{Stamping by the Sea}

Join me at Stampin' by the sea!

2011-03-22T17:53:00.001-05:00

Just a reminder!
If you are following this blog you are missing out on lots of stamping ideas.
Come visit me at www.stampinbythesea.com

Thank You!
XOXOXO

New Home!

2008-07-15T10:00:00.001-05:00

Yes, I am moving my blog! Come check it out!

www.stampinbythesea.com

Have a FABULOUS day!!

Just a few Nuggets...

2008-07-12T15:27:00.003-05:00

So I have been stamping a little. Thought I would share a few inspirational things! Most of my stamping lately has been pretty random, however I am trying to make samples using the retired stamp sets. I am always sad to see some of these stamps go away! I'm trying to use up some of my pretty paper I have been hoarding too. Oh me!

The Baby card uses the Year after Year stamp set. This is a great stamp set for any new stamper. Great to use a blender pen with and color to your hearts content using any type of medium such as a stamp pad or even chalk. This set is retiring. So sad! My FAVORITE background stamp set Print Pattern is retiring as well as the In Colors I used. Shameful! The sentiment New Baby is from Fundamental Phrases. Do you have that? If not, great stamp set.

Now, the little pen holder uses the Notebook Designer paper. I love that paper. Not sure yet if this one will retire, we'll see very soon. I wondered into my 3-d alter stash and found one of these large Bandaid boxes and decided it would be perfect to hold my favorite Stampin' Write markers. I love using those to journal with. I wanted them in a tidy place. I used Stamp of Authenticity, another retiring set. I have loved this set. Gosh, is there anything I don't love???

Lastly, I bought some of Starbucks new Chocolate bars and decided to cover one using the Berry Bliss designer paper. I used the One of a Kind stamp set on this little nugget.

Well, that's all for today!!!

I have to add a big thank you for all the fun comments on my first video tutorial. I know it's a little dark, and I will work on that for the next one. :) Thank you for all your support. I'm working on a new one. whoo hoo!

Oh, and to answer someones question, I used Photoshop Elements 5.0 to make my watermark. NOT an easy program to use. Believe me, it took 3 hours to figure it out. Remember, I am blonde. LOL!

Jul 10 2008 - Cute Litte Box!

2008-07-10T20:30:00.001-05:00

I hope you enjoy my first video tutorial! It's a cute little box! Remember, to make this cute little box you only need 1 sheet of 8.5 x 11 cardstock and then 4 x 4.5 coordinating piece of cardstock for your flap. I hope you enjoy!

Playing with new stuffs!

2008-07-08T23:30:00.004-05:00

Oh how I love playing with new rubbah! I am in love with the new Sock Monkey stamp set. I am sure this set isn't for everyone, however I love it. Both my kids have sock monkeys that my mom made for them. They sleep right with the kids. I used the new Pink ink and it is so soft and true. I never want it to go away. I thought I would cry to see these current in colors go away, but honestly, I think the new ones are GORGEOUS! Especially the pink. So I colored the monkey in the new pink and Chocoloate Chip. I used the new Bella Rose designer paper. I had a hard time cutting it because it was such beautiful eye candy. I did stamp the monkey onto the Bella Rose paper and then paper pieced some of the monkey parts. So cute.

Enjoy Mrs. Monkey! She is a keeper!

New Rubbah! New Ink!

2008-07-08T02:04:00.004-05:00

Whoo hoo! New rubbah in the house! This is something to get very excited about. Alexis actually beat me to a few of the stamps before I could get my own hands on them.

The new In Colors are gorgeous and the stamps I am sampling with is delightful. Here is a little sneak peek at something... This is the stamp set Dreams du Jour and Fall Flair. Dreams du Jour ought to be a lu lu for me to pronounce at a workshop! Anyways, I used my favorite Kraft cardstock with that gorgeous Pacific Point and Baha Breeze ink colors. Oh yummy!!!!

Okay, but BETER yet. Check out my watermarkie thing! I am beside myself. I want to scream really loud, "I DID IT!" Doesn't matter that it took me 3 hours, and less stamping, or that I screamed 3 times when it didn't come out right. Ahhhhhhhhhh... it's done!!!!

Now, keep an eye on my blog... there is something coming around the corner that you DON'T want to miss out on!!! Stay tuned! I'm really excited!

Cup a Joe?

2008-07-04T00:19:00.003-05:00

I just loved making this card last month in our club. This card uses the 5 in 1 Template that Stampin' Up! sells. This template is a GEM. Great things can be done with it and I keep forgetting to pull that booger out and use it. This month I really wanted my club members to see how great this little tool is. When you open the card, it's actually a gift card holder using the slit punch to keep the card in place. Of course it has a Starbucks card right in it. I love it. I used the Spunky Spots wheel with Whisper White Craft ink. *LOVE* it. Then of course I used the stamp set PUN FUN with the cute coffee cup. Great card for any coffee lover. That would be ME!

Doggie Treats!

2008-07-02T02:06:00.002-05:00

Oh, I hate to see this little doggie go! I am a REAL sap when it comes to the dog and cat stamps each year. I really liked the doggie stamp set this year. We did these cute little boxes last month at my clubs and the original one I did used a different closure. I had used eyelets and ribbon to keep the box closed and really thought I was dandy with that. The night of club when all the banging was occuring, it dawned on me that VELCRO would work super duper better. :) So, the next club didn't get the eyelets and they didn't mind. LOL!

I should send this to my mom for her doggies. I tucked some Scooby Snacks inside. This is probably why my doggie has spent more time in my stamp room. I cannot remember where I got the directions to make this little GEM. I will find it and link it here.

Have a GREAT day!

Happy New Year!

2008-07-01T02:07:00.002-05:00

You're probably wondering what I am talking about? July 1st marks the start of the new year for Stampin' Up! demos! I love this time of year. Convention is getting close, the new catalog is soon to be released and I am just EXCITED! Most importanly I have a huge announcement today! Two of my FABULOUS downline earned the Hawaii Incentive trip! I am so excited for them. I do have an amazing downline. So many great women all over the United States and overseas. WOW! I have been on cloud nine all day! I did get some stamping done tonight. Truly just for me. Just play time. I LOVE doing that. I will share tomorrow. Until then...ta ta!

P.S. Thanks for listening to my news. I am super duper excited. :)

Farewell to the Oldies!

2008-06-30T00:04:00.003-05:00

Well, after such a busy busy month I am finally going through my stamp shelves and seeing all the beautiful stamp sets I will have to say good bye too. Here is one of them. I haven't played with this set in a long time. I was browsing SCS and found a card very similar to this. Eat Cake has been used not just for cards. I know I have made some great scrapbook pages with it too. Just a versitle birthday set and great for kids cards. I used Flannel Plaid for the background stamp. Hopefully this week I will continue to inspire you with Retiring stamp sets.

Have a fantabulous MONDAY!

Fast & Furious

2008-06-29T12:29:00.003-05:00

Well, actually it is Fun & Fast Notes. I love this stamp set to show new stampers. It has all the essential stamps they need to get started. Another great thing about this stamp set is that you can mount the sayings on the side of the block and get 16 stamps instead of 8. Really, great stamp set for beginners. The following cards were used at my last workshop. My guests made the birdie card and then the others I had out to show them other things they can do with this set. Very simple cards. Hope you enjoyed them.

GREAT Stamp Camp!

2008-06-27T02:03:00.003-05:00

This past Sunday I had a Stamp Camp and it was busy, busy! We did this fabulous Stationery Box that Jackie Topa shared! I love it and I have enjoyed all the beautiful stationery boxes I have seen using all of Stampin' Up!s beautiful Designer Series Paper. My box included 4 cards, 4 3x3 cards, a covered notepad (found these beauties at JoAnns) and then a place for stamps. Over all I fell in love with the beautiful LeJardin designer paper. What is your favorite Designer Paper by Stampin' Up!???

Happy Friday and have a GREAT weekend!!!!

e-Scape Cards

2008-06-26T00:59:00.002-05:00

Happy Thursday! Today I had my e-Scape event. Honestly, it was WAY to HARD for me to totally escape electronics. If you did, I am sooooo proud of you. :) I couldn't be away from my computer. I am a wus!

Anyways, there were a few hours of the day that I was actually stamping with friends. This is a good thing. Above are a two of the four cards we stamped tonight. I had a few extra cut so I decided to make a few for my own stash. I changed them up a bit to have some fun. I hate to see the Live Your Dreams stamp set leave at the end of the month. Beautiful flower and looks great so many ways. I will also miss the Afternoon Tea paper. Hasn't that been a beautiful compliment to the Live Your Dreams stamp set? LOVE it!

The other two cards use the stamp set Bursting with Joy. Very elegant stamp set. This was probably our easiest card and I completely got the idea from my Stampin' Success Magazine that Stampin' Up! provides. Oh how I love that magazine. It's exclusive for demonstrators and it always has the greatest cards in it.

That is all for me today. It has been a fun filled day.

Authentic

2008-06-25T00:48:00.002-05:00

Howdy folks. Just a super fast quickie post. Super duper busy trying to tie up loose ends here in my stamp office. I made this card a few weeks back. Fun and simple. I used the Stamp of Authenticity which is retiring. ACK! I made the scallop border using my 1" cirlce punch. I punched a bootie load of them and then wrapped them around the Tempting Turq. circle. Loved how that looked.

Hope your hump day is filled with FABULOUSNESS. Today is my e-Scape mini Stamp a Stack. Can't wait. Let's see how long I can stay away from the computer and phone. Ha ha ha ha ha. I just fell outta my chair laughing.

Somebody loves me!

2008-06-24T00:03:00.003-05:00

News... my sister in law is a fabulous stamper and decided she would tag me! It's been a VERY LONG time since I have played along with one of these, so I am going to give it a whirl. You can check out her awesome work by clicking on Tracy Leggett's name. She is also a demo and truly very talented.

So, here it goes!
Five things in today’s ‘to do list’:
1. Post office
2. Buy more Bare Essentuals (LOVE this stuff)
3. Cut more paper for my workshop
4. Figure out my last project for my workshop tonight (dont' laugh)
5. Ponder when my SU order will arrive with my Decor Elements!

Snacks I enjoy:
1. Any kind of chocolate
2. Little Debbie Honeybuns (thanks MOM)
3. Doritos
4. Peanuts
5. M&M's

Things I would do if I was a millionaire:
1. Move to a warmer climate!
2. Buy a sports car (I think I am I having an early mid life)
3. Shop for myself and my family until I tuckered out!
4. Buy a lot of STAMPS!
5. Buy a plane ticket to see my parents!

Places I have lived:
Florida
Rhode Island
California
Colorardo
Wisconsin
Missouri
Texas
Ohio
Tennesse
Edited to Add... VIRGINIA! DUH! How can I forget this state? I started stamping there. Oh my word!!!!!!
I know there are more places... can't remember anymore.

Have a fabulous day!

Die Cut Blooms

2008-06-24T00:00:00.001-05:00

I just love these Die Cut Blooms and I hope Stampin' Up! brings them out again in the new catalog. They are so much fun to add to any project. This was a card we did on Sunday at my Stamp Camp. It was a full house with lots of laughs and as always we had a GREAT time. Thanks to all of you that attended. I just love it when I have a house full of stampers!

Oh, and today is a BIG day! It's my brothers Birthday! Whoo Hoo!! Happy Birthday Shane!

It's Summer Time!

2008-06-23T06:40:00.000-05:00

It's officially Summer Time! Let's celebrate with a Summer card. This card uses the Lifes a Breeze stamp set. I used Bordering Blue textured cardstock as my base. I LOVE our textured paper. Wanna know why? It stamps beautifully. Ya know, if you are a textured cardstock fan, you will love Stampin' Up!s. While it has a nice textured feel, it still stamps pretty smoothly. I really like it.

This is a pretty basic card, but great to start the summer off. Thanks for stopping by. It's a great day to get your stamps and start creating. Enjoy!

Just add a little GLITTER!

2008-06-22T06:32:00.000-05:00

My glitterphobic friends are cringing right now. I can hear them now, "not another glitter card!" Sorry gals, I can't help it. This was a really fun card. I haven't used this GREAT stamp set in a long time. Bud Basics is on the retired list and I am a little sad to see it go. It is great for watercoloring as well as 2 step stamping. I love to watercolor this big flower. This was one of the cards we did in my Watercolor Crayon class. To make this card, I used the key tag punch to make a window for the flowers underneath. Using Naturals White cardstock I stamped the flower images in Black Stazon and watercolored using Apricot Appeal Watercolor Crayon. Once dry, I used my VersaMark and inked the entire cardstock. I used Irridescent Ice over the VersaMark and then heated it. I placed this piece underneath the window. I used Irridescent Ice on the single flower as well. Really makes this card pop. So pretty!!
All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Have a GREAT day!

Stamp away on the Pretties!

2008-06-21T06:24:00.000-05:00

If you have the Pretties Kit you will love what I am going to show you. I just love every piece in the kit. The flowers are by far my favorite. There are tons of ways you can use the flowers as well as change their color. These flowers can be dyed with Markers, Crayons, Ink Pads and Pastels. You can also dye them with your reinkers. One of my favorite things to do with the flowers is to stamp on them. With this card I stamped the Stitched Background stamp directly onto the flower using Handsome Hunter ink. I love how delicate the Stitched Background is and then once stamped on the flower it makes the flower just as delicate. I challenge you to pull out your pretties kit and try something new with them!!

Get Excited New Demos

2008-06-20T01:18:00.004-05:00

Our group has been blessed with a ton of new demonstrators last month. I worked today on getting some cards ready to send to them. I am so excited about the adventure they are getting ready to embark on. For those of you that are already a demonstrator, you know that feeling when you get your kit. You are so excited to tear through the boxes and just look at all the pretty stuff inside the box. New demonstrators are really a breath of fresh air and I love taking in their excitement they have about the journey they are beginning. To all the new demos in the Stamping by the Sea group... WELCOME!!!

Retired List, New Product Line...

2008-06-18T00:13:00.004-05:00

What a day! It has been filled with excitment from the beginning. If you haven't heard the buzz, Stampin' Up! has released the RETIRED LIST! Oh my! So many great stamps are going to a warmer climate!! Wish I could go with them. :) To see the list of retiring stamps click HERE!

Hopefully you are on my mailing list and will catch all the great specials I will be running on the retiring list. You really will NOT want to miss it!

Today Stampin' Up! announced a BRAND NEW product line that I am just tickled pink about! It is called Decor Elements! These will be Vinyl Wall Decor. I really cannot stand all the excitement that is going on. WOW!!!! Stay tuned, there will be more great info coming your way as I receive it. I do know that you will be able to purchase this starting on JULY 1st!!! Holy COW! So stinkin' exciting.

Lastly, I just have to share a beautiful card from one of my downline here in the Springs. I had a downline meeting last night and she brought me this card. I thought it was beautiful!!! Thanks Charlotte for the gorgeous card! It really made my day!

I received a few cards this week that really made me smile. I will share them this week.

Another kind of Art

2008-06-17T00:56:00.003-05:00

No, it's not real! This is another kind of art that I love. I love tattoo's, however I am a BIG chicken and do not have a REAL one. I want one, but just can't seem to get past the "it might HURT" part. Instead, I got a henna tattoo when we went to the Renaissance festival this weekend for Father's Day. We had a blast as always. I love seeing the pirates and all the crazy people dressed up! Next year, I think I want to dress up as well! Maybe I will get crazy and get a REAL tattoo by then. You never know with me. :) Hope you enjoyed your weekend.

Happy 5th Year Anniversary!

2008-06-15T00:37:00.007-05:00

Whooo Hooo!!! June is an exciting month for me. I'm celebrating 5 years with Stampin' Up! It really doesn't seem that long! It has been 5 GREAT years! Last night I held an Anniversary party at my house. We had such a great time. I had both customers and demonstrators here. They received a little goodie bag and made 5 projects. I acted like Martha Stewart and made some great goodies. Overall it was a fabu time. Here is pic of the cute little goodie bags they received.

Then tonight I held another canvas class. This has been a class I have been doing for a LONG time. My home is covered with them and tonight I finished one with my customers. I have always loved scrapbooking and this class is basically scrapbooking on canvas. Or as I call it, "Scrapbooking on the Wall."

So, the big question? "How do you do that?" I like to get my canvas from JoAnns. The best canvas to get is the brand "Scrapbooking on the Wall". You can try http://www.scrapbookwarehouse.com/ Their canvas is just pulled very tight and great to work with. However, when doing a class... they never have enough on hand that I need. Here are the basic materials you will need:

12x12 canvas

Matte Finish Modge Podge

8x10 photo professionaly printed (do not use a photo off your printer)

Embellishments of choice

You will notice in the canvas I did tonight, I did not use Stampin' Up! paper. The ONLY reason I didn't is because I prefer thicker designer paper. Basicgrey is typically the paper of choice. Stampin' Up!'s designer paper is a little thinner and tends to cause more bubbles with the modge podge than I like. The rest of my canvas products are Stampin' Up! I just LOVE our rub-ons and they work perfect on the canvas. I also used our chipboard and sponged it with Groovy Guava ink and stamped on the two letters with a stamp from Carte Postal in Purely Pomegranate ink. I love how that turned out. At the top of the canvas I used our wide Twill Tape and tied it in a bow. Then I used our chocolate twill tape ribbon that is in the mini and also added a label from the Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware. I would love to do a video tutorial on this, but I just don't know how. Maybe my friend Christy can help me. *wink, wink*

Thats all for tonight. Have a fabulous night!!!!

CONGRATS!

2008-06-12T01:14:00.003-05:00

I just loved Kristina Werners Congrats card that she made for her MACM earlier this week and I had to try and duplicate it. I love how simple her cards are. I always feel like I need to keep adding embellishments to make the card "look" good. I love how Kristina can make a simple card always look GREAT!

All products are Stampin' Up!
Have a fabulous Thursday!

Mighty Bright!

2008-06-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Are these bright or what?? These little cuties are so fun and easy. Just a 3x3 card using Summer Picnic designer paper, Build a Brads, and the awesome Die Cut Blooms. You can find all these great products in the Mini Occassions catalog.

Have a FABULOUS Wednesday!

A Lovely Thank You Card!

2008-06-10T06:01:00.000-05:00

Are you in need of a few Thank You cards? I am trying to build my collection because it seems like I NEVER have enough Thank You cards. I wanted to play with a few stamp sets tonight. I used the Live Your Dreams stamp set and Lovely Labels. Once again, I used my markers to color the flowers. I believe I used Old Olive, Cameo Coral and So Saffron for the center of the flower. Once I had that stamped I sponged the edges with Chocolate Chip and then stamped over the entire image with En Francis in Creamy Caramel. Ohhhhhh so pretty. I added the Afternoon Tea designer paper and some of the lovely Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware. Get if before it's gone! It's in the mini catalog and that will be gone after June 30th. Argh! Lastly, I added some of the yummy Chocolate Poly Twill ribbon. I sure hope we see more of this. I would prefer in all 48 colors. Or how about white???? Wouldn't that be FABULOUS!!! Oh, I did add a little glitter in the center of the flowers.

That's all for today! Sure hope you have some time to stamp today. It really is GREAT therapy!

Round Tab Punch Card

2008-06-09T16:55:00.003-05:00

Good afternoon!

I wanted to share a card we made in club last month. If you have the Round Tab punch from Stampin' Up! you can also make this card. Just punch 5 Round Tabs out using your Round Tab punch and fold each piece in half. Place on cardstock going in a circle as seen in picture. I adhered mine with a little adhesive to get the right placement and then adhere permanently. I used my scallop punch for the middle and the Brocade Basics stamp set to finish off the card. It's a simple card with a WOW technique. Hope you find some stampin' time today!

Cocktails Anyone?

2008-06-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

While in Jacksonville, I met a new friend who just loved her "cocktails!" I was in Joanns the other day and as I was checking out I passed by this stamp set. I laughed silly in the aisle and couldn't pass this stamp by without making a card for my new friend. I know she will get a kick out of it. What a fun image. I NEVER purchase anything other than Stampin' Up!, however this really made me laugh. So, it is off to my new friend. I think she will laugh just the same. All other supplies are Stampin' Up! I just love that Stitched Background!

Have a fabulous day!

A little 'Thank You' inspiration!

2008-06-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

My eScape event is coming up on June 25th and I am doing a mini Stamp a Stack! We will do 8 Thank You cards for $10. We all need Thank You cards. I thought this would be a great time during Stampin' Up!'s e-Scape promotion to make Thank You cards to send to friends and family. Here is one of the cards we will be doing. Of all the hostess sets in the catalog, this is by far my favorite. I love the bird and the flower stamp. As you know from reading my blog, I have many favorite tools, and one of them is my Markers. My markers get plenty of use here. Here I used my Markers to color the tree limb and the bird. I used Versa Mark to stamp the bold flower around the tree and bird onto the Kraft cardstock.

Have a FABULOUS Saturday!

Cards for the Troops

2008-06-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

I am so excited to be doing Cards for the Troops again. A few demonstrators and myself are hangin' out at our local Starbucks and getting our community to pitch in on the efforts to make our awesome troops some cards. Here is one we are doing for them. We kept these super simple and they can change the sentiment on the front from various sentiments I will have available. Two of my dear demos have husbands that are currently serving over in Iraq and we will be sending the cards to their units. They are great ladies who work really hard while their husbands are gone. I know deployments too well and thankful my PRINCE is home with me now. I am thankful that Starbucks has been so kind to let us use their space. Whoo Hoo! What more could I ask for? Really? Starbucks and stamping??? I am in HEAVEN!

Simple card today!

2008-06-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post for today!

Is life a breeze for you? This card was a breeze. I love my Kraft paper and this cute stamp set Life's a Breeze was perfect with these colors. I think White Craft ink on Kraft paper is just the bomb! My favorite image from this stamp set are the flip flops. So stinkin cute.

Have a fab day!

Cruise Friends

2008-06-04T06:00:00.003-05:00

Here is a quick 8.5 x 11 layout using the stamp set Boho Backgrounds. Love that circle stamp. I embossed it onto Kraft cardstock (my fav) using White EP and then stuck one of those pretty Silver Hodgepodge brads in the center from the mini catalog. Do you have your silver Hodgepodge yet? It is soooo pretty. For the title I used Jumbo Outline Alphabet. Great alphabet to scrap with. If you are searching for a new alphabet, this is a good one to pick. You can color in the inside of the letters and now you can have titles in all kinds of colors. Really a fun alpha set.

So, this picture is some of my CRUISE buddies. Stampin' Up! cruises are truly the best. For me it's like a reunion. I get to catch up with friends I have made from all over the US! Russ and I had a blast this year in Bermuda. I can't wait for Hawaii!

Oh! Before I forget... today my favorite lady has a birthday! My MOM! Happy Birthday Mom! She is the best of the best. Best friend, great listener and just a super DUPER great woman! I wish I could watch her blow out her candles!!!

This is the princess with her grandkids! They love Nene!

e-Scape with Stampin' Up!

2008-06-03T06:15:00.001-05:00

Break free from the 'e'!
Plan now to join Stampin' Up! during the entire month of June in breaking free from the 'e'! Stampin' Up! has designated June 25, 2008 as eScape day--a day to put away your cell phones and laptops and focus on reconnecting with your "wireless network." Hard to imagine life without wireless, cell phones-isn't it? Why not try it for a day!

Throughout all of June, we're offering a terrific eScape Bundle with products at 25 percent off, including a few of the essentials to create your own cards! The eScape Bundle is perfect for any stamper and a great way to start getting the perfect card made to send to loved ones and friends!

Order this great eScape Bundle from now until June 30th! Contact me today!

Here is a little inspiration to get you started. This card is fast and easy using the beautiful stamp set Carte Postale Stamp set! Make June a month your loved ones and friends remember!

Have a fabulous Tuesday!

Get to scrappin'

2008-06-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Oh how I do love this little boy! Despite the gray hair he is putting in my head at the early age of 7, he makes up for it with that sweet smile. On this layout I am using the sticky cut letters and accents as well as the fine Cosmo Glitter. LOVE it! Very Bling ditty Bling! The stamp set used is Always. You will notice the photo is pretty large. It is a 12x12 layout, however I used an 8x12 photo. You can get these printed at Walmart or Sams club. I am sure there are other places, these are the places I know. Go BIG... it's a good thing!

Missing the Sea!

2008-06-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm back from my trip to Jacksonville! I am feeling a little sad to leave friends behind, not to mention that beautiful OCEAN air! Nothing like watching your hair go flat, sweat drip off of you... It really is a beautiful thing!!!

I wanted to share a fun layout of the kids. It's simple, but fun. I love the beads added at the top with a little crystal effects. Are you one of those people that has beads and never uses them? I will admit to that. I do love how these look on scrapbook pages. Try them out! Beads are BLING!

June? Already?

2008-06-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it is June already! Don't get me wrong, I am VERY excited to see June because now I know that warm weather is truly here for a little while. I am sick of wearing sweat shirts in the spring. I am ready for my toes to breath with my flip flops on! Whoo Hoo!!!

Today I wanted to share a little box and a few cards that goes inside it. The mini catalog truly has some of the best stamps and products in it. I love the Summer Picnic Designer paper and how so many fun things can coordinate with it. These cards I really pulled out the embellishments and played. From Rub ons, Die Cut Blooms, Flower Fusion and Rhinestone Brads... it all goes together so beautifully. These cards are fast and simple, yet FUN!

Remember, you can purchase from the Mini catalog until June 30th! Don't miss these GREAT products! If you don't have a mini catalog (what a sin...) Click HERE to view it online!

Have a FABULOUS week!

Scrapbook Time

2008-05-31T06:00:00.001-05:00

I thought it was time for a scrapbook layout. If you were in my Scraps in the Mail, you will remember this layout. This layout uses the gorgeous chunky glitter, Sticky Cut letters and the Lucky Star tin! If you haven't tried the Sticky Cut letters yet, you should. Very easy to use and great for scrapbook pages. The stamped images use the Always stamp set! This stamp set is really versitle and great for card makers or scrappers. The bird is my favorite element in this stamp!

Don't forget....Today is the last day to purchase the chipboard at the Special Discounted price! Spend $35 and receive the On Board Chipboard for 25% off! If you love chipboard... stock up!

Lastly, if you were thinking about becoming a demonstrator... Today is your LAST chance at getting the steal of a DEAL! Only $159 plus the Hodgepodge Hardware of your choice. You cannot beat that! Get over $350 valued products and receive a 20% discount! If you have questions... just email me!

Life IS Good!

2008-05-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Life is always good when you're a Stampin' Up! demonstrator! I made these a few months back using the She's All That stamp set. I just love this chic because she is holding a coffee cup! This is me! I don't have a poodle however my doggie is just as small. These are just little post it note holders. I believe the original design came from the famous Paula Goff! She is ever so talented! If you check out the Scor-pal site I think you might find directions there.

Have a wonderful day!!

A few more Stitched Exotics!

2008-05-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

Hello once again! I'm back with a few more samples using the Stitched Exotics stamp set.

This card uses the beautiful Ginger Blossom Designer Series paper along wth the beautiful stamp set Bursting with Joy! I stamped Ruby Red ink onto Kraft cardstock and I love how this came out. Once again I placed a Jumbo Eyelet in the center of the flower and then placed a clear Rhinestone brad in the middle of the Jumbo eyelet. The Rhinestone came from the Pretties Kit! Surely you have that because if you don't, you NEED it. Tons of great pieces come in the Pretties Kit!
Now to the next card! Once again I used Kraft cardstock. If you didn't know this about me, Kraft cardstock is one of my favs! I stamped the large flower using Whisper White cardstock. Afternoon Tea Designer paper was used for the bottom portion of the card. For the focal point I used the large flower stamped in Wild Wasabi and used a ribbon belt and clear rhinestone for the center of the flower. Lastly, I used a piece of Wild Wasabi and Soft Sky double stitched ribbon on the side of my focal point to add another embellishment.

I hope you are enjoying the Stitched Exotics samples this week. Feeling inspired? Post a link in the comment section of your beautiful creations using Stitched Exotics. I would love to see them!

Another Round of Stamps in the Mail

2008-05-28T12:03:00.001-05:00

Stamps in the Mail!
An exclusive stamp club that comes to your door!
It's time for another round of Stamps in the Mail and a new stamp set to play with! If you have never participated in this program, I highly recommend giving it a try. You won't be disappointed!

The club will last for 3 months (Jun-Aug). Each month you will receive stamps and/or accessories in the mail plus all the materials to make 4 different cards or projects.

Each round of monthly projects are going to
involve "Templates." Templates are a layout design
that you can use over and over in your stamping-
just change the colors and stamps!

The first month you will receive the stamp set that
will be used over the 3 month period. Just think, at
the end you will have made 12 different projects with
your one stamp set plus you will have added great
products to your stamp collection! Products used
(and sent to you) will be things you will be able to use
in all your stamping-not just needed for these
projects. If you already own the product you can
substitute.

Cost of the club is just $40 per month. You will
receive at least $30 worth of products each month for a total of $90
in products. The other $30 is to cover the "class,"
supplies, shipping, etc. Directions and detailed
pictures will be sent to you via email.

One of the benefits of this Stamp Club, is each
month you can add to your order if you wish and
receive a 20% discount on anything you add to your STAMPS IN THE MAIL order!!!

The first round of Stamps in the Mail will begin
shipping the third week of June. All products and materials should be received by the 20th of each month.

Are you ready to start? RSVP by emailing me today!
You have until June 5th to sign up! Refer a
friend and receive a $19.95 stamp set from me! Email me today if you need
more information! Please don't hesitate to ask! Get
ready to have a GREAT stamping time right in the
comfort of your own home. Stamps in the Mail can be paid by Cash, Check, Visa, MC, Discover, or Pay Pal!

Happy Stamping!

Kimberly Van Diepen

Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Stitched Exotics!

2008-05-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

I finally ordered this stamp set after eyeballing it for quite some time. I couldn't resist any longer. I ordered the Stitched Background some time ago and truly this has to be one of my favorite backgrounds of all time. It is so elegant. I highly recommend this stamp to anyone. I wanted to show you a few samples today using this stamp set and over the week I will share more. I am really enjoying this stamp set!

Not only can I not resist the stamp, I cannot resist Iridescent Ice! I love this embossing powder and have used it on almost every sample lately!! For the top sample I stamped that beautiful flourish in Whisper White and then sprinkled a little II powder over it. After I heated it, I stamped the Stitched Background over the top of it. After mounting this to Soft Sky cardstock, I stamped the big flower in Blue Bayou, and placed a jumbo eyelet in the center. I tied my double stitched ribbon right through the middle and ummmmm... it was so pretty. I didn't put a sentiment on this card for a reason. I need a few cards just to send. No sentiment needed.

Now the bottom card is just a little card you can use as a gift card holder. For the front flap I stamped the small flourish in Blue Bayou and then used the outlined flourish with Whisper White and Iridescent Ice. It looked like a pretty prom dress. It was so pretty! I cut the large flower out and punched a hole in the middle and placed a pretty silver ribbon belt from the new Hodgepodge Hardware and pulled the Double Stitched through the ribbon belt to act as a belly band to keep the front cover closed. Hope that makes sense. Anyways, just a cute little card with a little elegance attached to it.

Watch for more samples tomorrow!

A FeW SiMpLe CaRdS!

2008-05-27T20:20:00.003-05:00

I love simple, however find myself never doing simple. This past week I was busy stamping for an upcoming craft show (more on that in a bit) and I did a few easy peezy cards I wanted to share with you. These are just 3x3 Whisper White cards made using a few Die Cut flowers found in our Mini Occassions and beautiful Rub On's. I added our Felt Fusion and a Rhinestone brad in the middle and Viola, they are DONE! The sentiment on each of the cards was used from Just Celebrate. This is another mini catalog stamp I just LOVE! If you are looking for a great starter stamp set, this is the one to have. Lovely stamps with every sentiment you really need. Email me on how to purchase this great stamp set!

Now, as for the craft show... it was a big one. They estimated over 100,000 people would be attending. I am not sure of the exact number, but there were a ton of people there. I did this with a few other demonstrators and we had a blast doing it together. Saturday was a very slow day but Sunday we were really busy! All in all it was a great weekend. We enjoyed watching our creations fly off the table. :)

Keep your eyeballs peeled on my blog tomorrow. I will be showcasing the Stitched Exotics stamp set. I hope to inspire you with this lovely stamp set.

A True Stamper

2008-05-23T02:15:00.001-05:00

Here is Lex in her TRUE stamping spirits! I was laughing so hard listening to her sing!

If you don't have it...

2008-05-23T01:20:00.005-05:00

You will want it! I *love* the Forever Together stamp set. It is so elegant and so fun to play with. Last night I really had glitter everywhere. I love playing with Irridescent Ice! It always adds such elegance to any thing you do with it. It was perfect to use with the Forever Together stamp. My arm almost hurts from all the stamping I have been doing. I have a huge craft fair in the next couple of days and I am trying to get ready for it. Here is a card made with the Forever Together Stamp. Oh so pretty!

Then for another project...I used the Wild Rose stamp set and stamped the big rose with Pale Plum and Elegant Eggplant and stamped a Versamark Pad over the entire image and embossed it with Irridescent Ice to make this pretty memo pad holder. I cut out the roses and adhered it to the Whisper White cardstock. I used our Rub ons for the sentiment.

The last picture is Lex being the TRUE stamper! She is stamping and listening to my iPod. She was having a blast today just stamping away with mommy! I love times like this together.

Fresh Cuts

2008-05-20T18:12:00.002-05:00

Happy Tuesday! I've finally been able to play with my cute new stamp set Fresh Cuts. I how elegant this stamp is. The 4x4 cards are adorable and so many fun things you can do with them. Let me take you on a tour of what I have done with them so far. The top right card I used Brocade Blue craft ink and embossed with Irridescent Ice. I left the laser cut flower intact and just embossed the entire thing. The second one above, I took the laser cut flower out and placed a piece of cardstock vellum inside that was embossed with again... Irridescent Ice. Ohh la la. Love that embossing powder. So glittery!!! Now, below you will find some random cards made with the same stamp set. This time I took Rose Red Craft Ink and embossed again with Irridescent Ice EP. So pretty. Then, the last card I punched out three flowers using the 5 Petal punch and put then placed a piece of CS Vellum behind them. The Vellum was once again embossed with the same stuff and this really made a pretty SIMPLE card. I likey! Hope you likey too!

UR Fantastic

2008-05-15T01:50:00.005-05:00

That is what I think of my husband. Life is a little busy lately! Russ has finals and seems to have his nose in a book more than I would like. He warned me this week would be tough. Boy oh boy! It's all good... just a few days left. Since we are like two ships passing in the wind, I thought a little card may cheer him up and let him know I really do appreciate the sacrifices he's making by getting educated. Okay, so that is a lie... I have been cranky so I am making up for it. There ya have it. So this is a super duper easy peazy card. Now I gotta tell ya... I have a new favorite thing! This card uses the Messenger Accents & Elements Tin and I just L*O*V*E it! I love the colors and I love all the little sayings. If it wasn't so late, I would crank out a few more of these. Maybe tomorrow. I also used the Notebook designer series paper along with my all time favorite cardstock, KRAFT! Lastly, I used some chipboard... NAKED, NAKED, NAKED!!! I know so many friends that just hoard this stuff because they are so unsure what to do with it. Just slap it on a card... It really is fun stuff!!! This card only took a few minutes to make and I love it!!

So, the last bloggy entry I made said I would have a scrapbook page for you. Ummm... I do have it, but I can't post it for a bit. I will post it this weekend. I am so sad to say I only have one layout done. INSANE! Good news though. I just picked up a bunch of new photos and I plan to put them on paper this week. I have tons of ideas floating in my head just waiting to be put to paper.

***ETA: I really do appreciate my sweet husband! :)

HaPpY ScRaPbOoKiNg DaY!

2008-05-03T06:02:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday! I wanted to share two very fun cards made this week. The Happy Birthday card uses that adorable Pun Fun stamp set. This is such a great stamp set to use for "kiddo" cards. One of my favorite techniques is to watercolor. I used my Blender Pen on the rocket to watercolor. Then on my very patriotic card, I actually did a color wash using my watercolor crayons. I just scribbled on the watercolor paper and blended the color. I loved using the Jumbo Outline Alphabet on this card. This Alphabet set is so versitle and perfect for the scrapbooker. I colored my star chipboard using a sponge and ink and then stamped over it using the small star with Whisper White Craft Ink.

I know it's National Scrapbook Weekend and I haven't shared a scrapbook page. However, guess what I am doing tonight? You guessed it. SCRAPBOOKING!!! I hope you will join me. I can't wait to share my scrapbook layouts with you! I challenge you to pull out your pictures and start scrapbooking those great memories!

Hope you enjoy the cards!

Craft Show Stamping

2008-05-01T23:47:00.003-05:00

I am getting ready for a craft show this weekend. Luckily for me, my craft show partner is the BOMB when it comes to mass stamping. I have a terrible time making the same project a dozen times. It's kinda like swaps... I love to get them, just hate making them. I think it has to do with repetitive stamping? I don't know, but regardless... I get bored quickly. Today I spent a little time working on a few projects that I will add to the mix of our craft show. I thought I would share one of my favorites for the day. I love making decorative tiles. You really cannot screw them up and they always turn out beautiful. Since they are more for decorative use, I thought I would add a little pizazz to a few of them using one of my favorite stamp sets, Fabulous Flowers. I just love this flower.

Here you can see a close up of both the tiles. I stamped the Fabulous Flower many (TOO many) times and then used my Iridescent Ice to emboss each of the layers of the flower. Once they were stacked together with dimensionals I added a half back pearl to the center and it just added such elegance to the entire tile. Yes, a few retired materials such as Chocolate Chip ribbon and the sentiment on the blue tile were used. Couldn't help it!

Have a GREAT day!

Mothers Day Stamping!

2008-04-25T23:30:00.003-05:00

My stamp table is looking a little overwhelmed with flowers and Mothers Day stamps! Tonight I am not feeling 100%, however I thought I could try my hand at a few cards. You know stamping always makes you feel a little better. I think it is just a cold. Regardless, it sucks. A little rest this weekend will be good for me.

Now these are fairly simple cards but I really liked how they turned out. I'm trying all kinds of variations. Hope you like them and I hope your weekend is a FABULOUS one!

A moment!

2008-04-22T01:10:00.006-05:00

That is exactly what it was! I was doing my thing... cutting paper for an upcoming class when all of a sudden and idea popped into my head and I had to completely stop what I was doing and get the idea onto paper. The layout to the right is what popped into my head. Nothing major, just a 6x6 layout. However, it's all about ribbon today!! It started with Kristina Werners Blog this morning. I watched this cool video she had found with a little ribbon deal and it just started a spiral of ribbon ideas. Check out the video over there and you will see what I am talking about and why it inspired my ribbon day!

This card below was inspired by the video. Very simple card, but loved adding the ribbon as an embellishment. Anyways, I hate to admit, but the ribbon originals is so pretty and I rarely pull it out of my stash. Thanks to Kristina, it was used a few times today.

I need to make some baby cards, so I pulled out a fun set called Nursery Necessities. Such a fun baby set to work with. Above are a few cards I made with this set tonight. Loved adding hardware to both of these cards. This is one thing I do use a lot. Love my Hodgepodge Hardware!

Have a FABULOUS week!

A Mothers Day Tea!

2008-04-17T00:38:00.005-05:00

Today was Lexi's preschool Mothers Day Tea and what a delight. I was such a proud parent. There are only 5 in her class and she sang at the top of her lungs today. Typically you cannot hear her, but that was not the case today. She was just about the only one you heard. My cheeks hurt from smiling. I was so proud of her. It was such a precious time to be with her and she was so proud of all her little projects and the beautiful flower pot she made me. I just love these treasures and I love that my job allows me to be with my kids for functions just like this one. Thank you Stampin' Up!

Speaking of stamping. I have a few things I want to share tonight. I love Brandons teacher as well. She is such a great lady and I love how she recognizes gifts that each of the children in her class has. She always writes little love notes to each of her kids and Brandon just beams when he comes home with one. Me too. Believe me, it is much better than the letter I got last week stating he was jumping off urinals. WHAT???? I digress... Anyways, here is a little post it note holder I made for her. The school is a space and science school so the rocket ship fits perfectly. I think she liked it. :)

Lastly, I wanted to share another fun card that uses some of my favorite things for today! I love our rub-ons and how easy they go on. I also just love the Felt Flowers we carry now. These are really high quality and add such fun to any card. Then to just top off my favorites I added one of our Carousel Notes to this card. Holy shmolly these are the greatest things ever. I just love them. The person that thought of these is just a pure genius. If you didn't know, they come with Chocolate Chip envelopes. Talk about putting a girl over the edge. With my love for Chocolate Chip this just makes these little scallop thingies top my list of FAVORITES!!!

Hope your HUMP day was a fabulous one. I am currently watching it snow. YES, SNOW! Really I think this is WRONG! Yesterday was 80 degrees. Today there was a 40 degree temperature drop and the white fluffy stuff. Wrong I tell ya. It is April. This is supposed to be pool time for this girl. Not so much anymore. Looks like snowmen are in my future. Have a fabulous night!

Oh, hold on to your pants!!!

2008-04-15T23:40:00.005-05:00

Yes, I have some stamping to share with you. I know, I know! I am giddy with excitement to share with you. Brandon had a birthday party to go to this past Saturday so we pulled out some stamps and this is what we made for the birthday boy. Of course all products are from Stampin' Up! Let me tell ya what I really did here. If you have gone to any type of Stampin' Up! event you know that you take hundreds of pictures at each event. Well, I come home from them and I am all excited about the 400+ pics I have taken and I download them and share with friends. Then for some blonde reason, I forget these pics exist. After uploading all the cruise pics and seeing all the awesome ideas there I decided to go back and look at past convention pics. WOW. I have really missed the boat. :) I need to take a peek at these a little more often. The sailboat card was inspired by one of those pics as well as my Mother card. Now for this next card, I hardly changed a thing. I even used the same stamp sets. I think I only changed the hardware and the colors. Isn't it pretty? I thought this was a fun card.

Well, now that I have blown you away with three posts, THREE days in a row, it is time for me to get back to stamping. My stamping juices always seem to flow around this time of night. After 10pm the itunes go on, my booty gets a movin' and the stamps start a flyin'.

Have a fabulous night!!!

A little more Bermuda!

2008-04-14T23:57:00.002-05:00

Here are a few pics I had taken on our trip into Hamilton. I was so impressed with how clean Bermuda was and of course the colors of the homes were so impressive. The water was so blue and clear! They say the sand is pink, but I guess I was expecting Pretty in Pink sand and that was not what I was seeing. I really couldn't tell that it was pink. It looked kinda white to me. Maybe I have poor eye sight. Regardless, it was beautiful. I know that I did not put my big toe in the water because it was very cold.

How about these cute guys? My friend Jeri was just a few rooms down from me and I went to visit her one night after dinner. Low and behold when I walked into her room sat that BIG honkin' elephant! Now, I had just been to my room and I had the baby sitting on my bed. I so wanted that Big Guy!!! So, I went searching for my cabin dude to see if maybe I could charm him and get the Mama of the elephants for my room. :) Well, I found "BA" (my cabin dude) and he was sooooooo nice and made me the big mama elephant. I was so excited. Ba was a great guy and I was so impressed how he remembered our names so quickly. Sure do miss the chocolates on my bed.

So, just what is in store for me now that I am back? I am catching up on the little things. Getting back into stamping some fun projects for the rest of the month.

The pale of flowers was just made this past Sunday at my stamp camp. I sure do love those die cut flowers. I used Big Flowers to help add dimension and a little stamping to the flowers. That cute pale was found in the dollar section of Target. We added a Rub-on to a tag for the pale and I thought the whole project was just springy and fun.

The card you see next to it was a club project from last month. We made monogram cards using the gorgeous Together Forever stamp set and Forever Flowers wheel. I really love this set! The wheel is forever elegant and looks beautiful tone on tone on any project. Love the colors of the card as well. Very elegant.

There ya have it. A little Bermuda, a little stamping!!!

Holy Cow! April Already?

2008-04-14T01:33:00.012-05:00

I know! MIA once again! Honestly, it is all been good stuff going on in my life. Busy stamping and teaching and taking care of this great family I have. I really cannot believe it's April and we are almost half way through it as well.

Where should I begin? How about the fabulous trip I just took to NYC and Bermuda compliments of Stampin' Up! If it's one thing Stampin' Up! does well it's planning the perfect trip. While the weather could of been a bit better, the trip was amazing. Getting to see my stamping girlfriends is what makes me tickled pink. I really had the time of my life. Let me explain a few highlights of the trip!!
NYC really was a thrill for me. I learned a lot of history and the fact I have NO fashion sense.
Here is a pic of Times Square. I was amazed with all the lights and people.

Here I am catching a cab. This was one of my thrills of NYC! I couldn't believe how many passed me up. I thought for sure one wave and there it would be. Then once in the cab I hung on for dear life. What a ride!!!

Here is Lisa, Me and Jeri on the Lido deck for the big BBQ event. We were almost smoked out but the food was amazing. Really a great time.

Can you say "TOO CUTE?" I couldn't believe what they could do with Pineapples. I took more pics of the food I ate than the people I was with. Sure was Yummy!!!

Don't ask me what I am doing, but I know I was having a GREAT time. I believe we walked by a bar playing 80's music and this instantly threw my bootie into action. This must of been a good song! :) Notice Lisa laughing? She tends to do this a lot. :)

Me and my hunk. We had such a great time together. Russ was able to go diving with my girlfriends and their husbands. He had a blast. I do not dive because I don't like things touching me underwater plus I am afraid I would scream underwater which then of course I would drown. There ya have it. Glad he was able to experience it though. I made sure the ship didn't sink while they dove. :) I did a pretty good job.

Here we are.... super chics! We had dinner at the Pinnicle Grill and it was very Yummy. We quickly got out of the dressy stuff into comfy clothes and ran around the ship for awhile. I think this is when we found the 80's tunes. Such fun!!!!!

This is a taste of friends in Bermuda so far. I will share more pics tomorrow and some good ole stampin' fun as well. I have lots more to share with you. Forgive me for being a slacker poster. Time really flies when you are having a good time. I really do LOVE my job!!!!

Edited to ADD----->To see great pics of the entire cruise go to Kimberly's Gallery located to the right of my blog. You will find tons of pics! I will highlight more here tomorrow.

My Valentine!

2008-02-16T02:00:00.001-05:00

Well, for those of you sitting at your computer just dying to know if my husband made it home for Valentines..... He DID! Ahhhhhh!!!! Even through all the bad weather, broken plane and such, he was home. Of course he had a class last night and it didn't make for a great Valentines evening, however I was so happy he was home. The kids had a blast at their Valentines parties and I stamped the day away when I had the chance. Of course I was happy to stamp my sweetheart a card. I love the new Always stamp set and find it so versitle when it comes to stamping cards or scrapbooking. If you are a scrapper, this is a GREAT set to scrap with. So many great ideas with this set. Anyhoo, here is my card I made for Russ. I think it turned out pretty foo foo. Whatever, he liked it and honestly the inside was most important. :)

Have a FANTABULOUS weekend.

Happy Valentines Day!

2008-02-14T01:34:00.005-05:00

Hopefully my Valentine will be here to share the day with me. Looks like there is a little snow that could drop by our way tomorrow and my sweet Valentine is on his way back from DC. Go figure. :) Since he has been out I have been busy in my stamp room. I have been trying to get a few valentines together for the kids parties this week. I must admit that I bought my sons valentines. Before you scream, it JUST had to be DONE!!! Besides, they were 3-D bugs which was right up his alley. I have truly been too busy to make them. I made Lexi's but she only had 8 in her class so it wasn't very difficult. I did make the teachers a few gifts. I did these cute mailboxes that Lexi helped me with. Of course the glitter part was the most fun. What girl doesn't like glitter? Actually, I do know one, but I will have to win her over one day! Oh, I digress! Back to the mailbox thingies. Aren't these just soooooo cute?? I love them. I used the new Sale-a-Bration rub ons and the Yummy Berry Bliss paper. YUMMY! I stuck a few candies inside with a little scalloped Valentine inside and called it quits on it. Lexi was happy as a clam.

I now have EASTER on my brain! I just love this cutie patootie chic. Stinkin' cute. And see the background on the egg??***click on the pic for a closer look*** Yes, that is my NEW favorite background Stitched. If you don't have it, YOU NEED IT! It is FABULOUS!

I am working on a few more projects. I have some scrapbooking to share with you. I have been doing a Scrapbooking program through the mail for almost a year now. I want to share a few of my favorite layouts with you. This program has been a huge success and I love keeping the scrapbook bug going in my customers. I have been scrappin' in the 8.5x11 size but now that size album is GONE. {BIG WHINE HERE} So, I had to pull out the 12x12 again and honestly I am not feeling the love yet. I just love the ease of 8.5x11. Obviously, I am in the minority, and I am okay with that. I will learn to pull out more pictures for 12x12 layouts. So, anyhoo, here are a few layouts I thought you might enjoy!

Oh so Simple!

2008-02-08T02:38:00.000-05:00

I love it when I can pull off a simple card with a little beauty. See that Stitched background stamp on the bottom of the card?? Oh I so LOVE it. In fact, it is my favorite for today. Note, just today. Tomorrow brings another one. :) This is a card we did at my Marker Club this month. We used the Sale-a-Bration So Many Scallops stamp set and then punched it out with the Scallop punch. Just makes me giddy. We used a build a brad in the center to make it pop just a wee bit more. Anyhoo, it is simple but sweet!!

Have a FABULOUS Friday!

Lovin' the FELT!

2008-02-06T20:48:00.000-05:00

Have you tried the Flower Fusion???? Oh my! Oh my!! They are so fun, high quality and just cute as a minute. You can place them on top of each other to make great embellishments! This card uses the So Many Scallops stamp set from the Sale-a-Bration catty. I used my fabulous markers to color the Happy Birthday and candles. Love how this stamp set fits perfectly within the scallop punch.

Have a fabulous day!

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

2008-02-03T03:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Super Bowl Sunday! Today is the day that most men will sit around the TV and watch a good game of football. I happen to be a football fan. I think today will be a great day to sit in front of the TV and stamp! I still have a lot to catch up on in my stamp room. I think I will grab a bowl of chips and dip and stamp away!

This little card was a swap card I did with the ladies in Virginia. I did the faux silk technique and I love it. It really makes a card pop. I used the new Sale-A-Bration stamp set Friendship Blooms and Lots of Thoughts. Great stamp set! Once again I used the Ginger Blossom designer series paper. Just sooooo pretty!!!

Oh, did you hear about Mr. Groundhog??? Ugh!!! I hope I can survive 6 more weeks of Winter. Honestly, I think it lasts here until JUNE!!!

Anyhoo, thanks for stopping by and have a FABULOUS Sunday!!!!

New Home

2008-02-02T01:48:00.000-05:00

No, not me! Brandons teacher recently bought her first home. She was so excited and I thought it would be fun to make her a little basket filled with the must haves when you move in. So we put together a few things like paper towels, dish soap, sponges etc. I made this card to go with the basket. We took it to her after school today and she was thrilled. Brandon was giddy to give his teacher a gift.

So, the card uses the Neighborhood Wheel that I love. What a great wheel. I watercolored with ink pads and an aqua painter and then added a little Crystal Effects to the windows to make them look a little more real. Kinda fun, huh?

I've also been pretty busy with the Valentines stuff. I *think* I might make these little gems for Lexi's classroom. When you pull up the ribbon, the sweathearts come out. She really wants me to do these.

Time to go back to stamping. The list of class projects has grown. Ahhh!

Rub it Rub it!!!

2008-02-01T01:39:00.000-05:00

I LOVE RUB-ONS!!!!! Yes, these little things are just awesome. Let me just admit right away that I have used these great things for quite awhile. When I taught in the scrapbook stores, rub-ons were always a BIG DEAL. I became a little picky though on the brand that I chose. Not all rub-ons are FABULOUS. In fact, I found few companies that I really found easy to "Rub-on". Well, as the great Stampin' company they are... they have once again brought another fantastic product to us. Stampin' Up!'s new rub-on line is just awesome. They go on very smoothly and look great. I just love that they match our stamp sets. Imagine me jumping around like a crazy woman the first time I had seen these in the catalog. Honestly, I think I actually scared Russ for the first time. I guess I am just so excited because I love to scrapbook and I love how Stampin' Up! is really on board with the scrapbooking supplies they are bringing out. They make it sooooo easy for us. In the picture here you can see I have played a bit with my rub-ons. I bought this silly Ruby Red pale at the Target Dollar spot. As soon as I spotted it, I ran and grabbed it. I knew it would go so well with Ginger Blossom paper and the rub-ons. So, I bought these way toooooooo expensive chocolate that only my tounge will eat and wrapped them in the beautiful paper and stuffed them in the pale. I was so excited with the results. Isn't it cute??? I thought Uber Cute!!

Wow, I just thought of something.... I have blogged three days in a row. AMAZING!!!

Have a super duper Friday and get some great stampin' time in!!!

Wonderful Watercolor Crayons

2008-01-31T01:30:00.001-05:00

Last night I held my watercolor class and we had a blast. I just love watercoloring. It is very relaxing and a great technique to just sit in front of the TV and color. The watercolor crayons from Stampin' Up! are just fantastic. They are high quality crayons in all 48 of our beautiful colors. We also carry the neutral crayons which I believe are a must have. They are perfect for shading!!

Here are a few cards we made last night!

Not sure what the weather is like in your area, but here I am flat FREEZING. It snowed a wee bit tonight. Just enough for me not to drive. It really is safe for all of us if I stay off the roads with snow. :)

Well, this is all I have to share for now. Hope you are having a great week!

Feeling a little happy!!!

2008-01-28T20:24:00.000-05:00

Howdy folks! This little card is so FUN! We did this in club this month! I love how you open it and it just says WOW! I used the Valentines Bundle for this. What a GREAT deal. You can still catch this Valentine deal for a few more days. You get the Happy Heart Day stamp set along with the medium cello bags and two rolls of ribbon (5/8" Regal Rose and Real Red Grosgrain). If you have valentine treats to make, this is a great stamp set to use. I love the little mouse, which I nicknamed Phil. Do ya like??

Anyhoo, have a fabulous day!!!!

A big Sale is coming SOON!

2008-01-28T02:36:00.000-05:00

Oh boy! Sale-a-bration is just around the corner. Starting February 1st those beautiful stamps will be available. Who thought we could get so excited about these beautiful stamps??? Here is a little card to get you excited. It uses a few of my favorite things and went to a sweet friend of mine here! She had a birthday, and I thought this suited her perfectly.

I love Ginger Blossom paper and it went great with this Sale-a-bration set!!! I just love it.

Hope you had a great weekend. Lots of stamping going on here. :)

2008-01-22T02:37:00.000-05:00

It's been busy in the stamp room. After getting back from Palm Springs, Ca

I have been catching up on all kinds of stamping projects for classes this month and next. Leadership was amazing. The best part is seeing friends I haven't seen in a while and catching up with them. All my roomies were a blast and we shared many laughs over the 4 days. I loved seeing all the beautiful palm trees there. It was warm and just GREEN!!!! Much different than what I am seeing here... SNOW!

To the right you will see my swap card I had at Leadership. I just love this little bird set. I love to watercolor so this is a great set to watercolor.

Lastly, this little tin was a project at my stamp camp this past Wednesday. Very fun camp and we all had a few laughs. I love that Ginger Blossom paper! It is so delicate looking and made this tin just beautiful. I stamped on the front of the tin using White Stazon and the Embrace Life set. Oh my, another fabulous stamp set. It is wonderful to watercolor with. I love it. My little tin is filled with 12 delicious chocolate nuggets wrapped in the beautiful Ginger Blossom paper. Love it.

Hope you have a great week. Happy stampin'!

A scrappin' good time!

2008-01-03T12:58:00.000-05:00

Many of you know I just love scrapbooking. I want to share a few layouts I have done in the past I think you might enjoy. Most of these layouts are 8.5x11. I will really miss the 8.5x11 albums, however it will push me to get back in the 12x12 mode. Here is a layout that is fun, and NO my kids are NOT naked. It is a cute one though. :)

Enjoy your day!!!!!!!

January Already?

2008-01-02T13:41:00.000-05:00

I think I go down in the history books for worst blogger. Really, not on purpose. Just no time. I found these last couple of weeks refreshing as I spent great time with my family. I was also able to get caught up on my class schedule and work on projects that have been pinging my little brain for some time. I have now turned what once looked like a winter wonderland/North Pole stamp room into a Valentines Haven. It feels so good. The kids are happy as clams playing with new Christmas toys and I am happy playing in my stamp room.

I have been creating some fun projects for upcoming January classes and getting ready for a GREAT time in Palm Springs with my Stampin' sista's for Leadership Confrence. There just seems to be such excitement in the air right now. We have a fabulous new catalog out. If you haven't seen it, OH MY! You are missin' the boat. It is just beyond fabulous. Call me to get yours today. You really NEED it. Beautiful samples. Then there is the excitment of Leadership coming up. Getting swaps ready, little gifties for my girlfriends, and the impending bladder control from all the laughter we share at these events. It was a wonder I survived Convention. Truly one of the best times I have EVER had. So many great laughs. Then lastly, there is the excitment of Sale-a-bration. Wowser. Really some great things getting ready to happen. Yippie.

Well, now that I babbled a little longer than expected, here are a few sneek peeks of some things I have been working on.

Just a few projects. A little scrapbook page I thought went well in my Valentines room. Hope you like. I will share more tomorrow.

Yes, really... I hope to be a better bloggin' chic this year. Actually, it has been 1 year now that I started this little gig. CRAZY!

Chow!

You can build it!

2007-12-09T11:27:00.000-05:00

I love our Build a Brads that Stampin' Up! carries and almost hate to admit how many tins I have really gone through. I was getting things ready for my big Hostess Diva night and making them little treats they so deserve. I just finished using the last brad out of the build a brad and a light bulb went off. "THE TIN!" The tin is totally re-usable and can fit 6 decorated chocolate nuggets. Here is very simple tin I decorated using the tin.

The other thing I made for them was a little chocolate box. I love those boxes. Easy and fun to make. They had a whole bunch more last night and we had a blast. They were all brave to come to my home in the middle of a snow storm. Gotta love the weather these days.
Last picture is of my snowy kids. They love to play in the snow. NOT me! Luckly I can just watch and then warm them up when they are done. ;)
Have a fabulous Sunday!

Boy oh Boy!

2007-12-06T01:27:00.000-05:00

I know, spank me! It's been awhile. Lots of things going on and no time for playing on my blog. To sum a month and half of not blogging... here it goes!

*new computer died and came back to life a month later!

*stampin', teachin', and staying happy!

*a week at my SIL's in Corpus Christi playing BINGO!

*playing catch up after being away for a week.

Of course lots of great funnies go with all the above, but that could potentialy bore you! So let me show you a few things I have been really working on!

So lots of projects, some very new... others maybe a few months old. Honestly, life has just been busy but GREAT! Hope you are enjoying the Holidays and your family!
All images Copyright Stampin' Up!

It's been awhile!

2007-10-19T09:26:00.000-05:00

Well, I did eventually drag myself off the beach and make it back home to the cold of Colorado. In fact just a few days later the mountain had snow on it once more. It is beautiful, however the white sand is prettier in my eyeballs. I had a wonderful time seeing my family, but as always it is great to be home. Since I have been home I played BIG time catch up and for the first time feel caught up. I have a class next week that I thought I would share here! I have a great love for paper bag albums and I love making up CRAZY ones. This one is the top of my list. I love this paper bag album. It is LONG! You can fit so many pics inside and pockets galore. Just a fun bag. The embellishments for this bag are not finished as of yet, but will be soon. I have to admit I cannot live without the scallop punch AT ALL. I find myself using it on EVERYTHING. Oh, and my newest addiction is the build a brad. Oh nelly! I am thankful that Stampin' Up! waited to put the product on the shelf until it was perfect and my friends, it is. It is a fabulous product. Here is a card I made using the Build a Brad! This is a very simple card, but if you look in the middle of my scallop area you will see the cute Build a Brad. As of now, it seems all my projects have my two favorite things: scallops and Build a Brads.

I hope your October is nothing but fabulous. Enjoy the art of stamping!

Family Time

2007-10-02T11:46:00.000-05:00

Vacation is going great. I love being near my family. Just another day left and I will be back on the plane headed back home. I do miss my little family. The kids are doing great with daddy.

Today we are headed to the beach. Must get the most of my ocean air while I can. I did hold a workshop last night and had a great time. Gotta get some stampin' time in, right?

Here is a picture of my mom, brother and myself. I love this picture.

Have a fabulous day!!!

Smell that Ocean Air?

2007-09-29T00:02:00.000-05:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! It is fabulous. I flew into Florida tonight. Of course my flight was a bit delayed but I made it. As soon as I got to the outside of the airport the humid air hit my face and I could feel my skin screaming out thank you. Being in Colorado, I'm aging fast with the dry air. This is like an immeadiate face lift. It feels good. So good. It is so good to see my family. I miss them so much. My mom picked me up and we had to hug a good 5 minutes. Love how my mama can make me feel so much better in a matter of 2 seconds. It is a great feeling. My dad looks fantastic. Remember he had his open heart in January? Wow, he looks amazing. I am so proud of him. My brother is here too. It has been awhile since I have seen him too. This should be a great trip. I miss my sweet husband and babies, but they are having their own fun as well. Tomorrow is the big day for my Grandmother. She will celebrate 80 years. Amazing. My family is throwing her a huge surprise party. I can't wait to see her face tomorrow. I will keep you posted on how fun it is. Since I am not a perfect planner I don't have anything creative to show you, however I have a cute pic of Alexis that I shot about a week ago. She is such a cute hambone. Have a fantastic weekend.

Feeling more like FALL!

2007-09-26T14:24:00.000-05:00

Here in Colorado it is feeling more and more like fall. This is just in time for me to pack my bags and head to Florida. :) Okay, just for a few days, but at least I will get to see the ocean for a couple of days. I will be leaving on Friday to celebrate my Grandmothers 80th birthday. I am so excited to see family.

I've been stamping away and wanted to share a few projects. There are only a couple days left to take advantage of Stampin' Up!'s Fall Frenzy Special. This first project is the 2-5-7-10 box made with Autumn Fest. I love these boxes and all the fun things you can do with them. This box and card were made at workshops this month and a big hit. When stamping the leaf for the card I used the rock and roll technique which added alot of flair to the card. Of course I couldn't stand it and cut out the leaf. I sponged around the edges a bit and Viola! Hope you are enjoying a little bit of fall weather. I know before long I will be saying the word *SNOW* here and I am NOT looking forward to that. YIKES!

Have a fabulous day!

Scrappin' and Stampin'!

2007-09-17T01:08:00.000-05:00

Thought I would share a little of what I have been doin'! All products are Stampin' Up! I am getting ready for the holidays and feel a little confused lately. I am making Fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas items. My stamp room looks like a Holiday Fest gone mad. :) It has been fun! As long as I am stamping, I am happy! The first pic is from my Holiday Chipboard class last Monday night. We had a great time making 5 different ornaments. Here is one I really liked.

Then, I have been doing a few things to tote with me to workshops. Let me share a few!

See why I am so confused? Lots of different holidays. I am having fun! I have made many different Halloween treat bags. I just love Halloween.

Lastly, I have a layout to share with you. I think it is quite fun. It is titled "10 things I Love". You know my passion for scrapbooking! One of the reasons I love it is it gives me a chance to reflect on a lot of memores. Some of them I don't have pictures for and that is okay. This layout was fun because it gave me a chance to reflect on the things I really do love: Here is the 10 things! 1. My Husband 2. My kids 3. Stamping 4. Florida Sunsets 5. Music 6. Starbucks (i know? Way down the line, eh?) 7. Laughing 8. Girlfriends 9. Being Silly 10. ME! -this shouldn't surprise you! :) Anyhoo, here is the layout! I hope you have enjoyed the buffet of stamping here tonight. I know my blog has been a bit quiet, but I am busy stamping and teaching what I love! I hope you had a great weekend and fit some stamping in.

Long Time No See!

2007-09-06T01:32:00.000-05:00

Man, I am really sorry I have been such a bad bad blogger. I had a bit of a cold the past week. In fact one day I thought I was dying. Maybe I am just a princess and do not tolerate being sick well, but really I felt like crap! Today is the first day I really feel back on track. Lexi started preschool today. I have to admit a few tears shed. I think more because she just went in and said bye so quickly. Like it was nothin'. See ya mom! Ugh! Tear at the heart strings. I told her I would miss her and she told me I could just stamp or play with the cats. I liked her choices. When I did come home, I didn't know where to start. It was QUIET! I enjoyed the peace, but I admit to getting back to the school to pick her up a little early. I missed her.

In stamping news... I have been super busy! Great classes coming up! I've been working on all the September stuff and I love it. I love this time of year. I love stamping Fall themes and Halloween. I will share soon. I thought I would share a class I recently did. I love the Baroque Motifs stamp set and I love how elegant you can make these cards. Here are a few that we did. I hope you enjoy. All materials Stampin' Up! of course!!!

Have a great week and happy stampin'!

Tile questions

2007-08-24T09:42:00.001-05:00

Good morning friends,
I have had a bunch of questions on the tiles and I thought I would answer some of them. I wish I had time in my day to make the beautiful tutorials that others do, but it just can't happen. However, I can tell you how to make them. :)

First, you need to purchase the tiles at your local Hardware store. I use Tumbler tiles. These are approx. 6x6 in size. Love this size. They cannot be a slick surface. These tiles once finished will be used more for decorative purposes and not a coaster. Pick your stamp set and then use CRAFT ink to stamp. Once you have stamped, use Glassy Glaze over the tile. Tap off excess. Pop in the oven at 350 degrees for 10 min and BAM they are done. Let them cool and then add some fun accessories to them for added fun. These are TERRIFIC for gifts and beautiful in your home. If you have any questions, just email me directly. :) I hope this helps!
Have a FABULOUS day!!!

Happy Stamper

2007-08-24T00:43:00.000-05:00

That is what I feel like these days. I have been one happy stamper! Just stamping away in my room. I just have a quick minute to post, but thought I would share a little project with you. I have been working on some new tile samples for an upcoming class. This is my favorite one!

I love the Fabulous Flowers stamp set. I used the new ribbon from the Holiday mini and it just screams beautiful. What a fun gift to give a friend.

The Snowflake Tile I used our Encore pads and Night of Navy. This would also make a great gift during the holidays. These are so much fun to make and always make you go WOW after you see them complete.

Have a GREAT day tomorrow and thanks for stoppin' by!!

Scrapbooking Day

2007-08-19T18:29:00.000-05:00

Time for a scrapbooking page. I taught a class today and thought I would share the layout. This class is a series of classes that I teach each month. It is the basics of scrapbooking and todays class focused on patterned paper. I love patterned paper and I love how Stampin' Up!'s paper coordinates together nicely. Really there is no thinking involved, you just get it out and play. Very fun.

This layout uses the Outlaw designer paper and textured cardstock. Wow do I love that paper. I made mountains out of the photo corner punch in the right hand corner. Worked perfectly. You will notice that I stamped on transperancy with the big round stamp in the Wanted set with White stazon and then punched out using my scallop punch. I then punched another scallop in Really Rust and mounted the transperancy onto that and used one of our REALLY cool big eyelets for the center. Lots of fun things on this page and I hope you enjoy!

I love Chipboard

2007-08-16T00:37:00.000-05:00

Chipboard is one product I can't get enough of!!! I love the way you can use it on ANYTHING. This is a card I made using the chipboard from the On Board Blossoms kit. Everyone loves making the ladybug with the Pick a Petal set, so why not add it on the chipboard. I also used another fun set, Baroque Motifs to add a little swirly behind the ladybug. Just too stinkin' cute. We made this card at my Chipboard class last month. Boy did we have fun and hope you enjoy!!

Happy days!

2007-08-14T00:00:00.001-05:00

Howdy friends,
I'm alive, and well and stamping like a mad woman. I am unable to share at this time only because my photo editing software hasn't been loaded on my new COMPUTER!!!!!!!!!!!! Whooooooooooooooooooooooo Hoooooooooooooooooo!!!! I am so excited. Russ got sick of me taking up his laptop all the time, so now I have my own. This really rocks my world. :) I hope to be able to start loading lots of fun cute things by the end of the week. In the meantime, I am steadly working on classes for the next couple of months and enjoying it. My Fall line up looks to be a lot of fun.
On a personal note, Brandon started school last week and loves it. Alexis starts preschool in a couple of weeks and I am sad. She is sooooooo excited. It will be very different around this house without her. :(
I hope each of you are doing well, and hang tight... I will show something fun soon.

A few projects!

2007-08-03T22:52:00.001-05:00

Since I have been back from convention I have been crazy busy with all kinds of projects and classes in the works. I have so many ideas swirling in my head. Ahhhhh!

Here are a few things I thought I would share.

The first project was my convention swap. The original card fold idea came from Heather Summers. I love the colors on this swap. Love how sky blue goes with chocolate chip. Just yummy. Then throw in a little river rock, and it really rocks my world!

The next project uses our new designer paper which I just LOVE. Our paper is just so yummy. This is a little notebook that I made using my new bind it all. LOVE that thing. I've had it for two weeks and just now had a moment to play with it. This particular one was made for one of my downline. I love to shower them with stuff. They do a GREAT job and deserve it all. I used the Ginormous Flowers set. Oh my gosh what a GREAT set. I used the scallop punch in between the bottom flower and the top. Really fun. Love that groovy ribbon too.

The last card just sums it all up. DREAM BIG! I had to have this set. It will fit perfect on many cards I will be sending very soon. I love that our convention theme was DREAM BIG and now I have a stamp that fits it as well. This cards uses all my favorite things. Love the colors of Blue Bayou, Sky Blue, and Kraft. I also love that beautiful kraft ribbon too. I also used my crop a dile to dry emboss. Oh what a lovely technique.

I also used that beautiful Brocade Basics stamp set. Isn't that elegant looking. Love it.

I hope you have enjoyed. This is a little of what I have been up to. Time to get back to my stamps. They are awaiting the next project.

Convention High!

2007-08-03T01:10:00.000-05:00

Oh my, where do I even start? I honestly do not think I have ever laughed so hard in all my life. I had the time of my life. Each convention gets better and better. Each year as I prepare to go I always think how they could possibly show me anything new. And each year I sit in my seat with my JAW dropped. This year was no different. I think the convention samples this year were outstanding. So what was the best part? As you know I love this company so much, it's because of the many friendships I have made along the way. It really is like a reunion. I loved seeing all my girlfriends and spending GREAT quality time with them. We laughed until tears strolled down our faces. We stamped! We had serious chit chats and we had silly chats. All in all, it was so great to be together. I loved watching my downline sit in awe over convention. I love to see other demos catch the vision and big picture of Stampin' Up! It just makes me smile!
So just what did make us laugh so hard? Here are a few highlights!
*Watching 5 girls figure out how to get out of a parking garage that has a stuck car top carrier on top of the van in the garage! In our pajamas none the less. Traffic backed up and a "he/she" that was totally ticked at me!
*Watching a guy run into a pole on his bike after checking out 5 girls in PJ's!
*Watching Lisa try to figure out how to bake cookies in our room without an oven! PRICELESS!
*Hearing that Vali did a face plant on the sidewalk when it was raining but still managed to keep the umbrella in the up position, meanwhile Kim is running with her ears plugged as she dodges the thunder and lightening. I believe Vali said she ran like a "psycho woman!"
*Denise quote: "Man, I lost my glasses!" Kimberly: "Are they the ones that are on top of your head?"
*Sitting at lunch..."What in God's name is this stuff they call LUNCH?"
*Kim and Vali lost trying to find the van to put more money in the meter. Again, walking in our pj's.
*Laughing so hard in class we almost got in trouble.

Most inspiring:
*Awards night watching three of my friends get #4, 30, and #71 for Top Demonstrators. I screamed so hard my throat hurt. I am so proud of them.

Lastly, saying goodbye to all my girlfriends just plain and simple SUCKED! I also had to say goodbye to my local girlfriend as she was moving as well. The positive side, I will see them in 6 months at Leadership! I am already counting down the days! I can't wait!

So, if you did not attend convention... I highly recommend you start a convention fund. I strongly recommend you go. Not only do you learn GREAT things but you could possibly meet your best friend there. It truly was a fabulous time!
I do have creative stuff to share, although my computer is not being photo friendly. I will try again tomorrow to upload some fun pics at convention as well as a few projects.
Thanks for listening to me ramble!

Off to Covention!

2007-07-23T09:04:00.000-05:00

Good morning stampers,

I have been working all week getting ready for convention as well as holding classes. Busy, busy time. I am looking forward to seeing all my girlfriends! Today I start picking them up. This year I am so lucky that convention is in Denver. No flying for me. I can just pick everyone up! I will have 4 girlfriends staying with me until Wednesday and then we head up to Denver. I am so excited about this years convention. I am almost finished with my swaps! I am usually last minute nelly when it comes to my swaps and this year is nothing different. I still have about 50 card fronts to put together. I can't wait to show you everything I have done. In the meantime, I thought I would show you a little frame I made for a girlfriend that is getting ready to move. :( Remember back when I first moved here and I only had ONE friend? Well, she is moving. I am so sad to see her leave. I believe God puts people in your life for a reason! She is a military wife, and off to their next duty station! FLORIDA of course. We can only laugh how the tables are turned. At least I will know another great person in Florida.

Well, today really starts all the excitement of the next week. I can't wait to get to the convention center!!! It will be a BLAST!

Hope you find time this week to get a little stampin' in! Until next week!

Scrapbook U!

2007-07-16T10:26:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I taught a fun scrapbook class on designing layouts! It is a series of classes that will occur monthly and teaches the basics of scrapbooking. Here are a few of the layouts I taught yesterday! If you are local and would like to attend next month, just email me. Next month we will learn how to use Patterned Paper! Should be another very fun class!

Burnin' Rubber in HERE!

2007-07-16T01:50:00.000-05:00

WOW! I have been stampin' so much that you can smell the rubber burnin'! I had quite a few classes this week and I thought I would share a sample with you. I had a Chipboard class the other night that was a blast. I love all the things you can do with chipboard. We made 3 cards and a key ring.

This card I tried to show how you can layer the chipboard and add depth to the card. We stamped and inked the chipboard. We used the paisley background on top of the larger flower and it was so pretty. I love how the rhinestones just catch your eye! Very pretty!!

I've also been working on more class projects as well swaps for convention. I am so excited to see my many friends that are coming. It will be a great reunion. Only a week away and they will start coming in.

Time for me to hit the hay and dream about my stamps!!

It's Tag Time!

2007-07-10T00:48:00.000-05:00

It appears I was tagged! I think twice. Please excuse me for being outta the loopage. I have been quite busy in the stampin' room! Creating a bunch of stuff for upcoming classes and SWAPS! Alex tagged me last. You can visit her blog California Stampin'! Just click on the link to the right. She is a super gal.

Okay, so 7 Random things about me? Let me see if I can come up with that many. I might bore you!
1. My blog name Stamping by the Sea was created by me because I have always lived by the SEA, until NOW! Now I live in the mountains. However, my heart is by the sea!
2. I could eat hot dogs all day. It is one of my favorite foods.
3. I love to dance. Yes, silly! I put my iPod on and dance in my stamp room like a crazy woman. I am amazed at the creations that come with it. :)
4. I watch three soap operas daily. If I don't get to see them during the day, I record them.
5. I am addicted to the weather channel!
6. I have a PEN fettish! If you leave one around me, I may steal it!
7. My husband still gives me butterflies in my belly! Our anniversary is Wednesday! We will celebrate 11 years. Whoo hoo!!

See, not really exciting. I can never think of these things on the spot. Hmmmm....

I *think* I will have a few things to share tomorrow. I have been extra busy! Convention is around the corner and I am so excited to see my girlfriends. Nothing could be better than time away, and stampin' with your buddies. Yippie!!!!! Can't wait!

Smooches!!

Need your help!

2007-07-07T01:48:00.000-05:00

Oh it is late! As usual I have been stampin' until the late hours. I have gotten a lot done and I feel GREAT! So you ask why do I need your help?? Actually, I need your RAK help! I have someone in my downline that I think could use a few cards in the mail! Great things are happening in her life! She just retired as a Navy Commander mid June and then a few weeks later she took her oldest son to the Naval Academy to be sworn in. We all know this is GREAT news, however think about it...Retirement, plus emptynest= a friend that needs a RAK! She is also getting ready to move across the country. You can check out her new blog as I have it listed on the sidebar *California Stampin'*. If you are interested, please email me and I will give you her address. I know she would appreciate it. She is a GREAT stamper, great friend and just needs a big FAT hug-a-roo! I can't do it personally since we are many miles apart, but I CAN do it through the mail!!!

This brings up a great thought once again. I have mentioned this so many times but I will mention it again! The greatest thing about my business is the wonderful friendships I have made along the way. So, I thought I would say a big hello to all my friends around! Sure do miss all of you! Hello RI, VA, FL and those of you that have scattered EVERYWHERE!!!! I can hardly keep up with my military girlfriends. I think I would have to list all 50 states! Of course I better not forget Sonya.... in SC! LOL! That silly southern girl!! Hugs!!! Isn't stamping/scrappin' GREAT? I never would of met these ladies had it not been for Stamping!! WOW!!!!!

Dang, I did it again. Started babbling. THIS is why I only post projects in the morning. LOL! I think I will go to sleep and zip my lips! Much work needed tomorrow.

Have a super duper weekend. I shall post a super duper card tomorrow!!! At least I think so!

Doggie Days!

2007-07-05T13:28:00.000-05:00

Well, I just have to share this with you! Keep in mind the stamp set that I used is so old, I don't even know the name of it. It is actually in my kids stamp pile. A sweet sweet friend of mine has my RUFF DAY set. *wink* Now, I have to have the new DOGGIE set. A must!

This is not my original idea! Inspiration comes from a demo named Marsha VanDever! As soon as I had heard about the idea I had to PLAY! So thank you Marsha!
This was made using the milk carton template. After looking at the template, and three sheets of cardstock later... this is what I finally came up with. Here is the recipe!

Stamps: Old doggie set??, Paw Tracks Wheel
Ink: Choc Chip
CS: Kraft
Access: Ribbon, coluzzle oval template, Cutter Kit

Thanks for looking!!!

A peek into my ROOM!

2007-07-05T13:17:00.000-05:00

Oh, I am just so excited to share the CREATIVE palace with you finally!! Russ and I spent last weekend painting my room and then hanging all the fun stuff I have collected over the years! I must tell you I just love my husband. For a man to really put the time he has in this room, it says a lot. If you remember from the archives this room use to be Hunter Green. I didn't mind the color, but it was sooooo dark. Being in the basement, this room needed to be a little lighter and I have to keep it HAPPY! I love being in here. Oh oh oh oh!!!!! So here are a few pics for you to see!

I got the "K" at Archivers and painted it with a Soft Sky paint. Then added our fun chipboard and some rub ons for a little fun. I have "K's" throughout my entire room. Funny the places I have found these monograms. My favorite place to find them are The Home Goods store. Oh, I just love that place.

Anyways, I am busy creating. I will share later. It is a BUSY day to stamp! I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July! We took the kids to see the fireworks last night and they loved it. They were out as soon as we got in the car to come home!

Thanks for taking a "peek"!!!!

Kind Hearted!

2007-07-02T23:51:00.000-05:00

I thought I would share a card that has a few of the new stamps! I love this big heart and thought it would go so well with the Baroque Motifs set. I embossed on the vellum using the pomegrante ink pad and then used the clear embossing powder over it. You can use classic pads to emboss on the vellum as it will not dry right away. Anyways, I really like how these colors turned out. What do you think? Do you have a color combo that you love with the new in colors?

No stamping for me tonight. I just spent three hours organizing all my retired sets. All 195! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! My cabinet is bare bones. So glad new stamps are on the way. I can't wait. I really love this new catalog!!!

Thanks for visiting. :)

How about a lady bug?

2007-06-30T14:35:00.001-05:00

Who doesn't love a sweet lady bug? Okay, so it's a blue lady bug, but it's still cute. I love the new Pick a Petal set. Of course after cutting 144 petals for a swap I had a fleeting moment where I thought I would never touch the set again. However, I did! I used many sets on this card. All new, all fun!

Recipe:
Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Pick a Petal, Much Appreciated
Hostess level 3 bundle (wheel)
Ink: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Basic black
CS: Blue Bayou, Whisper White, Soft Sky, Basic Black
Access: Horizontal Slot punch, 1" circle punch, Scalloped punch, Black Brads , Crystal effects, Dazzling Diamonds, Ticket punch!

Hope your Saturday is going GREAT!

I just love to STAMP!

2007-06-29T11:28:00.000-05:00

Good morning everyone!

I just have to say, I love to stamp!! I love the new stamps in the new catalog! I have been playing a lot with the new Baroque set and I am in love with it. It is such an ELEGANT set. The new catalog is GORGEOUS!!! Okay, let me tell you about this card and I will get back to it. I am just so excited!!!

I made this card using a transparency. I stamped on it using my favorite White Stazon. I just love using that ink. You can do so many things with it. I used the new Designer Paper that goes so well with the Baroque set. I tied a knot through the flower.

Recipe: Stamp set: Baroque Motifs
Ink: White Stazon
CS: Transparency, Soft Sky (yummy), Brocade Background DP
Access: Wide Olive Organdy Ribbon
This would make a very elegant wedding card. So fun!

Let me tell you what I was jumping up and down about in the new CATALOG! TEXTURED paper!!! Yes!!!!!!!!! All you Bazzil lovers..... well, Stampin' Up! has brought out Textured paper that is FABULOUS! I feel like singing on top of a mountain! LOL!! It is so fun to work with. I made this layout using the new Level 1 Simply Scrappin' kit. I love our new In Colors and the textured paper to go with it just blows me away.

I still need to journal on this layout. The story of my life really. I love these colors together. A little Wild Wasabi, Blue Bayou and a little pumpkin and you have a FABULOUS color combination!!! Look at the die cut stickers. YUMMY!

Well, from this post, you can really tell I am excited about our new products. I am still sitting on top of the clouds. I hope you enjoy and I hope you have a fantastic weekend.

I have some stamping to do!!

Arrg!

2007-06-25T13:39:00.000-05:00

That is what I said to this Pirate at the Renissance festival yesterday.

We had such a great time and this guy looked like Johnny Depp and after the kids had their picture taken, I jumped right in. :)

Okay, so I realize you are not here to look at my picture with a pirate, but bare with me.
I do have something to share. :)

This is a layout I did recently at a Scrapbook class. I still need to journal but I thought I would share. I really loved all our designer paper in the catalog and i am even more excited with what is to come. I love that Stampin' Up! keeps up with the Scrapbook Trends. Wait until you see the new Simply Scrappin' kits. Oh boy is all I can say. I have one of the kits which is a hostess kit and it is FABULOUS. Textured cardstock that you want to touch all day. Ahhhhhhh!

Okay, for this layout I used the treehouse designer paper. Loved this for boy layouts. It is messy splotches on it just like a little boy would make. I used my coluzzle that I am in love with and cut the circle. I edged around the circle with Choc. ink. I made a photo corner and then mated it to bring out the black and white photo. I love using the twill on scrapbook pages as well. Very fun!

Well, I am hot today. Just turned my air on. It really feels GREAT to me. I love the summer. I put sunscreen on the kids and it reminds me of being at the beach. :)

Oh, we had two birds hatch. The other three eggs didn't and mama bird left them behind. I was so sad. The others are now gone. The whole process was pretty exciting. :)

Have a GREAT day. I will have more to share later.

Inking those new stamps!

2007-06-19T01:33:00.000-05:00

I think I have met my goal for trying to get many different mediums of ink onto those new stamps. For me, its like a new pair of tennis shoes. I can't stand a stark white pair of tennis shoes. I like to go outside and rough them up a bit. I am the same way with new stamps. I love to get them totally inky. It makes me happy!! So, I have been stamping away, playing with these fun new stamps. I am in the midst of a few swaps and so I am really putting the rubber to the test. I thought about throwing my Pick a Petal set away after cutting 144 large petals and 84 small petals. WHAT WAS I THINKING???

Stamping swaps are not my favorite because I really like to change things up a bit. However, since most my stamps are being retired, so are my swaps. It is time for new cards. I have another swap I will let you peek on tomorrow. Anyways, I love the new colors. I love how these colors all go with Choc. Chip. That Groovy Gauva is just awesome. I also love RIVER ROCK. Oh, in love!!!

Well, it is way past my bed time. Hope you have a GREAT TUESDAY and thanks so much for stoppin' in!

Happy Monday Morning!

2007-06-18T10:50:00.000-05:00

I have a few things to share today. I actually have another layout to share but the laptop is being wonky this morning. Oh well. Typical Monday! I hope you had a fabulous weekend. I got to stamp and that alone makes for a GREAT weekend. We enjoyed a nice day yesterday with Russ and he was able to just relax. That is what he wanted. We bought the kids a slip n slide yesterday! I about pee'd my pants watching Alexis slide down it. She is still so tiny that she whips down it and tumbles around and around on it. Oh, what a great laugh!!

Okay, back to stamping. This little candy holder is using NEW stamps from the soon to be released 2007/08 catalog. I can hardly contain myself! I need that catty NoW. Anyhoo, this little gem here holds some chocolates in a cello bag. The outside is done with Kraft cardstock and then the new Bayou Blue and Soft Sky cardstock are layered on top. I used that beautiful stamp set Baroque Motifs on the Soft Sky cardstock with Bayou Blue Ink. I just LOVE these colors. Gorgeous.

Lastly, here is a litte memo pad that I altered a bit. Again, I used the same color scheme. I love how you can punch a hole in the center of that flower/circle stamp and run ribbon through it. Makes it looks so stinkin' elegant. I scalloped the bottom of the Bayou Blue cardstock and then punched holes above it. Again, a really fun set. Just think, this is ONLY the beginning!! It is going to be a GREAT year with Stampin' Up!'s NEW toys! Yippie!!

Have a Fantabulous day!! Looks like another day for the slip n slide!

Baby Birdies

2007-06-15T01:41:00.000-05:00

I meant to update you on our baby birdies! Two of the five have hatched. It is so exciting. Mama bird is such a good mama. I will keep you posted.

Super women!!

2007-06-15T01:25:00.000-05:00

No, not me. I buried my cape long ago when I found out I just couldn't be Super Woman! However, I was blog browsing and I really think two women are. :) Here Beate is gone to Germany and the girl is blogging. Amazing and has gorgeous artwork posted. She just puts me to shame. Then you have my friend Heather Summers, and she is just a super woman because she is a super demonstrator and she just had a baby. I am always amazed at the way women can be the best time managers EVER. I wish these two ladies would hold a class. I would be first in line to take it. You can check out both their blogs! On the right side of my blog is the link. They really are SUPER WOMEN!

Anyways, I held a scrap class tonight and as always enjoyed it. Oh what fun scrappin' is. Love teaching it!! Here is a peek of the layouts.

I used the new stamp set Pick a Petal and the new Hostess set In the Spotlight. Both are FANTASTIC stamp sets to scrapbook with. Pick a Petal has sooooooooo many great ways to scrap with. Love it. This layout I used a color combo that I really like. Bashful Blue, Real Red, a splash of Basic Black and Kraft cardstock. I love these colors because they are so neutral. Anything goes really. This layout has a lot of elements and a lot of chipboard but was a really fun layout to put together. I still need to find a spot to do a little more journaling. Remember a few months back when my head was hangin' low and I couldn't snap outta the funk? Well, my husband took me to this beautiful place called Garden of the Gods and I felt so much better after seeing this gorgeous place. Really magical but NOT Disney magical. :) Anyways, I love the pic of me on the rock. It kind of symbolizes the day I got my head outta my butt and got movin' with life in general. It was a good day.

Speaking of good days, I hope yours was. This week has literally flown by. I have another layout to share tomorrow. I hope you will come back to visit. My lonely rubbah is still sitting uninked. Kinda sad, but I will get to it. :)

Dreams and Goals

2007-06-14T01:19:00.000-05:00

Howdy, howdy!! Another month is flying by so fast. It is almost mid month! Yikes! I have been busy stamping scrapbook pages and will share in the morning when my lighting is at it's best. I have all my new rubbah just screaming for attention. I am planning a BIG new rubbah fest this weekend. Just me and the new rubbah are going to have a little meeting! After I had seen the sneek peek of the newer products from the demonstrator magazine Stampin' Success... I almost fainted. Really! Talk about excitment! Jumping for joy excitement. My kids thought I had gone off the deep end. It is crazy that a few new products like the ones I had seen could just make you giddy. I know this new catalog is going to be fantastic. I thought last years was AMAZING! This one is going to blow our minds!!!!

I have very exciting news this week! I am so excited to announce that I will be cruising to BERMUDA on behalf of Stampin' Up! This was a HUGE accomplishment after many, many obstacles that stood in my way. If you remember way back in January while I was in the midst of a move, my dad had his heart surgery and then the travels to our new home and then of course it spiraled from there once I got here. I wanted to share this with you because I do believe DREAMS and goals do come true if you work hard to achieve them. My business has grown here in Colorado Springs and it is so exciting. The greatest thing about this great thing we call STAMPING is the friendships we make along the way. I have made friends all over the US just stamping and scrapbooking. Each of these people have touched my life in some sort of way and will always be remembered. While all this is happening, touching lives, sharing what I love to do... a big bonus happened along the way. I want to scream out on my back deck... "I DID IT!!!" Thanks for listening to me ramble. I am teaching one of my favorite classes tomorrow night. SCRAPBOOKING! Truly, my element. I know it will be a GREAT time. I will share the layouts in the morning. By the weekend, lets pray that new rubbah has seen the ink!!

Smooches!

My Everything!

2007-06-07T11:04:00.000-05:00

As promised late last night, I have the layout that I worked on. I enjoyed doing this layout because it is rare there is a picture of me and Russ together. The picture was actually taken by our Son, who is only 6. Not a bad photographer. LOL! If you know me IRL, you know that I adore my husband. He really is a great guy. We've only been married almost 11 years, but I am still very in love with him. The other night we were sitting on the couch looking on the computer and found an article about your love life. After reading it we sat and talked about it for two hours laughing hysterically and talking about our own. Our lives get so busy that sometimes we forget to do things like this. Just sit, talk and laugh. It felt good.

Alrighty then, back to the layout!

I started with Kraft. I know, again! I matted the photo on Basic Black. I placed a piece of twill underneath the photo and stapled it on. I took the hearts from Happy Hearts and stamped them in Buckaroo Blue onto Brocade Blue. I cut them all out and placed them next to the twill using dimensionals. I love our dimensionals. I added black brads around the hearts! Then I stamped "my everything" in Basic Black using my ulitmate fav stamp set Big Deal. I added a little faux stitiching on the right side of the pic. Lastly, I journaled about why I think he is my everything!!

Funky and Babble!

2007-06-07T01:15:00.001-05:00

I just finished a fun layout of my sweetheart. I will post tomorrow as the light in my favorite place is not so great at midnight! I feel so good. I feel this way because I just scrap'd a great pic of Russ and I. Then when I journaled it just made me fall more in love with him.

So, i was blog hoppin' and one that I just adore is Elsie Flannigans blog. Check on the right side and you will see the link to it. If you like fresh and funky and carefree scrappin', then check out her stuff. Her photography is amazing. Love that she is carefree. Hmm.. i have a ways to go, but i do feel a little like that this week. Just going with the flow, loving life, and loving who I am! This doesn't happen every week. Ha ha ha ha! Last week, not so much! Stress--- this week... who cares! WOW, I feel really good! *wink* It could be the dancin' crazy in my favorite room with my ipod on full blast. I love that thing! That is being carefree. Dancin' around like you are *it*! However, it is hard to journal when you are getting your groove on with the ipod going full blast. :)

I did finish up my tween book that I am teaching on Sunday. it just needed a few tweeks. Oh this little book makes me giggle. I am sure they will enjoy. It brings back great memories for me. I can't wait for them to see the book and ask me about some of my music artists I wrote down. I am afraid to hear, " who is that???" Sunday I may blog telling you I am not feeling so carefree, instead I am feeling WAY OLD! It's all good! Right?

Okay, nothing but babble tonight. Will post that layout in the mornin'! I think you might like. It's simple dimple!!!