Stamp with Heather

Dawn's Gonna Kill Me.....

OK, she really won't be that upset with me BUT I thought in honour of our LAST day for UStamp registration at the cost of $20 CDN, I would post just a little teaser of one of the projects we will be making!  Can you tell I am freaking out?!?!?  I am LOVING the projects, the colours, the hype and the participation!!!  If you are not familiar with UStamp head on over to www.ustamp.blogspot.com and check it out!  As of August 1st, the class fee will return to it's normal fee of $25.  If you are interested in purchasing a kit for the class (which includes the supplies for lots of the projects for UStamp) feel free to email myself at adamsum@yahoo.com if you Canadian or rapdawn@yahoo.com if you are American! 

Thank you once again for all of you that are almost as excited as Dawn and myself!  Our Dream Team members are doing an awesome job preparing for our international class members, you are doing a great job of encouraging us and well.....12 more days and the classroom doors open!!!! 

Thanks again for all YOU do!!!

Simple and Quick

I love quick and simple sometimes.  I needed a blank card for a friend and after looking in the catalogue to get an idea I whipped this up in seriously under 10 minutes!!!  Don’t you love the look and in no time at all???

 

For my July club of Stampers 8 we used the Classy Brass templates.  So we learned how to dry emboss and how to use the piercer tool with the templates as well.  I think this was a fun class!

Recipe:

Colours: Bordering Blue (8 ½ x 5 ½), Chocolate Chip (4 ¼ x 2, large circle punch), Mellow Moss (4 ¼ x 2 ¼)

Stamps: Bodacious Bouquet

Other: paper piercer and mat pack, circle punches, linen thread, Classy Brass Template and Empressor

I hope you have a fabulous weekend!  Thanks for stopping by!

All stamped images copyright of Stampin' Up! 1999-2008

 

Smile Take Two

Inside the paint tin I showed yesterd we put in all sorts of smiley faced items and also a little card.  I really like the card idea as it was perfect to house what I needed.  I wrote Emma's teacher a letter, Emma wrote her a letter and we got her a gift card.  SO, I needed three little slots. I can't believe I didn't take a picture of the outiside of the card...what was I thinking?  OK, so I attached three 4x4 envelopes together.  I did this by applying adhesive to two of the envelope's flaps.  Then rather than sealing the envelope I attached it to another envelope.  By doing this I made a chain of envelopes together with three slots!!!  The slot on the left has Emma's card, the slot in the middle with the bow has a slider created for a Tim Horton's gift card and the slot on the left houses my card.

To keep the gift card from falling out, I punched a hole in the envelope, slid the ribbon through and then tied the ribbon around the gift card.  By doing this, the gift card can slide in and out of the envelope but not fall out!  It's the same as the chocolate bar wrappers I like to make.

The front of this creation was simply a 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 sheet of cardstock adhered to the envelope and then decorated up.  I wrapped ribbon around the little package and voila a multi card/gift card holder!

Have a great day!  SMILE....don't these colours scream bright and fun....hope your day is too!

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

Smile

Emma's teacher LOVES smiley faces so her year end gift from Emma was a bucket full of smiley faced items (pencils, pencil sharpeners, stress balls, erasers.....)  To top it off, Emma wanted to make her teacher a build a brad bracelet BUT, check out what my little genius did:

Rather than adhering the tops of the build a brads to the bracelet, she glued on different smiley face beads with the Crystal Effects....isn't that sweet???  I have to say "she done good!"  To go with this theme we used the smiley face from Holiday Blitz to create the stamped images on the cards and tin.

The bottom of the tin is decorated using the Tempting Turquoise Designer Series Paper and the top of the tin is Whisper White cardstock with the smiley face stamped all over it in Yo Yo Yellow (not a colour I mention often on my blog!!!)  Emma insisted on some contraban ribbon from Michaels but it certainly adds to the tin, she picked out some fun stuff!

I will post the card we created for inside the tin tomorrow...can't overwhelm you with too much in a day:)  Hope you're having a great week!!!

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

Wild About You!

This has got to be one of my favourite stamp sets....so glad it isn't retiring!!!  I came upon this technique totally by accident and LOVE the effect!  It's my tie dyed elephant!  Do you like it?  He's pretty WILD!!!

Do get this look, I stamped the image in Elegant Eggplant then using the eraser end of a pencil I dabbed the eraser on the stamp to pick up some of the ink.  I gave it a little spin each time to give the bit of texture.  Between each dab I just rubbed the eraser on a scratch piece of paper.  Give it a try....I'd love to see a sample if you do it!!!

Recipe:

Colours: Elegant Eggplant (8 1/2 x 5 1/2, 3 1/4 x 2 1/4, tab punch), Almost Amethyst (5 1/4 x 4, 3 x 2), Whisper White Cardstock (2 7/8 x 1 7/8), Rose Red (flower punch), Almost Amethyst DSP (3 3/4 x 4)

Stamps: Wild About You

Other: Crystal Effect for the blobs in the middle of the flowers (I kept them plain for this card), Old Olive marker (drew the stem), tab punch, word window punch, flower punch

Have a fantastic day!

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

Welcome Irene!

Irene is our final member of the UStamp Dream Team all the way from Germany!  How fun!!!  I have to say this whole UStamp experience so far has been overwhelming and just plain old FUN!  We are so excited to have so many of you joining us this experience and it's just been so neat already corresponding with so many of you with the same crazy passion of paper crafting (and from all over the world!!!)  Well, Irene is our final member of our Dream Team to introduce you to.  Our Dream Team members are here to help you if you are from a non-North American address and in need of some assistance with Stampin' Up!  They will be contributing to class and also recreating some of the projects with the current supplies available in your own countries (France, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia and Germany). 

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT IRENE'S BLOG

I am an 45 year old mother of two girls. My girlies are 12 and 17 years old.
Iam married with my husband. Iam an papercrafter since my oldest daughter was
born. First I crafted for her, later I crafted with her. I am an craft teacher
at an evening school. For 5 years I became an scrapbooker.
In November 2007 StampinUp started here in Germany, I became one of the first
Demos.

Here are a few samples of Irene's FABULOUS stamping creations:

Thank you all for making our newest UStamp Dream Team members feel welcome.  We can't believe that the "doors" open to UStamp in just over 2 weeks! We can't wait!!!!

Festive Friday....Five Months Today!

Can you believe it....only 5 more months until Christmas!  Here is another Christmas card idea for you.  This format is very similar to the one I did for my fundraiser back in April for my kids school.  We did this same layout but made a shaker card.  For this card I decided to create a glitter window instead.  I wish I made the blue squares a little bit smaller on the card front but am pleased with the overall effect.

Recipe:

Colours: Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Old Olive

Stamps: Snowflurries (it is RETIRING and it is only $13.95!!!), Sincere Salutations

Other: 2 Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds, 1 inch circle punch, 1 1/4 circle punch, paper piercer and mat pack

To get the glitter inside the circles, I simply traced around them using the 2 way glue pen and the coloured in the entire area.  After I did this, I removed the circles and then sprinkled glitter all over the page, let it set and then adhered my layers.  It was a super quick and easy way to make a glitter window.

Have a great weekend!

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

Welcome Mary-Jane!

I am pleased to introduce you today to Mary-Jane, our Dream Team UStamp member from France.  If you can read french, head on over to her blog and enjoy Mary Jane's wonderful stories.  If you can't read it, still head on over and drool over her beautiful creations!

 

I was born on a wintery day on December in 1961 near Oshawa, Ontario (Canada).  Even though I left my beloved "Grand North" to come to the south of France in 1991, I'm still a winter-girl at heart. 

 

Growing up in rural Ontario marked me for life.  When I left home to pursue my Fashion Design education near Toronto, it was a real shock to my system!  First Fashion Design, then Marketing at York University led me to a great job with an ophthalmic laboratory and another one with an international beauty products company ... the road to Provence was all but direct!

 

Here I am, though, married to a handsome Frenchman with our daughter who is 12, living within the middle ages fortress walls of Avignon, only a short walk from the Pope's Palace.  (Perhaps you didn't know, but the Popes lived in Avignon for a short period in the middle ages.)  I work part-time as an assistant in an ophthalmology operating room.

When Jessica was born in 1996, I created a Calligraphy Club, which slowly became a full time activity for me.  Don’t ask me about my formal “calligraphic” education – I don’t have one!  But, if you believe in reincarnation, I must have been a monk in an earlier life, because I have an unexplained “knack” for the art of beautiful writing.

 

Stampin’ Up! arrived in

Europe

in late 2007.  I had already decided to put my creative activities on hold for a few years, as we are in the process of renovating my husband’s family home in the country.  But, it was an opportunity that I just couldn’t miss!  So here I am, stampin’ up in

Avignon

– and lovin’ it!

Here is a sample of Mary-Jane's work.  Isn't this a great father's day album!?!?! 

 

Have a wonderful day!

Thank You!

I need to take a moment to thank you.  The purpose of my blog is to share with you my passion for paper crafting and I don't get very personal very often but tonight I need to make an exception.  I hosted my card class (Christmas cards) tonight and I have a permanent smile on my face!  I had the BEST time at the class!  I LOVE my job!  I have met so many fantastic people and shared so many of my nights with the most amazing women doing what I love ... creating and crafting!  Thank you for being so great and for continuing to share in the world of paper crafting!  I appreciate all you do and thank you for taking time out of your lives to spend a little time with me!  Have a great night....I will!

Watercolouring Tutorial

I need to begin today by just saying how happy these colours make me!!!  Aren't they bright and fun and just perfect together?  They are Purely Pomegranate, Old Olive and Taken with Teal, all colours used in the Bali Breeze DSP (which will be retiring!) 

I often get asked how I watercolour with SU supplies only and my response is with practice, our markers, an aqua painter and watercolour paper.  The key is to practice!  I'd actually recommend initially embossing your images while you get used to watercolouring so your colours don't bleed from section to section.  As you become more proficient at it all your images have to be stamped in Staz On.

Before I start my tutorial I'll just let you know that the ribbon is pokig out of the horizontal slot punch, neat touch eh?

Also, I've had some questions about my make your own dew drops.  These drops in the middle of my punched out flowers were made using Crystal Effects and reinkers.  I am getting better at making them so I now actually make them directly on my project.  First I put a small blog of Crystal Effects on my flowers and then add a drop of reinker to the blob using a toothpick.  I think wait about an hour and apply a second level of Crystal Effects in the exact same manor and reapply a dab of reinker.  The reason I do this twice is to get a perkier middle.  Give it a try and let me know how it goes!

On with the tutorial.  First you need to select coordinating markers a light and a dark.  For this card I am using Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Taken with Teal, Regal Rose and Rose Red.

Next you want to stamp your image using Staz On ink (or emboss it if this is your first time to practice).  Stamp your image on watercolour paper...this is very important.

Colour your image in using the ligher shades of all the colours.  You can click on the image to enlarge it to see the details better.  I even left a spot white on his head to show a reflection.

Using the darker shades of the markers colour in where you think the shadows would fall.  This is how you will add depth to the picture.  Again, click on it to view it larger.

Taking small strokes with a not very wet aqua painter blend the colours together.  If you have too much water your colours will bleed.  If you don't have enough water your colours won't blend.  It's a fine balance but with practice you'll find what works for you!

I hope you found this useful!  Have a great day!

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

Introducing Monica!

It's with great pleasure to get to introduce you to Monica Gale.  She is our United Kingdom UStamp Dream Team Member!  She is a very talented stamper and so super sweet and kind, just check out her blog and you'll see what I mean!!!  CLICK HERE TO SEE MONICA'S BLOG

"My name is Monica Gale and I live with my husband Pete and our 5 year old German Shepard Nico in a beautiful Yorkshire village. I ve been a Stampin'Up demonstrator in the UK since January 2008 and although SU is still relatively new to the UK I have had some fantastic responses which of course is not surprising given the wonderful products this company has to offer. I get to  share my paper craft passion with loads of wonderful people all the time and I have made some beautiful friendships that I will treasure forever.  I certainly look forward to meet some of you and share some wonderful  projects along the way. Hugs Monica"

Here are a few samples of her FANTASTIC stamping!

Check back tomorrow for a watercolouring tutorial!

Retiring Accessories

The retiring accessories list is out!  Remember that retiring accessories are first come first serve!  If you are interested in learning more about the retiring accessories, which ones are on sale or would like to know my special please email me at adamsum@yahoo.com

Download retiring_accessories.doc

Have a great day!

Not my Usual but...I like it!

You know when you start creating a card sometimes and you're really not sure where you are headed and then you think you should stop and you can't....well, this was one of those cards!  I really LOVE the stamp set All in a Row and it is retiring and will no longer be available after August 10th!!!  I usually use it to make it look like fake stitching on my cards but I thought it'd be cute as a flower step and also for the leaf.  I came across a sketch for a scrapbook similar to this card (I think it was from someone's interpretation of a sketch on Got Sketch...sorry I don't remember who)  Anyhow, I liked the idea of the quilted background.  It's a bit brighter than usual and a bit busier than usual but I'm sure there is someone bright and busy in my life that will love this card!

Recipe:

Stamps: Pick a Petal, Family Phrases, All in a Row

Colours: Lovely Lilac, Tempting Turquoise, Pink Passion and Gable Green (ALL Bold Brights!)

Others: Fresh Favourites Button, Natual Twine, Tempting Turquoise DSP, Lovely Lilac DSP, 1 inch circle punch, oval punches, Tempting Turquoise Ribbon

Have yourself a great day!

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

Emma's Grade One Page

If you haven't checked it out, head on over to www.ustamp.blogspot.com and get the FREE PDF file for making a 12 year school scrapbook!!!  Using the same template, just slightly modified, here is Emma's Grade One Page......where does the time go?  She's heading off to grade three in September....(I'm getting old!!!)

I am really happy with this template as it is quick and easy and the focus is really on the journaling and the picture.  The journaling lines are actually pulled directly from Emma's report card.  I simply retyped them and printed them off on Whisper White Cardstock.  The report cards themselves from the year are tucked in the pocket created behind Emma's photo.

Emma was so excited about this page and couldn't stop pulling out her report cards and reading them over and over again!!!  I can't wait, no actually I can wait, but I will be excited when the time comes to complete her future year pages the work will already be done and I'll only have to adhere the photo, tuck in the reports and type out my favourite comments!

For the dimensions and instructions for this page and others click here.

Have a great day!!!

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

Introducing Sarah Gough

Today, I'd like to introduce you to another member of the UStamp Dream Team.  The Dream Team are Stampin' Up! demonstrators from around the world.  Because Dawn and I can only service Canada (me) and the United States (Dawn) we carefully selected 5 other Stampin' Up! demonstrators from the five other countries Stampin' Up! is in.  The purpose of these demonstrators is to offer a name and contact should you want to purchase Stampin' Up! supplies we can connect you with someone for you.  If any of these demonstrators choose to offer specials or kits this is on their own accord.  Of course they also have a little something special to contribute to the UStamp experience as well....you'll have to wait and see!

Well, our New Zealand representative is.....Sarah Gough!!! Check out her blog HERE....it's FABULOUS! 

Here is a little greeting from the super sweet Sarah:

Hi everyone, I'm so excited to be part of the UStamp team, what an exciting innovation in our stamping world! I've been stamping for about five years and have been a Stampin' Up! demonstrator since November 2007. I love making cards and all sorts of 3D projects, and am planning to jump headfirst into scrap booking soon! I like a multitude of styles, I've learned not to say that a certain set isn't "my thing" there's always someone out there doing something amazing with it ready to change my mind! I live with my husband and high school sweetheart Shanan and our two cats, Gabriel and Luna in Wellington, the capitol of New Zealand. We're currently in the midst of winter, which is fine by me...cold and wet weather is perfect for stamping! I can't wait to start seeing all the amazing UStamp projects, and look forward to many a happy hour in my little stamping space creating projects for you!

I hope you enjoy Sarah's samples and I encourage you to head on over to her blog and check out her work....it's FAB!  Have a great day!

Festive Friday!

It is that time again....another Christmas card!  Do you like this weekly feature....has it inspired you to create any Christmas cards....

This card uses one of my favourite sets that is retiring.....Peaceful Wishes.  I think this is a very pretty stamp set that makes great seasonal cards, not only for Christmas.  This set may not make my to be sold pile when they officially retire!  I cased the card from the catalogue a while back on my blog and made this card very similar.  Rather than using a button though I used a build a brad with the Always Artichoke DSP paper. 

Recipe:

Colours: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke

Stamps: Peaceful Wishes

Other: Vanilla Embossing Powder, Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Versamark, Build a Brads, paper snips, 1/2 circle punch

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

Coluzzle Purse Template

Thanks so much for the comments and questions on the Coluzzle purse card the other day.  I bought the starter kit from Stampin' Up! with the blade and mat but the actual purse pattern came from here:

http://www.scrappingreatdeals.com/Coluzzle/Coluzzle%20Gallery%20COL.htm

Have a great night!

It's another baggie box!

I love bags, boxes anything 3D just screams fun to me!  I made this little bag just to hold a pair or earrings for a friend.  I needed something and I thought it was prettier than a Ziplock bag!  I used the same template as I did for the Wild About You box  except I turned it into a bag and didn't scallop the edges.  To make the bag I simply creased the edges to fold the top two edges together.  Then using the crop-o-dile I attached eyelets, fed the ribbon through and tied the bag shut!  Quick and easy!

CLICK HERE FOR THE TUTORIAL...(I fixed this)

Recipe:

Colours: Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava

Other: Jumbo Eyelets, Groovy Guava double stitched ribbon, Pretties Kit

Hope you are enjoying this month....where is the time going????

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

Happy Anniversary Adam

Where does the time go...seriously!!!  I'm not old enough to be married for 9 years.....9 years!!!!  That's crazy!  Don't get me wrong it's been nine wonderful years but nine!!!  I actually had to think about this when asked how long we'd been married because it only feels like a handful!  I'll just get a bit mushy to say I'm so lucky to have Adam as he is so supportive and kind and a wonderful father so I wanted to actually make him a bit of a mushy card this year. 

I love the stamp set Summer by the Sea and I LOVE to watercolour but you know what....I have NEVER used this image before in the 3 years I've had this set....isn't that crazy!!!  I suppose I was waiting for the right moment!

Recipe:

Colours: Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Old Olive

Stamps: Wonderful Words, Summer by the Sea

Others: Aqua Painter, Watercolour Paper (I coloured using the lids of my ink pads…squish out the ink onto the lids and pick up the colour from here), Staz On, Vintage Brads, Bashful Blue DSP

Have a great day!

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

Making a Splash

Look at my little CHUBSTER!!!!  How he has grown!  It almost makes me sad to scrapbook the older moments with him since he is getting so big so fast!  I scraplifted this idea from the SU catalogue.  I thought the mosaic was sweet and alternating between photos and scrapbook paper was a nice touch.

The colours for this page are Blue Bayou, Soft Sky and Chocolate Chip.  The photos are all 2 7/8 x 2 7/8 which allowed for a small border between each square.  The title and journaling were done on the computer with brown ink.  I definitely used my acrylic grid to line up these photos! 

Give it a try, this is a quick and fun way to make a page!  Have a great day!

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

Fun Purse Template

I really do love using the Coluzzle system.  It's easy and crisp.  You can cut many shapes, circles being my most popular one!  Well, Coluzzle does sell other templates and I couldn't resist the purse template that makes this super cute card.  You can get 2 purses from one sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 piece of cardstock.  I then cut only part of the template for the cherry front of the purse.  I think these would make a super cute thank you card (thanks Sonia!) or an invitation.

Recipe:

Colours: Real Red, Basful Blue

Stamps: Tart and Tangy

Others: Real Red Striped Ribbon, Scallop Punch, 1 3/8 circle punch, Coluzzle system, Summer Picnic paper

Hope you're having a great day!!!  Take care.

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

Just B Cuz

My kids call my brother Uncle Buzzy so I bought this set when it first came out and actually haven't used it a whole lot.  I really like the words included and the bold image so I'll be pulling it out more often for you!

I like making square cards and to send them I simply put them in a standard size envelope so Canada Post doesn't have any issues. 

Recipe:

Colours: Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red, Taken With Teal

Stamps: Just B

Other: Small Oval Punch, Crystal Effects (on the bee), Vintage Brads (silver), Word Window punch, dimensionals

Have a wonderful day!

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

Pure Happiness

Those are words that come to mind when I think of my little munchkins.  These photos are from three summers ago and when I see how sweet and innocent Emma and Mark look my heart melts!  (they can still do this to me, just sometimes.....well, I'm sure you know:)

This page is very simple and clean and I am happy with how it focuses on the photos.

Recipe:

Colours: Basic Black Cardstock (12x12, 4 1/4 x 6 1/4 mat behind the photo of the kids and I, 1 x 10 1/2 scalloped edge), River Rock (11 1/2 x 11 1/2), DSP (2 1/4 x 10 1/2), DSP scraps to cover the chipboard for the word PURE, Ruby Red Cardstock for the flowers

Stamps: Warm Words

Other: Vintage Brads (black), Three for You Punch, Lots of Letters Chipboard

Hope you're having a great week and thanks so much for stopping by!

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

Festive Friday!

I love pocket cards!  And what better time or occasion to make a pocket card for than Christmas!  The pocket is perfect for a new family photo you want to share over the holidays!  If you have not made a pocket card before feel free to email me and I can send you the directions.  Hope you like this one!

Recipe:

Colours: Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White

Stamps: Big on Christmas

Others: Ticket Corner Punch, Silver Brads, Wild Wasabi DSP, Real Red Grosgrain, 1 1/4 circle punch

Hope you have had a great week! 

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

UStamp Update....Please Read

Hello Ladies!!!  Thank you so much to each and every one of you that have signed up for UStamp!!!  Dawn and I are so thrilled!  If you have siged up for UStamp already, you should have received an email confirming your registration and payment.  We have had a few emails bounce back which means your email is not up to date in Pay Pal.  Please email ustamp2008@yahoo.com if you have paid for UStamp and NOT received an email from us.  PLUS we will be sending out a thank you project PDF early next week so you want to make sure you are signed up and on the UStamp list so you receive your free next project!!!!  Hope you are enjoying your week!  Take care,

Heather

Welcome our Aussie Representative!

What an honour this is to introduce you to Alisa Tilsner!  She is an oberliciously talented Stampin' Up! demonstrator from Australia! 

Here is a little bit about Alisa: "I live in Port Lincoln, South Australia, and am married with 2 boys, aged 7 and 5. I am a qualifed Dental Assistant, but then moved into Office Administration with a fishing company.

I found stamping nearly 5 years ago, and haven’t looked back since.  I really enjoy having a creative outlet after the kids are in bed. I stumbled across Stampin’ Up! about two years ago, and decided that if they ever came to Australia I would have to join.  So on the day they opened, I applied and became Demonstrator number 14.

Two years later l have 26 1st level demonstrators and 117 downlines all up.  My downlines come from all over Australia - QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS, SA & WA, and we form a group known as The Artful Stampers. We have our own demonstrator forum and gallery to share ideas (creative and business) and form friendships.  We also hold regular cyberstamps, challenges and swaps and will soon be starting regular team meetings."

Here is some of her fabulous work as well:

Check out her blog HERE to see more of her AMAZING creations!

We are so excited to welcome Alisa to the UStamp Dream Team!!! Can't wait!!!

Fabulous

Don't you just love the summer?  Kids home, no lunches, and a schedule of whatever works for you for that day!!!  I love it!!!!

I love the colours and the simplicity of this card.  My friend Sonia is always hand stitching on her scrapbook pages and she's inspired me to give it a try....so I started small on a card!

I have to say it is surprisingly quick and simple and I'll do it again!  I used my paper piercer to punch the holes in the card and then I just went around the card with the DMC floss on a needle and voila....it's done!!!  Isn't it a cute look?

Recipe:

Colours: Kraft Cardstock (8 1/2 x 5 1/5, 4 1/8 x 3 1/8, 1 inch circle punch), Whisper White Cardstock (4 x 3), Pretty in Pink DSP (1 x 5 then I forked the end of teh paper)

Stamps: Just B, Pick a Petal

Others: Pink DMS floss and needle, SS Buttons, white gell pen (check out the polka dots on the button!), linen thread

Hope you're having a great day!!!!

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

And the BLOG CANDY Winner is.....

Thanks for all who responded on my blog post about UStamp!  If you haven't heard about UStamp then head on over to this post and check it out!  I will be having lots more fun draws, tutorials and projects this month so make sure you check back!

The random number selected for this prize is #47!!!!  Here is what my wonderful friend Barb had to say....

Well my sweet friend, I am so proud of you!! I seriously don't know how you do it all, i feel tired just thinking about all you do! :) What a great thing to do and who better to head it up than you and Dawn. Wishing you all the best!!!! :) Love your Blog Banners, so totally cute!

 Barb Dean

Thanks Barb and thanks to all of you that have responded and been so sweet!

Have a great day!

FUN Manly Thank You

You can never have enough thank you cards.  This is one that I made thinking the colours would be well suited for a man, but really I'd love to get this card too.  Really Rust is a card that I don't pull out very often but when I do, I just love it!!!  I will certainly miss River Rock when it retires this coming August.  Don't get me wrong, I love the new colours coming and I can stock up on LOTS of paper so I'll have the best of both worlds!

Recipe:

Colours: River Rock, Chocolate Chip, Really Rust

Stamps: True Friend, Enjoy Every Moment

Others: Chocolate Twill Ribbon (let's hope it's in the new catalogue!), hodgepodge frame, Large Oval punch, paper piercer and shapes classy brass template, Fire brads (the metal of the brad was removed and I simply used the gem in the middle of the design), dimensionals to help pop up the greeting

The image was stamped in Really Rust ink first then I "rock'n'rolled" it on the CHocolate Chip ink pad to add a bit of dimension to this image.

Have a wonderful day!

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

My Boy

I can't believe it was about a year ago we got these photos taken of Nathan....where does the time go?  He is still so sweet....not so little....but so darn cute!!!  I made this scrapbook album using the Simply Scrappin Kit Crew Kids Boy (which you know will retire as it has Wild Wasabi in it!!!)  The book itself is made on 6 3/4 x 6 3/4 coasters that my friend got for me. 

If you're interested in any coasters please email me privately and we can figure something out.  This size coaster is PERFECT for this book as it fits a 4x6 photo on it easily with room to embellish.  Everything used in this book came from the scrappin kit and of course there is a ton left over!

The book itself is bound together using three ring binder clips with ribbon tied around them for a decorative feature.  I appologize it doesn't show that in the pictures but it was easier to photograph clipless.

I love the checklist on the second page.  It says "Your're all boy" and then you select what you think.  BUT they didn't all apply to Nathan so I used some of the word options on the border adhesive sheet and made it unique to him.  Love it!

The third page is made using the prepatterned DSP.  It is a quick and easy way to get a fun page.  Of course the journaling circles made it easy to write something quick and sweet!

Don't you just love the little tongue sticking out on the fourth page????  Sorry, non scrapbook related!

I like the other journaling option in this kit that includes the Who, What, Where, When, Why journaling details.  It forces you to journal but it's quick and easy!

THis last photo is my favourite....where did those days go?  Well, I hope you enjoyed the book, it's quick and easy and I encourage you to give it a shot!

Have a wonderful day!

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

Guest Presenter for USTAMP

WOW WOW WOW!!!!  THANK YOU!!!  I know you're sick of hearing it but thanks for the support, the kind words, the enthusiasm and the comments for UStamp!  Well, here is another post about UStamp.  If you are not familiar with this and want to enter for GREAT BLOG CANDY CLICK HERE!!!

Well I am honoured to introduce you or at least reintroduce some of you to a not only FABULOUSLY talented but also one of the most genuine bloggers I know......DAWN EASTON!!!  I met Dawn through blogging and she so kindly sent me some RAKs and since we've been in touch.  She is so sweet and kind and I know you are going to love her!!!!  Here are some of Dawn's samples of her amazing work and a little bit about her!  Check out her amazing blog and just know she is creating an AMAZING project (oh, did I mention EXTRA BONUS project for UStamp!!!)

My name is Dawn Easton and I'm a SU! demo in Edmonton. I started stamping about 3 1/2 years ago but it wasn't until I became a SU demo in August of 2006 that I really got hooked. I love to try new techniques and share my love of stamping with everyone! Paper crafting is something I do each and every day.
I've been married for 14 years and have one daughter who is almost 9. I'm a SAHM who works part time at my daughters school. This allows me plenty of time to stamp stamp stamp!
I am looking forward to sharing a project with you very soon!

Another Festive Friday!

Good Day to you all!!!  I know I sound like a broken record but seriously THANK YOU!!!  WOW, Dawn and I are SO excited and overwhelmed by all of you and appreciate your support and kind words about UStamp...thank you so much!  I just wanted to email a fantastic idea that came from Pam in Texas about UStamp:

"I am so excited about UStamp!  I am encouraging my customers to also sign up for UStamp and then every Tuesday night during the class and the Tuesday after I am going to encourage my customers that are registered for UStamp to come over, create a UStamp project of their choice and we can all sit around and socialize.  This is going to really help me because I won't be crazy preparing for the class and I will actually get to chat and 'get to know' my customers more personally!  Thank you for the opportunity to sell to my customers and make some super cool projects alongside them!!!

I think this is a fabulous idea!  Not only will you get to work with your customers, sharing together, you can also continue providing and meeting their Stampin' Up! needs by giving them your customer service! Thanks for sharing this GREAT idea!!!  Remember, if you get 7 customers to sign up your next class is free!"

OK, I am so excited!  I have done two Christmas cards so far....only about a million more to go!  Kidding!  I had fun using this retiring stamp set.  I had a friend email me after my post last week about doing Christmas cards and she asked if I could do something with this set or with the Wintergreen Scrapbook paper.  SO, what better a challenge than combining the two!  I saw a layout similar to this on SCS and thought this would work well!  Let me know what you think!

Recipe:

Stamps: Snowflake Spot (soon to be retired)

Colours: Sage Shadow, Always Artichoke, Whisper White

Other: Vintage Brads, Wintergreen Designer Series Paper, Crystal Effects and Glitter

It is tough to see in this picture but I added some extra bling on the card by using Crystal Effects on some of the small dots, then I sprinkled Dazzling Diamonds on top.  I let it dry for about a half hour then shook off all the extra glitter.  It is a homemade version of Stickles!

Have a wonderful day!

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

Super Cute Box Tutorial!

I am so overwhelmed and thankful for the wonderful responses Dawn and I have received so far about our BIG LAUNCH of USTAMP!!!!  I can't thank you enough for visiting the site, signing up and just being so nice and excited for us!!!  Thank you!!!  Dawn and I have been FREAKING OUT together and are just so thankful, you ladies ROCK!!!! 

Before I start with today's FREE PDF thank you I thought I should answer a few common questions we received yesterday about USTAMP.

What do I need to take this class?

All you need to take this class with us is paper, a paper cutter, adhesive and stamps.  You do not have to use the same supplies we use to create your projects!  It'll be fun to showcase new tools and stamps but it is not necessary for you to be successful to use all of the same supplies.

Are all the projects scrapbooking?

NO!!!  For any of you that follow our blogs you know we LOVE packages and cards and 3D items and scrapbooking and......  There will be a huge variety of projects!

Can you summarize what you mean by 10 classes?

I will redescribe the class to you and hopefully summarize it more clearly.  For $20 OR the kit deal, you will receive our first ever exclusive UStamp Class.  Included in this class will be a minimum of 10 projects!!!!  Each project will be a collection of items, for example 5 cards and a box could be one project.  All projects will include step by step photos, dimensions and instructions.

What comes in the kit?

WOW Flowers Stamp Set (you'll see this NEW set popping up on Splitcoast soon enough!), Scallop Egde Punch (you won't regret this one!!!), Bella Rose Designer Series Paper, Baja Breeze Classic Ink Pad, Kiwi Kiss Classic Ink Pad, Pink Pirouette Classic Ink Pad, Tangerine Tango Classic Ink Pad, Riding Hood Red Classic Ink Pad, Pacific Point Classic Ink Pad, Heard from the Heart Stamp Set, 1 package of 8 1/2 x 11 Assorted In-Color Cardstock

Now my question to you is WHO WANTS A BLINKIE?  If you'd like to post the Blinkie on your site right click on the blinkie on my blog and save it to your desktop.  Then follow the instructions included in this file.  Remember, if you refer 7 people to our UStamp Class you'll get the next one free! 

Download installing_a_photo_link_to_your_blog_sidebar.doc

As a thank you I thought I best be offering another teaser!!!  Don't you just love new and fun ideas!?!!?

Well, in case you missed the exciting news yesterday, we are launching a new Stampin' Up! exclusive on-line class for ANYONE, customers, friends, fellow demonstrators!  For only $20 (until the end of July then the price goes up!) you can get 10 (okay maybe some bonus activities in there!) classes!  These aren't just card sketches these are actual classes or gift giving ideas you can create!

As a thank you yesterday we posted a FREE class planner for a 12x12 school year scrapbook which would be a fabulous class idea or a gift for a friend or better yet for yourself to help organize your child's school years "stuff"! 

Today's template is a bit smaller but it is a tutorial on how to make this super cute bag.  It's our way of saying thank you for being you! 

Download wild_about_you_box.pdf

We now have a FRENCH translation for these instructions as well for you to download (thanks Mary-Jane!!!)

Download bote_grenouille.pdf%20.pdf

Have a wonderful day and thanks again!

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008

UStamp!!!! The Big Day is Finally Here....

Join us for the World Premiere of the University of Stamping!!
 
Registrations are now being accepted for the FIRST  ONLINE CLASS,
offered World Wide, EXCLUSIVELY showcasing Stampin' Up! products from the soon to be new Fall/Winter SU Collection.
 
It is truly an exciting and historic time to be part of this fabulous Stampin' Up! learning experience!!
Comprehensive educational tools will inspire you to create all the class projects at your own pace since there are NO HANDS in the University of Stamping Clock! Stamp when it works for your!

North to South, East to West, all around the globe, all skill levels of stampers, scrappers, paper crafters, as well as, and especially, Stampin'Up! Demonstrators
ALL are officially invited to participate in the Fall 2008 University of Stamping opportunity hosted by;

 Heather Summers, Canadian Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and Dawn Rapsas, United States Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator     
 
Here is what to expect:

• Quick and easy registration beginning TODAY
• Early registration = bonus projects and extra prizes
• Grand Opening project debut August 12th
• Class officially begins on September 8, 2008 and will run for the entire month of September.  Not to worry though, the site with all the videos, PDFs, posts and photos will remain open until mid November!
• 100% Stampin' Up! products on all projects
• Experience first hand brand new products from the SU! 2008 - 2009 Fall/Winter Idea Book and Catalogue
• Fun techniques with lots of twists and turns
• Never before seen step-by-step photo and video tutorials

• All the templates and PDF's needed to create at least 10 SU! projects
• Online Chats connecting participants from all over the world
• Inspirational Photo Gallery 
• Stampin' Up! Demonstrators granted FULL permission to reuse the class materials and PDF files for personal use or as a class! (This is 10 class ideas and instructions for less than the cost of one class planner!!!!!)
• All files would make a fantastic class, so don't expect just one card from us as a project (We can't wait for you to see what we have in store for you!!!)
• 2 SUPER talented guest presenters with WOW projects as well!
• Prizes, prizes and more prizes!!

No question, this is NOT your ordinary stamping class!!  This is like 10 or more amazing classes for the price of one!!!!
 
We know you will agree that this Extraordinary Event calls for Extraodinary Payment options!!
 
Registration Special!!!  This class is only $20 until July 31st, 2008!

   
Registration is $25 beginning August 1st.
 

OR
FREE Class Admission with purchase of our optional Class Kit shipped directly to your doorstep!  Included in your kit price of $103.25 US or $122.75 CDN (plus S&H and tax) you will receive ALL NEW Stampin' Up! product direct from the NEW CATALOGUE!!!! (Unfortunately due to SU policy Heather can only sell to Canada and Dawn can only sell to the US)  Because the Canadian cost of supplies is a little more expensive than the US, I am also offering a free gift to any Canadian that chooses to purchase the bundle (it will arrive with your order!)  If you choose to purchase the kit for this class email us privately and we can let you know what ALL BRAND NEW SUPPLIES WE ARE USING!!!!

  

 

To register for this AMAZING online course CLICK BELOW for the Pay Pal option of signing up for $25.

If you would like to purchase a kit as your admission to this class please email me, Heather Summers at adamsum@yahoo.com if you are Canadian or

Teacher Thank You

I'm finding it so funny to read all these blogs of people that are half done their summer and we're just starting!  I'm thinking about what to do and you're already thinking about what you did!!!  I'm so thrilled the summer is here! 

I thought I'd share with you a few more of my teacher thank you gifts that I made for the kids' teachers and EAs this year.  They would make a great gift any time of year for so many people!!!  I hope you enjoy!

This is just a quick little box and card set.  The box is simple!!!  READY???

Cut a piece of cardstock 10x12.  Score at 2 and 8 on the 10 inch side and 5 and 7 on the 12 inch side.  Cut the two 2 inch lines on each side of the cardstock that fall on the 5 and 7 inch score lines.  Cut until you hit the 2 inch from the edge score lines.  This makes the tabs.  Fold up the box, apply adhesive, embellish and VOILA you have a purse!!!

Recipe:

Colours: Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Bashful Blue, Old Olive

Stamps: Tart and Tangy (from the Spring/Summer Mini...hope you bought one!)

Others: Summer Picnic (from the Spring/Summer Mini....did you stock up?), a variety of ribbons and punches

In case you haven’t checked out my blog in the past few days….TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY!!!  I’LL SHARE MY NEWS (no I’m not pregnant) AND AWESOME BLOG CANDY TOMORROW!!!!!

All stamped images copyright of Stampin’ Up! 1999-2008