Something Cheerful

I promised I'd be back with some more cheerful projects and I think this one definitely fits the bill. I made this card for my nephew's first birthday ( the giant #1 might be a bit of a giveaway on that). I wanted to make a card that my car loving nephew would enjoy as much as his card making mama, and I think I succeeded this time! I really need to take notes on cards I make because I know that the layout was based on a sketch I saw somewhere and I think the colours might have been off of a card in our demo magazine but, beyond that I have no idea!

I love this stamp set from the occasions mini stamp set the little animals are perfect for a fun and quirky card. I was also pleased to see that they were the right size to use with the truck from the loads of love stamp set. Almost everything here was paper pieced. I played a lot with textures so, on this card you will find embossed cs, crimped cs, glossy heat embossed cs (the #1) and both fine and chunky red glitter. Since it's not easy to tell in the pic, I should mention that I actually stamped the greeting win Versamark ink then glittered it with the help of our heat and stick powder (fab. stuff!) {sigh} I can't believe the corduroy buttons are all retiring, aren't they fun? If you're in love with them like I am, better order them up fast, they're gone after June 30!

Happy Stampin'!

The Last of the Paper Flower- For Now!

Well this is the last paper flower card I have in my photo stash. Unfortunately this card was not fun to make. A family friend lost their 22 year old daughter to heart failure this spring, and I wanted to make a card that reflected her personality rather than focusing on the grief side of things. This girl was a lovely, ever cheerful and friendly person with a natural flair and love of fashion. She will be greatly missed. I find I am not the best with words, at least not when it comes to situations like these and so I really appreciate the nearly therapeutic effect of crafting a card like this for people you care about. I hope this card will bring a little sunshine into this family's dark days.


The card itself was again inspired by the colours in the Razzleberry Lemonade DSP fut this time I focused on the deeper hues. I loaded on the flowers and the distressing for this card. I wanted to go with the vintage shabby look but it also had to have some bling to it so I used some rhinestone brads and added some Encore Gold ink (Retiring!!!) directly to the paper along the outer edges of the card. I quite liked the effect. The last thing worth mentioning about the card is the greeting. I had already loaded so much stuff onto the card and did not want to overwhelm it with the greeting and so I actually stamped it on vellum. You can't see it very well in the pic but, because of the transparency of the vellum, the greeting isn't as 'in your face' despite it's size.

I know this is not the most pleasant type of project to share but, we all have moments when we are called on to make sympathy cards and I think it's important to share them too. To make up for it though, I promise my next few cards will be super cheerful, and maybe even a little silly!

Happy Stampin'!

More Paper Flowers

Bet you thought, I was done with the paper flowers, eh? Nope. In fact, I have at least one more project after this one up my sleeve!!
This was another fun and relatively simple card. I always find it so hard to pin point the source of my inspiration with cards like this. I love browsing paper crafting blogs and it seems like sometimes the projects I make wind up being the synthesis of things that inspired me on them over days or weeks or even longer. Two blogs that definitely influenced me for this one though are Paper Pleasing Ideas and My Favorite Things (hmmm, I almost typed My Favorite Thongs, I'm sure that would not be a blog I'd want to be sending you to!!)


This card, much like the Crushed Curry card I shared earlier this week, was made for a friend who just had a long awaited baby girl. This time after 3 boys. (I have only one-I just can't imagine!) So once again this card was made to be a celebration of all things girly. The flower was made in felted Pink Pirouette (a returning in color) cardstock so it has a very pleasing flannel-like texture to it.
The felt accent pieces were from the Sweet Pea Stitched Felt elements that were available in the last mini catalogue. I earned them free with my MDS certification in the fall {Yay SU!} I actually do have to admit though, I am a bit of a hoarder when it comes to embellishment and despite really liking these elements this is the first project I dared break into them for! Do you do the same? I still have piles of DSP waiting for just the right project, and I can't bear to cut into them, silly really, that IS why I bought it!
Well that's it for today, I'd love to read your comments, Happy Stampin'!

Flashy Flowers

I figured since I'm on a bit of a role with the paper flower thing I might as well keep going. The card I'm sharing today has a pretty wild colour combo but, I really like how it turned out. I wanted to give a thank you gift to a family friend (in her 80's but, you'd never guess!) who really went out of her way to help me this year while I was busy with the baby. The card was inspired by a really cheerful but, admittedly wild gift bag that I was using. I wish I had thought of taking a pic of the bag (hindsight eh?) so you could see where the idea came from. Basically the bag was checkered in kiwi and white then covered in multicolored gebera like daisies. I think it also had black polka dots on it somehow but, for the moment I can't imagine how!


Anyway, this turned out to be a really quick card thanks to Mr. Big Shot (looooooove him!-shhh, don't tell Will!). I used the daisies #2 die with Orchid Opulescence and Pixie Pink cardstock (I think, I never use those colours) . This is a fabulous die as you can easily produce very impressive flowers and their appearance can be totally transformed simply by your choice of papers and the number of layers you use. I think I've posted a flower I made with this die using blues and the effect is completely different!
While I'm on the topic of things I love, have you gotten the vibe recently that I LOVE the corduroy buttons? Especially these Kiwi Kiss one- and their available in the clearance rack really cheap! Unfortunately it looks like they all hit the Last Chance Accessories list so it looks like I'll have to stock up before they're all gone! My favourite colour is actually the Kraft (soon to be Crumb Cake) because they are pale enough to colour with markers!
OK I'm sure you feel that, that's more than enough ranting about buttons and such so, I guess I'll sign off for now. Do be sure to check out those last chance lists though, there are really great things that won't be available after Juin 30th!

Happy Stampin!

Fast and fabulous Flower

As I mentioned yesterday I have gotten totally hooked on making paper flowers. Here is a card featuring another kind of flower I discovered (Ack I can't find the tutorial I watched on it, if anyone knows where to find it, please let me know!) I made this card for my DSIL who is also an avid papercrafter. This flower is a lot more intricate than the one I shared yesterday. The reason I refer to it as a fast flower is that, when I offered my paper flower making class I came up with a 3d rose that I honestly don't think looked as sharp as this one and yet took AGES to make. In fact I think most of my stampers, although they loved the finished product, said they would likely never make one again. It was far too finicky and time consuming. On the contrary, this flower, which is made using our scallop circle punch, looks awesome and is simple enough to do on a regular basis. Here's a close up of the flower, I used the tombo multi adhesive to make the flower- it's awesome stuff!


This card actually features a few of my recent addictions: kraft cardstock (soon to be called Crumb Cake and will have a matching ink!!!!), the Scallop trim edge punch and the polkadots embossing folder. The folder is one of the best purchases I have ever made, I absolutely love the effect it gives and I find myself reaching for it all the time. Here is the rest if the card, I just love the look of Old olive and plum or elegant eggplant together, it gives projects a really rich feel.
Happy Stampin'!

Last Chance Lists Posted Today!

Stampin' Up! posted it's Last Chance lists this morning (I have them posted below). This year, especially with the colour reno, the lists are extensive and definitely worth taking a good look at. Here are a few 'highlights' in case you don't have the time to look right away:

• Over 200 stamp sets retiring
• All products in retiring colours
• Pop up glue dots
• All designer series paper packs
• All Simply Scrappin' kits
• All Simply Sent, party, and element kits
• Encore metallic inks
• All dry embossing stencils and tools (including the light table)
• All pre-inked stampin around cartridges
• All full sized Craft Ink Stampin' Pads
• All punches are being reconfigured (but Trio Flower, My way and Tag corner punch will not return)
• Glassy Glaze Enamel Embossing Powder
• Micro beads
• All bead duos
• Corduroy Buttons {I can't bear the thought!!}
• Many ribbons
• All rub-ons
• Most On Board products
• Many Decor Elements
• soooooo much more!

I suppose you would like to see these lists now? Well you'll have to wait just one more sec, as I share the following very important information:

• The stamp sets will be available until the end of June.
• All accessories will be available only while supplies last.
• The retiring accessories list is very long and includes many items that are not retiring completely but, are only getting reconfigured. Check for a star in the left hand column to see if product is being reconfigured. For Example: they are not discontinuing black cardstock, only changing how it will be sold.
• If you want an absolute guarantee that you will get the retiring items you want, order online and soon!
• Bonus: some retiring accessories are being offered at up to a 50% off discount!

Here they are:

• Last Chance Stamps
• Last Chance Accessories
• Last Chance Decor Elements
  

OK now that I've posted the retiring stuff my treat is to go check out the new preview items on the demonstrator web site, I love being a Demo!!! (I'm sure I'll have lost to share about that soon.)

Happy Stampin'!

Averie's Posy

Here's another card I made a while back. This was baby card I made for a cousin who finally had a little girl after 2 boys. I wanted to make something really fun and girly and to my surprise i found myself reaching for Crushed Curry to do it! I'm still surprised how great this colour can be in the right situations because I actually hated it when it first came out. It was actually the stunning Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper that helped me change my mind, I've used some of that paper on this project. This Paper lends itself really well to the whole shabby chic look. If Crushed Curry (or Bermuda Bay or Dusty Durango) has finally caught your fancy, don't forget that it is only available until the end of this month!!



I'm also really loving all of the paper flowers/medallions that have been showing up in papercrafting. A few years ago when I did a class on paper flowers, I had to search like crazy for ideas and then had to come up with most of them on my own. Now, though it seems like there are hundreds of varieties out there and every other card features one. Here's a close up of the posy flower I made for this card.


It's super easy to make and with the right paper choices really fabulous. I'm not sure who to credit with this kind of flower, I think it has been around for a long time but, I first took notice of it on Dawn McVey's blog. Basically all you do is roughly tear out 3 circles in complementary papers, and then after crumpling and distressing each one to your satisfaction you stack them and stick a brad or button on. Fun!! I've gotten quite hooked on the paper flowers, as you will see over the next few days. Hope you enjoyed.

Happy Stampin'

Stampin' Up Publishes Retiring Stamps list tommorrow!

I will be posting the list of retiring Stamps & Accessories here tommorrow so be sure to check back!

Trendy Scene

I figured since we're snowed in today (yes I am writing this at the very end of May!) I would take a few moments to share some things I've created since I last posted a project. I've still been stamping but have not been able to find the time to share. Today I'm choosing to create a whole bunch of smaller posts (that will be published over the next few days) that way I can share more projects in less time. I won't be sharing any card recipes but, if you would like to know about any of the projects I will be posting feel free to leave comments and I will do my best to answer.


As usual all supplies used are Stampin' Up! and most can be found in our current catalogue which you can see on my Stampin' site here.


This was a super fun card to make. I took inspiration from a creation someone shared in our monthly Stampin' Success magazine (an awesome perk to becoming a demonstrator!). I love the look of the different patterned papers on the hills. One thing you can't see well in the photo but, that I think really adds a lot to the card in real life is the pattern in the sky. I used one of the 'tree top' stamps from the Trendy Trees set that looks like a polka dot spiral and stamped it in white craft ink all over the bashful blue layer. I really love playing with this set!





Happy Stampin'!

Smooch Spritz

If you have seen the new Smooch Spritz from the Summer mini catalogue and have been wondering about it, Dawn's Stamping Studio has produced a great little 411 video about it here. It's great messy fun!

Stampin' Up!'s New Colour Renovation!!!

{You'll want to read to the end, I have a special offer for you!}

Hi Stampers,
I have some very exciting news for you! As you know Stampin' Up! is all about colours, and colour trends are constantly changing. Over the last few years, the In Color family have been used to keep the Stampin' Up! pallette on trend but, after lots of research they've decided that it was time for a larger change; a Color Renovation! Just like any renovation project it can be daunting and even scary at first but the end results are always worth the troubles! So what does this mean?

Some happy hellos and fond farewells...

There will now be 4 Color Collections: -Brights, Regals, Subtles and Neutrals

Each collection will include 10 colours (40 in all) These palettes are made up of 25 carried-over colours, 10 returning In Colors (Including most of my faves!!) and 5 gorgeous brand new colors. (Early Expresso looks like the brown of my dreams!)(See link on right side for full list).

Farewell...
So what's happening to the other 30 colours that will not be carried over? They are going to be retired {gulp!}. Now, while there are a few that I am glad to see go, there are also a few that really choke me up, and I'm sure you will feel the same way.(See link on right side for full list).

Stampin' Up! is promising to make all these colors available through the end of May then after that it will only be as supplies last so, I recommend ordering ASAP! I know that I will have to stock up on a few of my faves, somehow I can`t imagine a world without close to cocoa, mellow moss, pale plum or summer sun! Are your 'can't live without em' colours on the hit list?

Remember this will effect all inks, refills, cardstock, designer series papers, markers, pastels, watercolour crayons and of course accessories in the retiring colours.

{Edited to add: I just recieved my free samples of the new colours from Stampin' Up! and I love them even more in real life!! That makes saying good bye a little easier!}

In Colors...
They will also be continuing with the In-Color program but, in a slightly different (and in my opinion, much better) way. From now on, every year Stampin' Up! will introduce 5 new In-colors to reflect the color new color trends but, they will stick around for two whole years-yay! What this means, is after this year you will actually have access to 10 additional In-colors at any given time. I don't know about you but, this thrilled me, it always takes me a while to warm up to the new colours, then by the time I'm totaly in love with them- Bye bye! {sigh} I can't wait to see the new 2010 In colors!!

Easing Into the New Colour Collections:
While change is always exciting, as a demonstrator I was afraid it would become terribly expensive to stay current....would I have to purchase a new set of markers or watercolour crayons, on top of the new ink pads and papers?... Thank goodness Stampin' Up! was sensitive to this and so, for the duration of the 2010 catalogue they will be offering update kits that will only include the new colours as well as inserts for your marker boxes and pastels as well as new tins for the watercolour crayons.

Something This Exciting Calls for Prizes!
I will be purchasing the five new classic ink pads as soon as they are available (Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist, Early Expresso & Cajun Craze). In order to win one, simply place a minimum $30 order, including retiring colour products, during the month of May, either online or by contacting me directly. You will recieve one draw entry per $30 ordered before shipping and taxes. I will draw the winners in June.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to leave me a comment.

Have fun dreaming up new colour combos & Happy Stampin'!