Easter Blooms for Valentines

When I first saw this little girl in the mini catalog I just knew I had to get the stamp.  She totally reminds me of my daughter.  I wish that she did not have a basket of eggs so that she could be a little more versatile.  I have figured out a few ways to get around that though!

For this card I have cut a little slit with my craft knife right along the rim of her basket.  I was able to stick the hearts in her basket and cover the eggs!  But in true fashion of a little girl skipping along she has let one fall out of her basket.  I think that I will be using this one for quite a few of my personal Valentines this year because it is so quick but the sparkly hearts and yummy crumb cake ribbon really bring it to life. 

Stamps: Easter Blooms, Well Scripted (retired)

Ink:  Crumb Cake, Real Red

Paper: Very vanilla, Real Red, Red Glitter Paper

Accessories:  Crumb Cake Seam Binding

Tools:  Big Shot, Tulips Border Embossing Folder, Two-Step Owl Punch (hearts)

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A fun Brag Book

I remember as a young child being amazed at a toy Jacob’s Ladder.  Watching the sections flip as it appeared to climb down the ladder.  A few years ago the tutorial was posted on splitcoaststampers and I was instantly hooked.  I cannot count how many of these I have made for different people.  I love making them and they are so much fun to give.  I usually give them “blank” so that the recipient can add their own photos.  Here is one version that I have made a few times over the last couple of months.  When I have given this one away as an undecorated gift I have always included tons of stamped images to make sure that the person who gets it can decorate it the way that they want. 

 

Stamps:  Fox and Friends

Ink: Sahara Sand, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Chocolate Chip, Poppy Parade

Paper:  Whisper White, Pear Pizzaz, Chocolate Chip Patterns DSP (retired)

Accessories: Chocolate Chip grosgrain (retired), Coasters

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DCBD #212

I don't know about you, but we have been having some awesome weather here lately.  Horrible fog in the morning but gorgeous sunny afternoons in the mid 60’s.  It has been so nice to get outside and play with the kids and stretch those winter legs!  This week’s Diva Coffee Break Designs challenge is a beautiful color combination that reflects the weather that we have been having.  The colors are so bright and fun.  At first I was a little skeptical, but once I pulled out some pieces of cardstock to start brainstorming I was sold on the colors.

This is a really simple little card that can easily be duplicated for a class or a workshop but I love it.
I can’t wait to see what you can do with these colors.  Head on over to the Diva Coffee Break Design Blog and check out what the other designers have created for some inspiration.  Then link up your creation so we can all oooo and aaaahh over it.
Stamps:  For You Flower
Ink:  (markers) Melon Mambo, Peach Parfait, Old Olive
Paper: Melon Mambo Textured cardstock, Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Peach Parfait,  Brights Collection DSP Stack, Hostess Level 1 In Color DSP pack
Accessories:  Old Olive Satin Ribbon, Stampin Dimensionals
Tools:  Fancy Flower Punch, 1 1/4 inch circle punch, 1 3/8 inch circle punchPin It Now!

Butterfly Birthdays

This was one of the first things I sat down to do last night when the kids were in bed.  I needed to just do something for me before I sat down to finalize things for this weeks DCBD challenge and Ustamp.  I am happy to say that they are both completed and a even a day before they are due.  Well actually I have to wait until my husband gets back in town so that I can use his laptop to convert a word document to a pdf but the hard part is done! 

I decided over the weekend that I wanted to get better at sending out birthday cards.  I know that I have already missed a few birthdays this month but I will probably send something belated and catch up to the first of the year.  I have some friends with birthdays this week so I wanted to make something for these before it was too late. 

Stamps:  Flight of the Butterfly

Ink:  Blushing Bride, Pear PIzzazz, Concord Crush

Paper: Level One In Color DSP Pack, Whisper White, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, and Concord Crush

Accessories:  Stampin Dimensionals, In Color Glimmer Brads

Tools:  Butterfly Punch

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No stamping at our house

I have been busy with the decluttering bug over the last few days and havent done much stamping and the stamping that I have done I cannot show you yet.  I just wanted to check in and remind you that Sale-A-Bration starts tomorrow!  I guess I didnt quite say that right.... SALE-A-BRATION STARTS TOMORROW!!!!!  It is one of the most exciting times of the year for stampers.  For every $50 in product purchase you can get something for free!  (Yep you read that right you can get more than one item for free if you spend more!)  I have been sitting on some Christmas money so that I can earn some stuff for free.  So I am staying up late to put in my order and also the hubby is out of town on business so that means I will have lots of stamping time tonight and stuff to show you tomorrow!

I do have one card that I can show you today.  This is a CASE of myself.    I really liked the layout of the first card I did here so I used it again!

I really wanted to brighten up and give it to a friend as a little pick me up. 

Stamps:  Word play, Vintage Vogue, Bella Toile BG
Ink: Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight
Paper:  Whipser White, Wild Wasabi, Melon Mambo and Marina Mist
Tools:  Scallop Trim Border Punch, Fancy Flower Punch, 3/4 inch circle punchPin It Now!

Valentines Bouquet

This idea was copied out of the January 2010 Stampin’ Success magazine (a magazine that Stampin’ Up! demonstrators receive.)  I stuck a post it note in it last year but ran out of time before getting it done for Valentine’s day.  Then I thought I would give it to my husband on our anniversary so I started but did not get it finished in time.  So all of the cut out hearts have been sitting in an envelope just waiting to be used.  I finally pulled them out!

A lot of these papers are now retired but you can use up any of your designer series paper stash.  I also threw in some flower punched from the Fancy Flower punch.  The vase is actually just a coca~cola cup from the dollar store.  In the bottom of the cup I have a bunch of punched hearts from the heart to heart punch. 

Paper:  Many different retired pink-red DSP

Accessories:  Designer Buttons, Corduroy Buttons and Brads

Tools:  Full Heart Punch, Fancy Flower Punch, 1 inch circle punch, 3/4 inch circle punch, Small Heart punch, Heart to Heart Punch

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Swap Around the World

During this most recent round of UStamp With Dawn and Friends, Dawn started a swap among the designers.  It was a one on one swap with also 2 extra going to Dawn.  All the desingers who wanted were able to participate and the extras would be made into a big bundle to give to one lucky winner!  Here is my card for the swap:

I really like how this card turned out.  It is a little different than I normally do because none of the layers are matted at all. It was hard to leave it that way but it really was better without the extra layers of matting.  It is kind of funny on the computer my eyes are having a hard time focusing on the greenery.  It keeps getting blurry because of the shadow stamping.  When I was looking at the card in real life I didn't have that problem.  In looking at it again I really showcased my love of the big shot.  I used it on four different elements on this card.  This stamp set and embossing folder are still my favorites.  I think that this would make a great all occasion card, but I did just recreate it and send it off as a sympathy card too.  I think it can go either way (happy or sad) depending on the greeting you stamp inside. 

Stamps:  Just Believe

Ink:  Pear Pizzazz, Wild Wasabi

Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black, Whisper White

Accessories:  Basic Pearls, Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon

Tools:  Big Shot, Scallop Oval Frame Die, Top Note Die, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Elegant Lines Embossing Folder

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DCBD #211

Welcome back to another Diva Coffeebreak Designs Wednesday.  This week was a sketch week.  And what a fun sketch it turned out to be.

I am trying to make use of some of my more neglected stamp sets and this is one that has not seen as much ink as it deserves.  I have used the bear images more than their sayings.

I stamped the bear first and colored her in with poppy and sahara sand markers.  Next I stamped the bear again on a piece of designer series paper and cut out the skirt part of the dress.  Then I stamped the image again on a post it note and covered the first image so that I could sponge the clouds in the sky.  (Since my post it note template was still sticky and in good shape I stuck it back in the box with the stamps to use again!)   I actually used a leftover frame from the scallop oval frame die, since my main oval was the middle part of the frame,  to use as my template for the clouds.  I sponged in some always artichoke grass and drew a few grass lines with the same marker.   The ribbon was whisper white but I colored it with my Poppy Parade marker and because I was in a hurry and couldn't wait too long for it to dry I wiped it with a baby wipe and a paper towel.  It did soften/lighten up the color some but I think it still works great. 

I hope that you feel inspired by the sketch and can play along with us at the Diva Coffee Break Designs Blog and share your creations with us.  Thanks!

Stamps: Beary Best Friends, Beary Nice Wishes

Ink:  Poppy Parade, Not Quite Navy, Sahara Sand, and Always Artichoke

Paper:  Whisper White, Poppy Parade, Not Quite Navy, Sahara Sand, and Poppy Parade Patterns DSP (Hostess Pack)

Accessories:  Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon

Tools:  Big Shot, Scallop Oval Frame Die, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Small and Large Oval punches, stampin’ sponge

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Color Coach Combo Flower

I absolutely love the new color coach it is so fun to work with and has many wonderful color combinations.  I sat down to stamp and didnt know where to begin so I whipped out my color coach and just opened it up to a random card and picked the color combo off it.  I ended up with Poppy Parade, So Saffron and Baja Breeze.

I love how you can mix and match the colors from different families and they coordinate together.  It is also neat to see the colors almost transform when paired with certain colors.  The Baja Breeze takes on a completely different look when paired together with the Poppy.  I even had to double check and make sure that I did not use the retired color Sage Shadow when I was done, but sure enough it was Baja Breeze. 

Stamps: For you Flower (single stamp), Pretty Petals Background Stamp

Ink:  So Saffron, Poppy Parade

Paper:  Baja Breeze, Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Whisper White

Accessories:  Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin Dimensionals

Tools: Fancy Flower Punch, 1 3/4 inch circle punch

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A purse!

Just when I get on a roll on getting post up regularly something has to thwart my progress.  I had some issues with the usb port on my computer all of the sudden not recognizing the wireless internet adapter.  I finally got it figured out though, and I still can’t believe I did it all on my own.  I lost a lot of time troubleshooting the whole issue but I finally got the internet back up and running.  WooHoo.  Well back to the reason that you came here today, the stamping!

Actually today’s, sample has zero stamping on it.  It is a cute purse template that I got from Becky Roberts.  This is another item that we did at one of my classes.  It was fun to create and is a great little tote for a small thinking of you gift to give to some one.   The purse “buckles” closed with some sticky backed velcro so that you can open and close it with out destroying it. 

Paper: Basic Black

Accessories:  Real Red Epoxy Brads, White Gel Pen, Silver Brads, Sticky Strip, Sticky Back Velcro (non-su!)

Tools: Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder

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DCBD #210

Its Wednesday again, time for another Diva Coffee Break Design Challenge!  This week is color challenge week and I love the colors we were given. 
Such a great combination, so of my favorites to work with, so many possibilities.  That was my problem there were too many possibilities.  I sat down to brain storm and sketch some things out and the ideas kept coming.  You will probably see this color combo used in a few more posts as soon as I get them completed. 
This is the card that I ended going with.  I wanted to use the Birthday Bliss stamp set because I just stumbled across it and found it unmounted.  I forgot that I had it and I think that I got it last year at Sale A Bration time.  So I have had it a while.  Opps.  So I paired it with my much neglected Fifth Ave Floral set. 
 
We all want to see what you can do with these colors!  So hop on over to the Diva Coffee Break Designs Blog and check out what the other Diva Designers have created as your inspiration, create along with us and link your creation for us to check out!
Stamps: Birthday Bliss, Fifth Ave Floral
Ink:  Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, Sahara Sand
Paper: Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, Sahara Sand and Whisper White
Accessories:  Stampin Dimensionals, Navy Taffeta Ribbon
Tool:  Wide Oval PunchPin It Now!

Fancy Chocolate Box

My project that I created for UStamp went live today so I can finally share it with you.  I am so happy with this box.  I saw a box of chocolates it while shopping in the wee hours of the morning on Black Friday.  I don't remember if it was Dove or Hershey bliss but it was a really cute fancy box.  Someone had opened one to take a piece of candy out and it was cool looking.  I checked it out while waiting in line and that was it until about a week and a half later I was asked to create for UStamp and I decided I wanted to make it.  I went back to the store and of course could not find the box.  I went home and spent hours trying to make it work based on my memory.  Well I finally figured it out and got it working and I LOVE it!  I did add my own spin on it to add in the window to see the yummy chocolate.

Who wants to worry about nutrition information when eating chocolate?  So the back has the “To Do” list image.  I know that it is one that I can take care of today!Here is the whole set that I made.  The cards are 4x4 cards and I made some matching envelopes to go with them!

If you would like the directions for this box check out the “Year End Blow Out” session of UStamp with Dawn and Friends.  http://ustampwithdawnandfriends.com/

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UStamp Oh my Word Edition

I am so honored to have been chosen again to be a designer for UStamp with Dawn and Friends!!  I have another free pass to give away but again I am encouraged to go out and make a new friend in the stamping world that has inspired us.  So make sure that you have your stamping on display out in internet land so that I might be able to find you!

 Don't miss a day of the LIVE FUN!! Opening Day Invites go out February 11, 2011
Last Project posted March 3, 2011
*****

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entered into a drawing to win 1 of 2 Stampin' Up! 

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Winners will be announced Monday, January 17th.

Join us for UStamp with Dawn & Friends!! Oh My Word!! Edition 2011!! Every project will have something to say and you will want to be there to hear all about it!!

Dawn is especially excited to announce that for the very first time, UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! will be showcasing every single project with at least one word. Sometimes a single word says it all and sometimes several words are the right fit. Big words, little words and everything in between...come and be inspired by projects that speak to all of us and get your creativity soaring!!

The Occasions Mini Catalog, Sale-a-bration Brochure and IB&C Hostess Products as well as some other seasonal catalog favorites, take Center Stage for this event!! Talk about FUN!! This is going to be another CAN NOT MISS Event that everyone will be tallking about!!

  Color Combo's ROCK!! I know, you know!! Why change a REALLY GREAT thing, right??!! The Oh My Word!! Edition 2011 event will include a different Color Combo with every project and by the end of the event, ALL 40+ of the SU! colors will have been used in a project. 40+ different projects with at least one word, with 40+ coordinating cards & envelopes, with PDF's, in 20 days...you will be bursting with inspiration!! We are talkin' reving your Creative Mojo to the MAX!! Seriously??!! This is a tremendous value that you CAN'T pass up!!

 

 

Here is what you can expect when you join us...

* 40+ Projects...every single one with at least one word!!

* 40+ unique Color Combos...using every single SU! Color...no color gets left behind
* 40+ co-ordinating cards with co-ordinating stamped/embellished envelopes

* ALL 40+ Projects include downloadable PDF with Photo's

* Designer hosted chats with LOTS of prizes

* Open Chat Room 24x7

* Gallery to share your re-creations

* A totally cool blinkie for your website/blog

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Sticky Note Holder Tutorial

I was so lucky, both girls are napping at the same time.  I actually had time to sit down and do the tutorial.  And they are still asleep so I can actually post it!  This is truly a rare occasion in my house. 
These are so quick and easy to create you are bound to have fun making your own.  Here are two new ones I made while putting this tutorial together.
 (Of course I didn't notice when I was taking my picture that the pen is not pushed all the way in, but really it does and it it the perfect size for the holder.) After doing the tutorial using the blue cover above I tried sticking a “golf pencil” in and it slid right out, and that will not work in my bag, I need them to stay together.  I did make the dimensions a but different to accommodate the smaller pencil.  Then it was too small for a full pad of sticky notes so I just put in a half of a pad. 
Ok on to the good stuff, the Sticky Note Holder Instructions :
Supplies: Scoring Tool, Scissors, Adhesive, Cardstock cut to measure 3 ¼ by 7 3/8 inches,


Step 1: Score the long side of the cardstock at 3 1/8”, 3 ½”, and 3 7/8”. Burnish/crease the score lines to make them more defined and easier to work with.



 



Step 2: Fold cardstock “in half” at the middle of the three score lines. Cut a line at about 1 ¾” from the folded edges and stop at the next score line. Cut another line at about 2 ¼”.









Step 3: (In this pic the 3 ½” side is on the left.) Apply glue in the first 3/8” scored area skipping the small part between the two cuts. Fold over to glue together.






Step 4: Pop out the pencil holder (since you didn’t apply glue there it should fold out.)
Attach a sticky note pad flush with the top fold. Embellish!







These instructions were based on a mini gel pen like the one in the picture.

If you want to use a golf pencil, I found that it slides out easily so I adjusted the dimensions.
Start out with a 7 by 3 ¼ inch piece of cardstock. Score at 3 3/8, 3 5/8, and
3 7/8 inches. Everything else is the same. It does make a smaller cover so I only used a half of a sticky note pad (50 sheets).





Since I had some rare extra free time I had a chance to make the tutorial a document you can down load right here!
Holder # 1
Stamps: Cute By The Inch
Ink: Night of Navy, Marina Mist
Paper:  Whisper White, Marina Mist, Night of Navy
Accessories:  Whisper White 1/4” grosgrain ribbon, Dimensionals
Tools:  Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, 1 1/4” square punch, Scallop Square punch
Holder #2
Stamps:  Eat Chocolate
Ink:  Early Espresso, Riding Hood Red
Paper:  Peach Parfait DSP (from InColor Hostess DSP stack), Whisper White, Riding Hood Red
Accessories:  Riding Hood Red Taffetta (retired), Sticky Strip

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Friends Notepad Holder

Today I have another 3-d item from my last class.  I am still working on getting a tutorial done for the post it note holder, hopefully I can get it done tonight.  It has been a busy week getting caught up everything that didn't get done over the holidays as well as getting back in the school groove.  I got this project idea from Nichole Heady on her blog.  She has the template for the pencil holder and cover here.  I didn't have the notepads that she sells so I had to adapt the project to fit the notepads that I had on hand, which was a lot easier than I thought.  I did have to trim my pages down a little bit as they were too long to fit in a standard 8.5 x 11 sheet of cardstock.  This was easy to do with my table top trimmer from SU!  I was able to cut through large chunks of paper at a time as well as the chipboard backing easily. 

Stamps:  Friends Never Fade

Ink:  Pumpkin Pie

Paper:  Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, Greenhouse Gala DSP

Tools:  1/2 inch circle punch

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Tissue Box

It is the season of runny noses and colds so one of our big projects at my class last week was a tissue box cover.  These tissue companies try to make pretty/fancy decorations on their boxes but really none of them ever match my decor, so we fixed that problem last week.

I found the instructions on splitcoaststampers here.  I had out all of my embossing folders and let them pick what pattern they wanted to use.  They all turned out great. 
I had several email requests for the post it note cover so I will work up a quick tutorial and post it in the next few days.Pin It Now!

Diva Coffee Break Designs # 209

It’s a sketch!  I know that I have complained many times before about how difficult sketch challenges are for me, but I think that I am getting better at them.  I dont seem to have as much difficulty as I used to in transforming a blank sketch into something that I am happy with.  I do have to admit I was intimidated when I first saw this sketch.  I could not instantly think of how I was going to use these long rectangles.  But it all worked itself out in the end and I am happy with the card that turned out.  I had to move my faux brads to the top instead of the bottom because my bow was too big and I did not like how my smaller bows looked.  The brads are 3/8 inch circle punches from the mini punch bundle that are coated in crystal effects to make them pop and look a little more like a brad. 

I would love to see what you can do with this sketch, so hop on over to the DivaCoffeeBreakDesigns Blog and check out what the other Diva Designers have created and link your creation for us to check out!  (Wow talk about your run on sentence!)

Stamps:  Friends Never Fade, Thank You Kindly

Ink: Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Pear PIzzazz

Paper:  Whisper White, Pear pizzazz and Greenhouse Gala DSP

Accessories: Crystal Effects, Early Espresso

Tools: 3/8 inch circle punch

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Post it Note Holder

I love having post it notes or little pads of paper in my bag for jotting things down while I am out and about.  My previous post it not holder has been floating around in my purse/diaper bag for over a year and was looking pretty sad so I decided it was time to update. 

The design is based off of some notepads that I picked up in the dollar bins at the “M” craft store ages ago.  I think that the cute little gel pens came from the Dollar Bins at the “T” store also a long time ago. 

The stamped image is actually stamped on Whisper White cardstock but it was just too white looking so after I colored the flowers and leaves I made a “wash” with Soft Suede to give it more of an aged and softer look to it.  I just used my aquapainter and squished the lid of the ink pad to pick up ink.  By doing this it also softened the other colored images.  I know there are several versions of these floating around out there in blog land but if you want me to post the directions just let me know and I will figure out a tutorial. 

Stamps: Dreams du Jour

Ink:  Soft Suede, Black, Melon Mambo, Not Quite Navy, Wild Wasabi

Paper:  Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi

Tools: Stampin Sponge, Scallop Circle Punch, Aquapainter

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I am ready for some sun!

Finally we are forcasted for some sun and dry weather.  Living in California we are not used to extended periods with out the sun, I know we are spoiled.  Finally the rain and clouds are gone, sun for the next 5 days!  So to celebrate the sun I have a nice bright and cheery card to share with you. 

I created my own DSP using the Awash With Flowers stamp set on Shimmery White cardstock.  The colors that I used were Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Poppy Parade and Daffodil Delight.  Of course it is still dark so the picture isn’t the best, it is really bright and shimmery in person.  The sentiment if from the Just Believe stamp set.  I just inked up each word one at a time to take the one line image and turn it into one that could be punched out with the circle punch.

Stamps: Awash With Flowers, Just Believe

Ink:  Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade, Basic Black

Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade amd Shimmery White

Tools:  1 1/4 inch circle punch, 1 inch circle punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Big Shot, and Two Tags Die

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