More birds to brighten your day

More cards from the TNStampers Bird swap group. This penguin card is perfect for today- with temps in the low 30's - you can't see the saying on the left side of the card but I think the Penguin says it all-and of course, I love and collect penguins so its even better!

A little birdie

stopped by and delivered some wonderful swap cards. These were from the TNStampers group. The requirements were only that a bird had to be on the card somewhere. Some of these were created using SU materials and others are from other companies. I'll post some more birdies tomorrow. Enjoy!

This weeks' Technique Adorable card

Sorry for not posting more this weekend, between 2 sick kids (stomach virus), the doubles tournament (Ama took a line drive straight to the chest when playing the net), and wathing the MTSU Men's tennis team on Sunday, it's been insane. However, my good friend Kellie came to the rescue and said I could share this cute card my friend she made at her Stamp a Stack this weekend.

This card is also the technique of the week card- try using the postage stamp template to create your own fun "post" card.

Downloaded the postage image from SCS, copied on to whisper white
(photocopier)

Made the grid w/ OH film (transparency)
Black ink for the zebra on whisper white Zoo Animals stamp set)
Lovely Lilac cardstock
Basic Black cardstock
Lovely lilac ink for "adorable"; attached w/ SU dimensionals
Postage scissors to cut the edges (non SU)
Non SU yarn (Fun Fur)

Black and White- so cool

All Images Copyright Stampin' Up 1990-2008

I had a chance this weekend to organize my cards and also get some stamping in - that is in between tennis matches and clinics. Here's a card I received from one of my downline- (thanks Melissa). I really like how well the images work with just White Craft Ink and black.

Thanks to everyone who posted a tip for using dimensionals. If you can email me your snail mail addy, I'll get your prize to you :)

And congrats to the MTSU Blue Raiders Men's Tennis team who won their matches today 6-1. Special Congrats to Richard, Alex, and John P for some spectacular play! You can get the whole story at MTSU Men's Tennis.

Mail Call

This week has been wonderful in terms of cards and swaps being received. I will be sharing some of the goodies that have blessed my mailbox with you over the next few days. The three cards you will see here were all created by Lori Davis- they were received as part of the SUStars Monday Mailer program.

Su Stars is a group for Stampin' Up Demo's - the Monday Mailer program is a fun one to one swap where every Monday for a month, you send a card to another demo.

All three cards seen here were made using the Embrace Life Stamp set. The photo's don't do the cards justice! Enjoy.

You can see more of Lori's work on her website.

All Images Copyright Stampin' Up 1998-2008

BRRR....

No stamping today- it's been a crazy run around kind of week, even with an extra day off for the MLK day! Hard to believe that the temps are in the teens and 20's and Amadeus has had tennis just about everyday this week! Watch for more ideas tomorrow...

Happy Birthday Card

All Images Copyright Stampin' Up 1998-2008

Pink and Brown have got to be one of my favorite color combinations, especially when making a card. This was created for a friend's birthday. They love Chocolate but are on a diet and can't eat any chocolate cake, so, the next best thing- a stamped chocolate cake- in hindsight, I should have added a little scratch and sniff action with some cocoa.

Here's what you need to create the card:

CS: Pixie Pink, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Ink: Chocolate chip, Bashful Blue, YoYo Yellow
Other: Chocolate Grosgrain, Dazzling Diamonds, ticket punch
Stamps: SAB Birthday Whimsy

Quick Card

I needed a quick birthday card for a male friend of mine. I figured you can't go wrong with black and white so I used the SAB Birthday Whimsy set for this one.

All Images Copyright Stampin' Up 1998-2008

This was so easy to create. I used Very Vanilla for the base and for the image, double looped a piece of silver cord around the vanilla and mounted it to a black rectangle then mounted this to the base. Stamped "Happy Birthday" and Voila!

The Birthday Whimsy set will be available only from Feb. 1- March 17 during SU's annual Sell-a-bration. The set can't be purchased but you can get it for FREE with a qualifying $50 order during SAB!

If you would like a SAB flyer or if you would like to place an order just let me know :)

This Week's Technique: Using Dimensionals

This week's technique is easy and one that everyone can create a card using. Pull out your Stampin' Dimensionals (pop-dots) and see what you can create with them. Here are a few uses to help get you started:

• Use them to add height to a card (see the Time Well Spent card for one example)
• Use them to draw attention to a section of a card (for example in the spotlighting technique)
• Dip the top side of a dimensional in glitter and adhere to a flower for a little extra sparkle in the middle
• Don't just use the big dot, the smaller remains on the sides of the dot page are perfect for adhering to skinny spots such as stems, and butterfly middles
• Use these to create pocket pages or when making shaker cards
• Perfect for creating slider cards, using the dimensionals to create some distance in the pennies that you use for sliding

What other creative ways have you used your dimensionals? Post your comments here (by Saturday 1/26) and you'll be entered for a chance to win a pack of Pop Dots all your own! Spread the word, I'll pick one luck winner Sunday morning.

Time Well Spent...

Images copyright Stampin' Up 1999-2008

Yesterday was another cold day in TN and I was looking for something to warm me up! Thoughts of spring and butterflies filled my head and here's what I came up with, using the Time Well Spent set.

I liked the card so much, we also did a variation on it with my stampin group yesterday afternoon and I will be sending this to my SUStar partner for our Monday Mailer (being mailed on Tuesday though!).
The card was simple and I got to play with a my new Felt flowers (I love them!).


Here's what you need to re-create this card:

Stamps: Time Well Spent (hint this is a hostess set so if you like it, why not host a workshop in Feb., during Sell-a-bration- you can earn this and more free sets!)
CS: Wild Wasabi, Very Vanilla, DSP
Ink: Basic black, Wild Wasabi, Tempting Turquoise, Only Orange, YoYo Yellow
Other: Flower Fusion, dimenstionals (to layer the top butterfly), silver brad

What do you think?

Faux Linen Attempt II

All Images Copyright Stampin' Up 1998-2008

Here's my next attempt at Faux Linen- this card was Case'd from Splitcoast Stampers. I'm not sure if I like it, but my daughter really thought it looked good.

CS: Creamy Caramel, glossy white
Ink: Coral, Ruby Red, Garden Green, Creamy Caramel
Technique: Faux Linen- sand the cardstock vertically, then horizontally until all the gloss is removed. Sponge ink over base, then stamp images

What do you think? Have you tried this technique yet? If so, please post a link to your work in the comments area for others to enjoy.

quick note

Just a quick post today since I'm online at Panera. Our ISP (comcast) is down again and they can't send a tech til tomorrow so my online time is very limited. I've been busy stamping though and have several cards to post in the next couple of days.

If you are in the area, feel free to stop by the card class tomorrow at my house from 1-3 (we will end at 3 sharp!

We'll be using sets from the new catty and a favorite from the Fall Collection, too!

more when I'm online again

Faux Linen- 1st Attempt

All Images Copyright Stampin' Up 1997-2008

Here's my first attempt at the Faux Linen technique. I don't think I got the camera close enough to the image to really see it but the first layer (closes to the card base, uses the technique). Here's what you need to make this cute little card. I also got a little carried away with the Dazzling Diamonds but as my daughter says, "You Can NEVER Have TOO Much Sparkle".

Technique: Faux Linen
Stamps: Happy Heart Day
Inks: Basic Black, Basic Grey, Pink Passion, Lavendar Lace, Pixie Pink, Green
Galore
CS: Whisper White, Green Galore, Glossy, Almost Amethyst
Other: Dazzling Diamonds

I'd love to know what you think!

This Week's Card Technique/Challenge

I was bored last night (no internet access - still) and not really in the mood to do anything (well maybe eat some chocolate!) While I was waiting for my son to get home from Basketball practice, I decided it was time for a new stamping idea/motivation. I pulled out some back issues of Stamp and Scrap and also Rubber Stampede (I think) to get the creative juices flowing. Here's the technique for you to try:

Faux Linen

Step 1- grab some glossy cardstock and stamp your background image(s) in versamark
Step 2- find some medium grit sandpaper and gently sand up the page
Step 3 - using the same sandpaper sand across the page
Step 4- make sure all the gloss is removed
Step 5- find your sponge dauber and your Creamy Caramel ink pad, gently splot the carmel on the paper
Step 6 - find your handy stamping sponge and smooth the color over the paper- the sanding has made areas for the ink to "catch"
Step 7 - use your finger (or a brush) to highlight some areas (add a little more color)
Step 8 - finish your card
Step 9 - Post a link to your finished card in the comments for the world to see!

For more detailed instructions, complete with pictures check out the tutorial at Splitcoast

More Cards tomorrow

Sorry for not posting much- it's been a busy few weeks. Celebrated my dad's 80th birthday this weekend which included a visit from my brother (he lives in MD and we only see him once a year). It was a great day and it seems like the experimental treatment dad is doing is beginning to help a little- at least the gangrene isn't spreading and he's only in moderate pain. The doctor's all still are amazed that he is with us (I'm very grateful that he is!).

Our ISP (Comcast) has been down for the past 2 days (well, up for a few minutes down for a few hours)- I'll be calling them today and hopefully I can get online to post some of my newest creations.

In the meantime- happy stamping and watch for this week's card challenge.

Gorgeous Card Received

All images Copyright Stampin' Up 1999-2008

I just wanted to share this beautiful card that I received in the mail the other day. First, I was a little shocked - I didn't recognize the address and when I opened the card, it was a sympathy card! After everything that has been going on with my dad, my first thought was - hmm did something happen that I didn't know about? When I opened the card, there was a very nice note explaining why...

The card was created by Lori Davis from SD and here's what she used:
Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks, Canvas background, and French Script
Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Sahara Sand
Ink: Sahara Sand, Basic Black, Close to Cocoa

The picture doesn't do it justice. However, you can see more of Lori's work at her website.

Blog Candy- New Winner

Okay Ladies (and gents),

I haven't heard from the winner of my Blog candy from last week so I drew a new winner! Will Cheryl KVD contact me so I can send your prize?

I numbered every comment and then went to the Random number generator to choose the winner.

Check back in Feb. for more blog candy!

New Valentine set!

Wow, what a week this has been. Classes started today at the college and I have been living on the computer the past few days helping faculty get ready. I did find a few minutes to stamp though and wanted to show you one of the cards that I "CASE'd" from splitcoast. This card uses the Happy Heart Day set- which is also part of the great Valentine's Bundle available to you this month.

Don't forget- to join the fun at my Valentine Card class on Jan. 29!!!

All images copyright Stampin' Up 1999-2008

Fun times, I wanted to use this set for my monthly card club on Thursday- of course it didn't arrive until Thursday but all went well. We made 3 cards including this cute little number (using the mouse stamp) real read, and basic black plus whisper white for the image.

We also made two other cards (I'll post one tomorrow) and 2 cello bag toppers for a cello bag we filled with chocolate. Plus 3 stone magnets.

Sorry for not posting more this week- things settle down on Tuesday.

A few more holiday cards to share with you

Now that I have a working camera, I wanted to take a moment and share a couple of holiday cards that I received. Both of these would be great for winter cards, too (well with weather in TN in the 70's it's hard to picture penguins or snowmen but....)

Yesterday's Creation

Here are the pictures from my efforts last night. I picked up my copy of Take Ten (Fall 2007) and saw a gorgeous card using the Doodle This stamp set. I altered the card a little bit and created two versions.

This card is made with YoYo Yellow, Lovely Lilac, Only Orange, and Whisper White CS.

I stamped the curliques on white and then outlined and colored using my Bold Brights watercolor crayons. Then I stamped the two flowers on a scrap piece of white and also colored in with watercolor crayons. I cut a piece of Lilac in a half circle and stamped the curlique in versamark.

Mounted the larger flower on a small square of orange and tied the black gingham around the white and lilac before mounting to the yellow. Finishing touch was some Dazzling Diamonds on the flowers.



This variation uses the same color palette but with a few alterations. Instead of using gingham ribbon, I left the ribbon off. I also took away the orange square and instead cut out and colored two large flowers and layered them. I glued these together and attached with a pop dot for a slightly different look.

Which one do you prefer?










All images copyright Stampin' Up 1997-2008

And the Winner is....

Okay ladies- the odds were in your favor to win with just four comments this time around- must be those new year blues and trying to get organized.

The winner of this month's blog candy is (drum roll) -- Kim O.

Kim if you could contact me off list with your mailing address, I'll get your goodies to you.

Once I hear from Kim, I'll post a picture of what she got !

Check back the first weekend in February when I'll be doing another blog candy :0

Thanks for playing!

Week 2 Challenge- Spotlight Technique

This week's challenge is another one of my favorites, but I haven't used it in a long time.

Create a card using the "Spotlight" technique.

Here's how:

• Stamp your main image twice(this works best with a slightly larger and more complicated image- for example a nature scene, a large butterfly, etc.)
• The first image is stamped on cs and not colored, etc
• The second image can be stamped on a piece of scrap paper (match the paper of the main image) since you will only use a portion of this.
  
• Grab a set of punches (I use the CM 2 in one punches)
• Using the smaller punch, punch out a portion of the image you stamped on scrap paper. Color this in
• Using the larger punch (same shape) punch out a piece of cs (typically black)
• Mount the smaller stamped and colored image on this paper
• Using a pop dot, mount this over the corresponding place on your main image.
• The effect would be similar to looking at something through a magnifying glass.

I'll post samples later today.

Have fun and please post a link to your samples (in the comments area) so we can see your creations.

Deal of the Day

First, I did get to make a few cards today- actually several. I finished my OSW project and I finished my swap cards. 6 for the TNStampers Bird Swap and 2 for the SUDSOL COTM swap. I also purchased a great used digital camera which I'll be picking up Monday or Tuesday so this has been a great day. (Pictures coming soon!)

The best thing was the Deal of the Day- my friend Kellie J was in Wal-mart when she called to ask if I'd like a stamping tote bag- my choice of pink with brown trim or turquoise with brown trim. Each tote also included a pair of decorative scissors, a hole punch, glitter glue, paper, 3 mini stamps and a stamping spot, embellishments and more. The whole wonderful package was (drum roll) $4.97!! Well, who could resist.

If you need a gift for a stamper or scrapper in your life or just need a new tote- you might want to check out your local Wal-mart :)

January is...

really a fun month in which to celebrate stuff. In honor of it being Hot Tea Month (my favorite beverage) and Hobby Month, I'm going to offer some blog candy!

Here's what you have to do to win:

1. Leave a comment with your favorite type of hot tea (could be a brand, a flavor or a drink made with tea) or
2. Leave a comment telling the world why you enjoy papercrafting and your favorite technique or company.

You will have until 1:00 p.m. Jan. 7 to post your commentsand then I will draw a winner!

If you want to see a day by day breakdown of special events in January- visit the Calendar Holidays page of Jane Hignite.

Cleaning Out the Stamping Closet

I don't know if its the colder weather that has me in a crafty mood or if it's the start of the new year. However, I'm going to go with the flow while the muse is with me.

I made a commitment to myself that I would work on one project per night (not necessarily finish it!). Tonight, after helping Amadeus with his algebra homework (yuck), and then watching the Celebrity Apprentice (the task was marketing a hot dog stand in NYC- I thought I might be able to use some of it for a Hospitality Marketing class I'm teaching this semester- not). I started cleaning.

This past summer, I participated in one of the most fun Yahoogroups ever- it only lasts for a few months and there are tons of swaps including Hotel Roomies, Secret sisters and lots and lots of projects. The group is open to SU demo's and customers- primarily those of us who can't attend convention.

Anyway, one of the swaps was for OSW (one sheet wonders). Well, I found my stash of papers and decided its time to do something with them. For those of you who aren't familiar with the OSW concept- it's great. You choose a stamp set and just randomly stamp all over a piece of 8.5 x 11 paper (or even 12x12). Then you can either use a template or do your own thing and make up to 10 cards from one page (of course you'll need accessories, extra cs, and adhesive).

Tomorrow, I'll post my first card (or more if I get them done!). The set I am using is a retired set but one of my favorites. It's from SU and called, Natural Beauty (just retired this year). Paper is Confetti white and the ink is Brilliant Blue, Green Galore, Real Red, and Pink Passion.

If you'd like to try creating an OSW card yourself, here's a link to a great template. I found this on Sharon Field's Created by U. So if you get a chance, please stop by her blog and leave a comment to thank her for sharing. This template actually comes from her Mobile blog.

Check back tomorrow to see my creations. If you have any OSW cards posted on your blog and website that you'd like to share, please leave a comment with a link to the cards! Also if you search through the summer entries on my blog, you'll see some great OSW cards that were created when I hosted an OSW swap.

Note: Images Copyright Stampin' Up 1997-2008

This Week's Challenge- New Year, New Technique

Images Copyright Stampin' Up 1997-2008

How are you progressing on this week's challenge to create a card or scrapbook page using a technique that is new to you?

I've actually done pretty well so far. I've tried updating my old favorite of Crayon Resist- I apologize for the backwards pic. I don't have a working camera yet so I used the built in webcam on the laptop and then did a little bit of editing in Fireworks.

The card was created using the new Time Well Spent set (hostess level 3). Card base is pixie pink. Images were stamped on glossy white and then I highlighted areas using a crayon. Then I sponged on an assortment of pinks and purples to get the desired background effect. The stems and leaves were colored using Always Artichoke and Old Olive. I then mounted this on Basic Black. "Thank You" is from the Wonderful Words set.

Let me know what you think about the card.

Happy Stampin!

Snowflake Challenge

Images Copyright Stampin' Up 1996-2008

One of the groups that I belong to, Tennessee Stampers has a series of challenges for its members. This card was made for the monthly COTM. The theme for this month was snowflakes. I used my retired Flaky Friends set to create the card. The snowmen were stamped on Whisper White and colored in with assorted markers. Then I used some Liquid Applique to make some of the snowflakes "pop" along with the snow at the base of the snowmen and the trim on the "Santa" hat. I finished up the card by adding some liquid applique to random flakes and then using Dazzling Diamonds to add a little sparkle.

Inside the card is stamped with "Some of my best friends are flakes".

Background is Night of Navy.

What do you think?

Happy New Year

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

How did you spend your day? Watching Football? Working on your Resolutions? Shopping?

Much to my surprise, I spent the day at the car lot with my daugther. Her car was on its last legs and she just wanted my opinion- 3 hours later-- and she's now the proud owner of a 2003 Jeep Cherokee Overland in Cherry Red (well the car paperwork says Burgundy) but...
anyway, here's a generic picture from the MotorTrend website. I'll post a picture of her car as soon as I get one...



What's your plan for 2008?