Winter Thinking of You

I thought I'd share another card we made in my class on Sunday.  I had pinned this video from Penny Black ages ago and thought it might be a fun technique to try with my ladies.   I had a bit of a touch time with it using watercolors, but it was pretty easy with distress inks.  Their cards all turned out so great and I was so happy at how adventurous they were in trying it.  I did take a big leap and let them use my awesome Branch Out set that I don't like to share.  lol  (Thanks again, Pat!)

I'm enjoying the freedom of teaching classes with no worry about who makes the product or if it is retired.  I love not worrying able selling things either.   I loved my time with Stampin' Up!, but I'm having a blast with so many other products.  I keep debating on selling off more of my SU stuff, but I know I still love some of it and will get back to using it more one day.   I think...  ;)

Laila loved the local nature park we went to and it really is a great place.  They have a playground, a center with all these bones/skeletons/skins as well as furs and preserved bugs and birds, live snakes and turtles, a turtle pond, and a little old time village where they host heritage days.  They have a program for 3/4 year olds, so I signed her up to go next month.  I hope she enjoys it!

Chemistry Love

Believe it or not, I'm still alive.  It's been a rough start to the year and I haven't had much luck creating anything.   I did have a class on Sunday, so I thought I would share one of the projects we made.  I love this Undeniable Chemistry stamp set and matching dies from My Favorite Things.  As a science nerd, they were a must have for me.  I wanted to teach my ladies about distress inks, so we used those as well.   Everyone did an amazing job and I was so proud of them.  :)

On a side note for my dog loving readers, I donated all the money I made to Reggie's Friends to help with a special girl named Flora that they recently rescued.  They have two dogs with VERY bad injuries that need a lot of love and help and it was just on my heart to help.  If you would consider helping as well, please check out their Facebook page.

Chef Laila and I are making an oven omelet (thanks, Pinterest) for dinner and she is a great stirrer.  :)  So silly!  She's still having a rough time at school, so I guess we are going to do an official evaluation through the school.   The counselor I had her see says she's just gifted and strong-willed, so fingers crossed that it.   She's doing a lot better with other kids now, but we still have a long way to go.

Stampin' Up! Apothecary Art

Today I thought I'd share one of the cards we made at my event last Sunday.  I wanted everyone to have cards for their parents for Mother's and Father's Day, so we made those along with a teacher appreciation card.  This is the card for the moms.   I also had a birthday option because several of my ladies have lost their moms already.  :(

We used the retiring Apothecary Art set and colored it with stamp pads and blender pens.  They really enjoyed that.  I'll be sending my sample off to my mom who is for sure the best mother ever.  :)

Laila got to plant her own little pot of flowers yesterday.  We had some flower seeds and got her some dirt and a pot.  I hope they will grow!   She likes to dig in it and keeps wanting to water them, so we'll see.  lol

Feathers for Fall

I have a fun class this weekend and I thought I'd share one of our designs.  We are going to be doing a one sheet wonder type of class where we make 4 cards from one sheet of 6 x 6 patterned paper.   I'm trying to do a variety of cards, but my first card is a clean and simple Fall one.   I am a bit addicted to this layout and find myself wanting to use it all the time!

We've been having a blast this week with Mom.    We went to our local arboretum on Wednesday and Laila had a blast.  She had so much fun swinging that she didn't want to leave.  :) 

Stampin' Up! Spiral Flower Die

My techniques class is tomorrow and I'm still working on getting ready for it.  That trip out of town really threw a wrench in my plans and I'm a bit behind.   We've been working on catching up the lawn and getting Laila set up with a sandbox, but I finally found some stamping time last night.   I pulled out my gesso and here's what I came up with.  The Naturals Composition DSP (sadly, retiring) is perfect to use with gesso as it resists it and you get this awesome look with little effort!  I finally ordered the Spiral Flower die and I LOVE it!  You can't really mail this card easily, but it's perfect to add in a gift bag with a gift!

We don't have a home phone anymore, but Laila had fun with an old one at my parents during our visit.  :)   She's so funny.

Stampin' Up! Simply Sketched

I thought I'd share a card we are making at my techniques class later this month.  It's a new technique to me called acrylic batik and this was my first attempt.   I think I need a bit more practice, but I like it!    I left the card pretty simple since the focus is more on learning the technique.

Laila got to have her first ice cream cone last week!   She thought it was yummy.  She really didn't eat much of it, but I think she enjoyed what she did eat.  That makes me happy.  :)

Birthday Bash 2013

Don't you hate it when you need a birthday card at the last minute and can't find one in your card stash?   In this class we'll be making a variety of birthday cards so that you'll have some on hand.   If you have plenty of birthday cards already, some of the designs can also be made into thank you cards.   Just be sure to let me know you'd like some different sentiments and I'll put out some stamp sets for you to choose from.

This class is a bit different than my previous ones in that you can make as many or as few of each card as you want.   There is a minimum of 10 cards to attend the event, but you are welcome to make more if you'd like.   Please email me by noon on Friday which cards you'd like to make and how many of each so that I can get your packet ready for you.  

Cost is $20 for the first 10 cards, $2 for each additional card.  

Here are the choices:

Card #1:  Birthday Circles

Card #2: Birthday Leaves

Card #3:  Birthday Butterflies

Card #4:  Shabby Birthday

 Card #5:  Birthday Cheers

Masculine Phone Booth

I wanted to use the Sale-a-bration set, Feeling Sentimental, for one of the masculine choices at my upcoming class.   I think it is such a fun set!   When I first saw this stamp I immediately thought of Dr. Who and the Tardis, but have since learned that this is a phone booth while the Tardis is a police box.   So....it's red.  :)  

Here's another picture from Valentine's Day.   She's just too cute.   We've been up since about 5:00 this morning.  Yikes.   She's in her room playing with daddy and I just love hearing the giggles and happiness coming out of that room.   It's amazing how much joy and laughter she's brought back to our home.

Classy Butterflies

I thought I'd share the other card I made on Valentine's Day.  This is another choice for my upcoming birthday card class.  I have two more designs to do and I'll be all set to advertise and get ready!    I'll share the one I completed today with you tomorrow.

For this one, I combined two of my elegant embossing folders, some lovely spring colors, and butterflies!  I think it's the perfect spring birthday card!   I had to add a little bling to make the butterflies sparkle.  :)   The design is based on a sketch from Retro Sketches from last week or the week before.

Well, as of yesterday she can get up on her hands and knees and rock.   Needless to say, we will be spending tomorrow baby proofing to get ready!   Crawling is soon to come.  Yikes!  I'm going to need to buy lots of coffee to keep up with this girl; she's already wearing me out just rolling!   I do have to figure out how to rearrange my stamp room so that we can share it while Jason's working.   She definitely needs more space (and a gated off area) to play in while I try to work.  

Finally, I am SO excited today because she finally signed "milk".  We've been working on it since right before Christmas and I hope that means she's starting to catch on.  

Happy Hour Cheers

Laila was great today and let me make 2 cards!  This is actually the second one I made.  I know it's not a valentine, but it's cute, right?  :)   I'm working on ideas for a birthday class and this will be one we make I think. I just love purple and green together!   I'm already missing Wisteria Wonder and Lucky Limeade and they aren't even gone yet.   The set of in colors that are leaving this year are so amazing and I'm pretty sure I'll need counseling when they are gone.   (insert hysterical crying)

Jason worked all day (and is still there actually), so Laila had to be my valentine today.  We went out on the town (to the library) and then shopping (Target).   To thank Jason for his hard work and to show our love, we made his favorite dessert, Black Forest Mini Cheesecakes.   They are so good and I wish he'd get home so we could have one!   He surprised me with a dozen roses.   We always say we aren't going to do anything but we both do every time.  

I'm off to relax and watch a bit of Top Chef that's on the DVR.  I hope everyone had a great day today and was able to spend time with someone they love.  Happy Valentine's Day!

Nine days?

I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted.  It has been a rough nine days though, so please forgive me.  Laila has been so fussy and such a handful that I've just been exhausted both physically and mentally.  I'm not sure who has cried more, me or her.   The doctor thinks she has reflux and we started some medicine on Tuesday, so we are waiting (and hoping) that she will start feeling better soon.   Thankfully she's been giving us some big smiles which help us cope with the crazy crying spells.   Anyway, upset babies are bad for stamping mojo so I really haven't stamped anything except for the last card for my Christmas card class that is tomorrow.  I thought I'd share that with you and let you know that I'm still alive!

Trying to keep with the simple and easily mailed theme, I put together this card with the Pennant Parade set. I think it is a bit adorable and cute.  Flagged banners seem to be popular right now, so I added in a few of those to keep it trendy.  

Stamps:  Pennant Parade

Ink:  Lucky Limeade, Early Espresso, Real Red

Paper: Lucky Limeade, Real Red, Whisper White, 2011-2013 DSP stack, Brights DSP stack

Tools: Big Shot, Perfect Pennants die, Petite Pennant punch, 1 3/4 circle punch (I think?) 

My sleeping beauty.  Lately she seems to need swaddled to settle down and sleep, but normally she loves to stretch out like this.  Hopefully we get back there soon! 

Christmas in August Class

So yeah, I missed the Christmas in July thing.  It just wasn't happening with a new baby.   I still wanted to get an early start though, so next month I'm offering a class where we will be making 12 Christmas cards to get the holidays started!   It will be held on August 17th at 6:30pm at my home. We'll be making 3 each of 4 different designs.   If you are interested in attending or would like to purchase a finished set, please email me or see my demonstrator website for more details and to RSVP.

This card features a fun new stamp set from the upcoming Holiday Seasonal Catalog, Scentsational Season.   It's adorable and has matching framelits!   Love it!  

Stamps:  Scentsational Season, Tiny Tags

Ink: Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler

Paper:  Gumball Green, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight

Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Northern Flurry embossing folder, Holiday Collection framelits,  Jewelry Tag punch, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Basic Rhinestones, Dazzling Diamonds

Snow Much Fun is my favorite set for the holidays as I just LOVE snowmen.   Living in Texas means we don't see very much snow and I sure miss it!    This simple card features some of my favorite colors too.  I was inspired by this lovely creation by Ann.  

Stamps:  Snow Much Fun, Petite Pairs

Ink:  Island Indigo, Pool Party, Basic Gray

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Pool Party, Whisper White, 2011-2012 In Colors DSP stack

Tools/Accessories:  Blender Pens, Dazzling Details

Can you believe she's a month old already?  The time is just flying by!   I finally made a new family blog to share her and our life in Texas with family and friends.  I figure that's a great way to journal things until I find the time to scrapbook!  :)  She's currently sick with some serious congestion and sneezing, so I'm a bit sad as there's not much I can do to help her.   Hopefully she starts feeling better soon.  

Another Trio of Sketches

Last night I hosted a card class to say goodbye to a few retiring sets and designer paper.   I enjoyed my last set of cards that were all from the same sketch, so I went with that theme again.   :)   Here's the sketch we used from Pals Paper Arts:

I thought this was a fun one, but it sure did take a lot of punching!  I hope the ladies didn't end up with carpal tunnel after making 9 cards.  Here's our first card, the masculine version using Grunge Rock:

I'm really going to miss this set.  I bought it to challenge myself and fell in love with the fun images.   I always enjoy using it and to me, that's a sign of a great stamp set.  :)   We used a strip of the retiring Flirtatious DSP in Daffodil Delight.   I think that pattern was non-girly enough to work.   Ha!    Our next card was the feminine version of the card and my favorite of the three.   It was inspired by Deb's beautiful card that you can see here.  

This one uses more retiring designer paper, Paisley Petals.   It also uses a sentiment from Trendy Trees which is a new stamp set for me.  One of my demo BFFs was kind enough to gift it to me.  (Thanks, Mindy!).   I love the colors of this one!   I struggle to use River Rock sometimes, but it works great with Baja Breeze and Not Quite Navy.   Finally, here's our kids version of the card with a flipped version of the sketch:

Fox & Friends is the set that I'm most sad about losing.   Well, not losing because I will be keeping it, but not using it for classes I guess I should say.   It's my favorite set for kids and it has definitely earned it's keep over the past few years.   If I had to recommend one set that you should get before it's gone, it's this one!   I also used a small strip of another retiring dsp, Cheerful Treat.  It was a hostess choice this year and I got so much use out of it.  I just love the fun bright colors!   I hope you enjoyed the projects!   I want to do more of these, so you'll probably see quite a few sketch trios in the future.   

Just to update, my labs came back okay and I am NOT on bed rest nor do I have pre-eclampsia!   My blood pressure is still a little high and I have awful congestion/headache, aching ears, and a cough.  I'm hoping that will clear up soon as it's tiring to feel so yucky all day.   It's only 44 more days until our little girl is scheduled to be here!

One sketch, three cards!

If you are looking for my Friday Mashup post, please click here or scroll down.  

Yesterday I had a wonderful lunch with two of my club ladies and we came back and stamped a bit afterwards.  I wanted to show them the versatility of a sketch, so I made up three designs for us using this sketch from Papered with Love.  I knew one of them had recently purchased the Top Note die and thought this one would be a perfect way to show her how to use it.  :)  

Our first card was the feminine version!  I used the same colors from my Freshly Made Sketches card this week because I am really loving them!  (I know, PINK!)    I kept it fairly simple, just added a bit of stamping on the card base with a small stamp from Raining Flowers.  

Stamps:  Raining Flowers

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Melon Mambo, Lucky Limeade, Pretty in Pink, Subtles DSP stack

Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Top Note die, Tasteful Trim die, Fun Flowers die, circle punch, Blossom Builder punch, crimper, Neutrals glimmer brads

Our next project was the masculine version and of course I had to use The Open Sea!   The Color Coach gave me this gorgeous color combination; it has two of my favorites, Crumb Cake and Not Quite Navy.   For this one we used a background stamp on the card base, the Netting stamp.  It adds a bit of interest without taking away from the main image.   We also embossed the Top Note with the Houndstooth embossing folder. 

Stamps:  The Open Sea, Netting background

Ink:  Crumb Cake, Not Quite Navy

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Not Quite Navy, Riding Hood Red, Naturals White

Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Tasteful Trim die, Top Note die, houndstooth embossing folder, circle punch, Neutrals buttons, White Baker's Twine

Our final project was the child version!   For some reason I just love this one; it seems fun I guess?  We left the card base plain this time, but embossed the Top Note with the Stripes embossing folder.   Button Buddies was being neglected, so I thought it would be the perfect image for this one.   I used the pennant stamp set and punch to give Mr. Piggy a party hat with a bit of bling.    Isn't he cute?

Stamps:  Pennant Parade, Button Buddies
Ink:  Real Red, Pacific Point
Paper:  Pacific Point, Real Red, Whisper White
Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Top Note die, Tasteful Trim die, Stripes embossing folder, circle punch, Pennant punch, Itty Bitty Punch pack, Brights buttons

If you like this concept, we'll be doing it again next Friday night!   I'm having a Girls' Night Out stamping event where we'll take a sketch and do 3 cards each of 3 different designs.  It starts at 6:30pm and is only $20!   You can check out the details and RSVP on my website.  I hope to see you there.  :)

Elegant Elizabeth

Here's another card we made at my last class.   I thought it would be work for different occasions, including a wedding or birthday.  (and yeah, black and white cards NEVER photograph well...sorry!)   I love the Elizabeth stamp; it is so elegant and I think all the sentiments from Teeny Tiny Wishes will fit in the oval.   We embossed it with black embossing powder and added some spritzing before matting it on a torn piece of First Edition designer paper.   Some pearls and black satin ribbon were the perfect embellishments to finish it off.

I apologize for my lack of posts recently.  I haven't been feeling that great due to the weather changes.   Every front that blows in seems to bring along whatever it is I'm allergic to.   The constant sinus headaches have just worn me out.   I hope that's what is wrong with my creativity; I haven't made a card that I truly love in a while now and it is a bit depressing.   Do you go through that?   I keep hoping for a break from exhaustion and headaches along with the return of my mojo.   I should get some new Valentine's Day stamps in this week, so maybe they will be the thing I need to get back on track.

Have a wonderful week!   Don't forget the Online Extravaganza is still going until the 30th.   There are some great stamp sets on sale for 50% off and a nice bundle of heart/love stamps/wheel that would be perfect for getting a head start on your Valentine's projects.

Simple Gently Falling

I thought I'd share another card we made at my last class.   I LOVE this one because it combines so many of my favorite things...Gently Falling, woodgrain paper, baker's twine, and embossing!    I love how simple it is even with all those elements!   This is a color combination I've used before and one I will definitely be using again; I just love how it looks!

Stamps:  Gently Falling, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink:  Early Espresso, So Saffron, Calypso Coral
Paper:  Early Espresso, So Saffron, Calypso Coral, Whisper White, Frostwood Lodge
Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Stripes embossing folder, Early Espresso Baker's Twine, color spritzer tool, paper snips

Online Extravaganza!

Here's another card we made at my all occasions class last week.   I think this is one of my favorite color combinations!   It is perfect for a masculine card of any type, even baby cards!    Paired with Circle Circus, it can become whatever type of card you need!    Just change out the sentiment for the occasion you need!

Stamps:  Circle Circus, Perfectly Penned
Ink:  Marina Mist, Wild Wasabi, Early Espresso
Paper:  Marina Mist, Wild Wasabi, Early Espresso, Whisper White
Tools/Accessories:   Big Shot, Stripes embossing folder, Marina Mist 3/8 taffeta ribbon (retired)

On Monday, November 21st, Stampin' Up! will be kicking off an exciting online extravaganza!   If you remember last year, there were some great deals and sales, so don't miss out on this!   This time there will be a 24-hour only sale from November 21, 12:01 AM - 11:59 PM (Mountain Time, so be sure to adjust for your time zone!) on two items!

The rest of the sale will run from the 21st until the 30th.   Some hints of the deals to come:

*Free digital downloads valued at $40 when you purchase My Digital Studio Express

*60% off select designer fabrics

*30% off an exclusive ribbon bundle

I'll have more information on Monday, but you can find the deals starting at 12:01 AM (MT) in my online store!   

Just Believe class card

Today I thought I'd share one of the cards we made last Friday night for my Girls Night Out class.   I think this was my favorite!   I took an idea from the Idea Book & Catalog and turned it into this beauty!   I love purple and green together; it is such a lovely combination.   Just Believe is a gorgeous set and you can do so many pretty things with it.   I'd highly recommend you put it on your wishlist if you don't have it already!

Before I go, I'd like to wish my sweet friend Anne Marie a very happy birthday!   I was hoping to make a card and post it today for her, but my poor room is in shambles.   I have been buying new shelving and reorganizing for a few days now.   We are supposed to have a rainy day tomorrow, so I hope it will be the time I need to finish up in there!

Stamps:  Just Believe, Tiny Tags
Ink:  Concord Crush, Lucky Limeade
Paper:  Concord Crush, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White
Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Square Lattice embossing folder, Beautiful Wings embosslit, jewelry tag punch, blender pen, Lucky Limeade ribbon, basic pearls
 

Christmas Cards Class

I started working on the cards for my upcoming Christmas cards class today.   To keep the postage cost down, I'm going for cards that have a bit of wow to them but can still be mailed with a regular postage stamp.    This one is gorgeous up close; the embossing adds a bit of texture and both the snowflakes and snowman are sparkly with Dazzling Diamonds.  I think I'll make up a few more with different colors to mail out for the holidays.   I love my Snow Much Fun set!

If you'd like to make some Christmas cards  to send out to your family and friends, come join me!  No experience required!

Here are the details for the class:

Christmas Cards #1

Oct 22 
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM  (Central)

We'll be making a total of 9 Christmas cards (3 each of 3 different designs) during this fun class.    Drinks and snacks will be provided so we can relax and enjoy a day of creating together.   Cost for the class is $25 and includes envelopes.  As always, please bring along your scissors and favorite adhesive. If you don't have adhesive, you can purchase it the day of the event for $7.   Please RSVP by the 18th to hold your spot.  

Stitched Stockings

Thursday will be the first of my new "Try It Thursday" events, so I've been working on some ideas today.   This month I'm featuring the Stitched Stockings stamp set and the Stocking builder punch.  Aren't they awesome?    I have had so much fun playing with them today!   I'm sure I'll change my mind a million times before Thursday on the actual projects we'll do, but it's always good to have plenty of ideas to show.  :)   

This was one of today's projects, a cute gift tag.   Wouldn't this be adorable on a Christmas package?   I LOVE the silver glitter paper.   It is so sparkly and pretty!  

My second project was this adorable baby card!   When they introduced us to these products at Convention, they showed uses other than just Christmas.  Using them as baby booties was one idea and I think they work perfectly for that.   

Finally, I HAD to make a Christmas card.  :)  My score lines didn't photograph that great, but they add some nice elegance to this card and the top one serves as a perfect place to hang stockings.  

I hope you enjoyed my projects!  Stay tuned for more tomorrow along with my card for Freshly Made Sketches.  If you have any questions about any of the cards or Stampin' Up! in general, give me a call or send me an email!