Rachel's Reflective Ramble

May Scrapbooking Special

2010-05-02T10:17:00.000-04:00

May is National Scrapbooking Month and in hour of that. Stampin' Up! has chosen some great sets they think will add to your scrapbook layouts. When you purchase one of these sets, you can choose a set of designer brads for FREE. This is for each stamp set from the list that you purchase. How fun to add to your pages with both ink and metal! Call me to order before the 31st!

Stamp sets

Page	Description	Wood-Mount Item	Wood-Mount Price	Clear-Mount Item	Clear-Mount Price
81	Extreme Elements	115181	$26.95	---	---
119	Framed with Love**	114389	$27.95	---	---
128	Certified**	113706	$27.95	---	---
129	Circle Circus	115778	$28.95	---	---
12*	Elements of Style	118611	$27.95	120045	$19.95
13*	Mementos	119910	$27.95	120105	$19.95
13*	Elements de style	119900	$27.95	120099	$19.95
14*	Rough Type	118659	$26.95	120072	$18.95
22*	Sentimental Journey	118513	$23.95	120075	$17.95
25*	First Day	118521	$23.95	120051	$17.95
25*	Camino a la Escuela	120152	$23.95	120154	$17.95

*From Summer Mini Catalog
**Last Chance stamp set!My Digital Studio software

Page	Description	Item	Price
32*	My Digital Studio	118108	$79.95

*From Summer Mini Catalog

Designer brads

Page	Description	Item	Retail Price	Price with Qualifying Purchase
179	Flower Designer brads	112579	$5.95	FREE
179	Filigree Designer brads	112577	$5.95	FREE
179	Circle Designer brads	112571	$5.95	FREE
179	Star Designer brads	112572	$5.95	FREE

Eastern Blooms Birthday Card

2010-04-27T11:03:00.001-04:00

I had this ready to post a week ago, but then my computer started giving me fits and of course it was on my tower, not my laptop. Hopefully it is all taken care of, but only time will tell.

This is a card I made for my friend's birthday. I pulled out a set that I have that hasn't seen much ink, Eastern Blooms. I also used a piece of retiring designer paper, Storybook Specialty and two returning in-colors, Pacific Point and Tangerine Tango. I can't wait by the way!

Sets: Eastern Blooms, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Tangerine Tango, Summer Sun, Pacific Point, Basic Brown

Cardstock: Whisper White, Tangerine Tango, Pacific Point

Accessories: Storybook Specialty Designer Series Paper, Chocolate 5/8" Grosgrain, Silver Brads, Chocolate Chip 1/4" Epoxy Brads (only available until Friday), Paper-Piercing Tool, and Mat Pack

Also new this weekend is the puppy that their dad promised my girls. We named him Ridley and he seems to be a great puppy with enough personality, but also so sweet and cuddly, but boy are they a lot of work!

Occasions Mini Catalog Products Still Available...

2010-04-23T22:30:00.001-04:00

Although I knew several products would be carried over to the new Idea Book and Catalog in July, I thought I would have to wait to see (and wait to use what I had gotten until then) which of the items would show up in July. Stampin' Up! has been incredible about sharing some of the carry over items and they are now allowing us to purchase them even after the mini has expired. Here is a list of what is still availble and will be available in July.

Item #	Description	Price
116519	Charming STMP	$19.95
117690	Vintage Vogue WM	$23.95
118598	Vintage Vogue CM	$17.95
118882	Vague vinatge WM	$23.95
119109	Vague vinatge CM	$17.95
118091	Tiny Tags WM	$22.95
118592	Tiny Tags CM	$16.95
117535	DÉCOR ELEMENTS F IS FOR FOX CHOCOLATE	$4.95
117536	DÉCOR ELEMENTS G IS FOR GIRAFFE CHOCOLATE	$4.95
117529	DÉCOR ELEMENTS IS FOR BLACK	$1.95
117541	DÉCOR ELEMENTS L IS FOR LION CHOCOLATE	$4.95
117542	DÉCOR ELEMENTS M IS FOR MONKEY CHOCOLATE	$4.95
117544	DÉCOR ELEMENTS O IS FOR OWL CHOCOLATE	$4.95
117528	DÉCOR ELEMENTS SCALLOP FRAME BLACK	$6.95
117549	DÉCOR ELEMENTS T IS FOR TURTLE CHOCOLATE	$4.95
117552	DÉCOR ELEMENTS W IS FOR WHALE CHOCOLATE	$4.95
118072	PNCH CRNR PINKING HEARTS	$9.95
118870	PNCH CRNR SCALLOP TRIM	$9.95
117191	PNCH LG 2 STEP BIRD	$15.95
118073	PNCH LG FANCY FLOWER	$15.95
117649	PNCH MD BRDR PINKING HEARTS	$15.95
117190	PNCH MD JEWELRY TAG	$10.95
117193	PNCH SM SMALL HEART	$5.95
117310	SZX BIGZ L MINI MILK CARTON	$32.95
118138	SZX EMBSLTS BEAUTIFUL WINGS	$11.95
117332	SZX EMBSLTS SCALLOPED HEART OF HEARTS	$11.95
117335	SZX TI PERFECT POLKA DOTS	$7.95
120435	HEART TREAT CUPS	$2.95

Sorry for not posting. I even had a project to post and my computer took a dump. I am hoping to pick it up tomorrow. Right now I have to use my laptop, but I don't have anything on it to share. I am just glad to have email access for a bit!

Thanks for checking in.

Flower's for My Grandma

2010-04-13T16:25:00.001-04:00

I found this fun card with these really cool flowers on it on Tiffany Bauer's blog. I really wanted to try them and thought I would practice on my Grandma's card. I don't think they look bad and I know she won't mind that I practiced on her. You make them by punching a 1 3/4" circle and cut it in a spiral. Twist and glue with Crystal Effects. I punched the hole for the brad and used Crystal Effects to adhere them to the card as well.

I needed a lot of inspiration today so I used this color combo from The Color Throwdown from a couple of weeks ago. I didn't go with the latest color combo on their site because I knew I was making a card for my Grandma and she isn't a pink gal usually. I also used the layout from Mercy's Tuesday Sketch (and flipped it sideways). So with all of that, are you ready for what I made?

Sets: Kind & Caring Thoughts (Level 3 Hostess), Upsy Daisy

Cardstock: Whisper White, Old Olive, Yo Yo Yellow (will be retiring the end of June)

Ink: Soft Suede, Old Olive

Accessories: 1 3/4 Circle Punch, 5/8" Neutral Brads, Soft Suede Designer Series Paper, Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Texturz Plates Backgrounds 1, Impressions Pad, Rubber Silicone Pad, Crystal Effects, Distresser from the Cutter Kit, Dimensionals, Paper Piercing Tool, Mat Pack

A Little Nouveau Chic

2010-04-09T09:37:00.005-04:00

It sounded good didn't it? I didn't really know what either of the title words meant so I went to the online dictionary and came to the conclusion that it means current and sophisticated new art. What a great name for this designer series paper. This is a bonus post because I not only have one card for you, but two. I do apologize that my last few posts have been dark. I have been using my scanner and it doesn't do the cards as much justice. I need to figure out a light box to use. Natural light is out as it is cloudy and yucky here.

The first is an anniversary card that I made. We don't sell black jumbo brads so I made my own with vanilla brads, black craft ink, black embossing powder, and my heat gun. (My new heat gun! I had to get a replacement for mine as my husband uses it at the shop quite a bit actually and when my daughter was helping him, they dropped it from the cab of the tractor. Needless to say it did not survive the fall.)

Sets: Medallion Background Stamp, All Holidays
Ink: Basic Black Craft Ink Cardstock: Basic Gray, Basic Black
Accessories: Nouveau Chic Designer Series Paper, 5/8" Jumbo Brads (vanilla), Black Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Paper Piercing Tool, Mat Pack, Embossing Buddy, Powder Pals

My second card uses the same concept and is a thank you card.

Sets: Medallion Background Stamp, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Basic Black Craft, Black Stazon
Cardstock: Sage Shadow (retiring in June), Basic Black, Basic Gray
Accessories: Nouveau Chic Designer Series Paper, Black Embossing Powder, Powder Pals, Embossing Buddy, Paper Piercing Tool, Mat Pack, Silver Brads

I am hoping to stamp again during naptime, who really needs to do housework, right? But I might be getting way ahead of myself. Have a wonderful day!

A Belated Birthday

2010-04-08T14:49:00.003-04:00

Well, I finally stamped yesterday and am able to post it today! I of course was not on time with the card, but a belated birthday wish just makes the special day last longer, right?

I have lost most of my creativity and because my husband's aunt loves horses, I pulled out my trusty Wanted set. I then had to look for an idea to do with it and found one on Splitcoaststampers done by catrules. I was going to CASE (copy and steal everything) the entire card, but my eye did not measure correctly so I modified my design. I still really like it and I know that his aunt will too.

Naptime is still going on, so I am off to try again, maybe a challenge this time?Sets: Wanted, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Basic Brown
Cardstock: Naturals Ivory, Dusty Durango, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Hemp Twine, Scallop Edge Punch, Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper, Cutter Kit (distressing tool), Sponge, Paper Piercer, Word Window Punch

What Have I Been Up to...

2010-04-08T14:16:00.007-04:00

and what has Stampin' Up! been up to?
(Hold on, it is going to be a long post!)

Well, let's start with myself. What have I been up to?
Obviously not much stamping! Over two months have passed since my last post and I honestly did not do anything during that time to post! I have been busy with family, kids, well just life and trying to find that creative motivation once again. I think that with Stampin' Up!'s announcement that might have started my motivation again. But hold on, I am getting ahead of myself.
I am tossing around some dates for some classes: a stamp-a-stack, a card organizer class, maybe a retired colors class.

What you ask, retired colors?!

Yes, Stampin' Up! announced a Color Renovation for the July 2010 catalog and I am VERY EXCITED ABOUT IT! I am excited by the color chart with the four new color collections. I couldn't help myself and rearranged my ink pads and cardstock and I LOVE the look of them. Stampin' Up! is on trend with the paper craft market and best of all, they are bringing back some of those In Colors from years past.

Click here to download the Color Renovations Chart

The new Color Collections include:

Brights Collection:
Regal Rose, Melon Mambo (current In Color), Rich Razzleberry (current In Color), Pacific Point (former In Color), Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight (new!), Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango (former In Color), Real Red

Neutrals Collection:
River Rock (former In Color), Chocolate Chip, Soft Suede, Early Espresso (new!), Crumb Cake (formerly called Kraft), Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Basic Black

Regals Collection:
Elegant Eggplant, Night of Navy, Not Quite Navy, Always Artichoke, Garden Green, More Mustard, Cajun Craze (new!), Riding Hood Red (former In Color), Cherry Cobbler (new!), Bravo Burgundy

Subtles Collection:
Pink Pirouette (former In Color), Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Perfect Plum, Marina Mist (new!), Bashful Blue, Baja Breeze (former In Color), Wild Wasabi (former In Color), Certainly Celery, So Saffron

To be retired on July 1:
Pink Passion, Pixie Pink, Pale Plum, Orchid Opulence. Lovely Lilac. Lavender Lace, Almost Amethyst, Bordering Blue, Brocade Blue, Ballet Blue, Brilliant Blue, Taken with Teal, Glorious Green, Handsome Hunter, Sage Shadow, Mellow Moss, Green Galore, Gable Green, Barely Banana, Yoyo Yellow, Ruby Red, Cameo Coral, Blush Blossom, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Going Gray Be sure to start stocking up on ink, paper, and accessories now! After June these colors will no longer be available!

Click here to download the Fond Farewell Retiring Colors Chart

Things to remember-

You'll notice that Neutrals has been added as a color collection and Earth Elements has been eliminated and many of the colors from all collections/families have been reorganized into different collections.

Kraft has been renamed Crumb Cake. This also means that this color will not only be available in card stock as before, but you will also be able to purchase the ink pad and marker! (YEAH! I love this color!)

Stampin' Up! will continue offering brand-new In Colors! This year we can expect 5 new colors and they will last 2 years, instead of one! This means that after this first year we will have 10 new In Colors at a time.

Don't stress if you have items that come in a set like the markers, watercolor crayons, pastels, etc. Stampin' Up! will be coming out with Color Kits to fill in those items with the new colors as well as some more new fun products!

A lot of the colors on the retiring list I do not use, nor have I in a while. This has revamped my stamping enthusiasm because I love the In Colors and now I can pull out my stash and stamp with them again!

I also place my Summer Mini order today and will be looking forward to playing with the few new goodies I ordered. I am planning on participating in a group swap on May 15th. Want to join us? Join Stampin' Up! today and receive two great bonus technique DVD's.

I will share my card I finally stamped in a separate post.

Melon Mambo Vintage Vogue

2010-01-29T14:25:00.003-05:00

Another week has flown by. My oldest daughter had her tonsils out last week and so we have been home so she can recover. I was hoping to get a lot more stamping and scrapbooking done while she was recovering, but that didn't work. Her schedule and my 18 month's schedule never seemed to line up!

This is a card I made the week prior to her surgery. I used my new CLEAR MOUNT stamps! Love them and love the fact they take up less space! This set, Vintage Vogue, is from the incredible Occasions Mini and is available until April 30th, but because I like FREEBIES, I ordered it during Sale-a-Bration to get some FREE stamps and accessories. Sale-a-Bration is going on until March 31st, so you can get your own Vintage Vogue set or earn some FREE Sale-a-Bration items too, just ask me how!

On to my card. I chose the color combo from the color scheme in my FREE Sale-A-Bration Welcome Neighbor designer series pad. The color scheme involves Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, and Kraft/Sahara Sand and uses my FREE Scallop Trim Punch from Sale-a-Bration as well.

Beautiful if I do say so myself! The flowers were created by stamping the large flower in straight ink on Whisper White cardstock and the middle flower was created by stamping off and then stamping on the Whisper White. The lace piece was the new Scallop Trim punch and I used plenty of gold brads and dimensionals.

Set: Vintage Vogue-Clear Mount
Ink/Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Whisper White, Crushed Curry, Sahara Sand
Accessories: Good Neighbor designer series paper (free from SAB), Scallop Trim Border Punch (free from SAB), Gold Brads, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, Dimensionals

Cheep Talk Birthday

2010-01-15T12:18:00.009-05:00

I actually have been stamping a few times over the last couple of days while the hubby was up north. (He's due back today-yeah! ) You know when the hubby is away, I get to play! Unfortunately, I am working on getting caught up on the things I let slip by too while he was gone. Oh well, it was fun to play and in the next couple of days I will have some samples of NEW Occasions Mini items and Sale-a-Bration items. (Remember you can order anytime from me, just email or call and if you didn't get them you can click on the links on the left to view or if you would prefer a hard copy, let me know and I will get one to you.)

What did I create? Well, I made my sister a birthday card. (Happy Birthday Beth!) She will be so impressed that is on time. I don't know if she will be as impressed with the stamping, but when you haven't done it in a while you need to start somewhere and I chose to do the Diva Coffee Break layout challenge. I also needed help with with color combo so I pulled out my Stampin' Up! color combo guide and went for it. The only thing I did know was the set I wanted to use, Cheep Talk, a set I got during November's Bundle sale. I even stamped the inside!

Sets: Cheep Talk, Full of Life, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Bermuda Bay, Old Olive
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Bermuda Bay, Old Olive, Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Silver Brads, 1/2" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1: Circle Punch, Big Shot, Top Note Die, Paper Piercer, Paper Snips

Christmas Card 2009

2010-01-12T22:46:00.003-05:00

Wow has it been a long time-two months since I have posted! My apologies, but I am hoping to do better in 2010-but it has been a slow start! To post, you have to have created something and that just hasn't been happening very often.

In honor of 2010, I did decide to brighten and update my blog look a bit. I hope to do a few more things to it, but a little at a time is what I need to do! I am losing any ambition I have and am ready to snuggle in my warm bed, so I will quit rambling and post my card creation. I hope to be back later this week!

Every year I try to incorporate a picture of my kids. This year I decided to do a tri-fold type card. They were pretty easy and it really didn't take me that long to do 50 of them except for the distressing on the front! That took forever and made a mess! It also helped that my 8 year old helped do the texturizing with the Big Shot. I wish I had gotten a picture, but alas, I did not think of it at the time. I was too focused on getting the cards done and out! (Maybe I will have to stage it for scrapbooking purposes!)

Sets: Serene Snowflake, All Holidays, Many Merry Messages
Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink: Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Sahara Sand
Accessories: Big Shot, Scalloped Square Die, Polka Dots Impression Folder, Melon Mambo Ribbon, Rhinestone Brads, Paper Piercer

Delightful Decorations

2009-11-04T13:06:00.003-05:00

Yes, I have actually stamped in the last month or two, I just haven't done much of it and those that I have stamped haven't made it to my blog. I am going to try to get a few more up here the next couple of days or weeks.

This was a 3x6 card I originally planned for a workshop in September. The ladies really liked it; it just was not a good choice for a make and take. With that in mind, I modified it for my second workshop and they really liked the look and the ease of it. I also did this for a swap too.

This card uses almost all product for the wonderful Holiday Mini (I will be sad when it ends, but can't wait to see what will be new too). I need to work on my daughter's birthday invites next and design my Christmas cards. That is fast approaching isn't it?

Sets: Delightful Decorations, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Real Red, Old Olive
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Real Red
Accessories: Merry Moments Designer Paper, Mistletoe Ribbon Originals, Silver Elastic Cord, Modern Label Punch, Ornament Punch, and 3/4" Circle Punch

Butterfly Notes

2009-10-23T15:24:00.004-04:00

I cannot believe that it has been over a month since I have posted! I know that I have been busy, but I have stamped a few things I guess I just haven't had time to get a picture and post them. My apologies. I am really going to try to do better, but I know next week I will be busy getting ready for the kids' parties at school. Here is a card that I made and sent to my mom. She likes butterflies and I had just gotten the Beautiful Butterlies Bigz Die and wanted to use it right away.

Sets: Notes of Thanks Mini Note Kit (Retired)
Ink/CS: Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry, Naturals White
Accessories: Pearls (from Pretties Kit), Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, Crushed Curry Ribbon, Cutter Kit (Distressing Tool), Final Press Impressions Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Ticket Corner Punch, Paper Piercer

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad

2009-09-18T15:03:00.004-04:00

I cannot believe that it has been over three weeks since I have posted. I am not sure where the time went besides I was busy with family, school starting, and lately with being the "Lunch Wagon Lady" for my husband and the guys that work for us during corn chopping season! Fun times let me tell you!

Anyhow, today is my parents' 38th anniversary-Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!-and I made this card for them. I CASED this card from Sharon Bridwell. I changed a few things, but used her concept. I really like how hers turned out. I am not sure of mine, but it is growing on me. I think I needed to do a better job with the Stamp-ama-jig.

This card uses my new favorite big stamp, the Medallion.

Sets: Medallion, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Basic Gray, Versamark
CS: Almost Amethyst, Basic Gray, Whisper White
Accessories: Basic Gray Taffeta, Silver Brads, Paper Piercer, Distressing Tool, Modern Label Punch, Magnetic Movers & Shapers, Big Shot, Jumbo Silver Brad

Teacher's Notecards

2009-08-31T19:48:00.010-04:00

This year I decided to make up a back to school kit for my girls' teachers a Fresh Start to the School Year gift with some not so usual items in them. I am putting in Clorox Wipes, Clorox Anywhere Spray, hand sanitizer, and room spray. I am also putting in some Dove chocolates and a set of 6 note cards for them. I let my girls pick the designer series paper from my retired stash for their cards . I did not have a lot of time to work on them (I always think that I will and when it comes down to it, I don't) so I made them pretty simple and focused more on the designer series paper. This is for my oldest daughter's 4th grade teacher. She is beyond excited for school to start.
My daughter also made a card to put with the gift that she used some scraps from what I was working on. I helped with the Big Shot stuff, but I thought she did pretty good.

My daughter is going to take this to her open house tomorrow night. I still have one more set to get done for Wednesday, for my youngest daughter's open house and for her 2nd grade teacher. Yes, I am the Queen of Procrastination-just ask my husband or anyone else! But sometimes, my best work comes at the last minute! But I still have another day and a half (and a million things/appointments to do during that time too!)

In-Color "Life is what Happens ..." Circle Circus

2009-08-26T13:39:00.005-04:00

Sets: Circle Circus, Full of Life
Papers: Old Olive, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, and Bermuda Bay Textured
Ink (Pads & Markers): Old Olive, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Bermuda Bay, and Crushed Curry
Accessories: SU! Finial Press Embossing Folder, Top Note Die, Cutter Kit (Distressing Tool), Paper Piercer & Mat, Fire Circle Brads

So I have a few swap cards to make. This is one of them, actually the only one I have designed. I thought I would have so much time to get them done, but between sick kids, getting ready for school to start, kids thinking they would love to stamp and create (which I am all for, except when I am really trying to focus and they keep interrupting with, "Can I use this? Can I use this" and then they forget to ask what adhesive they can use and I hear a WHOLE LOT being used aaargghhh), and nap times not lasting as long as I think they should, I haven't gotten the time I want to hide in my stamp room and create.

I used a color combination that Stampin' Up! recommended. I knew what layout I wanted, but I was not 100% sure about the saying and the brad. It is growing on me. I love the mixed textures of the rest of the card. I was able to do the saying in multiple colors only because we have In-Color markers now!! Woo Hoo!! I knew they would be nice but I didn't know how much I would appreciate having them! They are also the perfect way to get all of the In-Colors to try before you decide what you HAVE to HAVE (I know you will HAVE to HAVE them all, but this is a start!) Contact me today to order!

Remember to sign up for my class on the 22nd as well! Space is limited!

A Note of Razzleberry Thanks

2009-08-13T14:11:00.002-04:00

Just a quick post today. I took my daughter to an appointment this morning and this afternoon I have an appointment. Hopefully I will get a chance to stamp a bit more tonight.

I had some scraps of Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper after working on the Razzleberry Monogram cards and needed a quick thank you for a sideline so I put them to use. I thought it might be too busy, but I really like the way it turned out.

Set: A Note of Thanks (Retired Under $10 Kit)
Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Accessories: Melon Mambo Marker, Pumpkin Pie Marker, Melon Mambo Polka Dotted Ribbon, Curly Label Punch, Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper

Feel Better Soon Circle Circus

2009-08-11T19:07:00.005-04:00

I cannot believe that it has been over three weeks since I posted last! Well, actually I can. I have not had time to stamp or get anything posted. We don't start school until after Labor Day, but I am really hoping that I can get a regular stamp time and have some Creative Mojo going on while it happens!

My father-in-law had a knee replacement so I made this card for him along with his favorite cookies. This is the new Circle Circus and I used the Color Coach, something I have not pulled out in a LONG time, and found this masculine color scheme. A simple card, but I am happy with the way it turned out, especially since I haven't stamped in several weeks!

Sets: Circle Circus, Kind and Caring Thoughts (Hostess Level 3) Ink: Not Quite Navy, Always Artichoke, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Kraft Accessories: Modern Label Punch, Sizzix Magnetic Movers & Shapers, Vintage Brads, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, Fresh Favorites II Buttons, Linen Thread, Dimensionals, Color Coach

************************************************************************************
Remember to sign up for my upcoming Razzleberry Monogram Card Class to be held Tuesday, September 22nd at my space. You may choose the morning session from 9:30 am-11:30 am or the evening session from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This is the first of monthly Giftable classes to be held.

Make this IN COLOR pack of 12 full size Razzleberry Monogram note cards with envelopes AND a Gift Box -not shown but keep watching my blog) for a friend or family member.
$16 for 12 cards, envelopes & gift box. Bring your Adhesive, Paper Cutter, and Scissors. Make two sets for $30. You'll need to know what inital you want to stamp....so think about whose gift this will be! They will love it! RSVP by August 31st with payment and receive a bonus gift from me! Deadline to sign up is Tuesday, September 8th. Space is limited!

(Love the class idea, but can't make in on that Tuesday? Gather a group of 4 or more together and we can set up your own date! Email me or call me to do so right away!)

Happy Retirement

2009-07-18T20:42:00.003-04:00

We had a retirement party to go to today for one of the veterinarian's that would come to our farm. My husband told me this morning we were going. I then decided to ask if we were supposed to bring a card. He said he was just going to call and have his "#1 cardmaker" make one. He is so funny! I know because he is usually not impressed nor interested when I am so excited about my creation and try to show him. Anyhow, this is what I came up with last minute. It turned out pretty much like I was thinking that it should and I was very happy with it. It is a simple card, but utilizes the designer paper pack, the NEW Magnetic Movers and Shapers, and the NEW Modern Label Punch.

Here is the inside too.
I usually only stamp the greeting on the inside, but I thought that I would dress it up. I know that several stamper's do. It is another "canvas", but I usually am doing good to get the outside "canvas" done only before I am interrupted.

Sets: Teeny Tiny Wishes (loving this new set), Congrats (retired SAB set)
Inks: Always Artichoke
Cardstock: Kraft, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Modern Label Punch, Magnetic Movers & Shapers for the Big Shot, Manchester DSP (retired but the only masculine paper I have at the moment), Vintage Brads, Paper Piercer, Dimensionals

Razzleberry Kind & Caring Thoughts

2009-07-16T14:18:00.006-04:00

I made this card for my friend who lost her dad. She really liked it and wants me to help her make some Thank You's like them. I used the new level 3 set Kind & Caring Thoughts. This set was a must have for me. As a Demonstrator, I was able to purchase it, but you can earn it with a $500 party for FREE!

I am so thankful they now have the In-Colors in markers! They came in very handy for this card and make it so much easier to use two or more colors on images like this. (Which I got FREE thanks to Stampin' Up!'s hostess bonus last month.) FREE is always good, but so is discounted. Remember to check out the Deal of the Week. This week is the Square Fire Rhinestone Brads for $6.99 instead of $10.95. I will be ordering this Saturday July 18th if you are interested please contact me.

Okay, back to the card. For the background I spritzed the Rich Razzleberry cardstock with rubbing alcohol and ran it through the Big Shot using the texturz plate. I then sanded the raised edges with a sanding block.

The image wias stamped and then I moved the Stampa-ma-jig a bit to restamp in a lighter ink. I really wish I had used the Stampa-ma-jig on the greeting but at the time I didn't think I was putting anything on the front until I realized it needed one more thing. Oh well a little crooked greeting adds to the uniquness and handstamped look. (Next time I WILL remember to use my Stampa-ma-jig!)

I also covered the flowers with Crystal Effects to give them some dimension.

I am enjoying time with my dad. My brother, sister-in-law, and niece left yesterday. So, since I have been busy I don't have anything more to share with you this week, but I do have some new to me goodies to play with so hopefully I will have the time and get to play with them to show you something new next week. Until then, happy creating!

Set: Kind & Caring Thoughts, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Rich Razzleberry Marker, Old Olive Marker
Cardstock: Shimmery White, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Sahara Sand
Accessories: 5/8" Old Olive Grosgrain, Cutter Kit (Distressing Tool), Stampa-ma-jig, Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Background Texturz Plates, Sanding Block, Dimensionals, Crystal Effects
Other: Rubbing Alcohol in spray bottle

Thank you little brother!

2009-07-12T16:25:00.002-04:00

I think I finally have it! Woo hoo! My blog is 3 column. What do you think? I have tried 3 different tutorials, bothered fellow B7 Bloggers Laura and Brenda, and there was still something not quite right, but when my brother came to visit I asked him if he knew anything about it. Poor guy wasn't even hardly in the house, but because I was STILL working on it and he likes a challenge, he took a look at it. He didn't really know much about the coding, but he changed one thing and it worked! I am hoping to post one more this week, but if I don't get it done it is because I will be visiting with my dad, my brother, my sister-in-law, and my niece. Have a great day!

1st Polka Dotted Birthday Cupcake

2009-07-11T21:04:00.004-04:00

Happy (belated-June 17th) 1st birthday to my niece Marissa! I was on vacation when her birthday happened, but she is coming to visit tomorrow with my brother and sister-in-law so I can give this to her along with her gifts. Today was my son's 1st birthday and we are going to celebrate both of their 1st birthday's on Monday with my dad. What fun we will have!

I am not sure if this needed something else or not. The top corners seemed empty, but I didn't know what the perfect thing was. Anyhow, I have seen a lot of great cards done with the Simple Birthday Thanks and thought that I should finally pull it off the shelf and use it. So, I attempted to do some paper piecing. I masked the thank you portion out of the cupcake and stamped the top on a piece of retired designer paper in Stazon and stamped the bottom on the recently retired Sweet Always designer series paper. I then used the paper snips to cut them out. I ran the bottom through the crimper to get the cupcake paper creases. I used the scallop oval punch to get the small oval piece of Pumpkin Pie at the top by punching it out once and then putting it back in to punch a smaller circle scallop.

I hadn't planned ahead and had the spot for the cherry. I didn't want a cherry, I wanted a #1 for her first birthday. The 1 was cut out using the Storybook Cartridge with the Cricut. The Regal Rose cardstock was run through the Big Shot with the dotted texturz plate since polka dots were the thing! This was all layered on Pink Pirouette. I didn't appreciate it while we had it, but now I know I will miss it. The greeting was stamped with Chocolate Chip on Whisper White and cut out with the new Modern Label Punch and attached with two Pretty in Pink brads from the Soft Subtles brad collection. The dots were punched out with the crop-a-dile punch and attached with small dots of Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive to fill in the stamped sprinkles.

I have been busy posting some retired things I have been finding and some unloved current items on SCS BST forum and I am very excited for the next week or so as I have made some trade deals for some new goodies. I can't wait to create with some new to me product. For me it was perfect. The old saying, out with the old (my old retired things), in with the new (new to me items that I can use for class and workshops that are in the catalog) holds true and will make creating hopefully a little easier. I am still hoping to post pictures of my virtual garage sale, but have not found the time to take the pictures yet.

Okay, sorry for the long post. Have a great day!

Hey There Circle Circus

2009-07-09T17:42:00.010-04:00

What do you think of the blog face lift. I played around with that today too. I thought the colors may be a bit like some of our new In-Colors-Dusty Durango, Soft Suede, and originally thought Bermuda Bay, but this is more green-oh well! Now to just figure out how to get three columns and I might be all set. I am getting closer to that I hope.

I FINALLY got to use my new catalog sets. Actually during nap time, I was able to get three cards stamped. I was quite happy with that feat!

I am not 100% sure about this card, but wanted to play. This card uses the new set, Circle Circus and one of the new In-Colors, Melon Mambo. This set was a must have for me. (I can order a set for you too if you would like, just contact me.)

Set: Circle Circus, Really Retro
Ink: Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie
Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip
Other: Chocolate Chip Double Stitched Ribbon, Fire Rhinestone Brad, Scallop Punch, Dimensionals, and the new Modern Label Punch

SA Blog Contest – Win A Big Shot Die Pack

2009-07-09T10:55:00.007-04:00

Stampin’ Up! just released the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog and it’s loaded with new products that every stamper must have. During the month of July Stampin' Addicts is giving away a Big Shot die pack made up of 5 new exclusive Stampin’ Up! dies as part of the Stampin’ Up! summer celebration. Every single one of this are a must have for me!

Stampin’ Up! Thanks (Embosslits)
Stampin’ Up! Final Press (Embossing Folders)
Stampin’ Up! Perfect Details (Textured Plates)
Stampin’ Up! Two Tags (Bigz Dies)
Stampin’ Up! Fancy Favor (Bigz XL Dies)

This is my entry into the drawing. Check out how you can enter too by clicking here.

The Deal of the Week-A Bigger Picture

2009-07-09T10:17:00.004-04:00

The Big Shot Dr's Bag is only $49.99 until July 12th. That is nearly 30% off the original price. Contact me today to order yours!

I am really hoping to stamp today with a few new sets I ordered late during the Sneak Peek order period and the new In-Colors. I know I won't have much time next week as I will have family visiting so I really need to get stamping! I haven't had the time to work on anything, but bigger yet, I don't have any Creative Mojo! Hopefully it will come back in the next few hours. I am hoping to post my retired sets and accessories too on here for a virtual garage sale. Have a wonderful day!

Monogram Notecard Set

2009-06-30T20:00:00.007-04:00

I am sorry that I have been gone from my blog for so long. We went on a camping vacation and I hadn't stamped anything to post before leaving and then I spent a week doing VBS. It was a lot of fun working with the preschool class, but I sure was to tired to even think about creating anything!

Tomorrow we are celebrating a friend from bible study's 50th birthday with a wonderful lunch. I helped make some scallop bags and covered notebooks for each of the guests, but forgot to take a picture before they were taken. I will try to get a picture of them tomorrow.

For the birthday gal, I decided to make her a set of Monogram Notecards and a box to put them in. I used the Parisian Breeze Specialty DSP and Baja Breeze. Today is the last day of either of these. What a sad day. But on the upside, tomorrow is the new catalog and the new In-Colors!

The box idea I got from Gretchen Barron's blog. It went together very easily. I am going to add this to my new catalog class lineup. For the 2009/2010 catalog year, I am going to do a gift idea of the month class and I really think this will be one of them!

Here is the box:
Here is the box top and the inside of the box:
Here is the Baja card. I made 3 Baja with the canvas and 3 plain:
Here is the Sahara Sand version. I made 3 with the Canvas Background and 3 without:

Set: Lovely Letters, Canvas BG (retired)
Ink: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand
Cardstock: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip
Other: Chocolate Chip Grosgrain, Kraft Tafetta Ribbon, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Parisian Breeze Specialty DSP

Jeremiah 29:11 Daisy Graduation Card

2009-06-06T20:47:00.003-04:00

I think this is the last graduation card I needed to make this year. Each year I think we get a few more grads that we know. Luckily our kids are still young enough that we only have a few. I of course don't have any graduation sets (but I will have a Happy Graduation stamp soon when my FREE new set from the NEW catalog comes in) so I used my favorite verse stamp from Verve.

I also wanted to use my current in-colors up since we are getting new and wanted a bright cheery card. You know, out with the old in with the new! So I used some Hello Sunshine Designer Series Paper and used the coordinating Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, and Summer Sun. The Pacific Point is textured with the Stampin' Up! Texturz Plates Impressions Background 1 and the designer series paper is cut out with the Top Note Die. I also used 2 medium daisies and 2 small daises and sponged a little Summer Sun ink on it to give it a little dimension. The verse was inked with sponge daubers and it worked okay, but it would have been so much nicer had we had In-Color Markers. That won't be a problem with the new catalog because we are getting In-Color Markers! Woo Hoo! On the inside I created a little pocket to hold money and then made it a little larger with more designer series paper.

Set: Jeremiah 29:11 (Verve), Congrats (Retired SAB set)
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point, Summer Sun
Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point, Whisper White
Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note Die, Flower Daisies #2, Texturz SU! Background 1 Plates, Ice Rhinestone Brads, Sponge Daubers, Kiwi Kiss Satin Ribbon, Cutter Kit (Distressing Tool), Scallop Edge Punch (inside)

Hip-hippo-ray! & more

2009-06-04T21:46:00.005-04:00

Sorry it has been so long since I posted a project. We have been busy running to basketball camp and softball this week so there isn't much stamping time.

But I did finally find a bit of time today and I was able to get two projects made. This is a card I made for a customer of mine (Hi Lou Ann!) that just completed her last radiation treatment. I had every intention of getting a card out to her a whole lot sooner, but my intentions did not occur. So when she announced that she was done, I knew exactly which stamp to use!

The hippo from Pun Fun I thought was perfect with his Hip-hippo-ray! I also used almost all current in-colors since they will soon retire. (I have gotten to see a sneak peek of the new colors and they will be fun to use! I just need to patiently wait to order them.) The "for you" is from Really Retro and I used a marker to ink the part I wanted. I also used the Word Window Punch to punch it. Now you may ask how I got it shorter so here is my hint for you:

**Punch it out to get the regular size Word Window Punch. Then add a little adhesive, Dotto is perfect for this, to the back and stick to a sticky note or scrap paper. Realign and punch again.

Sets: Pun Fun, Really Retro Inks: Black Stazon, Black Stampin' Write Marker, Tangerine Tango, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss Cardstock: Tangerine Tango, Baja Breeze, Whisper White Accessories: Blender Pen, Word Window Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper, Baja Breeze Double Stiched Ribbon, White 5/16" Brads, Paper Piercer & Mat from the Tool Kit, Gray Tafetta Ribbon

My cousin is also graduating this year so I need a gift card holder for him. Since I don't have the new sneak peek Look Here XL BigShot Die yet, I had to do something different. So I simplified the idea my sideline Dianna showed me to do this gift card holder (the gift card goes in a pocket on the inside) with the Big Shot Top Note Die that I tried to make look a little masculine (at least I hope). I used a retired Christmas paper called Dashing and Real Red cardstock since I know one of his colors was red.
Set: Jumbo Outline Alphabet, Congratulations (retired SAB set)
Ink: Real Red
Cardstock: Real Red, Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand
Other: Big Shot Top Note Die, Big Shot, Dashing Designer Series Paper (Retired), Taupe Grosgrain (retired), sponge, dimensionals

Summer Fun Last Chance Offerings from Stampin' Up!

2009-06-01T14:50:00.003-04:00

Click Here to see the Last Chance Stamp Set List in page number order

Click Here to see the Last Chance Stamp Set List in alphabetical order

Click Here to see the Last Chance Accessory List (Limited Supplies, so this will be updated as they run out)

Click Here to see the Last Chance Decor Elements List (these are 25% off!)

Summer Fun Hostess Bonus:

Dates: June 1-30, 2009

Promotion Details:

The Summer Fun Hostess Bonus Promotion has two parts:

Hostesses who hold a $250-$399.99 workshop will receive an additional $20 in hostess free merchandise dollars.

Hostesses who hold a $400 or more workshop will receive an additional $40 in hostess free merchandise dollars.

Call and book today or gather up the orders of friends and family to have a catalog workshop.

If you would like to preorder your catalog, the cost is $5 for pickup from my house or $10 for me to mail it to you and I need to know before June 15th.

***From now until June 15th,

Buy THREE Retiring Stamp sets and get the FOURTH set HALF OFF!!!

This offer is good only through me and not Stampin' Up! The Half Off item will be off the lowest value set. Shipping/Tax will still be paid on regular amount. I will deduct the 50% off savings off the grand total.

You may use this offer on each group of 4 RETIRING sets.

Contact me via email or phone to get your savings!

Happy Shopping!

Jeremiah 29:11 Graduation Card

2009-05-28T22:11:00.002-04:00

It is graduation season and I don't have ANY graduation sets. Can you imagine?

Yes, I really try to be a good Stampin' Up!® girl, but I was influenced by my sideline Nikki (who does incredible work by the way) and her Verve stamp usage. Jer. 29:11 is one of my favorite verses and since Stampin' Up!® doesn't have anything like it, I had to get it. I personally think that it is perfect for a graduation card. So, here it is with Walk In the Park Designer Series Paper and some faux stitching with the Uni-Ball Gel Pen. This is only my second or third time of trying this fauz stitching technique. I think my resistance has something to do with the time I always think it takes. But in reality, it doesn't take long, especially if you layer your paper together.

I am really happy with the way this card turned out and might have to do this layout again. I really like the four panels of designer paper in the back. I decided I needed some more verse stamps and placed another order for a few this past weekend because they were on sale (actually I think they still are).

Love this paper? Get it from me now with the Buy 3, Get 1 Free deal, because in just a couple of days the special will be over!
Set: Verve's Plain Jane Stamp Jeremiah 29:11
Ink: Basic Gray, Regal Rose
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Accessories: Gray Taffeta Ribbon, Paper Piercer & Mat, Uni-Ball Signo Gel Pen, Blender Pen

Teacher Thank You's

2009-05-27T21:38:00.004-04:00

I can't believe that it has been a week since I have posted. We have been busy. Last Friday was the girls' last day of school, Saturday we had our first graduation open house and softball practice, and Sunday through Tuesday we hung out with family. Here are the thank you's I made for the teachers. The first is a large card that was turned into a retirement card since she was retiring this year. She was a great teacher and will be greatly missed. I printed off a gift certificate off of Amazon to put inside of it.
Set: Congras (SAB)
Ink: Rose Red
CS: Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Bali Breeze Designer Series Paper (Retired), Paper Piercer & Mat, Silver Brads, Earth Elements Brads

The second is a thank you card and a favorite of my daughter's teacher-CHOCOLATE! I really like how this turned out. I didn't have a plan and was working on this at about 10:00 the night before she needed it!
Set: Note of Thanks Mini Note Kit (Under $10 page)
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, More Mustard
Accessories: Bag with Scallops Die, Big Shot,Extended Cutting Pads, Good Morning Sunshine Designer Series Paper, Large Oval Punch, Scalloped Oval Punch (Mini), Scallop Edge Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Paper Piercer & Mat, So Saffron Brads (from Rich Regals), So Saffron Button (from Fresh Favorites II, Flower Fusion Too, Hemp, Sticky Strip

Remember that there are only a few more days to order the Designer Papers or Textured Cardstock that you would like with the Buy 3, Get 1 FREE deal. Contact me today to order:
surachelb@gmail.com

A Little Flip Flop Fun

2009-05-20T13:41:00.003-04:00

Well, the sun is shining again and it is warming up. Yeah! This kind of weather makes me think that we really might see summer after all and with summer comes flip flops! I LOVE my Croc flip flops and have had them on since it got even a little warm. I love them so much I have them in three colors. I know a little excessive, but hey, a girl needs them to match just about any outfit!

I made this card with the Just Beachy set from the Occasions Mini Catalog. This set, along with the rest of the mini can be ordered until June 30th, so don't miss out. I very carefully inked the Kiwi and the Tangerine with the ink pads and used a Regal Rose Stampin' Write on the third set.

Other Details:
Sets: Just Beachy, Really Retro
Cardstock/Ink: Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, Regal Rose, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White
Other: Tangerine Tango Ribbon, Small Grommet, Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper (remember to order your Designer Series Paper this month with Buy 3, Get 1 Free), Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Texturz Backgrounds I, Stampa-ma-jig (to make sure I stamped the greeting straight)

If you need to order any of these great products, please contact me today, I would love to help you out.

Have a sunshine filled day!

Father's Day Texturz Ink Wash

2009-05-12T10:54:00.003-04:00

I was late with my Mother's Day cards, but I have a heads up on the Father's Day cards. I did this card as one of my Masculine card for our group's swap. It uses the Texturz Ink Wash technique that I had used in my Great Friends post a few weeks back. I really like this color combination and find myself using it more and more. If you love the looks of this technique like I do, lets book a workshop and I would be glad to show you and your friends this beautiful technique.Recipe Supplies: Set-All Holidays; Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Whisper White; Ink/Stampin' Write Markers: Not Quite Navy, Sahara Sand, Old Olive; Other: 5/8" Old Olive Grosgrain, Sponges, Stampin' Up! Texturz Background I, Big Shot, Rubber Silicone Pad, Impressions Pad, Dimensionals, Paper Piercer/Mat (from Tool Kit), and Silver Brads

Have a wonderful day! The sunshine is shining here so I really should go outside and get something done!

Emerging Petal Pizzazz

2009-05-11T14:15:00.004-04:00

I hope that you had a wonderful Mother's Day. I had a great day with my hubby, kids, and his family. We had some yummy food...isn't food always a good thing and my kids got to play with their cousins. I talked to my mom as well for about a half an hour which was nice. She lives about 1200 miles away so I see her only a few times a year. I have wanted to get started on my yard and some landscaping that needs to be fixed after we put our addition, but it hasn't gone well; a flat tire on the wheelbarrow and some other tools that don't work. Someday. Luckily it is still a little too soon since there is a chance of frost tonight and tomorrow night. Okay, on to my card for today.
Today I am sharing one of the cards I completed for our group swap a week ago. I used the technique Emerging Color that I found on Splitcoast Stampers. I used the stamp set Petal Pizzazz, Absolutely Fabulous, and the stem from Always on this card. The colors are a combination I found on this website. I used So Saffron, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Certainly Celery, Elegant Eggplant, and Whisper White. To do this technique, you stamp your images all over the Whisper White cardstock in your various colors and shapes. The lighter the colors, the better it works. Next you stamp a large, bolder image with Versamark. cover with clear embossing powder, and heat. (I did this two times.) Next take a dark color and brayer ink over the entire cardstock until well covered. Rub off the ink from the embossed image with a tissue or soft cloth to reveal the colored pattern below. You can then stamp on top if you would like and I did so with the Whisper White Craft pad. Layer on your cardfront and ta da you have created a beautiful Emerging Color card!

Stamps: Petal Pizzazz, Absolutely Fabulous, Always
Ink/Cardstock: So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White
Accessories: Brayer, Paper Piercer/Mat from tool kit, Ticket Corner Punch, Window Punch, Celery Grosgrain, Crop-a-Dial, Heat Gun, Clear Embossing Powder, Powder Pal

Happy Stamping!

Manhattan Flower's

2009-05-08T08:59:00.008-04:00

Thanks to the ever talented Patty Bennett who is so willing to share new stamping techniques and ideas, Brayered Roses are everywhere! I have had the Manhattan Flowers Embossing Folder for a few months now and have not had time to play with it much so I decided to try Patty's technique and make this year's Mother's Day cards with it! The flowers are beautiful on their own embossed, but this technique makes them absolutely gorgeous on the shimmery white cardstock (that I have not used in some time and am glad that I had it to play with. It is beautiful stuff ). I made my mom a card (I don't think she checks my blog yet, so I should be safe, but if not she gets a sneak peek of what she will be getting -probably late. I try to get it to her on time, but that 4 day mail time really gets me!) and my grandma a card. I know she won't be seeing it. I want to play with some more color combinations too, but these were all I got done before my time was up.

Here is my mom's card with the color combination of Cameo Coral, Summer Sun, and Regal Rose. I layered with Shimmery White cardstock and Cameo Coral cardstock. I used the All Holidays stamp set, paper piercer from the tool kit, and the Eyelet Border Punch.

Here is my Grandma's card. I used Summer Sun, More Mustard, and Ruby Red. After getting it brayerd on, I used Summer Sun cardstock and last year's Purely Pomegranate cardstock to layer the card. I tied some retired white organdy ribbon and stamped the greeting outside and inside with All Holidays.
I love my Big Shot and all that I can do with it. You can get your own embossing folder for just $7.95 and if you need your own Big Shot I can help you with that as well. Contact me today to order yours. However, if you don't think that you need the Big Shot yet because you have another system like a Cuttlebug, you can still use this folder and several of our dies in that too.

Happy Stamping!

Stampin' Up!® May Special

2009-05-07T10:45:00.005-04:00

WOW! I cannot believe that a week has already gone by in May. Where did it all go? I wanted to share with you the special that Stampin' Up!® is offering in May. Because May is Scrapbooking Month, they have not one special for you, but TWO!

The Scrapbooking Promotion has two exciting parts:

1. Buy three packs of Designer Series paper (including our Specialty Designer Series paper) or 12" x 12" textured card stock, and get one FREE! The Designer Papers are found on pages 158-161. The Textured Cardstock families are found on pages 153-155. You can view these by clicking on the Idea Book and Catalog on the right hand side.

2. Buy a sneak peek stamp set from the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog--
Jumble Alphabet (set of 52; double-mounted)--at a 20 percent discount.
Regular price is $43.95 and you pay $35.16 (plus shipping/tax).

Click here to check out the alphabet set. Contact me to place your order before May 31st!

I am hoping to have a post for you today. I need to make Mother's Day cards. Nothing like waiting until almost the last minute!

Oval All Walk In the Park Class Part Two

2009-04-25T15:48:00.005-04:00

Here are the rest of the cards from the Oval All Walk in the Park Class. I still have supplies if you are interested in purchasing a kit for $15 plus $5 shipping. I will email instructions to you.

Oval All Walk in the Park Class

2009-04-21T09:21:00.015-04:00

Tomorrow at 12:30-2:30 pm or 6:00-8:00 pm in my stamping space, come and make 6 cards using the Oval All set, Scalloped Oval punch, and Walk in the Park designer series paper from the Occasions Mini Catalog. The cost is $15 and I still have room, but you must RSVP by 7pm tonight so I have enough supplies cut! If you are interested in the class and you can't come, you may purchase the kit for $15 with all the supplies you need to make the 6 card designs plus $5 shipping cost.

Here are a three of the cards you will be making. I will post the other three after the class.

Thanks to my wonderful upline, Martha Town, for sharing her ideas for the class.

The next class will be May 13th, so mark your calendar now and space is limited to only 9 for that class!

Have a wonderful day!

Great Friend in Texturz Ink Wash

2009-04-17T07:49:00.003-04:00

While using the Texturz Ink Wash technique I saw by LeAnn Greff on swap cards for our upcoming group swap, I decided to play with the technique and did a different card with the same technique for one of my downline. If you really like this technique, I would love to teach this technique to you at your workshop. Let's set a date today.

Although I can't share my swap card yet (you will have to wait for that version), I will share this beauty with you. I know I shouldn't be so prideful, but I am proud of myself for this beauty. I don't think I have pulled something off quite on this level and so I am very proud of it! Now to keep my stamping standard that high!

This card uses the set from the Occasions Mini, Great Friend. I LOVE this set! I didn't preorder it as I could have as a demonstrator benefit, but after using it at our last group swap and seeing a ton more samples done with it, I knew I had to have it. I was, however, able to take advantage of the Get Connected special and get it for FREE by ordering $40 from the Occasions Mini. Place your $40 merchandise order from the Occasions Mini and you can choose an under $10 stamp for FREE too. I just love FREE things and FREE rubber is even better! Anyhow, it also uses the Stampin' Up! Backgrounds I Texturz Plates for the Big Shot. These are so much fun for adding that extra somthing to your cards and I use a lot of texture in my projects, so this is perfect for me. The butterflies are embossed with Irridescent Ice Embossing Powder to add that bit of shimmer, cut out with paper snips, and only half of the butterfly is stuck down so that the butterflies are dimensional.

Recipe Supplies: Sets-Great Friend, Upsy Daisy (words on inside); Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Whisper White; Ink: Not Quite Navy, Sahara Sand, Old Olive, Versamark; Other: 5/8" Old Olive Grosgrain, Sponges, Irridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Paper Snips, Stampin' Up! Texturz Background I, Big Shot, Rubber Silicone Pad, Impressions Pad, Linen Thread, Small Oval Punch

Thanks for letting me share and for rambling on...

Decor Elements Photo Album

2009-04-15T16:34:00.003-04:00

I wanted to share this 6x6 Natural Linen Album that I decorated with Rose Red and Chocolate Chip Decor Elements. I had originally seen this done by Andrea Walford and wanted to do the same thing for my sons album and the Wild About You Decor Elements but I did not want to start and not have it succeed. Well, I am confident now that I can create a very cute baby album for my son AND use ALL Stampin' Up!® product! That is even better in my opinion! This was very easy to do and I have left it sitting out for almost two weeks. The flowers are still there and it does not show any area that has become unstuck. The real test will be handling it some, but I am confident it will work and am ready to start my son's album. I am hoping to have the cards that will be completed in next weeks card class to share with you in the next few days. Keep checking on me. The class is $15 for 6 cards and will be using the new Oval All set and Walk in the Park Designer Paper. RSVP now as space is limited!

Supplies: Natural Linen Post 6x6 Album, Bulk Buy (Demo Only-but any Decor Element would work) Flowers in Rose Red and Chocolate Chip, Rose Red 1" Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon

Please let me know if you are interested in any of these items. I would love to order them for you!

Heart to Heart Anniversary

2009-04-08T13:51:00.005-04:00

I FINALLY got this set, Always, through a trade and really wanted to put it to ink and have been anxious to keep up on my stamping and blogging since joining a group of about 20 gals on the demo side of Splitcoast Stampers. The group is to help each of us to post at least once a week to our blog, to help keep our creativity going, and to receive helpful coments on our stamping and blogging. I have them listed as the B7 Blogging Gals on the side. Take a few minutes and check out their blogs as well. They are sure to inspire you, I know they will me as I continue on this process.

Back to my card for today. I thought this would be perfect for my brother and sister-in-law's 2 year wedding anniversary. I think that it will be a surprise since she isn't a stamper and I don't think they check out my blog. If it isn't a surprise, they will still have to wait to get the real thing and it is better than a bill any day, right? She likes the color purple and it was one of their wedding colors.6 I am not sure of the Kiwi Kiss with the Elegant Eggplant, but I did get the combination from the Stampin' Up! Color List they have offered with the In-Color's. Instead of So Saffron from the combination used Very Vanilla and I did not use the Lovely Lilac. It seemed okay without it.

Sets: Always, Sweet Little Sentiments (hostess level one); Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Elegant Eggplant, Kiwi Kiss; Ink: Elegant Eggplant; Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Dimensionals, Stampin' Up! Background I Texturz Plate & Big Shot, Ticket Corner Punch, Silver Brads

A Fishy....New Look

2009-04-06T21:17:00.005-04:00

Okay, so I am not very good at titling. I love to see the clever ways people incorporate their titles and their posts, but I guess I will just have to say I am still on the learning curve.

As you can see I gave my blog a new look. I was loving the Tangerine Tango, but it was just too dark for me so I wanted to lighten it up some. I need to think and believe that spring (and summer too) is on its way! Unfortunately we are still getting snow and it is cold. Yes, we woke up to several inches of snow today. That is not the April weather I want nor a great start to our Spring Break.

Here is a treat that I made with a new set from the Occasions Mini and the BigShot Top Note Die. The color isn't all that great since I scanned it. I am didn't want to mess with my camera since I don't seem to get a very bright picture with that either. I need to investigate some lighting techniques.

Thanks for letting me ramble!

Sets: Just Beachy (Occasions Mini), Happy Heart, Fundamental Phrases, Green Galore, Tangerine Tango (used a blender pen), Tempting Turquoise Markers, Whisper White Cardstock, Summer Sun Cardstock, Tangerine Tango Cardstock, Good Morning Sunshine Designer Series Paper, Linen Thread, medium cello bags,
Big Shot Top Note Die, Billboard Sizzlit Strip, Curly Punch, Scallop Oval Punch (Occasions Mini), Small Oval Punch, Swedish Fish (I was addicted to these my last pregnancy!)

Great Friend

2009-04-04T11:16:00.003-04:00

I missed yesterday, but feel that I am at least off to a decent roll on the blog updates! I am sharing another card from Saturday's shoebox swap. I stamped this card that was brought by Sue Reed. It uses the new Occasions Mini set Great Friend (113792). I don't know if it is good or bad that we get to "play" with so many new sets and accessories because my wishlist gets longer and longer. After using the set and seeing some great samples done with it I put it on my order that I finished a day or two ago. I can't wait for it to get here. The butterfly is just so beautiful. The leaf, butterfly, frame and greeting were all stamped in Baja Breeze (one of my favorite In-Colors). This card also uses Going Gray cardstock, Baja Breeze cardstock, and the beautiful Walk In the Park designer series paper (115123), two half pearls from the Pretties Kit (109114), and elegant Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon (109064). Please contact me to order any of these great products.

I also wanted to let you know that I am holding a card class on Wednesday, April 22nd in my new stamp space from 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm OR 6:00 pm -8:00 pm. You will be making 6 cards for $15 and using the new All Oval set & Oval Scallop punch from the Occasions Mini. RSVP today surachelb@gmail.com as space is limited.

I am hoping to have some new things that I have created to share soon. It will be Spring Break this coming week so I don't know what the week will hold. As long as it isn't sick kids like the last week and a half have held! But it is beautiful today and I should get something done outside maybe. I will wait to work on new things on the cruddy snow days that are supposed to be on their way!

The Par-fect Card

2009-04-02T12:38:00.003-04:00

This card is made with the set And Many Mower. I love this set from the Occasions Mini. This is one of the shoebox swap cards I designed. It is a 5 1/4 " square cards. The square cards are so much fun don't you think? The only downfall with them is the additional postage.

During April, for every $40 in merchandise purchased from the incredible Occasions Mini and receive your choice of an under $10 (on page 208 in the IB&C) for FREE. Email me or call me with your order and if you didn't get an Occasions Mini, click on the link on the side. If you would rather have a hardcopy, let me know and I will get one in the mail to you.

Items used in this card: And Many More (113724), Close to Cocoa Cardstock, Manchester Designer Series Paper , Baja Breeze Cardstock, Watercolor Paper, Garden Green Ink, Close to Cocoa Ink, Blush Blossom Ink, Baja Breeze Ink, Black Stazon Ink, Aqua Painter, 5/16" Brads

Happy Stamping!

The Occasions Mini begins Today!

2009-04-01T16:33:00.003-04:00

I am back and hope to have regular posts so stay tuned. I have gotten my stamp space almost organized and have done some stamping. Not a lot, but some so I do have some ideas to post. I did stamp my Blog Header. I am into orange lately for some reason and this Tangerine Tango matched the rest of the blog perfectly! The texture is from the Sizzix Texturz Plates Stampin' Up! Background I (114512). Maybe because I know it is bright and summery. Summer is on it's way isn't it?

The card I am posting today I made at our group shoebox swap last Saturday. This was the one I stamped that was designed by Patty Crider using the new Very Versatile set from the new Occasions Mini. I love this set.

Set: Very Versatile (113806), Chocolate Chip marker (100071), Kraft Cardstock (102125), Baja Breeze Cardstock (111352), Very Vanilla Cardstock (101650), Manchester Designer Paper (112464), Linen Thread (104199), Vintage Brads (109109)

Happy Stamping!

Accessory Club & Designer Series Club

2009-01-23T15:39:00.007-05:00

The new Idea Book and Catalog is full of great new accessories and I have to say I am liking them all! Unfortunately it is expensive to have them all; therefore I am starting an ACCESSORY CLUB to get you started! This will give you a chance to find out just what you LOVE and need more of!
What is this club, you ask?! Well, you will receive ONE OF EACH OF THE NEW Buttons, Brads, Clips, and Fleurettes from the NEW Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog!!! You could buy one package of each new item yourself for over $136 (including the tax and shipping) or join my club and get ONE OF EVERYTHING shipped to you for only $18.50!!!!!!!

This is what you will receive in your sampler:
• 3 Kiwi Kiss Corduroy Buttons/Brads (1 of each style shown)
• 3 Chocolate Chip Corduroy Buttons/Brads (1 of each style shown)
• 3 Kraft Corduroy Buttons/Brads (1 of each style shown)
• 3 Pacific Point Corduroy Buttons/Brads (1 of each style shown)
• 3 Pumpkin Pie Corduroy Buttons/Brads (1 of each style shown)
• 3 Summer Sun Corduroy Buttons/Brads (1 of each style shown)
• 3 Library clips (1/2")--one Chocolate Chip, one Old Olive, one Whisper White
• 10 Latte Buttons (one of each style)
• 4 Jumbo 5/16" brads (one Chocolate Chip, one Very Vanilla, one Whisper White, one Silver)
• 4 Jumbo 5/8" brads (one Chocolate Chip, one Very Vanilla, one Whisper White, one Silver)
• 1 Clear Rhinestone brads
• 4 Flower Assortment brads (one Pumpkin Pie, one Pretty in Pink, one So Saffron, one Chocolate Chip)
• 3 Fleurettes (one of each flower shown)
This club includes 47 pieces as described above. They can be seen on pgs 174, 175, 176, and 177 of the NEW Stampin' Up! Catalog.

I am also offering a DSP CLUB that will give you 6” x 6” pieces of the designer series papers on page 158-161 to allow you to check out the different patterns before you buy a whole pack and to allow for a large variety for your creations. The following are included in this club:

• Rockabilly Specialty (new)
• Parisian Breeze Specialty (new)
• To the Nines Specialty (new)
• Sweet Slumber Specialty (new)
• Bella Birds (new)
• Pink Flamingo (new)
• Good Morning Sunshine (new)
• Urban Oasis (new)
• Bella Bleu (new)
• Flock Together (New)
• Tea Party (new)
• Candy Lane (New)
• Urban Garden (Fall/winter catalog)
• Bella Rose (fall/winter catalog)
• Jackpot (New)
• Manchester (fall/winter catalog)
• Raspberry Tart (New)
• Washington Apple (fall/winter catalog)
• Sweet Always (fall/winter catalog)
• Rainbow Sherbet (fall/winter catalog)

For only $30 (additional $4.80 Priority Mail if you need me to mail to you) you’ll receive a 6" x 6" piece of each pattern from our 20 Designer Series Paper packages (this does not include the Patterns Designer Paper on page 159). That’s a total of 120 sheets of double sided paper at only 25 cents per sheet - WOW! To buy all the Designer Paper packs separately, it would cost you around $225!

Both clubs are part of a product share. You may view the items included in these clubs by clicking on the Idea Book and Catalog at the right. To sign up for one or both of them, please contact me at surachelb@gmail.com Besides check or cash, I can also accept payment through PayPal.

A Little Pizzazz!

2009-01-21T11:16:00.003-05:00

I realize that all the projects I have shown are for the same set, but it is at least a starter for getting projects up here. This is the 3x3 card I did for our local Creative Engagement Swap of Sneak Peek Sets. I think it needs a little something to make it pop more. Maybe a brad, glitter, something, but I could not think of something great and ran out of time; something that happens all too often. I wish my best ideas or at least better ideas did not come at the last minute. I did do the masking technique to only stamp half of the Tangerine Tango flower.
Sets: Petal Pizzazz, Fundamental Phrases
Inks: Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red (love the In-Color Colors!), Basic Black
Cardstock: Whisper White, Textured Kiwi Kiss
Accessories: Riding Hood Red Organdy Ribbon, Corner Rounder, Scallop Punch, dimensionals, glue dots

Have a wonderful day!

Publish Post

Rachel

2009-01-19T13:16:00.002-05:00

Valentine's Day is fast approaching! Do you have your exclusive Love You Much Product Bundle yet?

Stampin’ Up!’s Love You Much Bundle contains a stamp set, designer paper and a 3-heart punch - the perfect products to create fun Valentine's Day projects that say "I love you" from the heart. And through January 31, 2009, you can purchase the Love You Much Bundle at 20% off the retail value!

The Love You Much Bundle includes the following:

Contact me at surachelb@gmail.com or call me to place your order or with any questions

A New Catalog Year

2009-01-19T11:14:00.006-05:00

I did not make any New Year's Resolutions on January 1st as I never seem to keep them, but today is the first day of the 2009 Spring and Summer Idea Book so I will try to make a few resolutions with my stamping, scrapbooking, and creativity.
*I will try to stamp more for myself-getting back to the reason I started in the first place-to just have fun creating!
*I will try to post a project I have stamped at least once a week!
*I will try to do one stamping challenge once a week! (That should help get my project completed, right?)

I am in the process or will be soon to moving my stamping things down to the basement that we added this summer. It won't be fancy, but I will have space to create, spread out my goodies, and have others over. It is always more fun to create with others since you can bounce ideas off and just relax with conversation and laughter.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the 2009 Spring and Summer Idea Book and Catalog, please email me surachelb@gmail.com or click on the link at the side to order. The cost is $5 + $5 to ship Priority mail, unless you are in the area and want to come and pick it up. There are some fun things in there and some more goodies for the Big Shot!

Now, for my first post of the catalog year. This was created for our Creative Engagement Sneak Peek Swap and uses the set Petal Pizazz.
Sets: Petal Pizazz, Upsy Daisy (greeting) Ink: Pink Pirouette, Pumpkin Pie, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip Craft Ink Cardstock: Whisper White, Textured Chocolate Chip Accessories: Sweet Always Designer Paper, Clear Embossing Powder, Silver Brads, Filigree Brads, Dimensionals, Pop Up Glue Dots, Paper Snips, Heat Gun, Paper Piercer and Grid from tool kit

Happy Anniversary Honey!

2008-10-15T14:10:00.009-04:00

Okay, so I have not had too much time to stamp nor have I really taken the time to stamp, so when I needed an anniversary card for my hubby, I didn't even know what stamp set to use! Luckily, while trying to get inspired, I came across this great card by Robin that I could C.A.S.E (copy and steal everything). Yes, I did switch a few things, but it was a great place to start. My husband isn't too sentimental about these things, but he does think that I need to stamp my cards (no matter what occasion) because I HAVE all the stuff to do it! So I did. Happy 14th Honey!

Sets: A Happy Heart (from the Holiday Mini, I am really liking this set) and Hugs & Wishes
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red, Basic Black Textured
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Basic Black
Other: Top Note Bigz Die (I LOVE THIS!!!), Black Gingham Ribbon, Large Oval Punch, Paper Snips

A Quick Upsy Daisy Card

2008-10-01T19:56:00.011-04:00

I must be feeling a little blue lately...Pacific Point blue. I needed a quick thank you and came up with this card. It uses Stamps: Upsy Daisy, Canvas Background; Ink/Cardstock: Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla; Accessories: Top Note Bigz Die (LOVE IT!!!!!), vanilla grosgrain, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, gold brads, and sponges.

The Top Note Bigz Die is in the new Holiday Mini catalog. I love what you can do with the die and have plans to use it on my Christmas cards. Yes, I am actually thinking a bit ahead. If you have not received your Holiday Mini, please let me know and I will get you one. It is full of WONDERFUL stamps, papers, kits, and the new Big Shot with the cutting Dies.

My blogging isn't regular, but I am trying. I will try for another color combo next time. Maybe a little Kiwi Kiss.

I FINALLY Stamped!

2008-09-18T17:07:00.006-04:00

Alright, so the blogging thing didn't go as well as I had planned. It has been a month, so hopefully I can get started once again. I am so proud of myself! I actually stamped something and came up with the idea pretty much on my own. My daughter is turning 7 and I promised her a birthday party this year with friends. I am praying for great weather as we are having a Moonwalk and I would love to keep it outdoors. I will try to keep stamping and get some new projects up.
Stamp Sets: Hugs & Wishes (109383 $17.95, pg. 141), Think Happy Thoughts (109236 $15.95, pg. 115); Cardstock/Ink: Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, Bella Rose Designer Series Paper; Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Crimper, White Grosgrain Ribbon, Vintage Brads, Tool Kit

I finally placed my first order from the new Fall and Winter Idea Book a couple of weeks ago. Things had been busy and there was such a decision to be made. Although I wanted it all, I knew that I couldn't. I did take advantage of the Never Before Seen Promotion good until September 30th at 5 pm and I ordered the Upsy Daisy stamp set and the Pocket Silhouettes. I will be doing a class for each in October. Cost of the class is $25. Included in that price is the stamp set to have for your very own and five cards. Order one or both by September 30th at 5 pm.

Other specials:
Fall and Winter Sampler Promotion
I am sorry to say I won't be having an event this day, but you can still take advantage of the special for World Card Making Day
Join the Stampin' Up! family with the Starter Kit Special too to get a special deal. Can't do it now? You can join anytime.

NEW ONLINE ORDERING
You can order anytime through me by going to www.stampinup.com and using the demonstrator locator. Type in my name and place your order at anytime of the date. Great for those early, early birds or those late night owls.

Until next time!

2008-08-18T18:48:00.004-04:00

I am going to try my hand at the ever popular blogging world. It won’t be anything spectacular as it seems a bit overwhelming to me, but maybe I will get the hang of it. I am going to use it mainly for my Stampin’ Up! business (the ramble of all the fun ideas) and hope to upload a project at least once a week. Yes, I know it is a small goal and I hope to do it more often, but I have to start somewhere don’t I? I will also be adding highlights of family and important things to me (thus the reflection part).

It is here! The new Stampin’ Up! Idea Book and Catalog began on August 11th, so I am a bit behind, but I love the layout of it! If you haven’t seen it, click on the picture on the side to download a copy. Yes, at the moment you can only download, but soon you can flip and view when the online ordering goes live! Yes, once again, there is something new. If you don’t see me as often as you like, you can still place an order through me via the Stampin’ Up! website, just use my name. We are just waiting for the release date.

From August 11-September 30, enjoy a 15% discount on 10 brand-new, die-cut stamp sets from the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog--no additional purchase necessary!

Okay just a practice update for now, more to come soon--I hope! Have a great day!