Friday, August 29, 2014

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!

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

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!

Monday, August 25, 2014

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.

Friday, August 22, 2014

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!

Monday, August 18, 2014

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!

Thursday, August 14, 2014

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!

Monday, August 11, 2014

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!


Wednesday, August 6, 2014

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! 

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

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!