Thinking Positive....

After a hot, humid summer in Florida, I'm looking forward to cooler days.  And cooler days means fall...

In honor of fall, I've created this card for my next class.

Isn't this just the cutest card?  It's my take on the Holiday Catalog card on page 32.  I didn't have all the supplies used in that card but I improvised and used what I had.  I started out with Crumb Cake card base at 5 1/2" x 8.5".  I then used the retired Sanded stamp and Early Espresso for a look of texture.  I then tied the 3 1/2" Scalloped Tulle Ribbon in Crumb Cake around the top of the card.  What you see is a simple knot - not a bow.  Then I took So Saffron cardstock and used the rectangle from the Designer Frames Folder and ran it through the Big Shot.  I then trimmed it with the look of a tag on top.  I punched a hole and added Linen Thread and tied it in a bow. 

The wreath is from the Full of Blessings stamp set with Give Thanks from the same set centered in the middle - it fit perfectly!  I colored the image with markers - Raspberry Ripple, Pumpkin Pie, Always Artichoke, Certainly Celery and Old Olive to color the wreath.  I then cut it out and popped it up with Dimensionals.  I added a bow made from the Raspberry Ripple 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon.  I used the Bow Maker provided by my wonderful roommate from Convention, Darlene.

Isn't it cute?  I love this!  Of course, if you need any of these items, let me know and I'm more than happy to help you out!

Until tomorrow.... Be Blessed - Cathy

We Are Still Here....

Well - the good news (for us) is that Hurricane Isaac has moved west and we will not bear the brunt of the storm.  We expect to receive rain and wind with a storm surge of 3-6'.  We didn't go to work today...some folks get snow days....we get hurricane days. 

So, I've had time to spend in my craft room today and it has been fabulous!

Have I mentioned that Stampin' Up! issued their Holiday Catalog on 1 August?  Probably not...but I LOVE it!  In years past, it was always called the Holiday Mini...but they changed the format this year and it's now 8.5 x 11" and it is anything but "mini."  It's HUGE - it's PACKED - it's GREAT!  They have so many new ideas and new sets and accessories and...you get the idea.... I've ordered many of the goodies and have been working on several projects.  Did I say I LOVE it!!!

Of course, with the new holiday mini, my craft time has been consumed with holiday projects. 

Here are a few samples...

 

 

  
I used the Two Tag Die for both of these examples - such a great tool for all your Christmas gifts. 

And then I used the Tried and True - Come to Bethlehem for a classic tag...

And a new set, For the Birds....along with the Apothecary Accents Framelits....

 

 

I had such a great time today....hope you enjoyed the samples.  Of course, if you need any assistance with ordering any of these stamp sets or supplies, please contact me or you can enter your own order  here. 

 

Until tomorrow..... Cathy

Quick Post.....

This post will be short, quick and simple.  We live in the Florida Panhandle and we have been busy the last couple of days preparing for Hurricane Isaac.  According to the National Hurricane Center, landfall should occur Wednesday morning about 3:00 am.

While we live on the beautiful Emerald Coast.....and we love the beach....

However, hurricanes are no fun...

So today's post will be a simple bookmark.  It's ADORABLE!!! and oh so easy to make. 

Supplies used include:
Stamp Set: Evergreen #127970-wood, #127973-clear
Ink: Midnight Muse #126860, Starfruit #126991
Accessories:  Two Tag Die #115954, Bit of gold ribbon

Depending on when Isaac hits, posts can be a bit sporty after Tuesday...but I'll be back so keep looking.

I LOVE Polka Dots!!!

Today's post is all about Polka Dots!  I just love them - they are so spunky and just all around fun!  And I am so happy that Stampin' Up has a whole pack of paper featuring these fun prints....and the reverse side is just as cute.

This card set would make a cute gift.  The card looks really complicated to create but it is very simple in reality. The pinwheel is comprised of 8 each Whisper White cut or punched at 1 3/8".  The polka dot and solid color (4 of each) are cut or punched at 1 1/4".  The base of the pinwheel is 2 each 3" squares.  The two 3" squares are glued together at an angle.  The way I accomplish this is to use the Stampin' Up! grid paper and place the first one square in the center.  The second one I turn 45 degrees and line up with the lines on the paper.  Once this is done, I gently lift one edge and place a small amount of snail.  Then for the "spokes" of the pinwheel, you snail one solid or polka dot to the 1 3/8" Whisper White paper.  To create the pinwheel, a solid is placed in one corner of the squares, rotate 45 degrees and place a polka dot piece.  Continue around the squares until the last piece.  One edge of the last piece has to be tucked behind the first piece and layered over piece number 7.  Hope that makes sense.  For the center, I used the Hostess Set Mixed Medley from the Holiday Catalog.

Supplies used include:
Stamps: Mixed Medley #128054 - Wood, #128057 - Clear
Paper: Polka Dot Parade DSP #126902, Daffodil Delight #119683, Old Olive #100702, Rich Razzleberry #115316, Real Red #102482, Marina Mist #119682, Pumpkin Pie #105117 and Whisper White #100730
Ink: Daffodil Delight #126944, Old Olive #126953, Rich Razzleberry #126950, Real Red #126949, Marina Mist #126962 and Pumpkin Pie #126945

The stamp set Mixed Medley is available for purchase with Hostess Dollars.  With Party Sales of $150 dollars, you receive $25 in Hostess Dollars. With these dollars, the hostess can purchase anything in the Idea Book and Catalog or the Holiday Catalog.  If you would be interested in becoming a Hostess, please contact me - I would love to help you earn this wonderful set!

If you need the other supplies, you can order them here.

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful that today my husband is migraine-free!  And when I think of my husband, I think of how much I love him!  And when I think of how much I love him, I think of making a card which tells that special one you love them....

I LOVE this card!  I CASE'd it but made it my own. The original was white strips on a white card.  I like it on the black - makes everything just pop.  And it's so simple to make.  The white strips are 1 3/4" by 4 1/4".  I then stamped the Delicate Doilies in a variety of colors and stamped a simple greeting...this one to let the receiver know I love them.

Supplies included are:

Stamp Set: Delicate Doilies #122590 - Wood, #122592 - Clear; Short & Sweet (retired)
Ink: Daffodil Delight #126944, Marina Mist #126962, Lucky Limeade #126984, StazOn Black #101406
Paper: Whisper White #100730, Basic Black #121045

Of course, if you need any supplies, you can place your order here.

Best Laid Plans....

often go awry....not sure who said that other than my mother but she was correct!  Each evening I sit down and write my post but last night I didn't get the opportunity.  When I got home from work, I took my husband to the ER for a persistent migraine.  Five hours later, the migraine was gone and we were headed home.  Hopefully today's post will make up for yesterday.

So when life happens and you run out of time, here's another simple 3x3 card to make on the fly.  Midnight Muse cut a 3" x 6", folded to 3x3". Whisper White cut at 2 3/4" x 2 3/4".  Doesn't get any easier than this....

Supplies used include:

Stamp Set: Moving Forward #1264320 - Wood, #126322 - Clear
Ink: Midnight Muse #126860
Paper: Midnight Muse #126843, Whisper White #100730

This isn't a very good photo but the card is cuter than a button...or ornament!  This is also a 3x3" card.  I started out with a 3" x 6" Whisper White folded to 3x3".  Then I used the Merry Mini ornament stamp and stamped it in Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo, Gumball Green, Daffodil Delight and Real Red.  The ornaments were then punched out using the Merry Minis Punch Pack.  I "tied" them on the string/bow stamp from the Tree Trimmings stamp set which is retired.  The Merry Christmas is from the Come to Bethlehem stamp set. 

Supplies used includes:
Stamp Set: Come to Bethlehem #118732 - Wood; #120591 Clear; Merry Minis #127916 - Wood, #127919 Clear; Tree Trimmings - retired
Ink: Tempting Turquoise #126952, Melon Mambo #126948, Gumball Green #126861, Daffodil Delight #126944, Real Red #126949 and StazOn Black #101406
Paper: Whisper White #100730
Accessories: Merry Minis Punch Pack #126882

All is well in our household as I pray it is in your also. Many Blessings....  Cathy

Short Notes....

Sometimes you only have time for a short note.  Sometimes you need a note really quick.  Sometimes you just want something simple.  Today's posting keeps it short, quick and simple. 

This short, quick and simple note is a 3x3 note you could add to a birthday gift.  You can also change out the sentiment and make it a simple Thank You - both look great!  I saw a similar full size card that I adored but I wanted to keep it simple - so I shortened....in all ways.

Supplies used:

Stamp Set:  Petite Pairs #122495-Wood; 122497-Clear; Mixed Bunch #125535-Wood; #125537-Clear

Ink: StazOn Black #101406; Daffodil Delight #126944

Paper: Whisper White #100730; Brights DSP #117155; Melon Mambo #115320

Accessories: Blossom Punch #125603;  Blossom Petals Builder #121808;  1 1/4" Circle #119861; 1 3/8" Circle #119860

Of course, if I can help you with any of these supplies, you can place an order here or contact me.

Demonstrator Perks

Being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator has so many perks and opportunities.  I joined as a hobbyiest - I already have a full time job.  So I was looking at:
1.  Getting 20% discount off what I order
2.  The opportunity to preview and order new items
3.  No commitment to meet goals or continue as a demonstrator (I could take the starter kit and do nothing further!)

But the reality is I've gone beyond my self and gained these: 
1.  Time with girlfriends - I host at least one event a month and we get together and catch up. 
2.  A "Downline" - I've had a friend join so she too could gain the discount.
3.  Help with meeting quarterly goals.
4.  A great "Upline" who I enjoy spending time with and provides great advise.

Stampin' Up also provides so many good things:
1.  A customized Starter Kit where you choose $125 in product - anything you want - and the cost is only $99!
2.  An incentive each month - see this months special below
3.  Access to Stampin' Connection - a great website with LOTS of ideas!
4.  Opportunity to attend Stampin' Up! Convention and Regional Events
5.  Stampin' Success - a great magazine for demonstrators. It's full of ideas and information. (see below)
6.  The ability to do your business "Your Way!"

I haven't listed all the benefits of joining the Stampin' Up! team but hopefully, these few will spark you to explore further.  I would love to help you with information and to assist you in getting started.

This month's Stampin' Success included this darling card and it sparked me to CASE it.  My camera "changed" the color of the ribbon - it's really Melon Mambo pink... I sent this card to a friend - I hope she likes it!

List of Supplies:

Stamp Set: Moving Forward #1264320 - Wood, #126322 - Clear

Ink: Island Indigo #126986, Melon Mambo #126948

Paper: Whisper White #100730, Gumball Green #126840, 2012-2014 In Color #126910

Accessories:  The ribbon used is retired but would recommend using 1/2" Scallop Dots Melon Mambo Ribbon #122985, Basic Rhinestones #119246 (forgot to add them before taking photo), Adorning Accents Edgelits #125595

If you need any of these items, you can place an order here!

We are headed out of town today for a couple of days...but until the next time.

Thankful Thursday!

My mom taught us girls that you should always state what you are thankful for instead of focusing on what you don't have. With this in mind, I've decided to dedicate Thursdays to stating what I am thankful for.

Today I am thankful for.....CASE'd (Copy and Share Everything) ideas.  I have days when I feel creative and there are days when I'm not. 

Today's card is a take off a cute Patriotic card that I found on Pinterest. 

To ensure I had the same placement for the ornaments, I lined up three sheets of cardstock and cut the ornament image one time - and they cut through three sheets of Stampin' Up! cardstock!  And I love the embossed image it also created.  I then popped each image with Dimensionals and stamped a Christmas greeting in VersaMark and them embossed with embossing powder.  This technique really helps the sentiment stand out against the card background.  And I tied it all up with Baker's Twine.

Here is a list of supplies I used:

Stamp Set: More Merry Messages (#126400 - wood; 126402 - clear)
Ink: VersaMark (#102283)
Paper:  Gumball Green (#126840), Whisper White (#100730), Cherry Cobbler (#119685), Crumb Cake (#120953)
Accessories:  Holiday Ornament Framelits (#127816), Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine (#123125), Cherry Cobbler Embossing Powder (#122949), Dimensionals (#104430)

If you would like to order any of these items,  you can place an order here. 

Moving Forward....

Have you ever heard of the Ronald McDonald House Charities?  They help support families with children who have serious illnesses by providing a "home away from home" while their child receives medical care.  And Stampin' Up! has contributed over $1,000,000 to RHMC.

This year Stampin' Up! has this wonderful stamp set called Moving Forward.  For every set sold, Stampin' Up will donate $3 to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

During the last General Session of the Stampin' Up! Convention 2012, each demonstrator received a free set of these great stamps!  They are just too cute!

I've taken the set and created a Congratulations card fitting for any occasion.  I thought it would be cute to be able to play off the design by saying "Jumping for Joy for You!" on the inside of the card.  This card came together in a flash and I believe it makes a statement.  To create this card, I used the following supplies:

Stamp Set:  Moving Forward (126320-wood, 126322-clear), Sassy Salutations (#126705-wood, #126707-clear)

Ink: Gumball Green #126861, StazOn Black #101406

Paper: Basic Black #121045, Whisper White #100730, Real Red #102482, Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper (polka dots) #126896

Accessories: Scallop Trim Border #118402, Apothecary Accents Framelits #127003, 1" Circle Punch #119868

If you need any help with ordering these supplies, you can get a direct link to my Stampin' Up! ordering site at the link to the right or you can add a comment or e-mail me directly!

Happiness in a Card

Have you ever received a card and it just made you smile?  This card filled that bill....  I have discovered that I love simple cards in rainbow colors.

For this card, I started with the 2012-2014 In-Colors - Midnight Muse, Gumball Green, Summer Starfruit, Primrose Petals and Raspberry Ripple.  I used a scrap piece of paper and lined up pieces of each color and then cut the top and bottom to a uniform length.  I wanted to leave enough room for a greeting from the Sassy Salutations stamp set and the 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon in matching Raspberry Ripple.  I used  bow maker provided by my roommate at Convention.  It sure makes tying bows so much easier!  I then used Versamark and the star from the Merry Minis stamp set from the Holiday Catalog. 

If you find yourself liking a particular color pallet or design layout, why not take that inspiration and create something beautiful!  If you need help or any of these products, I would love to help you with your needs!

Road to Happiness...

When the 2012-2013 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog came out, my first purchase was the Road to Happiness stamp set!  I love the car, the presents, the balloons....the entire set.  It can be used for so many different projects. 

For the Stampin' Up! Convention, I made a "Survival Kit" for each roommate!  I purchased small divided boxes at a local craft store and filled them with tags, post-its and candies of all kinds. 

On the front, I measured the inset space and cut a piece of Real Red cardstock to fit within it then layered a slightly smaller piece of Whisper White and rounded all the corners. I stamped the car in Real Red and used the 3/4" circle punch for the wheels.  Of course, it's all about the details:  I used the Signo White Gel pen to make hubcaps, stamped the presents and the balloons in StazOn black and colored them with a variety of Stampin' Up! markers.  I added "headlights" in Daffodil Delight and created a slight shadow with River Rock.  I then stamped "hello" and "friends" from Tiny Tags, punched them out with the Jewelry Tag punch and then tied a ribbon out of 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon.

The Survival Kits turned out great and the roommates really liked them!  The photos isn't that great but it will have to do....until I make more!  That's the great part of creating gifts - you can recreate them again and again and again....

Hope you enjoy this little project.  If you need any of the products shown, I would love to help you with your order. 

A "Do Over"

Have you ever done a card and wanted a "Do Over?"  I looked at the Thank You card from Friday and thought it lacked a little something. 

So I cut the image out with the Labels Collection Framelit - LOVE these! and then popped the image up on a piece of Real Red cardstock.  Both cards are great but I love the "popped" card better. 

What do you think?  I would love to hear your comments....

Family came in this weekand and my weekend was filled with Girl Time with my daughter, shopping, and cooking.  A storm came through on early Saturday AM (2:30 am) and later that day, my husband noticed one of the trees close to the house was struck by lightning, causing a split. As it was already leaning towards the house, the tree had to come down.  The guys did a great job and walked away without injury - a plus to my day!

So it wasn't until later today that I was able to get into my craft room and create.  I did some really cute cards/projects.  Come back through the week and check it out!

Thank You!

Since I started this blog less than a week ago, I've received many kind comments.  I've also received encouragement from family and friends.  Of course, I would still craft whether I knew people like what I do nor not....but such kind comments and encouragement definitely spur me to continue.  I also have the best customers that I want to share my thanks with. 

These are thank you notes I shared with my customers this month.  The stamp set is the "I Am" stamp set which we earned at the Stampin' Up! Convention!  I kept it simple and stamped the image on a piece of 3" x 6" Whisper White cardstock, folded to be 3" x 3".  I used a variety of colors and matched the cards up with my customer's favorite colors.  I hope they like them.

I'm sending out my thanks to each and every one of you - family, friends and customers who allow me "to love what we do and share what we love, as we help others enjoy creativity and worthwhile accomplishments...in this we make a difference!"   This quote is the Stampin' Up! Statement of the Heart and it truly applies!  Thank You!

I Love Flowers.....

I love flowers and I love to receive them - either in bouquets or on a card.  I love the Bordering on Romance set - such beautiful flowers that can be colored just the right color.  I stamped the flowers on Whisper White with Black StazOn ink and then colored it with a blender pen and Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo and Bashful Blue.  The leaves I colored with Lucky Limeade.  I am no pro and I continue to learn on shading but...practice makes perfect.  The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes.  This set is the greatest - covering almost any occasion.  I made this card as a retirement card for a co-worker but you could use any of the phrases from Teeny Tiny Wishes - Happy Birthday, Happy Mother's Day, Just for You, etc.

When my coloring and stamping was complete, I tied a ribbon around the Whisper White and matted it on Lucky Limeade and again on Whisper White.  Multiple layers gives your project such a professional, finished look.  The layered stack was then popped with Dimensionals onto a card cut at 11" x 4 1/4" and folded in half. 

Or how about this bouquet?

A collection of flowers to brighten any day!  The card base is melon mambo cut at 5 1/2" x 8 1/2".  I then cut a piece of Whisper White at 5" x 3 3/4".  I stamped the flower image from Button Buddies in Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight and Pumpkin Pie ink.  Two of the images I stamped on a separate sheet of Whisper White and then punched them out with the 2 3/8" scalloped punch.  I popped them up with Dimensionals and added matching buttons from the Brights Collection Designer Buttons.  Glue dots do a great job on adhering buttons.  The image is from the Wonderful Mother stamp set.  I believe this sentiment can be used for more than just your Mom.

Of course, if you need assistance with ordering any of these items, leave a comment, send me an e-mail or place an order via this link:http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/gunnyscathy/.  I would love to become your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator!

As a last note, I had a really cool thing happen today - I was included as an Artist Spotlight on Stampin Sherrill's site  http://latenightstamper-stampandscrap.blogspot.com/. 

More Convention Fun!

Sometimes life isn't about what we bring to it but what we gain. And Convention is no different.  I gained.....

New Friends!  Between the upline, roommates and folks I met while waiting at airports, it was a great opportunity to meet so many who enjoy what they do.

One of the roomates is a "Rising Star", Cynthia Millan from Ottawa, Ontario.  Rising Star means that during your first full year as a Demonstrator you have shown excellence in sales and recruiting!  Cynthia also was a presenter for the "I'm Earning an Incentive Trip" class.  I truly enjoyed meeting Cynthia and getting to know her.

Another roommate was Darlene, a 78 year old youngster who was running circles around us. She's my role model!  She suffered a great loss just days before Convention but her upbeat personality was a testimony. I also have to add that Darlene is an outspoken lady who kept us in stitches.

The final roommate was Susan, our technical guru. Sue was great on downloading all our various photos and compiling them into a file shared between us all.   

I also have to share the story of a long wait at the Houston airport.  The airplane had problems and the flight to Salt Lake City was delayed.  While sitting around, it didn't take long to figure out that there about 10 women in the area headed to Convention. Among them was Donna from Butternut Sage Designs and her daughter Lisa.  I kept running into them throughout Convention and truly enjoyed spending time with them.

And it would not be a Stampin' Up! Convetion without meeting the CEO, Shelli Gardner.  I first met her at the check in counter at the Marriott.  She was all smiles and made time each day to meet one-on-one with us.  The line was long and her beautiful daughters ensured she kept to her schedule.  I tried to meet her the first two days but was always short.  So the third and final day, I skipped the class before lunch and stood in line.  Her daughters took my camera and shot numerous photos. 

The bad news is that my upline, Anna, was late to the line and missed the opportunity to meet with Shelli.  I was running to catch up with Anna and shot this fun photo...and then I had to shoot a photo of our disappointment.  Maybe next year....

Next year is the 25th Anniversary of Stampin' Up! in the United States!  Convention is 18-20 July 2013 and should be a BLAST!  If you want to attend with me, let me know and I'll show you how!

I Love Punch Art!!!

Because I love Punch Art, I had to join the Punch Art swap at the Stampin' Up! Convention.  I joined the swap and said I would accomplish the Bunny.  Then I had second thoughts and decided I wanted to change from the Bunny to an Elf.  Well.....as most things go, the organizer thought I wanted to joing another group.  The requirement was to complete 51 each 6 x 6 cards with a finished sample, individual parts and instructions on how to complete.  At this point I'm feeling a little overwhelmed - I mean 102 each punch art 6 x 6?  So I just started to "punch" that elephant and finished them all.  I think they turned out pretty cute. 

The Bunny was done in a variety of color: Pretty in Pink, Raspberry Ripple, Daffodil Delight, Tempting Turqoise, and Gumball Green.  When I use the Bunny, I add a Scalloped Oval in the middle and put my message, i.e. Happy Easter!  Turns out really cute....

The Elf was done with Pink Pirouette, Gumball Green, Whisper White, Basic Black and Silver Glimmer. The Elf makes a great addition to anything Christmas - card, tag, etc. 

The swap was great and I came home with 100 different ideas! It was a lot of work but well worth it.

If anything is unclear or you just want to learn more, please contact me! 

Day 2...and Learning

Well - two days and two posts - I'm on a roll.  I thought I would share with you the swaps I created and shared at the Stampin' Up! Convention 2012.  This was my first year to attend and I wasn't sure if I should participate in organized swaps or just do the general swaps.  Being the organized person that I am, I opted for the organized swaps. 

The first swap I entered was the Christmas in July swap.  My card featured the Jolly Bingo Bits stamp set in Real Red and Gumball Green. The images were punched out with the 1" circle and popped up with Dimensionals on a 1 1/4" circle of Real Red or Gumball Green.  I also used the Scallops Square Duo in Whisper White and layered this on a square of Real Red.  The sentiment is from the More Merry Messages stamp set.  I topped it off by adding Dazzling Diamonds to the Jolly Bingo Bits images.  I did a grand total of 80 of these card fronts to share.

The second swap I entered was the Black and White Swap.  My card front featured an image from Delicate Doillies which was then cut out with the 1 3/4" circle punch.  The stamped image was then popped up with Dimensionals on a 2 3/8" scallop circle and embellished with a Basic Rhinestone and white gel dots using the uni-ball Signal white gel pen (the best I have ever used). Basic black and Whisper White were layed with the large Whisper White paper embossed with the Stripes folder.  The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes and punched with the Word Window Punch and layered on the banner from the Petal Cone Die.  I used the Happy Anniversary but you could use this for a Birthday, Congrats, Wedding or just Thinking of You. I did 30 of these to swap.

The third swap was the Punch Art Swap!  I'll share these with you tomorrow.

Something Old....Something New!

Wow!  I can't believe I'm actually starting a blog! I've surfed several blogs over the years and have thought of starting a blog to share what I love but I've always been a bit timid.  But with those major milestone birthdays (something old), it's time to mark another item off the Bucket List - starting a blog (something new)! So, as I figure this out, please be paitient.

One of the adventures this year was to attend Stampin' Up Convention 2012 in Salt Lake City, UT.  The theme was "i am...."  I am so many things - wife, mother, sister, daughter - but I am also dedicated, creative and fun-loving.  So as I walk this road, please join me!