her downline going to convention! This set was just too perfect not to use!

Included is a little personalized notebook with matching pen and the top is a photo album made using clear envelopes inside. She will tuck all of these into a convention bag for them. I think they'll be thrilled, don't you? I know I'd love to get something like this...

Today I held my last Stampin' Up! Stamp Camp for this catalog. We did the 60 cards from the At Home Scrappin Kit and they LOVED it! It was a FUN group. I'm so ready to get the new catalog and start setting up some Camps and Classes with the new products. Hopefully, my catalogs will arrive this week!

Sets: Haute Couture (retired), Expressive Flexible Phrases (retiring), Snaps Casual alphabet
C/S: Regal Rose, Basic Black, Brushed Silver, Whisper White, Rebecca paper
Inks: Basic Black, Regal Rose, Whisper White
Other: 1/8 circle punch, Black organdy ribbon (retiring), Black gingham ribbon, Rose grosgrain ribbon, Silver mini brads, Silver eyelets

Simply Said

I took a break from bugs today...lol! I found pieces of this card on my desk when I was cleaning up today and thought they worked well together. The focal point with flowers is a technique we learned at my last Technique Class called Chalkboard. Easy technique with dramatic results!

Well someone did get their demo copy of the new Stampin' Up! catalog today...exciting times waiting to see what will be in it. Hopefully the rest of us will get them within the next few days! I can't wait!

Sets: Simply Said, Greetings Galore, Fine Lace BG

C/S: Pink Passion, Whisper White, Lovely Lilac, Basic Black

Inks: Versamark, Whisper White, Basic Black, Lovely Lilac, Pink Passion

Other: Paper piercing tool and mat, Large oval punch, Black gingham ribbon, Pink eyelet, Dimensionals, Pastel Chalks, Sponge daubers

Pick a Petal Bee

OK...I am so cracking myself up. I was dreaming about this Bee last night...making him with the Pick A Petal stamp set. So tonight a took a break from my commission work and preparing for a Stamp Camp and played a little. This card certainly turned out BRIGHT. I never realized how hard Yo Yo Yellow is to use, but the Cool Caribbean seemed to do the trick to soften the bright yellow a little.

To make the body, I stamped the solid petal in Yo Yo Yellow on Whisper white and cut out. Then I stamped the solid petal in Basic Black on Black just so I'd have the outline to cut. Cut the Black one out and then cut it into sections to resemble stripes. I alternated the Black stripes on the Yo Yo Yellow body.

The wings are stamped on cardstock vellum, cut out and bent to lay out a little from the body. Then I mixed a little Dazzling Diamonds with Liquid Glue and rubbed the mixture over the wings to make them appear iridescent. Antenna is hand cut. It is hard to see, but I used Canvas BG on the Cool Caribbean underneath the bee for a little texture. It was a FUN card to make!

Today my little Janome Mini Sewing machine arrived, but I haven't had time to open it! Hopefully I'll get to use it a little tomorrow. I wasn't going to buy it, had it in my shopping cart and then walked away. But the sale price and then FREE shipping was just too hard to pass up! I love Cambria's stitched cards!

Sets: Pick a Petal, Canvas, On the Spot, It's Your Birthday

C/S: Yo Yo Yellow, Cool Caribbean, Whisper White Basic Black

Inks: Basic Black, Yo Yo Yellow, Cool Caribbean

Other: 1/2 circle punch, Ticket Corner punch, Oval Coluzzle, 3/4 circle punch, Dazzling Diamonds, Liquid Glue, Black mini brads, Dimensionals

EDITED: Sorry if you get duplicate posts. I had to add the copyright and change something in the recipe.

Pick A Petal Ladybug Slit punch frame

OK...last one of these for now. If you compare the three I made, you can see that each one is a little different. This one the frame is closer to the inside cut out circle. And don't you love the samples using Pick A Petal as a Lady Bug! Here is my variation on that theme.

Did you check out the retiring accessories list today? Surprised? I'm trying not to get too upset with the grosgrain...I'm sure they will repackage it somehow...I hope! I use that ribbon on every card I make!

Sets: Pick A Petal

C/S: Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Read

Inks: Real Red Craft ink, Basic Black

Other: Slit punch, 1/8" circle punch, sponge dauber, paper piercing tool and mat, Black Gingham ribbon, 3/4 circle punch, 1-1/4 circle punch

Antenna was hand cut.

Retiring Accessories List

Here is is! The 2007 retiring accessories list is online. Supplies are limited to quantitiy on hand. Some items on this list (like the Embossing powders and grosgrain ribbon) will still be available, but repackaged. Sorry...I don't have any further information on what exactly that means. We'll see for sure when the new catty comes out next week!

BEADS & BRADS
104270 Beads Brights
104269 Beads Earths
104271 Beads Neutrals
104268 Beads Regals
104267 Beads Subtles
104583 Brads Vintage

BOOK KITS
105100 Book Kit Saddle Stitch Assortment 5
105104 Saddle Stitch Book Kit Assortment 1
105097 Accordion Book Kit Assortment 1
107672 Accordion Book Kit Assortment 2
107673 Accordion Book Kit Assortment 3
105094 Accordion Book Kit Assortment 4
105093 Accordion Book Kit Assortment 5
105104 Book Kit Saddle Stitch Assortment 1
107674 Book Kit Saddle Stitch Assortment 2
107675 Book Kit Saddle Stitch Assortment 3
105101 Book Kit Saddle Stitch Assortment 4

BOOKMARKS
102133 Bookmark Large

BOXES & TAGS
105079 Boxes & Tags Bloomin Confetti White & Kraft
107253 Boxes & Tags Bloomin Earth Elements
107256 Boxes & Tags Bloomin Kraft
107257 Boxes & Tags Petal Card Bold Brights
107258 Boxes & Tags Petal Card Earth Elements
107261 Boxes & Tags Petal Card Kraft
105085 Boxes & Tags Purse Confetti White & Kraft
107248 Boxes & Tags Purse Earth Elements
107251 Boxes & Tags Purse Kraft
107249 Boxes & Tags Purse Rich Regals
107250 Boxes & Tags Purse Soft Subtles
107241 Boxes & Tags Tiny Takeout Bold Brights
107245 Boxes & Tags Tiny Takeout Confetti White & Kraft
107242 Boxes & Tags Tiny Takeout Earth Elements
107243 Boxes & Tags Tiny Takeout Rich Regals
107244 Boxes & Tags Tiny Takeout Soft Subtles
107252 Boxes & Tags Bloomin Bold Brights
107254 Boxes & Tags Bloomin Rich Regals
107255 Boxes & Tags Boomin Soft Subtles
105073 Boxes & Tags Petal Card Confetti White & Kraft
107259 Boxes & Tags Petal Card Rich Regals
107260 Boxes & Tags Petal Card Soft Subtles
107247 Boxes & Tags Purse Bold Brights

CARD STOCK - In Color's
106673 Card Stock Buckaroo Blue 8 1/2 x 11
106672 Card Stock Cool Caribbean 8 1/2 x 11
106669 Card Stock Cranberry Crisp 8 1/2 x 11
106674 Card Stock Marigold Morning 8 1/2 x 11
106670 Card Stock True Thyme 8 1/2 x 11
106671 Card Stock Vintage Violet 8 1/2 x 11
106683 Card Stock In Color 2007 Assorted 12 x 12
106681 Card Stock In Color 2007 Assorted 8 1/2 x 11

CARD STOCK
107109 Cardstock Gable Green 12 x 12
107074 Cardstock 12 x 12 Going Gray
103154 Cardstock 8 1/2 x 11 Going Gray
107078 Cardstock Almost Amethyst 12 x 12
107081 Cardstock Apricot Appeal 12 x 12
106538 Cardstock Ballet Blue 12 x 12
106543 Cardstock Barely Banana 12 x 12
107082 Cardstock Blush Blossom 12 x 12
107092 Cardstock Bordering Blue 12 x 12
106533 Cardstock Bravo Burgundy 12 x 12
107098 Cardstock Cameo Coral 12 x 12
107101 Cardstock Close to Cocoa 12 x 12
107071 Cardstock Confetti White & Cream 12 x 12
106536 Cardstock Creamy Caramel 12 x 12
107085 Cardstock Elegant Eggplant 12 x 12
107096 Cardstock Garden Green 12 x 12
106539 Cardstock Glorious Green 12 x 12
107110 Cardstock Green Galore 12 x 12
106534 Cardstock Handsome Hunter 12 x 12
107077 Cardstock Lavender Lace 12 x 12
107068 Cardstock Naturals Whisper Whiet & Ivory 12 x 12
106547 Cardstock Night of Navy 12 x 12
107095 Cardstock Not Quite Navy 12 x 12
107104 Cardstock Orchid Opulence 12 x 12
107083 Cardstock Pale Plum 12 x 12
107084 Cardstock Perfect Plum 12 x 12
107106 Cardstock Pink Passion 12 x 12
107105 Cardstock Pixie Pink 12 x 12
107099 Cardstock Really Rust 12 x 12
106537 Cardstock Ruby Red 12 x 12
107079 Cardstock Sage Shadow 12 x 12
107097 Cardstock Summer Sun 12 x 12
107090 Cardstock Taken with Teal 12 x 12
107103 Cardstock Tempting Turquoise 12 x 12
107108 Cardstock Yo Yo Yellow 12 x 12
107107 Cardstock Only Orange 12 x 12

CLASSY BRASS TEMPLATES
107411 Classy Brass Bodacious Bouquet
107410 Classy Brass Finest Flourishes
107409 Classy Brass Love It
104292 Classy Brass Shapes
105589 Classy Brass Simply Circles
100400 Classy Brass Snowflakes
105586 Classy Brass Wonderful Words

CELLO BAGS
101028 Cello Bags Gusset Large
100664 Cello Bags Gusset Medium

INK PADS AND REFILLS
107231 Classic Stampin Ink Refill Buckaroo Blue
107230 Classic Stampin Ink Refill Cool Caribbean
107228 Classic Stampin Ink Refill Cranberry Crisp
107227 Classic Stampin Ink Refill Marigold Morning
107229 Classic Stampin Ink Refill True Thyme
107232 Classic Stampin Ink Refill Vintage Violet
107225 Classic Stampin Pad Buckaroo Blue
107224 Classic Stampin Pad Cool Caribbean
107222 Classic Stampin Pad Cranberry Crisp
107221 Classic Stampin Pad Marigold Morning
107223 Classic Stampin Pad True Thyme
107226 Classic Stampin Pad Vintage Violet
103136 Craft Stampin Ink Refill Going Gray
102669 Craft Stampin Pad Going Gray
104281 Encore Ink Refill Copper
104280 Encore Pad Copper
101982 Tattoo ink refill black
101562 Tattoo ink refill navy

RIBBONS, FIBERS, CORDING
107278 Fancy Fibers Annie
107280 Fancy Fibers Hannah
107279 Fancy Fibers Scarlet
107281 Fancy Fibers Tiffany
104302 Cord Copper
104303 Cord Gold
104304 Cord Silver
101637 Ribbon Grosgrain Apple Green
105371 Ribbon Grosgrain Apricot
102712 Ribbon Grosgrain Black
100538 Ribbon Grosgrain Bluebird
105372 Ribbon Grosgrain Burgundy
105373 Ribbon Grosgrain Celery
105374 Ribbon Grosgrain Chocolate
100455 Ribbon Grosgrain Cream
105375 Ribbon Grosgrain Eggplant
102950 Ribbon Grosgrain French Blue
105376 Ribbon Grosgrain Handsome Hunter
101666 Ribbon Grosgrain Light Orchid
101926 Ribbon Grosgrain Light Pink
101298 Ribbon Grosgrain Maize
105377 Ribbon Grosgrain Mustard
105378 Ribbon Grosgrain Navy
102682 Ribbon Grosgrain Red
101569 Ribbon Grosgrain Rose
103114 Ribbon Grosgrain Spring Moss
103064 Ribbon Grosgrain Tangerine
101156 Ribbon Grosgrain Taupe
102119 Ribbon Grosgrain Turquoise
102819 Ribbon Grosgrain White
104254 Ribbon Organdy Narrow Black
102217 Ribbon Organdy Narrow Blue
104259 Ribbon Organdy Narrow Celery
104257 Ribbon Organdy Narrow Gold
100589 Ribbon Organdy Narrow Ivory
103019 Ribbon Organdy Narrow Light Pink
104256 Ribbon Organdy Narrow Navy
104253 Ribbon Organdy Narrow Silver
101613 Ribbon Organdy Narrow White
104260 Ribbon Organdy Narrow Wine
103315 Ribbon Organdy Wide Black
100525 Ribbon Organdy Wide Ivory
101224 Ribbon Organdy Wide Red
102978 Ribbon Organdy Wide White
106807 Ribbon Originals Prep School
106809 Ribbon Originals Rustic Retreat
106806 Ribbon Originals Seaside
106808 Ribbon Originals Sweet Shop
107886 Ribbon Stitched Grosgrain Cranberry Crisp
107884 Ribbon Stitched Grosgrain True Thyme
107885 Ribbon Stitched Grosgrain Vintage Violet
104258 Ribbon Organdy Narrow Olive

PAPER
107061 Designer Series Paper Dots & Dashes
105365 Designer Series Paper Oxford
107407 Designer Series Paper Playhouse Double Sided
104136 Designer Series Paper Pool Party
107064 Designer Series Paper Rebecca
107295 Designer Series Paper Recollections
107062 Designer Series Paper Sarah
107308 Designer Series Paper Sentimental Journey
106686 Designer Series Paper Spring Flowers Double Sided
107461 Timeworn Collection Paper Relics
105368 Timeworn Collection Paper Rustic
106685 Designer Series Paper Spring Showers Double Sided
107406 Designer Series Paper Treehouse Double Sided
105367 Timeworn Collection Paper Weathered
105366 Designer Series Paper Cambridge
107405 Designer Series Paper Four Seasons Double Sided
104135 Designer Series Paper Slumber Party
105369 Timeworn Collection Paper Heirloom

EMBOSSING POWDERS
100091 Embossing Stacks Brights
100089 Embossing Stacks Earths
100090 Embossing Stacks Regals
100088 Embossing Stacks Subtles
102440 Stampin Emboss Powder Black
100442 Stampin Emboss Powder Classy Copper
101058 Stampin Emboss Powder Crystal Clear
101040 Stampin Emboss Powder Detail Black
101781 Stampin Emboss Powder Detail Silver
100963 Stampin Emboss Powder Detail White
100837 Stampin Emboss Powder Gold Glory
103273 Stampin Emboss Powder Sterling Silver
105323 Stampin Emboss Powder Vanilla
100551 Stampin Emboss Powder Winter White
101428 Stampin Emboss Powder Detail Clear
103342 Stampin Emboss Powder Detail Gold

PEARL EX
101319 Lumiere
104299 Pearl Ex Assortment I
104300 Pearl Ex Assortment II
104301 Pearl Ex Assortment II

MAGIC MESH
103682 Magic Mesh Black
104198 Magic Mesh Linen
103681 Magic Mesh Natural
107420 Magic Mesh Red
103680 Magic Mesh White

METAL EDGE TAGS
103373 Metal Edge Tags Aluminum Vellum Circles
103371 Metal Edge Tags Aluminum Vellum Square
103889 Metal Edge Tags Brass Vellum Circles
103887 Metal Edge Tags Brass Vellum Squares
103890 Metal Edge Tags Brass White Circles
103888 Metal Edge Tags Brass White Squares
103893 Metal Edge Tags Copper Vellum Circles
103891 Metal Edge Tags Copper Vellum Squares
103894 Metal Edge Tags Copper White Circles
103892 Metal Edge Tags Copper White Squares

ON BOARD ALBUMS
107924 On Board ATC Trio Album
107922 Page Proectors Ring ATC

PUNCHES
107413 Punch Box Designer Label
104391 Punch Corner Slot Simplicity
104392 Punch Daisy
104407 Punch Notched Corner
104406 Punch Paper Piecing
104398 Punch Snowflake
103381 Punch Corner Pocket Square Steps
103378 Punch Corner Rounder Small
103380 Punch Corner Slot Wrought Iron

SIMPLY SCRAPPIN’
107451 Simply Scrappin Friends & Flowers
106596 Simply Scrappin I’m Here Girl
107453 Simply Scrappin All the Trimmings
107456 Simply Scrappin At Home
106597 Simply Scrappin I’m Here Boy
106595 Simply Scrappin In Full Bloom
107457 Simply Scrappin Party Pieces
106592 Simply Scrappin Summer Sketches
107455 Simply Scrappin Tickets & Tokens
107460 Simply Scrappin Today & Always
107454 Simply Scrappin Out & About

STAMPIN’ AROUND INK CARTRIDGES
100659 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Almost Amethyst
107265 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Always Artichoke Jumbo
105202 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Apricot Appeal
107269 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Apricot Appeal Jumbo
101516 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Barely Banana
101678 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Blush Blossom
101186 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Bordering Blue
103198 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Brocade Blue
107263 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Brocade Blue Jumbo
102785 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Cameo Coral
107268 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Certainly Celery Jumbo
100654 Stampin Around Cartridge Creamy Caramel
103671 Stampin Around Cartridge Creamy Caramel Jumbo
105195 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Elegant Eggplant
102117 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Gable Green
103252 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Garden Green
101821 Stampin Around Cartridge Going Gray
100802 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Green Galore
107266 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Green Galore Jumbo
101256 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Lovely Lilac
102871 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Mellow Moss
100566 Stampin’ Around Cartridge More Mustard
103027 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Night of Navy
103084 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Not Quite Navy
107270 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Not Quite Navy Jumbo
102021 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Old Olive
101366 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Only Orange
100809 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Orchid Opulence
101519 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Pale Plum
101139 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Perfect Plum
102667 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Pink Passion
100562 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Pretty in Pink
102927 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Really Rust
105196 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Regal Rose
100520 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Rose Red
107264 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Rose Red Jumbo
102047 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Ruby Red
101475 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Sage Shadow
107262 Stampin’ Around Cartridge So Saffron Jumbo
100660 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Summer Sun
100460 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Taken With Teal
107267 Stampin’ Around Cartridge Tempting Turquoise Jumbo
102576 Stampin Around Cartridge Un-inked Three Cell
102879 Stampin Around Cartridge Un-inked Two Cell
102361 Stampin’ Around Cartridge YoYo Yellow

STAMPIN’ WRITE JOURNALERS
105031 Stampin Write Journaler Always Artichoke
104179 Stampin Write Journaler Ballet Blue
105334 Stampin Write Journaler Bravo Burgundy
105028 Stampin Write Journaler Close to Cocoa
104177 Stampin Write Journaler Lovely Lilac
104176 Stampin Write Journaler More Mustard
105030 Stampin Write Journaler Night of Navy
104175 Stampin Write Journaler Old Olive
104174 Stampin Write Journaler Pale Plum
105029 Stampin Write Journaler Pixie Pink
104173 Stampin Write Journaler Real Red
104180 Stampin Write Journaler Sage Shadow

ORGANIZATIONAL TOOLS
103646 Stampin Stack & Store
103648 Stampin Stack

JOURNALING FONT CDS
105812 Write Me a Memory Font CD Volume I

Slit Punch Flower frame

OK...remember yesterday I said I did the challenge incorrectly? Well, after reading the instructions ONE more time, this still isn't exactly like them, just a slight variation. It went off in the mail to my challenge partner, Debbie. Yeah! I finished ANOTHER one today that I'll share tomorrow...you can see the difference in all three of them.

Sets: Wild About You

C/S: Whisper White, More Mustard, Barely Banana, Polka Dots & Paisley paper

Inks: Barely Banana, Old Olive, More Mustard, Basic Black

Other: Slit punch, sponge dauber, Mustard grosgrain and Moss gingham ribbon, paper piercing tool and white gel pen, large oval punch, ticket corner punch, dimensionals, circle Coluzzle.

For some reason today I've been exhausted! I don't know if the travelling and busyness of the past couple months is catching up with me or what! I got up at 8:00 AM, exercised, stamped a little, and at 11:00 AM, I laid down and took an hour nap! lol! Of course, I felt sluggish when I woke up...I don't do naps well. I finally got my energy back around 3:00 PM and headed off to the grocery store and bought a Starbucks Latte. I'm awake now!

As I mentioned, I have deadlines this week. One is a commissioned order for some convention goodies for my Mary Kay consultant. They are turning out cute! I still need to personalize them. I'll share when I'm done.

Thanks for checking in!

Slit punch

I was doing a card challenge on one of my stamping groups and realized that I did the wrong thing. We were supposed to do a slit frame, not completely cut out the frame with the slit punch. But I think this card turned out nice, so I'm sharing it with you. I made something entirely different for the challenge and I'll share that later! Close as a Memory is one of those "go to" stamp sets for me. I can always figure out something to do with it.

I have a busy week of stamping ahead of me. Several due dates are LOOMING on the horizon and I need to put in a lot of time in my studio working on them. Got to get back to work! Enjoy!

Sets: Close as a Memory, Greetings Galore, Floral BG

C/S: Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Whisper White

Inks: Certainly Celery, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink markers, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose and Basic Black ink pads

Other: Slit punch, Sponge dauber, Celery and Pink grosgrain, Piercing tool and mat, Ticket corner punch, Dazzling diamonds and liquid glue (center of flowers)

Gift Card holder

Tomorrow is the day our family will celebrate all the June birthdays, Father's Day, and Anniversaries...we have a BUNCH! My dad's birthday and Father's Day are close together, so I created this gift card holder. It has two #10 envelopes folded in half inside...it can hold up to four gift certificates. Since my dad is so hard to buy for, I get him gift certificates for his favorite restaurants and movie theatre...one for each pouch inside. I think he'll love it! To open you lift the bottom of the shirt and a Velcro button is hid under the yellow flap to keep it closed. Thanks, Cambria, for reminding us about the folded shirt technique...it is just perfect for Father's Day. I've had the Genuine Articles stamp set for a month or two, but hadn't cut it. It was fun to use, too.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!

Sets: Genuine Articles, Brushstroke Alphabet (retiring)

C/S: So Saffron, Sentimental Journey paper

Inks: Basic Brown

Other: Round Tab punch, Saffron mini brads, Antique gold mini brads

More Happy mail

I love getting cards in the mail! This is a fun card from fellow Control Freak swapper, Pam Downs! This is one set I've resisted from the Spring mini (and trust me, I've purchased almost the ENTIRE mini!), but this card is just TOO neat! Pam used Off the Chart for her birthday card to me! Hmmm...this set may just sneak onto my last order in June!

I'm back from teaching my classes/camps. We had tons of fun and I met a couple new gals who are now TOTALLY hooked on stamping! lol! I love it!!! I also attended a League Coffee where I saw some friends I hadn't seen since I moved away...lots of fun catching up on news with them.

Have a good weekend. I'm going to try to spend some time tomorrow stamping just for myself. I also have my Control Freaks swap of 37 to finish and mail by Monday. Yikes!

Another RAK

I had some time before I leave today to get off another post on my Blog. A very talented stamper, Lee Conroy, sent me this RAK card a while ago for doing her a favor. I just found it while cleaning my office stacks of paper and thought I'd share with you! Isn't it CUTE? Because of You is one set I haven't purchased, but I've always liked...of course it has FLOWERS in it! I may have to break down and get it before it retires at the end of the month. It is kind of hidden in the catalog...and you don't realize it has as many great little stamps as it does! To buy or not to buy...that is the question! lol!

Enjoy the day. They are calling for rain here. We need it, but I hope it holds off until I get to where I'm going. I don't like driving in the rain.

Another Birthday RAK

Yeah! Today is my birthday. It was a quiet, but very nice day. My hubby took me out to dinner, both the boys called and wished me a happy birthday. We have plans with my family to meet for dinner on Sunday evening. We have SO many birthdays, anniversaries and Father's Day to celebrate in the month of June. We've found it just easier to pick one day and celebrate everything on that day. Easier now that the kids are older.

Here's another birthday card that friend, Michelle, sent me! She used the retiring set Play on Words...very cute!

I'm off again for a couple days...I'm teaching classes out of town and meeting up with some great friends. I think this is my last trip until the SU convention at the end of July! It will be nice to be home for a while...

Another birthday RAK

This gorgeous card was in my mailbox today! Isn't it striking? My friend, Dina, sent it. I have an email into her asking how she did the background. I'm thinking chalk, but it could be direct to paper with Stampin' spot inks.

It is turning out to be a crazy week. I wanted to rest on my birthday tomorrow and play with my new stamps, but it looks like I'll still be cutting paper for my class and Stamp Camp! lol! Oh well. That's fun, too! I'm doing a Techniques class on Thursday night and I'm real happy with how the cards turned out.

Have a great night!

Birthday RAK

Oh gosh! My mailbox was filled with happy mail today! Two days and counting until my birthday! Woohoo!

This darling card from Jane Bosi will definitely be CASE'D by me. You can't see in the scan, but the circle is punched thru the front of the card and the clam is actually adhered to the inside of the card and the cake is cut out and adhered to the front. Jane used one of those darling Cricut embossing folders...Happy...I haven't used mine yet, but I will now to recreate this card!

This is a busy week for me. I need to prepare for a class and camp. lol! Leaving it to the last minute again!

Bundle of Joy Mini Scrapbook

I'm SO hoping this set makes it into the new catalog. I absolutely love it for a baby set...neutrals, pink or blue...it fits for every baby occasion. Works great for a small child's birthday, too! This is a mini scrapbook. The inside is folded from one sheet of paper, so that you can place small pictures inside. I'm thinking of giving this one to my niece who is having her third baby (a second girl) in a couple months. I'll collect some hospital pictures of grandparents, parents, siblings, etc. holding her and shrink them down to fit. Cute little gift and adorable with the little teddy on front! The small heart is actually stamped and cut from pink cardstock and adhered over top.

Sets: Bundle of Joy

C/S: Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White

Inks: Basic Brown

Other: Pink gingham ribbon, Word window punch, ticket corner punch, Watercolor crayons, Aquapainter

I'm BACK!

I'm back, but exhausted. I'll post tomorrow after I've caught up a little after being gone. Thanks for checking in! Oh...can you believe I didn't find ANY stamping or scrapbooking stores while I was gone. Of course, I was a little busy helping my son get settled in his new condo.

New Catalog Set!!!!

Woohoo! I had a little window of time to play today with my new Baroque Motifs set! I'm excited because I already figured out my Control Freaks New Catalog swap! Sorry, I still keeping that card under wraps...but I'll share with you when I mail it out. Then played a little more and created this simple card. I LOVE the swirl in this set...also used one of the new colors, Soft Sky and paired it with Not Quite Navy. I thought the dark and light combo contrasted nicely with Very Vanilla, although I'm not sure the scan does the colors justice.

Set: Baroque Motifs

C/S: Soft Sky, Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy

Inks: Not Quite Navy, Vanilla Craft, Soft Sky

Other: Silver mini brad, Ticket Corner punch

Birthday Countdown!

Sorry for the no post yesterday. I was getting ready for a Technique Class and as I mentioned, my studio was a wreck! I have it cleaned up and organized...although I still have some putting away from last night's class. What a FUN bunch of girls!

Guess what came UPS to me yesterday? My preorder from Stampin' Up! of the new catalog sets, paper and PUNCH box! I didn't realize that the stamps from the Punch Box would be die cut! They were so easy to put together! And, I LOVE the new colors! I'm amazed at how different they really are...the scans do not do them justice. Soft Sky is definitely my favorite...more muted and green than Cool Caribbean...to me this is very close to the Aqua I wanted. Purely Pomegranate and Groovy Guava come in a close second for favorites! Wild Wasabi was definitely brighter than I thought it would be...definitely WILD! lol! I'm hoping to find time to play with my new sets today.

OK...I can officially say that my birthday countdown has started...only 7 more days! I received my first Birthday RAK from friend Hetty Sanders in The Netherlands! It came quite to distance to reach me! Hetty used a retired Sell-A-Bration set from 2006 called Send a Celebration and the paisley from the current Polka Dots & Paisley set. Don't you LOVE her colors? They are SO bright and cheerful in person! She's definitely given me reason to "Celebrate"!

I'm headed to Chicago/Wisconsin for a couple days to help my son unpack from his move to his new condo in Wisconsin and to help him decorate. I know...I've been gone a LOT the past few months! After this, I think I'll be staying at home for a while...at least until SU's convention!

Petal Prints

I spent the day cleaning up my studio. It had to be done...I have classes coming in this week and it was truly a mess. I don't know how things accummulate in that room...I'm normally a neat and organized person! I think that things are just multiplying while I'm not looking and jumping out of their assigned spaces! lol! Oh well, I guess it is all part of the creative process. I am trying to get better about putting things away right after I use them.

I think I mentioned a few weeks ago that I cleaned up my partially finished pile. This background of white Petal Print flowers was one of the pieces I had started...and the punched "Wishing You" from another project start. This didn't turn out exactly how I pictured it in my head, but I at least have used up some more scraps from my pile. The flowers in the background are stamped in Craft White and then the centers are colored with Yo Yo Yellow using a sponge dauber.

Set: Petal Prints, Riveting (both retiring)
C/S: Yo Yo Yellow, Tempting Turquoise, Shimmer White, Whisper White
Inks: Craft White, Yo Yo Yellow, Tempting Turquoise
Other: Word Window punch, 1-1/4 circle punch, Designer Tag punch, 1/2 circle punch, 1/16 punch, Yellow mini brads, White and Yellow grosgrain ribbon, Dimensionals, sponge dauber

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today is my dad's birthday...I won't tell you which one. If you ask him, he is 39. lol! Since I'm older than that now, I don't think he's telling the truth!

I had the supplies out from when I made Maria's sketch the other day. I used the same basic sketch, but changed it up a little bit and made it a birthday card. Now to remember to give my dad a different Father's Day card than the one I made like this! lol! Better go put them in their prospective envelopes now.

Sets: Artifacts, It's Your Birthday

C/S: Sahara Sand, So Saffron, Close to Cocoa, Buckaroo Blue

Inks: Versamark, Basic Brown, So Saffron

Other: Classic Copper EP, Copper mini brad, 1/16 punch

Tassel Time

It's that time of year again! Seems we have 2-3 graduations in the family each year. I pulled out the retiring Tassel Time to do this card...needed something quick cause I left it to the last minute! lol! The school colors are Real Red and Brilliant Blue and bring back fond memories because I graduated from the same high school...just a FEW years ago! lol!

Enjoy the weekend! I'm hoping to have time to stamp. I need to start planning a couple classes I have coming up.

Oh...I was SO excited to preorder some new catalog items today and I had them expedited! I should have them by Tuesday. If you will be at any of my classes this month, you'll get a SNEAK PEAK! Makes me even more excited to see the new catty!

Sets: Tassel Time, On the Spot BG, Headline Alphabet

C/S: Real Red, Brilliant Blue, Brushed Silver

Inks: Basic Black, Brilliant Blue

Other: Ticket corner punch