Round two!

For the last little girl. . .her favorite color was orange. This little girl's favorite color is blue. . .

Thankfully, I can always find the perfect paper in my stash :) This Summer Picnic Designer paper is so dang cute!! I like the monogram style for a gift like this, as I don't think it will "date" itself. . .and she hopefully can use it for a while before it gets messed up!

Same concept as on the last tin, with the rhinestone brad sunk into Crystal effects. The marker did very well with the ModPodge, so no smearing on that. . .bonus! Both of the tins were filled with little notepads, pens, scissors, crayons/color pencils kinda stuff. My daughter has a "restaurant box" that she uses--and only when we go out to eat. This is kinda what I had in mind when making these. . .but these have a lot more "stuff" inside than I usually pack in there.

Apparently I should have done this for my daughter immediately upon signing up as a demo, because I was stopped on three separate occasions yesterday in 1 hour (in the process of shopping for the goodies to fill the tins) and asked if I would "show them the inside", and "isn't that just the cutest thing!". . .

Yay! I just gave them my business card/blog address. . . and hopefully they are reading this :)

*waving* Hi ladies! I can teach you how to make these--As well as other things of course. . .my class schedule is in the left sidebar!! We have lots of fun :)

I will be making my daughter one very soon. And she will be able to carry it everywhere we go. Won't she be pleased!

Fun striped grograin in Real Red and Bashful Blue, as well as 1/4in grograin in Real Red and 5/8 grograin in Old Olive to finish it off. . .I think both of the little ladies were pleased.

Success!!!

Double Whammy

My daughter has *two* birthday parties today!

I can post this first present. . . as the little girl's mom doesn't have internet access at home currently. (I don't know about you, but that makes me break out in a cold sweat just typing it.)

I made her daughter a little personalized (provocraft) tin with Bali Breeze DSP. Which you may know by now, that I crazy in love with. And I used the last of it making this. . .so time to place an order apparently!

It is difficult to see, but the little brad is from the fire rhinestone brads (pumpkin). I cut the prongs off, and sunk the head of the brad into the little white punched flower (from the three for you punch box)--which is covered in Crystal Effects.

The on-board letter is covered in teal dsp, with some gel pen dots for detail. . .which did *not* like Modpodge, btw. Be very careful if doing this. . . and I was just able to stop before it looked really muddy. . .I probably will try not to do that again. . .but it is so cute!

I really had a hard time not putting some more bling on this! I figured that was the safest little piece, and anything else was going to fall off or look dingy with use later. . .so I had to resist.

The recipient of this gift is five years old :) That being said, if it can't be washed and sanitized without ruining it--her mom is going to put it in the closet as a keepsake! (the horror!) So, in an effort to circumvent this, I put a ridiculous amount of ModPodge on it.

I would have to check to be sure, but I actually think this tin is bulletproof.

At the very least, you could probably run it thru the dishwasher. (Please don't try this, Erin!)

Now--I know that ribbon gets dirty. But it can also be removed! If not rinsed clean in the sink if necessary, than at least replaced eventually. . .right? So I figured I was safe with this part :)

There is a bit of fray check on the ends of each, so they will stay nice for as long as possible.

When wrapping the outside with DSP, twelve inches is not enough. . .so I covered the seams with these punched flowers. . .I used both the 5-petal, and Boho Flower punch.

I loooove this tin!

And so does my daughter--so I have some work to do before her birthday :)

I will post the other tin (which uses the Summer Picnic papers--my other new best friend!), after the birthday party is over. Her mommy is online all the time, so I don't want to ruin the surprise of what it looks like!

Have a great Saturday!

Enjoying my build a brads :)

Build a Brad is so fun to play with!

I am particularly enjoying putting it in the center of this little "o". I did it on my clear envelope brag book *here* . In fact, this is a leftover brad w/rub-on flower from demonstrating that project to my club.

It always matches, and you can just about smack it on anywhere and it looks cute.

I prefer the colors in the brag book, but I was working in the parameters of the challenge at the MI Mingle, so I didn't get to decide. . . Anything that gets me using that red zigzag ribbon (from Jersey Ribbon originals) can't be bad! I have a ton of that stuff. Super heavy, so it is really interesting on a card.

This finished card is 4 1/4 square, with the DSP being a strip 4in wide (just folds to make the pocket). All the colors were taken right from the DSP color cheat sheet that you can find *here*.

Have a great FRIDAY!

Color Combo Links

In the process of cleaning up my computer files, I am coming across little tidbits of useful info. . .I have started a category called "SU Product tips" to keep them organized on my blog. There are only a couple in that category so far, but I use them all the time, so I thought I would share :)

Today's tip comes in the form of two websites. . .both are tools for color combinations using SU's exclusive color families and in colors. *Very* useful if you are brainstorming!!! Give them a try!

I will also put these on my sidebar, for easy access. . . Hope you find them useful:

*Scrapitude*

and

*SUColorQ*

March Hostess Club Project

These little treats are so fun!

It is nice to have a little project you can whip out from your existing stash of DSP. . .

Or you could get some fun new papers for the heck of it. Maybe some new Summer Picnic Designer paper for example? And while you are at it, you might as well get the stinkin' cute set that matches. . .which is why you should take my Tart N Tangy class!

You can check out the details in the post below, or just click on the "class schedule" category to see what I have going on currently. Hope you can make it!

If you can resist these luscious little cutsey fruits, you are a bigger woman than I am.

We added a little tropical fruit sugary goodness (aka: runts) and a little striped grograin to top it off. So easy to make! I was dangerously close to separating the little oranges/strawberries/limes into little piles for filling the bags. . .

Then I slapped myself and I remembered that my *husband* is the OCD one in this family--Not me. That was a close one ;)

EDITED TO ADD:

I have been informed that this can also be used as an impromptu drinking cup! Whatever you decide to use it as, it is darn cute. . .and can be found in two places.

If you are a SU demo, you can find it in the June/06 Stampin' Success (an 8.5in x 8.5in verision).

***So you are aware*** The instructions in SS tell you to fold to the "midpoint of the opposite edge". If you do this. . .your pouch will be wonky! It is closer to the top than it is to the midpoint. Play with it on a scrap piece to start. . .and check out the next link:

Online, there is an Origami picture tutorial for the folds that is *very* helpful. It can be found *here*. These instructions are nice and simple! It also gives you the proper way to find the accurate folds. Just start with a square (again, mine was 6x6), and after you fold down the front flap--don't fold down the back!

I also used my fingernail to press up on the bottom, which gives it a little more room inside for a treat. Use some removable adhesive on the back of the cello bag to keep it from sliding out every 30 seconds :)

If you are mass producing these for Kindergarteners (see below ;) you can hide a staple under the front element. . .I put the smooth side on the interior of the treat to keep from catching on the bag, and added the scallop piece to the front using dimensionals.

Hope all this helps you!!! Sorry if I am being wordy. . .

Go make one, it will take you three minutes! I made 22 of these from a hostess prints pack for Easter school treats. . . .in 1.5hours! I am completely serious! It was at midnight, but hey. . .that is pretty quick for that many little favors :) In my exaustion, I forgot to take a picture *sigh* so please don't ask to see them and rub it in. . . .

A big thank you to Amy (Tethered2Home on SCS) for providing the link, and to CraftCrazy98 on SCS for bringing this fold to my attention at the MI Mingle! Super fun and easy. . .

Btw, if you make one. . . .Link in the comments so we can see it!! I want to see yours, too :)

Color/Sketch challenge combo

So, I was stamping in the Moonlight last night. . . for the SCS sketch challenge.

Every week, Splitcoaststampers (there is a link in the sidebar) hosts challenges. I believe it is one for each day. You can find them in the forums section. Here is my first attempt at participation. Let me know what you think!

I combined the color challenge from Tuesday and the Sketch challenge from Wednesday. It was different (and fun) to work within the parameters and see what happens. . .

The colors are Whisper white, Bashful blue, and Basic Grey. Accessories are basic grey taffeta and stylized silver hodgepodge, and the ink is versamark with clear EP. I started out with bashful blue ribbon, and just wasn't happy with it. . . I think the grey looks much better.

I am here to tell you--taking pictures at night under a halogen bulb turns white to yellow. . .sorry about that folks! You don't want to know how late I was up so I could see and finish the sketch challenge. Just a clue-the sketch challenge isn't posted until *Wednesday* . . .and then I had to make the card :) I will just say it was niiiice and quiet around here!

Anyway, I may be able to get better photos today. If the light permits :) I will post them if I do!

One last bit of Easter

One last bit of Easter here. . .

This card is very Kristina Werner-esque. . .which is fine with me, as who wouldn't be okay with a little influence from that genius :) If you haven't seen her blog yet. . . it is *here*.

This was a Stylized Silver hodgepodge class card. . .It uses Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, and Spring Fling DSP. . . as well as Pretty in Pink taffeta. The little egg is from ABC Images. . .which was nice, as some in class really didn't have a use for an Easter card.

Therefore, I saw a little flower pop up, and a little Queen . . .both of which turned out *very*cute! Gotta love the flexibility of ABC images, paired with Fundamental Phrases!

The sentiment is embossed versamark ink. . .with clear powder.

Hope you like it :)

Easter Festivities

I do so enjoy a good bout of Easter Egg Decorating :)

We always have to boil up a few extra so Mom can play, too. Dad did one, but then he was over it. How can you resist all the little cups of dye???

I have to leave them in for a while to get them nice and dark. . .

Which can be difficult, when accompanied by a five year old.

She did at one point have to explain to her dad. . . "This is my egg, and I can do it however I want." Oooookay! Maybe that is why dad backed off!

Don't mess with my kid's eggs, man. She will put you in your place ;)

What mom has perfected? The art of "distraction".

Quick, give her some stickers and a dry egg. . . . Then the others can sit in the dye for five minutes while she plasters stickers over every square centimeter of the one she has. It works.

She went thru that whole sheet of stickers. On three eggs.

But, Mom's eggs were nice and brightly colored--Everybody wins! Except Dad is now in watching March Madness. . . Okay, so he win's too. . .because that is probably what he wanted to do in the first place :)

Hope you had a great Easter Sunday!

Friendly Flower

Here is a card I made while at the MI Mingle. . .yes, I did stamp and not just socialize!

The color combo was insipred by a beaded bracelet that Rachel (hillmangirl on scs) picked up in Frankenmuth while we were there. I never did make it over to that shop. . .I will have to catch it the next time around!

I borrowed this set from Diane Gill (dgill on scs, I believe) to make this at our gathering I can't wait to make a scrapbook page with that huge flower! Because I just bought the set. Thanks a LOT Diane ;) It was just to awesome to resist!

I inked the entire flower in soft sky, then used pumpkin pie and chocolate chip markers for the details in the flower.

I like the uncomplicated sentiment on the card, so I can use this for a lot of different reasons.

Hope you are having a great Easter Sunday!

Happy Easter on Sunday!

This was a Stamp Camp card this month. . .


This is just the cutest little chick!
My upline owns this set (a Good Egg), and let me borrow it for class (thanks, Jen :).

I had some fun, then had to borrow it *again* and used it to stamp 45 eggs. . . .I masked each one off, stamping 15 flower eggs, 15 zigzag stripe eggs, and 15 polka dot eggs. At which point I took all the eggs to my daughter's Kindergarten class and they did some egg coloring and cut them out. . . They each made a card with the eggs on the front, and a little chick image on the inside.

They turned out pretty cute :) I am feeling that I now need to buy this, so I can leave Jen alone!

I am forever borrowing things from her. Good thing she likes me, because her answer is usually yes! (Thank goodness). Lord knows I have enough stamps for fifty people, but there is always that one set I don't have. . . .

Papers are whisper white, sage shadow, spring fling DP, and pretty in pink. The ribbon is 1/4in pretty in pink grograin, and the image is watercolored with inkpads and a blender pen.

I cased this layout from a magazine, and I don't remember which one. Oops! I have piles, so it could be anything. . . Simple easter card, but I like how it looks :) I brought my Soft Subtles eyelets to class, and gave everyone the choice of white/banana/pretty in pink eyelets. I am thinking a color would have looked better on this one-because you can see the white paper thru the opening. Good lord I am chatty today. . .

Anyhoo. . . Happy Easter!

April class info

Hola, Stamping Chicas :)
I have April class info for you all. . .so here goes!

April Stamp Camp
When: Tuesday April 8th @ 6pm

Where: The Book Shoppe
R.S.V.P. no later than April 4th

3 cards for Ten Bucks. . .you know the routine ;) Embellishments, fun new things, good times! Hope you can make it!

Btw, I know I will not be holding this class in June, and not sure about July. I will let you know when I know for sure!

April Stamp-a-Stack
When: Saturday, April 26th @ 10am

Where: The Book Shoppe
Cost: $35
R.S.V.P. no later than April 14th

We are making *ten* cards this time-2 each of 5 designs

I like it when you get to go home with lots of "stuff", so prepare to get a bunch! We are using the Tart and Tangy stamp set from the Holiday mini, 1/2 package of Summer Picnic DP, and a full package of note cards (20 including envelopes) from the Catalog. You take home *all* the extras!

What's even better than that?? A deal!

If you attend my class, I will give you free shipping on any coordinating products!!!

This includes the Designer paper pack, any products in the coordinating four colors (real red, pumpkin pie, bashful blue, old olive), anything else that goes with the tart and tangy theme! The order must be placed by the R.S.V.P. date, along with your registration to the class.

These projects are bright and fun, a perfect start to the spring season--maybe by April we will be feeling more "Spring" weather!

I would love to see you at one of these classes :)

Please know, that I am going to try and offer classes thru May, but things change! These may or may not be the last ones available until post-baby delivery. Thank you for your support of me and what I do, as well as your understanding of my somewhat uncertain schedule over the next few months! I am feeling great, and things couldn't be going any better than they are :) As of last week, I am seven months already! Yikes!

Stylized Silver Hodgepodge #3

I can NOT wait for it to actually *feel* like spring!

So I made this card with daffodils so I could live vicariously thru my stamps :)

This card uses the set "Wonderful You", which is included in the promotion thru April 30th! Yes, another promotion! SU Rawks. See *here* for the details on that promo, as well as the Hostess promotion and the discount paper pack. Lots of deals going on over here!

I used markers and my stamp-a-majig to get the flowers the way I wanted them. It makes me all fuzzy to think that these flowers will be in my yard soon! Yay!

Some details: Paper-Mellow Moss, Apricot Appeal, Whisper White; Ink-SU markers in barely banana, mellow moss, apricot appeal, and old olive; Other Stuff- Stylized silver hodgepodge, mellow moss taffeta, dimensionals, stamp-a-majig.

Deals on Wheels :)

Free Wheelin' Promotion
If you haven't experienced the fun, ease, and versatility of our Stampin' Around wheels, now is your chance. From March 18 through April 30, when you buy a pre-selected stamp set, you'll receive the coordinating wheel absolutely FREE!

112848-Wonderful You bundle

Includes Wonderful You stamp set and free Stems & Silhouettes jumbo wheel
$33.95

112851-Life's a breeze bundle

Includes Life's a Breeze stamp set and free Something Fishy jumbo wheel
$29.95

112850-Pun Fun bundle

Includes Pun Fun stamp set and free Sweet Stars jumbo wheel
$30.95

112847-Year after Year bundle

Includes Year after Year stamp set and free See You Around jumbo wheel
$30.95

112849-Stitched Exotics bundle

Includes Stitched Exotics stamp set and free It's Beautiful jumbo wheel
$33.95

112853-Enjoy Every Moment bundle

Includes Enjoy Every Moment stamp set and free Daisy Dash jumbo wheel
$29.95

You'll be amazed at all the ways you can use wheels to add depth and dimension to your projects!
To take advantage of this wheely great deal (har-de-har :), contact your demonstrator (hopefully that's me :) TODAY!

Hodgepodge class Card/Bag set

I gots me some new stamps :)

And some new hardware :)

So we had to make a bunch of cards with all of it, right?!?!?! Hence, Hodgepodge class sample #2

This is a wedding card (obviously) and bag set, but I just luuuve it so I thought I would share. The colors are Groovy Guava, Basic Grey and Whisper White. The stamp set is To Have and To Hold. SO CUTE. The white panel opens to the left, and the card base is Basic Grey.

We punched the newlyweds out with the designer label punch, which oh-so-conveniently fits into the new stylized silver hodgepodge! Have you gotten an up close look at that tin of metal yet?!?

*fans self furiously* I just love it when they do that. . .

Get on it, ladies! (that is if you haven't already, of course :)

Not all wedding gifts would fit inside one of SU's gift bags, but maybe this will help you control your spending! Make it fit, so your little ensemble will be perfectly matched!

In other news, I have some fun pictures from my daughter's classroom today. . .I will see if I can get them up this week. . . I have both my clubs to cut for first!

Have a great St Patty's day :)

Happy Leprechaun Day on Monday :)

Who knew I was really going to like this stamp set?!?!

One of my roomies (scrappyrachel on scs) let me borrow it to stamp a couple of things, and I made this card for fun. . .I don't want to send it to anyone! I really like how it turned out (not the best picture, but I love that sentiment) and I can't make another one until I get my own set.

Which I can assure you will be happening. . .thanks *alot* Rachel ;)

The Colors are W.White, Chocolate Chip and Wild Wasabi. The ribbon is C Chip 5/8 grograin.

I stamped off once with the clover (or as my daughter calls it "cauliflower"--but not the kind you eat mom. . .) to put it behind the sentiment. So fun!

Is he not the cutest little guy??

I will take a picture of the little clips I am making for Regan's class, and update when I get one. . .I am going to put them on all the kids on Monday at the party. . .fun times :)

Hope you are having a great Saturday!

Stylized Silver Carousel Note

Nancy (phantom on SCS) and I were discussing these notes today, so I thought I would post this card! A sample from my Sunday Hodgepodge class coming up. . .

These carousel notes are so fun!


I used the Classy Brass template-Pick a Petal-for the gel pen and piercing detail. The stamps are the new set "Live your Dream" from the occasions mini, and the ribbon is the new poly-twill in Chocolate Chip. I had a lot of fun playing with this :) The envelopes are so beautiful as well.

Just a reminder. . .you have until Monday to contact me with any last minute Sale-a-Bration orders or Starter Kit orders--After that. . . too bad so sad! Seriously, you can of course order whatever you want whenever you want :) But Sale-a-Bration is over on Monday. . .Don't forget!

Have a great weekend!

Challenge card

What is up with the lighting situation around here???

I need an ott lite or something. The sun has just not been cooperating with me lately!

Anyhoo. . .here is my challenge card from last weekend. I was pretty happy with it! I know a lot of people aren't big fans of this set from the Occasions Mini (She's all That), but I happen to luuuve it. The girls are stylized and fun--not realistic, so please people. . .quit dissin' my girls!

I say they are just fun all around :)

I used chocolate chip classic ink, then the stamp-a-majig to stamp over them with versamark (for embossing purposes, as I didn't have my craft ink with me) so she is raised up-even tho' you can't see it very well. . .

The gift bag is from Bitty Birthdays, stamped with stazon on Afternoon Tea DP (this is my favorite sheet in this package), then has a bit of tissue glued behind it. A couple of pop dots and a bit of hemp, and you are good to go! I had fun with this, and plan on playing around some more with my new ladies this week if I get a chance. . .

I will be sure to let you know if I do ;)

MI Mingle 2008

I had such a good time!!!!

If you can go in the future. . .you should :) I highly recommend it.

Here is a card I made for one of the challenges. . .and it won. Yay!!!

I stamped the present from Bitty Birthdays onto the designer paper, and used tissue to make it look like a present :) It turned out pretty cute I think! I will post some better pictures when I get them. . . I took these at the crop.

Here I am, being a dork :)

One of the Minglers-Ann/amf1066 made these for us. . . they are so gorgeous!
She made one for all 52 of us. Quite a job, and I really appreciate mine :)

I have a ton of pictures to share, and I need to get permission for quite a few of them. . .but as I do, I will share them with you. Other than that, you can see the "people" pictures *here* plus whatever everyone uploads from the event.

Hope everyone has had a great start to their week!

Pun Fun. . .again. . .and again. . .

Here is my last upload from this class :)

We made more projects, but better to leave them to the imaginations of those who were unable to attend!!! Maybe next time, right!

Just a little pocket card, using Bali Breeze, and some Old Olive cs. . .

The DP is 4x11, with a 1 1/2 in flap folded down in front. . .super easy and cute!

The Whale from Pun Fun was colored with pastels. . .and the sentiment stamped in Old Olive ink

The friend stamp is from Fundamental Phrases, and was punched out with a square punch, then rounded with the corner rounder. . . .

I am almost ready for the MI SCS Mingle! Leaving tomorrow, so it is crunch time for my swaps and getting everything packed. . . I will take my camera and post for those who may not have been able to make it in by the registration cutoff. . .maybe next year we can get a bigger place!!!

Happy Bird day Toooo Yooooo. . . .

Awww. . .it's a little birdie

I wonder what stamp set that is from???

Oh wait, I am on Robin's blog so it has to be Pun Fun!

Oh yes, yet another sample from my class :) Using Jersey Shore DP in case you were wondering. . .Nikki says the paper looks like a Spirograph design.

No wonder it is so kewl!

This week I will be posting some fun stuff using other stamp sets, I promise!!! I am furiously stamping 52 cards for a card swap, and cutting loads of paper for a shoebox swap coming up this weekend. . . at the SCS Michigan Mingle!!! Woo Hoo!

It is full, but I promise to post pictures so you can live vicariously :)

Happy Tuesday!

Another SU Deal :)

A Paper pack special started. . .thought I would give you the heads-up!

~Purchase a special-offer Wild Wasabi card stock pack for only $3.95~

The pack includes 16 sheets of 4-1/2" x 11-1/2" Wild Wasabi textured card stock that has been scored at 1-1/8" and 5-5/8".

There is no limit to the number of Wild Wasabi card stock packs that you may purchase.

Hostesses may use their hostess awards to get the card stock pack!