Events - Stamp Club & Girls Scouts

So much has kept me from my blog and my stamp room the past couple of days.  Now all I want and need to do today is create!  But I did want to stop in with a quick share.

First, I wanted to share a couple of cards made by members of my technique/product club.  I encourage the gals to stamp during the month and they are beginning to amaze me.  Many of them were new to stamping beginning in November and others had a little experience. It just tickles me to death that they are using their products and they are creating such wonderful projects .  They do know it's ok for show and tell to use what products they have at home so you may not recognize some products because they are not Stampin' Up!

They are gradually building their collection of Stampin' Up! products and have a difficult time not wanting it all!   But that's what joining the club is all about.  You place a minimum order each month and class is free. It's a way to fill your wish list and not break the bank.  If you are local (Jasper, Ellijay, Cumming, Canton or even further...it's a beautiful ride) we would love for you to join us.  Click Here to check dates and times.

The first two cards were made by Cristin Bell. The first uses the Tea Shoppe stamp set from the Occasions mini.  How cute is that cup with the real tea bag.

Cristin's second card uses items from both the Occasions and Sale-a-bration catalogs.  Sometimes it is difficult to use the busy patterned paper but she did a great job by using a subdued neutral color on the focal point and sentiment.  I like the way she used the brads.

Brenda's show and tell is a tag she made for a tag swap.  It brought a lot of ohhhs and ahhhs.  It is a vintage tag that is absolutely gorgeous in real life. Can you recognize the Stampin' Up! products she used?  I think there are five.

Kim's card is a wonderful mix of pattern papers and a beautiful hummingbird image.

Today I would also like to share some pics from my last Tuesday night event.  I was invited to teach a mini album class (shared in my last post ) to a group of girls scouts in Ellijay.  What fun!  The girls and their leaders were warm and welcoming.  I loved how many of them decided to take what I was showing them and then just get creative with it.  They were a great bunch of girls and I hope we can do another project in the future.  

The entire group with me in the back.

 GREAT JOB GIRLS!

Best of Everything Mini Album

One of my downline cancelled our morning get together because it was supposed to rain today.  But guess what...it is gorgeous here in the North Georgia Mountains.    Several of my club members come north to my classes because it is the opposite direction of all the traffic.  Jasper is such a pretty place to live.  A quiet little town with Christmas tree lights on all the trees on Main Street all year long.  :)

Today I would like to share a Mini Album that I will be making with 15 Girl Scouts this evening in Ellijay, which is another small town about 30 minutes north of me.  It is one that I have shared in the past as a vintage album.  I reworked it for the girls to make it more fun and youthful.

The album is made with Lucky Limeade card stock and some of the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper that I stocked up on during sale-a-bration.  I used the Blossom punch, which is still available in the Occasions Mini Catalog, to make the flower.  On every indentation in the flower I made a cut about 1/2" long.  This gives the flower a lot of dimension and texture.  The Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch makes a nice center for the flower.  And of course we can't forget the bling!

Normally I would have sponged the very vanilla card stock but decided to skip that step with so many girls.

The inside folds out accordion style where the girls will be placing four pictures.  To see how the album looks when it is open CLICK HERE to view the vintage and best friends albums I have done in the past.

I used the fun bird in the Best of Everything stamp set.  I think the girls are going to love this little guy.  They will be able to use the sentiment Memories from Loving Thoughts (in the Occasions Mini) or BBF from Best Friends Forever that is now on the retirement list. :)  Here you can also see how much dimension you get in the flower by making the cuts.

Just a Reminder

You have until April 30 to make purchases from the Occasions Mini.  There will be a few items that will make it into the new catalog in June but most you will not see again.  What's been your favorite stamp set in this mini?  I think mine is the Mixed Bunch.  Or better yet what has been on you're wish list that you still haven't purchased yet.  Order it now while your thinking of it. :)

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PS: Remember to check out the Clearance Rack and the Retiring List!

Stampin' Up! Retired Stamp List 2012

We've all been waiting for the 2012 Retirement list and it's now available. Click HERE for the pdf list of items that will NO longer be available after May 31, 2012.  If you would like to view it from my online store with pictures Click HERE.

As Stampin' Up! transitions from our current catalog to the new one that will be available June 1, 2012 you will notice there are hundreds of stamps sets that are retiring.  If any of these sets are on your wish list order them asap while they are still available.

Though it's sad to see some of our favorites go...it's exciting to look forward to all the brand new stamps sets and accessories that will become available on June 1.  The retiring accessories list will be posted on April 25.

Contact me if you have questions or would like to place an order. Remember if you would like to include items from the clearance rack you will need to order online.  

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More Summer Smooches Designer Paper

Hi Stampers!

What do you do with some of the designer paper that is bright and busy? What was that you said...use the other side. :D  That's right... sometimes it's a real challenge.    
When I first saw the Summer Smooches DSP I really liked it but there were a few patterns that I thought might be a bit too busy for me.  So today I decided to challenge myself by making a fun colorful mother's day card with one of the cute busy flower papers in this collection.

My solution is to use it with one of the smaller patterns (which happens to be on the backside) and make sure I don't put a busy layer on top of it.  In fact today I decided on a simple layered flower.  To give the flower additional dimension I curled the bottom flower petals to the back the front petals forward.  Notice how the center of the flower mimics the small flowers in the DSP?  The rhinestones add some real pop that is difficult to see in the picture.  

I didn't have a current Mother's Day Stamp so I used the one from the retired set All Holidays.  Because it had flourishes and additional words that I didn't want to use I took my black marker and colored just the part I wanted.

I see that Hand Stamped Sentiments has a Mother's Day challenge this week so looks like I have the perfect card.  They would love for you to visit and join a challenge.  If not this one there will be a new one next week I'm sure.

Stamp Set:  All Holidays (Retired)

Paper: Summer Smooches DSP (125409), Tempting Turquoise (102067), Real Red (102482), Daffodil Delight (119683), Whisper White (100730)

Tools & Accessories:  Scallop Edge Border Punch (119882), Fancy Flower Punch (118073), Boho Blossoms Punch (119858), Basic Rhinestones (119246)

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Great customer service and a hand stamped thank you card for every order.

Mojo Monday - Summer Smooches

Today's card uses the sketch from this week's Mojo Monday Challenge and the new designer paper from the Summer Smooches Suite.  And because I just can't seem to get enough of the new Petite Purse Die I made one to match my card.  Well...to be honest...I made the card to match the purse. I can't seem to stop making purses. lol

The Summer Smooches Designer Paper is such fun bold paper.  It just makes you feel happy!  It includes the colors Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Island Indigo, Tempting Turquoise, Lucky Limeade, Tangerine Tango, and Rich Razzleberry.  It's available from Arpil 1 - 30 and then not again until the new catalog comes out June 1st.

For the sentiment circle I used the 1-3/4" Circle Punch (Whisper White) and the 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch in Daffodil Delight.  The sentiment is from the stamp set - Word Play. It's a great set especially when you need a large sentiment.

Here it is with the coordinating purse.  Isn't it a cute set?  The purse is a nice size.  Besides the normal candy I can see it as a gift box for a pair of earrings, necklace, or any other small gift.  My mother already told me she wants one filled with dark chocolate for Mother's Day. :)

If you are local, I would like to invite you to come to club this week.  We are meeting on Friday at 10:00am and Sunday 2:30pm.  There are spots at both times.  We are making a petite purse (of course) and two cards using the products from the Summer Smooches Set.  Click Here for details or to sign up.  Questions - call or email me.  

Or maybe you would like to schedule a private card class for you and your friends.  It's a lot of fun!  

Don't forget we have a blog hop going on right now.  Click on the Hop image at the top of the right sidebar and make comments on each blog.  Some lucky commenter will win a Stampin' Up! crop-a-dile. 

Thanks for allowing me to share.  Have a great day!

Hoppers Blog Hop - Summer Smooches Suite

It's time for the Hoppers April blog hop!  We are sharing some fabulous projects featuring the new Summer Smooches Suite and it's color combo.  I hope you are ready for lots of inspiration and a fabulous prize.  This month some lucky person will win a crop-a-dile.  How exciting is that!

All you need to do is visit each blog and leave a comment.  You'll find the blog line up below.  Then on April 30th we will announce the randomly chosen winner.

Today I would like to share a cute clean and simple card using the Bright Blossoms stamp set and a matching Petite Purse. Both were made with products from the new Summer Smooches Suite.  The entire time I was creating I just kept saying - "How cute is this"!

The new Petite Purse BigZ Die makes creating this purse a breeze. I chose to emboss the flap with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder this time and use a button that coordinates with the card.  But I'm already picturing it with one of the new large fabric brads and some designer series paper from the Summer Smooches Suite. :)  So keep coming back.

Take this opportunity to purchase these items in April - months before they will make their depute in the new 2012-2013 catalog.  Actually, two items are only available in April and will not be in the catalog so don't wait to order the gorgeous fabric brads and the Decor Stencil.

So what sneak peek items do you "need" to have right now?  Remember the promotion ends April 30, 2012.

Stamp Sets: Bright Blossoms (C125497) (W125495), Short and Sweet (W115060)

Ink: Basic Black (101179),  Lucky Limeade (122935)

Paper:  Temping Turquoise (102067), Basic Black (121045), Whisper White (100730)

Accessories/Tools: Designer Buttons-Brights (119747), Basic Pearls (119247), (1/2" Circle Punch (119869), 3/4" Circle Punch (119873), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976), Big Shot (113439)

The winner of last month's blog hop was Margaret Stiles.  Margaret will receive a stamp set with coordinating DSP and Ribbon.  Congratulations!  Now who will be this month's winner?

BLOG LINE-UP

1. Elaine Uhl - createnstamp.blogspot.com/2012/03/bright-blossoms-summer-card.html

2. Tina Davis - http://tinadavisstamps.blogspot.com/p/stampin-hop.html

3. Deana Stiles - http://deanastiles.blogspot.com/2012/04/april-blog-hop.html

4. Sharon Jacobs-Fisher - www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/sharon/blog?  directBlogUrl=/blog/65314...

5. Michelle Clarke - http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/michelleclarke/blog?directBlog...

6. Diane Squires - http://joyfulstampin.blogspot.com/2012/04/hoppers-blog-hop-summer-s...

7. Susan Carlson - http://stampinmomoffour.blogspot.com/2012/04/april-blog-hop-summer-...

 

Hoppers April Blog Hop Begins Tomorrow

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!  I haven't had a minute to post the past couple of days or for that matter even make a new card. I finally finished the 75 post it note covers for a customer in PA and got the package shipped today...Yeah!

I'm so excited!   I was featured on My Crafty Picks and Hand Stamped Sentiments for my Tulip Peep Card last week.  Check out the other wonderful projects that were also chosen on both of those sites.  Some great ideas that I need to tuck away until next Easter.  Also...think about trying one of the challenge sites this week.  It's a lot of fun!

The Hoppers April Blog Hop begins tomorrow.  Here's just a little peek. :) Make sure you stop back tomorrow to see my project and participate in the hop.  Wait until you see what the prize is this month!

The winner for last months hop has been chosen and we will be announcing the results as soon as the winner has been contacted.  Hopefully that too will be tomorrow.  But just think you could be the next lucky winner.  I will be posting bright and early...hope to see you then.  

My Digital Studio Invitation

Hoping everyone is having a good week!  Mine has been busy...actually hectic but I'm sure you can all relate.

Today I have a just a quick share before I run out the door.  I had someone email me asking if I would make some post it note covers as favors for a birthday party.  She liked the one I shared several weeks ago but sent me the invitation in an email to see if I could match the colors etc.

So for the fun of it,  I decided to try creating something in My Digital Studio with the playful invitation she sent.  Isn't it adorable!  Add some punched flowers and rhinestones for that extra touch.  That's what we call a hybrid project which is my favorite way to use My Digital Studio.

I will be removing the date and making them in several other colors though I think melon mambo works great.  So it looks like I will be making 75 of these in the next five days. Yikes!

Have you been thinking about giving one of the digital programs out on the market a try?  Or have you tried a couple and found them too difficult to use or maybe not flexible enough.  I've tried many and My Digital Studio is my favorite.

If you would like to give My Digital Studio a try remember that Stampin' Up! now has a free 30-day trial.  Download it to your computer and play for 30 days risk free.  For those of you that are local I have a free class every month to get you started with the program.

Click Here for more information and to download your FREE Trial now!  

Have a wonderful day.  Hope to see you again tomorrow.

Hostess Set - Simply Soft - Challenges

Hi All!

Today I want to share a card that I will be entering into two challenges...Mojo Monday and Hand Stamped Sentiments.  Challenges are fun because they get the creative juices flowing.  Are you like many of my club and class members that say they can copy great but have no creativity? Well challenges can help spark that creativity.

The Mojo Monday Challenge is a sketch challenge and the Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge this week is a color challenge.  So I pulled out the colors first and then decided how I would use them in the sketch.  It makes creating a card quite simple.

You will notice I did not put a sentiment on this card.  I will put one on the inside when it's time to send the card.  It gives me some flexibility.

The Stamp Set I used is a Hostess Set called Simply Soft.  It is a two step stamp set which creates a nice water color look.  The outline is first stamped with an neutral color then you use a second stamp to stamp the inside color of the flowers.  Since it is impossible to get it lined up perfect it looks like it has been water colored!

Hand Stamped Sentiments

Mojo Monday

The Simply Soft Stamp Set is only available to Hostesses or if you place an order of $150 or larger.  If you are local and would like to host a stamp party or a private card making class please email me or give me a call.  It's fun and with a qualifying order you will receive free products.

Stamp Sets: Simply Soft (C122472) (W122470), Fabulous Phrases (C120501) ( W117002)

Ink: Early Espresso (119670), Pretty in Pink (101301), Old Olive (102277)

Paper: Pocketful of Posies DSP (122354), Rick Razzleberry (115316), Pretty in Pink (100459), Early Espresso (119686), Whisper White (100730)

Tools and Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402), Designer Buttons-Subtles (119745), 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon Early Espresso (119959)

Funny Bunny Egg Holder

I remember what fun it was to get ready for Easter when my boys were young.  They loved to color eggs and then place them in the paper egg holders.  Do they still have those now a days?  I haven't colored eggs in years.  Maybe that would be a fun thing to do this year.

So last night I designed a paper egg holder just in case I really do color some eggs.  It would even make a cute place card using a plastic egg...maybe filled with m&ms...my favorite!

I used the Ornament Punch for his head, the blossom Petals Builder Punch for his ears.  His cheeks were punched from the 3/4" Circle Punch, and his nose is the smallest heart from the Heart to Heart Punch.  He's a funny bunny with those eyes and whiskers.  I think I should have practiced the whiskers. lol

The Lucky Limeade layer is a 2" square with a whisper white and then a designer series paper layer.  I then made a band to go around the egg that was 1" by 7" with a cute coordinating button on the side.  (Inspired by Wendy Sue Anderson)

There's lots of different punch art bunnies that would also be cute on this holder.  And how about some cute flowers.  Do you have other ideas you might like to share in a comment?

Have a good day...hope to see you tomorrow.

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Do You Love Summer Smooches?

Happy Sunday Everyone!

I've been so busy with our Easter Passion Play at First Baptist Ellijay the past several weeks that it's been difficult to stop and post everyday.  Our last performance is tonight at 6:00 and I want to tell you it has been wonderful! If you are local and are free tonight please join us.  I promise you will be blessed.  Click here for more information.  Tickets are not needed but do come a bit early to get a good seat.  I am playing keyboard this year and sit on the right side.  Make sure you stop by and say hi.

Summer Smooches

Stampin' Up! Summer Smooches offer begins today!

Why wait for the new Stampin' Up! Catalog in June when you have a special opportunity to pre-order some awesome new products from the Summer Smooches collection.  Be the first to own and create with this fun collection!  Dates to order - April 1 through April 30, 2012.

Click Here to download and print the Summer Smooches flyer.

Mine are on the way!   Normally I would have had them for several weeks....an advantage of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator but this time I'm a bit behind.  They'll be on my doorstep Wednesday and I can't wait!   We will get to create and play with these new products this month in Club/Class so make sure you sign up!  If you are local and would like to join our group or try stamping for the first time we would be glad to have you. Contact me for more information or to answer any questions.

Before I leave you today I wanted to share a cute Easter card made by one of my downline - Leishman Williams.  This is the swap she created for our last PAWS meeting (cased from Erica Cerwin).  Leishman came to a free class I had at our local library in September.  She mentioned, though she had tried stamping, she just couldn't seem to stamp a nice clear image. Well...by the time she left she made some cute cards with nice clear images and she was hooked!  Now there's no stopping her. lol  

The little bunny is so cute.  It is made using the Large Oval, 1" Round, and 5 Petal Punches.  I love the grass in three colors - created with the Edgelits Die and then embossed with the Adorning Accents Embossing Folder.  The clouds are made with the Cupcake Builder and stamped (nice and clear :)) using the Everybunny stamp set. 

If you haven't made all your Easter cards yet...this is a cute one!

Have a wonderful day!