May Swap Cards

Here are two of the May swap cards that I received. Remember, the theme was anything from the spring mini.










All images copyright Stampin' Up 1999-2007

All images copyright Stampin' Up 1999-2007

The second picture didn't turn out too well- but this was made using the Doodle This set from SU and copper and gold embossing powder.

June Swap

Hi Ladies,

You asked for it, you've got it- another Swap. I know that I am super busy in June, between work and Ama's tennis so I thought I'd try a very simple swap. I just participated in one and thought you would find it fun. This is a two part swap (don't panic!!)

Sign up by June 10
Part 1 - due to me by June 20
Part 2 - due to me by July 6

This will be a OSW (One Sheet Wonder Swap). You will need one piece of 8.5 x 11" cardstock for each player. Using any stamp set, randomly stamp images all over the piece of paper. Use at least 2 colors of ink and at least 2 stamps.

I'll swap out the pages and return them to you along with a template for making up to 10 cards using this one sheet of paper. Now, you'll have to add some additional embellishments and paper but oh so fun.

Send me a picture of just one card created from each sheet of paper- I'll post to the site for everyone to see.

Who's in?

mary

Get these sheets to me

Busy Weekend and cool cloud tutorial

Busy weekend here- Andrea turned 21 on Friday- my birthday gift to her was a weekend trip to NYC- she loved it!! I got a phone call about every 2 hours as she shared something new and exciting. I'll post some pics from her trip, when she shares them with me!

Here on the homefront, Amadeus and I had another tennis weekend. The State Qualifier is next week (top 12 kids in each age group get to represent the state at Southern's). While it's a long shot for Ama, he is giving it his all. Meanwhile, he played in the Maryland Farms tournament as a warm up- this weekend he stretched and played in the 14's. I was quite proud of him as he won the consolation finals - 5th place overall in his division.

With spending 3 days at the tennis court and 2 trips to the airport, I haven't had a chance to do any stamping this weekend but I have a link to a great tutorial on how to make scenic cards with cloud background. This tutorial comes from the Paper Pleasing blog. If you like it, please be sure to leave a comment on her site and let her know how useful the information is to you!

If you click here, it will take you to the tutorial. I plan to do lots of stamping tomorrow so watch out.

Saying good bye to one of my favorite sets

Copyright Stampin' Up 1990-2007

I created this card for my monthly Stamp a Stack but also made a stack for special occasions. I really am sad to see these fishes going away as they are so much fun to play with- I even like the googly eyes but their expressions are cool just as they are.

Anyway, I layered WW on top of BB on top of RR on top of YYY. Stamped the fish in basic black and then colored them with the markers. I used the "Happy" from the Petals and Paisley set in the spring mini, added some google eyes and voila!

Loads of color

Copyright Stampin' Up 1990-2007

My next challenge was to see how many ideas I could create using the same stamp set. I've "rediscovered" SU's Looks Like Spring set and matching punch- even though I'm not a flower person, I am finding I really enjoy the versatility of this set (and apparently I also like cutting out the large flowers -sigh). This card was created for a Lots of Color swap- each card had to use at least 3 SU colors not counting the neutrals.

For my card, I started out thinking I wanted to have a shaving cream background so I got out my glossy paper, pie pans, and re-inkers and created the backgrounds. I used Pixie Pink, Rose Red, Lovely Lilac, and Yo Yo Yellow re-inkers- however, when it came time to create a card, the background just wasn't doing it for me. However, I hate to see any paper go to waste so I tried something new and used my scallop scissors to create a border.

Then, I stamped two large flowers (one in pink and one in lilac) and cut them out. I also used the 3 flower punch, to create the centers. I dabbed a little Dazzling Diamonds in each center for sparkle. Finally, to finish the card off, I grabbed my embossing powder and heat gun to add a little "sparkle".

I hope you like it.

Back To Basics

I haven't done any stamping for me in a while and so what better way to do that than to sign up for way to many swaps!! Speaking of swaps, I'll be posting the swap cards that I received for the May swap - the theme was anything from the spring mini! Can't wait to hear what you think.

Now for this card- the challenge was to use only the sets in the Stampin' Up starter kit for a new demo (not ones that an indvidual can choose but
the "default" set). The other part of the challenge was we could only use the colors included in the starter kit- in this case, basic black/whisper white, real red, brilliant blue, pixie pink, yoyo yellow.

I chose to use the Loads of Love stamp set (no accessory set allowed!). I also tweaked the card a little by using my crimper and tag punch. I added a little color by using the direct to paper technique around the edges and then used silver eyelets for the insides of the wheels.

So, what do you think?

Copyright Stampin' Up 1990-2007

Craft Critique: Stampin' Up! Papers

Not sure if you subscribe to the Craft Critique blog but there was a neat article today about Stampin' Up and their paper. If you ever wanted to learn more about the type of cardstock that Stampin' Up provides, check out this article:

Craft Critique: Stampin' Up! Papers

Ebony and Ivory Swap

Another card that I completed. The rules for this swap were you can only use black and white (or vanilla) paper, black and/or white ink, and black or white embellishments. For this card, I used all Stampin' Up products. I created a base of basic black, then layered Whisper white. I used the Looks Like Spring stamp set- stamping 2 large flowers in black and cutting them out. I used the Wonderful Words set to emboss the word, "Friendship". I then used the 3 flower punch to create the remaining embellishments- After punching a bunch of flowers out of white, I put a drop of glue in the center and sprinkled on some Dazzling Diamonds (not sure how well this shows up). I also punched more flowers in black and white for a final touch. The flower centers here were from the circle punch.

What do you think?

Images copyright Stampin' Up 1999- 2007

Easy Gift to Create

Well, I had a "me" weekend- first time in a long time- no tennis for Amadeus this weekend and he's spending the night at a friend's so I had a chance to just play. I finished about 5 swaps of the 12 I signed up for (I know - what was I thinking?) and I'm ready to sign up for a few more (if you really want to try swapping- don't forget to join the VC_Rocks yahoogroup- it's only active for a couple of months but how much fun!!!). Anyway, one of the swaps I signed up for was a 5+1 gift swap. Some of you may have seen this project already- we did it at Stamp Camp in February and I did another variation at my Relay for Life Stamp Camp- however, if you haven't seen this yet, you might want to try it out for a fun gift.

Here's what I started out using:

Items Needed:
Book Box (I got mine from Oriental Trading)
DS Designer paper (from Stampin' Up)
Modge Podge
Corner rounder
Paper scraps
3x3 note cards (make your own or buy them) this can be any goody you choose, though.
Ribbon Scraps


Step 1

Cut the paper- you'll need:

• 6" x 10" piece to wrap around the box
• 1" x 12" piece (round the corners) to cover the inside edge (if this was a book- the pages part)
• 4 1/4" x 3" piece - inside top cover
• 4 1/2 " x 3 1/4" - inside bottom cover
• (4) 3"x 3" note cards (I used coordinating cardstock)
• (3) 6" x varying widths paper scraps
• (3) small pieces of ribbon

Step 2

Apply the ModgePodge to the cover of the book and the designer paper. Carefully adhere the paper, making sure to get rid of any air bubbles.

Step 3

Apply the 1" strip around the inside edge of the box

Step 4

Attach the designer paper to the "wells" in the top and bottom on the inside

Step 5

Create mini notecards using paper scraps and stamping a sentiment on each. Optional: fill the box with other treasures

Great Stamping and Scrapping Resource

For those of you in the Nashville area, have you checked out Meetup?

I was surfing around the other night (couldn't sleep but wasn't in the mood to stamp- sigh) and found this site. It's a place to find others with similar interests and get together. There are several scrapbook and/or stamping meet up groups. I have joined a few including the Nashville Scrappers and Stampers. I already know several of the ladies from other groups I belong to but it sounds like a fun place to be.

In June, they are hosting a Virtual Crop- and it happens to be my birthday during that time so I offered to be a treasure hunt host. Why am I telling you this? So you can join the group and participate in the fun! I'll be creating a treasure hunt through my website for Saturday June 9- there are treasure hunts on the 8th too with other companies and demonstrators and lots of contests, challenges and online games plus PRIZES galore.

Also, on the first night of the online crop, there will be a class and on Friday, there will be a challenge card to make.

Let me know if you join the fun and I'll be on the look out for you!

Better Late than Never

I spent the afternoon cleaning up my computer and came across some fun pictures. These were taken at his dad's house just before Easter. I thought I'd share this one of my son with a "couple of chicks"! Thank goodness these are the only ones I have to worry about right now- with his 13th birthday just around the corner, I know that soon I'll be dealing with giggling girls and all that good stuff. As long as I can keep his mind on tennis..enjoy

Cool Cards from Wendy

Copyright Stampin' Up 1999-2007

I wanted to share a few card samples with you that my good friend Wendy H. made. These were the ones she put inside the gift box she made for Mother's day. If you would like to see your work posted here, just send me a scan and I will share it with the world :)

Fall/Winter Preview - WOW!!

Okay, for all my friends who are not SU demo's, I just have to say I am loving the new Fall/Winter preview brochure. Those of you who know me, understand I'm not a cutesy person or a real "floral" person but I have fallen "in love" with all the new sets in the brochure. In my opinion, there is just the right mix of cute, elegant and fun. Looking at the online pages more closely, I'm also seeing lots of possiblities with the new papers, IN COLOR colors - wow - good thing I like Pomegranate and Wasabi in real life- I think I'm going to be "hooked" on these colors! Plus the chipboard- lots of options.

If you have ordered anything from me in the past 6 months, you will be receiving a copy of the preview brochure in the mail around June 1. If you haven't ordered from me, be sure to sign up for my newsletter and drop me a comment asking to be added to the mailing list. I can't wait to share the excitement with you!

More Cards

Carinda created this cute card using the Doodle Alpha set from the spring mini and the designer papers -


Copyright Stampin' Up 1999- 2007

Kelly created this card using the cuttlebug (gotta get one!!), plus the ultra cool petals and paisley set and matcher designer paper.

Copyright Stampin' Up 1999-2007

April Swap Cards

I wanted to share some of the swap cards that we did for April. The theme was Mother's Day/Girlfriend. This was a 3+1 swap for cardfronts. The only requirements were SU products had to be used.

This card was created by Cathy H from Robertson County--

Isn't the pocket a cute idea?

Copyright Stampin' Up 1999- 2007

Recipe Page - Help please

So, for those of you who still haven't joined the VC_Rocks convention-- what are you waiting for LOL!! Ask Kellie, I've totally lost my mind- I've signed up for over 12 swaps to make in the next month. Several of these swaps are part of VC_Rocks, one I'm hosting, 2 are on SCS, one from Sudsol...

Anyway, here's the situation- I'm doing a 6"x6" recipe page swap (one page layout). I'll share my recipe if you can help me decide how to "scrap/stamp it". If I use your idea- I'll send you one of my pages, too (what the heck- 1 more page won't hurt- GRIN!!!).

Here's the recipe:

Quick Chocolate Pie

1 graham cracker pie crust (either homemade or pre-made)
2 giant hershey bars with almonds (you know the huge ones that sell for about $1.50 each)
1 tub low fat cool whip

Melt the 2 chocolate bars in the microwave
Stir the melted chocolate into the cool whip
Pour into pie shell
Chill in freezer for 2 hours or in fridge for 6

Garnish with Whipped Cream, chocolate shavings, and/or almond slivers

Quick- easy and yummy!!

I was thinking about using Whisper White CS as my base, creating a pocket page using the new Au Chocolat designer paper, typing the ingredients and steps on vellum that I slide into the pocket page.

I was also thinking about adding a slice of pie to the page and using one of the alpha sets for the title - but this isn't really doing anything for me.

I can use any SU stamp set, current or retired and any SU embellishments...

Your suggestions?? I'll try to post a mock up tomorrow or Thursday. (have to borrow Kellies camera back - GRIN!)

Cool Gift Idea

Thanks to Wendy H. for this great gift idea. She used one of the small stamping up storage boxes (you know, the ones stamps come in) you can also order them from the catalog! (hint) to make this really cute card gift box as a mother's day gift. Think of the possibilities. Wendy has allowed me to share some of the pics with you.

Thanks Wendy- watch the mail - a surprise is heading your way :)

What Do You Think?

Have you found watching video's on You Tube or Google helpful when trying to learn a new technique or when looking for ideas? I know that for me, sometimes, being able to see a technique demo'd is more helpful than just reading about it. My goal is to find video's that you might find interesting and then add them to my site- rotating them off after about two weeks.

I'd love to hear your comments- is this something you'd like to see or is this a waste of time?

Countdown to Mother's Day!

Wow, today is just turning out to be a treasure chest day loaded with fun, free and new ideas for me and you! This site has a countdown to Mother's Day- every day a new surprise will be posted for you. Let me know what you think. Do you like to have links like this and the altered everything link mentioned in the blog? Do you have a favorite site that you turn to that I haven't mentioned yet? Would you like to see me do something like this?

Countdown to Mother's Day

VC_Rocks- the Virtual SU convention

Okay, so I haven't written anything in several days and now I'm just full of ideas LOL-- life has been busy between work, tennis, and stamping but I'm taking advantage of the rain and quiet this morning to get caught up.

For those of you who love Stampin' Up products but for whatever reason, cannot attend the SU convention this year (either you're a demo and can't go or your a customer and aren't eligible) I have found the perfect solution. There is a yahoogroup called VC_Rocks (stands for Virtual Convention) and it is open to anyone who loves SU and stamping.

You need to register for the group by May 20 though- then be sure to sign up for some of the many swaps, games, and more. You can check in to the virtual hotel (wow the rooms are amazing and the poolside daiquiri's are the best!). I've already signed up for 7 swaps!!

If you want to join in the fun, go to yahoogroups and look for VC_Rocks. Let me know if you join the fun and I'll keep my eye open for you :)

Altered "Everything!"

I'm just now starting to venture out into the world of altered ... I guess everything. Anyway, I read about this website while reading the Belle Papier blog and thought I'd share it with you. This is from the Craft Critique blog and includes tons of links to sites teaching you how to alter books, tins, and more. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Help!

Help- does anyone have a scanner or digital camera that you would be willing to let me "use"? I gave my scanner/printer to my sister- she needed one for her business and I'm currently without one. I wanted to post some of the cool swap cards, stamp a stack cards, etc. to the blog.

If one of you could come to my rescue (SMILE!) I have a nice gift for you.

Thanks!!

me