2-4-6 Box

It's customary to bring small gifts for your downline who attend Convention. I made up a few things this year and gave them to my downline in little canvas bags that said "swaps". Here is one of the gifts: a 2-4-6 box with lotion inside!

Click here for instructions. I changed the measurement of the paper from 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 8" x 8-1/2" to accommodate the size of the lotion. Everything else is the same.

Supplies: Wow Flowers, Think Happy Thoughts, Tangerine Tango ink pad & cardstock, Pacific Point ink & cardstock, Kiwi Kiss ink pad, 1-1/4" & 1-3/8" Circle Punches, Scallop Circle Punch, 1/8" Hole Punch, Rectangle Hole Punch, Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon, Paper Cutter with scoring blade

Convention Bag Tags

I am in Salt Lake City, Utah as you read this. I have pre-dated all of this week's posts so I can continue to share new projects with you while I attend Stampin' Up!'s annual convention for demonstrators. I am thrilled to be attending Convention and can't wait to see what's in store for us as we kick off the 20th anniversary celebration!

Today, we check-in and receive our Convention bags. Inside will be the brand new Fall-Winter catalog (WOO HOO!!), several new stamp sets, and some other goodies for the week (a workbook, pen, pin, etc.). Because there are thousands of demonstrators receiving exactly the same bag today, I made bag tags for all of my downline attending Convention.

These are photo keychains that I personalized with each person's initial on one side and the Dreams quote on the back side. We'll put these on the zippers of our bags so we can easily identify who's is who's.

Supplies: Dreams Du Jour, Lovely Letters alphabet, Bella Rose paper, Whisper White cardstock, Chocolate Chip ink pad, Riding Hood Red ink pad, Kiwi Kiss ink pad, Blender Pens, 2-way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Coluzzle

[Edited 8/9/08: I found these photo keychains in the kids craft aisle at Michael's for $1/each.]

Basket Box

Don't you just love those strawberries that I posted yesterday!? They are so summery and would make great favors for a picnic or summer soiree. Display them in a little basket for a cute centerpiece on your table.

To make this basket just the perfect size for the strawberries, I used a 6" x 6" piece of River Rock cardstock. I scored the cardstock at 2" and 4", turned it, and scored again at 2" and 4". Then, on opposite sides, I cut on the score lines up to the first perpendicular line. (See photo).


I folded up the sides so they met in the middle and attached a cardstock handle (1/2" x 8-1/2") with a gold brad.

Strawberry Box

Another demonstrator first showed me this strawberry box a few months ago at a demonstrator meeting and I have been sharing it since -- in my downline meeting, stamp club, and most recently, Jessica's party on Friday. (Thanks again for hosting Jessica; I had a great time!)

I found the pattern online here. (There are lots of other fabulous templates on this website too!) I used the Ginger Blossom designer series paper for my strawberry -- isn't it perfect?

Cut the pattern out and use Dotto (removable) adhesive to stick the pattern to the designer series paper. Cut around the pattern and use a bone folder to score on the dotted lines. Adhere the tab to the inside of the first "petal". Use a 1/8" Hole Punch to punch a hole at the end of each petal; then thread a 12" piece of ribbon through the holes and pull it tight into a strawberry shape. (If you are going to put anything inside, do it now! I put a Hershey Kiss inside mine!)

Even though the pattern includes a piece for the leaves, I used the 5-Petal Flower Punch instead (to save myself some cutting!). Punch a hole in the middle of the "leaves" and thread both ribbons through the hole. Hold the ends together and tie in a knot to form the strawberry stem. Trim as necessary.

Supplies: Ginger Blossom paper, Mellow Moss cardstock & grosgrain ribbon, 5-Petal Flower Punch, Bone Folder, SNAIL adhesive, Dotto adhesive, paper snips

Simply Scrappin' 12x12

It's been a busy day as I'm preparing to leave for Convention and afternoon turned into evening before I finally got a chance to post the second scrapbook page. Here is a 12x12 scrapbook page using the same Summer Days Simply Scrappin' Kit as the 6x6 page in my previous post.

Supplies: Summer Days Simply Scrappin' Kit, Taffy Alphabet, Bashful Blue Classic ink pad, Basic Black Journaling marker

Simply Scrappin' 6x6

I love Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scrappin' Kits. These kits make it so easy to complete a scrapbook page -- or an entire album -- in a short period of time. Each kit includes 8 sheets of 12x12 textured cardstock, 6 sheets of double-sided designer series paper, and 6 sheets of self-adhesive die-cut embellishments. The only thing you need is an alphabet stamp set, an ink pad, and a journaling pen!

Here's a quick 6x6 page I made with a picture of my upline's daughter from our cruise to Bermuda earlier this year. I'll post a 12x12 page using this same kit this afternoon, so stay tuned!

Supplies: Summer Days Simply Scrappin' Kit, Short Order Alphabet, Real Red Classic ink pad, Pumpkin Pie ribbon

Bella Rose Love Card

Here's a quick card using some of the sneak peek products from the new catalog.

Supplies: Dreams Du Jour, Bella Rose DSP, Pink Pirouette ink & cardstock, Riding Hood Red ink pad, Scallop Edge Punch, 2-way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter

The finished card is 3-1/2" x 5", which will fit in the envelopes that come in the package of small notecards & envelopes. I used pieces of the Bella Rose paper and added glitter to make it sparkle. I made the ric-rac using the new Scallop Edge Punch. (See this post for photos & details.)

Sketch Challenge

I knew that starting this blog would motivate me to stamp and create more, but sometimes I need a little something to help me get going. Tonight, I turned to the Splitocaststampers.com Sketch Challenge. I love to copy layouts from samples in the catalog, but I like an empty sketch because it helps me come up with something using the materials I have. Often when I see a sample I like, my mind can't go outside the colors or the stamps they used.

For this sketch challenge, I sat down at my very messy desk, pulled out some things that were buried, and turned it into a card.

Supplies: Fundamental Phrases, Afternoon Tea DSP, Soft Sky ink& cardstock, Pretties Kit, Aquapainter, Chocolate Chip ink pad, Stampin' Dimensionals.

I colored the center flower with the aquapainter and the Soft Sky ink pad. By pushing down on the lid, I pooled just enough ink to pick up with the paintbrush and color the fabric flower. I made sure to let it dry before attaching to the card.

Wild Rose Bookmark Card

As promised, here is the bookmark card we made in Stamp Club this month. I used a lot of retiring products for this project, including the 2008 In Colors (River Rock, Blue Bayou, and Wild Wasabi), Wild Rose stamp set, Porcelain Prints designer series paper (now 25% off!), and Hodge Podge Hardware (now completely sold out!).

Front

Inside

I used the Cutter Kit perforating blade to cut the inside cardstock so that it can be torn off and used as a bookmark. The Cutter Kit is very handy and also comes with a cutting blade, scoring blade, and an edge distresser. You really need a hard edge to guide you as you are cutting/scoring/perforating in a straight line. I used the Acrylic Grid (which is retiring) and lined up the fold of my cardstock on a line of the cutting mat. I put the Acrylic Grid over my cardstock lining up the 2" mark at the bottom with the score in the middle of the cardstock. I held the Acrylic Grid down firmly with one hand and slowly ran the perforating blade against the edge of the grid. You really do need to move slowly (but with good pressure) because the blade may go haywire and off course if you try to hurry. (You only see one hand in the photo here because I had to hold the camera!!)

The roses are fabulous! I two-stepped with the Blue Bayou and just stamped off the first part of the flower and did the outline directly on top. "Stamping off" refers to stamping on your scrap paper before stamping on your cardstock to get a "second generation" or lighter color image. This is a great technique for 2-step stamping because you can use the same color ink pad instead of trying to find two coordinating colors.

Supplies: Wild Rose stamp set, It's Your Birthday stamp set, Porcelain Prints designer series paper, Blue Bayou ink & cardstock, River Rock cardstock, Wild Wasabi ink & cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Pewter Hodge Podge Hardware, Blue Bayou double-stitched ribbon, 1-1/4 & 1-3/8" Circle Punches, Cutter Kit (perforating blade), Acrylic Grid, Cutting Mat, Crafters' Tool Kit

Wild Rose Thank You Card

I got online to post a bookmark card we made in stamp club this month, but I decided to postpone that until tomorrow after finding a new color challenge on KWerner's blog. My Wild Rose stamp set was already out, so I stamped something new for tonight. The pattern on the dress reminded me of the new Bella Rose paper, but the colors for her challenge were Rose Red, Regal Rose, Sage Shadow, and Whisper White, so I had to stamp my own rose pattern.

Supplies: Wild Rose stamp set, All Holidays stamp set, Rose Red ink & cardstock, Regal Rose ink & grosgrain ribbon, Shadow Shadow ink & cardstock, Rose Red Prints designer series paper, sticky strip, Versamark ink pad, Winter White embossing powder, heat tool, stamp-a-ma-jig

The finished card measures 5" x 5".

I liked the pleating in the inspiration dress, so I tried the ruffled ribbon again. I started with a piece of sticky strip across the card between the roses and the Rose Red paper. I carefully laid the ribbon, using the paper piercing tool to gather it in tiny waves. It was tedious, but I like the way it turned out.

Birthday Wishes Card

I made this card a week or two ago when I first got my pre-order, but something just didn't sit right with me. I finally took the time to tweak it yesterday by making the strip at the bottom a little smaller and changing the white grosgrain ribbon (not shown in this version) for another Kiwi Kiss scallop. I think I'm happy with it now.


Supplies: Wow Flowers, new In Colors: Pacific Point ink & cardstock, Kiwi Kiss ink & Cardstock, Riding Hood Red ink & cardstock, Whisper White Craft ink & cardstock, circle punches, Scallop Edge Punch,

Note: This card measures 3-1/2" x 5-1/2".

Birthday Cards

I love the week of my birthday. Everyday is a fun mail day when the cards trickle in. Thank you for all the fabulous hand-stamped cards! Two in particular stood out because they use the brand new Sock Monkey stamp set, which will be released in the new catalog next month. I'm starting to wish I had pre-ordered this stamp set!

The card on the left is from my downline Tara. She used some of the accessories that come in the stamp set and two of the new In Colors: Kiwi Kiss & Baja Breeze. I love how she colored the taffeta ribbon with her Baja Breeze ink pad to coordinate with the card.

The card on the right is from my mom, who is also in my downline. This card is just too stinkin' cute! The colors (Regal Rose, Amethyst, and Gable Green) are so soft and sweet, the dazzling diamonds on the cupcake frosting looks yummy and the balloons...SO darling!

Here are some other cards I've gotten from friends and downline: Stacey, Tiffany, Samantha, Margo, and Mary. Thank you so much for the beautiful cards!

Pure & Simple Love You Card

I was inspired by a card by "craftdoc" to make this simplified version of the chipboard heart card.

I used the square frame from Frames With a Flourish and stamped it in Real Red on a 3" x 5" Notecard (available in sets of 20 with envelopes). I used the square punch to cut out the center of the frame and then added a square of red cardstock on the inside of the card with the naked chipboard. The "love you" greeting from the Short & Sweet stamp set was the perfect finishing touch.

Another Color Challenge

I had time for another one of KWerner's Color Inspiration Challenges. Here is her inspiration photo. The colors she picked are Certainly Celery, Soft Sky, Pumpkin Pie, and Very Vanilla.

The little flowers she used for the color swatches reminded me of the new Button Bouquet that's coming out in the new catalog next month. Demonstrators were able to pre-order a package with two of the ten designs. I used the button that is supposed to coordinate with the Baja Breeze, but I thought it was light enough to use with Soft Sky too. I also pulled in a felt flower from the Flower Fusion set to represent the felt booties in the inspiration image.

Supplies: Hugs & Wishes stamp set, Certainly Celery Prints paper, Spring Silhouettes paper, Pumpkin Pie ink & cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Certainly Celery cardstock, Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Square Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Flowers Fusion (felt flowers), Button Bouquet

This card measures 5-1/2" x 3-1/2".

NOTE: Soft Sky is one of the 2008 In Colors, which are all retiring. I expect the In Color products to go quickly, especially after the retiring accessories list is posted on Monday. Two of the double-stitched ribbons (Blue Bayou and Purely Pomegranate) are already sold out! So don't wait to order -- get them now while you can! Email or call me to place an order. (See contact info at the top of my blog.)

It's My Birthday!

Today is my birthday...at least for another hour. It's not just any ol' birthday either. Today I turned 30! It's been a great day. Although I didn't do anything extraordinary; it was the simple acts of acknowledgement that really made today special: the phone calls from friends and family, the cards and emails, and the flowers from my hubby.

I have to say the highlight of today was the last half hour that I just spent watching Jim make my birthday card. He got too busy making my Chocolate Covered Cherry cake last night and helping the kids make their cards, that he didn't get one done for himself. He said he wasn't very inspired and asked if we could sit down together to do it tonight.

Some quick background: Jim only stamps cards for me on special occasions like Valentine's Day, my birthday, and our anniversary. He usually picks out a swap card or other display sample and CASEs it as much as he can using whatever cut cardstock I have lying around. (He's not keen on the paper cutter.)

So tonight, he opened my cabinet to browse the stamp sets. I pointed out the new Wow Flowers stamp set and he decided to use that. But then he sat down and just stared at the desk. So I pulled out the new Flower Power Simply Sent Card Elements Kit. He immediately recognized the Wow Flowers stamp set on the cover: "Hey, that's your set!"

I explained that the Simply Sent Card Elements Kit included everything he needed to make a card and I handed him the instruction sheet. He quickly picked out the "pink" card and got started. I helped him cut the cardstock. (Unlike the other Simply Sent Kits, this cardstock and paper comes in a full sheet. You can cut it according to the step-by-step directions or use it to create something from scratch.) Jim noticed the cardstock was textured: "Wow! That's new!" he said. He was equally excited about the self-adhesive die-cuts that come in the kit -- all cut and colored, ready to peel and stick! I sat back and let him go at it. He followed each step of the written instructions and put the card together.

He was a little perplexed by the instruction to adhere the paper "3/8" from the edge of the card". So I showed him the ruler on the grid paper and he used that to figure out where to put the paper. It was fun to watch him him work, picking out what he needed, spinning my Color Caddy to find the right colors to stamp with. Oh, I highly recommend the Stamp-a-ma-jig with this kit! Jim had to stamp the Happy Birthday circle stamp on a very tight-fitting die-cut. The first one was not so good. I showed him how to use the Stamp-a-ma-jig stamp positioner and the second time was perfect!

I remembered to get out the camera at the very end, just in time to take a picture of his final touch:Here's Jim with his finished card:

I told him now all he had to do was write something creative inside. I loved his response and even jotted it down so I could share it: "I'm not very creative -- that's why this [kit] is so easy!"

I know you'll love this new Simply Sent Card Elements Kit too. Whether or not you consider yourself "creative", you'll still be able to make beautiful cards in a snap! The kit will be available when the new catalog is released on August 11.

Mini Envelope Accordion Album

I made this little album as a WOW swap on my cruise to Bermuda in March. I finally put pictures in it last night so I could show you the completely finished project.

I used the Summer Days Simply Scrappin' kit, which made assembling the album a breeze! The front cover features a chipboard flower, which I sponged with Real Red Craft ink. The first inside flap has a rub-on, which I then punched with the My Way arrow punch. I just love this color combination. It's so fun and summery!

Here are the directions to make the album:

Supplies: Simply Scrappin’ Kit, 6-8 mini (3x3) size envelopes (depending on how many pockets you want), 12” cutter with scoring blade, Sticky Strip, Scissors, 18" of Ribbon, Embossing buddy

Instructions:

1. Cut one piece of cardstock and one piece of designer series paper down to 3 ½” x 11 ¾”. (from your Simply Scrappin’ Kit).
2. Score each piece at 3 ½”, 4”, 7 ½”, 8”. Fold on all score lines.
3. Adhere them together using a generous amount of SNAIL or Sticky Strip. (Note: It is best to do this with the cardstock folded, smoothing out wrinkles as you move from one end to the other. Adhering them flat and then folding will often cause the cover to buckle.)
4. Fold the flaps backward on each of the 8 mini envelopes and put them in a stack.
5. Lick the adhesive on the top envelope flap and adhere it to the next one, repeating this so that all 8 envelopes are stuck together and there is one flap remaining at the back.
6. Place Sticky Strip above and below the adhesive on the back flap of the bottom envelope, lick the adhesive and adhere the stack of envelopes inside the center 3 ½” square section of the album cover near the bottom edge. Decorate the front envelope as desired with self-adhesive die-cuts the Simply Scrappin’ Kit.
7. Cut cardstock from your Simply Scrappin’ Kit into eight pieces measuring 3” x 3”. Decorate each card with die-cuts, photos, and journaling. Create pull tabs for the tops of the cards with the die-cuts hanging over the top edge. To remove stickiness from exposed portions of the die-cuts, tap with Embossing Buddy.
8. Place cards in envelopes and secure album with a piece of ribbon.

Happiness Always Card

I used the upcoming Level 3 Hostess Set "Happiness Always" again for this card. The Pink Pirouette is such a soft, soft pink. I paired it here with Barely Banana and Certainly Celery (I stamped off on the leaves so it would be a lighter shade of Certainly Celery.)

Supplies: Happiness Always, Pink Pirouette ink & cardstock, Barely Banana ink & cardstock, Certainly Celery ink & cardstock, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, white taffeta ribbon

Kiwi Leaves Card

Here is another card with the new Level 3 Hostess Set "Happiness Always" from the new catalog (will be released on August 11).

Nothing too WOW about this one, but I was going for a more masculine card with this otherwise flowery set. You could do this same layout with the other stamps from that set (a flower or the butterfly) and change the colors accordingly.

I used the Color Spritzer Tool with the Basic Black marker to add to the splatter. If you have the markers, that tool is a must-have! And I used the stamp-a-ma-jig for placement on all of the leaves, including the 2-step part (which is made up of a bunch of letters!).

Supplies: Happiness Always, Heard from the Heart, Kiwi Kiss ink & cardstock, Basic Black ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Basic Black marker, black grosgrain ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Color Spritzer Tool

Butterfly Dreams Card

I am getting so excited for Stampin' Up!'s annual convention for demonstrators. This year, it's in Salt Lake City and I leave it just over two weeks. I'm excited because Stampin' Up! is kicking off it's 20th anniversary celebration, releasing the new Fall-Winter Catalog AT convention, and I get to go with a fabulous group of my downline and be away from the kids for nearly a week! It is going to be one big party -- Stampin' Up! style. Woo hoo!

So among all the other fun things at Convention (make and takes, free stamps, business classes, new product technique training), there will be thousands (yes, thousands!) of crazy demonstrators like me swapping card fronts like mad all over the convention center (and nearby restaurants, hotels, airports...heck, I once swapped while standing in line for the bathroom!!) So I have to come prepared with a bag full of card fronts. And I better start my stretching exercises so I can be ready to reach across a group full of women for that totally awesome swap across the way!

Here is one of the cards I am thinking about making as a convention swap. Let me know what you think! (I am sure it goes without saying, but if you're going to Convention, please don't CASE this card for your swaps!)

Supplies: Happiness Always stamp set (Level 3 Hostess set), Pacific Point ink pad & cardstock, Baja Breeze ink pad & cardstock, Scallop Edge punch, Silver Brads

This card measures 3" x 6".

KWerner Color Challenge

It's been so nice to "just stamp" lately. I had another great afternoon yesterday during nap time and completed a card for my very first KWernerDesign.com Color Inspiration Challenge. Kristina's inspiration was this bedding and the challenge colors were Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, Certainly Celery, and Whisper White.

Here's my card, featuring more sneak peek stuff (the Dreams Du Jour stamp set and Bella Rose paper). This card is 3-1/2" x 5-1/2". I'm hooked on that size! I added some Dazzling Diamonds to the flowers to make them sparkle. I don't think this photo quite does the card justice, but it's the best I could get.

Supplies: Dreams Du Jour stamp set, Bella Rose paper, Close to Cocoa cardstock, Chocolate Chip Classic Ink pad, Really Rust Classic ink pad & cardstock, Certainly Celery marker, Blender Pen (dipped in Really Rust ink), 2-way Glue & Dazzling Diamonds, Celery grosgrain ribbon

Love Many Things Card

"The way to know life is to love many things" -- Van Gogh

I am loving many things...new stamps, new paper, new colors....ahhh! Life is good! Here's another 3" x 6" card sample with all new stuff from the upcoming catalog.

Supplies: Dreams Du Jour stamp set, Bella Rose Designer series paper, Pink Pirouette ink & cardstock, Riding Hood Red ink & cardstock, Chocolate Chip ink & cardstock, Blender Pen, Circle Punches, Scallop Circle Punch

Bella Rose Card

I just love the new Bella Rose designer series paper. On the cruise, they briefly showed us a new stamp set called "A Rose is a Rose" that will match the roses on this paper. I couldn't wait for that, so I just cut some images from the paper to use as my focal point on this card.

It's hard to see in the photo, but I used 2-Way Glue to add some Dazzling Diamonds glitter to the rose and leaves. It adds just the perfect touch!

Supplies: Heard from the Heart stamp set, Bella Rose Designer Series paper, Riding Hood Red ink & cardstock, Kiwi Kiss cardstock, Pink Pirouette cardstock, Scallop Circle Punch, Circle Punches, Scallop Edge Punch, white grosgrain ribbon

I used the Scallop Edge Punch to make the ric rac. See my post from yesterday for details. Just a reminder: The Scallop Edge Punch and other new sneak peeks like the In Colors and stamp sets will not be available to order until the new catalog is released on August 11th. (Unless you're a demonstrator, and then you can pre-order it now! Not a demonstrator yet? Click here or email me for more information.)

Ric Rac with Scallop Edge Punch

Wow! I had quite a surge of new visitors on my blog yesterday, especially after Rachel's post over on Studio Calico (thanks, Rachel!). I am thrilled that you are so excited about the new Scallop Edge Punch! I made up this next card last night just for all the Studio Calico gals. Thanks for stopping by ladies; I hope you'll stick around for more!

Supplies: Heard from the Heart stamp set, Bella Rose Designer series paper, Riding Hood Red Classic ink & cardstock, Pink Pirouette cardstock, Scallop Edge Punch, Button Bouquet, white grosgrain ribbon, mini glue dots

This card is kind of quick and clean. I mostly wanted to show off how to make ric rac with the Scallop Edge Punch. I cut my cardstock down to a 1" strip and punched one side with the scallop edge. I turned it around and lined up the punch on the other side so that the scallops would fall opposite of the first ones.

Finally, I did a little faux sewing on the buttons. I couldn't find my white embroidery thread (must still be packed somewhere), so I cut the border off a piece of white grosgrain ribbon and thread it through the button holes. On the back side, I adhered the ends down with glue dots and then attached it to the card with the glue dots. Now it appears to be sewed on, but I didn't have to mess with a needle. (I think it was Linda Hansen who demonstrated that little trick at a Stampin' Up! regional seminar a couple years ago...)

Just Like You Card Kit

The best part about attending stamp classes is that all of the cardstock is cut and ready to stamp. You don't have to stress over cutting everything to the right size, you can just sit down and stamp.

Now you can have that same convenience when you stamp at home. This Just Like You Card Kit includes pre-cut cardstock to make 6 cards. Use the pre-cut cardstock with the Just Like You stamp set to make the cards shown here -- or create your own designs with a different stamp set.

Just Like You Card Kit, $9.95 + $2 postage; includes:

• Pre-cut cardstock to make 6 cards
• Old Olive ribbon for 6 cards
• 6 Medium Whisper White Envelopes
• Instructions & photos of sample cards sent via email

Additional Supplies You'll Need:

• Just Like You Stamp Set, #109337, $25.95
• Regal Rose Classic Ink Pad, #105211, $5.25
• Old Olive Classic Ink Pad, #102277, $5.25
• SNAIL Adhesive, #104332, $6.95
• Scissors (to cut ribbon)

Save $5 when you buy a card kit and the additional supplies bundle*.

Call or Email Me to Order Your Card Kit.

** Order by July 31st **
(Card Kits will be sent no later than August 8th.)

*Note: Standard shipping and tax charges apply to orders for additional supplies.

Love You Card

Here's another card with new catalog stuff!

I used the new Kiwi Kiss for the base of this 3" x 6" card. A strip of the beautiful new Bella Rose paper to bring in some Riding Hood Red, which I used to make the scallop edge border. I LOVE the new punch! It's a cinch to line up, making it super easy to create scallop edge borders.

[The punch and other new catalog stuff will be available to order starting August 11 (unless you're a demonstrator, and then you can pre-order it now!). The price is the same as the other punches: $15.95.]

The image is from the Dreams Du Jour stamp set. Since we don't have markers for the In Colors, I pushed down on the lid of the ink pad to pool some ink, and then picked up the color from the lid to color in the image with a Blender Pen. Some White Taffeta ribbon finishes off the card nicely.

Happy Birthday Circle Card

I had a fabulous few hours stamping yesterday. I guess it really only turned out to be two hours, but I really enjoyed playing with my new stuff. Afterwards, I had that content and blissful feeling of accomplishment. It's so different to sit down and stamp "just for the heck of it" than to sit down with a mission of designing cards for a class or workshop.

Without further adieu, here is my first card, which is actually the last one I made yesterday. It's another 3-1/2" x 5-1/2" card. I just love that size!

Supplies: NEW Wow Flowers stamps set; NEW In Colors: Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red; Kiwi Kiss patterned paper from Bella Rose series; Whisper White Craft ink & cardstock, circle punches, scallop circle punch, Fire Rhinestone Brads

Stay tuned for more to come this week!

One Layout, Two Cards

My box of new stuff came Thursday afternoon and now it's Saturday and I still haven't had a chance to do anything except mount my stamps! (Which was super fast since they are all die-cut!) The house is clean, the kids are down for their nap, and NOW, as soon as I finish this post, I will sit down and play. Stay tuned for something brand, brand new tomorrow! Until then, here's another sample with the new set Owl Together Now.

Supplies: Owl Together Now; Kraft cardstock (5-1/2" x 7", folded in half); Whisper White cardstock; Close to Cocoa ink & cardstock; Celery and Saffron Prints paper; Versamark pad, Clear Embossing Powder (Balloon), Heat Tool, 1-3/8" Square Punch; Gold Brads; Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa & So Saffron markers

I had another go at that great layout that I used for the Hoppy Birthday card a few weeks ago. In fact, I was feeling the layout so much, I made another quick card with the Just Like You stamp set since it was sitting out on my desk.

Supplies: Just Like You stamp set, Fundamental Phrases stamp set, Flowers for You designer series paper, Regal Rose ink & cardstock, Lovely Lilac ink & cardstock, 1-3/8" Square Punch, Circle Punches, Scallop Circle Punch, Whisper White cardstock, Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbon