Lovely Christmas Ornament

Learned how to make this ornament on the demonstrator only website at Stampin' UP!  Will fill in the details later.  Just had a blast making it!

Enjoy!

Carla's Birthday Card

This card was for my friend Carla.  She is a very classy lady and I think this card is so like her. 

The flower is stamped in VersaMark with Black Embossing Powder poured over it and heated.  Love the Basic Black and Red look to this. 

80th Birthday Cards

Made these two cards for a friend's mother's 80th birthday.  They are relatively easy to make. It was just a bit difficult for me since they are larger than normal cards.

This card has a shabby vintage feel. 

 

 

This card has a more classic look to it.  I think I like this one best.

 

These cards are 5.5" by 8.5" each. 

 

Donna's Card

 My dear friend, Donna, loves cupcakes.  Well, not only does she love cupcakes, but she is the QUEEN of cupcake bakers. Cupcakes are lucky to be baked by her.  I colored the stamped cupcakes with markers.  For lots of bling on the top of the two stamped cupcakes I first applied Dazzling Details on the frosting area.  Then added dots of Dazzling Details Silver Sparkle on top.  Really looks nice and sparkley. Takes quite a while to dry so add that last! Let dry overnight.

Cardstock - Pool Party, Whisper White, Calypso Coral (retired) and Sweet Shop DSP (retired)

Stamps - Carry On

Ink - Pool Party, Early Expresso

Accessories - Big Shot, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Dazzling Details and Dazzling Details Silver Sparkle.

 



My Not Orange Pumpkin

I stamp once a month with a great group of ladies in Olathe, KS. Each month we do a swap and then make something special.  This month it was time to make pumkins.  You've seen the rosettes used for wreaths, trees, pumpkins, etc. But have you actually made one.  It does take a while so be ready!

My Not So Orange Pumpkin! I don't really like orange so here we are.  It takes 28 pieces of paper to make this one. I think I would add a couple more intermediary levels, but this one is cute.  I added Champagne Glimmer paper to the leaves we were provided to add some bling.  I also spritzed it with a gold marker and our color spritzer tools.  We have a fabulous lady at Heart to Heart International who always brings us chocolate on Fridays.  She loves to decorate - so it went home with her.  I'm thinking my next one will be blue and white with silver sparkle. What do you think? Thank you Joyce for getting me to make this. 

 

Case of Amanda Corbet

Case of Amanda Corbet

This card says "Merry Elegant Christmas!" Amanda made this card originally. You can view hers right here. 

I made 10 of these for a swap.  Not difficult to make, just time consuming.  Used a few retired items like the Pretties Kit and French Script, but I'm sure you could substitute easily.

Here are the ingredients.

Stamp - Ornament Keepsakes, French Script
Cardstock - Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler
Ink - Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, VersaMark
Accessories - Holiday Ornaments Framelits, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Champagne Glimmer paper, Gold embossing powder, Holiday Frame embossing folder, sponge, stampin' dimensionals.
Give this a try. You will be surprised at how well it will turn out.  I'm thinking blue and silver!

 

Meghan's Wedding Card

 

Our neighbor's daughter was married last weekend. I saw this card here.  Just had to make it. Not difficult but there is a bit of sponging. Very elegant.

 

 

 

Stamps - Medallion (retired), Lovely Thoughts

Ink - VersaMark, Sahara Sand

Cardstock - Whisper White

Accessories - White Embossing Powder, Pearls basic jewels, White Organza Ribbon, Large Pearl Basic Jewels, Sponge, Heat Gun.

 

This is easy to make and not very time consuming.  I did do my stamping on a 4" by 5 1/4" piece of cardstock then adhered it to the main card. 

Here is the envelope.  Very elegant. Embossed Mr. & Mrs. in Whisper White then sponge all around it with Sahara Sand ink.  Like it as much as the card!

 

 

 



 



 

 

Stamping with Martha!

 

 

 

 

Saturday I had the best time with my friend, Martha. We met through Stampin' UP! at convention and have been "buds" since. I normally only get to see her at convention or regionals, but visited her yesterday at her home.  She was so gracious.  I left with lots of her wonderful creations - thank you!!!

 

We had so much fun making the ornament above.  This was my fourth try at one of these and Martha's first.  It's always a learning experience. Thanks Martha for the tip on using a glue dot to hold the ends of the ribbon in place so you can hot glue it a bit easier (and safer!)

 

 

We used Gumball Green and Raspberry Ripple ink.  Of course we had to use some bling with silver glimmer paper.  And then there's something in the center which I would never have thought to use - a Raspberry Ribble Dahlia!  Martha is so smart. 

 

Well here we are with our wonderful creation. I imagine Martha will be making more of these soon.  You should see how neat her craft room is! OMG!  I can hardly wait for next year's convention so she and my wonderful downline, Amanda, can meet. You can visit Martha's website HERE.

August Snowflakes

I just love the Holiday Ornament framelits from Stampin' UP!  My favorite Christmas and winter colors are blue and white.  So Marina Mist and Whisper White just made this gorgeous! This is for my friend, Donna.  She loves winter and snow and suffers so in the summer.  The terrible heat this summer made her sad. I hope this makes her smile!

Stamps - Retired wheel (Twinkle)
Ink - White Stazon, Marina Mist
Cardstock - Marina Mist, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer paper
Accessories - White satin ribbon (retired), Vintage Faceted Buttons, Large Pearls, Snow Flurry Bigz Die, Big Shot


I think they made the Snow Flurry Bigz Die just for me. I just love it.  Makes me so happy.

 

Bring on the Fall!

 This is my first try at a wreath. Wow, I started with a sample from another demonstrator, but then I couldn't stop adding more leaves and the large Rosette, oh my. And of course for bling value I spritzed gold all over.



Someone received flowers at Heart to Heart International today. Everyone said they went perfectly with the wreath.  So we had to put them together. 

So do you love the Autumn Accents Bigz Die?  It really is just as much fun to make a wreath with the flowers as it is using them on a card. Of course, I love making 3 D items.

Cardstock - Elegant Eggplant, More Mustard, Cherry Cobler, Old Olive, Champayne Glimmer Paper

Ink - Pumkin Pie (sponging), Always Artichoke (sponging)



  

Updated Ornament

Added the new Champagne Glimmer paper and removed the big blob of hot glue under the Vintage Faceted Button. It really does make a difference, especially in "real life".  OMG this was so fun to make and am enjoying just looking at it.

Here's how I decorated the back. 

Side view. Wish I could get the colors to show a bit better. It just striking in real life.

Holiday Catalog Cover Creation CASE

OH MY! This was my first try at the Stampin' UP! Holiday catalog cover creation.  A bit of time to make, but so worth it.  The color is a bit off in this photo, but it is basically Early Expresso and Crumb Cake.  Love the new ornament framelits and stamps. Oh, and the Vintage Faceted Buttons are just perfect.

I used the tutorial from Linda Heller to make this.  Linda's Website.

Stamps - Ornament Keepsakes



Ink - Crumb Cake, Early Expresso
Cardstock - Very Vanilla, Moca Morning DSP (for rosette)
Accessories - Holiday Ornaments Framelits Dies, Crumb Cake Scalloped Tulle Ribbon (gorgeous), Vinatage Faceted Buttons, Large Pearl Basic Jewels, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Big Shot, Designer Rosette Bigz XL Die, 2 Way Glue Pen (for Glitter), Copper Cord (retired),  Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Best there is for this project), glue gun

Just Hangin' In There

Remember this stamp set?

Can you name this set?  Hmmm, it has been a while.  Well, Mini Mates was a very versatile set for many.  Small images with small coordinating verses.  I took my set out a couple of months ago to make this card.  It was fun to update it with this ribbon.  Too bad is is retired as well!

Simple Butterfly

Don't you just love butterflies?

Stamps - None (outside)

Cardstock - Marina Mist, Whisper White

Accsessories - Eyelet Border Punch, Crimper, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Basic Pearls, White Satin Ribbon, Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder.

Convention 200? Swap

Card From the Past

Gosh, found this card last week. I made a ton of these a few years (5 or more maybe) for convention.  I remember I ran out of copper brads and had to use copper embossing powder to cover gold ones!  And I did that in our hotel room in the evening!  The colors are very rich using Stampin Pastels and VersaMark.  Loved this card and this stamp set.  Too bad it retired.  Oh, well, we have lots of new and exciting sets every year!

Remember when pocket cards were all the rage?  They are fun.

Stamps - Heartfelt Thanks

Ink - VersaMark

Cardstock - Elegant Eggplant, Always Artichoke, Naturals White

Accessories - Copper EP, Copper Brads, Copper string ribbon (can't remember the name!)



Wonderful You Card

Island Indigo is so pretty! Made this card at Amanda Corbet's Make and Take a few months ago. Whew, it was a while back. 

Stamps - Loving Thoughts, Fresh Vintage (Retired SAB)

Ink - Island Indigo, Poppy Parade (Retired In Color)

Cardstock - Whisper White, Island Indigo (2011 In Color), Poppy Parade (Retired In Color), Twitterpated DSP

Accessories - Everyday Enchantment brads (Retired SAB)

Quick Shower Card

This is a really simple yet pretty card I made for our neighbor's daughter this afternoon.  I found this idea on Petronela Hardy's blog here.  Her card is a bit more elegant, I needed a little more cutie. Please visit her website for some really nice stamping!

Yes, the dress is actually the Manhattan Embossing folder from Stampin' UP! cut our to the shape of a wedding dress.

I was in a bit of hurry so did not do much to the actual card itself. Could use some texture on the card base.  The DSP does have some texture though.

Stamps - Word Play

Ink - VersaMark

Cardstock - Whisper White, Sweet Shop DSP (retired)

Accesories - White Taffeta Ribbon, Manhattan Flower folder, Rhinestones Basic Jewels, Sterling Silver Embossing Powder,

Hope you like this card.  Give it a try! 

 



Group Birthday Swap

Just made these for a swap with a  wonderful bunch of people who love to stamp!

Covnention 2012 Salt Lake City, Utah

Returned from Stampin' UP! Convention 2012 two weeks ago and am just now getting to post.  Well, the lovely card you see above is my first ever swap with Jill Olsen. I am in her 5th downline. Thanks Jill for swapping with me!  I have so many cards to share, but need permission from the makers to post. Will try to get a few in each day.  Note the Vintage Faceted Designer Button in the middle of the Delicate Doilies.  Just perfect for this card.

Another Convention Swap Preview

This is another swap. It's sort of a tag or small card - you decide.  Idea is from Nikki Spencer. I changed just a few things, but it is basically the same.  Nikki is an amazing Stampin' Up! Demonstrator from "Down Under" .  Here is her website  LINK! 

I had to improvise a bit.  Since I have no current black ribbon (all mine is retired) I used a strip of Basic Black cardstock and ran it through an embossing folder.  I also had no black brads so I used BLING instead.  I also embossed the Blossom punch. There will be some which are different colors to spice thing up a bit!!!

Stamps - None
Cardstock - Basic Black and Whisper White
Accessories - Blossom and Boho Blossom punches, Petals a Plenty and Perfect  Polka Dots Textured Embossing Folders, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Labels Collections Framelits

Convention Card Swap!

This is my card for convention.  It is very simple, but that is more me!  You can't see it well, because I'm not great at these photos, but there is a rhinestone on the monogrammed letter.

Once again, I need texture on my card. 

Stamps - Lovely Letters Alphabet

Ink - Basic Grey

Accessories - Perfect Polka Dot, Fancy Fan Texture Embossing Folder and Adorning Accents Embossing Folder, Labels Collections Framelits, Adorning Accents Edgelits, Circle Punches, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Organza Ribbon.

Stampin' Up! Convention Time

Well, Stampin' Up! 2012 Convention will be here soon.  Here is one of the swaps I'm making for convention. So much fun to swap with all the fabulous stampers!

I love using the Big Shot for these garden markers.  I didn't make the hole for the metal stick yet. Not sure if I will.  Difficult to see, but there are three rhinestones on the butterfly.

Stamps - Fabulous Florets

Ink - Stazon Jet Black

Accessories - Big Shot Top Note Bigz , Die and Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Flower Garden Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Rhinestone Basic Jewels

A Few Things I Forgot!

Yet another Sympathy Card!

Yep, another sympathy card I made.  I have made so many lately that I don't remember which one went where. Okay before you think I am a ditz or something, I make cards for Heart to Heart International when they are needed.   So I may not always know the recipient when making them.

Petite Purse

Those cute little purses!  Made this one at Amanda's Make and Take. Stinkin' cute!

Graduation Card

I finally was able to make a card using my favorite color in the whole world - Night of Navy!  This was for our neighbor's son who graduated from the University of Kansas and is a new Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force.

I found the original idea from Super Stamper Melissa Davies. Here is a link to her website.  LINK!

 

Eddie at a Biker Bar

Last Chance Flight Concert Series

Okay, I am not a "biker bar" type of person.  However, a few weeks ago I spent a Saturday afternoon hanging out at Kobi's Bar and Grill in Bonner Springs, KS.  It was all in helping Heart to Heart International meet their goal of 100,000 Care Kits donated in celebration of their 20th anniversary.  It is all part of the Last Chance Flight Concert Series.

I must say, it was an eye opening afternoon.  Great music - three bands! And Kobi's has good food. If you have an appetite (you really need one) try their pork loin sandwich.  The meat is huge and the bun acutally covers most of it.  Made four meals out of it!

We just had to photograph the Heart to Heart banner when the guy on the right side turned his back to us.  I just thought it was just so funny! I don't know if you can read his shirt, but try! Okay, it starts with the letter "S".

Thanks to all of the bikers who came out to support Heart to Heart International.  You guys are so generous.  There are 4 more concerts in the Kansas City Metro area this summer. I can't wait for Aug 14th! This will be my next chance to volunteer.  Here is a link for more information! LINK!

Upcoming Concerts for Summer 2012:

 

July 14th, Saturday, 5-10pm
Longbranch Steakhouse, Lenexa, KS

July 29th, Sunday, 5-10pm
Knuckleheads Saloon, KC, MO

August 19th, Sunday, 1-5pm
The T-Bones Tailgate Lot
Community America Ballpark
The Legends, Kansas City, KS

September 14th, Friday, 6-9pm
Concert Series Finale
Worth Harley-Davidson
Kansas City-North, MO

Oh, and did I mention they are giving away a Harley at the last concert! You can register to win at each of the events for the final drawing!

Hope to see you there!!!!!!!! Thank you Last Chance Flight! Check them out!

Sorry this has been such a wordy post, but if you know me you know Heart to Heart International is a very important part of my world.  

Hope for a Friend

Made this lovely post it note holder for a friend.  Original idea is from Tony Vander Slice.  I did change it just a bit, but thought her idea was just wonderful.

Used an acrylic frame from Wally World, 6" x 4". About $1 with tax.  Stamped the flourish on the Pretty in Pink cardstock for a nice background.
 

What I used to make this!

Stamps - Strength and Hope (retired), Four Frames
Cardstock - Pretty in Pink, Early Expresso, Whisper White, Pear Pizzaz (retired)
Ink - Pretty in Pink, Early Expresso, Pear Pizzaz (retired)
Accessories - Decorative Label Punch, Jewels Basic Rhinestones, Scallop Square Bigz Die, White Satin Ribbon (retired), Little Leaves Sizzlets Die

Sympathy Card

It seems I have done quite a few sympathy cards lately.  And there are a few I did not photograph so I cannot share them here.  If I can find the original card where I found this design I will add the link later.  I know how to link now, only took me a few years to figure that one out! 

Okay, here is where the original card is found - Lorraine's Stampin' Corner.  All I changed was the ribbon and butterflies. 

Stamp Set - Thoughts and Prayers
Cardstock - Early Expresso, Marina Mist, Whisper White
Ink - Early Expresso
Accessories - Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Chocolate Chip Taffeta ribbon (retired),Eyelet Border Punch, Beautiful Wings Embosslit

I must admit you will find a lot of retired items used in my samples.  I have not created much in the last couple of years and have hoarded lots of ribbon and cardstock.  I have decided to use and and use it well!  So if you have retired ribbon, cardstock and stamps - use them. They still work great and will provide someone with a  lovely handmade creation they will truly enjoy.

Hint - when using dark colors for your basic card remember to put a layer of light cardstock inside to stamp your sentiment.  I put two inside, one on the top and the bottom as we had numberous people who needed to sign this card. Adding a bit of decoration inside is a nice touch.

Treat Box!

How cute is this?  Well, if you are a Stampin' Up! demonstrator you recognize this from our Stampin' Success March magazine.  However, it was tweeked by Jessica Urrutia using a different flower for the top and bottom closure. Yes, I know, my top is not closed yet!  Check out Jessica's fabulous video here.  Thank you Jessica for the tutuorial. It was actually fun and relatively easy to assemble.

Cardstock - Everday Enchantment, Island Indigo, Poppy Parade, Early Expresso
Accessories - Basic Pearls, Bigz Beautiful Butterflies Die, Ribbon (Saleabration)

Cascading Birthday Card For Donna

I saw a card exactly (almost) like this one on Stamp and Scrap with Frenchie.  It was actually made by Vandee Ehrhardt.  I just loved all of the colors and butterflies and, of course, the Sale -A-Bration DSP, ribbon and brads.  Donna is my stamping buddy at Heart to Heart International.  So, for her birthday, she had to have an over the top card.

If you go to Frenchie's link you will not only find this card, but Frenchie's tutorial for Cascading Cards. Really like her tutorial best.

Stamps - Fresh Vintage, Birthday greetings inside of peek a boo die (anything works)
Cardstock - Everyday Enchantment DSP, Poppy Parade, Very Vanilla (looks like Whisper White in photo)
Accessories - Triple Layer Blossom Punch, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Everyday Enchantment Brads, Ribbon, Peekaboo Frames Die, Beautiful Wings Embosslit die.

A bit late for Valentines!

I completely forgot to post this card. If you are a stamper and have a Pinterest account you saw a very similar version of this card everywhere. Hope I can find the name of the original creator.  The great thing about this card is that it is very simple to make.  In fact, I hosted a "Make a Valentine for your special one" at Heart to Heart International for all of the staff. No matter what their stamping skill level, the cards were perfect.

Stamps - Well Scripted (retired Stampin' UP!)
Ink - Cherry Cobbler
Ribbon - Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding
Punches - Decorative Label, Heart to Heart
Cardstock - Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, retired DSP

Hint - when working with inexperienced stampers - success depends on simplicity.  One way to ensure they get the card front senitment done well is to have them stamp on a separate piece of cardstock then have them punch it out. This allows for mistakes where they can stamp again without ruining the front of their card.  The stamping looks good and the placement is exactly where they want it to be.

Simple Wedding Card headed to Haiti

This is a very simple wedding card I CASED from Penny Thomas at penquinstamper.blogspot.com. The dry embossed area on the left side is just a smaller piece of Very Vanilla cardstock run though an embossing folder. Used the ribbon to hide the edge of the paper.

Cardstock - Very Vanilla
Ink - Soft Suede
Ribbon - Very Vanilla Grosgrain.
Designer Frame Embossing Folder

I just love simple and classic cards.

Just For You

Made this at my downline's Make and Take last week. Amanda Corbet is my wonderful downline who is so talented. http://kraftingkreations.blogspot.com/. You will find lots of great ideas on her blog.

Stamp set - Tea Shoppe

Cardstock - Pool Party, Island Indigo, Whisper White, Calypso Coral

Ink - Pool Party, Calypso Coral

Another Sympathy Card

Here is second sympathy card. And yes, had to use this one, unfortunately.

Cardstock - Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Mocha Morning DSP
Ink - Crumb Cake
Stamps - Thoughts and Prayers
Accessories - Stripes and Designer Frames Embossing Folders, retired narrow organdy ribbon.

Hint - After cutting around the oval designer frame - use your fingernail to smooth any rough or uneven edges. It will look like you used a die cut to cut it out. I've tried using the ovals die (there's one that is just about right) to cut out the oval first then emboss it, but it doesn't work out for me. If you know France Martin, an amazing SU demonstrator, she recommends that technique.

Sympathy Card

This card is actually a mixture of two cards made by Jen Timko. Just loved the two cards, but wanted it to be just a bit different.


Cardstock - River Rock and Early Expresso
Ink - Early Expresso
Stamp sets - Close as a Memory, Elements of Style
Accessories - Bigz Beautiful Butterflies Die, Scallop Trim Border, Basic Pearls, Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder

There is an Early Expresso butterfly under the stamped one which gives it more dimension. I really like the texture on the top butterfly.

Starting Up the Blog Again!

It has been years since I posted to this blog. I think it is time for me to start up again. I've been busy volunteering full time at Heart to Heart International, a humanitarian, disaster relief organization in Olathe, KS. It's a great organization and I really enjoy working there.

Well this blog really isn't about me, it's about showing off what I enjoy.