Star studded Christmas

This is another new Christmas set in the Holiday Mini 2007 catalog. You can purchase these sets starting Sept. 1st. They are fabulous. I really like this set because the greetings tell more about what Christmas is all about: Jesus. The verses tell more about Jesus instead of being just generic "Holiday" greetings. This used the new holiday designer paper which is in lovely artichoke, river rock and pomegranite colors in baroque patterns. It is very elegant looking. Great for quick Christmas cards.

I used artichoke card front, artichoke craft ink for the chipboard circle ring. I used pomegranite ink on the star stamp, cut it out, and took my 2 way glue pen to trace the edges and then I added dazzling diamonds glitter. Very nice subtle POP! I also used the pomegranite stitched ribbon.

The second card: artichoke card base, holiday designer paper, mellow moss paper, river rock, and artichoke inks. I used artichoke ribbon as well. Very green Christmas card, but still pretty.

What do you think?

Sparkly Peaceful wishes

This card is so cool in person, as the glitter doesn't show up so well on the scan. This is so easy, a little faux tearing technique, some sparkly glitter, and some white craft ink make this a winter wonderland looking card. The glitter is only on two of the branches to make them stand out. Just used that 2 way glue from Stampin' UP! and our fabulous dazzling diamonds glitter. Weathered Background was used at the top as well as sponged white ink. Isn't this just so pretty and "peaceful" looking?!!!

This card idea was from Splitcoast. I think JanTink came up with it first. There are many versions on there. Just wanted to give credit where credit was due.

Peaceful wishes

Here are two more quick and easy Christmas cards using Peaceful Wishes. This is a preview of what you will get to make at my Christmas card extravaganza stamp camp in Oct. Lots of quick and easy cards 25 for $25. It's a great bargain, and a great way to get a good chunk of your cards made.

For the top two cards I used Sage Shadow, Always Artichoke, vanilla, and Wintergreen papers. I used artichoke ink for the main images. I used the white gel pen to color the berries white. I then used Sage Shadow ink to sponge around the images. I love the colors here. Not extremely traditional but very nice.
On the bottom two cards I used cranberry crisp and true thyme from last year's IN COLOR palette. I have a lot of paper left, so I might as well use it.

Quick Season of Joy

I found this card from Mytime on Splitcoast. She is super talented, and this is a super easy card. I made them with both metallic inks (trees) and tone on tone. Here they are. Colors used are soft sky, river rock, blush blossom, white craft ink, copper, gold and silver metallic inks. White organdy ribbons and metallic cord.

Season of Joy... more samples

I found this beautiful layout and design idea on Jenn Balcer's blog. She used the Priceless set, which coordinates perfectly with this new Christmas set. Anyway, I switched up the colors, papers, and ribbon and came up with this. I left a comment on her blog about my card, so maybe she'll stop by my blog and check it out.

Stamps: Season of Joy, So Swirly jumbo wheel
Paper: purely pomegranite, artichoke, and mellow moss, and Christmas designer paper
Inks: versamark, pomegranite, artichoke
Accessories: sherbert ribbon originals, heat and stick powder, dazzling diamonds glitter, and stampin' dimensionals.

It's Back to School Time!

Yes, it's that time of year again: Back to School time! For a lot of us moms that is a bittersweet time. While it is nice to have a break from our sweet children for part of the day, it is also with sadness that we watch them start another school year, as it means they are growing up so fast. For some of you, your little ones aren 't so little, but young adults going off to college. Now that is bittersweet. It probably seems like just yesterday you were watching them go off to Kindergarten on a bus, or you were dropping them off at the school and waiting anxiously for them to get home. Some of you don't get that break from your children, as you are their teacher. For those of us who homeschool, each new school year brings a little more work into our lives as we juggle another role: teacher.

No matter where you are as a mom, back to school time is quite exciting in its own way. We like to cheer our children on as they start a new year of new experiences. We are their biggest cheerleaders, and they need that so badly. So here are a few ways to make their year special.
1. How about a beautifully covered notebook for writing down their assignments. Our 5x5 and onboard journals are great for this.
2. How about a triple clip onboard clipboard to have in their rooms for hanging up important notes, assignments, etc.
3. How about stamping a quick and easy pencil holder for them? This one here used no stamps, just the Notations paper and Little Reminders accent and element tin.
4. Little 3x3 notecards with cute stamped images to put in their lunch boxes or backpacks to let them know you are thinking of them.
5. Hand stamped stationary for writing letter home or to their friends.
6. gift card holders are great for sending those much appreciated gift cards for movies, phone calls, eating out, and other fun things.
7. How about some small food mixes that they can just add hot water to for soup, or a few ingredients that allow them to bake a cake in a cup, or other treats wrapped up in a cello bag or put in a pretty tin with some stamped embellishments.


If any of these things sound like they are for you, contact me and I can either assist you in making these items for yourself, or I can make them for you. Back to school time is fun and special. And stamping can make it more special and creative. Stay tuned for samples of these items to appear here with this post.

A Little Holiday Joy

Okay, who loves chocolate? Who loves giving chocolate away? ME! ME! ME! Well here is a clever and easy way to give as many chocolates away as you want. This nugget box can be customized to fit 2-30 nuggets. To get instructions just click on nugget box. You will get linked to splitcoaststampers resource gallery to get the instructions. Look closely after the instructions are given and there is a link to the page of other dimensions for this box. It really is easy. A great way to use up designer papers you have for the holidays. Use the new Holiday chipboard pieces from the Holiday mini and you have an instant gift. As it is, you can use alphabet sets with the Snowflake spot, Snowflurries, and Cold Play for fun Winter themes. Peaceful wishes, Season of Joy, and countless others could be used as well.

These make great treat boxes for children's school parties. They are great for Halloween/Fall, and Valentine's day too. Who doesn't like a little treat, and chocolate at that? Not too many people, except my youngest son, John. Sometimes I wonder if he is really my son, not liking chocolate and all. But then I see the mischief in his eyes, and yep, that is all me.

This box uses the Wintergreen paper, sage shadow paper, artichoke and sage inks. Also used the oh so wonderful crop-a-dile for setting those eyelets. I am still working on how to use that big ol' thing easily, but it does set those eyelets like butter. I simply placed my eyelet on the post that sets it, placed my paper face down on top of that, and then crimped it set. Seemed easier than other ways. Now to just be able to pick those eyelets up and not drop them while doing that. Either way, folks, you gotta get one of those crop-a-diles. They punch through chipboard, metal, and thin wood like butter. Think chipboard books, boxes, etc. Use up those accent and elements tins by adding ribbon ties through a large eyelet. Ooooh. I've got too many things to try. Sorry to digress. Can you tell I am having fun with all my new toys while my boys are away and my house is torn up so there isn't anything else to do.

Pick a Petal challenges

Hi, I'm back stamping again. Actually stamping has helped me keep my sanity through our house flooding ordeal. We have to replace most of our flooring upstairs, but it will get done, and God again is showing us his soverignty every step of the way. I have had a bunch of stamping projects to work on, which is one of the reasons I stayed here instead of going to my parents' with the rest of my family. With two card class in a box kits to work on, a workshop this coming week, and a swap to do this weekend, I had a lot to work on. I am having fun, but I wish I had more creativity myself instead of having to always copy and tweak other's ideas. Oh well. I can't dwell on that, as it only stymies what little imagination I have for this craft. Workshops are always the hardest to prepare for, as you want to keep things simple so as to not overwhelm, but there are sooo many cool things to show too. It is hard. I try to do 2 cards, 1 3-d project, and 1 gift or scrapbook project.

Anyway, here are two pick a petal set cards I did today. Both came from my gallery of favorites culled from the talented stampers of splitcoaststampers. I changed up the colors on one, but the other is pretty much a straight copy. This set is pretty easy to use, but I have a hard time configuring the petals to not have too many on the flower and getting them spaced right so there aren't big gaps. My sense of symmetry is not good. I think these are good, but with more practice I'll get the hang of it better.

Card Class in a Box info.

I just wanted to add a little bit of information about these card class in a box kits. They are proving to be a fun thing for me, as I am getting more use out of the stamp sets that are in these kits than I would have otherwise. I do need to add a few notes about these kits, that I am learning as I make this up. I will need for everyone who orders these kits to make sure that they have adequate adhesives. It will end up adding to my costs tremendously if I have to provide these for you each month. Please make sure you have the following to complete your projects: mini glue dots, stampin' dimensionals, and a good strong adhesive for gluing down pieces that have ribbons wrapped around them (monoaqua is a great adhesive for this and all assembly). If you need some of these items, please contact me and we'll get you some. Thanks for understanding, and realize that you will have enough left over from having these things on hand to do many more projects too.

Also, I want everyone to know that you can sign up for these card class in a box kits anytime. If you didn't get in on this in July, you can still sign up. I have month 1 and 2 for the Office and Tapestry kits all planned and ready to go.

Starting in November, I am going to add a third kit for Birthday cards: (colors used here will be olive, rose red, tempting turquoise, taken with teal, sahara sand, real red, chocolate chip, and regal rose)
1. 1st month you will get the Eat Cake stamp set ($25.95), Fairy Tale ribbon originals ($12.95). Cost of supplies to make cards is $8. Your total is $52.92
2. 2nd month you will get the Confetti Simply Scrappin kit ($19.95), Beachfront ribbon originals ($12.95), and dazzling diamonds glitter ($4.50). Cost for supplies to make cards is $8. Your totals is $51.20.

Again, if you already own the stamps or any other items in the kits, just let me know and we'll adjust your order and total. Again, be sure to have adhesives like glue dots, stampin' dimensionals, and regular adhesive for gluing down papers for completing your projects.

Office Card Class box 2

Here are the next several cards using the Office line in my card class in a box kit series. I used the Notations papers, Little Reminders Accents and elements tins, and the two office stamp sets (Office accoutrement and Stamp of Authenticity). The cards also use the round tab and spiral punches. These have been fun to make, and I used a lot of ideas from other Splitcoast artists.
Enjoy.

Tapestry Card Class in a Box, take 2

Here are the next cards for my card class in a box kits. I have no idea why the text is being underlined on this post, so bear with me. You will receive assembly instructions with your cut cardstock. These pictures serve as a guide. I try to name the cards on the instructions so that it is evident what supplies go with what card. If you have trouble, just let me know. You can also figure it out by looking at the cardstock pieces. Some cards have scrap pieces for stamping and then punching. Please read all instructions carefully and check your pieces before doing anything. Enjoy!

Holiday mini sets are awesome!

I got to stamp a little after a totaly lousy day, where my house flooded because I was out running errands when the water feed to my upstairs toilet busted and came off and proceeded to spray water all over my bathroom, which then leaked into my basement soaking everything. Ugh! And the saddest part is that I didn't go out for any noble errands. I went to get a pedicure and manicure, and then got lunch and ran to get a check someone owed me. I wanted to get a pedicure so I could sit in one of those awesome massage chairs and relieve my tight back and shoulder muscles. My family is visiting my parents so I have time alone to clean my house, stamp for upcoming workshops, swaps, and card class in a box kits I have going on, and just have some me time. Well I cleaned the house today before heading out this morning, but now it is a wreck! Carpet up, a lot of wet clothes, books and other things from the basement out in my yard, which I pray it doesn't rain on. Ugh!! Bright side is that God is in control, it could have been much worse, and people were able to come out to dry out the house and take care of the wetness. My neighbor, Kim, was a gem, and helped me clean out wet stuff out of the basement. So, God is good. Now I just hope all is not lost, and things can be fixed rather easily. We'll see on Monday when the cleaner people come back to assess the drying out process on the floors.

Here is a special card using one of the new sets from the Holiday mini. I got the layout idea from JanTink, who used the Priceless set, which happens to coordinate with this new holiday set, Season of Joy. Anyway, I think it looks awesome. Not your traditional Christmas colors, but hey, we have the red family and the green family represented here. It is fun and whimsical and would really pop with the addition of a little glitter. I'll work on that. Anyway, hope you enjoy it. Thanks, Jan for the inspiration.


Spec: blush blossom, bravo burgundy, groovy guava, and old olive papers and inks; white gel pen, scallop circle punch, 1 3/8 and 1 1/4 circle punches, ticket corner punch, and white grosgrain ribbon. So fun and easy.

Recruiting special from Stampin' UP!

			Choose Your Family Promotion August 10-September 30, 2007 Promotion Details: Being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is a fun and rewarding way to share your love of stamping with family and friends. And the Choose Your Family promotion is a great way to share that opportunity. From August 10-September 30, new demonstrators will get to choose a color family of Classic Stampin' Pads free when they purchase the Starter Kit. That's up to a $57.95 value in addition to the excellent value of the Starter Kit! New recruits may choose between our four color families (Bold Brights, Earth Elements, Rich Regals, and Soft Subtles) or choose a pack of our 2007 In Color pads. Color family packs include 12 ink pads, and the In Color selection includes six ink pads. Classic Ink Pad Family Item Bold Brights 105562 (12 ink pads) Earth Elements 105563 (12 ink pads) Rich Regals 105564 (12 ink pads) Soft Subtles 105565 (12 ink pads) In Color 110971 (6 pads) Things to Remember: New demonstrators will need to indicate which color family they choose. Have your recruit write the color family at the top of her Starter Kit Order Form. If no color family is specified, the Rich Regals family will be the default. The Starter Kit costs $199, and contains business supplies and a wide array of products. New demonstrators can also purchase the Stampin' Memories Add-On. All Starter Kit Order Forms must be received by September 30, 2007 5:00 PM (MT).

Thank you... Granddaddy and Grammie

Made this gate fold card for my boys to give to their grandparents to thank them for the school supply goodies they sent them. They were so excited to get a package in the mail; they each got their own package--sweet!! And then it was filled with cool school supplies. I think the biggest hit for John was the Scotch tape since he loves to tape everything in sight. Nathan's favorite was the pencil sharpener and his new pencils, and the flexible ruler. He loves to draw and write. My favorite thing was the lined paper with raised lines. It was cool and hard to explain here on this blog.
What else did they get? Well, compass, glow in the dark eraser, pencils, pencil sharpener, scotch tape, glue stick, rubber ruler, lined paper pad, and it seems like there might have been something else, but I can' t remember. Anyway, big thanks to the grandparents for such a sweet gift. My mom said my dad went to the store all on his own to buy these things: it was all his idea. He loves his grandsons soo much.

New card style

Here is a new style card made up by Michelle Wooderson. It is a tent fold style card. Many people have been making these as it is a fun way to make a card, and takes a different paper cut. It will fit in a standard envelope if you place the tab correctly using a scrap sheet of paper that is 5 1/2 inches long to serve as a guide for the accent piece.
Your card base is 4 1/4 x 8 1/2 inches. I used the Au chocolate paper and brayered it with groovy guava. Groovy guava paper, ribbons, large corner rounder punch, and new In the Spotlight hostess set. Also uses warm words, much appreciated, and coluzzle cutting system.