MoJo Monday #84

Well I finally finished my card for the Mojo Monday Challenge. I kept changing my mind on what to do. Although I have used the stamp set "FRIENDS 24-7" for a lot of my projects, I could not help myself and went back to it for this project. I used a few different techniques on this card. The flowers were stamped with Black Staz-On and then I took a blender pen and colored in the image using Perfect Plum and Pale Plum for the flowers. I then used Always Artichoke and Mellow Moss for the leaves. I added 3 half pearls from the Pretties Kit for embellishment. The base of the card is Pale Plum. On the top half I stamped used the damask stamp from the set and stamped on Always Artichoke Cardstock using Always Artichoke Ink. After that I ran the cardstock through the Big Shot using the Damask Texturz Plate. The bottom square was made using the ghosting technique. The "FRIENDLY WORDS" wheel was using there along with the damask stamp. The butterfly is from the "DREAMS DU JOUR" stamp set. I stamped the butterfly on Whisper White using Perfect Plum Ink. Although it is hard to see, I then added Dazzling Diamonds over the stamped image of the butterfly. Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon surrounds the middle of the card. The card looks much better in person and I am pleased how it turned out. The supplies that I used for this card are:

STAMP SETS: Dreams Du Jour, Friends 24-7

CARDSTOCK: Pale Plum, Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke, Whisper White, Glossy White

INK: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss, Black Staz-On, Versamark

ACCESSORIES: Pearls from the Pretties Kit, Scallop Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Dimensionals, 2 Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds, Blender Pens, Big Shot, Damask Texturz Plate, Brayer, Friendly Words Jumbo Wheel, Taffeta Mellow Moss Ribbon

I am glad that I started to try these challenges, because it really does get you creative mojo going. It really is good to try to challenge yourself in your card/scrapbook layouts. It helps you get out of doing the same on thing which feels so comfortable and gets you to think more creatively. I hope you enjoyed the card. Enjoy the rest of your day!

Game Night Box

Here is a cute little box that I made at my Up-line Kim's house last week. The idea is very similar to the basket that we made in my March technique class. You take the Scallop Edge Envelope die for the big shot and take 4 Scallop Edged Envelope pieces and adhere them together to form a square box. Fold the bottom flaps underneath the box and place a square piece of cardstock in the bottom. Instead of using a glue runner to adhere the box, use Sticky Strip. The Sticky Strip will adhere the box together better. The designer paper which is used to decorate the side is "Jackpot". The sentiment comes from the "Game Night" stamp set. This is a cute project. You could easily stamp card tallies and place them inside the box with a deck of cards. For gambling friends and family, you could make mini note cards and place them in the box for a cute gift. There are a number of things that you place in the box for that fun someone. The supplies that were used for this project are:

STAMP SET: Game Night

CARDSTOCK: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White, Jackpot Designer Paper

INK: Real Red

ACCESSORIES: Red Gingham Ribbon, Cropodile, Large Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch, Big Shot, Scallop Edge Envelope Die

This is such a cute idea to put things in. You could very simply change the colors and the designer paper and get a container that looks completely different. I am going to go and work on my Mogo Monday card today. Hopefully I will post it tomorrow. Have a great day!

A Saturday Stamping Marathon

Here is a sample of what I was doing on Saturday during our stamping marathon. It is a box with 8 cards. So cute to give as a gift!

In February we got together at my upline's house for the weekend. Her husband wanted to know what she wanted for her birthday and she said take the kids to a hotel for the weekend so my friends and I can stamp ALL weekend long. Which we did and it was great! We decided then that we would do these "outings" more often but a shorter time. So this Saturday we stamped for 12 hours. People usually come with ideas and we just go from one project to the next. This idea came from the Demonstrator Ideas portion of the SU website. The dimensions were there and so we cased it. Once you make something, it is very easy then to change the colors, layout, ect. I used the Tea Party Designer Paper simply because I had some left and because I absolutely LOVE this paper. So using a basic simple layout, I made 8 cards to go into the box. The box was made from Certainly Celery cardstock for the bottom of the box and Pretty in Pink for the lid. I also used Tea Party for the lid to complement the cards. The supplies that I used were:

STAMP SETS: Oval All

CARDSTOCK: Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Almost Amethyst,Whisper White, Tea Party Designer Paper

INK: Almost Amethyst

ACCESSORIES: Pink Pirouette 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Eyelet Border Punch

We had a great time but I was worn out by the time it was over. I had already done a class that morning! This was very easy to do once I tried it. I am going to make another one using the dimensions but changing the stamp set, colors, and layout. Changing all those things will make this project look totally different. Don't be afraid to see something you like and just take that idea and change it around a bit. Once you do it, you will feel more confident and will be able to experiment with your own ideas. It might help you relax and let your creativity flow. It is another nice day here, so go and enjoy the rest of your day!

A Nice Surprise

Well, I was going to tell you about my stamping marathon this weekend. I also thought that today I might post my Mojo Monday design but all that changed this morning. I got a very nice surprise when I went to Stampin' Up's website this morning and checked the Stamper Showcase. My Leadership swap was on it!!!! This is the first time that a design of mine has been placed on their website and I am soooooo excited! Because of this, I dropped all my other ideas for today and decided to place a picture of that card on my blog. This is the card I came up with for my swaps for Leadership in Orlando this past January. I used the ghosting technique for the background. To do this technique, first take Glossy White cardstock and stamp all over it with a dark ink. I used the hearts from "LOVE YOU MUCH" and stamped them using Riding Hood Red. The second step is to take another stamp and stamp all over the cardstock using versamark. ( I used the "EN FRANCOIS" stamp set) You then take a brayer and cover your cardstock with a lighter color. I used Regal Rose. Then you take a paper towel and rub off the extra ink. It is an impressive looking technique but very simple to do. The base of the card is Pink Pirouette. I used Whisper White cardstock, punched the bottom with the Scallop Edge Punch and then stamped the "EN FRANCOIS" background stamp onto it with Pretty in Pink ink. The hearts were stamped on Riding Hood Red, Shimmery White and Pink Pirouette cardstock, versamark and embossed with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder. I punched the hearts out using the Heart to Heart Punch and placed them on the card randomly using dimensionals. Here is the list of supplies I used:

STAMP SETS: En Francois, Love You Much
CARDSTOCK: Glossy White, Shimmery White, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red
INK: Riding Hood Red, Regal Rose, Versamark, Pretty in Pink
ACCESSORIES: Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Heart to Heart Punch, Brayer, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder

I hope you enjoyed this card. I hope to show you my design for Mojo Monday tomorrow. What a happy day for me. I hope you have a happy day too!

I got my MoJo Going

I am sure that you have had those moments when you are working on your projects and you feel that you have fallen into a rut. It is so easy to fall back on those layouts that have worked so well in the past. But sometimes you have to challenge yourself in order for you to grow and come up with more creative designs. I found a blog- MojoMonday.blogspot.com that helps you challenge yourself each week. I have often viewed the challenges but have never tried one until this week. I had my April Technique classes this week and had some leftover pieces. Although the the layout was much different than this layout, a lot of the pieces were close to the size or shape of the layout this week. So with a few changes in the background, some additions, some deletions...I came up with this card. The base of the card is Kraft, layered with Chocolate Chip and Parisian Breeze Specialty Designer Paper. I used the rhinestone brad, flower, and the pearls from the Pretties Kit. All the supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SET: Friends 24-7
CARDSTOCK: Kraft, Chocolate Chip. Parisian Breeze Specialty Designer Paper, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
INK: Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze
ACCESSORIES: Pretties Kit, Dimensionals, Scallop Edge Punch


The bird was stamped in Baja Breeze, cut out and attached with dimensionals. It is hard to see but the bird is mounted on Parisian Breeze Designer Paper also but I used a print in the Chocolate Chip color. I loved the way it turned out. The card that I did for my classes looked more masculine (I think because I used the striped side of the paper). This card felt more feminine to me with the floral piece of designer paper. I added the flower and the pearls also because it seemed to enhance the femininity of the card. I showed my upline and sidelines yesterday and our stamping marathon. They seemed to like it also. I will talk more about our stamping adventure in a later blog because I am totally exhausted from yesterday and I need to rest. It is a beautiful day here today, so I am going to take advantage of that. Enjoy the rest of your day!

Emerging Butterflies

This picture did not turn out as nice as the card is. The white oval is the reflection from the card since I used Glossy White Cardstock for this project. No matter how I turned the card or from what angle I took the picture. It still had a refection. The technique for this card is called "Emerging Color" You start with Glossy White cardstock and use different colors to stamp a design all over. I used three different colors...Baja Breeze, Pixie Pink, and Kiwi Kiss. I then stamped the butterflies with Versamark and then embossed using clear embossing powder. I then took a brayer and brayered Pacific Point ink all over the cardstock. Finally, I used a paper towel to rub all over the paper and wipe off the excess ink. It really creates a unique look. The yellowy looking cardstock is actually Kiwi Kiss. So you can understand why I am disappointed with this picture. The supplies that I used for this card are:

STAMP SETS: Garden Whimsy
CARDSTOCK: Pacific Point, Pixie Pink, Kiwi Kiss, Glossy White
INK: Kiwi Kiss, Pixie Pink, Baja Breeze, Versamark
ACCESSORIES: White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Clear Embossing Powder, Brayer, Paper Towels, Adhesive

I did this card a few months back for a Technique Class that was about "BRAYERS". At that class, I demonstrated 3 different techniques that you can use brayers for. I enjoy teaching the technique classes because I think it gives people other options in making their cards. Enjoy the rest of your day.

Thumping

Tonight I will host my final technique class for this month. I have already shown you the cards that we will be making. But I thought that I could show you a card that we did in my technique classes this past fall. This card uses the technique of "THUMPING". If you look closely, you can see the different colors on the leaves of the tree. That is where the technique of thumping was applied. First I stamped the tree using Close to Cocoa. Before stamping the image onto the cardstock, I took Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, and Old Olive Markers and randomly bounced (thumped) them all over the image. This was a way that I could create a tree that looks like the leaves are changing in Autumn. It truly gives the tree a more realistic look. After I was finished designing this card, I was told by my group that this was a great card to use for a man. They liked the colors and the tree looks very stately. The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SETS: Lovely As A Tree, Canvas Background (retired "09)
CARDSTOCK: Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla
INK: Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Not Quite Navy
ACCESSORIES: Old Olive Marker, Pumpkin Pie Marker, Real Red Marker, Very Vanilla 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

Although the Canvas Background stamp is retired, you could use the backgound stamp "SANDED" to give the background on this card some texture. It would create a little bit more interest on the card. At the time that I designed the card, I challenged myself to use colors that I would not normally use. I never used Not Quite Navy in creating my cards before. It was not a favorite color of mine. But since I used it on this card, I find myself using it more and more. So my word of advice to you today is...Don't be afraid to try new color combinations or at least one new color in your next card. You might find that you will be using it a lot more in your card and scrapbook creations. Enjoy the rest of your day!

April Technique Class-Part Three

Today I had my second technique class for the month. Tomorrow night is the third and final technique class for this month. This card is the last of the three cards that I designed for this month's technique classes. I posted the other two cards previously. This card was showcasing Sticky Strip. I demonstrated to the girls that you could use the sticky strip to decorate the card with glitter instead of using the tape ONLY for adhering. I know that it is difficult to see, but the strip near the bottom of the card where the leaf and flowers are glued is really sticky strip covered with Fine Cosmo Glitter. It really looks fabulous in person. That little bit of glitter adds some punch to the card. Sometimes it only takes the smallest use of an accessory, like glitter, brads, buttons, ect. to add pizazz to your cards or scrapbook page. You don't always have to add a lot of ribbons or bold accessories to create more interest in your projects. Sometimes it is the small items that can add a lot! This card was fun to make. I used a template from Mojo Monday.blogspot.com (week 82). It is easy to get into a rut when you are creating cards and sometimes you just need to see a different slant on it. I used the stamp set "BEST WISHES AND MORE" and came up with a design using the stamp set in a way that co-ordinated with the layout. The supplies that I used on the card are:

STAMP SETS: Best Wishes and More
CARDSTOCK: Regal Rose DSP (level 1 hostess gift), Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
INK: Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Glorious Green
ACCESSORIES: Sticky Strip, Fine Cosmo Glitter, Chunky Sprinkles, Scallop Edge Punch, Trio Flower Punch, Dimensionals, Adhesive, Scissors

I didn't get my camera fixed yet. I borrowed my daughter's, who was visiting from Arizona, and took some pictures so that I would have some time until I get things straightened out with my camera. I hope you enjoyed this card. I know the ladies who left today did. And enjoy the rest of your day!

Camera Problems

For those who do check back to my blog, I apologize for not having any posts the last few days. Technical difficulties with my camera have put a dent in my posting. Also my daughter, the one who lives in Arizona was home, so I have been very busy with spending time with her. She came home for a number of reasons and were running around trying to fit everything in. And basically no time to get the camera problem fixed. She goes back tonight so hopefully I can get everything taken care of after she leaves. Please check back for new designs soon. Have a great day!

Technique Class- Card Two

This is the second of the three cards that we will be working on in my technique classes this month. This card uses the fabric flowers from the Pretties Kit. I had been wanting to do a project for a while where the flowers were colored in some way. I played around with this card for a couple of days until I was happy with the layout and the color combination. I think it was the color combination which really hung me up this time. If you are interested in coming to the class, please contact me. The complete information for class is on my demonstrator website www.dereag.stampinup.net. Check back this week to see the third card that we will be making. Enjoy your day.

Game Night

Here I go again, talking about masculine cards. This topic has really been on my mind a lot. My customers are always commenting on the need for more masculine cards. So when I saw this stamp set in the new catalog, I bought it. The name of the set is "GAME NIGHT" It has a lot of pieces that represent different games such as chess, cards, dominoes, ect. As a matter of fact, this was one of my swaps for Leadership in January. I think when you try to make a masculine card that you need to be careful of the colors that you use. I chose Real Red, So Saffron, Basic Gray and Basic Black for this card because I felt it gave the card a more masculine feel. Besides, you find the red and black in decks of cards and the So Saffron gives it that little punch of color. As usual, I used a greeting that did not have a fancy font. For men I feel a simple and bold greeting works the best. I also using the color block layout like I did for the Under the Stars card. Although it is hard to see, I embossed the chess piece. It gave the card just a little more character. The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SETS: Game Night, Upsy Daisy

CARDSTOCK: So Saffron, Real Red, Basic Gray, Basic Black, Whisper White

INK: So Saffron, Real Red, Basic Gray, Craft Basic Black

ACCESSORIES: Dimensionals, Clear Embossing Powder

This afternoon, my best friend is coming over and we plan to do a lot of stamping. She has off from work today so we are having a Girl's Afternoon of stamping. I plan to have more sneak peeks this week of the cards for my April technique classes, so be sure to look back again. Also, if interested in the classes please contact me. Enjoy the rest of the day, I know I will!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter! This morning when I woke up the birds were singing and it is looks so Spring outside with the flowers blooming. Springis here except for the temperature, it is still a little chilly. As we were driving this morning, we saw a lot of Robins which is a sure sign that Spring is really here to stay. So I think it is only appropriate that the card today feature a bird. This card was made using the "FRIENDS 24-7" stamp set. I am very happy how this card came out. This is one of the cards that we will be making in my technique classes this month. Although there will be a an addition which I am not revealing at this time. I did use darker colors for this card and the Baja Breeze is used as an accent color. There is enough of that color to really perk this card up. The Parisian Breeze Designer Paper is the perfect compliment to this card. The supplies that I used are:

STAMP SETS: Friends 24-7

CARDSTOCK: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Parisian Breeze Designer Paper

INK: Baja Breeze, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip Re-inker

ACCESSORIES: Friendly Words Jumbo Wheel, 1/4" Chocolate Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Crystal Effects

I hope you enjoy the card. More sneak peeks of the cards being made this month will appear through out the week. Please come back to view them. If you are interested in an April Technique Class, please contact me. The dates for class are: Saturday April 18,2009- 9-11:30 am, Tuesday April 21, 2009- 9:15- 11:45 am, or Wednesday April 22, 2009- 7-9:30 pm. Cost is $10 for three cards/envelopes and the technique directions or $5 if you purchase $25 worth of product.

Happy Easter and enjoy your day!

Dreams Du Jour

I know it has been a couple of days since I last posted but I have been trying to get everything cleaned up around here for Easter. Today it is nice and sunny makes you know that Easter will soon be here. The sun is shining and the flowers in the flowerbed are starting to bloom. It is a great feeling that winter is hopefully all behind us. This card is another card using the "DREAMS DU JOUR" stamp set that is simple but quite appealing. This card shows two different techniques...masking and stamping off. I used the scallop square punch and punched the shape out of a post-it. I then placed the post it on my card and then stamped the words. The next step was sponging over the shape using a lighter ink. The butterfly was stamped using Bashful Blue and then stamped three times without re-inking. It gives the butterflies a light and airy look. The last butterfly was inked with Night of Navy, cut out and then attached using a dimensional so it looks as though it is flying over the card. The supplies I used for this card were:

STAMP SETS: Dreams Du Jour

CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Mellow Moss, Night of Navy

INK: Always Artchoke, Mellow Moss, Night of Navy, Bashful Blue

ACCESSORIES: Mellow Moss Taffetta Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Post-its, Scissors, Dimensionals

Although this was a quick and easy card, people will love it. It just proves that you do not have to make a card complicated all the time to create cards that people will enjoy. Enjoy your Holiday!

Camping in the Rain

Well, it is raining here again. This certainly is a wet April so far. Hopefully the old saying, "April showers bring May flowers" is true. My Daffodils and Hyacinths are starting to bud and bloom. I guess in the end it is worth it. This little guy looks as if he is ready to go camping even if it is raining! This bear is in the stamp set "UNDER THE STARS" He is so cute. I stamped him on Close to Cocoa cardstock and his belly was stamped on Creamy Caramel cardstock using Basic Black. After I stamped the image onto the cardstock, I cut the pieces out and then glued the belly onto the bear. In each of the colored rectangles, I stamped co-ordinating camping pieces using the co-ordinated ink pad. In those colored blocks are stamped compasses, sleeping bags and mosquitoes. What camping trip would be complete if there were no mosquitoes. I stamped this using a color block layout(which I use quite frequently) but I really tried to use a color combination which was out of the box for me. The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SETS: Under the Stars
CARDSTOCK: Pacific Point, Garden Green, Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel
INK: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Garden Green, Bashful Blue
ACCESSORIES: Adhesive, scissors

I have to go out and do some shopping for Easter. I was hoping the rain would stop but it doesn't look as though it is going to co-operate today. So enjoy your day today whatever weather you are having!

Spring and Butterflies

Today it feels like Spring! The weather is beautiful. The sun is shining and the temperature is perfect. It seems as though everyone in the neighborhood is outside working, walking or just relaxing. The weather just made me feel so good and I started to think of all the wonderful things that you see in Spring. And butterflies came to mind. I looked in my files and pulled out this card that I thought was perfect for this time of year. This is not a complicated card at all but I adore the small realistic butterflies. I used the butterfly stamp from the stamp set "DREAMS DU JOUR" and stamped it three times with Black Stazon on Whisper White cardstock. Using blender pens I colored in each of the butterflies, one using Kiwi Kiss, the second one using Pink Pirouette, and the last using Baja Breeze. I think the colors are very bright and colors that would give you an upbeat feeling. The supplies I used for this card are:

STAMP SETS: Dreams Du Jour, Heard From the Heart

CARDSTOCK: Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black,Whisper White

INK: Black Stazon, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze

ACCESSORIES: Blender Pens

I have sent this card to friends and family and they all remark on the colors being so inviting. If you want to add a little pizazz to the card, you can take Dazzling Diamonds and cover the butterflies with it. You should see how that adds sparkle to your card. I am going to go outside and do some work in the garden since it is so nice. Enjoy the rest of your day!

May Stamp a Stack

Well, I was going to wait until next week to show you all of the great cards we decided to make at our next Stamp-A-Stack but I noticed today that all of the other demonstrators involved with this event have posted all of the cards. Not wanting to be the only one not sharing with my customers, I decided to post them all today. The top one is very similar to a previous post. I used the same basic layout and papers but changed the card to open horizontally instead of vertically and used the "OVAL ALL" stamp set and new Oval Punch from the new Occasions Mini. The second card posted also uses a new stamp set from the Occasions Mini. The Stamp-A-Stack will be held on Friday, May 29, 2009 at the Eastonian-Holiday Inn from 6-9 pm. We will make 12 cards (4 of each design) Cost is $30. If interested or you need more information please contact me.

If you can not make that date, perhaps you might like to have a Stamp-A Stack at your home with your friends and do it when it works best for you. Contact me and we can make arrangements.

Have a great day! Enjoy!

Stamp-A-Stack

I told you that last night I was going to be with my friends to work on card choices for our up coming Stamp-A-Stack May 29. Although that is a long way off, I thought I would give you a sneak peek at one of the cards we chose. Here it is! It is stamped using the "Fifth Avenue Floral" set which is fast becoming one of my favorite sets. I didn't realize how many different looks that you can achieve by using this very simple set. It really has the look of eloquence about it. The one technique we used on this card was crayon resist. We also used Dazzling Diamonds on it to give it a little shimmer. The greeting was a stamp from the "Sincere Salutation"stamp set which gives you a variety of greetings to choose from. The supplies that we used were:

STAMP SETS: Sincere Salutations, Fifth Avenue Floral

CARDSTOCK: Cameo Coral,Whisper White, Tangerine Tango

INK: Cameo Coral, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango, Basic Gray

ACCESSORIES: White Crayon, Dazzling Diamonds, 2 way Glue

This card was not designed by me. One of the other demonstrators brought it as their sample. I chose this card today because it is the first day of April and it should be nice and sunny out but instead it is dreary and rainy. I thought that this pop of color would help to brighten up the day. So go and enjoy your day!