Sparkling Ornaments

I saw a really cute and simple card on Gretchen Barrons' blog and thought I could make one like it. Here is my version of her card. I will warn you, glitter is everywhere now! But with a name like Sparks and my clown name being Sparkles, as well as my demonstrator password to join my team...well, glitter is my friend. I love it and am always "sparkling."

For this card I used Real Red cardstock layered with a piece of the new Holiday Lounge Designer Series paper. I think used the large oval punch and the new designer label punch to make the "lights." I used the ultra fine glitters to sparkle the lights. I then put it all together as shown using stampin' dimensionals to give it a lift.

It's My Birthday...the BIG 50!

Today is my birthday...the big 50. It doesn't feel any different than any other birthday other than the fact that I have new aches and pains upon rising each morning. But, at least I am getting up! The Lord has always been good to me and why should I doubt Him now?

Anyway, since some of you don't really know me, I thought I would share a card about some things I love...So, in case you are wondering what to get me...LOL! Just kidding, just keep looking here for inspiration and ordering via my website when you can! Thanks for all the birthday well wishes and may we all have many more!

Last Days to Become a Demonstrator for only $85

Hurry, this is the last 2 days to become a demonstrator for only $85. I would not want you to miss out on this fantastic deal! You can start stamping and saving and building your own papercraft business with Stampin' Up! for only $85. That is more than 50% off the usual price of $199.

I love to paper craft and share gifts and ideas and I know that there are many of you who also love to do this. Why not become your own best customer and order from yourself? That is what I have done and stamping does not cost me anything. Mind you, I am not getting rich from my hobby, but I do make enough to buy new stamps, inks and accessories by selling enough to break even every year. But I do know that many, many demonstrators have quit their FT jobs just to do Stampin' Up! and they earn cruises every year plus lots more benefits.

If you have even been thinking about joining...don't delay. Jump right over to my website and click on start your own business. My password is sparkles. This special ends on August 31st.

Getting Back to the Basics

Sometimes we all need a little reminder of the basics and why we do what we do. It is no different with card making or scrapbooking. I love to make paper crafts and to scrapbook. I love to be able to bless the lives of others with the cards and gifts that I have made. I love to keep my hands and mind busy.

That is why I am posting a basic scrapbook page and a video technique from Stampin' Up! about scrapbooking today. Stampin' Up! has wonderful products, rich inks and colors that compare to no one else. Their products are truly a step above. Try it, you be a believer too. I hope you will enjoy this and feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want to purchase any of the fine products you see here. Click here to see the video. Have a great day and get back to the basics!

Accordian Flowers and Technique

Here is a quick and simple card that uses a technique that I had not ever tried before. It is the accordian-folded flower technique that I got directly from Stampin' Up! I am going to give you the link here and challenge you to try it. It is great for those little strips of designer series papers (DSP) that end up too often in the trash. Click here for the technique link and happy stamping!

A Baby Onesie Card Idea

This cute little card is done by making a tent card to start with and then taking "bites" out of the top and bottom for the neck and leg holes. The sides were trimmed to make it look like sleeves. The lace is made using the scalloped circle punch with a hole punched in it. All together it makes a great baby card. I love the look with the polka dots on the whisper white and then the pink hippo sets the whole thing off perfectly. Note the detail of the snaps at the bottom of the card! Wouldn't it be cute to find a baby onesie and make a matching card!

Cards for Kids

As you all know, kids are special to me, especially the "special" kids. I worked at Scottish Rite Childrens' Hospital for years and have always been a BIG supporter for the hospitals for children. Well, now I want to solicit your help in making what I am calling "Cards for Kids." The kids in the hospitals need cards and the families need cards to send out to friends and neighbors. Also, there is a big need for lunch bags. Why not join some of the national Stampin' Up! demonstrators who support these efforts by stamping with me! I will be hosting a FREE event to make cards on Saturday, September 26th from 9-1 at the Burnt Hickory church of Christ building. Won't you please mark your calendar to support this event.

See these links from a fellow demonstrator in Las Vegas. She has been supporting these events for a long time and the needs never seem to lessen.

http://www.sugardoodle.net/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4995

http://rmhc.org/how-you-can-help/volunteer/30-ways-in-30-days/spread-the-word-by-sharing-your-story/

http://latenightstamper-stampandscrap.blogspot.com/

Remember to mark your calendars now for the great event. Email me to let me know you will be coming. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Greenhouse Garden

I have to admit, this stamp set did not even catch my eye when I first saw it in the catalog, but this little card did. What could be better than Pretty in Pink and Certainly Celery? I think these colors are gorgeous together and the touch of Basic Black sets if off perfectly. To see this stamp set for yourself, go to page 94 in the new catalog. Remember, you can order from me anytime 24/7 by clicking here to my Stampin' Up! website. See you soon!

Season of Friendship

I am so glad this stamp set made it into the big catalog this year. I got it last year from a mini catalog and waited to see if it made it. Yea! The Season of Friendship is a great set and I love the colors of this fall card done with DSP and buttons. It is a layered card with lots of dimensions that I would not make bunches of, but it is beautiful. Feel free to case, I know I did!

Praying for You

Of course, this card is just simply elegant and beautiful to me. I love the simplicity of the layout and it can be done over and over with different stamp sets. The colors in this one are so striking with the dark Night of Navy against the light Bashful Blue. Please note the subtle bashful blue sponging around the edge the whisper white. I love the stamp set used here because it is so versatile. It is a set of 8 for only 25.95 and has lots of great sentiments. Just looking at this card is peaceful to the mind and soul.

A Build-a-Roo Card

Ever since we were introduced to kangaroos in the Winnie the Pooh books they have been irresistible to me. The Build-a-Roo set can be seen on page 63 in the Idea Book and Catalog. Although this card does not have a sentiment on it, I love the way the sentiments in this set are all curved. It helps to set the circular framing seen in this card. The backgrounds and layers help to bring your focus to the little roos.

Blooming Beautiful Card

This card is from the set Blooming Beautiful and the stamp sets name says it all. It features a little coloring and the saffron brads and ribbon. The garden green background papers and the Big Shot Top Note die frames the whole thing. This is another lovely example of pretty without being overdone. See you soon.

Quick and Easy

Quick and easy is the name of the game when it comes to making cards and getting them out to friends and family. I love the ease of having everything at hand and seeing an idea and then being able to sit down and make it. While I am at it, it is just as easy to make several as to do one. This little card is a prime example. Once I get all the dimensions the way I want it, I measure and cut to make a few. Then, you can make them all the same or alter the colors and get a whole new look. Wouldn't this make a great box of thank you notes, especially in a variety of colors. The stamp set is a hostess set called Kind and Caring Thoughts. You just have to book a $500 or more party to get this baby for FREE. Let me do a party for you and your friends and see how easy it is to earn FREE stamps and accessories.

Flight of the Butterfly

You know me, clean and simple stamping is my style. That is why I love this simple little card. It is using colors I don't use too often...Cameo Coral and Garden Green with a touch of Crushed Curry. The stamp set used is called For All You Do ans can be seen on page 118 in the catalog. This set has lots of elements that can be used in a variety of ways. You will even see an idea for home decor SU! did with it in the catalog if you look. The brads and the hemp just set this card off perfectly. Not too little, not too much.

Baby Shower Invite

Isn't this the cutest little baby shower invitation that you have seen in a while? This was made by a stamper friend, Ilina and is just so cute I had to share it with you all. She made is using Bashful Blue and Very Vanilla cardstock and ink. The stamp set featured on this invitation is Nursery Necessities. The wording was done with Introducing and Please Come. I love all the little details like the scallops on the bottom of the invitation and the ribbon to tie it all shut.

Feel free to CASE (copy and share everything). I know I will next time I get to do some shower invitations.

A beautiful medallion card done with the In Colors, Soft Suede and Crushed Curry. I am loving the new Clear Scalloped Bigz die for the cards. And the Teeny Tiny Wishes set has sentiments for every, and I mean every occasion. This is a set of 24 stamps all for only 35.95. If you do the math, that means that each stamp costs only 1.59 each!

Elephants Never Forget!

Well, elephants may not forget, but I sometimes do. Today is my mother-in-laws birthday...Happy Birthday! This little card would be perfect for any number of occasions. Great for kids or the kids at heart type of folks. The stamped elephant is from the set, Animal Stories and is stamped with an In Color ink Melon Mambo. The designer paper is from the Tall Tales assortment and the polka dot ribbon is also Melon Mambo. The blue is Brilliant Blue and the yellow is Crushed Curry. The layered sentiment is of course done with an assortment of the oval punches that Stampin' Up! has to offer. Remember, you can order anytime, 24/7 by clicking here.

Garden Whimsy

If you know me, you know this card is the kind I make the most. Very simple, easy and straight forward. I like to think of it as clean and simple stamping. I do like a challenge but not too often! This card features the stamp set called Garden Whimsy and uses the brighter colors I like best. The card is Lovely Lilac and layered with Gable Green, Pixie Pink and Whisper White. The bottom of the card was rolled using the Jumbo roller and the Whimsy wheel with Lovely Lilac ink. A small piece of Whisper White grosgrain ribbon ties it all together.

P.S. In case she looks, Happy Birthday to my darling daughter, Aubrey.

Kind and Caring Thoughts

This card is done with a level 3 Hostess set called Kind and Caring Thoughts. It is very beautiful and makes quick and easy cards like the one seen here. To get this set all you have to do is host a party at your house or mine, invite a few of your friends and family to have some fun and take some orders. Once you and your friends get your hands on the wonderful products Stampin' Up!
has to offer...well, it sells itself. Getting to the Level 3 hostess mark is easier than you think. I would love to do a party for you and your friends. Leave me a comment or email me and we will get the calendar going!

It's "Bearly" Christmas!

Isn't this card adorable? It uses all non-Christmas stamp sets. The bear is done with the set called Under the Stars and the gifts and hat are done using the Sock Monkey Accessories set. The whole picture was water colored and with the help of some designer paper and the Big Shot you have a wonderful totally non-Christmas stamp set card. How cute is that?

Mountain Card of Dreams

This card is similar to one seen a couple of days ago here in that it uses the torn paper, brayer effect to make the mountains. This is a beautiful example of a fall card I think! I will let you just look and dream!

Another Christmas Card

Here is another Christmas card I made for my "Christmas in July" stamp-a-stack. This one has a Whisper White card, layered with Basic Black and some red/green designer paper. I added the old olive ribbon and punched the corners on the focal point. The image was from the Christmas Cardinal stamp set. I used the 2 way glue pen to add the red ultra fine glitter to make the berries. Easy Peasy! Now get out there and make those cards!

Hello Baby

The new stamp set Animal Stories in the catalog on page 88 just looks like it would make the cutest kid cards! Match it up with the Tall Tales designer papers that were made to go with it and you have instant success with your cards or scrapbook pages. This card is a perfect example of just such success. I love the images and the simplicity. The sentiment comes from the set Teeny Tiny Wishes. Note the detail like the faux stitching on the Crushed Curry cardstock.

Sympathy Card

Just look at this beautiful card! Anyone would love to get this card in the mail. It was done with the Big Shot large ovals, designer paper and the Thoughts and Prayers stamp set seen on page 52 in the Idea Book and Catalog (IBC). The little mountains are done using the torn paper technique at the bottom and the tree and background have been colored using sponges and sponge daubers. The pearls are from the Pretties Kit on page 178. Put it all together and you have a wonderful wow card. If you want to see one of these made or want to learn to make one, call me or email me for a class or better yet, book a party and we will make one at your party!

A Simply Beautiful Card

Well, you know how I love to make simple yet striking cards. Here is another one I plan to CASE as soon as I can. I love the bright colors and the simplicity. You can find all the directions here as well as clicking here to order everything you need to make this card.

Stamp sets used: Of the Earth (hostess level 1 set), pg 13

Short and Sweet, pg 141

1. Fold Whisper White cardstock to make card


2. Layer colored squares 1 1/4" squares (Gable Green, Brilliant Blue, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie)


3. Punch 4 1 3/8" Basic Black Squares


4. Layer stamped white circle to black scalloped circle


5. Medium red oval punch layered with white small sentiment oval punch


6. Add ribbon


7. Send it out to Bless someone!

A Cute Little Pagemarker

This little page marker makes a wonderful bookmark. It uses some basic origami folds and then some embellishments. The stamp set is called Teacher's Pet and is on page 89 of the IBC and sells for only 18.95. It would make a wonderful gift for any elementary grade teacher. You could give it with some washable ink and the dog or cat stamp could also be used as a tatoo! Get all the details for making this bookmark by clicking here!

Another Birthday Card

Ok, so I want to remind you of my upcoming Birthday Card stamp-a-stack that will be next Saturday, the 15th at 10 a.m. This is just a cute little birthday card that will be great for a gift. I am not giving you all the details here because we might do this one on that day. Enjoy!

RSVP now to hold your spot!

Owl Be Seeing You!

Is this owl the cutest or what?? This little owl was made with punches and the Big Shot and Circle Scissor Plus. The sentiment is from the set Great Friend seen on page 107 in the catalog. The backgound papers are from some of the wonderful Designer Papers as offered by Stampin' Up!

I don't have a date yet, but I will be starting a punch book with my stamping friends very soon. What is a punch book you ask? Well, it is a book that will show you how to make little fellows like this owl and oh so many more using some of the wonderful punches by Stampin' Up! I first need to clear my calendar and set some dates so come back soon to see when we will start and get all the details.

Cupcake Card

Ok, so it is my 2nd day back at school. I am in need of sweets but being forever on a diet I will have to settle for this little cupcake card. It fits the bill for today. OK, for the supplies on this card.

Stamp sets used were Full of Life, Simple Birthday Thanks and Sprinkles

Cardstock used was Barely Banana, Bemuda Bay, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, and Real Red

Ink used was Chocolate Chip and Real Red and Bermuda Bay

Accessories used was Bermuda Bay ribbon, Elementary Ribbon originals, scallop edge punch and paper piercing tool, 1/4" circle punch.

P.S. Not that he would ever see this, but Happy Birthday to my brother Chuck! Today is his birthday. Eat some cake for me!

Fabulous Friend Bag

Stampin' Up! has a wonderful die for the Big Shot that makes this cute little bag. Before you put it together punch out a window and add a little piece of acetate. Then stamp and assemble your bag and embellish as desired. This bag was done using Basic Gray cardstock and stamped using the Baroque Motifs set. The embellishment is from the Only Ovals stamp set and the little pearl is from the Pretties kit. Of course, everything you see on this project is from Stampin' Up! my favorite craft supply store and you can order from them/me anytime 24/7! Click here to order now!

You can fill this with any little thing, but make mine with chocolate please!

Faux Metal Technique Training

Today I am posting a video training for the Faux Metal technique. I did this as a technique class a while back and since I will not be doing it again for a while I thought I would post this video for your viewing and learning pleasure. Enjoy!

Click here for the video link.

Happy Birthday Month to Me!

Well, it is officially August and even though my birthday is not until the 30th I am celebrating all month long. Hey, it's my perogative! So, I am posting a cute birthday card today and reminding you that I am doing my annual birthday card stamp-a-stack on August 15th this year. The time will be at 10 a.m. and we will make 10 great cards for $20. I hope you will mark your calendar now to come. It will be fun and you will make cards for lots of friends and family on your list.

This is just one of the fabulous cards we will be making! RSVP soon.