Skating By!

 So good to be back stamping again!  When I received the new SU Catalog, I looked for new stamp sets that I would use for my grandsons as well as for my classes.  This card was put on ,y list as soon as I saw it.  I did not think twice about getting it.  "SKATING BY" is such a cute set for a little boy as well as a tween.  There are numerous accessories for the young boy to hold as well as the skateboard.  That is one of the reasons I thought it was such a  good set for a male.

 The background is the " BRICK WALL" Embossing Folder.  I love it!  To make it more brick like, I sponged Chocolate Chip and Whisper White Craft Ink to make the bricks appear more distressed.  To color the boy, I used Blender pens and  Stamp Pads in the colors I wanted.

This is one of the cards that I will be offering at my Kid/Baby Card Buffet.  That information will available in a future post.

The supplies that I used for this project:

STAMP SET:  Skating By
PAPER:  Tip Top Taupe, Cajun Craze, Whisper White, Smokey Slate
INK:  Blushing Bride, Whisper White Craft Ink, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, Night of Navy, Black Stazon
ACCESSORIES:  Banners Framelits, Brick Wall Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Scissors, Blender Pens, Sponges

It has been a while since I have stamped but life just got in the way.  My plan is to post at least 2 times a week.  Hopefully life this time will cooperate.  I am off and running again.  So you Enjoy the Day!

Leadership Gifts

I have not posted anything from Leadership. Things got a bit crazy and it got away from me.  So now that things have calmed down, I want to post a few things.  So I have decided to start with the gifts I made for my Upline and my 2 Sidelines..

I have been a fan of MuslinBags since Stampin' Up added them to their catalog last year.  I have found them handy to help package items that I use as gifts.  I like the idea that after you take out the gift inside, you are left with a cute gift bag that can be reused.  So it was no surprise to my friends at Leadership that I would include a Muslin Bag with my gift.

The supplies that I used for this project were:

INK:  Bermuda Bay, Coastal Cabana. Pool Party
ACCESSORIES:  Muslin Bag, Coastal Cabana Ribbon form the Best Year Ever Accessories Pack, Dots and Stripes Mask, Sponge Daubers

I love the Ombre effect that was created on this bag.  And I absolutely love the subtle color combination.

I then continues with my gift plans and created Wine Charms from earring hoops and the Something Borrowed Embellishments.  I think they turned out cute.  I did have problems with packaging the charms.  I ended up using Washi Tape to adhere the charms to card stock.

This is a close up picture that Susan too while using the wine charm on her glass.  It seemed that everyone enjoyed their gifts.  I know I enjoyed making them!  Enjoy the day!

Valentine Teacher Treat and Card

Today is the boys Valentine Party at daycare.  So Grandma came up with a quick and easy way to package Hershey Bars for all the teachers.  I was running behind on all my work so I chose to take the easy way out this year.  I took a 5-1/2" x 6" piece of DSP and wrapped it around the Hershey bar.  I then took a 2" x 11" piece of contrasting Card Stock and punched each end using the Scallop Tag Topper  Punch.  Through each hole on the end, I took Seam Binding Ribbon and tied a bow in the middle adhering the strip together.  

Here is a list of supplies that I used for this project:

STAMP SET:  None
PAPER:  DSP from the Reals Paper Stack, White Card stock
INK:  None
ACCESSORIES: Scallop Tag Topper Punch, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon

Quick and easy and a cute way to dress up a plain wrapped Hershey Bar for a special occasion.

This card is a CASE form Dawn Oshefske.  Her card was done in Crumb Cake but I changed up the colors of the card.  I left the sentiment because I thought that was a nice sentiment for the teachers at school and it fit perfectly with the sweet chocolate bar.

The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SET: You Plus Me

PAPER: Stacked with Love DSP Paper Stack

INK:  Basic Black

ACCESSORIES:  White Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (RETIRED)

Thank goodness all my Valentines are now all finished and all the boys Valentines are finished.  Now I can breathe and start thinking of Easter ideas.  Enjoy the day!

Emmett's Class's Valentines

Today I finished Emmett's daycare school Valentines for their party on Friday.  Yesterday another child was added to the list so I had to quickly make another one.  This candy treat holder was another quick and easy project to make.  When you are making 23-25 or more items, you really can not make projects that take a long time to make.

The supplies that I used for this candy treat holder were:

STAMP SET:  Hey, Valentine
PAPER: Real Red, Whisper White, Stacked With Love DSP Stack Pad
INK: Tuxedo Black Memento 
ACCESSORIES: Party Banners Bigz Die, Big Shot, 1/8" Circle Punch, Stampin' Trmmer,  Silver Metallic Baker's Twine, Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight and Skintone Blendabilities

On the back of this project, I used a Chalk Marker to write the names of the students that are going to receive this cute Valentine Treats.

I saw how to make this treat holder on Dawn Oshefske's blog.  You can go over to her blog and check out the video tutorial she has posted on her blog.  I would like to thank Dawn for this tutorial.  She really help make my Valentine making easier this year.  Enjoy the day!

Eli's Class Valentine Cards

I have been making Eli's class Valentine's since he started to go to daycare.  This year was the easiest year to come up with an idea because Eli loves "Jake and the Neverland Pirates".  So it was a given that I would buy the stamp set "HEY VALENTINE".  That set has the cutest little pirate stamp and I knew he would fall in live with it.  Grandma was right and he was so excited for me to start my design for his card.  






I was so excited to do this for him.  So I starting thinking about the cartoon show and they are always collecting gold dubloons.  I then thought it would be cute to find those big, gold foiled candy coins and add it to his card.  So here is a pic of the inside of the card.  I decided to make it a match book card so I would be ale to fit the coins into the card.  I adhered the candy with Glue Dots


These are the supplies that I used for this card:

STAMP SETS:  Hey, Valentine, Delightful Dozen (retired set)
PAPER:  Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
INK:  Cherry Cobbler
ACCESSORIES:  Gold Foil Candy Coins, Stapler, Glue Dots, Black Marker, Smokey Slate, Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight and Skintone Blendabilities

I used the Be My Valentine stamp for the inside even though it was retired because Eli is going to stamp the sentiments for his cards.  He wanted to do something to help so I let him use my retired stamps for these cards and the ones he wants to make for his teachers.  He is thrilled!  But he does have one concern.  He wonders if his friend in preschool will know how to open the card to get to the candy!  But after thinking about theta problem for a while, he has decided he will show all of his friends how to open it.  Guess my idea for the Matchbox Card was not a hit with him.

It has been a long time since I posted and I truly have missed sharing with you.  A relative went into the hospital which already added to a crazy month.  Trying to get rid of my Bronchial pneumonia, getting ready for Leadership and then going to Leadership,  has helped to make it a very stressful month.  But I am better and the relative is now home, so I am ready and eager to start posting again!  Enjoy the day!

Hey, Valentine - Part 2

What is a Valentine Party at schools or daycares without some treats?  Every year when I make the Valentine Cards for my grandsons' daycare Valentine events, I always add a little treat.  Using the "Hey, Valentine" stamp set, I was able to create little toppers for a small snack.  You could easily just stamp the topper with one color as shown in the Occasions catalog.  But I chose to stamp the topper with Memento Ink and color in the image using one of my favorite products, "BLENDABILITIES"!

The supplies that I used to create this cute treat holder were:

STAMP SET:  Hey, Valentine!
PAPER:  Whisper White
INK:  Tuxedo Black Memento Ink
ACCESSORIES:  Jelly Beans (non SU), 1" x 8" Cello Bag, Gift Bag Framelits, Soft Sky, Pumpkin Pie and Cherry Cobbler Blendabilities


These are so  cute!  I used Jelly Beans to fill them but you could use M&M's.  I would use the special ones that you find around Valentine's Day.  They are usually white, pink, and red.  So those would be perfect!  Any kid would love to get one of these.  I was thinking of doing these, but not sure for which Grandson's class or maybe for the teachers in their daycare.  Quick and easy gift and it makes a statement.  The hardest part for me was stuffing it with the jelly beans.

Another day of no talking, taking meds and staying in bed, trying to kick this illness.  I guess this is what happens when you take care of everyone else first.  The last person always ends up getting it the worst.  Enjoy your day!

A New Year and a Pirate

My New Year's Resolution is to be more consistent with my blog.  So today I am starting with a renewed energy and commitment.  So here is a cute Kids card made with the stamp set "HEY VALENTINE" from the Occasions catalog. Isn't he cute!  Eli said he thought the little boy looked like him.  He was so excited to see this card and asked me to make his classroom valentines using this stamp set.  He also gave me orders to make one for him.

From the first time I saw this image, I knew I had to include a map with it.  I guess I thought I needed a map because the boys are really into "Jake and the Neverland Pirates" on TV. On that show they are always looking at maps, so I thought I really need to put that in.

The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SET:  Hey, Valentine
PAPER:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler
INK:  Smokey Slate, Tuxedo Black Memento Ink
ACCESSORIES:  Dimensionals, Circle Framelits, 1-1/4" Cheery Cobbler Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Smokey Slate, Skin Tone, Daffodil Delight, Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, and Wild Wasabi Blendabilities

I think it is a great set to use for kids valentine cards.  If you don't ink the sentiment, you can use this image for a kids card for any occasion.  

When I checked my blog today, I did not realize that I had not posted for so long.  The last month has been crazy with the holidays and the viruses, ink eyes, and ear infections that have been floating throughout the whole family.  I am hopefully ending this horrible streak of sickness with Bronchitis.  Still recovering from that one.  Today I felt good enough to try to stick to my New Years resolution.  I am going to be more consistent with my blog and try some new things.  

Well, I am off for another day of rest and meds.  I am hoping by the end of the week I will be ok.  Thank goodness that I do not have to watch any boys for a few days. I can rest and get better. Enjoy your day!

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!