Stamp with Heather

Card Tins

Adam needed a thank you gift for one of the lovely ladies that he works with.  His two co-workers have been WONDERFUL this year, very supportive and sweet to our family so I wanted to make them something.  I was really happy with the way this tin turned out.  I wanted to keep it simple and 'clean' but I like the "punch" of the ribbon and letters.

I used some Prima flowers on the tin and simply attached it to the paper using a brad before attaching the paper to the tin.  The letters are a premade chipboard letter that I ordered on-line a while back with the matching ribbon.  Inside the container I put 15 cards and 4 dividers (birthday, thank you, seasonal and blank).  I will post the other tin soon!  Thanks for looking!

Another Gift Idea

I had a few gifts I wanted to make for people at school (which by the way is all done!!!)  I thought of the idea of a "Party in a Bag".  So I bought nachos, salsa, water bottles and a variety of Crystal Light powders for the individual water bottles and this is what I came up with:

These little pouches were super quick and easy to make.  First off I cut a variety of scrapbook paper and attached them to the water bottle to cover the labels(my dimensions were 1 1/2 x 10 but this will vary depending on the water bottle).  My thought on this is like wine charms, people will know their water bottle based on the scrapbook paper wrapped around it!  The little pouches are 1 3/4 by 10 and scored at 3 inches from the one end.  Fold this end over and hold with the 2 brads.  I then used my 1 1/4 circle punch and punched the top of the pouch.  I then put it over top of the water bottle lid and had a glue dot at the other end of the package to hold it flat against the water bottle. 

Supplies: Dots and Dashes scrapbook paper, a variety of brads, adhesive, Polka Dots and Petals Stamp Set

This is the card that I made to go with the package (I matched the scrapbook paper with the bottles)  It was a quick card using Pumpkin Pie, Pink Passion and Pixie Pink.  It uses the stamp set Polka Dots and Paisley and soft subtles buttons.

Thank you card

I was asked to make a thank you card for someone last week.  With the sun shining bright I thought I needed to use some fun, bright colours!  I used Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Real Red and Only Orange.

I cut the flowers from Bodacious Bouquet stamp set.  I then popped them up.  I'm excited that this set isn't retiring (although it is on the dormant list - you can still buy it BUT it won't be in the catalogue!)

I've also pulled out the hodge podge, I should do it more often!  I think that the Ages Copper is my favourite!  I'm so glad this is still in the new catalogue.....

Just a quickie!

I will post a picture later today but I thought I would post a couple of things:

1.  TODAY is the LAST day I am putting in an order for the 2006/07 catalogue!  If you *need* anything that is retiring or would like any paper (remember they are going up 75 cents a package) now's the time!  Please just email me at adamsum@yahoo.com if you'd like anything!

2.  I have to show off my little cutie pie Nathan.  My friend Matt is an AMAZING photographer and he came over the other day to take some shots of Nathan for a baby project that I'm working on (and will share soon).  Anyhow, if you're in the mood for seeing my little guy CLICK HERE to see the great shots of Nathan!  I will let you in on the baby project stuff and more about Matt later!  Thanks for looking!!!

Thank You 3x3 Holders

So Sunday night it finally hit me, my kids only have 3 days left of school.....OH NO!!!  That means I only have 2 days to come up with the teacher gifts!?!?  Where did the time go?  My first thing I am going to share that I made are some 3x3 cards.  I made 10 cards (2 of each design) and a corresponding little box and tag for both the secretary and the librarian.  I LOVE the stamp set Wild About You and the kids picked this set to make the cards. 

These cards are all 3x3 and I accented them all with the SU gingham ribbon.  I added a few extra 'touches' with the markers on the cards

I made some boxes to hold the 10 cards(I LOVE boxes!!! The more cutting the better!)  I am really happy with the finished products.

Told you I'd Scrap It!

A few posts back I had some pictures of Nathan in the Jolly Jumper for the first time and I had said I couldn't wait to scrap it!  Well for my Scrappers 6 this month we did this very simple and fun layout.  I have to say that I thrilled with the final product considering we kept adding to it in the class!  I like the added embellishments of the ribbon and the Little Pieces.  These pages make me smile!

Stamps: Big Pieces (oh, I hope it makes the new catalogue), Little Pieces, Phrase Starters (retired)

Colours: Only Orange, Cool Caribbean (almost retired...so sad!), Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip

Other: Hodge Podge Aged Copper, Turquoise Ribbon, Variety of Circle Punches

OK, so I'm looking for some suggestions/advice.  My friend Laura and I were talking about pictures and what you do with them.  After you scrapbook a page of memories what do you do with all the photos that don't make a scrapbook page?  Do you put them in a photo album, pitch them, put them in a box????  How do you organize all of this?  This is my biggest challenge with scrapbooking.  Thanks for your advice!

My Retiring Sets I can part with

*I've been responding to my emails in order as it is first come first serve.  I have modified my list below with the names of those that are purchasing the sets.  I have decided to delete the sets that are sold to make it a bit easier for everyone.  If anything falls through, I'll keep you posted!  Thanks so much!!!

Well, I've had to do this a few times because some sets I just can't part with!  I was going to make this post about a week ago but really wanted to make sure that I was okay with selling these sets!  So here goes, SU policy does not allow its demonstrators to sell current sets that are used.  However, once July 1st hits the following sets are retired and up for grabs.  So I thought I'd post my list of sets to you now and if you would like one, two or more of these sets I will accept them on a first come, first serve basis.  If it is not otherwise stated, the stamps are cut and have been used. I have calculated the price of these stamp sets at catalogue price, plus shipping and taxes then 50% off.  Also the more you buy from me, the more I am willing to offer in savings.  Because we are not supposed to photograph pictures of stamp sets, if you are not sure what the set is I recommend you going to Splitcoaststampers (Click Here), then click on gallery in the top right corner and the stamp sets are alphabetized and there are lots of samples and an image of the stamp set for you to preview.  So here goes, these are my sets for sale:

• Season Sketches (from two years ago) $25.68
• Alphabet Soup (Sell-a-bration set from two years ago) $15
• In Full Bloom $21.91
• Sleigh Full of Toys $17.52
• Shapes (from two years ago) $10.63
• Too Terrific Tags (Sell-a-bration set from two years ago) $15
• Open for Trade $27.56
• On Angels Wings $18
• Send a Celebration (Sell-a-bration set from two years ago) $15
• Suitable for Framing (Level 3 Hostess set from 2 or 3 years ago) $20
• All Natural $15.64
• Paint Petals (Sell-a-bration set from 2 years ago) $10 - well loved
• Ornament Wheel $5.33
• Mitten Wheel $5.33
• Little Hellos $17.52
• All Decked Out $15.64
• Festive Four $10.63
• Little Layers Plus(missing one stamp - graduation cap) $15

If you are intersted in any of these sets or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at adamsum@yahoo.com

Have a great day!

Why I love scrapbooking...

I started off my journey in paper crafts by stamping cards and making boxes (I admit, I love the challenge of cutting!!!)  I didn't actually ever think that I would become a scrapbooker.  But then I started writing down the memories and moments with my kids and thought I should really them available for my children for years to come.  This is one of my favourite pages, not because of the layouts or the colours, rather the story.  Mark and I have a great bedtime routine of expressing our love and I just had to scrap it because he is starting to say, "Not tonight mom"(which breaks my heart but I realize he's growing and going through new stages which are fun and exciting!)  So here is is:

Colours: True Thyme (sad to see it leaving!), More Mustard, Buckaroo Blue

Others: Sizzix Letters, Coluzzle Circle Cutter, Slot Punch, True Thyme Stitched Ribbon, Vintage Brads, Square Punch

To Dye For.....How to Dye your Primas

In case you haven't heard SU is going to be carrying white flowers that are very similar to Primas and you can dye them!!!!  I am SO excited!!!  If you don't own reinkers, I'm thinking you may start buying them....dye your glitter, dye your ribbon and now flowers!!!!  CRAZY!!!  So, here goes:

Step #1.  Gather your supplies.  You'll need reinkers, a plastic container, flowers and water.

Step #2.  I used about 8 drops of liquid to dye 6 flowers.  I used the ratio of 4 drops of water to 4 drops of reinker.  The more vibrant you'd like your colour the more reinker you should use.  I found the ratio of 1 to 1 to produce a colour very similar to that of the SU paper.  So, mix the liquid in a container, put your flowers in the container and shake it baby!  I did this and let them sit for a minute or two to absorb the colour then take them out and set on Kleenex to dry.  As you can see in the picture it'll absorb the extra liquid while the flowers dry. 

Step #3.  My flowers took about an hour and a half to completely dry on their own.  Another batch that I dyed I used my heat gun with and they dried in no time!

Try it out, let me know how your flower dying goes!!!

Baroque Motifs

OK, so have I been teasing you enough with the BEAUTIFUL set, Baroque Motifs, that is coming out in the next catalogue(in 10 more days)!!!  If you click Download fallwinpreview_07CAN.pdf you can see a sneak peek at a bunch of the new sets that are coming, one of which is Baroque Motifs.  Sorry, I couldn't resist:

 

Retiring Accessories List

So it's here!!!  The retiring accessories list......  Download accessories.pdf (click on the underlined word to see the list appear)

These are all a first come, first serve basis.  Once SU is out, you can no longer get any of these supplies (the pressure is on!!!)  Don't be disappointed!!!  If the item is highlighted in red, it is no longer available, yellow means limited quantities and green means they have lots.  This list changes daily (I will try and remember to update it each day for you)  Don't hesitate should you need anything.  Have a great day! 

River Rock....yum!!!

I really like the new colours SU has come out with for next year's catalogue.  My favourite has got to be River Rock, very earthy and right up my alley! 

I was really happy with the way this card turned up.  I did it the other night at my downline meeting.

Colours: River Rock, Sky Blue, Always Artichoke

Stamps: Baroque Motifs

Others: Cutting Tool for edges, Ice Brads (coming very SOON!!!)

This card was very quick and simple.  I did the motif in the background 'full' strength with the ink and then stamped off around the edges. 

What are you most excited for in the new catalogue? Stamps? Inks? Paper (did I mention we're carrying textured paper soon!), Ribbon?

Scrappy Chick Cased

I really like this site by The Scrappy Chick.  She has some great layouts, wonderful use of colour and most of her scrapbook pages include stamping!  So I totally cased the idea and layout for my Scrappers 6 page from her (thanks!!!)  Here's my slightly modified version:

Colours: Vintage Violet, Cool Caribbean (not a combination I would normally do but I love the way it turned out!), Almost Amethyst, Tempting Turquoise

Stamps: Big Blooms (only available to the end of June), Big Deal Alphabet, Little Pieces

Other: White Gel Pen, 1/2 Circle Punch

Overlays...what are they and how to use them

First off I should say Happy Father's Day to all the dads that read my blog!!!(OK, that made me laugh!)  I guess I should be appologizing to all Father's that have wives or daughters that are looking at my blog on "their" day!  Thought I'd share a scrapbook page with you today.  I went to see my friend Sheila at Scrappin Great Deals (if you haven't gone to her site or her store click on the link and check out her stuff!!!) last week and picked up just a few things that of course I *needed*.  While I was there she was showing me a few scrapbook pages using overlays....they are AMAZING!!!

So, here's my page, or at least the work I did (which took all of maybe 10 mintues):

Cute pictures but lacking something, right???

Well, here's a photo of the overlay(doesn't include the circle at the bottom left:

An overlay is basically a sheet of overhead paper (or window sheet) with patterns or words on it and all you do is decorate your page, then put the overlay on top and VOILA you're done a page (and quickly too!!!)  Here's the finished product:

How fun!!!!  I got a couple of them so as I create the pages I'll share them with you!!!  I have to say I was very excited by these!  I wouldn't do them for every page but once in a while I think it'll be great!  I added the embellishment on the bottom left by using the 1/2 circle punch on scrapbook paper and then stamping the words "my boy", attached them to the overlay with glue dots and covered them with Crystal Effects.

Barb, it's a 12x12 layout.  The big picture is an 8x10 and then the little ones are wallet sizes of 2x3.

Pick a Petal....Seriously?

OK, so yesterday I posted a card using the Pick a Petal stamp set that's coming soon in a catalogue near you!  Well, these two cards are made with the same set!  The funny thing is I made the white card with my downline after seeing so many cards with ladybugs on them (I think made by Papertrey) so I thought I could make one with this set.  Then I went on splitcoast and saw a ton of them made like this AND to top it off I got a card from my friend Daphne the same day I had my downline meeting with the same idea on the card!!!  TOO FUNNY!!!  (I must have seen the idea, forgotten about it and then magically believed I was a genius!)  I LOVE Daphne's card with the black brads on the antennae...amazing idea! (Sorry Daphne, I put my name on your card, but I've forgotten how to change my watermark and I didn't think you'd mind as long as there was a copyright....hope it's okay!)  Daphne's card uses two of the new In Colours (sky blue and guava...great combo!!!)  Thanks again for the card!  Have a great day!

Pick a Petal....Fun Set!

Good Evening!  Sorry I'm so late in posting, it's been a busy and very unproductive day!  I thought I'd post a card with another new SU set called Pick a Petal.  It's a whole lot of fun, it comes with a bunch of different petals and then you can create your own flowers or images.  I think it has great potential for scrapbooking!

Stamps: Pick a Petal (NEW!), Hugs and Wishes (NEW) and All in a Row (LOVE IT...faux stitching with ink!)

Colours: Basic Black, Purely Pomegranite

Others: Chip Board Flower Petal and pieces from the NEW chip board (Are you getting excited yet about the new catalogue???), Black Brad, NEW scrapbook paper

Here's a close up of the chipboard...isn't it exciting?!?!  The petals are a great fit on the chipboard.  I'll post another card using this set tomorrow! 

Baroque Motifs....LOVE IT!!!

I absolutely love this stamp set!  I can't get over the versitility of it....fun and bright or grown up and pretty!  I made this page of Mark from pictures I took the other day.  I'm trying to use up my In Colour sheets so this is also a page we are doing for our Scrappers 6. 

Colours: Morning Marigold, Cool Caribbean, Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise

I was really happy with the way the layout turned out as well.  Just wanted to let you all know that SU will be carrying the circle scallop punch as of July 1st as well!!!  Here's a close up of the added embellishments on the page.  The circle I simply pushed on the white craft ink pad to give the paper some 'texture' and I used the paper piercer to make holes in the scalloped edge. 

Can't wait to scrap it!

I will have some photos to post later today of the cards we made tonight at my downline meeting!  I just want to say a quick THANKS to 'my girls' (how possessive does that sound?!?!) for coming tonight, sharing your AMAZING work and creating with me.  I had a blast, hope you did too!!!

So here are just a couple of pictures of Nathan that I can't wait to scrap.  I put him in the Jolly Jumper today...just to hang out.  He loves being upright and has great muscle strength so I put him in here while I tried to get some laundry away.  He didn't really move in it but he seemed to really like it.  Another quick update....he can officially roll over (UGH....I like babies that don't move!!!)

Father's Day and a Faux Leather Belt Quick Tutorial

I was really happy with this card (okay the truth comes out....it was cased!!!)  I saw a few examples like this on Splitcoaststampers so I thought it would make a perfect Father's Day card at my stamp camp!  I was thrilled with the way the card turned out and I have to say I sold a few of the Pocket Fun stamp sets (which is retiring) so people must have enjoyed the card!

Stamps:  Aida Cloth, Pocket Fun, Everyday Flexible Phrases, All Year Cheer

Colours: Brocade Blue, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Night of Navy

Other: Tag Punches, Vintage Brads

Here's just a quick tutorial for you to try: Faux Leather Belt....it's quick and simple and I love the outcome!

Step #1: Cut paper to desired size.

Step #2: Spray the paper with water.

Step #3: Crinkle the paper up into a tiny ball (not to worry, I promise it'll turn out!!!)

Step #4: Open the paper and press it out flat with your fingers.  I really push on it so the paper will sit as flat as possible.  Let dry and then use! 

Making a Flower Tutorial

I often get asked how I make some of the different flowers I use on cards or scrapbooking so I thought I'd share how I made my petals spaced equally for this card.  I appologize now that the tutorial pictures are not as crisp as the card.  Anyone have any suggestions for improving photographs inside at night with a digital Canaon Rebel XT?  Any help would be SO much appreciated!!!  This card is sortof an "in with the new, out with the old" card.  I used the new colour Sky Blue with Almost Amethyst and Vintage Violet(retiring:(  BUT check out the VERY cool ICE BRADS that will be available from SU come July 1st!  Anyhow, back to the tutorial:

Step #1.  Figure out how many petals you would like on your flower.  Find a stamp that has this many object equally spaced apart.  For example, I wanted 6 petals so I used the stamp from Baroque Motifs that has 6 petals equally spaced apart.  Stamp on a scrap piece of paper. 

Step #2.  With a marker and ruler, extend your lines on your scrap piece of paper.  These will be the guides to help position your petals.

Step #3.  Lay your petals on your scrap paper, lining up the tip of the petal with the tip of the orange stamped image.  Line the center of the petal up with the hand drawn extended line.

Step #4.  Apply adhesive to the back of whatever you are using for the middle of your flower.  Press firmly on your paper and it should adhere the 6 petals and then you are ready to use the flower for your card! 

A great set for equally spaced out images in a circle are Polka Dots and Petals (from the spring mini).  Enjoy!

Here is the card 'recipe':

Stamps: Pick a Petal (from next year's catalogue!!!), Baroque Motifs (also from next year's catalogue!)

Colours: Sky Blue (it's a new one!), Almost Amethyst, Vintage Violet

Others: Ice Brads (they are coming soon too!!!), white gel pen, paper piercing, Cuttlebug folder, White craft ink for highlighting the cuttlebugged image, twill tape

I'm in LOVE!!!

So of course I love my UPS man that so kindly dropped off my PREORDER today!!!  I am so excited about my 3 new stamp sets I ordered, Baroque Motifs, Hugs and Wishes and Pick a Petal.  But what I need to rant and rave about today is Purely Pomegranate and River Rock....two new colours....OMG!!!!  They are AMAZING!!!  Not only that but I have to say I'm loving my card I made with the new set Baroque Motifs....simple, clean and quick!  Let me know what you think!!!!

Stamps: Baroque Motifs (All of the stamps are this set!)

Colours: Purely Pomegranate, River Rock and True Thyme (so sad this colour is retiring especially because it looks SO good with the River Rock!!!)

Other: Stampin' Dimensionals

I simply stamped the images onto Whisper White Cardstock.  The motifs at the top of the page were stamped on Whisper White cardstock as well then cut out and layered with the Stampin' Dimensionals between each layer.  I think this set will make BEAUTIFUL stationary and also scrapbook pages!  Can't wait to play some more!!!  Let me know what you think of this set from next year's catalogue! (only 19ish more days!!!)

Stamp Camp Door Prizes

Thanks so much for coming to my stamp camp!  I had so much fun!  I'll post the other three projects in the next couple of days for you to see.  In the meantime, here are the list of door prize winners.....

1/8 Hole Punch ... Diana

Package of Sponges ... Nikki

Ribbon Roll Holders (2 of them) ... Sonia

Craft Old Olive Ink Pad ... Lisa P.

Craft More Mustard Ink Pad ... Mary Anne

Pearl Ex Powders ... Gerrie/Jenna

Pearl Ex Powders ... Cindy

Glue Sticks ... Kristina

Pale Plum Marker ... Kelly

Bashful Blue Marker ... Carrie

Bold Bright Beads ... Susan

6x6 scrapbook pad ... Jane

Cutting Tool ... Corrina

2 Bandaid Tins ... Laura E.

Ribbon Holder and Glitter ... Sherry F.

5x5 On Board Book ... Kes

On Board Journal ... Stacy

Hostess Benefits....$246 of FREE merchandise!!!!  Michele!!!

I will be finishing off the order tonight so hopefully it will be picked and shipped tomorrow so it should be here a week from Monday!!!  Thanks again to all of you for coming, I hope you had fun!!!

Scallop Punch

I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to all of the wonderful ladies that were able to come to my stamp camp this weekend!  I had so much fun on Friday night and Saturday!  I hope you enjoyed your projects and I can't wait to do it again....with new catalogue stuff!!!  I'll be posting the door prize winners tomorrow so make sure you check back!!!

Hip Hip Hooray....not really!  I still can't believe that this set is retiring!  I wanted to make up a little tent card and of course I had to use my new punches so here's what I came up with.

Colours: Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Whisper White

Others: Blender Pen, Scallop Punches, 1/2 Circle punch, Vintage Brads, Rebecca Scrapbook Paper

Stamps: A to Zany and Hip Hip Hooray

Beate's Challenge

So I did this cards up according to Beate's sketch challenge from last weekend (Click Here) and I totally forgot to post them!!!  Oh well, I am THRILLED with this layout and happy with my cards!  Thanks for the inspiration, Beate!

The first card is pretty much identical to Beate's sample except I used the stamp set Bubble Queen (sad that it's retiring!)  The colours are Black, Celery, Apricot, Caribbean.  I LOVE the set All in a Row as well which is what made the look of faux stitching on this card.  This is also the set that I made faux ribbon with a few cards ago (yes, using the Ruff day set....!)

I added glitter to the bubbles in the tub and coloured her in using my blender pens and ink.  The scrapbook paper is from the pad that was available as a special in May and will be in the new catalogue!

I really like this second card....because I'm a Halloween freak!  I was so sad that Hey Ghoul Friends didn't make the catalogue from a mini some time ago.  I just loved the dancing characters!  Oh well, I've still got it to play with!  This is the Halloween scrapbook paper from last year's Holiday Mini catalogue.  I used my Giga scallaped punch to frame the witch in.  The word BOO is stamped using Alphadots (which is retiring) and then I covered them with Crystal Effects.

Have a great day! 

To 'Dye' For

How fun is this.....glitter dying!!!  Sometimes I'm a bit hesitant about a new technique or idea but this is SO easy and SO cool!!!  Here goes:

Step #1: Gather your supplies.  You'll need a little container (eyelet or brad containers work great!!!), a reinker, Dazzling Diamonds glitter and a tooth pick.

Step #2: Put one drop of reinker and 2 drops of water into your container and mix them together.

Step #3:  Pour in about 1/2 a teaspoon of Dazzling Diamond glitter into the container.  You can either put the lid on and shake or stir it up with a tooth pick.  (*TIP* I rubbed my embossing buddy all over the container before I started so the glitter wouldn't completely stick to the sides)

Step #4: After you shake it up add about another teaspoon of glitter to the container and either shake or stir.  It is important to get it all mixed in together.  Because you are adding moisture ot the glitter it will become 'fluffy'.  I left my container open in the sunlight for an afternoon to make it a bit less fluffy (the heat removed some of the moisture).

Now it's time to make your card!  Here's how I use glitter on cards:

Step #1: Stamp your image.  I used Stazon ink for this image so it wouldn't bleed when I apply the 2 way glue.  Colour in the image using the 2 way glue pen whereever you would like the glitter to stick.

Step #2: Sprinkle (okay, if you're like me....pour) the glitter onto the image and shake it around a bit so it all gets covered.  Pour extra glitter back into the container.

Step #3:  Create your card using your glittered image.  Try not to rub the glitter until the glue has completely set.  For this card, I used:

Stamp Sets: Warm Words, Bugs and Kisses

Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Silver

Have fun making your 48 varieties of glitter!!!

Inspiration from Nathan....yet again!

I was in Toys R Us the other day and I fell TOTALLY in LOVE with an outfit by Gagou Tagou!  It was a short and shirt combination with little monkeys on it (and of course a matching little hat!) - brown overalls with monkeys and words in these colours.  BUT the sad part was they didn't have one in Nathan's size (6 months already for my little munchkin!) so I came home and made a card in the colours instead!!!

I masked to get the party hat on the snails head and added a bit of 'string' with the chocolate chip marker to attach to the snail's tail.  I used the marker to stamp the message as the actual stamp is written with the kisses underneath the 'bugs and'.  I added the faux stitching on the snail using the chocolate chip marker.

Stamps: Canvas, Bugs and Kisses, Hip Hip Hooray

Colours: Only Orange, Cool Caribbean, Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip

Others: Faux Stitching, Fresh Fav. Buttons, Twine, Crystal Effects on balloons

What is your favourite colour combination???

Kits To Go

My friend Alicia went on cruise with SU this year and came back with some AWESOME swaps.  This book idea came from one of her wow swaps.  I modified it slightly and realize what a GREAT gift idea it will make for someone, or for the sample I made it will go into Nathan's treasure box.  I am thrilled with the final look of this project. 

Here are the colour combinations with each kit that your scrapbook will be made of:

Party Pieces - Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive

At Home - Cranberry Crisp, Buckaroo Blue, Sahara Sand

Today and Always - Mellow Moss, Blush Blossom, Sahara Sand

Tickets and Tokens - Buckaroo Blue, Cranberry Crisp, True Thyme

All the Trimmings - Always Artichoke, Real Red, Brocade Blue

I'm Here Boy - Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Barely Banana

I'm Here Girl - Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Barely Banana

In Full Bloom - Barely Banana, Sage Shadow, Almost Amythest

Out and About - Sage Shadow, Not Quite Navy, Really Rust

Summer Sketches - Mellow Moss, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum

I've Been Tagged

So, I've been tagged.  By any of you that read blogs regularly it's a neat little way to get to know a blogger better and Yvette tagged me.  She's a GREAT stamper from down under!  Check out her blog by clicking on her name.

So I am supposed to type the first word that comes to mind when I read each little subtitle.  So here goes:

Yourself: Busy
Your Partner: Hard Working

Your Hair: Crazy
Your Mother: Kind Hearted
Your Father: Missed
Your Favorite Item: Stamps
Your Dream Last Night: Did I sleep???
Your Favorite Drink: Coffee
Your Dream Car: one that never dies!
Your Dream Home: Cottage
The Room You Are In: Living Room
Your Fear: Loss
Where You Want to be in Ten Years: Happy
Who You Hung Out With Last Night: Marker Ladies!!!
You’re Not: Tanned
One of Your Wish List Items: Cleaning Lady!!!
The Last Thing You Did: Took Emma to lacrosse
You Are Wearing: Jeans
Your Favorite Weather: Spring Rain
Your Favorite Book: Papercrafts Magazine!
Last Thing You Ate: Strawberries
Your Life: Busy
Your Mood: Happy
Your Best Friend: Laura
What Are You Thinking About Right Now: Stamping
Your Car: Montana (AKA Soccer Mom Van)
What Are You Doing At The Moment: Typing
Relationship Status: Married
What Is On Your TV: Nothing
What Is The Weather Like: Cold
When Is The Last Time You Laughed: Today

So now I get to tag a few people.....Barb, Corinne, Kimberly and Mary Beth.  Thanks Yvette for the fun!!!  I'd love to know any or all of this about any of my 'readers'.  It's so exciting that I'm getting to know so many of you from ALL over the WORLD!!!!  Love it!!!

Cool Scrapbookable Card

I was very excited when my friend Alicia came over to share some of her AMAZING swaps she did and received while on cruise a month or two ago.  I thought this 'card' was SUPER cute and SUPER easy!  My dimensions actually measure to the standard size card and fit in our standard envelopes.  I simply cut the Cool Caribbean sheet to be 4 inches wide so the tabs would fit okay in the envelope.  The cardstock is cut length wise from a standard sheet of paper.  It is decorated as usual but rather than flipping it open for the card, you pull on the tabs and they swing open....perfect for pictures and a message!!!

They rotate on the brad that is in the bottom right corner....SO VERY SWEET don't you think???

Stamps: So Very, French Script (retiring), Bodacious Bouquet

Colours: Cool Caribbean (going to miss this one!), Tempting Turquoise, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip

Others: Tab punch, Tempting Turquoise Craft Ink, BB Brads, Circle punches, Word Window Punch

(Rock n Roll Technique to do the flower)  Check back again later today as I'll have my "Kit to go" to show you!!!

Smores to Go

To start off with I just want to thank all of you that take the time to read and comment on my blog (or send emails).  I've had some really kind messages and posts....thanks so much!

My kids' school is doing a basket fundraiser for our end of the year barbeque.  So, each class was given a theme and parents are asked to donate something to do with that theme.  One of my kid's had the theme of camping.  So I thought I'd make a "Smores to Go" paint can.  Inside the can I put a package of marshmallows, a bag of chocolate chips and 2 sleeves of graham crackers.  Of course we all know....toast the marshmallows, squish them between two graham crackers and sprinkle on the chocolate chips (or use Hershey Chocolate bars).  YUMMMMM!!!!  This was a REALLY quick can to make but I was happy with the end result.

For some strange reason I have always wanted the camping stamp set and this is the first time I've used it.  I know I'll get more use from it with scrapbooking soon but I thought it was perfect for this project. 

Watercolouring Tutorial

I really like the layout of this card.  It was a sketch I saw on Beate's blog.  It's very quick and simple.  To go along with this card I thought I'd give a quick tutorial on watercolouring in a few different ways.

The first image below is simply stamped with the ink on white cardstock.

The second image is "watercoloured".  To get this technique you ink up your stamp with your classic ink pad first then spritz the actual stamp with water.  This will make the ink blur and create the watercoloured look.  The more water you spray the more dramatic the look.

The third image is inked up on the stamp and then the paper is spritzed with water.  The stamp the image onto the cardstock.  Again the more the water the more blurred the image will be.

The card sample was made with image #2.  This is a fun technique so play around and give it a shot!

Happy Days

I thought I would play around with some of the Basic Gray scrapbooking paper that I have for this card.  I LOVE the colours in the paper but do find it a bit busy sometimes for my taste.  I wanted a simple image on top of the paper and think I did okay.  I used the Petals and Polka Dots set to make the flowers.  I did paper piercing to create the stems.  Everything is sponged using Close to Cocoa ink.  My favourite part of this card was really just an accident.  I actually have the "bad" side of the eyelets showing on this card and I have to say I love the look!

Stamps: Happy Everything, Petals and Polka Dots

Colours: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Cool Caribbean

Other: Vintage Eyelets (LOVE this colour!), Prima flowers, Vintage Brad

What "mistakes" have you made when stamping that turned out great? 

Check out the Pout!

I couldn't resist!  This is totally non-stamp related but Nathan was cracking me up today!  He kept on switching from the cutest, happiest baby to a sad pouty baby in a matter of moments so I had to take a picture.  Check out the tear dripping down and the HUGE pout (can you say Uncle Buzzy???)

Thanks for looking!

Explosion Card Tutorial

I like this cute little explosion card that I found on Splitcoaststampers.  There is a tutorial on Splitcoast but I know you guys don't always visit there!  So here goes:

Step #1: Cut the base of the cardstock 3.5 inches by 10.5 inches.  Score at 3.5 inches and 7 inches.  Then score the end two squares on the diagonal.

Step #2: Cut a piece of scrapbook paper 3.25 inches by 3.25 inches.

Step #3: Cut the square of scrapbook paper in half.

Step #4: Crease the background sheet on the diagonals and the straight creases.  Attach scrapbook paper as shown.  Stamp embellishments and decorate as you see fit.

Step #5: Adhere the ribbon to the front of the card BUT only to one half (or you'll seal your card shut!)  Layer your stamped images on top, decorate the inside of the card and tie with a bow to shut.