Downline Meeting With Pennie

I love it when my Upline, Pennie, is able to come back to the Northeast and visit with her Downline.  I miss the Downline Meetings that she held with us before leaving for the WestCoast.  So I was really excited when she told us she was coming back to visit and was planning on holding a Downline Meeting.  When she holds a meeting, we all bring swaps and a handmade gift using Stampin' Up products.  

This year, Pennie asked us to keep our gifts simple and use products from the Annual Catalog.  That was very difficult for me.  I am so wrapped up into preparing items and cards for Christmas and using the Holiday Catalog that her request just overwhelmed me.  After driving myself crazy by over thinking this simple request, I finally came up with using the Muslin Bag (which is in the annual catalog) but I turning it into a cute and simple gift bag holding a Winter Treat.  The supplies that I used for this project were:

STAMP SET:  Embellished Events
PAPER:  Whisper White, Garden Green, Red Glimmer Paper, Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper
INK:  Real Red, Garden Green
ACCESSORIES:  Muslin Bag, Cherry Cobbler Chevron Ribbon, 1/4" Silver Ribbon, Star Framelits, Itty Bitty Banner Framelits, Sponge Daubers, Polka Dot Masks

Those are the supplies for the Gift Bag part.  But open up the bag and you will find a delicious Winter Treat.  In this picture you can see the bag along with it's contents.

Inside you will find a Hot Chocolate Mix, Miniature Marshmallows, Chocolate Kisses and a Peppermint Candy Cane.  What a wonderful treat to give someone to use on a cold snowy day!  Daycare providers, bus drivers, teachers, babysitters and more are certain to appreciate this handmade gift.  Personally, just give me chocolate and I am happy!  What is not to love about this.

To decorate the Muslin Bag, I used the Polka Dotted Mask, Sponge Daubers and Stamp Pads.  It was quick and easy to decorate the bag in festive colors.  It changes the feel of the bag.  Although all the product I used was from the Annual Catalog, I was still ably to come up with a project which had a Holiday feel to it.  It seemed that the people who attended the meeting liked it.  And I am sure that anybody who would receive a gift like this would like it also.  

Enjoy the day!

November Technique Class Card #3

This is the last card we are making for my November Technique Classes.  This is a Card in a Box Card.  I love it because You can fold it up and it lays flat.  After you fold it up, it fits into a number A2 envelope.  How neat is this!

My first class that I did this card in and they loved it!  I will say it takes a little more time and concentration to do it for the first time. But I think after you do one for the first time, it gets easier. 

For this card, I used a couple of different stamp sets.  I used the "FESTIVAL of TREES" for the trees in this vignette.  The houses, sentiment, and the Santa in his sleigh all came form the "HOLIDAY HOME" stamp set.  Love, Love, Love both of those stamp sets.  Both of them are so versatile.

The supplies that I used for this card were: 

STAMP SETS:  Festival of Trees, Holiday Home
PAPER:  Whisper White 12"x 12", All is Calm DSP, Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper, Garden Green, Soft Sky
INK:  Tuxedo Black Memento, Garden Green
ACCESSORIES: Sticky Strip, Bitty Banner Framelits, Homemade Holiday Framelits, Big Shot, Dimensionals, Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight and Smokey Slate Blendabilities

Although I used a lot of different supplies, I would not have it any other way.  While putting these cards together, we kept thinking of more things that we could add.  The ideas were flowing and everyone said they could not wait to get home to come up with their own creations.  That is what I enjoy most about my classes.  We sit and share ideas, and work on things we love to do.  What could be better than good friends laughing , sharing and stamping.  It was the perfect morning.  Enjoy the day!

November Technique Class Card #2

This month I was so excited about sharing some great Christmas cards that I might have gotten a bit carried away.  Two of the cards will take a bit more time to make, so I felt the last card needed to be a bit more simple to make.  So using a technique that I was introduced to at Convention, I case'd this card with some modifications.  

Although you can see it from this photo, the Christmas tree is thick and raised without used dimensionals.  It is a quick and easy technique that adds dimension to your cards.  All you need in card stock and adhesive sheets.

Tomorrow I will post the last card in this month's technique classes.  You will want to check back because it is so cute!  

A reminder that I still have openings for my sessions this month.  They  are tomorrow morning @ 9:15 AM, Wednesday @ 7PM and Saturday @ 9 AM.  Contact me if you live in the area and are interested in attending.

Setting up my stamping area today for all the classes that I am holding this week.  Enjoy the day!

Eli's Turning 4

The last 2 days I have been working hard on Eli's invitations for his 4th birthday party.  I can not believe he is turning 4!  But being the good Grandma that I am, I just love making birthday invites for ALL my grandsons.  

This year was very hard because he insisted that he wanted the PAW PATROL characters on the card.  So I used the card stock, Star Framelits, and sentiment from SU.  The sentiment came from the stamp set, "A Dozen Thoughts".  I had to go rouge and use non SU products to get the images of the characters and the paw DSP.  

All in all I think it came out well.  But the best part of this card is that Eli loved it!!  And isn't that the most important thing.

Short post today because I need to go to the dentist.  So go out and Enjoy the day!

November Technique Class Card #1

Today I want to show you my favorite Christmas Card that I designed this year. I think it might be a bit difficult to see all the details, but I really loved the elegance of this card.  I used Blendabilities on this card to color in the Christmas ornament.  This image can be found in the Holiday Catalog.  It is a single stamp and is called "CHRISTMAS BAUBLE".  After being able to get this great look by coloring in the image, I used Gold Foil paper in the background.  That little step halls to make this card even more elegant.

The embossing folder that was used also continues that elegant feel.  The basic colors that were used are Gold, Old Olive, and Cherry Cobbler.  They are traditional Christmas colors and also lend themselves nicely to an traditional and elegant Christmas card.  This is a card that everyone will love they receive it.  

I will be offering 3 Technique Classes this month.  they will be held on:
Tuesday, November 11, 2014 @ 9:15 AM
Wednesday, November 12, 2014 @ 7 PM
Saturday, November 15, 2014 @ 9 AM

We will again be making 3 cards using 3 different techniques.  This month's technique classes will include Blendabilities, Card in a Box and Raised Image.  I am so excited to show you how to make 3 Christmas Cards using these techniques.  I will be posting the other cards we are going to make soon. If you are interested in attending one of these classes, please contact me.  Enjoy the day

Last Stamp A Stack of the Year

Sorry I have been missing the past month, but I had a number of things sneak up on me and my family which needed my full attention.  But I am now back with some great cards and projects you can make for the upcoming Holidays.


To start, I will be hosting my last Holiday Stamp A Stack for this year.  There is still time for you to get some more  cards finished for Christmas.  I always think it is a good idea to get your cards done early so you do not stress out at the last minute.

Here are the 4 cards for the last Stamp A Stack.  I love this selection because they are all so different.  We have the Snowflake card which is a Flip Card that uses the Snowflake Card Thinlet.  I love the Blackberry Bliss and Gold star card.  It is very different because of the colors that we used on it.  It is stunning in person!  The third card with the wreath is very simple but beautiful.  And the final Postcard Card is a complete surprise.  The card does not open at the Cherry Cobbler base but at the Very Vanilla postcard portion of the card.  It is also very sparkly because the trees are covered with Dazzling Diamonds.

I am very happy with the last 4 cards that I am offering.  The HOLIDAY STAMP A STACK will be held on November 23 @ 1 PM at my house.  If you live in the area and would like to attend, please contact me.

Enjoy the day!

Holiday Stamp A Stack #3

This will be a short post today.  Originally today was going to be a day off from watching the boys.  But both of my children's work schedules changed and we will be having all 3 boys today.  So today we will be extremely busy.  And my time to work on my stamping will be cut back.

So today I will quickly post a picture of the next "Holiday Stamp A Stack" that I will be hosting.  I think this grouping of 4 cards is my favorite this season.  I like the variety of colors with this group.  And Susan and I always try to create a variety in our groups of cards.  We try to mis up the colors,  subject and difficulty of making them.  

This is the third "Holiday Stamp A Stack" in a series of four.   I will be hosting it at my house on October 26th at 1 PM. You will have the opportunity to choose which cards and how many cards of each you would like to make.  If interested please contact me and I will give you more details.  Enjoy your day!  I know mine will be very busy!

Festival of Trees Card #2

This is a card that I came up with for the second Holiday Stamp A Stack that I will be hosting this weekend.  This card uses the stamp set "FESTIVAL of TREES" and the new 1/4" Real Red Woven Satin Ribbon.  Two more new items from the Holiday Catalog.

I used the Stylish Stripes  Embossing Folder to create the background.  I love the combination of red and green at Christmas so I used Real Red and Garden Green for this card.  I added a hint of Gold Foil to spice things up.  I also added some Red Rhinestones to the tree to add some bling.

The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SET:  Festival of Trees
PAPER:  Real Red, Garden Green, Gold Foil, Whisper White
INK:  Garden Green, Real Red
ACCESSORIES:  Stylish Styles Embossing Folder, Circle Framelits, Big Shot, Tree Punch, Jewel Rhinestones, Red Sharpie, 1/4" Real Red Woven Satin Ribbon

I used Circle Framelits to create the circles surrounding the tree.  I did that to create more visual interest.  Well I am off.  Today is a three grandson day.  So that means there will be lots of hugs and playing today with Grandma.  Enjoy your day!

Another Card for Fall

As you can tell, if you have been reading my blog, that I really love this year's Holiday Catalog.  I love the products because I think most of the products are so versatile.  The stamp set "FOR ALL THINGS"  is no different.  I am so happy that they included leaves, acorns, wheat, and more all in a watercolor technique.  They included so many of my Fall favorites.

Even though I stamped all these wonderful images, there was something missing.  So I decided to add some bling.  If you look very closely, you will see orange sequins!  I found them in my Paper Pumpkin kit this month.  I then colored the Jewel Rhinestones using the Old Olive and Pumpkin Pie BLENDABILITIES.   The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SET:  For All Things

PAPER:  Mossy Meadow, Cajun Craze, Whisper White

INK:  Cajun Craze, Hello Honey, Mossy Meadow, Early Espresso

ACCESSORIES:  Orange Sequins, Glue Dots, Jewel Rhinestones, Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive Blendabilities

This was a very simple card.  Sometimes it is nice to have a card that is very simple and catches your eye.  You do not have to use a lot of different techniques or fancy folds.  Sometimes it is just nice to have something that is simple and elegant.  If you have too many things going on with your card, it can take away from the beauty of it. Don't be afraid to make simple cards sometimes.  They can be just as beautiful.   Enjoy the day!

Annual Halloween Gathering

Every year I have a "Halloween Gathering".  This is an event where my customers get together, eat, stamp and just enjoy each others company while getting projects done before Halloween.  Some use these cards for their family, teachers, grandchildren, friends and others.  I also include treat bags or containers that they can make to use to give candy to those extra special in their lives.  

This year I plan to use the Pumpkin Keepsake Box and the Owl Fry Box to give extra special treats to all of my Grandsons' Daycare Teachers and also to my Brother-in-Law's Health Care Wokers.  I think they will enjoy them, don't you?

This year I will be holding this event on Ocyober 8 @ 5 PM at one of my customers home.  I hold the "Gathering" like a card buffet.  You get to choose which project you would like to make and how many of each.  If you live in the area and would like to attend, please contact me so I can give you more details.

Enjoy the day!

Holiday Stamp A Stack

I am hosting the second in a series of cards for the Holidays.  This event will be held on September 28th @ 1 pm at my place.

I am offering 4 different designs.  You may choose 15 cards/envelopes or 20 cards/envelopes.  You get to choose which 15 or 20 cards you would like to make.  You get to choose which designs and how many of each design you would like to make.

If you live in the area and would like to attend, please contact me and I will get the cost and other information to you.

Enjoy the day!

Christmas Wishes

Yesterday I held my first Holiday Stamp A Stack this season.  Every year I hold 4 Holiday Stamp A Stacks.  At each Stamp A Stack, we make 15 or 20 cards.  If you attend all of the 4 Stamp A Stacks offered, you can have all your your Christmas cards done by Thanksgiving.  How great is that!

This was one of the cards that I came up with.  I decided that I wanted to try to do a different fun fold for one of the cards.  There are a number of easy fun folds that you can use that will add pizazz to your cards.  This fun fold is a very easy to do.  This is called a Pocket Card.

The supplies that I used for this card were:
STAMP SET:  Ornamental Pines
PAPER:  Mossy Meadow, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler
INK:  Mossy Meadow, Cherry Cobbler, Versamark
ACCESSORIES:  Cherry Cobbler Embossing Powder, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Scallop Edge Punch, Heating Tool


The white card pulls out from the Mossy Meadow holder to reveal the sentiment.  There is a whole punched in the Mossy Meadow card stock so that you can see the ornament that was stamped and embossed using Cherry Cobbler embossing powder.  How cute is that and such a surprise for the person who receives the card.  

It is always fun to try different layouts and folds on your cards.  And it always comforting to revisit them and use them on a new car that you are creating.  

Today you can tell that Autumn is just around the corner.  The weather here is very cool this morning.  And it looks like it is going to be a very beautiful day,  Enjoy your day!

A Wondrous Wreath CASE

I really am in love with this year's Holiday Catalog  One of my favorite Christmas stamp sets is "Wondrous Wreath".  But this set can be used for other seasons also.  
Michelle Buscher came up with an alternative used for Fall.  She case'd her card from the Holiday Catalog.  I loved the colors she used and I decided to do my own case of her card and changed it up a bit.

The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SETS:  Wondrous Wreath, Good Greetings
PAPER:  Whisper White, Cajun Craze, Hello Honey, Blackberry Bliss, Color Me Autumn DSP
INK:  Hello Honey. Cajun Craze, Blackberry Bliss
ACCESSORIES: Wondrous Wreath Framelits,  Bitty Banner Framelits, Banner Framelits, Big Shot, Linen Thread, Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Dimensionals

I liked the way it came out .  Fall is my favorite season and the colors of fall are also high on my list.  So this card will be one of my favorites for sure.  Enjoy the day!

A Polka Dotted Halloween

I like polka dots.  I remember the first dress I ever made in Home Ec (that really dates me!) was pink with big white polka dots.  At the time I thought it was beautiful but looking back it was NOT a good choice.  But I still like them but maybe I do not use them as much as I did when I was younger.  This year Stampin' Up came out with the Large Polka Dot Embossing Folder and a Polka Dot Mask.  And now I am back in love with dots. 

At convention, I attended an evening class on a variety of techniques and products.  It was there I found a new way to create my beloved dots.  By using the Polka Dot Mask and a marker, you too can create the background for this card.  You place the Mask on your card stock and then using the Basic Black Marker crosshatch inside the open circles.  The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SETS: Fall Fest, Halloween Street
PAPER:  Whisper White, Basic Black, Tangerine Tango
INK:  Tangerine Tango, Pumpkin Pie, Memento Tuxedo Black
ACCESSORIES:  Fall Fest Framelits, Dimensionals, 1/4" Pumpkin Pie Cotton Ribbon, Polka Dot Mask, Basic Black Marker

Just another way to use the Masks (some use the term stencil) in a very creative way.  If you know me, you know that I like products that have versatility.  And these masks can be used in a variety of ways.  Just love, love, love that.  

Check out the Weekly deals today.  I think you will like them.  Contact me if you would like to place an order.  I will be placing an order on Sunday evening.  But for now...Enjoy the Day!

Fall Fest Halloween

I love the products in the new Holiday catalog!  There is so much to choose from.  I really love it all! But I will say that I really love the way Stampin' Up is offering more matching Framelits and stamp sets.  This set, "FUN FEST"  has to be one of my favorites.  Although I admit that I have a lot of favorites in the catalog!  Here is a card that I made last night.  

I like the idea of the pumpkins sitting on the ground in a pile of multi colored leaves.  I needed a card that was more for a child so I felt that if you have a lot of jack-o-lanterns and a friendly looking ghost that might do the trick.  This is a very friendly kid card and not a scary one.  I am not into scary cards.  The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SETS:  Good Greetings, Holiday Home, Fall Fest
PAPER:  Whisper White, So Saffron, Tangerine Tango, Old Olive, Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper
INK:  Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Tangelo Twist, Daffodil Delight, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark
ACCESSORIES:  White Embossing Powder, Heating Tool Fall Fest Framelits, Big Shot, 1-3/8" Circle Punch

Here are a few tips to make this card:

1. Because these are Photopolymer Stamps, you can place more than one stamp on a clear block.  Load up a clear blocks with stamps and them you can ink a number of them at a time. (this is what I did to stamp the pumpkins and leaves all at the same time)  

2.  You can place all the stamped images on the clear plate and place the co-ordinating framelits on top of the images.  This way you can cut out a number of images at the same time.  This will save you time by doing all and not just one image at a time.

3.  I stamped the pumpkins and leaves in 3 different shades of orange.  This was to create more interest.  

4.  I stamped and cut out a number of pumpkins and leaves.  More than I needed.  I then put them in small bags for later.  This way I can use these leaves and pumpkins on a number of different cards.  I do not have to cut them for each time I create a new card so it saves time when trying to create different designs for cards.  

I hope this tips will help.  I think these tips will help you save time while trying to come up with a number of ideas using the same pieces.  This card might be a contender for my Halloween Gathering that I have each year.  Well... I only have 1 grandchild today and as soon as this posts, we are going to run some errands.  Enjoy the day!

Holiday Stamp A Stack

Yes, It is that time of the year again when I start offering you the opportunity to get all your Christmas Card needs finished by Thanksgiving.  I will be holding my first in a series of four events on September 14th @ 1PM.  Susan and I try to give our customers a variety of colors and types of cards.  

This is the selection that we are are starting off with this year.  If you are interested in attending, please contact me and I will give you more details.  The cost is $25 for 15 cards/envelopes or $35 for  20 cards/envelopes plus a package of Jewel Rhinestones.  

Enjoy the day!

Convention 2014 Gifts

I was going through my pictures the other day and realized that I never had posted this picture of the gifts that I made for my Upline and Sidelines for Convention.  I loved the "SWEET TAFFY" DSP so I decided to use it somehow in the gifts.

I loved those mini coffee cups that everyone seems to be using this year for gifts, so I decided to use them.  I filled them with Hershey Kisses (who doesn't like chocolate?) and decorated the cup using the Sweet Taffy DSP.  The lid says A Little Something For You.  

Then I made a notebook using mini legal Pads and decorated a pen with matching DSP.  I take a lot of notes at Convention so I can always use an extra pad and paper.  Thank goodness I made these because I used them a lot at convention.  The supplies that I used for these projects were:

STAMP SET:  Num Num
PAPER:  Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Whisper WhiteSweet Taffy DSP
INK:  Rich Razzleberry(for sentiment on lid)
ACCESSORIES: 
     COFFEE CUP:  (  Sunburst Framelits, 2" Circle Punch, Hello Honey Satin Ribbon, Hershey Kisses (non SU), Mini Coffee Cups (nonSU)
     PEN:  RSVP Pens (non SU)
     NOTEBOOKS:  Daffodil Delight Seam Binding, Mini Legal Pads (non SU)

These were quick and easy to make.  I needed something quick and easy to make for gifts because I spent so much time on my swaps.  I ran out of time.  This year time was not on my side.  I usually go to convention by train and I put my swaps together on the train ride.  But this year we drove to Salt Lake City and visited friends along the way.  I had no time to work on swaps or projects on the way there.  So I needed to finish everything before I left.  But I was able to get everything  done before we left.  

Today is a one kid day but today has not been a good day for him so far.  So now I need to go and be a cuddly Grandma today and take care of a little guy who just is not himself today.  Enjoy your day!

August Technique Card #3

Okay... same set, different look.  Isn't it amazing how you can use one stamp set but yet get so many different cards from it.  This is the card that we made so that you can see how you can add layers and really step it up.  

Again I used the "FLOWER PATCH" stamp set and I used the co-ordinating framellits, "FLOWER FAIR".  It is so easy to step up a card and create a number of layers if you can use the framelits.  You are able to easily cut out the shapes and you can also cut multiple flowers at the same time.

The supplies that I used for this project were:

STAMP SETS:  Flower Patch, Petite Pairs
PAPER:  Blackberry Bliss, Whisper White
INK:  Blackberry Bliss, Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Cantaloupe Crisp, Old Olive, Pear Pizazz
ACCESSORIES:  Blackberry Bliss Satin Ribbon, Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Flower Fair Framelits, Big Shot, Dimensionals

How impressive this card looks!  And it is simple and easy!  This card makes a statement to anyone who will receive it.  Although I have no kids to watch today, I will be going with them swimming today.  It is supposed to be really hot and humid today so we plan to cool off in the pool.  Enjoy your day!

August Technique Card #2

This was the second card that I did using the stamp set "FLOWER PATCH" .  What I was trying to do with this stamp set during the class was to show the different techniques you could use to step it up each card.  On this card I used the "TWO STEP STAMPING" technique and then I embossed the center of the flower with a lighter embossing powder.  I also got a little more fancy with my stamping.  

Check out the side of the inside layer.  I demonstrated how to create their own border using  2 of the stamps in the set.  I used the leaf and stamped the leaf twice.  Once pointing to the top and once pointing to the bottom.  I tried to line up the leaves the best I could.  Them I stamped the small flower in a darker color where the two stems met.  I stamped the flower image darker so that it would hide where the two meet and that way it gives the illusion that it is one stamp.


The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SET: Flower Patch
PAPER:  Bermuda Bay, Whisper White
INK:  Bermuda Bay, Coastal Cabana, Pistachio Pudding, Versamark
ACCESSORIES:  Crushed Curry Embossing Powder, Heating Tool, Jewel Rhinestones, Regal Candy Dots

For this card, I cut the card stock 4-1/2" x 9-1/2" and then scored it at 5-1/2".  Then I folded it to create a card that the one side is longer than the other.  I did that so everyone could see the border on the right hand side of the card.  I think it created a more interesting card.  

Next time I will post the last card which is stepped up even more.  I have only one grandson today to watch so hopefully today will an easier day.  Well I am off and running now to take on my grandma duties.  Enjoy your day!  I know I will.

August Technique Class Card #1

This month I tried something new.  I am waiting to do this with all my classes to see if my customers liked how I handled classes this month.  I called this month's classes, "TRIPLE THREAT".  What I did was to choose one stamp set.  I chose the "FLOWER PATCH" Photopolymer stamp set.  I then did three different techniques using the same stamp set.  It was a great way to show how versatile a stamp set can be. 

This card uses a very simple technique which is "TWO STEP STAMPING".  It is very simple.  You stamp your image  and then stamp another image over top of the first image to create the look you are looking for.  That technique was used to create this flower, but...I also did something extra on this card.  I stamped the leaves and then I stamped again on top of the first image but I placed the stamp up a bit.  That created the look of the alternating light and darker leaves.  Just a little twist in stamping.  It created a bit more interest in this card.
The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SETS: Flower Patch, A Dozen Thoughts
PAPER:  Pear Pizazz, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight
INK:  Pear Pizazz, Daffodil Delight, Chocolate Chip
ACCESSORIES:  Linen Thread, Small Oval Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Dimesionals, Large Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Big Shot

I always feel that most of the time, people buy a stamp set because they see one card they like and they wish to replica it it.  Then the stamp set is never to be seen again.  I like to show my customers how versatile a stamp set can be so they get more bang for their buck.  I want them to buy a stamp set that they like but they can use it a number of different ways.  I always tell them do not hesitate to pay more for a stamp set you like IF it is a set that can you can do a lot with.  If you a stamp set is versatile and you can use it a number of different ways, you probably will use it more.  I always tell my customers when they are starting out to pick a sentiment set that you can use for a number of occasions and pick one stamp set that you can use a number of different ways.  That is always a good investment. You can always add more specialty sets but I feel you always need a good go to set.

I will be posting the other 2 cards next time I post.  Enjoy the day!

I Dig You, Carter!

Carter's second birthday is approaching fast.  And of course Grandma offered to make the Birthday invites again.  I try to do all the Birthday invites for my grandsons and so far I have except for once.  And I still feel bad that so much was going on at the time, I could not do it.  

Sometimes the cards are easy to come with and other times it is more difficult.  This card was not difficult to make.  The hardest part was finding the right stamp set.  Carter loves trucks (what little boy doesn't )!  So I had to dust this retired stamp set out and come up with something.  I loved this set for little boys and was so sad when SU retired it.  The stamp set is called "I Dig You".  

I did a lot of sponging on the card.  I stamped the sky and clouds using Soft Sky and a scallop circle punched shape to create clouds in the sky.  I also tore a piece of card stock and sponged against the torn edge to create the ground.  I used the Brads that hold the Candy Dots in them for the hubcaps. The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SETS:  A Dozen Thoughts, I Dig You (retired)
PAPER:  Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Pool Party, Basic Gray,  Neutrals DSP Paper Stack
INK:  Baked Brown Sugar, Soft Sky, Basic Black
ACCESSORIES: Candy Dot Brad Bases, Sponges, Dimensionals, Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie and Basic Black Markers

I used dimensionals to make the truck bed and the banner seems raised.  I just thought it needed a little dimension.  I hope his mother likes them when she picks him up and the invites up today after her work.  Enjoy your day!

Christmas in August Card

This year, I really had a rough time coming up with a card for this yearly event.  I came up with this card when Susan and I are were attending a downline event.  Demos were asked to share projects that they had created recently.  One of the demos there displayed a card using this technique.  And I found the effect so intriguing.  

The technique used on this card is what I called "EMBOSSED GLITTER".  This is how the glittered background was created.
  1.  Open the Fancy Fan Embossing Folder and using a Brayer, ink the flatter side of the folder with Versamark.
  2.  Place the Very Vanilla card stock in the folder and put throughout the Big Shot.
  3.  Take out the embossed card stock and placing Versa mark side up.
  4.  Cover Versamrk side with a mixture of gold glitter and clear embossing powder.  (Mixture is a combination of 3 tablespoons of clear embossing powder and 3 tablespoons of good glitter).
  5.  Using the Heating Tool, emboss the background you created.
  6.  Voila!  You now have an embossed background is embossed along with with a glitter embossing.  
This technique is so easy to do but creates an expressive effect on the card stock. 

Also during this meeting, we were discussing different stamp sets in the catalog that were not Christmas stamp sets but that we could also use for a Christmas card.  The stamp set, "AN OPEN HEART", was mentioned.  My mind starting working and came up with this card.  I did not place a sentiment on the front of this card, but you could use a small sentiment from the "AND MANY MORE" stamp set in the bottom left corner if you wanted to.

The complete list of supplies for this card are:

STAMP SET:  An Open Heart
PAPER:  Very Vanilla, Gild Foil Paper
INK:  Versamark
ACCESSORIES:  Fancy Fan Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Brayer, Gold Glitter, Clear Embossing Folder, Heating Tool, Dimensionals

My customers really liked this card.  They loved the fact that it looks so elegant and difficult to make.  But it is really very simple and easy to do.  The colors used for this card  gives it the elegant feel.  Today, I plan to work on my youngest Grandson's birthday party.  I will post that card when I finally create an invite I like.  Enjoy the day!

Kindness Journal

 When I first received my catalog, I naturally looked at some products and wondered why they were in the catalog.  The Kraft Grid Journal was one of those items.  I just could not understand what they could be used for. OMG!  How wrong was I for even thinking that!  At Convention I realized there are so many ways to use this handy dandy little book!

 I went to a mini workshop that was all about this product.  After the workshop, I was so excited with all the uses for this little guy. The presenter showed us a number of ways that this product could be given away as a gift.  It can be used at a Baby Shower for each guest there to write down words of advice for the new mother.  That way everything is kept together in this little book.  It could also be used for advice for brides at a Bridal Shower.  A nifty little place to write down favorite recipes for a friend and give as a gift.  I made one on a different class that I now keep a list of different techniques to used in future classes.  It could be used in an office to give to someone who is retiring.  I could also be used as a birthday card for someone and each person could sign a separate page.  

 This is the journal that we made at that session,  This particular journal could be given to a teacher during teacher appreciation week of all that he or she has done for the students though out the year.  The supplies that were used to make this journal were:

STAMP SET:  Kinda Eclectic
PAPER:  Whisper White, Lost Lagoon
INK:  Tangelo Twist, Mossy Meadow, Blackberry Bliss
ACCESSORIES:  Kraft Grid Journal, Bakers Twine, Jewel Rhinestones, Elegant Butterfly Punch

 This is just a few ways to use this product.  You can just keep one for yourself and use it to put addresses, numbers, ect. and keep it with you.  I am sure that you can come up with even more ways to use this.  

 Well I am again off and running.  It is a three kid day today, so this Grandma needs to get ready for the chaos once they all arrive.  Enjoy the day!

A Birthday Card for Me

  While we were away on vacation, we had the Post Office hold our  mail until we got back.  So when we got back, 
the mailbox was stuffed and 5 packages were delivered!  It took me over an hour and a half to go through everything!  But the best part of going through all my mail was finding all the birthday cards my friends had sent. I celebrated my birthday while on vacation so it was nice to know that my friends did not forget me.

 This card was made and sent to me from my sideline Susan who I was with in Salt Lake City.  What a nice surprise it was to receive this card amid bills and junk mail.  The stamp set that Susan used is one that I love because it is so versatile. The stamp set is "Flower Patch".  This stamp set is great because it also has matching Framelits, "Flower Flair".  And the best thing about this is you can get BOTH in a Bundle which you can get both for 15% off!

I love this card!  It was so nice to receive my birthday cards but the best cards were those handmade by my friends. Thank you Susan for my Birthday card and also for the great time we all had at convention.

Enjoy the day! 

Downline Meeting Make & Take

I held my downline meeting on Saturday at my place.  I decided that I wanted to meet with them as soon as I got home from Convention because I wanted everything still fresh in my mind.  

At this meeting I had a light lunch as a thank you for my downlines.  It was a great opportunity to relax and discuss what was on their minds.  There was so much sharing and brainstorming going which was so helpful, I think, for all.

Besides lunch and a overview of what went on at convention, we made Make & Takes.  2 of the Make & Takes used 2 new products that are being released in the new Holiday Catalog. The other 2 Make & Takes highlighted techniques that were presented at Convention.

This was one of the Make & Takes we did on Saturday.  This card uses a stamp from the "Scattered Seasons" stamp set which you will find in the new Holiday catalog this month.  To create that fall look of multi-colored leaves on the image, I needed to use a variety of colors.  Here is the process I used.

1.  Stamped the image entirely with Hello Honey ink
2.  Using a Sponge Dauber, I dabbed Tangelo Twist over top the words.  I made sure I did not cover all of the Hello Honey
3.  Using a Sponge Dauber, I dabbed Mossy Meadow around the edges.
4.  Then I stamped the image that you see in the picture.

The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SET: Scattered Seasons
PAPER: Whisper White, Mossy Meadows, Tangelo Twist, Hello Honey
INK: Mossy Meadows, Tangelo Twist, Hello Honey
ACCESSORIES: Autumn Accents Bigz Die, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Gold Sequin Trim, Sponges, Sponge Dauber

I love Fall and although we are not quite there yet, I just had to make this fall card.  It felt very comfortable to me.  Today I plan to do some stamping and get ready for my next stamp a stack.  Enjoy the day!

More Swaps From Convention

Another one of my favorite stamp sets from the new catalog is "SEA STREET".   I was really excited when I saw how many people were swapping cards made with this stamp set.  So I thought I would share some of them with you.  I gave credit to the people who actually made the cards.  Their names are placed underneath the photo of the card.

card created by (no name)  contact me so I can give you credit

card created by Michelle Lyon

card created by Kimberly Holley

This is one of the reasons I love going to stamping events.  Getting together with people that love the same thing you do and you are able to exchange ideas with each other.  I hope you enjoy these swaps.

Today I am going to try to play with my new products today.  So excited to try them.  Enjoy your day!

A Few of the Swaps I Received at Convention

Today I thought I would post a few of the swaps that I received.  I love the "TRAVELER" stamp set and was so excited when I got a card that used that stamp set when I swapped my cards.  So here you go and I hope you like these swaps as much as I do.

card created by Michelle McCarthy

card created by Wendy Cranford

card created by Carrie Siegmund

card created by Carrie DeFont

I love these cards!  Although I love this stamp set, I have yet to buy it.  But... after seeing what amazing cards these ladies created, it will be on my next order.  I promise.
I am on my way for lunch with my friends to celebrate my birthday which was last week while I was away.  So now you go out and Enjoy the Day!

Riverton Tour

Got back from vacation this weekend.  Had a wonderful time driving back from Convention.  We stopped in Wyoming to see my childhood friend that I had not seen in 25 years!  We had a great time visiting with each other.  It was as though no time had passed.  Then off to South Dakota to Mount Rushmore, Crazy horse and the Badlands.  On to Iowa to visit with more friends and some sightseeing.  Then a stop in Chicago spending time with more friends of ours and then on to home.  It was a very busy 2 weeks but I loved it!

Today I am posting pics from the Riverton Tour while attending convention.  I planned to post these pics
sooner but I forgot to take my cord to recharge my laptop.  So I really have been computer less for a week.

Here is a picture of the home office at Riverton.  I love to visit there.  The people there are so friendly.  This is where all the offices , demo support and shipping is located.















When you walk inside, this is the first thing you see.   And as you wind around the walkway and look over the railing, this is what you will view on the first floor.









How wonderful to work in a place like this.  Everyone we talked with told us how wonderful it is to work there.  











We also viewed the shipping area.  Everyone there were also eager to answer any questions we might have.  The area is huge.  I can not imagine how many stamp sets were stored in there, waiting to be shipped to customers.













We also went into the museum they have there which gives you an overview how Stampin' Up started complete with photos.  And my favorite part with a few rooms decorated using Stampin' Up products.  They are always so creative with their scenes.




And finally before we left, we went out to the famous Stampin' Up rock and had our pictures taken.  So here is the 4 of us posing at the rock which is at the entrance of the Riverton office.

We had a wonderful time there!  Well I am off.  I have a lot of laundry to do today from our trip.  Enjoy the day!