Stampin' With Ellen

Happy to be crafty again!

2010-10-02T11:48:00.001-07:00

I was playing with an idea that I got from a craft store in Clovis, and decided I'd try it with the new Big Designer Buttons from SU! in the Holiday Mini. Using the Candy Cane buttons, as well as a few smaller from the designer buttons, I made one keychain, adding some beads and a purse charm I had. For the Deck the Halls keychain, I had to supplement with a few buttons I had in the "button Box" since I didn't have the right colors from the designer buttons, but as you can see, it is easy enough to work in the right color sceme. Lucky for me, I have a box of beads to play in, not everyone has a pink quartz elephant bead, but I'm sure you'll find something special!

They really come together fast, and might be a great class. You could also add Simply Adorned Baubles or Findings to make it really personal and special. Hope you enjoy playing with the possibilities. Happy to be back crafting again. I'll make an effort to add to my blog on a more regular basis! Ellen

Kendall gets her braces off! Yeah!

2009-08-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-29T21:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-26T22:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

More Sneaks

2009-06-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-04T22:09:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

Hostess Gift

2009-05-09T17:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-07T17:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-27T06:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-06T06:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-04T17:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-04T17:31:00.001-07:00

Beauty of the Foothills

2009-03-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

Birthday Card

2009-03-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-02-25T20:52:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-25T20:47:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-24T20:39:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-24T20:34:00.000-08:00

Tour of California Bike Race

2009-02-23T20:25:00.000-08:00

2009-02-23T20:21:00.000-08:00

WOW, Last week we were SO lucky to have the fourth leg of the Tour of California Bike Race actually end right in Clovis, CA. And just around the corner from my store! Lance Armstrong came out of retirement to ride in this week long event! It was really exciting. We watched the bike riders zoom by on Clovis Ave, then ran to the finish to see them come around around to the finish. What a great event for Clovis, and exciting for those of us in town!

Red Hummingbird?

2009-02-12T17:09:00.000-08:00

So, we were sitting in the backyard in the morning, and looked up at one of the hummingbird feeders that we fill daily and saw this guy. It was the most amazing thing. Of course, he's not really red, the sun was coming over the roof and hit the nectar in the feeder, making this guy appear red. We have 5 or 6 hummingbird feeders in our backyard, which need to be filled almost daily. Right now, I'm looking at one feeder that has at least 7 buzzing around. Sounds like the INDY speedway out there at feeding time. What a wonderful place!! We are so blessed! Thought I'd share the photos, unfortunately they're a little blurry, just couldn't get the little guys to sit still! Hmmmmmm.

Ice Cream Card

2009-02-11T12:58:00.000-08:00

Yummy,

Yummy!

Happy Birthday

2009-02-11T12:52:00.000-08:00

I got this idea from my friend Kristen (boy, I say that a lot!) She brought in a similar card, which I took a picture of and now can't find ( I think the camera ate it, it looked so good!) Anyway, I remembered mostly how it was set up, and had a great time making this ice cream card. I ran the kraft paper through the crimper at an angle, and then turned it and ran it through again. It made a very subtle criss-cross pattern, much like a waffle cone, but I added the close to cocoa lines with a marker to make it more dramatic. I played with sizes and shapes of both the cone and the background, you can make it larger or smaller, depending on what you prefer. I used Tombow Glue and Dazzling Diamonds for the dots and Sweet Always DSP.

Valentines CD Holder

2009-02-10T12:38:00.000-08:00

Here is one of the projects for my Valentine's Workshop. I covered a CD holder with Pink Pirouette Designer Series Paper, placing a Rose Red Grosgrain ribbon underneath to use as a closure bow. On the front, I decorated a 4 1/4sq Rose Red CS, using Pink Pirouette and Rose Red CS, the scallop edge, circle and square punches and Love You Much and Ever After stamp sets. For the insert card, I decorated a PP CS and then punched 2 Full Heart Punches of Rose Red and glued them together at the top as a pull-out.

Valentine's Flower Cards

2009-02-09T12:49:00.000-08:00

Valentines Flower Card

2009-02-09T12:27:00.000-08:00

I actually woke up with this idea in my mind the other morning, and luckily had time to sit at the table and put one together before I forgot everything. Lucky for me (ahem, but not for my husband) ALL my Valentines stuff was all over the dining room table, getting ready for Tuesday's Valentines Workshop, so I had everything I needed. The first card I made was the one with the Riding Hood Red button (the corduroy buttons were with my stuff at my store, soI had to make that one once I had retrieved them), may still play around a little with the backing of these before my class Tues. I stamped Pink Pirouette with the Bella Toile Background stamp on whisper white CS. I punched Riding Hood Red Designer Series Paper with the scallop circle and cut between the scallops STRAIGHT in toward the center. Then I punched Kiwi DSP with the long heart from the new Heart to Heart punch for the leaves, and the tiny heart witn RHR DSP for the "bud". I used the Old Olive marker and hand-drew the stem. Happy Valentines Day is a retired stamp from All Year Cheer III, but it's what I had. I used the pink taffeta ribbon for the bow. Hope you enjoy it!

Ghirardelli Valentines Boxes

2009-02-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

My friend Kristen brought a couple of these cute boxes in to show me, and then generously brought me the print out of the instructions. I think she got them from SplitCoast, but I know they are written by Beate Johns. The instructions were very easy and these little boxes just came together so fast, I made a bunch of them to sell at the store. Each has 3 Ghirardelli Chocolates in it. Great little Valentines Goodie. Thank you Kristen AND Beate!

Bella Rose Book Class

2009-01-29T08:40:00.000-08:00

On a recent trip to the Bay Area, I attended a class/workshop at Patty Bennett's house where we created these amazing books using Bella Rose Designer Series Papers and a myriad of other fabulous SU products. You can see the full book on Patty's Blog at www.pattystamps.com. We worked many hours, just to get the insides ready so we could bind them. After I returned home, I spent a few more hours finishing the embellishments on the inside and deciding how to decorate the outside. I really love the faux "quilt" look, and woke up one morning with this image in my mind. First, I covered the whole outside of the book with Pirouette Pink DSP. Then, I started with a piece of the Bella Rose DSP with a pink rose and then punched Photo corners from contrasting DSP. When you line them up around the outside of the rose, you get the center of this page (looks like a pieced quilt). The remaining "quilt" pieces are just ever increasing sizes of contrasting papers, set at angles to each other to build to the outside border. On the back, I simply cut a piece of DSP in half on the diagonal and turned one over, snailed it all down and added ribbon. It was lots of fun andI'm really happy with the result. Enjoy.

Great gifts for friends

2009-01-28T11:33:00.000-08:00

What a great way to show a special friend that you really thought of them! I got this idea from a set of darling cards that I received from my Stampin friend Christine for my birthday. I sat down one afternoon and made a few gifts for my special friends. It's a pretty easy process, just using DSP with coordinating cardstock. I LOVE the Lovely Letters Alphabet, and it fits so nicely inside the circle punch! Backed with the Designer Label and Scallop Circle punches, it looks elegant!
There's no end to the color and style choices, not to mention additional embellishments! Yummy!

Goodie bag

2009-01-16T16:43:00.000-08:00

I'm working on projects for an upcoming class, and made this little goodie bag using the Fabulous Top Note Die and the new Itty Bitty Buds Hostess Set (pg 19, new catalog) I stamped the images randomly (and you have no idea how difficult this is for me!) on the Top Notes using Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango and Yoyo Yellow. Then I used snail to attach them to the little bag, which I had cut down to 2 3/4 in.(purchased at the craft store) I then punched the handle with the wide oval, and used the punched section for a tag with a smaller yoyo yellow oval. Then tied it up with the Tangerine Tango 5/8" striped grosgrain ribbon and the Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla satin ribbon. I think it would make a great Hostess gift or little gift bag.

God Bless America

2009-01-15T16:31:00.001-08:00

Last Monday, Patrick and I attended the swearing in ceremony for new naturalized citizens. There are now over 1100 new citizens in the Fresno area alone! That's quite impressive. We went because a good friend of ours became a citizen that day. She's been in this country for many years and is proud to be a true American now! We gave her an American flag to hang outside her new home and I made this card for her. I used the Classic Stars wheel with Brilliant Blue Ink, then Brilliant Blue and Real Red cardstock. Then I punched out stars to add. I had punched a square out of the brilliant Blue and was just going to layer it behinD the "Congrats" but my husband laid the discarded piece over the letters and said, why don't you do this and back it in red. I think he was right! I thought you'd like to see. The ceremony was quite moving, and it was amazing to see people from nearly every country pledging their loyalty to our great country. Welcome to America, Lucia!

Beautiful Fall Afternoon

2008-12-02T09:45:00.000-08:00

I was out in the backyard on my day off today and looked up into this beautiful blue sky behind the gorgeous yellow leaves of the Modesto Ash trees that shade the yard, and I decided I just had to share it with you. No connection to stamping or card-making except isn't the blue/gold contrast beautiful? Maybe Summer Sun and Bashful Blue?

Reindeer Family Moves In

2008-12-01T08:49:00.000-08:00

Here are more of the towelling reindeer that I have for sale in the store. They're just so happy. Rudolph's nose really is red, even though it photographs orange, honest!

In the next week or so, we'll be setting up a new section of the store with lots of handmade small gift items, good for stocking stuffers, secret santa gifts, etc. Can't wait to show you!

Punch Buffet

2008-11-30T08:46:00.000-08:00

When I was setting up for the cardmaking class, I had to figure out a way to display the punches so everyone could see them, while still "controlling" them and being able to carry them around. So I set up this little "buffet" and it worked pretty well!

Ellen's New "Man"

2008-11-29T09:43:00.000-08:00

Here I am at "Enchanted Evening" in Old Town Clovis with my new "guy". He's a little flat, but very jolly! Get's you into the holiday spirit!

JOY at All of Me

2008-11-28T09:30:00.000-08:00

"JOY" came to my store, "All of Me" with the help of snowflakes that Sharon sent me. They were die-cut with the snowflake die and the Big Shot out of white foam. They were just the right addition to my decorations. Now, I just have to get her to cut a few more! The letters are about 2 1/2 feet tall(from JoAnn) and painted white with sparkles on them.

Christmas Card Making Workshop

2008-11-27T15:19:00.000-08:00

I recently held a Christmas Card Making workshop/event on a Saturday night at my shop. Everyone got a half kit of the I Wish Simply Scrappin' Kit and half a pack of Holiday Treasures Designer Series Paper, with a few additional sheets of Card Stock.
We each made at least 10 cards at the workshop and then everyone took their extras home to continue creating cards. It was SO much fun. It's always fascinating to see how 6 women can create such a variety of cards, while starting out with the same supplies. I had a full buffet of punches and lots of ribbon and other embellishments to play with.

Thanksgiving Card

2008-11-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

I made this Thanksgiving card for a swap, but it's perfect for this season. The pumpkins are make of Pumpkin Pie, punched with the large and small oval, the "leaves" from the Boho Blossoms Punch in Garden Green. I layered the pumpkins on Old Olive and Black. The sentiment is from the level 2 hostess set, Occasions Collection, stamped on More Mustard, punched with the Designer Label Punch, layered on an Old Olive Scallop Circle. The black is actually a rectangle I cut and used the corner rounder, then punched the ribbon opening with the horizontal slot punch and threaded More Mustard grosgrain ribbon through. Did the whole thing on Confetti Cream, stamped in More Mustard with Priceless.

Here comes Christmas, Kit Option

2008-11-22T14:14:00.000-08:00

I've been making these towelling Reindeer for several years. A friend bought one at a craft fair, and we took it apart and figured it out. They're just so darned cute! and make a great hostess gift or Christmas present. I made several this year, but this one got "dressed" with that fabulous Riding Hood Red and Vanilla Striped ribbon from the Holiday Mini (I LOVE this ribbon, and am very stingy with it!) But, I thought it gave him a great holiday spirit.

I am offering these in kit form for $12, plus $4.80 for shipping. it will include everything you need except the two towels (so you can choose a color that works with your decor. You will need 1 bath towel and 1 wash cloth) and a glue gun. Ribbon choices will be the Riding Hood Red/Vanilla stripe, a Red/Gold or Burgundy/Gold and Blue/Silver. Easy to follow instructions will be included. Payment can be made through PayPal. You can email me direct at sellen57@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-22T13:50:00.000-08:00

It seems that I have trouble getting things posted except for holidays. It's a good thing there are so many this time of year!

I loved those Peppermint Patty Spiders so much, I decided to try and make turkeys. I thought they turned out pretty cute, I could just "gobble" them up!

My sister Sharon sends me oodles of ideas that she's found on other posts, and though I'd like to do all of them, time keeps getting away from me.

I made these Pumpkin Placecards and have them for sale in my store. They're basically the same as the Halloween ornaments that Patty showed us at a group meeting last year, and I made them in both Pumpkin Pie and in More Mustard. Of course, they're cute just as a decoration as well.

Hope you enjoy them.

Dog Treats

2008-10-30T20:01:00.000-07:00

Treats for your four legged kids. All of Me also has Halloween gifts for the sweet puppies in your life. Orange and Black dog bones in cello bags, topped with Halloween Top-Notes. Scary Spiders filled with Peppermint Patties cased from several sources! but very cute! Have a Spook-tacular Halloween.

Gift Center at All of Me

2008-10-30T19:57:00.001-07:00

I've been setting up a new Gift Center at All of Me. Right now, it includes Halloween Cards, like Frankie & his friends, Scary Peppermint Patty Spiders and many candle holders, clocks, jars, etc with rub-on decorations. We also have the Old town Clovis Cookbook and handmade Tote-Bags for sale. Get that Christmas Shopping done early. Soon we will have Christmas gifts and cards for sale. Be on the lookout!

More World Cardmaking Day

2008-10-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

As you may know, we had a small group of ladies at the store for World Cardmaking Day. It was loads of fun, and we each made 10 cards. Below are three of the four cards (I need to re-photograph the 4th) with some info about the process. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

2008-10-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

I think this is my favorite of the cards we made. We used apricot appeal for the base card as well as the scallop punch flowers. Used DSP in Riding Hood Red for the flower middles, as well as to sponge the edges of the flowers. The leaves were made from Kiwi Kiss CS, and the background behind the flowers and under the ribbon were Kiwi Kiss DSP. We stamped "I'm Glad We're Friends" from another Hostess Set and then punched it out with the Curly Label Punch (my VERY favorite punch right now!), sponged the edges. Then added the new Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla satin ribbon (yummy).

2008-10-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

I'm really happy with this card, one of the 4 we made for World Cardmaking Day. We used one of the new Level 1 hostess sets, so it could be used as a demo, and incentive. I just love the ferns (stamped in Old Olive on Confetti Cream CS) I tore Old Olive CS to fit around the flower, which I colored using markers-Really Rust and Summer Sun, and tied the twine around it. Also tore the Close to Cocoa as a backdrop, Versamarked with leaves.

You could use any sentiment you'd like, a couple of the ladies put birthday wishes and thank you's instead of Live Like You Mean It.

World Cardmaking Day Cards

2008-10-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

This is one card that we made. I used Pacific Point, Blue Bayou and whisper white (and the top note die-love it!) We used the Doodle This stamp set. The different ribbons really give different looks. Used yellow grosgrain and the Blue Bayou

striped.

Luv2Stamp Group Meeting

2008-10-06T18:04:00.001-07:00

About a week and a half ago, I went to the Bay Area to attend our Luv2Stamp group meeting in Concord. I also added a couple of days on either end to celebrate my sister Sharon's birthday. We spent a lot of time working on projects at her dining room table, but managed to get out and have some fun too! We both made presentations at the meeting, Sharon's was AWSOME! A couple of the cards I demonstrated are included. To the right, is a gift card holder. I'd be happy to share the instructions. Basically, with a piece of DSP cut to 5 1/2 x 11, scored at 3, 5 1/2, 8. and folded into a W. You put sticky strip along the sides and bottom of the inside of the W, and use either the curly label punch or word window punch along the upper edge, leaving a little over 3/4in on either end. Then, you take 2 pieces of 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 and adhere one to the inside of the W. (really, it's easy, I'd be happy to send better photos and instructions, just email me)

Anyway, it fits into a regulat envelope!

Owl Punch Card

2008-10-06T18:02:00.001-07:00

One of the cards I showed in my Presentation was this Owl card, made from Punches. I'd be happy to share how I made it, just email me and I'll forward the recipe. The second photo is a display of the components, helping to show how he was made. Enjoy

Luv2Stamp Group Meeting

2008-10-06T17:58:00.000-07:00

World CardMaking Day

2008-10-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, October 5, we held a stamp-a-stack workshop for World Cardmaking Day at my store, All of Me, in Clovis, CA. We all went home with 10 hand-made cards, and had a great time together. We plan to schedule another like this in the near future. Even my friend Cid ( a stamping novice) got over her stampaphobia and did a terrific job. Go, Cid!

More Cardmaking Day Photos

2008-10-06T17:50:00.001-07:00

What's been up

2008-09-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

Wow,
I can't believe a week's gone by without a post. And, it's been a busy one! I took the train up to the Bay Area on Saturday after work, and Sharon picked me up. On Sunday, we headed to Corte Madera for the 32nd Annual Family Picnic, and had a terrific time, visiting some of the family we only see once every year or so. It was a gorgeous day! and we really enjoyed ourselves. On the way home, we stopped in to see our friend, Patty, and managed to spend the rest of the day sitting and visiting and looking at all Patty's current and upcoming projects. This girl has a million ideas! Then back to Sharon's to work on a couple of new projects (I'll try and get pictures posted soon) that I'll be offering for classes. I'm really excited about these, and love working with the Simply Scrapping kits, with all the embellishments and beautiful papers! I came home on Monday afternoon, and managed to get a few things done at home, before bed, and heading off to work on Tuesday. My big project right now is planning for the Group Meeting on Sept 27. I am giving a presentation using punches, and am having a blast trying to come up with innovative ideas on how to use them. Also, I have a couple of classes coming up, at All of Me. See my DBWS at (demonstrator business website) stampinwithellen.stampinup.net, or give me a call for details.
Well, that's it for now. I'll try and get some pictures posted soon. More later

Making projects, with help

2008-08-28T14:14:00.001-07:00

Back to work, and back to working on projects for an upcoming presentation involving punches. Obviously, I had help from my cat Buckwheat, who likes to bat at the edges of the paper, and knock the punches off the table. But, when he turns upside down, how can you not rub his tummy?

Making Projects for Presentation

2008-08-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

Jillian's Big Day

2008-08-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

We had a great visit with the McCarthy Clan when we went to Thousand Oaks last weekend for Jillian Cassidy McCarthy's Baptism. Jillian is a lovely, happy baby, as you can see, and with big brother Sean, completes Michael and Stephanie's family. After the service and a lovely dinner, we spent the evening with Mike (Patrick's brother) and Pat and watched the end of the Olympics. What a great 2 weeks that was, though I'm not sorry to say goodbye to staying up until midnight! We had breakfast with Stephanie, Sean and Jillian on Monday morning, then headed home.

Lots of family and cute kids

2008-08-28T13:50:00.001-07:00

More Cards for the Weekend's Festivities

2008-08-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

Heading South

2008-08-21T21:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Pat & I are headed to Thousand Oaks to visit his family. We'll celebrate both his brother's and sister-in-law's birthdays, and attend and celebrate the Baptism of our grand-niece, Jillian, daughter of our nephew Mike and his wonderful wife Stephanie. Jillian is their second child, son Sean is 6 (or is it 7, oh my!) Anyway, I made these cards for the events. The gift card was basically following the instructions on Patty Bennett's blog (www.pattystamps.com) with a twist. I cut the cardstock at 5 1/2x11, still scored at 3", 5 1/2", and 8". Then, after I folded it in half, and folded the flaps back, I added a coordinating piece of cardstock (5 1/2 x 4 1/4). It makes a full sized card.
Okay, I also used all retired stamps, the Back Nine, It's Your Birthday. I added the printing off my computer, both for Mike's card and Jillian's Baptism card. For my sister-in-law Patricia's birthday card, I used retired DSP in her favorite colors, but it would be easy enough to do in current colors.
Anyway, I had a great time, hope you enjoy them as well.

Retired doesn't mean the end, right?

2008-08-21T21:42:00.001-07:00

Barbara's, Jackie's, Ashley/Elva's, Cid's Books

2008-08-18T11:33:00.001-07:00

Many Ladies, Many Designs

2008-08-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday Night Workshop

2008-08-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

We had a great time! Everyone used different DSP (Design Series Papers) to make their Card Organizers and it was amazing the different looks we got. Next workshop will be a Stamp-a-stack type card making class, to help fill up those organizers.

2008-08-13T20:26:00.001-07:00

2008-08-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

2008-08-13T20:18:00.001-07:00

It was nice to get off a little early today. I went home and did some prep work for Saturday's workshop. I'm really looking forward to it. We'll be making this Card Organizer and a few cards to go into it. But first, I get to spend my day off (Thurs) with my best friend, Sylvia. Should be lots of fun.

Demonstrator Business Web Site

2008-08-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

I've recently signed up for s Demonstrator Business Web Site at StampinUp. The address is http://www.stampinwithellen.stampinup.net/. Check there to see what classes and workshops I have scheduled, as well as ideas and opportunities from StampinUp. Also, coming in the Fall, you'll actually be able to order online through the site, so when you get that urge at 2 in the morning to order a stamp set and some ribbon, you can take care of it and get right back to sleep! Watch for more info to come!

2008-08-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

Hi, and welcome to my BLOG. I'm looking forward to sharing my life and interests with you. In the coming days, I'll add some pictures of Stampin'Up projects I have done as well as coming projects. Also, some tidbits about my life in the country and the city.