Tour De Freaks!

Welcome to the monthly Tour De Freaks Blog Hop!

I hope you are enjoying the ride! Be sure to make the rounds to all the amazing ladies that can be found in our tour today. . .Not the least of which is the lovely, freaky Wendy Weixler, who sent you to me. Thanks Wendy!

I am going to share with you my “little experiment” with backgrounds and the Serene Snowflakes stamp set. I LOVE these snowflakes! I used the same colors and stamp set, just different background techniques so you can compare . . .

This first card is using Stampin’ Up’s new Shimmer paint:

I don’t know how well this photographed, but there is a of Night of Navy layer, as well as a window sheet layer directly over top. Both layers are stamped with frost white shimmer paint. I used a sponge dauber to apply the paint directly to the stamp.

The effect is so gorgeous! Stamp the window sheet first, so you can see exactly where you need snowflakes to fall underneath. . .

The sentiment is from the hostess set Christmas Punch, and the ribbon is basic grey taffeta.

Subtle and marvelous come to mind, too. . .but let’s move on!

The second is a brayered Background:

Here, I went for the glossy cardstock and layered my colors. Snowflakes in versamark, brayer with Night of Navy ink, more snowflakes in Night of navy both stamped off and full color. . .

Oh My Sparkle!! Dazzling Diamonds anyone?!?

Hope you take a jump right over to the gorgeous and oh-so-talented Cindy Major and see what she has to share! Have a great week :)

Enjoying Life at Convention!!!

WoW!  What an awesome time!

I was unable to take my laptop this year, as it is my daughter’s connection with Daddy overseas and I wanted them to be able to chat via webcam.  That being said-they didn’t even use it while I was gone. . .Which makes me *really* wish I had taken it to share everything with you all!

Anyhoo, I wanted to share a project I made before I left.  This is the notebook I made for my downline, Jen.

  

I wanted us to have matching ones, so I picked up two.  I want to say it was at Meijer?  I have been really trying to remember where I picked these up, as everyone who photographed this at convention wanted to know! 

It has been a while since I bought it so I think my brain let that go as Useless Information :)

What I do know is it said “Pink and Black” on the cover before I covered it.  Hope that helps!

Okay, People.  This stamp is seriously gorgeous!!!

The new Stampin’ Up! Medallion stamp is inked in Pink Passion classic ink, then sponged around the edges and in the center with Basic Black Classic ink to get that purple gradation.   Who Knew??

Also new:  5/8in black grograin

Black goes with everything!

I am not sure how clear it is in this photo, but there’s Dazzling Diamonds (applied with a 2-way glue pen) on select points of the medallion.  The entire white panel is then laminated with a self adhesive document laminating sheet. 

Stamps: Medallion, Enjoy Every Moment; Ink: Pink Passion, Basic Black, Black Stazon; Paper:Whisper White, Basic Black; Other Stuff:  5/8 black grograin, Dazzling Diamonds, 2 way glue pen, sponge, laminating sheet, Stamp-a-majig

Hope you like!  I will be sharing some high points of my Convention Adventure in the next several posts, as well as some of my projects made for various swaps.

Friends are fabulous. . .

I have been playing with some new stamps from the Just Released 09-10 Stampin’ Up! Idea Book and Catalog . . .it is here and it is magnificent!!!

This is my swap card for the ControlFreaks Swap group.

Love me some Freaks, I tell ya’!

The set used on this card is called Circle Circus-stamped in Black Stazon on glossy white cardstock. The sentiment is from the set Really Retro. Drama Baby!

Some of the other new products seen on this card???

The very cool Modern Label punch, used in conjunction with some new Big Shot Toys!!! PLEASE contact me to see these babies in action!

Also, one of our newest in-color choices. . .Bermuda Bay! Hello Lovely!

A little black grograin to finish it off-I luuuuve this color combination. . .

I have new catalogs for my customers-current and potential-Contact me to see about getting one for yourself ASAP!

Happy Daddy’s Day!

I am missing my hubby today.

So in his honor, I am posting the project I made for him. . .as did my club members in May. Happy Daddies all over the place!

You may have seen this brag book before. . .I posted another one *here* and there is also a link to the splitcoast tutorial on that post.

You should make one of these! It is fun and easy!

The corduroy button is manly, right? And the twine? What man doesn’t like twine, I ask you?? Or trees?

It does have the color Sage Shadow, but if you call it blue-green when you are talking to him you should be fine. . .

Of course, once he opens it and sees all the pictures of his favorite little people, he won’t care what color it is :)

I put some coordinating colored page protectors in there, which allowed for some artistic expression by my 6year old. Five double sided pages with photos, notes to daddy, and a lot of love.

I know he isn’t going to have it by today (apparently the mail is being interfered with b/c of weather), but I hope he gets it soon!

Deets:

Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers, Wonderful Favorites; Ink: Chocolate chip, Close to Cocoa (for sponging), Sahara Sand; Paper: Sahara Sand, Chocolate chip, To The Nines Designer Series, Sage Shadow; Other Stuff: Clear Translucent envelopes, Corduroy buttons/chocolate chip, hemp twine, chocolate chip taffeta, crop-a-dile, jumbo pewter brads

We miss you, Daddy.

I wanted to share with you-I have been a bit preoccupied lately. . .Some of you may already know this, but I am guessing most of you do not.

My husband left April 30th, for Iraq. He is not enlisted, but is working with an Army unit to catch bad guys. I am not going to go into alot of detail-I know that this isn’t primarily a personal blog. He is going to be gone for 1 year, with two brief visits (hopefully at home) during that time. If you think of it, maybe you can say a prayer for his safe return?

I wanted you to understand when I refer to him as being gone, or talk about missing him occasionally.

Like right now.

Besides, it is Father’s Day! I have to talk about Daddy :) And look at our babies, too, while I am oversharing! Aren’t they the sweetest ever!

Avery just turned one! Doesn’t it seem like I just had her yesterday?!?!

Okay, so maybe a little earlier than yesterday. . .but still!

Happy Father’s Day to all the Daddies out there. . .For those who know someone who has a Daddy overseas, give them a hug today.

Happy May!

Hope all is well you, Stamping Friends!

I wanted to share a card with you that I made for the Control
Freaks swap group. I had a few extra, so I swapped this at the MI Mingle in March with a few people also.

This photo is courtesy of my friend Emma, over at Lady & the Stamp. Thanks, Emma!!

The card base is Basic Grey, with Whisper white and A Walk in the Park Designer series paper for the front layer.

I used my latest favorite thing- the Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions die. . .to be used with the Big Shot.

A Big name for something that takes about thirty seconds to run thru and get some serious WoW factor!

We will be making this card, as well as four other designs, at my upcoming 10 for 20 card class May 30th!

Contact me at robinlea_ at hotmail dot com to RSVP, or visit my demonstrator website at www.robinlea.stampinup.net

Next-pictures of the Father’s Day book we will be making also!

Cheep Talk

This stamp set is soooo darn cute!

This card is from my February Stamp camp. Yes-I am behind on my picture taking! Sorry to make you wait so long on this extra cute one :)

The note card was made with the Big Shot and the Scallop Circle die.

I left two scallops uncovered by paper to get the fold. So very easy to make! The leaves on the branch were inked in Kiwi Kiss, and the excess Kiwi was removed with a blender pen. Ink the branch with your Chocolate Chip Marker and you are done!

Circles were cut using the new Circle Scissor Plus = Awesome!

The ribbon is Kiwi Kiss Satin with the alternate side being Very Vanilla.

I could just sit here and rub this ribbon between my fingers it is so yummy. If you don’t know what I am talking about-order it ASAP!

I didn’t realize when I took the initial photo, that I photographed the incomplete card, and not the class sample :) I pierced the scallops using my mat pack and piercing tool. Sorry you don’t get the full effect!

My daughter loved this card so much, she insisted that it be her valentine this year :)

Here are the ones she stamped (herself, I might add!) Mom did all the cutting of course. We didn’t start these until *after* Christmas, so there wasn’t time to have her do the cutting by herself. . .

Like I would let her touch my circle scissor! Come on people :)

Here is her sweet messy handwriting :)

Hi :)

Sometimes that is all you really want to say!

This ribbon is from the free Sale-A-Bration choices thru the end of the month. If you have no idea what I am talking about. . .email me immediately!

Since the ribbon didn’t cost me anything, this bow is HUGE :)

The chipboard letters are from Stampin’ Up’s On Board Lots of Letters, colored with Chocolate Chip craft ink and a sponge dauber. Super easy! I forgot to file off the little tufts where it was attached to the board, so don’t look super close :)

Faux stitching with the Stampin’ Up! Mat Pack along with the piercing tool that can be found in the Crafter’s tool kit.

This little flower was very technically made. . . .

See, you use punches (in this case, 1in and 1 1/4in circles) and get some assorted sizes, then you crumple them up a bunch of times and wad them up in a tiny ball. . . .Then you flatten them out. The end.

So tough, right!

The little button is from Button Bouquet and is tied with a bit of Linen thread. You must try this little rosette. It is addictive!

As always, you can purchase any of these supplies at my website 24 hours a day! Leave a comment or Email me with any questions you might have. Have an awesome day!

Online ordering- www.robinlea.stampinup.net

Sweet Tart

Sweet Stems + Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper = Sweet Tart

This is a swap card I made a month ago. I really like the white embossed sentiment from the stamp set Thank you Kindly on our DSP. That Raspberry Tart Designer series paper is soooo pretty! The other papers are Whisper White and Pretty in Pink.

A little bit of Rose Red 1/4in grograin and a bit more white with our fab scallop edge punch. The whole Pretty in Pink cardfront is on dimensionals.

The colors used on the flowers were Pretty in Pink, Cameo Coral, Rose Red, and Kiwi Kiss. All "smooshed" into the lid and picked up with a Blender Pen.

The window was made using the wide oval punch. I have been using that punch a lot! So glad to have it! Okay, so I have all the punches except one, but who is counting?? The best part of being a demonstrator-you get all the fun tools. And stamps. Okay, and the ribbon and the paper! Before anyone else. And Cheaper! Hello?!?!

If you have ever considered getting the kit, even if you never do another thing but get the products for a steal-Do It Now! $169 for the whole dang thing (= 50% off retail) and NO SHIPPING!

Plus:
an extra stamp set ANY PRICE IN THE WHOLE CATALOG
your choice stamp set from my "stash" of sets (I have a bazillion!)
30% off your first order-anything you want
20% off every order after that!

I have to tell you-I just preordered from the mini catalog that isn't released yet (will be available on April 1st) and it occured to me. . .Since demos are getting their 20% off (standard), then the extra 20% off preorder sets (a gift because of the 20yr anniversary of SU). . .what if it was my first order after signing up??

I would be getting all the stamp sets from the upcoming mini catalog at pretty much 50% off retail--a full month before everyone else could even buy them! WOOT! Plus the equivalent of 50% off all the kit products because of all the extras and the discount!!! Seriously!?!?

I wish I could sign up *again*. . . You need to do it!

Sign up right now! Just go to my website at www.robinlea.stampinup.net and click on Join Now in the upper right corner. My password is spinner. Email me @ robinlea_ at hotmail dot com and I will contact you directly if you have any questions about the kit. Believe me when I tell you-There is never another thing you have to do, and never a dollar you have to spend after you sign up. . .unless you want to.

Now you can't hate me.

Which you would have if I hadn't told you about this and you found out from someone else!

*smile*

Hope you are having a great Monday!

Surprise!

I bet you didn't know there are three new sets plus a wheel that you can order starting today!

(An Egg-cellent Easter-below)

Why, one might ask???

(Wagon Full of Fun-below)

Because Stampin' Up! loves you :)

Stampin' Up! also doesn't want you to have to be up half the night before your kids school party making Easter treats. . . so they are letting you order your Easter sets early!

(unless you are me, which means you are going to be up regardless :)

But just look at how extra cute they are!!

(Eight Great Greetings-above; Egg Hunt wheel-below)

Just visit my website at www.robinlea.stampinup.net
and click on "shop now" in the upper right corner.

Item	Description	Retail Price
113196	An Egg-cellent Easter	$21.95
113262	Wagon Full of Fun	$34.95
113822	Eight Great Greetings	$27.95
115421	Ocho saludos geniales (Spanish Eight Great Greetings)	$27.95
114643	Huit souhaits sympas (French Eight Great Greetings)	$27.95
113833	Egg Hunt Stampin' Around wheel	$6.50

Card Kits

Hello Stampers!

I have some card kits available! These are super cute and easy! Nice to have on hand for those last minute card giving opportunities. . .also a fun thing to do with your kids! These are NOT complicated at all!

Card Kits

Make 12 cards including envelopes and have a matching box to store them!

After you send your cards, use the box to give your favorite person a beautifully packaged gift!

Each kit includes the pre-cut and scored cardstock, self-adhesive diecuts, velcro closure, and a detailed email including pictures of each project!

Kits-$20.00 ea.

(add $3.00 shipping if you are not local)

"Best Ever" Birthday card kit

"Petal Party" all occasion card kit

If you have any questions let me know!

You can email me at robinlea_at hotmail dot com

March Classes and a Crop!

Here is an update on my March classes, as well as an ALL DAY CROP!

Can I get a WooT!

I am super excited for an all day get-away and I hope you can join me!

Stamp-A-Stack: Fith Avenue Floral

Where: Isabella/Gratiot RESD (Ithaca)

When: Saturday, March 21st from 10a-12p

RSVP no later than March 9th

What an awesome stamp set-I am really excited about this class!

We are making seven projects on this day, plus you will be getting the stamp set to keep. It will be mounted and ready for use upon your arrival!

This class going to be held in conjunction with my first ever all day crop.

Make a day of it if you can!

Cost $42

(fee for all day crop is waived if you are taking the class)

Everything will be cut and ready for you, just bring your scissors and adhesive.

Stamp Camp

Where: my home

When Tuesday, March 10th @ 6pm

RSVP no later than March 6th

We are making three projects using my newest stamps and accessories. Come and have some fun at my house! Please bring scissors and adhesive-everything else is provided.

~ALL DAY CROP~

Where:Isabella/Gratiot RESD

When: Saturday, March 21st

Time: 9am-9pm or anywhere in-between!

(Tables are filled on a first come/first served basis so don't wait to let me know)

Cost: $5 and a dish to pass

(fee is waived if attending the Stamp-A-Stack/see details above)

Bring your scrapbooking and stamping projects-or whatever other project you are working on! $5 gets you an all day pass to the 9am to 9pm event.

We are playing all day baby!

I will have my newest stamps, all my inks and punches, plus myself of course :)

Feelin' the Luv. . .

Here are a couple of samples from my Love U Much Bundle class. Luv'd the bundle! It was nice to have a class with discounted product, so everyone got a ton of goodies to take home.

I wanted to make a decent sized tin, instead of the usual smaller ones. Not all of my peeps have covered tins before, so they needed to know how! I love making tins for gifts, so it wasn't exactly a hardship :) These ones came from Walmart around Christmas time.

We didn't do modpodge on this. Just Candy Lane paper and sticky strip, along with Riding Hood Red striped grograin, and fun doodads from my accessories stash. The scallop on the top is the Scallop Circle big shot die.

Gotta love that Circle Scissors cutting tool!!! I was able to make a perfect size circle to go on my scallop circle, as well as the perfect mat in Riding Hood Red! Yay for awesome new tools :)

The candy holder was inspired by Jill Olson. I am going to hang it on my daughter's door on Valentine's day. She will love me forever :)

I used the Top Note die, with medium flat cello bags. The holes are punched with my crop-a-dile, and the ribbon is just threaded thru. Super easy!

This element is made of: scallop circle in Whisper White, metal edge tag, 1 3/8 circle in pirouette pink, stamped image punched with the 1 1/4in circle. The heart was cut out. Coloring was done with blender pens and Riding Hood Red ink.

Hope you are stamping this weekend!

Yummy???

I think so :)

I love this stamp set. Probably because I love the top note, but still!! Not to mention the set was free. . .which is another excellent reason to love it, am I right?

Sale-a-Bration has officially begun, and there are some awesome freebies awaiting you!

Your choice between Four stamp sets, a Designer Paper Pack, or a Ribbon Bundle-One free with any order of $50.00! Not only that, but any orders in the month of February and March get a free Idea Book also! This is my *absolute favorite* time to be a Stampin' Up Demonstrator.

Check out my Demonstrator Website for promotion details, and to order online if you like! Otherwise, call/email me and getcha' some. . .free stamps! On to the card :)

This particular card was my contribution to a swap last month. The Designer paper is Bella Rose, with our new trio heart punch, and the Yummy stamp set. I used Chocolate Chip classic ink , as well as Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, and Whisper White Cardstock.

I love this Faux Bow with grograin ribbon! So pretty. . .this is the 5/8in Chocolate Chip Grograin. Also Yummy, but not named Yummy. . .Okay, so it's late.

Did you watch the two hour Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice tonight, too??? Can't wait for next week!

a few months in review. . .

I have been on hiatus-so to quickly catch you up. . .Here is my latest favorite picture of my girls.

My oldest lost her two front teeth! She is stinkin' cute, hey?

What a ham :) She was pretty excited to be toothless!

My youngest is 8 months already!!! Holy cats that went by fast!

If you look closely, you can see her first little baby tooth in there :) We have been teasing her big sister, telling her the tooth fairy gave her teeth to Avery! Fun times.

I have been stamping and have lots to share-I need to get a different setup for pictures, as my baby girl sleeps in the room I used to take all my pictures in. . .a bit of a problem! I will work around it, so I can show y'all what I have been up to. In the meantime. . .a bit of a background change!