Kendall gets her braces off! Yeah!

This is my wonderful friend, Kendall, who is 17 and does my window displays at All of Me. She also keeps me sane and helps in ways I can't even describe. Kendall has had braces on her teeth for awhile now, and today, TADA, they came off! I wanted to make her a card to celebrate, and here's what I came up with. I used the new Greenhouse Garden stamp set, with Melon Mambo and Rich Razzleberry, punched a scallop circle with another circle cut out of it. Inside, I used my trusty stapler to make "braces" on a sheet of acetate. And when you open the card, the braces are gone, leaving a happy smiling face, just like Kendall's.

Technique #4 Faux Silk

Okay, I just LOVE this. It is just SO elegant! I think I'll be using it a lot. Have been looking through my stamp sets to find appropriate choices. Thought I'd give a fond farewell to Pacific Point and the Hostess set. I stamped the butterfly in StazOn, then used the AquaPainter (something else I've just started using more and love) with Pacific Point and YoYo Yellow (my favorite color, just ask Sharon) Used Glorious Green and Old Olive on the leaves. The sentiment is one of the "under $10 stamps" from last year. By old catalog, hello new one! and for a whole year, woohoo! Anyway, here's the card

Technique #3 Brayered Roses

Well, I'm not even going to describe this one, since it's been done so well by Patty Bennett (http://www.pattystamps.com/) but I thought it turned out nice, and the others liked it as well! Plus my DH thinks I'm brilliant to be able to accomplish this! Didn't tell him how easy and quick it is. He doesn't need to know!

Technique #2- Bleaching

We moved on to the Bleaching technique. I learned something important. You need to make the "bleach pad" right before you are oing to use it. I thought I was SO prepared and made it a few hours before the class and put is in a sealed plastic container, but when I went to demonstrate the technique, nothing happened! So, there's my tip! You can't always prepare in advance.

We used Chocolate Chip and Close to Cocoa and the Fifth Ave Floral set. Lovin' this technique, I'll probably do some experimenting!

Say Hello to Buckwheat

My kitty wanted to say Hi! I went out this morning and he was having a siesta in the tree. I'm sure he wasn't scouting for birds(not him, yeah right!). He's a big guy, with the wimpiest cry you ever heard! But, he's a pretty good mouser, so we're grateful for that. He's also my Alarm-Cat. Wakes up about 5am every day (when the sun comes up) and stands on me screaming that it's time to feed the cat and let him outside. Usually, I can get back to sleep. But sometimes.....

Techniques Class #1

My Stampin group and I decided that we'd start a 6 x 6 techniques album. We started last week with 4 projects.

For the first, we used the One of A Kind set and Pixie Pink and Pink Passion. I cut the template from CS Vellum, using the circle scissors. I'm still having trouble getting it to work right each time, but think I have to sit and play with it with something less expensive than Vellum CS! Maybe practice makes perfect (I know many of you are thinking "I've never had a problem" and many are nodding thinking, "Hey, me too!) Anyway, it was fun, and such a nice result.

New Hostess Set

WooHoo! I finally got my box of goodies! It isn't SU's fault, I didn't get my order in until last Monday! I was lucky to be able to play with Sharon's new stuff last week, but this is mine, all mine, bwaahaahaa. So I made this little card using the new Level 2 Asian Artistry Hostess Set. I stamped it with black Staz-On on tissue (Faux Silk Technique), then used the Aqua Painters with Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive Inks. I punched the borders with the eyelet border punch, and used the horizontal slot punch for the Whisper WhiteOrganza Ribbon. The sentiment is from the new Kind & Caring Thoughts Level 3 Hostess Set, using the scallop oval punch.

Hope you enjoy! Happy Stamping!

Autumn Days

This card may make the cut for the Thanksgiving Card. First I stamped the pheasant from the Autumn Days set, using Dusty Durango Ink. Then I used the new In Color pens (YEAH!) Bermuda Bay and Rich Razzleberry to fill in the feathers, also sponge daubered a little Razzleberry on the chest. I stamped the maple leaf in bleach on the Dusty Durango CS, then stamped Dusty Durango on both the CS and the DSP. I layered that onto Bermuda Bay CS, then wrapped it with Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Ribbon (reversed) and layered that onto the Rich Razzleberry CS. It's an unusual color combination, but it's really growing on me!

Autumn Card

More Sneaks

This card uses punched squares of the Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, snailed to CS and cut with the Big Shot and Top Note Die. I thought it was a subtle statement to use the "It's Good to Dream" stamp from the new Razzle Dazzle set on a "quilt" (get it, quilt..dream.... yeah, okay, I know..)

Anyway, I stamped the flowers from the same set in Crushed Curry onto white CS, once I added the Melon Mambo Ribbon, tied to show the backside (this is a really nice feature of the new ribbon!) I mounted the Top Note quilt. It's been really fun playing with these new products! My catalog should actually arrive next week (I was a little late in getting my order placed, what with going back and forth to the Bay Area) and I'm sure my "Wish List" will be monumental!

Sneak Peek of the NEW In Colors!

I had a chance to play with the new In Colors this past weekend at my sister Sharon's. We spent a great deal of time moving boxes and building a shed in her new backyard (see her post, http://www.inkinoutsidethebox.blogspot.com/) but sometimes, you just need to stop and play with your new toys! I made 5 cards total using all HER new stuff (she's VERY generous!-mine should arrive next week) here are a couple.

The bottom one uses the new Circle Circus set (which I think I'm going to love!) I stamped various of that set in Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry and Melon Mambo, mounted it on Crushed Curry CS and used the Melon Mambo as an accent stripe. This is a really fun card! It certainly would work for many occasions!

The top uses paper from the Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, the new Melon Mambo Polka Dot Ribbon (LOVE IT!!), and the sentiment from the new Kind & Caring Thoughts Level 3 Hostess Set.

Mor Stamp A Stack cards

Here are some more cards from Saturday's stamp-a-stack. Enjoy. For these, I used the Upsy Daisy stamp set and the Urban Garden DSP. The other cards were made from the SAB DSP and ribbon. I cut lots of Top Notes from theDSP and everyone designed their own "style". I made a few samples for examples.

Sis-Ter's Stamp a Stack

This Saturday, I'm hosting the event for my Sis-Ters Group (stands for Self Improvement Saturdays To Ease Recurring Stress, we get together the first Sat of every month to do something fun!) We're starting the day at the Chamber of Commerce, where we'll do a Stamp-a-stack event, making 10 cards. Here are a couple of them, I'll post the rest ove the next couploe of days. After the card-making, we're heading into Old Town Clovis to have lunch, then on to my store (All of Me Consignment) for some discounted power-shopping! Should be a fun day!

Happy Father's Day

This Father's Day card was part of a workshop we did this past Tuesday. We made the faux leather wallet and this card. I used the DSP from the Tailor Made Simply Scrappin' Kit, and, of course, Loads of Love! also used the Jumbo Eyelets as tires. The CS is Not Quite Navy and Always Artichoke and Vanilla. We had a great time and now we're ready!

Huge variety

I held a stamp class the other night and we made a set of four cards and a nice gift box out of the Parisian Breeze Specialty Designer Paper. The instructions were CASED from Sue McAleavy's blog at http://sohappytostamp.typepad.com. The incredible thing is, 4 women, given identical supplies created 16 very different cards. Here are some of them. We had a great time! Next workshop, Father's Day!

Parisian Breeze Card Set

Hostess Gift

I went to a friend's home the other night for a Girl's Night. She had a beautiful spread of appetizers for us and we enjoyed a little wine and lots of conversation. It was SO much fun. I thought about picking up a bottle of wine or some flowers before I went, but decided to take her something I'd made. So, I made her this set of cards with her initial. I used the Urban Garden DSP and the Lovely Letters. I made 3 each of the Baja Breeze and Kiwi Kiss. She really liked them.

Scalloped Dress Card

I finally got the large scallop circle die and am having WAY too much fun with it. I made this card for a friend's birthday (yep, it's retired paper) but I tinted the white taffeta ribbon with Apricot Appeal

and used the new oval scallop punch and Oval All set from the Occasions Mini and some Pretties.

CRAZY FOR FLOWER POTS

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I am SO hooked on these darling little flower pots! I've been playing with them for a couple of days, and challenging myself to NOT use the Big Shot. I've been using it for just everything, and thought my punches were feeling a little left out. So, I got out the punches and the stamps and paper snips and just fooled around a bit. Here's what I've come up with so far. So many options, I'm pretty sure I'm not finished with these yet!

Baja Breeze/Chocolate Chip Cards

I was working late the other night and gave myself a "challenge". I had a package of Parisian Breeze Specialty DSP (and isn't that fabulous?!) and a couple of stamp sets, and decided to try and make three totally different cards, using all the same supplies. It was fun, here are the results:

Stamp sets: Flight of the Butterfly, Baroque Motifs , Pocket Silhouettes

Ink: Baja Breeze, Choc Chip

5 Petal Punch, Oval Punches, Designer Label Punch

Eyelet Border Punch

Baja Breeze Corduroy Button, Striped ribbon

More Stair-Step Cards

I am so in love with this cardmaking style! I'll probably play with several more before I get it out of my system, but it's SO easy, an makes such cute cards. I did the one for our class last week, which is an earlier post, then I made one similar, but added the scary bear from Under the Stars and gave him a hat (from Party Hearty) and a birthday banner, which I stamped, then free-handed, to make him a happier guy! The flower card, I made from things I had in my "components" drawer, that place I keep leftovers from projects, ideas and samples. I had stamped and cut out a "bunch" of flowers from Petal Pizzazz for an idea I had for a swap at our group meeting in Feb (and didn't use), so I started adding them to the "steps" and realy liked the effect. I cased the project from Aimee ( see stampinwithaimee.blogspot.com) but the process is simple enough. You start with a piece of CS 5" x 10.5". Score at 1 1/4", 2 1/2", 4 1/4", 6" and 8 1/4". Fan fold from the shortest piece and start adding your components. The only "trick" is to fold it flat every now and then to be sure you have a nice look when it comes out of the envelope and don't have a big gap. Other than that, it's easier than it looks, and is really impressive to whoever receives it! Have fun. I'm sure you'll see more of them from me! I think the flower card, or one like it, would make a nice Mother's Day card. Enjoy!

CARD CLASS PROJECTS

I held two papercrafting classes,using the same projects for each. It was a matter of scheduling for my regulars. In addition to the box project with cards and the stairstep card (more later on that one!) we made these two projects. The first was 2 cards, made with Bordering Blue CS and Blush Blossom CS. We ran Cardstock weight Vellum through the Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Die and cut off the excess on top, and attached it with Dotto. Then tied ribbon with Rose Red and Blue grosgrain ribbon and added a sentiment from the Oval All set from the Occasions Mini. On some of them, we punched out the sentiment and added a vellum scallop oval with the new punch. The other card, made with the Flower Daisy #2 die and the Big Shot. We used the fabulous corduroy buttons in Summer Sun. I planned this card a month ago, so we still used DSP and ribbon from the SAB catalog. Thought I had a photo of the Manhattan Card, but it doesn't seem to be on this camera, so I'll post it later.

Oval Punch Flowers

I made this card last night. I scored a piece of white cardstock, then punched it out, using the large oval punch (set it into the punch at just under halfway). I made 7 of these, then used the sponge dauber with both Apricot Appeal and Regal Rose Inkpads.(color is a little off on the photo) The background was made using the DSP from the hostess set, Apricot Appeal and Regal Rose, leaves from Kiwi Kiss, crimped and hand cut. The ovals were crimped Kiwi Kiss and Apricot Appeal, then punched with the large oval punch (I cut down the apricot a little to give it a border. Oval All Stamp Set from the Occasions Mini, and used the Kiwi Kiss/Vanilla ribbon, the button is from the Button Bouquet set. I thought it turned out well.

More for next class

I have to admit, I totally cased this next project from Aimee at http://www.stampingwithaimee.blogspot.com/, though I made a few little changes. It's a really fun card to make and is easier than I thought. I used Riding Hood Red CS, Pacific Point CS and DSP, So Saffron CS and DSP, and, of course, the Party Hearty stamp set and the lace edge punch. And, Aimee's right, it DOES fit into the medium envelope, yeah!

No2 Box Die with cards

I've been working on projects for a class I have scheduled in about a week and a half, and decided I really love the double No2 Box Die, left open and used as a "basket". I cut two out of white CS and stamped them in black with a flower from the Itty Bitty Buds Level 2 Hostess Set, then I wrapped it with red CS that I'd put through the crimper, added black/white gingham ribbon and the ladybug from the Darling Dots Level 1 Hostess set, with more gingham and red grosgrain in the handle. I made the notes to fit the 3x3 envelopes, using the scallop edge and more ribbon to make them pretty. I think it will be a fun project.

Next Class Project

Beauty of the Foothills

Spring has come to the foothills, and with it the beauty and glory of Mother Nature! I thought you'd enjoy a couple of pictures of Coarsegold Creek, which runs through our property this time of year. Took a walk by the creek the other day with Sharon, and my niece and nephew, Louie & Ella, who enjoyed the romp!

Spring in the Foothills

Birthday Card

I made this Birthday card the other day to send to my niece. It was fun to put together. I used the new Parisian Breeze DSP (gorgeous!) with the FlowerDaisies#2 Die and a Build-a-Brad, also Happy Everything and Flight of the Butterfly.(I cut the butterfly out after stamping the image) It was fun and I'm really happy how it turned out. I LOVE this new die.

St. Patrick's Day Feast

Here are the feeders about 3pm, then about 7pm, quite a swarm!

We are lucky to be visited by a huge number of Anna's Hummingbirds every day. In fact, we make hummingbird food (or what I call Pig Food, since they're PIGS) every couple of days this time of year. For St. Patrick's Day, I colored it green and they, in true Irish fashion, gobbled it up.

Swap from Luv2Stamp Meeting

Here is my swap from the Group meeting last weekend. I used one of the new Level 1 Hostess Sets. The criss-cross pattern was done on the Scor-Pal, scoring every half inch on the diagonal, then turning and doing the same cross-wise. I sponged the Lovely Lilac lightly to give the trellis- look. Sponged a little So Saffron for accent. On this photo, it doesn't show, but I used the marker with So Saffron inside the flowers and used Dazzling Diamonds on the butterfly and the lower flower. The lilac ribbon was made using white taffeta ribbon, sponged with Lovely Lilac.

Hope you enjoy this, it was a fun project.

"KISS" Principle Valentine

I made this Valentine for my husband. He prefers simpler cards, the "Keep It Simple Stupid" principle. I punched the new heart punch out of the card, then placed the DSP under the opening and punched that so they'd line up nicely and used the flip side of the DSP heart inside the card. Turned out nice, I thought!

Fashion workshop

Last month we had a terrific workshop with a "fashion theme". We made cards, a couple of gift bags and a chapstick holder. Take a look and enjoy.

Workshop Event