The Stampin' Bunny

Tea Shoppe Framelits shaped Card

2012-02-02T09:37:00.000-06:00

Hi all...I love a shaped card, and I think the new Framelits make a lovely design. I simply used a regular size card base and ran it through the Big Shot. The Framelits will cut through both layers of cardstock at one time, so I just evened up the top uncut fold edge for symmetry and ran it through. I kept the same amount off the top of the Very Vanilla image layer and ran it through.

The image was created using the marker to stamp technique after the initial inking of the entire teacup in Blushing Bride ink. I stamped the violet sprigged background on the Wisteria Wonder cardstock with Versamark, and added the Cup of Thanks sentiment on a Blushing Bride Modern Label Punch. The bow was created a little differently. I folded the bow, and then used sticky strip to wrap around the center and hold the shape. Adding the adorable Blushing Bride Button and Pearl gives it the extra detail that makes card-making fun!
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Shadow Box MOJO225 "How To"

2012-01-31T09:41:00.001-06:00

I'm afraid you'll feel silly for even looking at this post it is so simple, but here are my pictures of making the Shadow box card from the blog hop.

I used designer series paper, but I believe the box would be nicer if made of cardstock. The first thing I did was score both top and left side both at 1 inch and 2 inches. Then, because I wanted the base to be 4 by 5-1/4 inches, I scored (for the 4 inch direction) at 6, 7 and 8 inches and cut at the 8 inch score line. Length side (tall in the photo), I scored at 7-1/4, 8-1/4 and 9-1/4 and cut at 9-1/4.

8" X 9-1/4"

Then, I cut the corners for smoother folding. I removed the box in the outside corner (as shown at the bottom left) and the box in the middle. See the top left corner to see my horizontal cuts at one inch. Then, you just cut out the square.

Time to fold: Gently fold each of the scored areas if you are using dsp. If you are using cardstock, you probably should use your bone folder to make neat creases.

Fold in the short sides of the box (top and bottom -though the photo turned when uploaded).

Now, add adhesive to the squares at each end of the long sides and tuck them in to create the box. I used sticky strip.

Oops! Not enough sticky strip....Use a little more or maybe a glue dot to neaten this up. To make the dividers just use a 4 inch long by 2-1/2 inch piece of dsp and score at 1/4, 1-1/4 and 2. (Or turn it around and score at 1/4 again)

Fit the dividers into the box.

At this point I put a drop of Tombow green capped glue at the junction points of the dividers and the box to adhere it well.

Box Top: Cut your PeekaBoo die cuts and arrange them on the 4 X 5-1/4 "lid" top layer. I traced the openings with a pencil and punched out the holes with a square punch smaller than the holes by punching more than once.

Next, layer the top lid layer over the larger 5-1/2 X4-1/4 inch lid base and punch out the openings again. If you try to punch two layers of cardstock, you will likely ruin your punch.

Now add half width pieces of sticky strip around each window and attach the peekaboo frames.

Put more Tombow glue all over the top edge of the box base. Let it sit a couple of minutes to thicken.

Place the top onto the base and hold it down with some objects. :)

Finished!

PeekABoo!

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Stampin' Addicts 2012 Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop

2012-01-27T05:19:00.004-06:00

Welcome to the Stampin' Addicts Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop!

If you've arrived from Twila's Stamp a Little Longer blog, I hope you've enjoyed her lovely creations with the Sprinkled Expressions set as much as I did. If you are lost, you can find your way on the Stampin' Addicts Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop Chat Thread which includes the entire list of hop stops in order. Once you've perused my three projects, Lisa will be happy to have you on Add Ink and Stamp where she is featuring the Outlined Occasions set as well---bonus!

For my first card, I used the Congratulations stamp from Outlined Occasions to create a focal point that is highlighted by the new curved edgelit. Stamped in Pacific Point with Old Olive and Melon Mambo to fill in, the Celebrate sentiment coordinates the different parts of this card. The Sale-A-Bration Kiwi brad is attached to the ribbon with a glue dot. (I cut off each end of the prongs and wrapped what was left around the ribbon.) I love these bright cheery colors with this set.

My second card is the Thanks card my church women's group sent to the troops with a box of cards. I think it is fun with all the glisteny accents. Silver Shimmer paper and the Cherry Cobbler glitter glue with the moonlight pearlized accent ink and three rhinestone bling make a clean and simple card shine.

Disclaimer: This card DID NOT go to Operation Write Home. The recipients of this card are not out in the field receiving mail. Please don't send glitter of any kind on a card to Operation Write Home because they can not control exactly who gets what card. I didn't intend to mislead.

The next "card" uses MOJO225, the Mojo Monday sketch for this week, with the LOVE stamp. I used the Sweet Shop designer series paper and some rhinestone bling.....

With the Peekaboo frames die. :) I really think a card with just the Love stamp and the double Peekaboo frame with the Be Mine sentiment behind it would be great for a class. I just thought of the squinkies and candy and had to try it. I'll have a few extra pictures for you of how easy it is in my next post next week.

Thanks for visiting, and continue hopping to Lisa Youngs' Add Ink and Stamp Blog, won't you? She has gorgeous 3D items and a super creative card!

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Sale-A-Brate! Good Times!

2012-01-24T13:14:00.000-06:00

Stampin' Up!'s biggest promotion of the year has begun!

Sale-A-Bration

Jan 24 - Mar 31 All Day (Central)

For each $50 you spend, you'll earn a free item from the Sale-A-Bration brochure! Contact me if you'd like to host a workshop, book party or new Express One-Hour Workshop! There are special hostess bonuses from Stampin' Up! when your party qualifies for benefits at $150 or at $400.

If you sign up as a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, in addition to the lower $125 price, you'll receive a designer series paper ($10.95 falue) during each month you place an order in 2012!

Here's a Teabag Holder and M&M wrapper I made with the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper available for you to choose when you place a $50 order (before tax and shipping).

Click here for a fun explanatory Sale-A-Bration graphic from Stampin' Up! http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/control/pagePreview?distSiteUrl=http://rhondag.stampinup.net/

I learned so much during Leadership that I am ready to share with you all!

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Back from Stampin Up!'s Leadership Conference and San Antonio Regionals

2012-01-23T09:57:00.028-06:00

Wowie, I had a great time seeing my Stampin' friends and Stampin' Addicts sisters while enjoying the sights and tastes of the lovely city of San Antonio last week.

More than that, I enjoyed some wonderful presentations aimed at increasing my enthusiasm and business creativity as well as things to increase my Stampin' creativity. I hope you'll see a bit of evidence of that both here on my blog and in my local classes. :)

Also, we were asked to share one of our swap cardfronts with Stampin' Up! for the creativity clothesline (my phrase). They had clothespins for our cards, and they were so fun to view that way. There was also a card contest, and amazingly, I was one of the winners...Believe it?

See it right there in the middle row? The Kite Spinner you made at January technique class if you attended.

Yeah, I was afraid of that. Here's a picture of my name on the list as proof...

Yes, I suppose I could have created a fake list and put my name on it, but surely with 1400 demonstrators and plenty of SU! staff, someone would have told me to knock it off, right? :) You'll just have to take my word for it I guess. Really, they ended up choosing a ~bunch~ of cards as winners, and it helped that I used an unusual set, but I was so pleased to receive the adorable Sweet Shop Designer Series Paper, stickers and brads from pages 32-35 of the Occasions Mini Catalog as the prize.
I'll continue to update this week with sights around San Antonio, fun cards and a new reward program for my awesome customers! Thanks for checking in and Happy Sale-A-Bration!!!
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Food Friday- Save the Spaghetti!

2012-01-20T06:03:00.000-06:00

Leftovers of things like spaghetti sauce, taco meat and chili need not be tossed just because it isn't enough for my husband's lunch the next day. I just have a small labeled tupperware (or reused spreadable butter) container in the freezer and place the leftover in it immediately after dinner. No more confusing random containers in the refrigerator that have to be thrown out because noone remembered to eat them! After the container is full, I just use the frozen spaghetti sauce or taco meat the next time we want to eat it.

When we have chili on our hotdogs we never eat it all, so there's a chili container in the freezer. Another thing I noticed is that a recipe of Cranberry Catalina chicken (Boneless skinless chicken breasts with whole berry cranberry sauce, bottled Catalina dressing and Lipton dry French Onion soup) is enough for 8 chicken breasts, and I only need 4 (in truth 3, but my husband usually eats the other one for next day's lunch). Half of the can of whole berry cranberry sauce goes into a labeled contained in the freezer for use another day. Easy and both frugal and environmentally conscious. :)

Food Friday-Double the recipe and freeze one

2012-01-13T07:49:00.003-06:00

One thing that saves a lot of time for me is to double the recipe when I make certain casseroles and put it in the freezer. Because our family is a small family of four, I then divide the recipe into three portions. When I serve lasagna for example, my family enjoys eating it once, but after the second time it is no longer welcome. Creating three separate pans (8X8 aluminum pans covered with aluminum foil) of lasagna reduces the amount of leftovers significantly and insures that the last bite of lasagna is as fresh and yummy as the first (rather than refrozen after cooking or held a day in the fridge).

I use this technique with lasagna, tater tot casserole, mexican chicken casserole and mexican beef casserole. I also divide one recipe of sweet potato casserole into two pans because unless you are expecting a lot of people, you just can't eat it all in two days. It is wonderful to have something in the freezer in case you unexpectedly need to take food to a family in case of sickness or bereavement.

Next week: Reducing waste from chili, taco meat, spaghetti and cranberry sauce.

Food Friday-Back to Back leftover usage

2012-01-06T08:00:00.005-06:00

It is common sense, and I should have already thought of it, but making the most of your purchases can be helpful in meal planning and in using up what you have on hand. My online acquaintance Brie Clark mentioned back to back meal planning recently.

For example, if you know you want to have tacos on Tuesday, you'll need lettuce (usually shredded) and tomato. You might try to have BLTs or another sandwich on either Monday or Wednesday to use up the produce. This can apply if you are a small or large family. Large families usually buy a larger package at Sam's anyway right?

Another idea might be to roast a whole chicken on Monday and have it as the main dish. Your leftovers could then be used as topping for pizza, chicken with Alfredo sauce and pasta, chicken pot pie or a chicken soup (Mexican style, Minestrone or chicken with rice perhaps?) later in the week.

With a roast, you could eat it as is the first night. Then make beef burgundy with mushrooms and noodles the next night or have French Dip sandwiches.

Next week: Save time on time-consuming recipes.

Ghirardelli Holder...CASE of my friend Trina Caraway

2012-01-05T14:00:00.013-06:00

I modified Trina's cutie pie Convention Roomie gifts to me for Valentine's Day by changing the color and adding a heart from the new Take It To Heart set and the Happy Valentine's Day from Teeny Tiny Wishes. They are so sweet and quick. You could make a ton of these! :)

Stampin Addicts Technique Challenge 100

2012-01-03T10:16:00.000-06:00

The Technique Challenge on SA today is to use several sizes of the Big Shot Framelits to create a project. It is very cute to have several different sizes stacked, but the hearts especially would look great on a vertical hanging heart banner. (On my to do list) I think one would be cute on the front door. (You could also use L-O-V-E letters on it.)

My card has a folded card base under it that also went through the big shot scalloped heart framelit so it lies neatly glued under the layered top.

LOVE Bling?

2012-01-02T17:03:00.001-06:00

We haven't used the mini scalloped envelope for class in a while, so I was excited to use it with this little bookmark tucked inside. You could put a variety of other things inside as well. This intensely colored card is lined in red (in case you're worried about writing on the inside) and has the new Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details on it with the Red Glimmer paper (which is a carryover item and happily, still available!). LOTS of bling and shine!

I saw the white embossed heart tag (though I used different ribbon, stamp, embossing folder and added bling) on Pinterest, and the only credit said "from etsy"-sorry whoever you are friend.

Send Me Soaring Spinner Card

2011-12-31T01:06:00.000-06:00

This card is simple enough for classes, but it still provides a lot of fun! When we make this card next Thursday or Friday, class attendees may choose to use the "Celebrate You!" or "Hope Everything Looks Up Soon!" sentiments instead if they'd rather and even change the kite design, but as shown it makes a sweet Valentine. It isn't easy to resist rolling the pennies from side to side whatever your age.

The Whisper White background looks nice and crisp against the Wild Wasabi base and grassy hill (Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper). The Pool Party colored sky looks fresh with Real Red and Pretty in Pink as accents and with Whisper White craft ink clouds. The spinner is SO easy to place on this card. (Punch the word window twice as far in as you can from the top. Then line up the 1/2 inch circle punch and punch as far in as you can from the sides-easy peasy!) Everyone will be thrilled when things work out this easily!

Stampin' Addicts 2012 Occasions Mini Blog Hop

2011-12-30T03:22:00.004-06:00

Welcome to the Stampin' Addicts Occasion Mini Blog Hop! We're displaying projects made with several of the great new Stampin' Up! dies, stamps and products available starting January 4th. The mini catalog has a lot of different styles and fun new ideas!

If you've followed the hop in order, you arrived from Twila's Stamp a Little Longer blog and enjoyed her cutie pie creations with the PS I Love You set. Should you get lost or want to chat about the hop, join us on the Stampin' Addicts website chat thread here: http://www.stampinaddicts.com/forums/general-stampin-talk/8666-join-us-2011-occasions-mini-blog-hop.html

I'm using the Bordering on Romance set on page 11 of the Occasions mini. It has coordinating Edgelits and Embossing edges too which will make for a lot of fun possibilities. My first card uses the MOJO Monday sketch MOJO221. I like the set with these bright colors, and the new Doily Embosslit sets off the colored circle layers nicely.

The card has a hidden brad which hinges at the So Saffron colored layers.

This next card design is from a swap I received from Melissa Packer. She credited Leslie Miller. Do you love the fun fold and great use for designer series paper? Pink Pirouette and Pretty in Pink with just a touch of Certainly Celery are so springy and reminded me of dogwood so that's the direction I went for coloring. Then, I couldn't help but add the pink mini bling from the Blossom Builders kit on page 18 to the center of the flowers. (I'll share measurements on Monday.)

On this third card, I used StazOn for a bold outline for the images instead of stamping with markers as I did on the previous cards. I was hoping for a weird retro textile look with this one, but I seem to have just managed weird. :) My coloring channels cool first grader instead of the cool messy, outside the lines a little look, and my camera is giving me trouble too! All together now....~imagine~ what I was attempting.... :)

Now you'll want to continue ahead to Cindy's Heart's Delight Cards blog see her gorgeous designs with the Mixed Bunch set.

Food Friday-31 days of meals (41 ideas!)

2011-12-30T00:25:00.000-06:00

Planning what to eat when your day is devoted to stamping can be a challenge :), so I'm going to devote a few Friday posts to food planning ideas.

Perhaps this post can help you think of something to do with whatever meat you have available that day. Jog your memory easily! Be sure to add a fish category if you like fish, and change the ideas for your family's likes.

Chicken
1. Chicken Tacos or Quesadillas
2. Chicken Tortilla Soup (either tomato-y, corn-y or creamy)
3. Herb Roasted Chicken with Potatoes and salad or veggie
4. Chicken Fetuccini Alfredo
5. Chicken Pot Pie/Dumplings
6. Hot Legs (Like hot wings, but I use legs. Our girls have Ritz cracker legs since hot is too hot for them.)
7. Cranberry Catalina Chicken Breasts
8. Lemon Poppyseed Chicken Breasts (with or without honey)
9. Orange Asian Chicken

Ground Beef

10. Stuffed pepper filling (The tomato and rice ground beef filling is yummy.)
11. Cheeseburgers
12. Tacos
13. Taco Soup
14. Spaghetti
15. Lasagna
16. Barbecue Meatballs
17. Chili
18. Tater Tot Casserole
19. Mexican Beef Casserole

Beef
20. Roast and Potatoes & Carrots
21. Beef tips Burgundy with mushrooms and noodles
22. French Dip Sandwiches
23. Vegetable Soup
24. Steak & Baked Potato
25. Teriyaki Steak Kabobs

Pork
26. Ritz Cracker Pork Chops (Lately I've been slicing pork tenderloin for this)
27. Crock Pot Pork Chops and Rice
28. Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin
29. BLTs (or BLCheese)
30. Ham
31. Ham & Cheese or Bacon & Cheese Quiche
32. Pulled Pork Barbecue sandwiches

Miscellaneous
33. Baked Potato Soup
34. French Onion Soup
35. Hot Dogs with or without chili
36. Loaded Baked Potatoes
37. Minestrone Soup

Frozen
38. Braum's Salisbury Steak with mashed potatoes
39. Corn Dogs
40. Frozen Barber Farms chicken cordon bleu with salad and corn on the cob
41. Coconut Shrimp

Next week: Back to Back leftover usage

October, November and December

2011-12-18T11:31:00.000-06:00

Wrapping up the year...I'll try to have some cards for you soon!

August and September

2011-12-17T11:30:00.000-06:00

June and July

2011-12-16T11:28:00.003-06:00

Father's Day in June, so Dad is the star of this one...

Not sure the Painted Desert is my idea of "the Beautiful" part of America, but it was worth seeing.

April and May

2011-12-15T11:19:00.008-06:00

I decided to skip March rather than make blurry faces. Their friends are smiling and looking at the camera in the birthday party pictures for March.

January, chow, chow, chow, chow, chow....February,

2011-12-14T23:18:00.001-06:00

Does anyone else remember the commercial with the lady dancing with her cats?? I love my calendar cats...my sweet girls!

Busy wrapping presents this week, but I thought I'd post my 2012 MDS calendar pages this week. These are a lot of fun for me to make, and the grandparents LOVE them. And I never noticed the word LOVE in the background of February's Sweet Pea dsp until I worked on this in MDS.

Dyer Sheet Technique Snowflakes

2011-12-05T07:15:00.000-06:00

For class this month, I used More Mustard, Old Olive and Real Red for a classic color combination with the dryer sheet technique. I had too many blue cards, so although it is unusual with snowflakes, it kept us from being bored. For the glitter, we used super fine gold glitter with the dazzling diamonds for a little extra sparkle. I think it is a great look and a combination of warm and icy looking for winter!

The new dazzling details glitter glue made the whisper white snowflake shine as the focal point of the card.

MOJO217 Valentine

2011-12-02T12:46:00.001-06:00

We made this card at last night's technique class because a customer requested to learn Poppin' Pastels technique. Our first Valentine used the sketch from the MOJO Monday blog. I turned the sketch, and used a heart in place of the button.

Stamped in Versamark on Very Vanilla cardstock the detailed images were fun to color in Daffodil Delight, Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo and Certainly Celery chalks.

The final of this week's CASEing creations...

2011-12-01T07:18:00.000-06:00

I CASE'd my friend Holly Krautkremer's gift to me again...This time it is one of Stampin' Up!'s fold up gift tags made with the Big Shot. Holly's is the adorable pink one. I changed the decoration a wee bit, added two jingle bells and have these available for you to make with button (for $1.25 a piece) or without button and with shimmer paper instead (for $1 each) on Saturday, December 10th at Gift Class.

You can choose to sponge with shimmer paint like the top left one, use white shimmer stitching like the top right one or use brown marker for stitching like the bottom right one.

Another CASE with changes....

2011-11-30T14:18:00.000-06:00

This card is a CASE of a CASE...The original crafter was Trish Miles, and I received the Wisteria Wonder colored swap shown below from Desiree Spenst. I really wanted to use green for the trees so I did. I also though a slight angle would be nice for one of the trees...keeping it even along the edge of the snow bank at the bottom...It is so fun to make the subtle changes you imagine might be pretty when you craft.

CASEing with changes illustrations...

2011-11-29T09:11:00.002-06:00

I thought it might be fun to show a couple of things I've CASEd lately to try to help customers imagine changing cards and projects they have to fit the next occasion they need to celebrate. Today, tomorrow and Thursday, I will show things I've CASEd with changes.

Today's is a cute 3X3 gift enclosure set of 4 cards with a little box to keep them safe. My friend, Holly Krautkremer created the set shown below for me last Christmas, and I thought it was so cute, I created some for Giftables Buffet next week.

To provide an example to my customers of the wide variety of their image choices, I created this masculine set. It has the same feel, and plenty of Holly's scalloped edges (which are adorable I think!) with just a little less decoration and ribbon. Customers can have full creativity with the provided materials. For example, they can make all Dashers or any other design or all different as shown. The only substantial changes I made were the stamps and then adding the 2-1/2 inch circle punch layers to some of the 3X3s to balance space with the smaller stamp images.

For a bright, modern look, Wild Wasabi always adds a pop that makes colors clear and happy. I think Real Red and Pool Party make a festive color combination for this set with crisp white.

Here's Holly's set of Dasher cards: Don't you love the details? Such an adorable container and cards! The container is also a great size for storing the little sizzlets dies by the way.

Clear Glass Ornaments

2011-11-27T11:45:00.001-06:00

For Gift Class you might also enjoy making one or all of these clear glass ornaments with our Mica flakes inside. They are $2.50 each.

Little Girl:

Penguin:

Polar Bear:

Stampin' Up!'s Online Extravaganza Sale and 24 hr sale

2011-11-21T06:55:00.001-06:00

Stampin' Up! has provided some exciting sales during this busy week!

Most of the items in the following sale are available until midnight on November 30th, but the Simple Scored and Cookie Press are only on sale until midnight TONIGHT. This is an online sale, so you can place any orders you’d like on my Stampin’ Up! website.

Visit my online store http://www.rhondag.stampinup.net/ to see the sale items and place your order. I’m most excited about the MDS 2012 calendar template, the cookie press and the glimmer brads bundle.

In other news, if you’d like to receive an update to your Facebook wall when I post to my blog each day, just “like” my business page. https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Rhonda-Griffin-Independent-Stampin-Up-Demonstrator/311456514198 It is so nice that I don’t need to remember to update it…it is automatic from my blog and events blog now. J

Happy Thanksgiving!!

S'mores Kit

2011-11-18T09:14:00.000-06:00

My friend Kim Bolzenthal gave me a similar snowman S'mores kit at Convention this year. I had to copy her adorable creation for you all to make. I will probably tuck a small gift card inside for one of the teacher gifts this year.

M&M Tubes

2011-11-17T08:30:00.000-06:00

Another option for gift class that was really popular at the Craft Fair are these M&M tubes which will cost $1....The punch art penguin is made with Stampin' Up!'s Owl punch and the wing from the bird punch. Sara Mattson-Blume created Rudolph, and Patty Bennett designed the Santa. :)

Four hinge opened tags

2011-11-15T22:05:00.000-06:00

You could make these four little tags complete with bling and dimensionals at Gift Class on December 10th...They will be four for $1 and are quick and easy.

Snowman Soup Kicked up a Notch

2011-11-14T10:43:00.003-06:00

This month's blog contest on the So Shelli blog (Stampin' Up!'s cofounder) is neighbor gifts. I thought this Snowman Soup might be fun to enter....well, with the addition of some Dazzling Details iridescent glitter glue along the top edge of the Fancy Favor box, a button and bow on the candy cane, crystal effects on the mug and a candy cane in the snowman's mug. A little Pool Party reinker added with the aquapainter thn covered with some more Dazzling Details to make the foreground sparkle.Wild Wasabi and Real Red accents are festive, and this project is simple enough to allow a crafter to make several in a short amount of time, so none of the other neighbors would need to feel left out. :)

It contains a hot cocoa packet with a little bag of mini-marshmallows, a fun-size Hershey bar and a candy cane to Kick the cocoa up a notch too. (Thanks to Emeril for the saying.)

Stampin' Up!'s adorable Stocking Die

2011-11-13T05:30:00.002-06:00

Here are some stocking choices for Gift Class on December 10th...I recommend the Petals a Plenty Texturz folder so that you won't have any creases in the main portion of the stocking by the way.

Celery and Real Red with footies:

Real Red and Black:

Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla:

Gift Card Holders Galore!

2011-11-11T16:30:00.001-06:00

You have tons of Gift Card Holder choices this year for Gift Class! The Stocking Gift card holders offer a choice of Blue Snowflake with striped designer series paper or Red Polka Dot with floral designer series paper. Both include a jingle bell if you'd like...you'd need a padded envelope to mail the jingle bell though...

The present style gift card holders are so fun, and it was easy to coordinate stamps and designer series paper for four varied choices!

Folded Fan Ornaments

2011-11-07T19:28:00.000-06:00

The Simply Scored board from SU! makes these ornaments easy and fun to create! The chunky glitters gives them a lot of depth too. I hope you'll make some at my gift class on December 10th. :)

Snowman Soup

2011-11-06T20:30:00.002-06:00

Sorry for my lengthy absence....life got in the way of my posting...Halloween, kitchen updating and preparing for a local craft show...I'm back now.

We did really well, met lots of sweet people and had fun....One of my items was this Snowman Soup. It will be an option at my Christmas Giftables Buffet on December 10th. (The price will be $2.00, and they are available in Wild Wasabi green, Pool Party aqua or Bashful Blue light true blue)

As you can imagine, I have lots more things to show you....Check back often this week! :)

Stampin' Addicts Big Shot Blog Hop

2011-10-14T00:45:00.001-05:00

Hi all and welcome to the Stampin' Addicts Big Shot Blog Hop! I hope you enjoy perusing our creations using different Big Shot Dies and folders! By happy coincidence Stampin' Up! has an amazing promotion for new recruits this month. With your purchase of the starter kit, you'll receive the Big Shot (or $100 in product if you already have it-'cause it is awesome) for FREE!

Should you get lost on our Big Shot Blog Hop, you will find a complete list of the partipants in order here: Stampin Addicts Chat Thread OR If you'd like to travel backward for the hop, you may go back to see Kim's fun and fabulous creations on Stitchin n Stampin' on Paper.

I chose the Designer Frames though there have been so many cute ideas with it....Striking one layer cards, torn edges around the frames, adorable layers on card bases....The frames are so versatile.

First, I thought I'd create a card that is a little over the top for me....I don't usually cut out tons of things on cards, but the images are so interesting when used as details. Just an old-fashioned pocket card with some unusual colors and contrasts. I hope you can see the oval frame embossed on the same cardstock after embossing the Petals a Plenty embossing folder. Following the designer series paper, I used Cherry Cobbler and Real Red together for this card. It is strange, but I like it okay. :) Then, Gold accent ink and Glitter finished the card quickly and easily.

Next, I wanted to show another use for the frames....As tiny picture frames....I used it on a card, but my friend Monica pointed out they would be perfect for scrapbooking heritage pages. (The glitter in the picture is a reflection I couldn't defeat.)

Finally, I used the Mica flakes with the frames for some out of the box fun....This card uses MOJO Monday sketch 210 (MOJO210).

I apologize for only making Christmas items...I really wanted to use one of them for a birthday card, but by the time I had the idea, I ran out of time.

Now it is time to Travel to Holly's Blog for some wonderful designs! Rubber Redneck Enjoy!

MOJO209 RG The Sounding Joy

2011-10-05T22:11:00.000-05:00

This week's MOJO Monday sketch (MOJO209) had the perfect number of layers to give a card wonderful interest for a Stamp A Stack! The Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive look lovely together, and the Very Vanilla Velvet ribbon is a lush addition. I just added a brad and pearl in the top left for interest and called it simple but good.

Epsom Salt Webbing (also called Iced Crystal)

2011-09-21T16:27:00.001-05:00

I received this technique in a swap from sweet SAer Kim Bolzenthal. She credits pawsitivelyhappystampin.blogspot.com. We'll be making this card at October Technique class...it is a lot of fun!

Ingredients:

Epsom Salt
Boiling Water
Paint Brush
Cardstock (doesn't seem to work on black-I had to try it for myself-and it didn't work.)

Put 1/2 cup of Epsom Salt in a hot tolerant bowl. Add 1/2 cup of boiling water and stir until the salt crystals are dissolved. Use a paint brush to paint the entire surface of the cardstock and cover well.

Do Not go back and try to add more after it begins to dry-it will ruin it. I think it is best to let it dry naturally and plan to make it the first thing we do at my upcoming technique class. We can then finish the card last of all. Be patient....and happy stamping!

Consider trying it for a crystalized ice look too. But....don't use Bashful Blue-it DID NOT work. Marina Mist worked though.

Stocking Punch card with the Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Series Paper...

2011-09-18T21:29:00.000-05:00

This card is fairly quick-it will even be one of the options for Stamp A Stack later this week, but I really enjoy this new dsp, Stitched Stockings stamp set and Stocking Builder Punch, so I thought I'd share. The Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder makes a clean crisp card just a little more fun as well.

Time for a Fall Card!

2011-09-09T18:18:00.000-05:00

These loosely stamped 2-step leaves are from the Gently Falling set, and I used Stampin' Addicts Sketch Challenge 109 for the layout. We'll make this card at Quick Class on Thursday the 15th or Friday the 16th.

Streaking technique

2011-09-03T10:31:00.001-05:00

I'm going to send this card to my 25 year old cousin who is undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma...She's a sweet and brave girl! The inside says "to make it better". The sentiments are part of the Perfect Pairs set from Stampin' Up!. I find the entire set so useful, and it really fills in some of my imagined sayings needs.

The streaking technique just involves dragging the stamp in the direction the stamped image has already traveled (figuratively) before lifting up the stamp. Easy, but different. The butterfly image is from the Creative Elements Stamp Set. I created my own embossed background of butterflies by stacking and gluing together 4 or 5 of three different butterflies from the Beautiful Wings Sizzlit Die onto a piece of the stiff backing sheet from our designer series paper and embossed it onto the Pear Pizzazz cardstock. The Perfect Pennants Die has a perfect scalloped circle (in Soft Suede) to layer under our 2-1/2 inch circle punch. Add a little Pool Party sponging, the gorgeous matching Pool Party 3/8" ruffled ribbon and 3 sets of twin pearls, and you're finished. Quick and easy.

Stampin' Addicts 2011 Holiday Mini Blog Hop

2011-08-26T00:39:00.008-05:00

Welcome Stamping Friends to the Stampin' Addicts 2011 Holiday Mini Blog Hop!

You've arrived at the first stop on our hop and you may continue through all 19 stops to see a variety of creations from the Stampin Up! Holiday Mini. We're glad you're here!

You may begin at any point though and click through each stop. At the other end of the hop Debra is beautifully highlighting the a la carte Stamp, Leaves of a Tree, on her Heartfelt Inkspiration blog, and should you get lost or want to chat about the blog hop, visit the Blog Hop Chat Thread on Stampin' Addicts for a list of all the participating blogs in order.

Today, I'm focused on the Holiday Mini Hostess set, Warmest of Wishes (page 5) with a few other stamps tossed in for good measure. This set consists of a leaf wreath, NOEL, Warmest of Wishes, Trick or Treating OWL and Heart pennant. All but the Warmest of Wishes sentiment are designed to fit in one of our punches, and the set provides stamping fun for four Holidays.

One might think I'd go in time order, but I'm starting with the Christmas card! Warmest of Wishes could be used any time in the winter since it just has snowflakes, but I think it combined nicely with the NOEL for this card which is a square cross over. I saw this on SA member Jennifer Timko's blog and thought it was a cute size. I only diagonally cut the card front to create the pocket for the other side though.

The NOEL is only attached at the top with dimensionals so that the bottom slips over the pocket sleeve when inserted in the card. I used a diagonal from the Letters to Santa dsp....I hope it doesn't make you dizzy....and then, added our polka dot scalloped edge ribbon (inside out) and a few bits of rhinestone bling.

A what is it? moment....This is a covered napkin ring that I hope you like. I used a paper towel roll (cut to size) and attached the Spice Cake fabric (page 18) to it (sticky strip on the inside). I then stamped the Leaf Wreath in a variety of fall colors on Pool Party cardstock, punched it with the 2-3/8" scalloped circle punch, punched the center with the 1-1/4 punch and placed it over the circle found in the fabric.

Next is this fall sign...I went simple--Surprise! (Not really I know.) I used the Big Shot with the Timeless Type Junior Alphabet in More Mustard and of course the Perfect Pennants Die....The Spice Cake Designer Series Paper (page 17) provided most of the inspiration for this banner....I really enjoy that paper-beautiful colors and patterns! (Maybe because the colors match my blog?) The ends of the banner are our giant Spice Cake Buttons in More Mustard (page 18).

I'm...Batman! WHOOOOO's gonna give me some candy or a Moon Pie in a ribbon slider? The Adam West version (with boots) in really dark blue instead of black I guess.... :).....and his little sister in her fairy costume. (She's wearing a leotard) I just thought it was strange that the owl was trick or treating without a costume, but with a mask, so I couldn't resist.

They are campy, but my girls love them. The Moon Pie Slider features the Haunted Forest a la carte stamp from page 43 of the Holiday Mini. The butterfly punch fairy's wings were coated in our new Dazzling Details glitter glue (page 41)....Easy and FAST.....I just had to wait for it to dry.

Now it is time to continue to Heidi's Blog, Running with Scissors Stamper to see her adorable creations with the super cute stamp set, Out on A Limb. The scenes she created definitely make me want this set! Thanks for stopping by!

Blog Candy Card Challenge & Pennant Parade Baby Card

2011-08-13T18:04:00.004-05:00

I'm ready for some football! Fans, would you like to win a roll of 1/8 taffeta ribbon in your choice of Stampin' Up! color? Just create a card for your favorite fellow fan using the colors of your alma mater (college or high school) and the Pennant Parade stamp set or punch. Upload it online (to your blog or Stampin' Addicts) and link to it here in the comments. A winner will be drawn at random from the entries, and the roll of ribbon will either be mailed to you by First Class mail or given to you if you are local. Contest ends September 2nd at noon, one entry per person, demonstrators are eligible to enter and win. Please include your ribbon color choice with your comment/entry. Winner's name will be posted here. Please allow two weeks for delivery. Good luck and happy stamping!

I went to my sorority sister Tara's wedding last night, and today is sorority bid day at OSU. I was thinking of my friends, chatting with them on FB and made this Orange and Black card.

I love that the Pennant Parade set has so many uses....What a fun set to combine with the Billboard Alphabet Big Shot strip die! If the child has a name with four letters or less, it would be perfect for a birthday card too.

Another card for class next Thursday or Friday... Retired Stampin' Up! Sets for Sale

2011-08-11T20:25:00.001-05:00

I CASE'd Lisa Young again....just changing the colors and designer series paper and changing it to almost no embellishments....just to show it could be done.

This hostess designer series paper is so easy to use--I really enjoy it for a quick and striking card.

If you're interested, I have some retired sets available for sale. Here is a link to them for your shopping enjoyment :) : http://thestampinbunnyprojects.blogspot.com/2011/08/retired-stamps-available-for-sale.html

Coloring with Pastels...Quick Class August 18th & 19th

2011-08-09T10:23:00.001-05:00

Here's a card we'll make at quick class this next week....trying to show off all you can do with Stampin' Up!'s pastels....Coloring with an aquapainter or blender pen is an easy one.

It uses MOJO203 from the Mojo Monday sketches, and an unusual color combination for me. This is also Tech96 for the technique challenge on Stampin' Addicts. I like the homespun look of pastel coloring with this set, so I hope you all will too.

Delicate Doilies Colorful Emboss Resist

2011-08-08T11:18:00.000-05:00

This set begs for Emboss Resist I think, and I didn't want to wait to do a blue on white emboss resist card at Christmas time (though that will be lovely too.). So I used Versamark ink to emboss on Very Vanilla cardstock with Clear Embossing Powder. So Saffron, Ridinghood Red, Baja Breeze and Pear Pizzazz made rich sponged on colors, and I like the look of the lace ribbon over Ridinghood Red taffeta ribbon to coordinate it a little.

CASEing my friend Missi Roeber...Raining Flowers Stampin' Up! Set Crimped Pocket Card

2011-08-05T13:36:00.002-05:00

This card uses an envelope to create a pocket or gift card holder card. It is so easy to make a quick card this way. My friend Missi gave us Magnets at convention in a similar holder, and I thought it would be perfect to show for class. Our smooth Stampin' Up! envelopes work much better than store-purchased envelopes when you are stamping on them. I'm usually not that adament, but it really matters when you are stamping on the envelope.

First you seal the envelope. Then, you cut the envelope at 4-1/2 inches on the long side. Next, stamp your image or images or scene on the large portion of the envelope. Then run just that piece through your crimper. Following Missi's lead, I added a 1/4 inch strip of designer series paper (I used the hostess paper Cheerful Treat.) I used the stamp set we were given at Convention, Raining Flowers and created a little flower for the topper much like Missi did though she used a different set. Add an insert (you can use a punch to create a slot for a gift card) so that you can sign your card. The sentiment is from the new Perfect Pairs set.

The topper will go all the way on, but you do have to take a minute and work it down over the crimped portion carefully. My customers also asked about mailing it.....yes the top is still the size of an envelope...it would not fit in the same size envelope. I imagined one make take this card to a birthday party.

Distressed technique card

2011-08-04T14:20:00.000-05:00

This is one of the cards we made at Stamp Club/Technique class this week. It used the Best Friends Forever set that Stampin' Up! convention attendees received with a color scheme and feel I CASE'd from Lisa Young. Lisa's Kindness Matters card on Stampin' Addicts.

Stripes Big Shot Folder Basketweave/Gingham technique

2011-08-01T21:42:00.001-05:00

We learned this technique at Stampin' Up! convention from Janine Tinklenberg....It is such a great way to get another fun look from the Stripes Big Shot Folder and is this week's technique challenge on Stampin' Addicts. Happily for my customers, we'll make this card at technique class/stamp club this week. The sketch I used for this card was MOJO201 from MOJO Monday.

Cut your card stock into a cardfront size piece (5-1/2 X 4-1/4). Whisper White provides a nice summery contrast, but I bet it would be lovely on colored cardstock for a different look.

Ink up the larger side of your embossing folder with a classic inkpad. Do try to avoid getting it down into the opposing stripes--stay on the raised portion, but do a nice job of inking it completely.

Place your cardstock as close to totally parallel to the striped on the folder as you can, and run the folder and cardstock through your Big Shot.

Next, carefully remove your cardstock and reink your embossing folder.
Now, place the cardstock perpendicular (90 degrees) to the stripes and run the folder and cardstock through your Big Shot. (It won't be completely covered.)

Carefully remove it from the folder, and give it a moment to dry.

Finally, you can fussy cut the cardstock along the lines of the folder to even up your gingham a little, and then finish your card.

Such a "why didn't I think of that?" idea, but that's why she's Queen Tink!

Stampin' Addicts New 2011-2012 Stampin' Up! Catalog Blog Hop

2011-07-29T08:06:00.033-05:00

Welcome Stampin' Friends! I hope you enjoy this Stampin' Addicts hop featuring all new stamp sets! We have 18 stops for you to peruse as you add to your new catty wish lists! If you've been following the hop in order, you've enjoyed Trina's cute creations with the Many Mustaches set. (How Cute that her blog is called Stamps and Whiskers too-even though the name is in relation to her cats!) If not, keep hopping and you'll reach it, or if you are lost, go to the chat thread on Stampin' Addicts to find your way.

There's also a huge 5th Saturday Stamp Jam going on over at Stampin' Addicts in conjenction with this Blog Hop. Feel free to check it out and join in the fun!

I'm featuring the Polar Party set....Yes, it is a long time until Christmas, but I just couldn't wait to take the plunge with these record breaking temperatures in Oklahoma this year!

First, I have this Candy Bar Holder...A regular size Hershey Bar fits inside, and I used the cute new Letters to Santa blue plaid designer series paper for the tabs. Just some stamping and coloring of the set...(I can't wait to Dazzling Details glitter glue in the Upcoming Holiday Mini for snow, but I used the Smooch Accent ink to add shimmer in this example.) On the little tree, our Cherry Cobber Twine made a perfect little accent rope and tied in a little more red. I think the peppermint candy makes a surprising addition and adds more Candyland style interest under the candy cane (also a stamp in this set) cut out.

Next is this tiny gift tag....My penguin-loving daughter thinks it might make a better tree ornament...Either way-I'm glad she likes it. The picture makes it look a little flat, but the Four Frames border is popped up on dimensionals (edges so they will be narrow enough), and the little penguin is walking out of the frame. His banner is just a toothpick cut easily with our craft and rubber scissors with "Merry" from the Teeny Tiny Wishes on it with a Basic Rhinestone.

Finally, I have this Wiper Card using Black White and Pool Party with Island Indigo (Antarctica is an island after all ;)) and Pear Pizzazz....

The little penguin lifting his foot is perfect for the wiper portion I think....and I'll never tire of SU!'s super-faceted and shiny rhinestones!

Now, it is time to Hippity Hop to Sara's Lily's Ink Pad blog to see her fun creations with the Easy Events set....

Rhonda's Stampin' Up! New Catalog Girls Evening Out

2011-07-22T23:05:00.000-05:00

I’m excited to share all the new ideas we learned at convention, fun swaps cards as well as the Holiday Mini catalog with you all! I hope you are ALL able to join me on Thursday the 28th of July for a come and go anytime from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. for two FREE Make and Take cards and root beer floats.

The projects will be simple but fun and similar in style to these two cards, so it is a perfect time to bring friends who may not have stamped before as well:

I love this new In Color Wisteria Wonder…we’ve needed a light purple! All the new ribbons are lovely too, and I’m excited for you all to use them. This will be July’s Stamp Club meeting as well if you are a part of that, and as always catalogs are free for stamp club members/hostesses or with a $25 order. If you aren’t ready to order, the big catalogs are $5 which is refundable with a $25 order (just remind me when you order).

I hope you are ALL able to drop by for some fun!

Stampin’ Up! has a great $99 starter kit promotion (with two brand new stamp sets-you could also choose new In Colors for your ink pads if you’d rather) through the end of July as well. If you are at all interested, be sure and talk to me about it soon. My downline may attend Technique Classes for only $5 instead of $10, and Stampin’ Up! is giving away a free Holiday Memento box kit! For the first person to sign directly under me, I am offering the awesome Convention 3-ring binder ($25 value) which includes tabs and the complete supply list for all the projects in the catalog. Here’s a link to the list of the Starter Kit contents , and here are pictures of the lovely Binder:

I also didn't swap....

2011-07-17T08:38:00.001-05:00

This little spider from the super cute Kidoodles set....I used a Stampin' Addicts Technique challenge which is also found on page 69 of the new catalog, but I was afraid I would not have time to finish several of them in time.

I actually swapped this on Thursday...

2011-07-16T13:01:00.002-05:00

This was my card for the Stampin' Addicts Meet and Greet on Wednesday. I used marker to stamp to ink this nice large background stamp in Concord Crush and Always Artichoke. The Sweet Floral stamp is really large so I put it to one side of the card and also used a blender pen to create the Wisteria Wonder color in the light spaces on the flower. I did not use Wisteria ink...that is the Concord Crush ink which makes for a fairly quick card. I used the Tasteful Trim die and the new Artichoke Denim ribbon for the embellishment at the bottom and some pearl bling at the top.

There are two pictures because I first used the new Family Reunion set to create the "to my Mom" sentiment, but I switched to the Happy Birthday sentiment from the new Petite Pairs set because the former required the use of the stampamajig :).

Today, I'll swap this get well card...

2011-07-15T12:42:00.003-05:00

The scalloped circle is from a new big shot die, and the lace ribbon border punch is cut in half and attached to each side of the Flirtacious designer series paper. I really enjoy the cuteness of the Kidoodles set and especially this cute little rhinoceros. I really enjoyed coloring her with the new Wisteria Wonder marker and adding the matching ribbon and polka dot brad. I used the MOJO195 sketch for this card.

Roomie Gift for Trina

2011-07-14T09:18:00.024-05:00

My friend Kris/PaperFairy Kris created this adorable Simply Adorned Charm Insert Storage CD Holder for Craft Project Central and taught me to make one. I LOVE it, and I'm so proud of Kris!

So of course, when I needed something for a Convention Roomie Gift, I jumped at the chance to make one for Trina, my roomie who is willing to put up with me for 4 whole days! I used the new Hostess Designer Series Paper, Cheerful Treat. I like it and think it is, but I hope Trina does too. :)

Front Cover

Open...see the matching "T" charm insert...

Pulled to fully open:

Flipped over to the back side:

Stampin' Up! Convention 2011 Friend Trinkets

2011-07-13T09:51:00.001-05:00

These are some tiny Reese's Peanut Butter Cup holders I made with the top half of the small cello bags....I used the bottom half for something you can see posted tomorrow :). I used the new Pennant Parade Christmas Tree as well as the stocking from the Snow Much Fun set with some new colors and the new Lace Ribbon Border punch which is so dramatic!

What I'm ~not~ swapping....

2011-07-12T09:35:00.000-05:00

I love this new chickadee Christmas set, but sadly, I didn't think I'd be able to make 37 of them, so it will have to wait for a technique class I guess.

Pennant Parade Christmas Tree

2011-07-11T12:34:00.000-05:00

The Pennant Parade set is adorable, and I really love this new background Letterpress Plate Fancy Fan. It really dresses up a simple card! I'm off to convention tomorrow so check back each day to see what I'm swapping. :)

Great New Hostess Benefit Changes!

2011-07-07T11:21:00.000-05:00

I hope you'll love the new changes as much as I do! No more being shut out of a Level 3 Hostess set if your party doesn't make that level! No more getting extra hostess sets after you have them all, just choose catalog merchandise! It's a good thing!

Thumping Technique Precious Butterflies Card

2011-07-05T22:23:00.000-05:00

I used the new Wisteria Wonder 2011-2013 In Color with Marina Mist and Pear Pizazz for this card. The Precious Butterflies set is a new Hostess Choice this year that I obviously couldn't resist.

This was for Technique Challenge #94 a couple of weeks ago on Stampin' Addicts.

For marker thumping just choose a solid image stamp (not line art).

1. Ink your solid image stamp in one color.
2. Use a marker to add another color (or two) to the stamp by thumping the marker sideways onto the inked stamp. Be sure not to pounce the tip of your marker onto the stamp...it will damage your marker irreparably. Perhaps if you have an old worn out marker the angle of your addition of the marker ink wouldn't matter.
3. Huff to rewet/moisten the ink on the stamp.
4. Stamp your image.
5. Finish your card.

You also might want to gently scribble any extraneous colors from your marker onto scratch paper before putting the marker away.

The bluer butterfly in the middle of the circle of butterflies was stamped in Marina Mist with Wisteria Wonder thumped on it. The other butterflies were all stamped in Wisteria Wonder with Marina Mist marker thumped on it.

Snow Much Fun Easel Card

2011-06-30T19:46:00.001-05:00

This is for the Fourth Tuesday Fun Fold Challenge on Stampin' Addicts....I think I am going to have a lot of fun with the Snow Much Fun stamp set!

Easel cards are so Easy! :)

1. Cut your cardstock base to 4-1/4 X 11. (in half vertically)
2. Score it at 2-3/4 and 5-1/2 inches.
3. Cut a 4-1/4 X 5-1/2 inch top layer base. This is usually in the same color cardstock as the base.
4. Create a liner of some type for your card that has a horizontal piece for the card to stand against when it is in the easel position.
5. Add all the images and embellishments to finish your card.

The illustration below shows the way to attach the top layer base to the card base just in case....

Stampin' Addicts Retiring Stamp Sets Blog Hop 2011

2011-06-17T06:04:00.063-05:00

Welcome to the Stampin' Addicts Retiring Stamp Sets Blog Hop for 2011!

You've likely arrived from Betty's lovely blog Kitty Stamp where you saw adorable designs with the Blowing Kisses stamp set. Such a CUTE set! Should you get lost or need a list of the participants, you can see it at Stampin' Addicts.

I'm actually featuring two great stamp "sets" for the hop. (Thanks for allowing me to do that fellow hoppers!) The Simple Birthday Thanks background (page 142) and Birthday Bliss (page 57) were both favorites of mine for kids cards (and thank you cards of course). The Simple Birthday Thanks Stamp was inadvertently skipped for the Retirement list. Stampin' Up! confirmed that the stamp is NOT on a carryover list and IS retiring by phone.

First up is this gift card holder.....I can't swear I haven't seen it before, but I didn't knowingly copy. Well, I did copy a birthday cupcake I'd seen intentionally, and I was trying to match some of the colors in the balloon gift card. I love the intense boyish blue of the icing on the Simple Birthday Thanks stamp, and imagine what color your tongue would be after eating such a cupcake in real life! The tag punch shaped "make a wish" candle image makes a quick and easy way to attach the top/icing with a flourish. "Ice Cream and Presents and Cake Oh my!" makes a grand statement for the front of the cupcake liner area. I'll list a step by step tutorial (no pictures-sorry) on Monday, though you probably don't need it-I just used a Pumpkin Pie card base, stamped it, cut it out and cut off the icing. A thin line of sticky strip on the sides and bottom---Quick and Easy.

This Fancy Favor is cute for giving a gift of 3X3 cards and envelopes. I have a friend who really enjoys getting handmade cards for her birthday. Luckily, I really enjoy ~making~ cards! This set features the new 2011-12 designer series paper "Just Add Cake". It is an usual color combination, but it is a lot of fun!

I made this cupcake card to match this fun wrapping paper. I just did some cutting with the paper cutter for the squares and rectangles and punched the circles and half circles. I also made some curlicues and attached them with mono multi/green lid glue. I stamped Birthday Bliss from the Birthday Bliss stamp set for a vibrant sentiment. A little ribbon completes the card.

Now it is time to continue on to Holly's Rubber Redneck blog where she'll show you lovely creations with the Always stamp set. We're going to miss that set!

Faux Cloisonné

2011-06-14T20:19:00.000-05:00

This is an unusal old technique that only requires a magazine photo of flowers (I like to use a floral bedspread picture), Versamark and gold embossing powder.

1. Pick your floral photo....this will determine the color scheme for your card.
2. Stamp an open line stamp (one with line edges not a color-block type stamp like you'd use for faux shaving cream) in Versamark onto the magazine/catalog photo.
3. Cover with gold embossing powder.
4. Heat emboss.
5. Cut out the image leaving the gold edges.
6. Finish your card.

Glittered Dryer Sheet Technique

2011-06-10T21:34:00.000-05:00

Not sure why I never posted this? It was the technique challenge I posted on Stampin Addicts a month ago.
It is especially nice with snowflake stamps in winter so you might want to wait to use it until then.

1. Stamp images in a variety of colors on your cardstock. Allow to dry for at least 10 minutes. (I don't recommend Red because it can smear when the glue stick hits it. Maybe you could heat it?)

2. Cover the cardstock with a thick coating of glue from a Stampin' Up! gluestick. (You can also use a Xyron, but if we can do it SU!, then let's.)

3. Press a well used (though not with dark clothes as they can sometimes fade or get dark lint on the dryer sheet) dryer sheet into the cardstock. (The glue will ooze through so be forewarned.) I used Bounce. You might want to ask anyone who has allergies to bring their own dryer sheet (unscented?) if the scent might be a problem.

4. Cover the cardstock with Dazzling Diamonds, and shake off the excess. (I think it might be a good idea to press the glitter into the cardstock at this point too.)

Fun Fold Technique Challenge on Stampin' Addicts

2011-06-01T12:50:00.000-05:00

Lots of excitement with the Demonstrator Preorder, Retiring Stamp Set List and Retiring Accessories List! I am losing a ton of ribbon :(, but the show must go one...:)

Today's Fun Fold is really easy and was inspired by this week's MOJO Monday sketch MOJO193. I actually thought at first that this card style was the sketch, but it wasn't. I decided it should have been so I made it the Fun Fold Challenge on Stampin' Addicts. I used Blushing Bridge and a piece of the Hostess Level 1 dsp set as well as the bouquet from the On the Grow set in the Summer Mini Catalog.

1. Cut your cardstock into a 6 inch square.

2. Turn the card on its point ends and score each side at 2-1/8 inches top to bottom. Be sure to keep the top and bottom point and left and right points straight as you score. Repeat for each side.

3. Carefully fold the corners to the center making a nice center in which the points meet up. (Use the bone folder to get them just so. Have patience.)

4. Cut your dsp into a square that is 3-7/8 inches. It would seem like 4 inch would be it since the finished card is 4-1/4 square, but since there is a middle edge you want it either 3-7/8 or 3-3/4 inches square.

5. Wrap ribbon around the card and attach it to your matching base (ONLY-Nothing is adhered to the card base except the dsp). The base cardstock layer in my example is 2-3/4 square. This base allows you slide the image, sentiment and ribbon off so that the card may be opened for writing inside. My image layer is 2-1/2 square.

6. Attach your image layer and sentiment layer and voila'.

We also signed a couple of Thank You cards....

2011-05-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

I made a few cards for those who participated in the card making to sign (and forged a couple of names we forgot to ask to sign--Kris Kilkenny :) ) as Thank Yous for the troops. We thought they could put one on the bulletin board occasionally. I think this is a perfect Oklahoma Thank You.

Cards for the Troops...

2011-05-28T12:05:00.000-05:00

Recently, customers and friends helped my downline, Candi create cards for the troops. Her husband is deploying, and we made what we hope is plenty of cards for them to send back to their families while they are there. They are only going for about 6 months, so there was no way they'd be able to get cards from Operation Write Home (there is a waiting list).

I think this card is cute for an airman to send to his wife, girlfriend or child depending on his sense of humor. :) The inside says "wish it were sooner"....I just printed it out on Whisper White, punched it with the modern label punch and adhered it to the inside.

A KickStand Card

2011-05-14T22:48:00.000-05:00

These were popular a couple years ago, so I thought I'd show one with a recent stamp set. I tried to go simple with the rest of the card so that the main image could shine.

Nailpolish Holder Tutorial

2011-05-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

This is a really simple nail polish holder...I hope you all aren't disappointed!

Cut your cardstock 8 inches by 6 inches....Score the 6 inch side at 1-1/2 inches and 4-1/2 inches. Score the 8 inch side only up the the 1-1/2 inch and 4-1/2 inch scores at 1-1/2, 3 and 4-1/2 inches. Cut only up to the score lines at these same lines. Cut the top part that is above the 4-1/2 inch scores completely off as shown below.

Corner round the top and add any decorative dsp or stamping to the project. Next add sticky strip to the lower two squares for assembly as shown below. I think it is probably sturdier to leave all three of the edge boxes attached, but you might need to make the top edge even with your paper snips if they aren't even.

Make marks for centering your modern label punch left to right for the handle. I put it about 2/3 of an inch from the top of the cardstock.

Punch your modern label punch.

Here it is in a planning stage so that you can see the edges.

Complete decorating the toenail polish holder.

Stampin' Addicts Summer Mini Catalog 2011 Blog Hop! Sunny Days

2011-04-29T06:45:00.010-05:00

Welcome to the Stampin' Addicts Summer Mini Blog Hop!!

I'm sure you've enjoyed seeing Debra's Soft and pretty designs with the On the Grow Set on her blog, Heartfelt Inkspiration. When you've seen the hop (or if you need to reorient yourself), continue on over to the Stampin' Addicts website...We're having a Stamp Jam this weekend with some fun challenges and chat, and of course you're welcome to join us for the fun.

I'm showing off the Sunny Fun set! I love this set's variety!

I used the flip flop stamps for a Lilly Pulitzer inspired card in pinks and greens....I would use this to invite friends for an evening of grilling out, or possibly even for a girls day out.

I have a confession....I cut the floral flip flops off the rest of the stamp. I imagine using them more by themselves than with the entire stamp, and I can still use it by placing it back in its spot on the clear block and fitting the cut edges back together.

The riotous color of the Beyond the Garden designer series paper has a tropical feel too I think. I love the littlest flip flops, stamped and punched with the one inch circle punch, layered onto the new 3 step doily punch! I now wish I'd used the Happy Birthday sentiment from the On Your Birthday set instead, but what's done is done.

There are so many great ideas (Scratch N Sniff, Dazzling Diamond Dust) to spice up the popsicle stamp in this set. I used the Orchid and Turquoise glitters from Stampin' Up! to give the snowcones an icey Blue Raspberry and Grape look. Dazzling Diamonds looks cute applied with the 2 way glue pen randomly on the true popsicles for frostiness. (I didn't put any on the fudge bar or chocolate coated ice cream bar.)

I'd used the swimming children stamp already (post below), so I didn't create another for the hop.

Lastly, nail polish makes a fun gift for a variety of ages, and this little box makes a sweet bit of packaging! I'll have a tutorial for you on Monday, but it is very easy. Sorry it is difficult to see the pearls and bling on the flip flops.

Now just click on to see Sara's blog....Lily's Inkpad and have fun seeing her fabulous fishy creations with Summer Splash!

Blog Hop tomorrrow at Noon! Sunny Fun!

2011-04-28T17:40:00.000-05:00

A quick reminder post about the Stampin' Addicts Summer Mini blog hop tomorrow at noon....I'll be using the Sunny Fun set shown here, but there are also flip flops and popsicles images, so imagine the possibilities!

Poppin' Pastels The Open Sea

2011-04-27T06:11:00.004-05:00

I Love Poppin' Pastels (We used it on the first project I ever made.), and I think they are perfect for this tall ship.

Strength & Hope Split Negative

2011-04-25T07:10:00.000-05:00

I was inspired by my friend Kim Bolzenthal's split negative Bliss card for this card. Mine didn't turn out to look much like hers, but hers was definitely the inspiration.

I used Poppy Parade for the accent red and had a lot of fun with the ribbon on this technique card for classes on May 4th and 5th.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T06:49:00.003-05:00

What a joy to celebrate Easter with this sweet little bunny card made with the So Cute set and matching designer series paper. I also used the new 3 step punch with it for the So Saffron layer under the bunny. (Click the picture, and it should get larger.)

Good Friday Greetings CASE of Dawn Olchefske

2011-04-22T06:38:00.000-05:00

When a friend posted a link to a card very similar to this by SU! demonstrator Dawn Olchefske, I immediately wanted my stampers to be able to make it. It is also perfect for a Good Friday post. It is a simple card, but striking in its design, and it is perfect for baptisms or sympathy as well.

Strength & Hope Bright Butterfly

2011-04-21T06:06:00.001-05:00

This set Strength and Hope is available in the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog. $2 from each set purchased will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation by Stampin' Up!

I love these bright colors for a get well or encouragement card, and if you just add some glitter, the card is celebratory and suitable for Mother's Day. The Rock N Rolled edges make this card a little more fun and tie the colors together easily.

MOJO187 Four Frames thank you

2011-04-20T06:42:00.001-05:00

I enjoy the Four Frames set which will be in the 2011-2012 Stampin' Up! catalog....These roses are perfect for a quick card that still has some softness to it. The sketch is MOJO187.

Sunny Fun Stars on the Water Stampin' Addicts Tech87

2011-04-18T22:17:00.000-05:00

Selective Embossing technique was featured in the March issue of Stampin' Success as a great way to show off the Versamarker.

I think you'll agree this is pretty simple. Clear or Iridescent Ice Embossing Powders work well. You could also use our new colored embossing powders to highlight just certain areas of a solid image or make a mixture of orange and pink for a funky look.

1. Stamp an image and color if desired. Choose certain spots that would look pretty with highlighting and go over just that area with the Versamarker.
2. Cover with the embossing powder of your choice. (I used Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder.)
3. Heat as usual to melt the embossing powder.
4. Finish your card.

Breaking "rules" and having fun! Reinker Spread on Shimmery White

2011-04-12T16:23:00.000-05:00

I typically use a cardstock base that is darker than the background layer, but I was crazy today and used a light color base with a darker color background layer and the new Flower Garden Embossing folder. I also used very small (too small? :)) scale pearls, but I didn't want to distract the eye from the shimmery flowers. I could not decide if I have an overwhelming amount of flowers on this card, so for class my customers can decide which of these three look the most balanced/best to them.

Reinker Spread technique was featured in the March issue of Stampin' Success. I love that it is perfect for the line art roses in the Fabulous Florets set which appear in the upcoming Summer Mini catalog.

Stampin' Up! suggests that we use Glossy White Cardstock, but I think Shimmery White looks awesome myself. (I think it was Lyssa who suggested using shimmery?) Anyway, you can certainly make your own decisions or try both on that.
1. Pick a line art image and stamp with Versamark and heat emboss with either clear or white embossing powder. (I want to try using our new melon mambo ep too though!)
2. Spritz the image with water.
3. Use a drop of each reinker color on a piece of acetate or whatever you normally use.
4. With an aquapainter, color in the sections of the image with your chosen colors. The reinker will spread across the area. I find it best to start with a lighter color and add darker colors to highlight as the cardstock dries out a little.
I also colored the outside of the image after cutting it out a little outside the embossing because I thought it looked cool.
5. Allow the cardstock to dry.
6. Finish your card.

Because I Care Razz and Navy...

2011-04-07T22:13:00.000-05:00

This card is a bit out of the ordinary for a Stamp A Stack. It has the Teahouse background and lovely hydrangea and sentiment from Because I care with just Night of Navy, Very Vanilla and Rich Razzleberry. I tied the Night of Navy Satin ribbon with a bit of Very Vanilla 1/8 inch taffeta, and I believe it will still mail just fine.

Easy Wedding Cards

2011-04-05T08:53:00.000-05:00

You could easy change the sentiment to anything you need, and this folder makes any card special. Quick and easy!

Plane & Simple Stamp A Stack Card

2011-04-02T16:08:00.000-05:00

For this card, I used a Color Scheme that I think is great at Christmas and year round and the Plane & Simple set from the Occasions Mini Catalog. This will be a card for this week's Stamp A Stack with optional sentiments for Father's Day or Birthdays.

This card uses SC227 from Splitcoaststampers.

Petal Cone and Marigold

2011-03-28T23:41:00.000-05:00

My downline Kris Kilkenny convinced me to make a marigold (that have been popular for months-I just never jumped on the bandwagon) for the top of this simple and sweet Petal Cone favor we'll make at class this Thursday. They are perfect for giving earrings, and last week Emma gave a gift of tiny nailpolishes and a gift card using it as her wrapper.

Z fold Top Note Stamp A Stack Card

2011-03-22T21:44:00.001-05:00

This card is a Z fold with a die cut from the Top Note Die on top stamped with the Nature Walk set. I'm definitely going to try this color combination again (probably on a more complicated card). It is pleasing to my eye :).

It is today's Fourth Tuesday Fun Fold on Stampin' Addicts. It is a very simple premise if you'd like to make one too:

Cut your cardstock in half longways at 4-1/4 inches.
Score at 5-1/2" and 2-3/4" again longways (of course).
Fold.
Embellish as desired.
This is the first of the options for Stamp A Stack (16 cards for $22) on April 6th at 10:00 a.m. and April 7th at 6:30 p.m.

MOJO182 Beveled Windowpane

2011-03-14T22:00:00.000-05:00

This is a little outside of my normal style, but I don't mind it. It is fun to use some different colors and textures sometimes. I used the MOJO Monday sketch 182 which worked great with the beveled window and I found the color scheme from a catalog. The black definitely makes the other three colors pop!

Bunny Hop...Operation Write Home Blog Hop

2011-03-05T09:10:00.002-06:00

Welcome to the Operation Write Home Bunny Hop blog tour! I know you've enjoyed your stop with Paula and her cheerful card! You may click through 125 stops and see a variety of Spring and bunny-themed cards. I encourage you to click the underlined link and visit Operation Write Home for information about the charity's endeavors to provide blank cards for our troops to send home to their families. (OWH also accepts cards written TO our troops for distribution thanking them for their service. These are called Any Hero cards.) The link contains a full list of hoppin' blogs so that you can continue past a dead space in the hop that doesn't have a post for today.

Since my blog is titled, The Stampin' Bunny, of course I thought the Bunny Hop would be fun to join since I enjoy making cards for Operation Write Home with my church women's group. I also send retired swap cardfronts to OWH after turning them into full cards after the Stampin' Up! retirement list is announced each year.

I wanted to use my favorite Stampin' Up! bunny....from the set "The Nicest Things". I used a Spring Greens color combination that now reminds me of St. Patrick's Day especially with the terra cotta colored pot and the little girl's red hair. For the layout of my card, I used Stampin' Addicts Sketch Challenge #85 (SASC85).

The deadline to send Easter cards is March 18th and the deadline for Mother's Day cards is March 31st, so you still have plenty of time to create cards the troops can use to send wishes to their moms. There are some things to be aware of if you donate cards....For example, glitter is not to be used, and there are three different places/ladies to which you can mail your card donations (It is best to chose the one closest to you.). Here is a link to helpful hints on the OWH blog: Guidelines

Now, please continue hopping to the NEXT STOP, Linda's blog at http://stamperstouch.blogspot.com/ to see her beautifully designed and colored Easter Eggstravaganza. Thanks for visiting!

Selective Baby Wipe Inkpad

2011-03-02T07:21:00.002-06:00

First, I put a piece of transparency on top of the stamp, right side up.

Next, I put drops of reinker (I used some Pretty in Pink and Bashful Blue in addition to Perfect Plum.) only on spots that have flowers on the stamp.

In the same way, I added some Old Olive randomly around the stamp to add highlights. (no photo)

Then, I placed the acetate VERY gently (don't tip or shake) into the bottom of a clam shell box. (I cut off the lid of an old box to use for this so that it isn't at all top heavy or in the way.)

Next, add Baby Wipes on top of the inked transparency sheet. I added a little more ink on top of each spot afterwards but not too much.

Then, I inked the stamp really well with the River Rock inkpad.
Next, I removed some of the ink from the flowers with a Q-Tip, and pressed the stamp onto the baby wipe inkpad carefully lining up the top, bottom and flowers by sight. Don't press too hard or too long or all of your River Rock ink will absorb into the baby wipes.

Finally, I stamped the image onto cardstock. This will be a watery, hazey image, so be prepared if you try it.

Rolling Marble Background Technique Plane & Simple

2011-03-01T07:05:00.032-06:00

First, I found marbles that I don't mind getting messy or potentially ruining. I squirted several drops of reinker in the clam shell box and rolled the marbles to get them thoroughly coated. At this point you could clean the center of the open area to remove some of the ink so that it won't get on your card.

Rolling the Not Quite Navy to disperse the ink onto the marbles:

Baja Breeze Ready to Roll....

Next, place your cardstock of choice into the clam shell, snap the lid shut and roll the marbles over the cardstock. You can go in a direction such as side to side, top to bottom or diagonal or you can swirl the marble into circular waves on top of the cardstock.

Soft Suede:

This picture shows the result on Glossy Cardstock with swirling:

This picture below shows a little too much rolling on the left and too much ink under the cardstock before rolling on the right (It seeped through the cardstock).

This picture shows a contrast between Whisper White and Very Vanilla (top) carstocks.

It occurred to me that this would make an awesome masculine graduation card while I was working on this....anyway....here is my finished card:

Baby Wipe Butterfly (Clear block with Baby Wipe Inkpad Technique)

2011-02-28T11:20:00.002-06:00

This is so easy you'll be surprised I bothered with a tutorial!
First I inked the baby wipe with reinkers (Pear Pizzazz, Not Quite Navy and Baja Breeze in this example).
Next, I inked a clear block (as one does when clear block stamping), and after insuring it was inked well all over, stamped it onto Very Vanilla cardstock. The wetness of the baby wipes gives it a much more mottled/tortoise shell type look than one gets with a regular ink pad.

Then, I let it dry for about 15 minutes.

Next, I used the Big Shot and the Butterfly Bigz Die to die cut the butterfly.

On this card, I sprayed the butterfly with a mist of alchohol and shimmer paint for a little glimmer as well.

Finished card:

Stampin' Addicts Birthday Bash Blog Hop 2011 Baby Wipe Inkpad

2011-02-25T00:36:00.005-06:00

Welcome Stamping Friends to the Stampin' Addicts Birthday Techniques Blog Hop!

Our Birthday Hop this year features birthday cards again, but this time with a variety of fun techniques for you to enjoy.

You may have arrived from Jennifer's Blog, Stampin' On the Fly, where you enjoyed the Clear Block Stamping technique on her lovely projects. Should you get lost or want to chat about the blog hop, visit the Blog Hop Chat Thread on Stampin' Addicts for a list of all the participating blogs in order.

I'm featuring the Baby Wipe Inkpad Technique in which you put several colors of reinker onto baby wipes to create a multicolored "inkpad" to use for stamping solid image stamps.

This card probably doesn't look like a Baby Wipe Inkpad card.....Perhaps a marker to stamp or Poppin' Pastels? I added Perfect Plum, Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue, River Rock and Old Olive to certain areas of the Baby Wipe Inkpad to create this image and give it a watery look. A little old school sponging and a few of the great SU! colored brads in Soft Suede and Perfect Plum keep the ribbon from being the focal point of the card and allow your eye to take in the main image. Check back for a mini-tutorial on this idea on Wednesday.

For this card I used a clear block to stamp onto a Pear Pizzazz, Not Quite Navy and Baja Breeze Baby Wipe Inkpad which created almost a tortoise shell or crackle look. I spritzed it with an alcohol mist made with Stampin' Up!'s Frosted White Shimmer Paint after cutting out the butterfly shape using the Big Shot. I curled the wings a bit for interest. This card features Mojo Monday Sketch #178 (MOJO178). The Happy Birthday image from the Create a Cupcake Set has a whimsical yet elegant look that I think matches the mood of this card, but it is so versatile that it really goes with anything. Check back for a mini-tutorial with pictures of the process of making this card on Monday.

And now for the typical look of a Baby Wipe Inkpad card....I used the Build a Blossom set and punch with
So Saffron, Pretty in Pink and Melon Mambo for a tropical hibiscus on this birthday card. I had a happy accident when I stamped the petals for this card. I caught a spot in the middle of the stamp with ink (due to the thickness of the baby wipes) and stamped it onto my card as well. I think the added color in the middle of an open space that would have been white on my example worked out perfectly! The leaves on this card would still fit in a regular medium SU! envelope because it is a 4-1/2 X 4-1/2 inch card.

Now click on over to Tanya's Tinkerin' In Ink blog for a look at her fun Reverse Faux Letterpress creations! I hope you enjoy the hop! Happy Birthday Stampin' Addicts!

Wrapped Present Gift Card Holder

2011-02-22T11:26:00.000-06:00

Today's post is for the Stampin' Addicts Fun Fold Tech #5 today on Stampin' Addicts!

It is a great birthday celebration this week with a Technique focused birthday blog hop this Friday (check back to see it here of course!), so look for fun things all around the Stampin' Addicts site and join in!
For today's Fun Fold, Vicki Burdick has graciously allowed me to feature her Wrapped Present Gift Card Holder. It is the perfect festive Birthday gift card holder and is great for celebrating for us on Stampin' Addicts! Thanks Vicki! Here is a link to Vicki's blog for a peek at her instructions in case you could use a second explanation: It's a Stamp Thing: Gift Card Holder It does not fit in an envelope, but do you really need one?
1. Cut a piece of base cardstock 4" by 8", a piece of cardstock 4-1/4" by 3" (score in the the 3 inch side at 1-1/2"/down the vertical middle), and a piece of contrasting/matching cardstock at 1" by 4".

2. Cut designer series paper to match 3-3/4" by 3-3/4 " and just under 1-1/4" by 4".

3. Cut your bow by first punching the small oval punch and then punching the large oval punch around it. I tried for a consistent top and put the extra cardstock (since they do not layer perfectly) at the base to allow for gluing. I glued them with Mono Multi in the green and white bottle and sticky strip, but for class glue dots work well.

4. Use sticky strip to close the 8"X4" base and use a gift card to position a piece of sticky strip horizontally across the card so that the gift card or cardstock attached to it doesn't fall all the way to the bottom (for me it was 3/4 of an inch from the edge).

5. Punch part of a circle using the 1-1/4 circle punch at the top of the base, line up your dsp layer and punch it as well. Then glue your dsp to your base and then your contrasting 1X4" layer. Punch your contrasting 1X4" layer to match

6. Fold your "lid" and adhere the dsp to the front. Make your embellishment for the front and put the "bow" behind it.

7. Attach velcro to the flap putting the "pokey" side on the card and the "fluffy" side on the flap for ease of use. If you have adhesive velcro, I wouldn't trust it--I used a dot of Mono Multi green top glue.

Quick Cards with the Sale-A-Bration Ice Cream Parlor Pack

2011-02-16T09:43:00.000-06:00

I enjoy the bright colors and fun accents of this Designer Series Paper and Quick Accent Set. They are great for scrapbooking, but also for making quick cards. For Quick Class this Thursday, my customers will be able to choose use the quick accents of their choice to make a card in record time.

Asian Inspired Thinking of You

2011-02-15T07:01:00.017-06:00

The new level one hostess set, A Slice of Life, in the Occasions mini catalog is quite a useful one! I enjoyed the baby onesie on a card a few weeks ago, and I enjoyed working with the dogwood blossoms today. I used the square lattice embossing folder to create a nice texture on the Early Espresso cardstock layer, and I think this card's color scheme contributes to the simple modern look too. When coloring the blossoms, I used the tiny end of the Blushing Bride marker to quickly make a loop of color so that there is still some white on the petals. I enjoy the knots in the hemp twine too.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T10:49:00.000-06:00

Today I thought I'd show you the Valentine lollipop decorations my daughter made for her classmates. The penguin was made using the Owl punch. I've not been able to determine the first creator of the penguin from owl punch, but it certainly wasn't me! We thought the round background and torn snowy edge looked nice too. Hope you have a great day!

Operation Write Home

2011-01-31T10:21:00.000-06:00

I enjoy using rather than tossing my cardfront swaps after they retire. I can only use so many of certain types of cards, so I attach them to a white or ivory cardbase and donate them to Operation Write Home. The charity sends a box of cards to a contact who distributes the cards among their military unit/group for the hero to send a card home to a friend or family member. Cards written TO a hero are also included so that those who don't normally receive mail get one as well, but the main focus is cards for the heroes to send home.

This year I had some retired cardfronts, but what I really needed to use was retired carstock from Stampin' Up!'s last color renovation. I was able to use some Western images (both current and retired) and the Motorcycle from last year's Summer Mini Catalog for Father's Day cards and the Manhattan Flower Rose embossing folder to create Mother's Day cards. I had help in making the Rose cards and Motorcycle cards from my church women's group and from my stamper friends who helped after class one day. My daughter Emma helped with the Western cards as well. All in all it is an enjoyable and easy way for me to clean up my craft area without being wasteful, and all together Operation Write Home received 192 cards.

If you'd like to read more about Operation Write Home, here is a link to their website: http://operationwritehome.org/

Stampin' Addicts Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop 2011

2011-01-28T04:53:00.119-06:00

Welcome Stamping Friends to the Stampin' Addicts Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop!

This is the first stop on our trip, but you may have arrived from Cheryl's Blog, Love to Stamp and Scrap, where you enjoyed her lovely creations with Thank You Kindly. Should you get lost or want to chat about the blog hop, visit the Blog Hop Chat Thread on Stampin' Addicts for a list of all the participating blogs in order.

I really enjoy the So Happy for You Sale-A-Bration set...Five great sentiments plus 5 adorable mini stamps that make for an easy quick card! This set is a good one to have on hand, for making a variety set of cards to give as a gift or for creating a card kit of stamped cards and separate sentiment labels that can be added when the occasion arises. The red card sketch is Paula's Stampin' Addicts Sketch Challenge #60.

The Emboss Resist Masking card below uses each image in light colors that are perfect for a spring birthday...Using a different color circle sponging on each image makes them really pop. This card is my sample for both this week's Fun Fold Technique on Stampin' Addicts and for next week's Technique challenge to use both Emboss Resist and Masking in some way. Stop by and check out any of the challenges!

It doesn't have to be about the sentiments though....sometimes it's all about the bling! Contrary to the vintage chic design usually applied for the petal cones, I added random large and medium rhinestones (with Mono Multi glue for a secure hold) as well as small rhinestones in the center of each stamped flower and on the butterfly for a sparkly modern look. The Petal Cone is a perfect box for a gift of earrings or trinkets, and this set of colors would be adorable in a girl's room.

Finally, this set is great when its sentiments are combined with other sets such as the baby sleeper from the A Slice of Life Hostess Level 1 set in the Occasions Mini Catalog. I used the Mojo Monday Sketch 175 ( MOJO175 ) for this card, and I enjoy the substitution of a safety pin for the hatpin and addition of the mini button brads at the bottom right. Adding a couple of embossed texture layers made this card quick yet interesting.

Now click on over to stop number two, Jennifer's Sunflower Stamper blog for a look at her pretty and fun ideas for the Punch Bunch Sale-A-Bration set! I hope you enjoy the hop!

Treat Cup Poppy Parade Designer Series Paper Card

2011-01-26T17:48:00.018-06:00

I so enjoy the Hostess Level 1 designer series paper pack, so I showcased a few Poppy Parade colored pieces in this Treat Cup Valentine. The heart from the Sweet Centers set and the LOVE heart from the I Heart Hearts set combined with a few punches from the Heart to Heart punch for a flurry of patterned fun.

I have seen the method for getting the treats out without tearing up the card in several places, but I'm sorry I don't remember exactly where. I'm not sure if I saw using a 3X3 card to make it easy to punch the 1-3/4 inch circle or not, but it will be much more enjoyable this way for class. :)

Swaps are so Fun-Occasions Mini 2011

2011-01-25T17:45:00.001-06:00

I love to join card swaps in which I send 10 or so of the same card and get back 10 different cards, and recently I swapped this card made with the Eat Chocolate Set.

One of the WOW swaps I received in return was this one from Cheryl Wilcox. This card uses the new Build a Blossom set and Blossom Petals Punch to a beautiful and striking effect. Cheryl is participating with us in this weekend's Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop with Stampin' Addicts, so be sure to check back for more fun things!

Cocoa Powder Embossed Cupcake with Stampin' Up!'s new Create A Cupcake set!

2011-01-20T23:22:00.000-06:00

This card was so fun to make using the new Build A Cupcake Punch and Create a Cupcake stamp set. I enjoyed using the Mojo Monday sketch 172 for it as well as the new Sale-A-Bration Ice Cream Parlor Designer Series Paper (which also comes with a Quick Accents Pack perfect for scrapbooking or quick cards!). I used cocoa powder mixed with my clear embossing powder over Chocolate Chip Craft Ink for a chocolate scent for my card. (It does give the cupcake top a matte rather than shiny look.)

Mini Tutorial:

I also wanted to show you an easy and green way to punch just what you want from your Cupcake Punch...simply cut a strip of designer series paper or cardstock the width of the part you want to punch and slide it into the punch. Especially if you are going to stamp first, it is really helpful to use just a strip of cardstock for perfect punch placement. When you punch your cupcake wrapper, just a bit of Chocolate Chip carstock will be wasted this way.

The fluffy icing is just as easy....

A tiny strip of your favorite red (Real Red shown below) is perfect for the little cherry. :) You can also slide in a tiny scrap of Daffodil Delight for your candle flame.

Some stampers were surprised by this locally, so I thought I should share how easy this punch is to use online as well.

Quick Stampin' Up! Create a Cupcake Card

2011-01-16T22:41:00.000-06:00

This card uses Stampin' Addicts Sketch Challenge #73, and the new Create a Cupcake Stampin' Up! stamp set and punch. It is a lot of fun to use, and this is a surprisingly quick card to make. I hope my customers enjoy making it at class this week.

Masculine Valentine MOJO173

2011-01-12T10:53:00.000-06:00

This week's Mojo Monday sketch is perfect for a Valentine, and my group usually likes at least one Masculine Valentine card. I used the Love Impressions Designer Series Paper with the Red Glimmer paper for the main image area. The little LOVE hearts from the I Heart Hearts set are stamped in Real Red for a contrasting random background for the straight patterned designer series paper. Add dimensionals and dovetailed Satin ribbon, and you're finished.