Downline Meeting Make & Take

Susan and I had our joint Downline Meeting on Saturday.  We have been demonstrating a new product and also demonstrating a technique at each of our meetings and then doing a Make & Take using that technique.  At this meeting, I demonstrated a technique using a baby wipe and re-inkers.  You place a few drops of various colors of re-inkers on a baby wipe.  Then you use the baby wipe to ink a SOLID image stamp and that creates a multi colored image.  I thought  that technique would be great to create an autumn leaf.  I love the leaves this time of year when they are changing colors.  The leaves are usually multicolored as they are changing.  so this technique was perfect for this Autumn inspired card.

For this card I used the following products:

STAMP SETS:  Gently Falling, Sweet Essentials, Glorious Grunge
PAPER:  Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Cajun Craze, Whisper White, Sweater Weather DSP
INK:  Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake
ACCESSORIES:  2-1/2" Circle Punch, Rhinestone Jewels, Brown Sharpie Marker (non SU), Baby Wipes (non SU), Dimensionals

I also colored the Rhinestone Jewels with the colored Sharpie Markers.  This was an extra technique for everyone to experience.  We had a great day and there were 2 other M & T's that we made and I will post those at a later time. 

Today we have all three boys again.  So we will be busy all day long.  The weather is really nice so we will have them outside playing a lot today.  Enjoy the day!

Halloween Happiness

Been working on  my Halloween Gathering cards and project the last week.  Here is one of the card that we will be making at that event.  This is a really easy card to make and does not use the traditional fold completely  For some reason I am on a traditional fold strike.  I think I decided that I need to change up my cards a bit some way.  So the last couple of cards that I have made, I try to change them up in some manner.  

I really liked the "HALLOWEEN HAPPINESS" stamp and decided I really needed to use it in one of my cards.  I did not want the background of the card be so busy because I felt it would take away from the all the details in the stamped image.  For this card I used the following supplies:

STAMPS:  Halloween Happiness
PAPER:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Witches Brew DSP
INK:  Tangerine Tango
ACCESSORIES:  Oval Framelits, Big Shot, Dazzling Diamonds, 2 Way Glue, Dimensionals, Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive Markers

If you look closely in the top pic, you will see an orange glittery pumpkin.  I made that by using  the orange Glitter from the Holiday Catalog to cover a plastic pumpkin. First I sprayed the pumpkin with spray adhesive and then I sprinkled the orange glitter all over the pumpkin.  Just another way to use it.  Also if you look closely at the pumpkins on the card, you will notice the pumpkin with the face is all glittery.  I used Dazzling Diamonds to create that effect so the pumpkin would stand out.  I will be getting out all the information on the event in the following few days.  I need to finalize a few things first.  

Yesterday we watched all three youngins and I was exhausted by the end of the day.  Sometimes trying to get all three down for a nap can be a bit tricky and yesterday was one of those days.  The phone kept ringing and waking them up and when all 3 fell asleep at the same time we were ecstatic.  And then someone came to the door and rang the bell and it was chaos with all 3 crying.  At least for 15 minutes all was quiet!  Today it is more quiet with one, so it was easier today to post.  Enjoy the day! 

Congrats to my Downline

I finally had a few minutes to myself yesterday that I was able to get my congratulations cards photographed so I can send them out this month.  I have started to send out Cogratulations cards out to the top three sellers of the month in my downline.  This is the card that they will be receiving this month. It is a CASE of a card that I saw with some changes.

I love the rustic feel that this card has.  The burlap ribbon helps to convey that.  I tried not to clutter this card up, so it is very simple.  The "GLORIOUS GRUNGE" stamp set was used to create texture on the background.  And finally I used the "ROCK AND ROLL" technique on the Maple leaf to add more color and interest to the card.  The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SETS:  Zoo Babies (sentiment), Maple Leaf, Glorious Grunge
PAPER:  Crumb Cake, Whisper White
INK:  Daffodil Delight, Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake
ACCESSORIES:  Burlap Ribbon, Linen Thread, Dimensionals, Regal Buttons (RETIRED)

I ran out of Natural Buttons because I am using them for this month's Technique Class.  So I resorted to  using a button that is retired from last year's catalog.  But the button goes with my color scheme so I hope I am forgiven for using a retired product this time. They will be going out in the mail today.

 I have a few people coming over today to work on the Holiday SAS cards.  I plan to start my personal Christmas Cards today.  We will see if I will be able to get started.  I plan to have a nice relaxing day with fellow stampers today.  Enjoy the day!

September Technique Class- Card 3

This is the final card of the three that we will be making at my September Technique Class.  This card uses the Colored Vellum technique.  Years ago when I went to my first downline meeting at Pennie's, I saw one of her other downlines demonstrate this technique.  I thought it was really neat but did not think about it  again until I saw some other people using it for their Christmas Cards this past month.  So I decided to try it again for this Autumn card.

If you look very closely at the leaves on the card, you will see that they are different colors.  I used Cardstock Vellum, embossed the image using Gold Embossing Powder.  I then took sponges and sponged the back of the embossed images.  I love the very light and muted look that you get by using that technique.  Very easy to do and it creates an effect that is very impressive.  Everyone you give this card or a card using that technique will be amazed.  

I am watching 2 of the kids today and that is why I was a little late posting today. They are napping right now, so I had a few free minutes to post.  I hope you enjoyed the card  today. If you want to make these cards and live in the area, I still have two Technique Classes scheduled this month.  Contact me if interested in attending.  Enjoy the day! 

September Technique Class- Card #2

This is the second card that we will be making at my "FALL / HALLOWEEN" themed September Technique Class.  I have been wanting to do the HERRINGBONE Technique for a while but just could not find the right time to do it.  But when I saw this large Halloween sentiment stamp which is found in the "Halloween Bash" stamp set, I knew it was time to do it.  The Witches Brew DSP is perfect for this technique.  I think the contrast of the patterns in that particular DSP lends itself nicely for   this technique.

I really like this stamp set because it co-ordinates with a number of different punches such as the Ticket Duo Builder Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch and the Labels Collection Framelits.  I used one of the Framelits from the Chalk Talk Collection. 

This is also not the first version of this card.  But I am very pleased with how it turned out.  I tried it with different widths of strips but decided that 3/8" width of my strips seemed to have the best looking results.  I also played around with the colors of strips and with the background colors.  It took longer to do this than what I thought but in the end, it was worth all the time I put into it.

Today should go a bit easier since we are only watching one child today.   And it is a special day for him today because Carter (the youngest of the gang) turns 1 today.  Happy Birthday Carter! 

 Enjoy the day!

September Technique Class- Card 1

I know I have been MIA the past week, but I am now back on track.  I am excited about this month's cards.  I am not a big Halloween fan but with three little grandsons, I have been converted.  This is the first card that we are going to do.  This card uses the "NEW" Thinlits-Circle Card.  This was one of my favorite sneak peeks that was presented

The inside of the card

The front of the card

 at convention this year.  I could not wait to get mine.  This is definitely a "go to" tool.  It makes creating a fancy fold card sooooo easy.  I think people have been afraid to make this type of flip-flop card in the past because of all the measuring and having to cut in all the right places.

This is really the 3rd version of the card that I started with.  I think I am pleases with what I finally decided on for my Technique Class.  I mainly am demonstrating how to use this tool but I slipped in a technique with it.  If you look closely, you can see the "MOONLIGHTING " technique.  I used a 1/2" circle to mask all the sponging I did on it.  After I sponged Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, and Cajun Craze all over the 2-1/2" Whisper White circle, I removed the 1/2" circle to show you a white moon!  I then stamped the spooky tree over top all my sponging.  I think it looks like a spooky night.  I used the Best of 25 Years- Halloween stamp set.

My technique classes will be held on Tuesday September 17 @ 9:15 AM, Wednesday September @ 7 PM, and Saturday September 28 @ 9 AM .
If interested in attending, please contact me.  We will be making three cards this month with the theme being "FALL/HALLOWEEN CARDS".   1. Herringbone Technique,  2. Thinlits-Circle Card using Moonlight Technique,  3. Colored Vellum.  The cost is $10 for the 3 cards/envelopes plus instruction cards for each.

Today I have all 3 babies so it will be another crazy day for me.  Enjoy the day!

September Thank You

I had  one good day last week when I was able to catch up on my stamping.  So I stamped and stamped and stamped.  While I was on a roll, I remembered I needed to get my Thank you notes for September done.  So I decided to use the new "Magnificent Maple" single stamp which can be found in the Holiday Catalog.  I also decided  to use the "Glorious Grunge" stamp set for the background on the leaf.  The supplies that I used for this mini card were:

STAMP SETS:  Glorious Grunge, Magnificent Maple
PAPER:  Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, Whisper White
INK:  Cajun Craze, Daffodil Delight, Crumb Cake
ACCESSORIES:  Daffodil Delight 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, 2-1/2" Circle Punch

First I used the Glorious Grunge for the texture behind the leaf.  And then I used the Rock and Roll Technique to create a multi-colored leaf.  The only thing I regret is that I did not use the spatter stamp from the Glorious Grunge set and stamp that onto the Soft Suede card stock.  I think it would have added more depth to the card.  

Well I have the little guy today so I will not get that much done.  But I will have a new card tomorrow to show you.  Enjoy the day!

A Wintery White Christmas

This was a difficult card to take a picture of.  I think the silver embossing on the card and the Dazzling Diamonds do not show up very well.  This is my version of a card that you can find in the Holiday Catalog.

The Christmas tree is from the "Special Seasons" stamp set.  This is my favorite Christmas stamp set this year.   I felt that the card  needed something so I used the snowflake stamp from the "Warmth and Wonder" stamp set which is one of the two Hostess sets that are available also from the Holiday Catalog.

The supplies that I used for this card:

STAMP SETS:  Special Seasons, Warmth and Wonder
PAPER:  Whisper White, Winter Frost DSP
INK:  Versamark, Pool Party
ACCESSORIES:  Silver Embossing Powder, Heating Tool, 2 Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds

This card is very simple and does not use much color.  But I think if you are looking for a card that gives you a very frosty  wintery feeling, this is the card for you.  Some people like to have a lot of bright colors in their Christmas cards while others prefer using reds and greens in their cards.  I am sure that this card will fit the taste of someone in your life.    I plan on giving this card to a friend of mine whose husband owns a Christmas Tree Farm.  That is what is wonderful about making your own cards for Christmas, you can make cards that match each one of your friends and family likes.  

I have some friends coming over today and we are starting to make our Christmas cards.  It will be a fun day.  Enjoy the day!

An Ornament Keepsake

This card is totally different than what I envisioned and started out with.  Sometimes those cards turn out the best.  I love it when I start out with an idea and the card changes (maybe the color choice).  And then it changes (perhaps the layout).  And then changes again (using different stamp set).  This process could go on for a whole day for one card.  It makes me feel good when I see a creation evolve from one card morphing into another.  My husband... does not enjoy it that much.  It could be that the dining room table looks a mess for more than a day.  And that the pile of stamps, card stock, and ink keeps getting higher and higher.  That is what happened with this card.  But I am really happy with what I finished with.

This card will definitely be one that we will be using this card in a coming up Stamp A Stack.  So keep posted to see if we are going to be using this in our October or November Holiday Stamp A Stack.  Enjoy the day!

My Favorite New Toy!

My favorite "NEW" toy from Stampin' Up has arrived at my house and is now ready for you to order.  It is the "ENVELOPE PUNCH BOARD"!

 At convention, they announced and demonstrated this new stamping tool and I was so excited.  I took this picture at convention that shows you all 66 sizes of envelopes that this punch board that can make.  I was so impressed and very excited!

Although I have not made my own envelopes in the past, I plan to do it more since I have this tool that makes it very easy to do.  It is a great way to use up your old DSP.  It also is a great way to be able to have an envelope available for an odd sized card.  You will be able to create a pocket envelope that will be able to hold a candy bar.  The ideas are endless with what you will be able to make using this tool.  


Check out the video.  Brian Pilling from Stampin' Up demos this new product.  I hope you are as excited as I am that this is now available from Stampin' Up which sells for $19.95.  If you are interested or would like more information on this new product, contact me.




I will be posting another Christmas card I created tomorrow, so please check back.  Tomorrow is my day off from watching all the babies.  So I plan to get some new cards and projects made while there is a little more peace and quiet in the house.  Enjoy the day!