Lovely as a Tree

I really thought they might retire my good old all time favorite this time around, but it made it into the new catalog once more! I love this stamp set and had made up my mind I could live without now, but I don't have to!!! This was one of the Stamp a Stack cards using Pacific Point paper with the Top Note die. I just stamped in white first, both the trees and the words, then using my trusty stamp a ma jig, I restamped with Pacific Point ink just to the right of the original stamping. I like the effect it gives.........then just a wrap around with the silver cord and mount it all on white CS that I stamped randomly with the Snow Burst stamps. Pretty simple but nice I think............I don't know about you, but I have lots to do in the next three days. Happy Holidays to you all.

Enjoy Country Living

Stampin' Up has really done us a big favor this month.......FREE SHIPPING on orders over $70. You can order on line very simply by going to my website www.LauraCrr.stampinup.net or give me a call and I will combine orders to the $70 level to get free shipping. In fact..........I have an order going in later today that you may add to. Be sure to check out the Retirement list also and they are offering 10% on all retired stamps what a bargain!

Last night was my Stamp 10 group and what a good time was had by all.........I hope! I had a great time. It was the last time in my piano studio that I have occupied since the early eighties, so I should have been sad, but admit I'm not at all! It has been a wonderful spot for my piano lessons and stamping lately, but new horizons await!! Anyway, one of our projects was this little gift card holder that I used several ideas from different blogs. Of course we started with the Big Shot scallop die, Baroque Motif embossed in white and then the small slit punch to add the white taffeta ribbon. The Enjoy stamp came from the set in the Country Living special this month. At the very end I added the round tab punch in silver with the cord to look like an ornament. Inside is half of the scallop die glued in place to hold a gift card. There you are! Be sure to check out the specials on my website!

Holy Triptych

This is one of my favorite cards from the Stamp a Stack in October. I really need to get more clever with my camera instead of the scanner to show you this card. I used Dazzling Diamonds on all the yellow coloring and it is so pretty, but it doesn't show here at all. I used the Big Shot Top Note die to cut the Almost Amyethist cardstock first, laid it down on the white card to find the correct placement for the stamp. Then I colored with crayons and aqua painter.........one of my most favorite ways to create the colors I want. Actually Mary's robe is a very pretty blue! Sorry the colors don't show better. I finally did get all my cards finished for sending this Christmas, I had cut lots and lots of extras to use myself and believe it or not, they are all done! Now to get them written and in the mail! Stop by again.

More leftovers!

Another find on my stacked table!! It's a good thing I hadn't sold all of last year's In Color stamp pads, because this batch of cardstock from the Stamp a Stack in June needed Blue Bayou. So.....I changed the stamp sets to Upsy Daisy and Best Yet, but used the already cut cardstock which was Celery, Bayou Blue and Soft Sky. I surely hated to see those last year colors retire, but must admit I do love the new ones this year! Yesterday I finished the last of my Christmas cards. I always make lots of extra cuts for my Stamp a Stacks and it's only taken me since early October to finish them. Well, at least they are not on my table to find next summer! I'm making progress, don't you think?

Moose You!

I found out yesterday that it is a good thing to try to unload that stamping table that gets so piled up...........I found, underneath numerous other things, a couple of packages of cardstock all cut for the JUNE Stamp a Stack. Need less to say the stamp sets that I used in June are mostly retired and gone from my shelves. So.........not wanting to waste the cardstock and ribbon that was all cut, I decided to see what I could come up with that is current. This card really cracks me up! Someone close by just bagged a moose in British Columbia, so I made this special for him and his buddy! The words are from the new Hostess set called Best Yet and I thought it quite appropriate. The cardstock colors are Creamy Caramel, Mellow Moss, Close to Cocoa and Vanilla. I had made the background with shaving cream already but it is hard to see that behind the moose. Thanks for stopping by..........I need to clean my table more often, at least before the stamp sets retire!

Snow Swirled Snowflake

This card seemed to be the favorite at my Stamp a Stack. I really thought it was too simple, but it certainly did catch the eye! The colors are Not Quite Navy, Baha Breeze and White. The main focus has two-way glue and glitter, but it doesn't show up very well in the scan. Many sets of Snow Swirled were ordered and that makes me think..........simple and quick is what we like!

Sympathy Inspired by Nature

Somehow I get the message that I'm not supposed to be blogging!! This morning I no more than got on line and started to show you this card, when the computer quit. Something happened all over the area I guess, but fortunately things got repaired and I'm OK again. Anyway, another sympathy card is needed for a long time neighbor and I decided to try the technique that we learned at the Splitcoast gathering in Syracuse. Erin showed us this great technique using the brayer on top of black Stazon. Of course she was using one of my new favorite sets called Inspired by Nature and then brayered over the top of it with Pirouette Pink, then masked the moon, and brayered again with Almost Amethyst, Bashful Blue and finally with Perfect Plum. The words are from Always in my Thoughts and I used the large oval punch on top of the new large punch. It was a bit needy of something else, so I added a tiny white taffeta ribbon. I'm trying many color combinations but find her original with So Saffron first and ending with Really Rust is the most striking. I thought this was better for a sympathy card. What do you think?

Big on Christmas

Snowflakes are due soon!! But here are some made with the Big Shot. Just love that machine!! This is another of the Stamp a Stack cards using Brocade Blue cardstock, the Itty Bitty Background stamp on this particular card, at SAS we used the Snow wheel on the background and it was nicer. We popped those snowflakes out with the Big Shot, colored in the letters and the snowman with markers, clipped out the corners with the ticket punch, added an orange bow to pop the color on the nose and there you are!

Jolliest of All!

Good morning stampers! Well, here is number one of my Holiday Stamp a Stack cards. It was a great week, last week and now I'm getting ready for the Splitcoast Gathering the first week in

November. Oh yes, Technique classes are before that, they are the LAST week this time, not the fourth week! Actually it will be the last Technique class until Spring with the holidays being the last of November and December! Anyway my Santa card: here is what we used. The stamp set is Jolliest Time of the Year, and we colored him with markers. His belt is just a black strip of cardstock with a buckle that I embossed with gold on a pop top from a soda can! It was a little tricky to do, but I just pushed the top into the Versamark and dumped gold emboss powder on it, then heated it carefully .....only burned my fingers a couple of times!! Black brads finished the card for the buttons and there he is.............cute? Nine more to go!!!

Crab & Company

Oh my goodness, last night was so much fun!! Stamp 10 was about stamp 20 and we certainly did move along pretty well with our three projects. This was one of them that we used the Big Shot and the special of the month....Crab & Company. I love the way you can make a card with the Top Note folded this way and then mount it on paper as we did this..... Baha Breeze both in cardstock and designer paper. We stamped the crab, cake etc in black and colored it with crayons and blender pen. Then we used the Stamp a ma jig to be sure we got the words in the right spot. Yes, MK, I'm getting hooked on that little tool, finally. Anyway we had several guests last night and I was so glad to have them join us. Don't forget this week is Stamp a Stack with ten beautiful Christmas cards to make! Thanks for stopping by.

House of Haunts

You know I'm not big on Halloween , but I just had to order this set! Love this old house and everything that came with it. I started with my Big Shot and cut the Top Note die in Going Gray, then added the house that I embossed in black. Colored in the moon and windows with yellow and pumpkin markers and then sponged some black around the house. A strip of Old Olive topped with a little black grosgrain ribbon underneath the Top Note. All of this is mounted on Elegant Eggplant cardstock and placed on the Going Gray card. This is eye-catching as I have it on my breakfront in my dining room and every one seems to be drawn to it!! Sorry I've not been posting regularly.............I'm getting ready for my Holiday Stamp a Stack and you can't see those cards yet!! October 16 or 18 and I still have some room for a few more to join us. I'm really happy with the cards we are going to be making!

Blue Inspired by Nature

Well, this is a poor scan, but I'll go ahead and send it to you anyway. Three sympathy cards to go in the mail in the last few days.........oh dear. This one is for our dear friend Bert Ray who is grieving for her son that passed away over the week-end after a long, courageous battle with cancer. I love this stamp set and thought blue would be a good color for sorrow. I stamped the blue flowers with Bashful Blue, rubbed a little Brocade Blue with my finger on top, and then used markers on the centers and leaves. The words are stamped in Brocade Blue and the extra stems are added with Sage Shadow. Don't forget this is Technique Week at my house. I will let you know the exact time for Wednesday morning's class as soon as I get it straightened out with my Physical Therapist. Thursday will be the regular 5:30 time. Still some room to sign up for the Holiday Stamp a Stack!! October 16 or 18. Thanks for looking in this morning.

Good morning, Stampers

Sorry I have no pictures for you today.   I'm struggling with computers at the moment, well more like weeks!!!   I'm switching to an Apple and know NOTHING about it.  I'm blessed with a gift from my son in law, and think it will be great when I catch on!      Anyway, I want to remind you all of the Technique Classes coming up next week Wednesday AM, please check with me about the time as I am having trouble changing my Physical Therapy session that day.  That date is September 24 and again Thursday September 25 starting at 5:30.   Also, it is time to sign up for the Holiday Stamp a Stack to be held in October.   Those dates are Thursday evening Oct.16 and Saturday October 18.   The Saturday one is starting early in hopes we will not interfere with the parking at the Historical Society.    Remember anyone who sends their payment by Oct. 3 gets a chance to win a free stamp set!   I'm working on getting some cards scanned on the great little machine......give me time!   Thanks for your patience, Laura

Always in my Thoughts

Love this new stamp set and I don't usually show a card here before we do it at Stamp 10, but I'm making an exception. Tonight is Carolyn Couch's party starting at 6 PM and this is one of the cards we'll be making. The faux hardware is simple and pretty neat! Designer paper from Bella Rose and of course a little coloring with our crayons. I will bring the Big Shot to play with and use with one of our cards............won't show you that one! Also, yesterday I announced the Holiday Stamp a Stack coming in October!! The dates are Thursday Oct 16 in the evening and early Saturday morning Oct. 18. Sign up quickly and when you pay, you get your name in a drawing for a free stamp set!................I love planning the cards, and have some beauties lined up!! Thanks for stopping by.

Inspired by Nature

This is for my very special sister's birthday.........it is too pretty to add any words on the front. It is done on Very Vanilla and I'm sorry but the scan just doesn't do it justice. I first stamped the top of the stamp with So Saffron, then colored in the Choc Chip and Always Artichoke with markers. Just added a touch of Pumpkin Pie to the So Saffron. You can't see the other side of the stamp set that I stamped in certainly Celery on top............I'm really not happy with this scan at all. The card is just exactly what I want to send to her!! Thanks for stopping by.........getting ready for Stamp 10 this coming Tuesday evening. Also have a great offer for you on the Big Shot.........oh my gosh I love that thing!! We'll play with it on Tuesday night!

Happy Birthday, good friend!

Today is Nena's birthday and I made this card for her at Virginia's house on Friday. What a good time we had with the Big Shot and the goodies that go with it. We started with the new Baha Breeze cardstock, background with the Fresh Cuts and then added the Top Notch in Basic Grey. Next we whipped out the little envelope in about two seconds and put a little card inside that says Happy Birthday, tied a charcoal ribbon around it and that is it! Quick and soooo pretty. Oh yes I forgot to tell you the envelope is made with theUrban Garden designer paper. I just love so many of the new papers, I don't know which to order next!! Starting tomorrow you will be able to order the Big Shot too! I'm offering a wonderful bonus to those who are ordering it! I will have the details on my website at http://lauracrr.stampinup.net. I hope you have this address in your favorites!

Convention Swaps

I'm just about the luckiest Stampin' Up demonstrator in the land! My two downlines, Mary Kay and Virginia have treated me royally (sp!) This is one of the swaps that Virginia brought back to me using the new In Colors......Tangerine Tango and Pacific Point. Isn't it a beauty? This was sent byDonna Ekstrom and I thought you would enjoy it. My stamping is nil right at the moment and I'm not even supposed to be using the computer with my right hand yet...............whoops! I have been very careful and my recovery is quite marvelous I think. Not much pain in that shoulder and that is wonderful after many months of aching, especially at night. But back to my good friends MK and Virginia.........they bought me that wonderful Stampin' Up bag at Convention and I can't believe how nice it is! Thanks again, good friends. I can't use the cutter right now, but I can stamp a bit with my left hand!! My grandkids helped me prepare for the next Technique classes on Aug. 27 and 28, so I'm really looking forward to that! Oh yes, and I've ordered my new catalog order...........yes, I did get carried away. That Big Shot just called my name! So.........September will be exciting and I'm hoping the sling will be in the garbage can by the end of that month! Thanks for understanding my lack of blogging.

Pretty Amazing!!!

Okay, okay, I know it's been forever, but I really have had a good excuse! My shoulder surgery has kept me pretty much off the computer, but I'm doing so well, I guess I can't use this excuse much longer! My family and friends have all been so attentive to my needs, I can't get over how great they have been. But.........I'm "on the road again" and almost ready to start stamping. Here is the card that my Stamp 10 group made on Tuesday night. My good friend Pat Ehlers came and picked me up, hauled the stampin' stuff and then brought me back home again, so that worked great, thanks again Pat! Those new catalogs were heavy, but oh are they beautiful..........so many new things to share.............punches, ribbon, Big Shot, the great special on new sets, a chance to be a demonstrator for only $99. Oh my goodness, it is overwhelming.......but such fun! Wait til you see all the things I ordered on my first order..................... back to the card. The background is the new Tangerine Tango as is the flower from the Pretty Amazing set. That is on the dormant list now, but that only means it is available, but not shown in the catalog. The stems and leaves are stamped with the Kiwi Kiss and the words that are from Heard from the Heart are stamped in Chocolate Chip. I love this color combination. A button on the top with a bit of linen thread tied in is held on with a dimentional. A pretty quick card, but nice I think! Stop by again, I'll try to write more often.

Dreams du Jour Photo Album

Happy Birthday to Jessica! Inside are four clear envelopes with pictures of her and her prize sheep. This is a quick little photo book that I made to celebrate her birthday. New In Colors, Pacific Point and Tangerine. If you start with 21/2" square and punch the new long punch on all four sides you get this really neat frame!! There is a butterfly done with the toothpaste technique, but this scan doesn't show it well. Stem Sayings for the greeting, a couple of jumbo brads, ribbon and that is it!! A clever way to show a few special pictures and a nice little keepsake for whoever receives it! Mary Kay called yesterday and is overjoyed with the new catalog which she has gotten at Convention.............maybe mine will be here soon!!

Laura is Quilting again!!!

And one of my favorite patterns was Ohio Star! I found this pattern on Craftdoc's blog and it is a quick quilt........no stitching. I used Berry Bliss and Pomegranate as you can see and doesn't it look like Grandma's print material? I used to do a lot of quilting and think sometimes I'll get into it again, but this was enough to satisfy that thought. Just a bit of double stitched ribbon and a hardware buckle finished the job. I think it could use a small piece of pomegranate cardstock on the bottom with some words and I may do that when it is time to mail it to someone, but other than that, it is a quick card to make when you need one in a hurry. Thanks for stopping by.

Sympathy card

Just love using the pieces from the notecards that will be in the new catalog! Unfortunately I seem to need sympathy cards way too often.........just lost my knitting friend last week very suddenly. I hate to make sympathy cards ahead of time, but seems I am always have to make one. This is Rose Red, Soft Sky, Black and White cardstock, using the "push-outs" from the Fresh Cuts Sneak Peak special we had in June. I punched the Soft Sky large ovals to position behind the white petals, added a felt flower and a gold brad for the center. Just a small chunk of Soft Sky ribbon and the sympathy words from Close as a Memory. So glad that set is not retiring! You won't be seeing much more of this year's In Colors on this blog, my stash is down to little tiny pieces now, almost ready to pack them up and put them away. I will have the pads to sell if anyone wants them, I have already sold the inkers! They were wonderful colors, but can't wait to really get into the new ones! They are gorgeous too.

Tapestry

This is one of the techniques we did this month called Tapestry.........You need craft ink, glossy cardstock, and embossing powder. We started by sponging the three colors of craft ink, Old Olive, Ruby Red and Pumpkin Pie on the cardstock, then stamp on top of it with the black craft ink. If you turn your stamp just a hair you get the white effect around the flowers. Then cover it with clear emboss, heat and set. We used the Boho Background stamp set and mounted our sample on Pumpkin Pie cardstock. I'm not sure I reminded everyone to bring their technique made into a card next month and whoever has the card voted the best, gets $5 off their class fee! Pass the word!

Tunnel Card

We had such fun one day with this card that we had cased from somebody's blog. I'm sorry I don't know whose it was, but it was quite a while ago Debbie and I saw this and Debbie figured out a pattern that she sent to me. Then one day my grand-kids were here and got all excited about the card...........sure enough, they wanted to make one! This is the one that Emma made and isn't it cute? We used the 6 x 6 Print Pack that was the level 1 Hostess set this year for the designer paper and the Zoofari stamp set, markers to color her chickens and the rest is history! We had a fun day. Yesterday was the Technique Class here at my house and I'll do some cards with the techniques to show you soon, but just a hint, the toothpaste one was a hit...........I think!

Heard from the Heart

OK.........here is Pirourette Pink! Again I used the Riding Hood Red with it and lots of the long scallop punch on both the Bella Rose designer paper and the red. Of course I used the scallop circle punch and the 13/8" circle one too. The butterfly is from the new Dreams du Jour stamp set you all will be able to order in August! Also the words are from the new Heard from the Heart set. I really like those new words! Last night was such fun making the Explosion Albums. Sandi even got the pictures arranged in hers and it looked marvelous......they make a wonderful gift. Many ordered paper and much to my surprise, (a-duh) quite a bit of the retiring paper is on special at 25% off! So those who order the paper right now are paying $7.46 for a whole package of designer paper that usually sells for $9.95!!! Go to www.stampinup.com and check out the Retiring Accessory list and pay attention to the things that have an asterisk! It is a great time to stock up on the beautiful designer papers! Give me a call and I'll order them right away for you. I'm not sure how long the papers will be in stock!

Dreams du Jour

Some more new In Colors! You really can't see the Pirouette Pink very well in the scan, but it is really nice. Very delicate and nice to work with, especially goes well with the new Riding Hood Red. Designer paper is the new one called Bella Rose, and yes it has lots of roses! But I did use the new long scallop punch and know that is going to be a big hit with everyone. I colored the flower in Dreams du Jour with a blender pen and the inks that are new, except the leaves are my favorite Garden Green. Oh boy, the new colors are really growing on me............this looks like such a busy week around here. Tonight is the Explosion Class at my studio and Wednesday morning we resume the Technique Classes as well as Thursday evening here in my home. Still room for more in those classes, so hope to hear from you.

Pretty Amazing

This is the new IN Color called Tangerine Tango!! It is gorgeous..........I admit I wasn't excited about the new In Colors and thought I couldn't live without last year's beautiful ones, but my new ones came and yes they are great! The green reminds me of a lighter Old Olive and it's called Kiwi Kiss, I like the name. That is what I stamped the stems and leaves in. The Chocolate chip is a great color to use with these new ones and will be especially nice for Fall. The words are the pre-order set that we demonstrators can choose from the up-coming catalog called "Heard from the Heart." I always liked the way Wonderful Words so gracefully spread across the card like this one. OK.........I'm happy with the new In Colors and I'm having a ball with the new long scallop punch! I'll have some cards using that to show you soon. My Explosion Album class is scheduled for Monday night at 6:30 at my studio. There is room for a few more if you are interested.....give me a call.

Lovely Labels

My upline Debbie sent me this card a couple of days ago. I just love the color combination of River Rock, black and white. You can't tell from my scan, but she embossed the little writing circle in Black and it really pops. Also the top part of the card is textured cardstock and the black across it is grosgrain ribbon. The bottom of the card is a piece of Ginger Blossom designer paper. This is really elegant! Now I have to order the Lovely Labels set. Yesterday my order with all the new In Colors arrived...........what a treat! I think my favorite is the Pacific Point Blue. I'm still finishing my swaps to send to convention, so I haven't had time to play with my new "toys" yet. That new scallop edge punch is a keeper, I can tell that!

Boho Background

In the true spirit of using up those leftovers, this is Taylor's creation! I think it's pretty good, don't you? She used the strip of designer paper from Bali Breeze, pulled the Taken with Teal color out and put a strip underneath before punching out the scallop and using the Boho Background stamp with a teal brad in the middle. Her card is River Rock and she stamped the words with Not Quite Navy. Oh yes, she used the Boho Background flowers all over the River Rock. I think she did a great job! thanks, Taylor.

Bali Breeze

This is so "Not Me!" I can't believe I made this, but sometimes it is good to make yourself go out on a limb. Yesterday my grandaughter and I cut paper for my upcoming Explosion Album class next week. This morning I decided I would use only pieces of designer paper leftover from our cutting. My upline should be proud of me, she uses these colors all the time! My card is Pomegranite with the Bali Breeze pieces on top. The scallop and background is Tempting Turquoise. A felt flower and a rhinesone brad complete the focus. Words are from Short and Sweet. Thanks for stopping by.

Fabulous Flower

I'm struggling with this card for Convention swap.........no, I'm not going, but I have a good friend who will take my swaps! I want to use this stamp set, but certainly don't want to cut around fifty of these pretty flowers and it was too plain without something in the center! What do you think? I masked the flower and used the green sprigs from Embrace Life. The center is the Boho punch with heat and stick powder and dazzling diamonds, then a gold brad to hold it together. I'm still not sold on the card but time is running out and I need to finish them! I keep thinking it will come to me and I'll be thrilled.............or maybe I'll do the Peony with the chalk technique or maybe I'll run out of time!!! Whatever!

Unfrogettable!!

Last week was such a frustrating time with my computer! I had so much spyware and nothing seemed to work right, but my good friend and man I bought my computer from in Florida seems to have me back on track. It was a busy week with the kids at the County Fair with their animals.........Grandma had to be there a lot to see them win those ribbons!!! Anyway, this is one of the cards we did at Stamp 10 and is a flip-flop card. It looks like the background is two different colors, but it is only Sahara Sand, the scan makes a shadow effect. We used the Coluzzle to make the swing card and on the other side it shows the jumping frog saying "hoppy birthday" We colored with markers and used the Lily Pad wheel on the bottom. Both the set and the wheel will retire very soon!! Glad you stopped by and I hope this posts correctly!!

Wild Rose 2

Ok, maybe it will work today! Here is the card we made at Stamp 10. Great group, great fun. Thank you all for coming and trying the masking and the Stamp a ma Jig!

I'm having so much trouble posting on this blog...........finally gave up yesterday. Will try again this morning. Please bear with me!!

Heartfelt Chalkboard

Here is another card with the same technique as yesterday. I wanted to use a stamp set that is not retired in case I want to use it for a swap at convention. I'm not really happy with this one and do need to get my hands on the Peony set. I think that would really be the cat's meow, don't you? The second part of the two step stamping is not strong enough in this Heartfelt set. Again I used the Floral background and the Regal Rose behind the black......I'll keep trying! Keep watching..........

Wild Rose

Isn't it funny, when a stamp set is about to retire, you really use it like crazy! Roses always remind me of my Mother, though she passed away many years ago, a rose makes me think of her love of them. The technique? Well last night I found yet another box of retired cards from a few years back, and lo and behold there was a card using the Definitely Daisey stamp set......remember that one? I had stamped the thickest stamp with white on black cardstock, rubbed the pastel color with a Q tip, and then stamped the outline with white on top. Pretty neat, huh? For some reason the scan didn't really get all the background on this one. I used Pretty in Pink and stamped the Floral in the same color, then mounted the black on Regal Rose, the same color as the pastel I used. This is really a quick card, but I like it! Thanks for checking in today.

Embrace Life

I'm trying!! I just love the look that Michelle Zindorf gets on her blog http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/ and I keep trying, but I have a long way to go! This is the closest I've gotten, but I still get those marks from the brayer. What a great job she does, and she explains it so well, I just need more practice! Check out her blog and see what you can do!

Happy Anniversary, Laura & John

Well, our anniversary was early in June, but I can't believe I didn't share this beautiful card that Mary Kay sent us! And of course I had to order this set after I saw this card........story of my life! It is Boho Backgrounds and wouldn't it work for any occasion? She used my favorite In Colors, Bayou Blue and Soft Sky........or are my favorite ones River Rock and Groovey Guava, oh well I love them all, but honestly can't wait for the new ones, I'm sure they will soon become my "favorites" too. I think she said she brayered the taffeta ribbon to match and it almost looks velvet in real life. Thanks Mary Kay for the inspiration. Yesterday's Open House was so much fun! The morning session was so busy with so many coming to join in. I found that Friday night wasn't a good time for people, but I had a few stampers show up. Thank you all for coming and sharing time with me. Happy stamping!

Friendly Flowers

Today is my Open House at my studio in Tully! Come make this card with me and check out all the goodies that are still available this month...........WOW,this month is slipping by quickly isn't it? This is one of the cards you can choose to make today. 10 - noon and again 5 - 8 Pm tonight , come join the fun. This is a card that Sue Dillon and I designed this winter in Florida and it is a beauty. Lots of cutting, but with our little paper snips it really doesn't take long. Hope to see a lot of you today, bring a friend!

My Birthday Flower

Black-eyed Susans..........always a sign it is my birthday time! We made these yesterday at my downline meeting. A huge thanks to Mary Kay for letting us come to her stamping Loft and sharing all her wonderful goodies. I love this card and it is so easy. Yep, it's the scallop punch on YoYo Yellow with some slicing and Choc. Chip centers punched with the 3/4 " punch. The words are from Polka Dots and Paisley, soon to be retired. Mary Kay's Loft is a Stamper's Dream........and I call it my "store" when I need something, MK has it!! I forgot to mention the Old Olive cardstock to begin with......yes, Lyn!

Happy Wedding Day

Not only are my piano students graduating........they are getting married, not the same ones! Such special friends they become over the many years I spend time each week with them. I read once that a piano teacher spends more time, one on one with a studentthan many parents do!! And when you figure some of my students started in first or second grade and continued through high school, that might be true! No wonder they become close friends. Anyway this card is for a very special student who now has graduated from college and being married on Saturday. The card is Bashful Blue with the cuttlebug background in white but sponged in blue. I colored the white taffeta ribbon with re-inker. I stamped the flower from Embrace Life on glossy white with Stazon, rubbed the candle over it and sponged that with Bashful Blue too. The sentiment is of course from Sincere Salutations.......whew, I'm glad they didn't retire that set! It always works when you need it. Thanks for stopping by today. Don't forget about the Retirement Open House next week.

Phrases for a Friend

Wow, my list of graduating young friends is very long. This seems to be the year that so many of my former piano students are finishing high school. They were all such special people and I will be attending many celebrations. Here is the card that I have made for them. Wasn't that clever to do it at Stamp a Stack and get them all ready at once? The Star wheel is the background, then a strip of gold topped with the black and the word is embossed with gold and dazzling diamonds powder. In person the word really sparkles. Both star punches on the gold paper with some chunky red glitter in the middle finishes my card. It is simple but eye-catching too. I surely do love our punches!

Now for my announcement of the date for the Retirement Stamp Open House........come to my house on Friday, June 27, anytime between 10 AM and 7 PM. We will make a card and have a chance to look over the retirement stamps, either mine that will be available or be able to order from the catalog before they disappear forever. I'm looking forward to seeing many of you that day. The accessory retirement list will be available by then also!

Explosion Album

Oh my goodness, I had such a good time yesterday at my friend's house! It was a time to meet new friends and spend time with friends I hadn't seen in months or maybe even years! We first had a wonderful lunch which was catered, and then we got to work on our Explosion Albums. Thirteen people made the album and I wish I had a picture of every one of them, they turned out beautifully. I think they were all happy with their creations and many bought extra kits to make more.........that's a good sign! These little books open up like an accordian and can hold ten pictures. A great project that I hadn't done in many years, but now with our double sided designer paper, it was a snap to coordinate colors. If you are interested in learning how to make this great little book, I would be glad to do a party at your house or in my studio. Better yet, I would be glad to send you a kit with the directions and all the goodies to make this great gift.........or one for yourself. Let me know!! Thanks for looking in today.

I'm so happy with this card! But, I must admit I don't have the patience to wait for these little "buttons" to dry. I can't find the blog that showed how to make them, so sorry I can't give credit right now, I'll keep looking! You start with a punch, I used the 1/2 " one, and then drop some crystal effects on them and WAIT, and Wait.....you get the picture. At least overnight, but they are the neatest things when they are done. The only problem is, I thought they might stick to the waxed paper when I went to use them this morning, but no, they flew all over the place and I haven't found them all yet! I started with a piece of Afternoon Tea Designer paper, cut a coluzzle circle and made a scallop around it with my slit punch. Next I cut another circle of choc chip paper to center and then a scallop punch again on the designer paper. A Short and Sweet set of words on that, Hugs and Wishes Birthday wish underneath with white craft and then WAIT for the buttons. I actually waited two days, that is a record for me, but worth the wait. They are mounted with mini glue dots. and are the cutest darned things! The whole thing is mounted on Groovy Guave cardstock. What do you think?

I'm looking forward to a fun day at my friend's house. She is inviting a lot of people to make the Explosion Photo project we made many years ago. She is having a catered luncheon and then we are off to make pretty picture books! Sounds like fun doesn't it? With our new double sided designer paper, they are quite an improvement over the ones we used to make!! I know they will be happy with their creations and I'm sure it will be a fun day for all of us. I'll tell you about it tomorrow!! Without a doubt I'll be offering this class project soon to anyone interested.

Oh my gosh..............the retired list is out!!! It's 7AM and I just checked the website. Go to
www.stampinup.com and hit the Fond Farewell..............there it is!! I thought we had to wait until afternoon, but it's there already, check it out!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my husband! So many things this week-end........Flag Day, Father's Day and tomorrow is the BIG DAY! Yes, tomorrow at 12Noon Utah time, they will be releasing the retired stamp list!!! It is rather bittersweet for some of us who tend to fall in love with certain special sets, but exciting because we know there is something coming up that we will like even better come August. New catalog time is such a great time!

And now about this card.........it was the Father's Day card we made at Stamp a Stack last week, but changed the words on the bottom. Stamp sets are Noble Deer, Print Pattern and Hugs and Wishes. Cardstock is Close to Cocoa, Mellow Moss and a Shaving cream background that is hard to detect in this scan. Chocolate chip ink and some gingham ribbon finishes this card.

Wanted

Here is another of my Stamp a Stack cards.......just love the mirror image and it is sooooo simple with a clear envelope! Just stamp your image on the cardstock and then stamp it again on a clear envelope, turn the envelope over onto your white cardstock and rub it with your finger..........it's done! I used basic gray for the horse and then just a little smear with a Qtip in pastels and it looks great. I pierced the edges and mounted it on Always Artichoke, used a strip of designer paper, River Rock cardstock with the Weathered Background stamp, a jumbo eyelet, some River rock ribbon and mounted it all on Always Artichoke cardstock. The words are from Short and Sweet. Thanks for stopping by.

Fabulous Flowers

And my Stamp 10 had it's last meeting of the year............Fabulous Group!! I'm sorry to see it come to a close, but many are signed up for next year. This is one of the cards we made last night. I fell in love with this stamp set while I was in Florida, but hadn't used it until now. Anyway, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky and Wild Wasabi designer paper on this pretty card. You can't see it on this scan, but there is a bit of dazzling diamonds on the edges of the flower. A bit of Bayou ribbon across the middle, too. We had a good time last night and looking forward to a great new group coming up. A special thanks to the ladies that were so much fun this year!

Purses, purses

Stamp a Stack was so much fun.........sorry I wasn't able to offer Saturday morning this time because of parking problems, but I'll see what I can do about that next time! This was my favorite card....I think. Actually the River Rock background doesn't seem to show up well on this scan, but that is it, as is the middle purse. The other two colors are groovey guava and so saffron designer paper. Lots of punches in this card. The round tab, small oval and large oval. The word is from Friendly Flowers, the wheel is Daisy Dash. A bit of white taffeta ribbon, a gold brad and there you have it! Time to shop, ladies! Thanks for stopping by.

Fresh Cut Note Cards

OK...........this is the note card that you get when you order the June special. I admit I cased somebody else's color scheme, but it is so easy!! The petals can be punched out quickly, a piece of designer paper slid underneath, and I used the five star punch which fits behind perfectly! My colors, or I should say her colors are Lovely Lilac and Pink Passion. I don't remember where I saw this card, but I liked the combination and not one I normally choose. The pearl is from the pretties kit and I just put a drop of Crystal Effects to hold it on. This is a quick, quick card!

Fresh Cut June Special!!

I finally got time to play with the new Fresh Cut stamp set........I've spent so much time getting ready for this week's Stamp a Stack, I hadn't had a chance to use this beauty! Last night I had such fun with it! This is a Sneak Peak set from the new catalog coming out in August and you can order it in June. Not only that..........it comes with a coordinating Fresh-Cut Notes for only $5 more. But wait........if you host a $400 workshop you get all of this FREE!! Check out the Stampin' Up website for all the details. Back to the card......I used Regal Rose for the background CS, stamped the main image with Stazon on Glossy CS and rubbed the color over the top. I then mounted it on Handsome Hunter along with the celery grosgrain ribbon and then added the green ice brad. Simple, really, but quick and pretty, don't you think? The note cards that come with the set are already die-cut.........well you just have to check them out. I'll show them to you soon!!

Western Sky

Good morning, Stampers. This is a card I did for one of Debbie's downline meeting swaps. It is one of my most favorite "quick" cards that just goes together so easily. I call it my "cut and flip" card. The designer paper is Western Sky and of course it matches, because it is both sides of the same paper! I started with River Rock as the background, cut a piece of the designer paper 51/4" by 4" and then cut it again at 21/4 x3" and flipped it. Now you can do anything you wish to decorate it........I stamped the medallion from Baroque Motif in Bayou Blue and punched it out with the scallop punch. I then punched out the white with the Boho Blossoms punch, stamped the little flower from Baroque Motif and you can't see it well, but I added some Dazzling Diamonds to that. Some white taffeta ribbon covers the seam and there you have it! Simple and quick!! No words on this one, but I can add them for what ever occasion I need. Thanks for stopping by.

Enjoy Every Moment

This was one of the cards we made at our "cool" table on Saturday. It was created by Christine (CALproductions) and it was a neat card. It opens up with a place for a gift card too. She used Pomegranate and Wild Wasabi with the lady bug raised with a dimentional on the O. Some Pomegranate ribbon and there you have it. Thanks Chris for a very pretty card with a great stamp set.

Splitcoast Gathering May 2008

Saturday's Splitcoast Gathering was just fantastic..........thanks to Linda Tarolli and her helpers! We all had such a good time, and it was run like clockwork. I was especially pleased that Karen Martino was able to go this time. This was my shoebox card that we made at our table and it was a great table. I got to stamp with CookieStamper, Diane 617, Kelly, Chris, and even Linda (two Lindas at our table) Anyway, it was a great day and I learned so much as usual. The Demo swap was superb and I will be sharing many of those in the near future. Back to my card. The stamp set is Live Your Dream from the Occasions mini catalog and the inside has a part of a sandwich bag, so you can add money, gift card or whatever you want in there. My colors are Groovey Guava and Choc Chip. I colored the flower with markers and added the rhinestone brad to the little piece that holds it down. Thanks for stopping by......