For All You Do Card

In the definition of last minute, it is finally official -- I have earned the Southern Caribbean cruise!!! I am doing the happy dance tonight! Thanks to all of my customers and downline for helping me earn this trip; I couldn't have done it without your support and inspiration! I think the sentiment on this card perfectly expresses what I am feeling tonight: "For all you do, for all you are, for all you mean to me...thank you"

This stamp set, "For All You Do" is available in the brand new catalog, which starts tomorrow. Check back tomorrow for a link and start shopping in my online store at Noon (Mountain Time). Email me for information on how you can get your own copy of the new catalog for free!

Do you recognize the two new In Colors on this card? Melon Mambo and Crushed Curry seem to be popular choices in my informal color poll. I don't know if I can pick a favorite...they are all so pretty and go well together in various combinations.

Supplies: For All You Do, Melon Mambo ink & cardstock, Crushed Curry ink & cardstock, Soft Suede, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, 1-3/4" Circle Punch

Stamping Relay Race

Part of our "So You Think You Can Stamp" festivities included a stamping relay race! Everyone sat at the table with three people on each side and each person had to do one step of the card. The first person used a border punch and glued Designer Paper to cardstock, the second person tied on a ribbon and glued the card front to the card, and the last person stamped, punched, and Stampin' Dimensional'ed the greeting to the card. I was so busy cheering everyone on that I forgot to take pictures of the relay race! Here is a picture of the cards. Each side of the table did one of the cards. The cards were basically the same, so everything was fair and equal!

Supplies: Curly Label Bundle, Say It With Scallops, Cameo Coral ink & cardstock, Rose Red ink & cardstock, Raspberry Tart DSP, Whisper White cardstock, Curly Label Punch, Scallop Square Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, 1/4" Rose Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Limited Supply Challenge: June 2009

Last Thursday, I had a special stamping night with my Champaign customers. I called it "So You Think You Can Stamp" Night (I have to credit Emily Shelton for the clever name!) It was a customer appreciation event to thank everyone for a great year. We had a similar party after Stamp Club in Springfield two weeks ago. Both nights were so much fun! I enjoyed giving away free prizes and playing some stamping and color games. This year, I did a stamping challenge. I set out very limited supplies and each stamper created a card using only the supplies on the table.

These stamping supplies included: Flowers in Silhouette stamp, Sincere Salutations, Baja Breeze ink pad, Basic Gray ink pad, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, and one of each of the following: 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" Whisper White cardstock, 5" x 3" Baja Breeze cardstock, 5-3/8" x 2-5/8" Walk in the Park DSP, and 2" x 4" Whisper White cardstock. Each person was allowed to cut, tear, or omit any of the cardstock and paper, but could use no more than one of each piece.

I was amazed at how different all the cards were! Click here to see their creations.

Before I put everything away on Thursday night, I sat down and made my own card. I cut off the front edge of the card and adhered the DSP to the inside. I used another piece of the DSP for the stamped greeting on the front.

Wanna play along? Use the same limited supplies that we did and post a link to your sample in the comments section of this post. I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

150K Blog Candy & Project Kit Giveaway

My, how fast time this year has gone! I celebrated my first "blogoversary" over Memorial Day weekend! And with all of your visits this week, we surpassed 150,000 hits! And I'm about to celebrate my 7 year anniversary as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. And I'm about to earn my 3rd incentive trip -- a cruise to the Southern Caribbean! Whew! That's a lot of "Ands"! We have a lot to celebrate! And I love to celebrate with free stuff -- so I've got two special blog candy offers with three prizes!

Here's how to enter:

• Leave me a comment on this post with your name and email address. Tell me which of the new 2010 In Colors you like the best! [They are (in the order shown below): Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo, and Dusty Durango.]

On July 1st, I'll use Random.org to choose one winner to receive the 150K Blog Candy Package, which includes: Hooray Designer Hardware, Silver Cord, Black Hemp, 2 stamps, 100 DSP pieces for card-making (or scrapbooking), Bold Brights eyelets (circles & stars) and buttons.

• Follow" me. Find my "fan club" down in the left column and join to "follow" my blog. Already a follower? You're already in the drawing!

On July 1st, I'll use Random.org to choose two winners from my fan club, who will each receive one project kit (of my choosing). Click here to view my Project Kits. (Watch for a new one coming soon with new catalog products!)

I'm always watching the "numbers", so for those of you who are also interested, here are some blog stats, as of today, 6-27-09:

• Days Blogging: 395
• # of Posts: 388
• # of Hits: 151,626
• Stamping Top 500 Rank: 106

Faux Window Card & Tutorial

Yesterday was my husband's birthday (which is why this post is a day late, sorry!) I made him a card that we did for a make and take at my "So You Think You Can Stamp" night on Thursday. (More on that fun Customer Appreciation Night later.) I used mini labels and contact paper to create this faux window with the classic Lovely as a Tree stamp set.

Here's how to make the faux window:

1. Cut mini labels down to fit your image. Stamp image on label sheet. Color as desired.
2. Sponge white space with color. I used Bordering Blue for the sky and Mellow Moss for the grass.
3. Cut a piece of clear contact paper to be slightly larger than the stamped label sheet. Peel off the backing and place the contact paper over your image...sticky side down on the image. Don't press the contact paper too hard over the image.
   
4. Peel back the backing of the label sheet, leaving the labels in their position on the contact paper.
5. Place the contact paper with labels over a coordinating piece of cardstock. Carefully peel back the contact paper, transferring the labels to the cardstock.
6. Finish embellishing your card as desired.

Supplies: Lovely As a Tree, Fundamental Phrases, Creamy Caramel marker & cardstock, Chocolate Chip ink & cardstock, Mellow Moss ink & marker, Bordering Blue ink, Stamping Sponges, Mini Labels, Contact Paper

Kit Kat Purse

I was originally going to include a statement at the end of this post that said "No Kit Kats were harmed in the making of this post." But unfortunately, the Kit Kat did not survive even until the photo shoot! I tried; I really really did. But I got desperate and there was no other chocolate in the house. And I was so careful to preserve the wrapper so I could make it look like there was a Kit Kat in this little purse. You can't tell, can you!?

We made this cute little candy box in Stamp Club this month. The base is a piece of textured Chocolate Chip cardstock: cut to 4" x 9-3/4" and scored at 2-7/8", 3-1/4", 6-1/8", 6-1/2", 9-3/8".

I cut a 4" Circle from the Good Morning Sunshine DSP using the Circle Scissor Plus and adhered it to the Chocolate Chip purse. Instead of tying the ribbon, I adhered the 6" piece with two brads. After I put the brads in (using paper piercer from Crafter's Toolkit), I used Sticky Strip to adhere the inside flap, creating the sleeve for the Kit Kat.

The flower on the front is from the So Tweet chipboard set and sponged with Ruby Red Craft ink. I punched a little 3/4" circle from Summer Sun and covered it with glitter. In my version, there is nothing to hold the flap closed, although you could easily add a little velcro if you wanted to.

Supplies: Good Friend stamp set, Chocolate Chip ink & textured cardstock, Ruby Red Classic & Craft ink pads, Summer Sun ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Good Morning Sunshine DSP, So Tweet Chipboard, 3/4" Circle Punch, Sponge Daubers, Silver Brads, Crafter's Toolkit, 1/4" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Circle Scissors Punch, Paper Cutter with Scoring Blade

So Long, Heartfelt Thanks

I've been waiting for Heartfelt Thanks to retire for awhile...but now that I've pulled it out of the cabinet, I remember what a classic set this is! I love the 2-stepping. Here's a card we did in Stamp Club this month to give Heartfelt Thanks one last heartfelt hurrah.

Don't forget -- there is only ONE WEEK left to order from the Last Chance List. Click here to see which stamp sets, accessories (up to 50% off), and Decor Elements (25% off) are being discontinued and then place your order on my website at http://juliedavison.stampinup.net. Place any order on my website in June and I will send you the new catalog for free!

Supplies: Heartfelt Thanks, Thank You Kindly, Pink Pirouette ink & cardstock, Bravo Burgundy marker & cardstock, Mellow Moss marker, Always Artichoke marker, Whisper White cardstock, Manchester DSP, Top Note die for the Big Shot, Pretties Kit (half pearl), Watercolor Joy Stampin' Around wheel, White Satin Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots

Summer Love 12x12 Scrapbook Page

I did a workshop for Tara and her family and friends tonight. Tara is getting married in December, so I shared some wedding/shower themed projects with them. I'll post those later, but tonight I want to share the 12x12 scrapbook page I made for her. I used the Petal Party Simply Scrappin' Kit and a sketch from 52 Sketches...52 Weeks to create this page:

(Note: The white strips next to the large photo mat are for journaling.)

Supplies: Petal Party Simply Scrappin' Kit, Taffy Alphabet, Fundamental Phrases, Heart to Heart Punch, Mini Glue Dots

Manchester Bugs

One last sample to share from my MANchester Card Kit. For this one, I used the Bugs & Kisses stamp set. The card kit includes pre-cut cardstock and Manchester Designer Series paper for 6 cards. You can make them just like I did, or get creative and use the pre-cut pieces to create your own unique masterpiece. Click here for all the details and to purchase a kit. I have just two kits left and will send them out within one day of receiving your payment.

Supplies: Bugs & Kisses, Baja Breeze ink & cardstock, Sahara Sand ink, Always Artichoke ink, Kraft cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Cutter Kit (edge distresser), Manchester DSP

Totally Tool Father's Day

It's Dad's Day! I hope you're spending time with the dads in your life today. If they are handy around the house, you might like to try this card, that we made in Stamp Club this month.

I CASEd Lorri's Totally Tool card, but added a couple of new touches of my own. (1) The background is one of the Texturz plates for the Big Shot. I ran it through and then brayered over the top with Chocolate Chip ink. (2) It's hard to see in the photo, but I stamped with Staz-on ink on Aluminum foil and then cut it out and glue it over the saw. It's a nice tie-in with the silver brads.

Supplies: Totally Stool, Jet Black Staz-On, Chocolate Chip ink & cardstock, Creamy Caramel marker & cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Silver Brads, Ticket Corner Punch, Twill Tape, Stampin' Dimensionls

Sun Fun Card

What a week! Thanks for being patient during my busy week. I've been stamping a lot...with my club gals on Tuesday & Thursday and on Friday with some moms and daughters. I promise to post pictures of our projects soon, so watch my blog over the next couple days.

In the meantime, I made a little time this evening for Stacey's Jewelry Color Inspiration #41. I love these fun summer colors! I had to use a fun summer set, so I broke out the retiring set (sniff, sniff) "Life's a Breeze" (#113504, $31.95). It has a super cute matching wheel ("Something Fishy", #111260, $8.50). We used these two to make the water gel card on Friday. It was a hit -- everyone loved it! If you don't have this stamp set yet, make sure to order by June 30, because after that, it will be gone!

Supplies: Life's a Breeze, Brilliant Blue ink & cardstock, Tangerine Tango ink & cardstock, Summer Sun ink, Tempting Turquoise ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Good Morning Sunshine DSP, Tangerine Tango Ribbon, Bold Brights Brads, Crafter's Toolkit, 1" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Order Stampin' Up! Products Online 24/7: Visit juliedavison.stampinup.net and click "Shop Now".

Thumpity Thump Thump

It's a busy, busy week! It's Stamp Club week for me and between yesterday and tomorrow and my workshop on Friday, I've been going like the Energizer bunny! I haven't had a lot of time with my new "toys" yet, but I managed to make a few cards last week. Here is one of them with the new Animal Stories stamp set. I used the thumping technique on my card. I first inked it in Crushed Curry and then "thumped" my Soft Suede marker to add a bit of color. Don't you just love the matching polka dot ribbon!? So fun!

Supplies: Animal Stories, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Crushed Curry ink & cardstock, Soft Suede marker & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Crushed Curry polka dot ribbon, 1/2" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

For You Sketch & Card

Here's a 3" x 6" card I made up for that Great Friend display board in May. It's kind of a simple and quick card -- the layout is great for using up Designer Series Paper. Give it a try and post a link to you project in the comments section of this post so I can check it out!


Supplies: Great Friend, Basic Gray ink & cardstock, Kiwi Kiss ink, Whisper White cardstock, Walk in the Park DSP, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Matchbox die for the Big Shot

Wild About You Get Well Card

We had fun at the MANchester Card Class on Thursday night. I got out a bunch of different stamp sets and let everyone do their own thing with the pre-cut cardstock and paper. My samples were out and got copied a lot, but we also had some creative stampers who went in a completely different direction. I should have taken more photos, but I only got this one of Trina's elephant card. The elephant is from Wild About You, which is retiring. Boo! I will miss this stamp set! (Click here to see what else is retiring on the Last Chance lists.)


Here's my original And Many Mower sample that uses the same pre-cut pieces.

Wouldn't you love the convenience of pre-cut cardstock and paper?! Just in time for Father's Day, try out my MANchester Card Kit and create masculine cards for all occasions. Click here for all the details and to buy a kit. I have a few extra kits from the class and will mail your kit within one day of receiving payment.

Oval All Birthday Card

Don't you just love the Oval All stamp set from the Occasions Mini Catalog with the coordinating Scallop Circle Punch? I thought this flower image matched perfectly with the DSP that I was using, but I needed a birthday card, so I used my marker to ink just the flower from the "fabulous friend" stamp and then added a greeting from Teeny Tiny Wishes (a new catalog set).

The colors were inspired from Stacey's Jewelry Color Inspiration Challenge #40. I don't get Garden Green out very often...I'll have to play with it some more!

Supplies: Oval All, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Garden Green marker & cardstock, Pretty in Pink marker & cardstock, Certainly Celery cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Flock Together DSP, 2-Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Blue Bird Thank You

I snuck in some stamping time today, while the kids were stamping birthday cards and thank you notes. I managed to make up this card for Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration Challenge #54. These colors are so fun together -- and not a combination I would have put together on my own!

I stamped the bird twice and cut out the body to attach to the card with a dimensionals. I also added some depth to the card with beads in the centers of the flowers. I put them on with just a dab of Tombo Multi Adhesive.

Supplies: Cheep Talk, Taken with Teal ink/marker & cardstock, Soft Sky ink & textured cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Pumpkin Pie ink, Green Galore ink, Basic Black marker, Striped Pumpkin Pie ribbon, Pumpkin Pie Bead Duo, Tombo Multi Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

Razzle McFrazzle Berry Lemonade Pie

ha ha! Ok, so I'm being a little silly with my title, but really, who thought up some of these new names? Rich Razzleberry is one of the new In Colors and the new DSP is Razzleberry Lemonade! I used them both on this card.

I LOVE the new ribbon -- and the fact that it's two sided, so you can use the side without polka dots if that pattern doesn't work on your card.

I also Love Love LOVE the way the Word Window punch fits inside the new Modern Label Punch. I had gotten away from using that punch a lot, but I'm dusting it off again!

Supplies: Razzle Dazzle stamp set, Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, Rich Razzleberry marker & cardstock, Melon Mambo marker & cardstock, Crushed Curry marker & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, Crushed Curry Polka Dot Ribbon, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch

MANchester Card Kit Sample #3

Tomorrow is my MANchester Card Class. If you're in Champaign and would like to attend, it's not too late! Give me a call to sign up! Can't make it? Click here for details on purchasing the card kit to complete at home.

The pieces in the card kit can be used with many different stamp sets. For this sample, I used the Lovely As a Tree set. This is the oldest stamp set in the catalog and has to be one of the most popular and best-selling in the history of Stampin' Up!. (That's not a cold hard fact, just my guess!) It's a classic for sure!

On this card, I stamped with Versamark and then used the Stampin' Pastels to brush color onto the image. (Click here for more details on the Poppin' Pastels technique.)

Supplies: Lovely As a Tree, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Very Vanilla cardstock, Always Artichoke ink& cardstock, Sahara Sand cardstock, Manchester DSP, Versamark ink pad, Stampin' Pastels

Super Quick Card

I'm not going to whine, but boy am I pooped! Sorry for the lack of posts this week. I had a little infection in my finger (I won't gross you out with all the details) and I had to have a tetanus shot and now I am taking antibiotics. Between all of that and trying to meet several deadlines and take care of the kids...I'm completely exhausted! I feel like I just can't keep up! Can you relate?!

I made this super duper quick card using some of my pre-order stuff while Trina & Teri were browsing the new catalog after our workshop last night.

I stamped the flower once and then twice more without reinking in between.

Supplies: Kind & Caring Thoughts, Dusty Durango ink & cardstock, Soft Suede ink & cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock

MANchester Card Kit Sample #2

I designed 3 cards using the And Many Mower stamp set and Manchester DSP for my MANchester Card Class this Thursday. (If you're in Champaign, call or email to sign up and attend.) If you can't come to the class, I have a card kit available for purchase. It includes pre-cut cardstock and DSP to make 6 cards. I sat down with my pre-cut cardstock and made up some alternate samples using different stamp sets. I ended up liking the alternate samples better than the original designs! So this card kit is very versatile and can be used with many different stamp sets -- including one that you probably already own. Click here for all the details on purchasing the card kit.

Here's the second sample I am sharing (the first was this sneak peek). This is one of the alternate stamp sets and uses the Totally Tool stamp set.

Supplies: Totally Tool, Always Artichoke ink & cardstock, Sahara Sand marker & cardstock, Manchester DSP, Baja Breeze cardstock, Stampin' Dimensionals

Bug Day Wishes

I cheated a little on Stacey's Jewelry Color Inspiration Challenge #39 -- I substituted Bermuda Bay for Taken with Teal. They are similar (though not the same), but I wanted to play with something new! I guess, this is kind of old In Colors meets new In Colors.

Supplies: Bugs & Kisses, Riding Hood Red ink & cardstock, Bermuda Bay ink & cardstock, Pumpkin Pie ink, Basic Black ink, Whisper White cardstock, Crafter's Toolkit, Black Gingham Ribbon, Button Bouquet, Mini Glue Dots

Cupcake Party Invite

I have had my box of new catalog preview stuff for three whole days and I've only made this one card. Can you believe it!?! I've been busy getting some other things ready to share and getting ready to send the Great Friend Card Purse Kits. So stayed tuned for all of that stuff...and yes, eventually some more new catalog samples!

There's only one thing that was important enough to get bumped to the top of the list: Ms Claire's birthday! We're having a casual cupcakes-and-pizza-at-the-park kind of playdate for her 4th birthday, so I whipped up just a few of these invitations (literally, four, including the one I kept!) to send out to friends.

This card is loaded with new stuff! New In Colors (which come in MARKERS this year -- woo hoo!), New Ribbon (polka dot grosgrain in all of the new In Colors!), New Stamps (got this one for free after a regional seminar), even a New Punch! Can you spot it all?

Supplies: On a Pedestal, Hugs & Wishes ("you're invited"), Whisper White cardstock, Rich Razelberry ink & cardstock, Crushed Curry marker & cardstock, Melon Mambo marker & cardstock, Razzle Dazzle DSP, Rich Razelberry polka dot ribbon, Modern Label Punch, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

Chocolate "Just for You"

Do you have any idea how hard it is to have this basket of chocolate around and NOT eat any? Well, it's nearly impossible and I have to confess that I'm a few bar shorts since taking the photo! ha ha!

I made these treats up for my open house last month. Everyone who attended got one and as you can tell, I had some extras. If you're in Champaign and didn't get a chance to stop by, come to my "Totally Hands-On" Workshop on Tuesday night and I'll save a chocolate for you!

The pink one was made by Connie Sylvester and swapped at our big demonstrator meeting in May. Thanks for sharing this cute idea with me, Connie! I used up some retired DSP and ribbon for mine. Either way, it's a large Scallop Circle (die for the Big Shot). I folded the bottom up first and then folded the sides over and tied on the ribbon. The "Just For You" stamp comes from Oval All in the Occasions Mini Catalog with the coordinating Scallop Oval Punch. I just love stamp sets that coordinate with punches!

Supplies: Oval All, Wild Wasabi ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Afternoon Tea DSP, Soft Sky Ribbon, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Scallop Circle die for the Big Shot

MANChester Class Sneak Peek

I am so very tired from staying up late to finish my and send my newsletters, so I'm going to keep today's post short. I'm working out the final touches for my MANchester Card class projects and kit. I hope to have everything ready to post tomorrow, but here is a sneak peek of one of the projects we'll be making at this June 11th class.

Supplies: And Many Mower, Manchester DSP, Baja Breeze ink & cardstock, Basic Black ink, Very Vanilla cardstock, Kraft cardtock, Sahara Sand marker, Blush Blossom marker, Always Artichoke marker, Blender Pen, Spiral Punch, Stampin Dimensionals

Baby Bib Thank You Notes

Last month, I attended a baby shower for my very good friend Trisha. We met in third grade and kept in touch after my family moved away for high school. We ended up at the same college and were roommates our freshman year! And now Trisha is having her first baby. And oh my goodness! I just realized that she's due in only TWO weeks! I cannot wait to meet this little guy...or girl. They don't know whether it's pink or blue yet. So when I made her some thank you notes for her shower gifts, I used a neutral Sage Shadow. I was short on time and had to make 40, so I kept the design simple. (Thanks to Barb for the inspiration!)

I used the Scallop Circle die with the Big Shot. I folded the card in half and placed the fold inside the edge of the scallop circle before I ran it through the Big Shot. I used the 1-3/4" Circle Punch to create the neck hole.

Supplies: Thank You Kindly, Sage Shadow cardstock, Whisper White ink & cardstock, Scallop Circle die for then Big Shot, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, 1/8" Hole Punch, 1/4" White Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals