Blessings Journal

Here's another project from Stampin' Up! -- a blessings journal! I used a keep a journal like this. Every night before bed, I would write down 5 things that made me happy that day. It was a nice way to focus on all the good things instead of dwelling on the bad things.

You can make your own blessings journal. Start with the 5x5 Art Journal from Stampin' Up! (#108495, $6.95) and decorate the cover. Then, start writing!

Click here to see a complete list of supplies for this project.

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Kindness Matters Blossom Box

How fun is this die from the new Stampin' Up! catalog?! I love that a couple cranks through the Big Shot make creating cut boxes like this a snap!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Kindness Matters stamp set, Lucky Limeade ink & cardstock, Melon Mambo ink & cardstock, Crumb Cake Cardstock, Versamark ink, Whisper White cardstock, Linen Thread, Pearl Basic Jewels, Tag Punch, Fancy Flower Punch, 1/16" Hole Punch, Blossom Box Die (Big Shot)

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

ENDS SUNDAY: Free Christmas Project Kit with $99 Starter Kit

There's only a few more days to take advantage of the $99 Starter Kit special!

Have you ever thought about becoming a demonstrator? Here's a few things you should know. If you sign up in July:

• You can customize this kit with your choice of products from the new Idea Book & Catalog.
• You will get 30% off your first order (over $150) from the new catalog!
• You will get a FREE Christmas project kit which includes a free stamp set from the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog!
• You will have until December 31 to meet your first quota!
• There is no obligation and no strings attached!

Join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator now for only $99! This limited time Starter Kit--valued at $185--comes with the following high-quality products, (which can be customized!):

• Easy Events Clear-Mount Set*
• Pennant Parade Wood-Mount Set*
• Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
• Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
• Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
• Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
• Brights 8-1/2" x 11" Assorted Card Stock
• Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper*
• Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon*
• Note Cards (20)
• Clear-Mount Block C
• Blender Pen (1)
• SNAIL Adhesive
• Business supplies

*Brand new to the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog!

Plus, join in July and get a FREE Christmas Keepsake project kit--a $40 value! You'll get everything you need to create the project shown above INCLUDING a free stamp set from the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog!!
As an added bonus, first-time demonstrators can get two free months of Demonstrator Business Web Services (DBWS) when they sign up during their first 21 days as a demonstrator. Subscribing to DBWS means having your own online store, blog, hostess portal, and much more!
Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Creative Elements Create Card

Here's another one of the Stamp Club projects we made this month. Can you spot all the new Stampin' Up! catalog products we used?

The big ones are the new In Colors -- so yummy! Click here to check out my In Color Bundle. Do you spot the new punch? And Embossing Folder? Check out the links in the list of supplies below to find each item in my Online Store!

The finished card size is 4-1/4" x 5". I had trouble with the layout and finally just cut the card a little smaller. It will still fit in a Medium envelope for mailing.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Creative Elements stamp set, Calypso Coral ink/marker & cardstock, Wisteria Wonder marker & cardstock, Lucky Limeade marker & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Designer Frames Embossing Folder (Big Shot), Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Rhinestone Jewel Accents, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Flower Fest Crayon Resist Card

I made this card with my Stamp Club this month...and at our last downline meeting...and at Becca's workshop last week. I love getting lots of mileage out of my projects! The stamp set, Flower Fest, was introduced in the Summer Mini Catalog and also appears in the new Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog. Click here to find it in my Online Store. Make sure to also check out the Sponge Daubers while you're shopping because you'll want some of those for this technique too!

Here's a close-up of the flower:

The white highlights on the flower were made with a white crayon. You can use the Watercolor Wonder Crayons or just any old crayon from your kid's crayon box. This technique is called Crayon Resist. I was hoping to take pictures today, but ran out of time, so here's a quick "how to":

1. Stamp your outline images in dark ink.
2. Highlight areas with the crayon. (I used white, but any color will work!)
3. Brayer or Sponge color from a Classic ink pad over the image. (The crayon will resist the ink and stay the same color.)

I used the Sponge Daubers to add the ink over the image. They fit perfectly on your finger. Tap the tip onto a Classic ink pad to pick up the color and then rub in small circles and "burnish" the color over your stamped image. I used the coordinating 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch for the flower and hand-cut the middle piece to pop up with a dimensional.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Flower Fest, On Your Birthday, Pretty in Pink ink & cardstock, Regal Rose ink, Wild Wasabi ink, Jet Black Staz-On Ink, Whisper White cardstock, Just Add Cake DSP, Top Note die (Big Shot), 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 1/16" Hole Punch, Neutral Jumbo Brads, White Crayon, Sponge Daubers, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Birthday Cards, Part 2

Here are some more birthday cards that I received last week for my birthday. Thank you again for all the birthday wishes!!

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Birthday Cards, Part 1

My birthday was last weekend and I was blessed with some beautiful handmade cards in the mail! Thank you for these birthday wishes; they really made my day!

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Top 5 of July 2010

It's time to rewind! I looked over my posts from last summer and choose my top 5 favorite projects to share with you again. Click on each photo for more details about the project. Click here to see all my July 2010 blog posts.


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Sweets for the Sweet Mini Album

I'm almost out of projects to share! That means it's time to get the camera out again and capture what I've been working on. I have a new tutorial I'd like to write up too, so hopefully I can get to that later this week. In the meantime, here is the third make and take project from the Alaska cruise. It's a mini album using the Sweets for the Sweet stamp set. I love that you can use the pieces in that set to make lollipops, pinwheels, and umbrellas. It has lots of possibilities! Click here to find this stamp set in my Online Store. Click here to see more samples using this stamp set.

Here's the inside of the album with pockets for photos and cards for journaling.

Sorry, I don't have instructions to share right now! It's on my list to do a makeover and post another version with a tutorial, but...don't hold your breath! ha ha! I'm just not going to make any promises on a time line.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Sweets for the Sweet, Pool Party ink & cardstock, Lucky Limeade ink & cardstock, Island Indigo ink & cardstock, 2011-2013 In Color Patterns DSP, Whisper White cardstock, 1" Circle Punch, Color Spritzer Tool, Linen Thread, Crystal Effects, 2-Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Paper Cutter with Scoring Blade

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

2011 Stampin' Up! Convention Highlights

I was so sad to miss Convention this year. You know the drama I've been dealing with downstairs since we got back from Alaska... well, we're still not done! The carpet installation has been a nightmare! I thought it would be done on Friday and we actually took a step backwards and discovered that we have to reinstall the guest bedroom and office (my stamp room!) because it wasn't done correctly and we're waiting for another piece of carpet to be ordered for the family room. ((SIGH))

Take a look at this video to see what kind of fun other demonstrators had at Convention this week while I was dealing with carpet issues.

Doesn't it look like fun!? You can not imagine the energy of thousands of stampers in one place without actually experiencing it. It's incredible! And I am promising you right now that I WILL be at Convention next year. Do you want to go with me? Join in July for only $99 and start saving to join me next year for the Stampin' Up! Convention July 18-21 in Salt Lake City. Click here for more information about the Starter Kit special.

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Best of Everything Halloween Card

If you've been following my Best of Everything cards over the last couple days, you may scratch your head wondering how I could make a Halloween card with that stamp set. You just have to think outside the box a little...or copy from someone else who can think outside the box! That's what I did! My upline, Kim Peck, created this little spider with two stamps from the Best of Everything stamp set and I just had to CASE it for our recent group swap. I know real spiders don't have more than 8 legs, but isn't he cute!?

Here's the stamp set, Best of Everything. I circled the stamps I used to make the spider. If you haven't already purchased this set, you can find it in my Online Store here. And if you missed my other posts, check out more card samples here.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Best of Everything stamp set, Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, Pumpkin Pie cardstock, Jet Black Staz-On ink, Whisper White cardstock, Basic Black cardstock, Spider Web Embossing Folder (Big Shot), 1/2" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Best of Everything Trio of Cards

Sadly, I am not at the Stampin' Up! Convention this year. We had some household expenses that kept me from going and it's just killing me not to be there! Mom has been great to keep me updated on everything and called me for segments of the Awards Night tonight so that I could listen to it live! I'm so proud of all my demonstrator friends who were recognized tonight!

Last month, my upline Kim Peck (just named 2011 Demonstrator of the Year #53!) designed this set of cards using the Best of Everything stamp set and let us make the set sampler at her group meeting. I love each one!

Click here to find the Best of Everything stamp set in my Online Store. If I haven't convinced you yet, come back tomorrow for another card idea that will get you thinking outside the box!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Best of Everything stamp set, Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, Island Indigo ink/marker & cardstock, Lucky Limeade marker/ink & cardstock, Calyspo Coral ink & cardstock, Pool Party cardstock, Poppy Parade ink & cardstock, Whisper White ink & cardstock, Elegant Eggplant ink & cardstock, Finial Press ink & embossing folder, Poppy Parade ribbon, Crystal Effects, Rhinestone Jewel Accents

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Best of Everything Chick

Here's another card with the Best of Everything stamp set. I just love this little chick! So cute! I stamped in So Saffron and then used the Peach Parfait marker to trace the dotted lines.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Best of Everything stamp set, Peach Parfait ink/marker & cardstock, So Saffron ink & cardstock, Wild Wasabi cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Jet Black Staz-On Ink, Just Add Cake DSP, Perfect Pennants Die, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Crystal Effects

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Best of Everything Card

One of the stamp sets we got for free on the Alaska Cruise was the Best of Everything stamp set. (See it here in my Online Store.) This stamp set is so cute! Here's a quick card I made up to send out as thank you's. I recently made more, but just stamped on plain white notecards and I think I like the simple version even better! (Sorry, no pic of that one right now!)

I'm busy, busy, busy getting project kits out tonight and getting ready for my open house in Springfield tomorrow. Oh and working on wedding invites. And taking care of four kids. And dealing with everything else in the house. Do you ever have those days when you just get so overwhelmed that all you want to do is just cry!? I had myself a real good cry tonight. A downright sob! I got it all out of my system and I'm ready to get on with the week! I'm hoping the downstairs remodel will finally be complete (just waiting on the carpet re-installation after the poor first try), then it's time to assemble new furniture and move everything back in. Whew! I think I'll need another vacation when we finally finish!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Best of Everything stamp set, Calypso Coral ink & cardstock, Lucky Limeade ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Crumb Cake cardstock, Jet Black Staz-On Ink, Wisteria Wonder cardstock, Bitty Punch Pack, Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Rhinestone Jewel Accents

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

3x3 Doily Thank U Card

I made up some of these quick little 3x3 cards to send out with catalogs last month. The cardstock came pre-cut in a Grab Bag and I added a Bashful Blue brad to accessorize a little.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Pennant Parade (Thank U) stamp set, Delicate Doilies stamp set, Bashful Blue ink/marker & cardstock, Always Artichoke ink & cardstock, Subtles Brads

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Pinwheel Cruise Make & Take

Here is another make and take from the Alaskan cruise. This one wasn't my favorite, but I still enjoyed playing with the new In Colors (ALL five appear on this card!!), especially the Pool Party Patterns Designer Paper (which is part of the In Color DSP stack). If you're looking for a little sample of all the new In Colors, be sure to check out my In Color Product Sampler. (Click here for details.) The first group is going out in tomorrow's mail!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Sweets for the Sweet, Wisteria Wonder ink, Lucky Limeade ink & cardstock, Calypso Coral ink & cardstock, Island Indigo cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, In Color Patterns DSP, Linen Thread, Silver Brads, Paper Crimper, 1-3/4" Circle Punch

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Sweets for the Sweet Fun Fold Card

Yesterday I posted the Thank You card that Stampin' Up! sent to me after the Alaska Cruise. (Click here to see it.) They always spoil us on the incentive trips and this one was no exception! One of the pillow gifts we received was a bag full of stamping supplies to use for our make and takes the next day. Inside the bag was the Sweets for the Sweet stamp set (click here to see it in my Online Store), four of the new In Color ink pads, 2-Way Glue, Linen Thread, and a marker. The next day, while we were at sea, there was a special make and take session and we got to stamp three great projects with the new stuff.

I was thrilled to see and use this new Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon. Don't you love it? It's so flirty and fun! You can get a bit of all the new In Color Ruffled Ribbons with my In Color Product Share. Click here for details.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Sweets for the Sweet, Wisteria Wonder ink & cardstock, Lucky Limeade ink & cardstock, Calypso Coral ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, 2011-2013 In Color Patterns DSP, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Polka Dot Embossing Folder (Big Shot), Paper Cutter with Scoring Blade, Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Hello, Doily!

Stampin' Up! sent me and my husband on a free cruise to Alaska and then a week after being spoiled rotten on the cruise ship, THEY sent ME this beautiful thank you card!! The Stampin' Up! Events staff is incredible and always thinking of every last detail to make our experience at convention and incentive trips the most memorable ever! Thank you, Stampin' Up!!

If you like being spoiled with fine details like this, I hope you'll consider joining my team this month with the $99 Starter Kit Special. You'll adore the free Christmas Keepsake Project Kit as an extra perk! Click here for more details.

Don't you just love this "Hello, Doiley" stamp"? Click here to find it in my Online Store.

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

My Friend "Thumped" Card

We just got back from the meeting in Springfield. I am exhausted, but we had a great time! Here is one of the projects we made last month using the new "My Friend" stamp set and Lace Ribbon Border Punch from the 2011-2012 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog. Do you love the colors? They are the new In Colors: Island Indigo and Lucky Limeade. (Click here for info about my In Color Product Share.)

The mottled color on the leaf images is created with the "thumping" technique. First, ink your stamp in the lighter color (Lucky Limeade on this card), then use the darker marker with the broad tip and "thump" or tap the marker on the inked rubber. Then, stamp! Here's a close-up of what it looks like:

Stampin' Up! Supplies: My Friend stamp set, Island Indigo ink/marker & cardstock, Lucky Limeade ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Crumb Cake cardstock, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Neutral Buttons

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Free Stamp Set of the Month: Have a Seat

Thanks to everyone who placed an order with me in June! I drew one winner from all of the online and email orders and Cristi Reisenbichler is the lucky stamper to win the Party This Way stamp set! Congratulations, Cristi!

It's a new month, and time for a new free stamp set giveaway! Each month, I will give away a free stamp set. To be eligible for the drawing, all you have to do it place an online order (email orders count too!) that is not part of a club or workshop. You'll get one entry for each order that you place with me between July 1-31. I'll draw a winner on August 1st. This month's stamp set is Have a Seat.

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Happy Independence Day!

I didn't get a chance to make a 4th of July card, but this one is red, white, and blue, so I figured that would be close enough! I hope you had a great day today! Perhaps enjoying some fireworks tonight? We went to some fireworks last night and I burned my finger lighting sparklers! It's not too bad today, but my first concern was -- how am I going to stamp with a burned finger!?!

Mom and I are prepping projects for our demonstrator meeting in Springfield. I'm so excited about the projects we are making! If you are in the Springfield area and would like to learn more about becoming a demonstrator -- or just getting great Stampin' Up! products at a discount, I invite you to come to the meeting as my guest. Please call or email me and I'll fill you in on all the details!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Sail Away, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Cherry Cobbler ink & cardstock, Not Quite Navy cardstock, Crumb Cake cardstock, Basic Gray ink, Whisper White cardstock, Nautical Expedition DSP, Two Tags die (Big Shot), Modern Label Punch, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Pinwheel "Just for Fun" Card

I hope you are enjoying this holiday weekend with your family and friends. Is anyone even checking blogs today for stamping ideas?! (Leave me a comment if you are!) Here's a card I made for our demonstrator group swap. I used the new Sweets for the Sweet stamp set from the brand new Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog. This was one of the free stamp sets I got on the cruise. (Find it in my Online Store here.) It's a cute set that includes pinwheels, a beach umbrella, and lollipop/candy images.

The dimensions of the finished card are 3-1/2" x 5-1/2".

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Sweets for the Sweet stamp set, Peach Parfait ink & cardstock, So Saffron ink & cardstock, Wild Wasabi cardstock, Baja Breeze cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Just Add Cake DSP, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 3/8" Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Subtles Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals.

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

In Color Essential Embellishments Product Share

I finally finished hammering out all the details of my 2011-2013 In Color Product Share and the prices are actually a little lower than I originally posted! You can request your share now and I will send out invoices for payment as each group fills. Click here to go the the request form.

The In Color Essential Embellishments Share = $22, includes:

• 2011-2013 In Color Patterns Designer Paper: (20) 6x6 sheets
• Ruffled Ribbon (10 yards, 2 each of 5 colors
• In Color Designer Printed Brads (20)

Please add $4.95 for Priority Mail shipping. (U.S. orders only)

If you would like to complete your new In Color Collection, you may add on to your product share by placing an order for additional products (see add-ons below). The totals shown include the product share embellishment kit AND the extra products (with applicable tax and shipping charges).

Plus, if you choose to place an order for additional In Color products (listed in the add-ons below), I will pay the shipping charge for your Essential Embellishments Product Share!

In Color Essential Accessories Kit + Markers & Cardstock Add-On = $48, includes

• Essential Accessories Kit (DSP, Ribbon, & Brads)
• 2011-2013 In Color Markers (5)
• Assorted In Color Cardstock (20 sheets, 4 each of 5 colors)
  

In Color Essential Accessories Kit + Ink Pads, Markers & Cardstock Add-On = $74, includes

• Essential Accessories Kit (DSP, Ribbon, & Brads)
• 2011-2013 In Color Markers (5)
• Assorted In Color Cardstock (20 sheets, 4 each of 5 colors)
• Full Size Classic Ink Pads (5)

Click here to request your In Color Essential Embellishments Kit.

Note: This product share is available from Julie Davison, Independent Demonstrator and is not available from Stampin' Up!

In Color Congratulations Card

I love the new In Colors! They are so bright and fun! This card, created by Stampin' Up!, incorporates several of the new In Color embellishments: the Designer Printed Brads (polka dot!) and the flirty and fun ruffled ribbon (used here as a border). These accessories are must-haves! Check out my In Color Embellishment Share to get a little bit of everything without breaking the bank. Click here for details.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Friendly Phrases stamp set, Good Grid stamp set, Calypso Coral ink & cardstock, Lucky Limeade ink & cardstock, Pool Party cardstock, Wisteria Wonder ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon, In Color Designer Printed Brads, Blossom Bouquet Punch, 1/16" Hole Punch

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!