Monday Morning Stamper

Demo Meeting Make & Take

2012-01-13T15:24:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is our monthly Demo meeting. Each month we bring swaps; and we have a choice to bring food or a make & take. This month I have decided to to bring a make & take and I want to share it with you today.

The right edge is a bit off because I first planned to tear the edge. I didn't like that so I cut around the frame for the final project. Thanks for stopping by and taking a look.

What I have been up to

2012-01-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

I thought I would show you what I have been up to lately. I started making ribbon flowers over the Christmas holiday and I have been having a good time. (I must tell you that Stampin' Up! satin ribbon is wonderful to work with.)

The brown ball with yellow flowers is similar to the ones I posted in December made with the twitterpated fabric. The ball is covered with brown velvet pieces. I made these by gathering the velvet in the middle of each 2 inch square using a gathering stitch. The velvet was too thick to use just pins. Then I added some yellow flowers to create a bit of contrast.

The red and the razzleberry flowers are made with retired ribbon. It is so much fun to look through my ribbon supply and try my hand at different petal designs.

This corsage is made with three layers of velvet flowers and a pink bud made from SU! ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look.

New Occasions Mini

2012-01-04T11:55:00.000-08:00

I know I probably say this with every new catalog, but Stampin' Up! has gone above and beyond with this new mini. The edgelits and framelits dies are so much fun to create with. The Paper Doily sizzlet is beautiful and has many options. (It takes a bit of effort to get all the pieces out, but it is worth it.) Did I mention pleated ribbon and new twine colors, cute buttons, new fabric, a fun punch, and scented embossing powder, but wait, there is more.

This new mini has so many things to enhance our papercraft projects that you will want to take a look right away. You can click on the Occasions Mini button in the right column of this blog and start looking now. I am available to answer any of your questions and to help you plan a workshop for you and your friends. You can reach me at 360-731-7229 or at missmichelle823@aol.com .

One of the benefits of being a demonstrator is that I get to order and play/create with the new items a month early. I can tell you this is one of my favorite benefits. If you would like to enjoy this benefit, talk to me about joining my team.

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T23:35:00.000-08:00

My days have been full of preparations for Christmas and time spent with friends and family. My prayer for each of you is that you and your family have a blessed Christmas and that you enjoy the warmth of love and friendship.

Sneak Peek

2011-12-19T14:21:00.000-08:00

My DH gave me a wireless router for Christmas and one of the tests was to see if I could connect to the internet in my CP (Craft Palace). These pictures are a testimony that I can. I am a very happy camper now because I won't have to take things back and forth when I want to share with all of you.

I must say here and now, that I have the most wonderful husband in the world. We have been married for 42 years and he is always surprising me in small and big ways. He lets me know each day that he loves me. And he spoils me very, very often.

Now for some sneak peeks from the new Occasions Mini and SAB. My friend Terry came over the other night and we created into the wee hours. Here are some of the results of my efforts.

Christmas SAS part 2

2011-12-15T16:10:00.000-08:00

These are the rest of the cards I made for the SAS. They are resting on the cute little Christmas mouse I found at our local hospital gift shop.

Although it doesn't show clearly in the picture, I sponged some ink around the edges of the silver glimmer circle to add a bit more zing to the card.

Christmas SAS

2011-12-14T12:10:00.000-08:00

Todays offerings are from a Christmas SAS I prepared for. My back went out on the day of the event so we made these on Monday night at our monthly Club. We had a nice evening and Kathy had lots of Christmas treats for us to enjoy.

Our group has been together for over 2 years and it is led by my up-line, Kim Becker. We always enjoy our time together.

Demo Christmas Gift

2011-12-11T22:34:00.001-08:00

This picture shows the three finished balls surrounded by light green tulle on a silver charger.

These next two pictures show how I wrapped the gift for presentation. I used some of the pink tulle I had used in the pink ball to wrap around the charger. The idea being the person who received the gift could use the pink or the green tulle under the balls to change the appearance. I think these colors will work for Christmas, Valentines Day, and Easter.

TFL...Michelle

Christmas Gift Sneak Peek

2011-12-09T15:01:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is our demo meeting Christmas Party and each year we have an exchange. Today I thought I would share a couple of sneak peeks of the gift I will be taking.

I am still working on one more which is smaller. After tomorrow I will show you the entire gift, but I want to tease you just a bit today. TFL.

Another day in my life

2011-12-03T01:22:00.000-08:00

I was at WalMart buying a bag of Purina dog chow for my dogs , in the check-out line when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog. Why else would I be buying dog chow, RIGHT ??? So on impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Purina Diet again, and that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in intensive care, with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms. I told her that it was essentially a Perfect Diet and all you do is load your pockets with Purina Nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.) Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care, because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off a curb to sniff a poodle's butt and a car hit me. I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard. Now that you've read it I have to confess, I copied it from someone else.. share and make someone else smile today :)

Here's your sign.

I don't normally share stories like this on my blog....however, I am laughing so hard that tears are rolling down my cheeks and my sides hurt. I know this time of year is filled with fun and laughter for most, but it can also have it's struggles too. So I thought I would share it in hopes it makes you laugh and brightens your day.

Cheers!!! Michelle

Red & White

2011-11-29T16:02:00.000-08:00

I would like to share one of my Christmas cards with you today. I have been seeing lots of red and white decorations this year and decided to make a card to go with what I am seeing in the market place.

Quarter Fold Card

2011-11-28T08:29:00.000-08:00

I saw a number of quarter fold cards online at Splitcoaststampers and decided I would give it a try. I had a good time making the card and I am sure I will make more of them in the future. I can think of several stamp sets that will work well to tell a story on the front of the card. Artistic Etchings, Timeless Treasures, Homegrown, Lean on Me, and Morning Cup come to mind right away. Hope you enjoy this one.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T14:44:00.000-08:00

Hope you and your family all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. May peace fill your home and your time together be blessed.

Christmas Card Time

2011-11-16T22:30:00.000-08:00

This is the card I made for our demo meeting swap this month.

This card was one of the make & takes from our monthly demo meeting. The original card used the striped side of the DSP, but I decided to use this side of the paper because I only wanted the red and blue colors. I think this combination gives the card an "icy" look.

I have wanted to make a center step card for some time but just couldn't get it together. Kim taught us how to make one at our Stamp Club this month. Her secret is cutting the center lines first, then scoring the card. This hint makes the card much easier to do.

My Favorite Time of the Year

2011-11-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year. Time to get ready for the holidays, warm smells in the house, decorating, and making Christmas cards. I have been to several SAS's in the last couple of weeks and had a great time with friends and family. The SAS I went to yesterday had a card contest associated with it, so I thought I would share my card entry with you today. TFL

Meet Grandpa Frank N. Stein

2011-10-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I went to a Halloween event at my friend Shirley Su's house. We all had a great time doing make 'n takes. One of them was the goodie bag in this picture. I forgot to put Frank's nose on before I drew the mouth, so he looks like he has his dentures out. He also has an eyelid problem on the left side. But I think his skin is quite taunt for his age, don't you? We laughed every time we looked at him, so I wanted to share him with you. Hope he brings a smile to your face, too.

Thanks for a fun evening Shirley.

The little trick or treat box was another one of the make 'n takes.

Fall is in the air

2011-10-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

Fall has arrived in the Northwest and it is one of my favorite times of the year. I like the changing leaves, the bit of chill in the air, and the beginning of the holiday season. In the Fall I pull out all my cozy velvet clothes, my pumpkin and spicy candles; stock up on flavored cocoas and holiday creamers; review my soup and stew recipes. I make regular trips to Starbuck's for Pumpkin Spice Latte's and I am on the lookout for all things pumpkin.

My creative side turns to Fall and Christmas colors for my paper crafts. Marina Mist and Pool Party aren't usually colors I use for Fall, but this year I am pulling them out to combine with brown. I used Pool Party and Soft Suede for this card and I like the combination. I think sponging the Soft Suede around the edge of the Pool Party warmed it up. TFL.

Sunday in the CP

2011-10-02T17:07:00.000-07:00

It has been another long stretch without time in the CP, but today I made up for it. I had a wonderful time relaxing and playing with my stamps. I would say it is a wonderful way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon.

I got the directions for this card from Dawn. It is fun to make and I know my friends will enjoy receiving it. Thanks for stopping by.

Here is the link to Dawn's video for making these cards: http://dawnsstampingthoughts.typepad.com/dawns_stampin_studio/2011/09/dawns-2011-founders-circle-swaps-video-.html

WOYWW Sept 14

2011-09-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

It has been a very busy few weeks for me. Today I finally had time to play in the CP...just in time for WOYWW.

This is what I was up to today:

My 42d Anniversary

2011-08-29T15:38:00.000-07:00

No cards today, but I thought I would share the view from my CP office. These are the flowers my husband got me for our anniversary. He had the florist deliver them to the CP (craft palace.) They make me smile.

WOYWW Aug 24

2011-08-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

I am not much of a Halloween person, but I have several friends who list it among one of their favorite holidays. So, in the interest of sharing with friends, and you know who you are, I am sharing these pics for my workspace Wednesday. Hope you enjoy.

I have to thank Angie Juda for this idea. She posted this fun Hershey's kiss holder on her blog today with a link to the tutorial. It is fun to make.

First SAS

2011-08-23T09:56:00.000-07:00

Here are the rest of the cards from my first Stamp-A-Stack. I gave my Mom the actual cards last night and she was very happy. We chuckle over the fact that she was ready to take them right out the door when she saw them. I have to watch her closely. Ha ha.

These cards are more bright and feminine and I had a good time designing them. I am trying to use more of the Big Shot dies that I have on my shelf so that I am taking advantage of the items I have. For me, it is so easy to just use the new things, but I want to get better at using a broad selection. Now that I have committed that thought to the blog it will encourage me to remember to actually do it. TFL

My First SAS

2011-08-19T08:16:00.000-07:00

Today I thought I would share a couple of the cards we made at my first Stamp-A-Stack. My Mom liked them so much she was ready to take them home with her yesterday. (She wasn't able to attend the event.) I had to ask her to wait until I took pictures of them first. She encourages me. Thanks Mom.

I wanted to include a couple of masculine cards and I think these fit the bill. I lined the inside of the card with Very Vanilla to make it easier to write a little note.

The other cards are more feminine and I will show those to you later. TFL

Well Behaved Women

2011-08-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

I like our punches for making flowers because they are easy and fast. However, some times I like to cut the flowers out with scissors. I find it relaxing and I like the challenge of getting an even line around the card. (I have friends who will tell you they think I am nuts.) Just one of my quirks.

The recipe for today's card is:
Paper: Just Add Cake DSP, Wild Wasabi, Basic Black, and Wicker White
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Peach Parfait, and Poppy Parade
Stamps: Favorite Thoughts and Raining Flowers
Accessories: Peach Parfait Poly Ribbon

Well Worn Greetings

2011-08-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

Well Worn DSP is now one of my favorite papers. ( I am such a fickle person when it comes to DSP.) But I like this paper because I think it works well for all types of cards. Is gender neutral an option? Ha ha.
The recipe for theses cards includes:
Paper: Crumb Cake, Not Quite Navy, & Well Worn DSP
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Stamp Set: Swirls & Curls Verses
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Scallop Dots Ribbon, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch, and Regal Buttons

Thanks So Much

2011-08-07T21:47:00.000-07:00

Button Buddies on Parade

2011-08-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

I like the Button Buddies stamp set, it just makes me smile.

For this card I used the following items:

Stamps: Button Buddies & Whimsical Words (ret.)

Ink: Soft Suede & Not Quite Navy

Paper: Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy & Well Worn DSP

Accessories: Vintage Trinkets, Neutral Buttons &
Bakers Twine

Hope you enjoy the card.

A la Card Monkey - Salt & Pepper

2011-07-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

I haven't played at A la Card Monkey for awhile, so I decided to make a card for this weeks challenge. The challenge this week is Salt & Pepper. I started to giggle as soon as I saw it. Why, you may ask? Well, because the pepper I use has pink peppercorns in it. Taking a page out of Shirley Su's book, I decided to include some pink pepper on my card. He he. Thanks for looking.

Here is the link to the Al a Card Monkey site: http://alacardmonkey.blogspot.com/

Faith in Nature

2011-07-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

Here are two cards using the Faith in Nature stamp set.

For this card I used the following:
Paper: Well Worn DSP, Crumb Cake, Lucky Limeade, and Very Vanilla
Ink: Calypso Coral and Lucky Limeade
Accessories: Calypso Coral ribbon, Vintage Trinkets, and Crystal Affects

The ingredients for this card include:
Paper: Calypso Coral, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, and Paisley Petals DSP
Ink: Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, and Early Espresso
Accessories: Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon and Crystal Affects

WOYWW July 20

2011-07-20T18:31:00.000-07:00

For today's posting I wanted to focus on my little tool storage bin. I bought a 6X6 metal box at the dollar store and thought it was too plain for a stamper. he he. I wove some retired 5/8" striped ribbon through the slats to dress it up and think it turned out well.

One of the comments from my last WOYWW post was a question about how much stuff goes off the back of my crafting table. I tend to "nest" when I craft and tend to work within the space of my grid paper. I have been able to set up my space so everything is within reach and most of the time I can keep everything on the table. I have dropped a couple of things but, for the most part, have kept things within the paper grid boundaries. Thanks for asking the question.

Island Indigo Pool Party & Calypso Coral

2011-07-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

I really like the new in colors and this is one of my favorite combinations. I made these before I started noting the items I used for each card, so today is a look see only. TFL and hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Catalog Case Page 207

2011-07-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

One of the big decisions when doing catalog cases: Do I start at the front of the catalog and work backwards, do I start at the back of the catalog and work forward, or do I choose randomly? I tend to buck the rules, I think it is the creative part of me, so I am choosing to make random choices. On page 207 there is a 3x3 card design I am casing today. I made mine a full size card.

The ingredients are:

Paper: Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, First Addition DSP

Ink: Peach Parfait and Lucky Limeade

Stamp Set: Flower Fest

Accessories: Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding, Basic Pearls, Scallop Edge Border punch, Fancy Flower Extra-large punch

Technique: I scored the Calypso Coral paper in both directions at 1/2 inch intervals. I like the texture that it adds to the card.

WOYWW July 6

2011-07-06T15:56:00.000-07:00

Here are the ingredients for the card:

Paper:
Pool Party
Island Indigo
Lucky Limeade
First Addition DSP

Stamp:
Awash with Flowers

Accessories:
Very Valilla Seam Binding
Mini Clothes Pin died with Island Indigo ink
Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder
Cutter Kit

Catalog Case Page 12

2011-07-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

I am trying something different with the new catalog. Through the year I will be casing cards from the 2011 - 2012 catalog. I also am going to try to include the products I use to put the cards together. (In the back of my mind this feels like a new years resolution and I hope I am more successful than I am come mid January.)

This card is from the top of page 12.

I also wanted to give you a couple of closeups on the ribbon. I am not sure how it was done in the catalog, but I crinkled the ribbon in my hand and then made the bow. I like how it turned out and hope you do too.

Now for the "ingredients" :

Stamps:

Faith in Nature

French Foliage

Paper:

Pool Party

Island Indigo

Calypso Coral

Ink:

Versamark

Island Indigo

Pool Party

Accessories:

Scallop Trim Border Punch

2 3/8" Scallop Punch

Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder

Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder

Baja Breeze Seam Binding

Gold Glow Smooch Spritz

2011-06-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

Flowers and texture continue to be my card theme this month. I am having fun stacking papers embossed from different embossing folders on the same card.

Today it is flowers

2011-06-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

I decided today was a day to share flower cards with you. I am enjoying using the newsprint dsp as a background paper to stamp on and since I bought several packs of it I am glad to put it to good use. Hope you enjoy it also.

2011-06-24T21:56:00.000-07:00

Melon Mambo and Island Indigo, a good combination in my book.

Sailing Along

2011-06-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

This stamp reminds me of the sailing races held outside the Port Orchard marina. Just the right amount of wind and friends to share it with. Ahh a good day.

Scooting along

2011-06-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

This stamp just makes me smile ;-) With the price of gas, many of my friends and I are thinking it would be fun to have one of these little scooters for running errands. I live in an area were it rains a lot of the time and when you think of the cost of the scooter you realize it wouldn't be a cost affective choice, but it still looks like fun.

More sneak peeks

2011-06-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some additional sneak peeks from the upcoming catalog. I like the new in colorsand hope you will also.

More sneak peaks

2011-06-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

A little current and a little sneak peak. I love the new in colors and the new letter press, I think you will too. I have been using the new letter press as an embossing folder because I like the texture it creates. Enjoy.

Sneak Peek

2011-06-14T18:54:00.000-07:00

I have been having fun with some of the new stamps. This is one of my favorites. (It is along the line of French Foliage.) These are a few of the cards I made with one of the stamps in the set.

Pics of the craft palace

2011-06-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

Here is the CP in her rightful place in our back yard.

The pictures below are of the "bedroom".

I had the bed taken out. There is a ledge where part of the bed used to be. Four of my plastic shelves fit on the ledge.

I was able to fit one of those large folding tables across the rest of the room. It is very cozy back here and I am enjoying myself each day I play in the CP.

It has been so much fun to set thing up. I have rearranged things a bit and will probably do a bit more of it before I am totally satisfied with the results. TFL.

Yesterday was ribbon day

2011-06-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

I love my new stamping space in the CP. I spent several hours creating yesterday and the running theme seemed to be ribbon. I haven't moved my card stock yet because it will go where the bed frame currently is and I need to take that out. So, I used cardstock that I have in my left over bin for the cards I made. I had fun picking up a piece of paper and then selecting the stamp, punch, dsp, ribbon, etc. I usually start with the stamp and dsp first, so it was a nice change. It is fun to work out of a scrap bin and see what you can design. TFL

What"s on my workspace

2011-06-08T14:13:00.000-07:00

I am settling into my new craft space and thought I would share it with you. I now have a cozy place to create for myself and my friends. This is the kitchen table workspace I am currently using. I will be moving to the "bedroom" area once the bed frame is removed and this kitchen space will be for classes. Until that happens I am very happy in this area.

The neighbor dog, Lucy, is happy to have me in the area because I come and give her some attention on my way in to the CP. TFL.

The Craft Palace

2011-06-06T23:36:00.000-07:00

Yippee!!! Today the trailer, aka Craft Palace, was placed on our back lot where it is suppose to be. We have been trying since May 11 to get it in the right place, but the rain came every time the man from the RV place was scheduled to move it.

I am so very happy and blessed to have a place to do my card making and other crafts. My husband no longer has to sacrifice the dining room table for the Stampin' Up! annex and I don't have to feel guilty about leaving a half finished project on the table.

I still have some setting up to do, but I will be posting pictures in a day or so.

Love and Care

2011-05-25T01:06:00.000-07:00

The Love and Care hostess set is a flexible stamp set that I am enjoying during the Summer Mini time. I created the flower on the first card by stamping Melon Mambo first, followed be Peach Parfait. I like the combination.

These cards use the words from the Love and Care stamp set. I have friends going through some tough times and I hope these cards will bring them some love.

Thanks for looking today.

Demo Make & Take Cards

2011-05-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

Today I thought I would share with you some of the make and takes from our demo meeting last Saturday. We have such a wonderful group of demo's and we enjoy getting together with our uplines each month. Terry B., our demo grandmother, always does a good job of passing on information and encouraging everyone to contribute, and last week was no exception.

Here are some of the results:

This card was designed by my friend Karen. The flower stamp always makes me smile and I like how the card turned out.

Terry B. offered us this card and it was fun to see how each of us colored the feathers.

Another Terry B. card that she cased from the very talented Mary Fish. There are so many options with the new stamp punch, I am delighted SU! added it.

Jenn brought us this card and it was so much fun to watch us try to connect the cars on the train. We are all spoiled with the clear stamps and it does us good to work with wood mounted stamps occasionally. Guess you now know how I feel about the clear stamps. He he.

Thanks for looking. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I live near Seattle and we have sun here, so all the folks going on the Alaska cruise with SU! will have a good start.

Thank You

2011-05-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

We went to some friends for a dinner party a bit ago and this is the thank you card I sent to the hostess.

The Craft Palace

2011-05-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

Here is my new craft palace.....

and here is where it is suppose to be...

It was raining so hard on Wednesday, when they delivered the trailer, that they couldn't get the trailer up in the back yard. So it is next to my house until the grass dries out. Then they will return. It is hard to wait, but I keep telling myself that I didn't have it on Monday, so I can wait to put my stuff in it until it is in the right place. I am praying for sunshine.

Party with Friends

2011-05-10T11:50:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine just moved into an old farm house and invited us over to see her new home and have a Cinco de Mayo party. It was a wonderful day spent with friends and enjoying time together. Part of the party was that everyone brought a make and take to share, so today I thought I would share them with you. Hope you enjoy.

Tomorrow there will be pics of the "woman cave".

Bon Voyage

2011-05-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

I have friends going on a wonderful cruise to Iceland in a few weeks. I thought this would be a good Bon Voyage card to give them with their gift. I find "The Open Sea" stamp set and Nautical Expedition DSP are becoming two of my go to items. They are the basis for versatile projects and have an eye-catching appeal. TFL.

New Craft room

2011-05-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been MIA for a few days, but I have been having a FUN TIME!

Last week my husband took me to an RV show and he is buying my a travel trailer for a craft room. (We will be able to travel with it.) I have been taking over our kitchen area and he has been gracious about it, but he thought this would be a good idea. Yeah, a woman cave for me. I think it is a brilliant idea.

I am still working with the RV company as we are looking at two different models. I will post pics as soon as the deal is finished. Needless to say, I am just thrilled.

Ala Card Monkey #53

2011-04-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

I am late in posting for Ala Card Monkey this week, but I did want to participate in their Easter card challenge. What, you haven't been to Ala Card Monkey yet???? Please pop over and see the blog that Terry and Shirley Su have created. It is lots of fun to look at and it will spur your creativity. Here's the link: http://alacardmonkey.blogspot.com/

And here is my card for the challenge:

MOJO Monday 188

2011-04-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

I am in the mood to travel these days, so I put that energy into my entry for the MOJO Monday sketch this week. Hope you enjoy.

Welcome Baby

2011-04-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

This card makes me laugh every time I look at it. The "sun" is made starting with a scallop circle, then I used one of the edges of the star punch to punch each loop of the scallop. You can use the end result as a saw for male cards, as a sun like I did here, and it also works as a seal for a certificate. I saw the technique on someones blog and have found it very useful. Sorry, I don't remember whose blog it was.

Nature Walk

2011-04-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite stamp sets. I can always find inspiration when I look at it. These are two cards I made during our craft bazaar this past weekend.

Ala Card Monkey #52

2011-04-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

Here is my card for this weeks Ala Card Monkey challenge:

You may be asking why the nautical and coffee mix? This time of year I am preparing for my Summer weekend job with Princess Cruises and I am dreaming of the cruises I want to take at the end of the season. I enjoy doing this while sipping on my morning coffee, so I thought I would put the two together. TFL

Chic Boutique

2011-04-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

I have been gone for a bit because I was preparing for and attending a craft fair held this past weekend. I don't know what is happening around your area, but it was very slow here this weekend. Not many people out and about and even fewer buying anything. My friend, Barb, and I had a good time making cards and getting to know each other better, and we both appreciated our friends who came by to support us.

Here is a set of cards I made using the Chic Boutique stamp set to show folks what you could do with one stamp set.

Another OWH card

2011-04-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I took a box of cards to the post office for the Operation Write Home project. It is gratifying to be able to share with others, plus I had fun with friends the afternoon a group of us got together to make the cards. I have had the piece of black satin ribbon in my craft area for some time and finally found a use for it, used a bit of crystal affects on the flowers, and the card was ready to go. TFL.

Wildlife for alacardmonkey blog

2011-04-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

My friends Shirley Su and Terry have started a new challenge blog: http://alacardmonkey.blogspot.com/ that I think is going to be wonderful. Please pop over and take a look at the entries they already have.

This card is my entry for this week. It was fun to make the birds nest. Although I have seen it on other posts I can't remember the names of the blogs and didn't get the directions, so I was left to my own devices, which can be a dangerous thing. Anyway, this is my take on a birds nest. TFL.

If I had better computer skills I would be able to include the cute monkey from the blog, but alas I am handicapped in that area so please click on the link in the first line.

Sneak Peek

2011-03-29T13:02:00.000-07:00

Today I thought I would give you another sneak peek. Hope you enjoy

For the month of April people placing an order of $20.00 or more will be able to add the sneak peeks of Paisley Petal DSP and the Four Frames stamp set to their order. These are a peek at items from the upcoming catalog. The colors and the flourish of these papers is wonderful and the frames work with our Decorative Label punch.

Nature Walk

2011-03-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

One of the groups I follow had posted a list of colors that go with the new Paisley Petal DSP. I can't remember them all, but brown was one of the colors included in the list so I tried it with this card. I like the combination.

Spring...

2011-03-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

There is sunshine outside my window and it makes me smile. Hope this card will bring a smile to your face. The paper is new DSP from the upcoming catalog and the stamp set is an old favorite. I like this stamp set because you can "bling it up" or leave it plain and it looks good.

Operation Write Home

2011-03-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

I am going to be adding these cards to the ones I am sending to Operation Write Home. OWH is a wonderful organization that sends cards to our deployed troops so they can write to their families back home.

MU #36

2011-03-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

Here is my card for the Friday Mashup # 36. I like the sketch this week and had fun making the card. Thanks for providing the challenge ladies.

New Recruit

2011-03-18T16:24:00.000-07:00

I am happy to announce that Terry Surratt has joined my Stampin' Up! team. Welcome Terry!

We have been friends for many years and have enjoyed doing crafts together all of that time. We have traveled to conventions and enjoyed some type of craft retreat almost every year since we became friends. We are also planning on attending the Stampin' Up! convention in 2013 (we are saving our pennies, dimes, etc. now.)

Terry is very creative and makes some awesome scrapbooks. She is the queen of filling the book with fun foldout pages and embellishments.

Egg Card

2011-03-16T16:19:00.000-07:00

Last night was our monthly stamp club. The last couple of months I have been making a card to help Kim, the demo who does our club. This is the card I made to share last night. I punched "eggs" out of dsp using the small oval punch, then snailed them to very vanilla paper and ran that through the big shot using an embossing folder. The stamp is a retired one because I didn't have a Happy Easter stamp. I attached the "egg-ceptional" with a "wobble" so that it wiggles when you touch it. TFL.

Demo Swap March 12

2011-03-12T09:40:00.000-08:00

Here is my card for our Americanink SU! group today. I am enjoying the new label stamps and dsp we have been able to preview and I know you will enjoy them also. These preview items will be available to you in April, so please check back with me. TFL

Paper Piecing Morning Cup

2011-03-11T17:25:00.000-08:00

This is one of the cards I am going to be sending to our troops so that they have a crd to send to their family. I did some paper piecing with the Morning Cup set and added a bit of crystal affects. This is one of those cards that makes me happy that SU! has clear mount stamps because I could line up the "steam" coming out of the cups.

I also want to take time today to thank all of you who stop by my blog. It warms my heart to see folks stopping by.

OWH Mom

2011-03-09T15:48:00.000-08:00

Here is one of the cards I will be sending to Operation Write Home for Mothers Day. I used some of the new DSP - Paisley Petals - that is part of a sneak peek from the new catalog. I like this one because it picks up the color paper you use for the background.

Another Faux Silk

2011-03-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

Here is another of my faux silk technique cards. This time I have included some of the new DSP Blossoming paper coming soon as a sneak peek.

Faux Silk Umbrella's

2011-03-07T14:22:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I went to a SAS at one of my fiends and fellow demo's. One of the cards we did was faux silk. It was so much fun that I had to come home and make more designs with this techniques. Here are a couple of cards I made. I did the technique and then added another umbrella top to the outside of the card. I used a bit of crystal affects to let the handle stand out.

I am still on a roll with this techniques and will be sharing more cards latter this week. TFL.

Operation Write Home

2011-03-05T11:23:00.000-08:00

I was looking at some of my favorite blogs the other day and found this wonderful site www.operationwritehome.org . They coordinate cards for our troops. There are three ladies across the country who are the staging places for the cards. You send your cards to them and they box them up and get them to our troops. The website tells you all the guidelines, gives dates for holiday cards, and so much more. If you like to make cards, like I do, and you have more cards than you ever send, like I do, I would encourage you to check the group out.

Here are some of the cards I've made in the last couple of days that I will be sending next week.

Welcome Purple

2011-03-03T21:14:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to announce a new member to my team, Purple. Welcome!!

Purple is a wife, mother to one of the cutest little boys ever, a member of the armed services (thank you for your service), and a happy crafter. We connected via my Stampin' Up! website and I have enjoyed getting to know her and some of her friends at workshops in the last couple of months. She is excited about jumping right in to demo meetings and is looking at the fun opportunities SU! offers.

Help me welcome Purple.

Dazzling Diamonds and Superfine Glitter

2011-03-02T10:06:00.000-08:00

I admit I like to color. It brings back memories from my childhood of hours spent coloring with my Mom, who is very talented and creative. I used SU! crayons and an aqua painter on watercolor paper. I set it aside for several days because I wasn't sure how I was going to finish it off.

First I did a wash of glue and added Dazzling Diamonds before I cut the flowers out. It looked okay, but it wasn't exactly what I wanted. Then yesterday I cut the flowers out and added some green superfine glitter that SU! carries (it has been sitting in my stamp area neglected for too long.) Now I had what I needed to finish the card. Hope you enjoy it.

Morning Cup tea-riffic

2011-03-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

I think Concord Grape and Pear Pizzazz make a nice combination and I really like the texture of the in-color ribbon. Hope you enjoy today's steaming cup.

MOJO Monday 180 part 2

2011-02-28T17:09:00.000-08:00

I like this sketch and had to do another one.

I used a piece of card stock I had scored for an easel card and never used. The flowers and vase are on a 1" flap that I held down with a small magnet I found in my stash of "stuff".

MOJO Monday 180

2011-02-28T13:21:00.000-08:00

MOJO Monday 180 meets Sew Suite and DSP...it is a good thing.

Friday Mashup #33

2011-02-25T05:20:00.000-08:00

Today we have a color challenge from our friends at Friday Mashup. Something with So Saffron, Cherry Cobbler, and Early Espresso. Don't you think it's a nice combo? They are all very creative over there.

I had a good time making this card. I was looking through my craft supplies for some things to donate and I ran across a package of 5X5 fabric squares. I put one of the squares through the 2 scallops die, stitched and gathered around the center of each scallop and put one of the SU! ribbon roses in the center. I added some dew with crystal affects on the leaves and the flower petals, then added a few pearls. I have since removed the dew drops from the leaf, but I had already uploaded the pic with them on the card. Hope you enjoy.

Also, here is the Friday Mashup link incase you don't already have it bookmarked.

PPA82

2011-02-24T21:41:00.000-08:00

This was a fun card to make. I added crystal affects to the wings of the bees to make them stand out a bit. I like the bees on this DSP...just wishes there were a couple more pages of this pattern in the pack. Enjoy.

SUO 13 post 2

2011-02-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

I made two cards for this challenge and couldn't decide which one I liked best so I am posting both of them. I haven't used much of the peach parfait until now, but I like it and will be selecting it more often in the future.

I tried to post both cards and it would accept two...so I decided to enter this card in the challenge.

SUO 13

2011-02-23T10:53:00.000-08:00

My entry for the SUO challenge uses the Bliss set from SAB. I like the versatility of this set. The DSP is also from the SAB catalog. It makes me think of a bee hive, so I snuck in the bee from the Nature Walk set in the mini. TFL.

MOJO Monday 179

2011-02-22T00:28:00.000-08:00

Sew Suite and Puns From The Past came together for this weeks MOJO Monday entry. I like the sketch and had fun making the card. Hope you enjoy it too.

Friday Mashup #32

2011-02-18T15:19:00.000-08:00

Cupcakes with flowers and butterflies...speaks to me of Spring...which leads me to think of Spring flowers and my Bahma who loved cheery blossoms...which led me to the Easter Blossoms stamp set...which led to this card. Oh don't try to figure out the way the connections were made, but I can tell you that my mind is full of wonderful memories of Spring, my Bahma, and the wonderful and full life I have lived. I am truly blessed. Hope you enjoy this card.

Fun Flowers die

2011-02-17T14:31:00.000-08:00

I am so ready for Spring and decided to bring some flowers into my craft area using the Fun Flowers die. There are so many options with this die and the wonderful papers Stampin' Up! offers. This die also goes well with the Build A Blossom stamp set and Blossom Petals punch. You can create an entire garden of flowers to add to cards and scrapbook pages.

2011-02-16T15:02:00.000-08:00

I am on a roll with circles and rounded corners. I have also been looking at my embellishments and working to incorporate more of them on my cards and scrapbook pages. Hope you enjoy todays cards.

A Slice of Life

2011-02-15T12:58:00.000-08:00

I like this hostess set and all the things you can create with it. I like to color and this set helps feed that enjoyment. I have used watercolor pencils, our crayons, ink pads, and chalks all with success. I am listening to an audio book of Atlas Shrugged while I am making cards these days and it lends itself to coloring and putting bling on my cards. Hope you enjoy.

Morning Cup

2011-02-14T22:04:00.000-08:00

This Morning Cup set is such fun and the wisdom it expresses so true. I used some crystal affects on the coffee pot. I used the "splotchy" stamp from french foliage for the "coffee stains".

I have to add a PS to this post...after I hit the publish post button, a google ad came up for coffee stain removal. A bit creepy.

Sweet Summer

2011-02-11T11:21:00.000-08:00

This is such a fun set to stamp with and it brought a bit of Spring to my stamp area while I was making the cards.

Sympathy Cards

2011-02-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

I have been making cards for the staff at my church to send out. I have recently had requests for sympathy cards. Here are a couple I will be delivering later this week.

Workshop Valentines

2011-02-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

Here are the cards I presented at a resent workshop. The ladies got to choose which card stock they preferred. I will be sad when Valentines Day has passed because I have enjoyed making lots of love cards this year. It has been a fun season.

Baby Blossom

2011-02-05T19:22:00.000-08:00

I have come to enjoy this stamp set. I got it originally for the frame and I have come to like the other elements as well.

Fine Flourish

2011-02-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

I have been enjoying the relaxation of coloring these last couple of days. I have been listening to a book on tape as I colored and I have enjoyed the many options this stamp, Fine Flourish, offers. I used SU! colored pencils for this card and like how it turned out. Hope you enjoy.

Birthday Celebration

2011-01-28T13:47:00.000-08:00

I am so glad that SU! has embossing folders. I think they can add so much to our cards and I use them often. I am also enjoying the seam binding. I pulled a couple of threads on this piece and gathered it to add some additional interest o the card. TFL.

Sweet Summer from SAB

2011-01-27T14:28:00.000-08:00

This stamp from the Sweet Summer set in the Sale-a-Bration catalog is very versatile. I used it with these two cards and watercolor paper. I am making cards for the staff at my church. I like making the cards and can't use all of them and the staff likes having homemade cards to send. It is so fulfilling to be able to use my creativity and have others enjoy it. TFL.

FM #28 & PPA77

2011-01-21T13:03:00.000-08:00

I am using this card for two challenges today: Friday Mashup #28 is all about birds and Pals Paper Art is a sketch. The colors I used are Early Espresso, Soft Suede, and Baja Breeze which is one of my all time favorites. I used Nature Walk and Punch Bunch from SAB stamps; and I added a touch of Baja Breeze binding. Hope you enjoy.

Stamp Club Cards

2011-01-20T15:00:00.000-08:00

For the last 3 years I have been attending a monthly stamp club conducted by my upline Kim. Every month she comes up with wonderful projects for us to do. I often recreate the projects to give to others. Sometimes I case the items and sometimes I add to them. Last night we got together again for a night of fun and creativity. When I got home I modified the cards just a bit and I want to share them with you.

For this card I colored the ribbon rose.

I made a few more changes on this card. First I added pearls that I colored with ink. Next time I will color them before I put them on the card, but I didn't plan to color them when I first added them. The original card used Very Vanilla binding for the ribbon, I changed it to Crumb Cake binding, tied it in a soft double knot and set the rose in the knot. I use the double knot technique often because I like the softness it creates and it is a nice choice when a bow is too much and a single knot is not enough.

Thanks for the projects Kim. Thank you to the rest of you for stopping by.

Stamping with a Friend

2011-01-19T17:12:00.000-08:00

On Monday I spent the day with a good friend making cards and catching up. She cooked me a wonderful Birthday dinner complete with home canned corn that was so very tasty.

So today I am sharing some of the cards I made. TFL.

Friday Mashup #27

2011-01-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

Here is my card for the Friday Mashup this week. I like the color combo.

If you click on the mashup button it will take you to the blog and you can see the rest of the cards. Enjoy.