A Stamping Adventure

Birthday Invitation

2008-03-03T16:26:00.004-05:00

My best friend came down from Maryland to work on special bday invites for her grandmother who is turning 90 this year!

She wanted something pretty and very pink, so this is what we came up with (excuse the label on top of the personal info -- I figured she didn't want the address & phone # of her brother given out!):

Not stamping related

2008-03-03T16:17:00.001-05:00

Ok, so this post is not going to be stamping related. . . you are forewarned! : )

I just wanted to share something I learned about from Thrifty Mommy's blog. It's the Grocery Game. It's AMAZING!!! Basically, the site publishes a list of the sales combined with coupons (start saving your Sunday coupon packs) so that you save at least 50% at the grocery store (sometimes you actually get items for FREE). I was really skeptical b/c I didn't think spending money to save money made sense. (It's $1 for the 1st 4 weeks, then $10 for the next 8 weeks.)

I believed that shopping at Super Walmart was the only way to save money on groceries. But I finally decided to give it a try & now I'm shopping at Giant (they have lists for lots of stores in each state). This is my second week -- yesterday I saved $74!!

Here's the breakdown:
Total BEFORE discounts/coupons: $153
Total AFTER discounts/coupons: $79 -- YES, really!!

So, if you add my 1st week's totals, I have spent $154 in two weeks for $260 worth of groceries!! This includes toiletries, diapers, paper towels, etc. AND food! And honestly, I could just buy diapers, milk & bread for the next 3-4 weeks and we'd have MORE than enough food. You should see my freezer -- it's INSANE how much food is in there! I'm stockpiling right now, so I'm spending about $80-90/week. Eventually, I will be spending only $50-60/wk for all FIVE of us!

If you are skeptical about this idea of The Grocery Game (like I was) -- just save your coupon packs from the paper for the next 4 weeks. Then sign up for the $1 trial. I PROMISE you that even the first week you will be SHOCKED at how much you are saving -- and this would work for any size family. It only takes me 20 min each Sunday to choose the items I want from the list online & print it, then find my coupons (they tell you where to find each coupon). I would not do this if it involved any more time than that! And FYI -- I'm now meal planning around what I get on sale.

Here's one example of a great deal I got yesterday:
The 12 pack of Bounty paper towels is normally $12.99. It was on sale for $10.99, and I had a $2 off coupon. Because I spent $25+ on Proctor & Gamble products, I got a $7 coupon off my next grocery total. If you break it down, that means I only spent $1.99 for all those paper towels!

If you do sign up, please use my email address (kellybstampin@yahoo.com) in the referral box b/c I can earn free weeks.

So although it wasn't stamping related, now I have more money to spend on stamps!!!

WAY too long since my last post!

2008-03-03T16:00:00.005-05:00

I'm so sorry it's been so long since my last post. I guess saying things have been hectic doesn't really sound legit, huh? I'll try my best to keep up with blogging since I rely on some of my fave bloggers for ideas! Enough talking, it's time for some new projects:

This was a card I sent to my cousin & his wife for their new baby girl. I just *love* making baby cards!

This is one of my Stamps in the Mail projects. After following the tutorial on www.splitcoaststampers.com, I created one for my SITM ladies. Basically, you use a smooth edge can opener to open the *bottom* of a can with a pop top lid. Then you clean it, decorate it, fill it, and seal it back up! It's a super fun way to give cash as a gift.

If you are interested in getting several projects sent to your door each month (including the supplies needed to make the projects), make sure to email me for more info: kellybstampin@yahoo.com.

Long Pocket Notes

2008-01-15T10:31:00.000-05:00

My sister ordered some fun cards for her fiance this Christmas, and this is what I came up with:

I sent them to her without sayings inside because she wanted to make her own. (She wanted to make really funny, sarcastic & possibly inappropriate-for-this-blog sayings for the insides -- ha ha!)

Contest . . .

2008-01-13T14:47:00.000-05:00

I know this isn't stamping related, but I'm a sucker for a contest!A Cowboy’s Wife is having a contest on her food blog! You can win a Hamilton Beach® Stand Mixer and she’ll ship anywhere so everyone is eligible!

Long pocket notes

2008-01-13T13:20:00.000-05:00

For some reason, when I take the picture, the colors aren't coming out quite right. This card is purely pomegranate, basic black & Cutie Pie DS paper. I also used Priceless, Hugs & Wishes, and Label Classics stamp sets.

I think this size card is a lot of fun to make and a bit more unique to send. Hopefully I'll be able to stamp some more this afternoon so I have even more samples for you!

Froggie card

2008-01-12T21:31:00.000-05:00

I found a sheet of oval punch art ideas (by Lorrie Reibin) and decided to play around with the frog tonight. This is the card I made:

I'm surprised that this didn't take that long to make, considering how many different punches are used.

Supplies: Large & small oval punches; horizontal slot punch; 1/2" and 1 3/8" circle punches; scallop punch; narrow celery grosgrain ribbon; Hugs & Wishes stamp set; basic black journaler & basic black ink pad.

Scrapbooking!

2008-01-12T21:23:00.000-05:00

Today I completed a scrapbook! This is a major accomplishment for me as most of my scrapbooks are only half finished.
Using SU's 6"X6" black (faux) leather album, I created a special scrapbook of all of the Christmas cards and photos our family received this year.

The above photo is one of the inside layouts. All the pictures I used were from Christmas cards. I then cut out the signatures or the printed names from the cards to include.

I've decided that this will be my tradition every January -- to take the Christmas cards and photos and scrap them. My husband thinks it's a great idea, but we'll see if I actually do this in 2009!

Supplies: album, Simply Scrappin' kit (retired X-mas 2007), black cardstock

This is another scrapbook I (almost) finished (just have to do the journaling):
I can't believe what can be made from just a few paper bags and some odds & ends supplies! I had fun making this, and my daughter *loves* to sit and "read" it. (She's five now.)

Supplies: 3 paper bags; assorted SU ribbon; rhinestone brad; lg & sm oval punches; prima flower; scallop punch; DS paper; Pretty in Pink & Regal Rose cardstock; tab punch; broken pencil & rubberband (for holding book together); Hugs & Wishes stamp set; basic black ink.

Baby Girls

2008-01-09T16:05:00.001-05:00

I know so many people having baby girls recently! I made two of this card for 2 fellow moms:

New Website!!

2008-01-07T11:50:00.000-05:00

Stampin' Up has redesigned our demonstrator websites with all sorts of new features. Please take a moment to check it out here:

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/kellybstampin

SITM Round 3

2008-01-06T09:38:00.000-05:00

I promised one image from Round 3's SITM (Stamps In The Mail) and here it is:
Every participant will make this calendar, along with at least 8 other fun & fresh projects when committing to Round 3 of SITM. Participants will also receive a stamp set, ink pad, markers, and many other great Stampin' Up! accessories.

Sorry, I won't post directions or specifics on this particular project, as it's exclusive to my SITM program. But, I will tell you that it was inspired by Beate Johns' calendar tutorial on www.splitcoaststampers.com.

If you'd like to sign up, please contact me at kellybstampin@yahoo.com OR post a comment here with at least your email address. All the details of this fun 3 month program where you get a COMPLETE kit of projects delivered to your door can be found here.

Stampin' Up demos:
If you are interested in obtaining all of the color directions and consumables for this project, I have made a SU demo only kit available for only $35. This includes 3 months of EVERYTHING the customers will receive except for the SU products that you can buy as a demo (stamp sets, ink pads, etc.). Demos who participate are encouraged to use the exact projects (or modify as necessary) with their own customers and downline! (This is a great value, as I have increased the value of the consumables this round.)

Stamps In The Mail Round 3 is here!!

2008-01-04T16:19:00.000-05:00

Finally, after many of you have asked when we are starting Round 3, I have the information for you! (Check back Sunday for a picture of one of the projects.)

Stamps in the mail Round 3:

Each month, you will receive all the supplies and directions to make a minimum of 3 projects (more if people prepay).
Cost is $35/month, but if you prepay for all 3 months via paypal ($105 to kellybstampin@yahoo.com), you will receive a FREE package of designer series paper -- your choice ($9.95 value!).
Deadline to pay/prepay is January 17th!!
Your first monthly kit will be shipped via priority Feb 1st.
If you'd like the NEW 2008 Spring/Summer Catalog in your first kit, please add just $5 to your first payment.

Some of the products you will receive this round are:

*NEW* rub ons
*NEW* stamp set
1 ink pad
2 markers

Your monthly fee also covers the cost of

Consumables: cardstock, paper, misc. accessories and supplies, envelopes
Shipping & handling
Color printing of directions

The projects we will make include:

Desk calendar
Pop top can
Candy holder
Valentine (swing card)
Recipe card
Tunnel card
Easter/spring candy holder
Artwork to frame
Clear box with cards

Depending on the number of participants who prepay,
we may be able to make a few more projects, so spread the word!!

Watercolor Wonder

2007-12-25T14:57:00.000-05:00

This card is actually a gift certificate one of hubby's coworkers purchased for his wife as a Christmas gift:

When my hubby told me he used my watercolor Wonder Crayons to actually paint the small portrait for the card, I was amazed! I thought he had used his "special" artist paints (for those of you who don't know, my hubby is a USMC combat artist; for more info on that, go here). With just Soft Subtles & Rich Regals crayons and a watercolor brush, he created the small portrait. (The small portrait is just a sample for the recipient. Hubby will paint a larger painting in oil of photos yet to be taken.)

Christmas Gifts

2007-12-21T00:36:00.000-05:00

It's 12:30am and I just finished packaging hubby's gifts for coworkers/friends.

Inside, there's a container of homemade cocoa, homemade oreo fudge, and homemade no-bake chocolate peanut butter cookies. mmmmmm..........

I tied everything with silver cord and made special tags. For the cocoa containers, I used Starbucks frap bottles (ran through the dishwasher and decorated with SU papers/ribbon). FYI: SU satin ribbon is SO gorgeous. The pictures certainly do NOT do the ribbon justice.

I added snowflake ornaments that I personalized with the year. I also used the gifts tags I made here and attached them in little envelopes. I hope they like their treats!

Here's some close ups:

Boy birthday cards

2007-12-20T09:27:00.000-05:00

I usually dread making cards for boys or men because I don't think I have many sets that are masculine. But the Voila chef with a bday cake seemed to work and the Outlaw paper was great, too! On the star card, I used Heat & Stick powder and brown flocking to create a fuzzy star. It's difficult to tell in the picture, but it feels so cool when you run your hand over it!

Mary Kay cards

2007-12-19T10:26:00.001-05:00

A Mary Kay representative ordered a bunch of this card to give to her unit members. We placed a silver heart cookie cutter on top, placed it inside a cello bag & tied a wide celery grosgrain ribbon around it. I also attached little matching tags using the tag punches. Inside the card, it reads, you are the heart of our unit. On the back of the card, she had me attach a recipe called "Mary Kay Wham Bam Cookies"!

Supplies: Glossy White, Real Red, Wild Wasabi & Pretty in Pink cardstock; Real Red ink; Short & Sweet and Priceless stamp sets

Ornaments

2007-12-19T10:16:00.001-05:00

I just love Christmas! I love to make things, and at this time of year, I have so many people to make things for! : )

I made the blue ornament by cutting apart an ornament garland I found at the Dollar Store. (It's so great because the ornament is plastic, but looks like a nice glass ball!) I used white stazon to stamp the snowflakes (they turned light blue) and a silver pen to write the person's name. I hot glued the silver top back on after slid a navy organdy ribbon through. Then I placed it inside a clear envelope and made a quick tag.

The silver tin ornament was given to me by a fellow stamper. Isn't it cool?? I need to make some of those, too.

Organization is on its way!

2007-12-17T17:29:00.000-05:00

I have been working all afternoon on my office/craft room. This is what I've accomplished so far . . .More pictures will follow in a later post. I still have to go through one big box of things and organize the big IKEA shelves (the 16 cube shelf).

Stamped Presents

2007-12-17T15:00:00.000-05:00

Tis the season . . . . . . to give gifts wrapped in Stampin' Up paper!

This is the stamped candle we made in our Christmas Gifts class last month.

Directions:
1. Stamp images on tissue paper (I used plain white).
2. Cut out images and lightly glue (I used SU glue stick) to candle.
3. Wrap candle & attached images with wax paper.
4. Using heat gun, work all the way around the candle until the images melt into the candle.
5. Peel off wax paper & you're finished!

Next month, we will be making a LOVE frame for Valentine's Day. If you would like to reserve a space in this class, please email me at kellybstampin@yahoo.com. (All of my classes are $15 and take place in my home in Fredericksburg.)

Bye - bye Letterpress & so many more. . .

2007-12-10T07:03:00.000-05:00

2007 Retired List

Say goodbye to many of your favorite stamp sets. Click on the link above to check out the list in alphabetical order. Then, you can go to the online catalog to see images of the stamp sets here: online catalog.

If you have something on this list, please contact me ASAP so we can order it before it's gone forever!

My personal favorite that's being retired is Letterpress Alphabet. Here's a project I made with the set:
Supplies: retired Christmas designer series paper, Naturals Vanilla cardstock, Vintage Violet (retired) & Creamy Caramel ink, sponge, Vintage Violet stitched ribbon, Hodgepodge Hardware, Script background stamp, Letterpress Alpha (retiring( stamp, Small Script, All Year Cheer I & Everyday Flexible Phrases stamp sets, horizontal slot punch, frame

(This is a CASE from SCS member girl3boys0. You can see her project here.)

Christmas treats : )

2007-12-05T23:57:00.001-05:00

I love Christmas! My favorite part of the holiday is making & giving gifts. . . . really it is! : )
I made up 6 of these to give to the nursery/child care workers who take care of my 3 children during my MOPS meeting. I covered pretzel rods in chocolate and several types of sprinkles, then packaged them in cello bags with a ribbon, snowflake ornament, and a simple tag.

Sorry about the picture quality. I need to find my special photo tent for taking pictures -- it got lost in the move back in Sept!

Birthday Card

2007-12-05T05:37:00.000-05:00

I just love these petal cards! They're perfect for sticking a gift card inside.

Supplies: Real Red petal card, So Saffron designer series paper, Whisper White cardstock, Basic Black ink, spring bouquet & 1 1/4" circle punches, Hugs & Wishes stamp set.

Christmas card

2007-12-04T16:11:00.000-05:00

In the next few days, I'll continue posting pictures of my Christmas cards from this year. Some of them may look familiar, as they were designed back in July for my Christmas in July open house.

Supplies: Wild Wasabi, Naturals White, & Whisper White cardstock; Certainly Celery & Rose Red designer series paper; vintage brads (silver diamond); Rose Red classic ink.

Free Make n' Take

2007-12-03T14:28:00.001-05:00

At all of my December Open House events, we are making this gift card:I used textured Wild Wasabi & (regular) Whisper White cardstock, Real Red & Wild Wasabi ink; Real Red wide grosgrain ribbon, 1 1/4" circle punch, and stampin' dimensionals.

It's a super simple & quick card to put with a gift this Christmas season. Stay tuned for more card and project ideas. . .

FINALL*Y a new post!!!

2007-12-01T01:02:00.001-05:00

I'm so sorry it's taken more than 6 weeks to come back to this blog. A lot has been going on, but excuses aren't what you're here for, so without further adieu . . . .

Here's the Christmas card from the Christmas Cards in the Mail kit:

This card was "cased" from one of my monthly scrapbooking magazines and altered just a tad. The base of the card is made from creamy caramel, cut from an altered template of the cased card. I used the slit punch to create the scallops, the 1/2" circle punch for the red gumdrops, and the 3/4" circle punch for the center peppermint. Red gingham ribbon ties the card closed.

I'm preparing information on Round 3 of my Stamps in the Mail program, so come back for more details. By the way, the *N*E*W* Stampin' Up Spring/Summer collection is coming out SOON! If you'd like to preorder your copy, please post a comment here with your email address & I'll paypal you an invoice for $10. That includes shipping it to you. All books prepaid by December 20th will be received by the first week of January.

Christmas Stamps in the Mail

2007-10-19T09:57:00.000-05:00

Just in the nick of time, I have created a package to make it super simple for you to make your own Christmas cards this year. I've done all the preparation for you in order to save you time this holiday season.

*I'll post a picture of the adorable gingerbread card next week.*

For $35, you will receive enough supplies to make 20 gingerbread cards:

Color instruction sheet
assortment of Creamy Caramel & Whisper White cardstock
1 gingerbread card template on chipboard
SU slit punch
SU 3/4" circle punch
approx. 7 yards of red/white gingham ribbon
20 Whisper White envelopes
1 SU glue stick
Prestamped greeting inserts (you'll have 2 options)
Prestamped images from Stampin' Up's Snow Burst stamp set
OPTIONAL: You may add one ink pad (color your choice) and the Snow Burst stamp set for only $25 more (You'll save 15% by not paying additional shipping/tax!)

If you'd like to sign up for this one time kit, leave a comment with your email address OR email me directly: kellybstampin@yahoo.com.

Payment must be received by November 12th.
All packages will be shipped priority by November 25th.

SPECIAL: For every person you refer who participates in this program, I will send you a free stamp in your kit. Just make sure they mention that you referred them so that I can send you your free stamp(s)!

Purchase this special Christmas
Stamps in the Mail kit today!
(paypal your payment to kellybstampin@yahoo.com)

Coasters

2007-09-17T15:43:00.000-05:00

First of all . . . . I'M BACK!!!

I'm really working hard to get lots of samples ready to upload on this blog so that I don't go so long without blogging. Just be patient with me, though, as I'm moving NEXT WEEK into a new house.

Now, back to the stamping world of Kelly . . . .

I am working on projects for the last month of my Stamps In the Mail program, and decided I might have them make tile coasters. Even if they've made them before, I'm hoping to have a new "spin" on the idea with some interesting colors and designs.

Here's two coasters I (& a friend) stamped a long time ago . . .

Baby cards

2007-08-30T10:29:00.000-05:00

It's inexcusable how long I've gone without blogging this month! My goal is to keep you up-to-date with new cards and projects several times a week. Ok, we'll see if that happens or not, right???

Retired sets for sale

2007-08-21T12:55:00.001-05:00

Retired Stamp Sets for sale -- all have been gently used and have various degrees of staining. I will ship them Priority and will combine shipping when possible. I accept payment via paypal only. Thanks!

$4 Bold Blossom Greetings

$6 Little Layers Plus

$10 Shapes & Shadows (1 of2 available)

$6 Something to Celebrate

$6 Occasionally (only 2 mounted)

$6 Big Blossom

$2.50 Marigold Morning classic ink pad ('07 in color set)

$2.50 Cool Caribbean classic ink pad ('07 in color set)

$4 Garden Collage

$4 Cuddles & Tickles PENDING

$12 All Year Cheer I PENDING

$4 All I Have Seen GONE!!

$10 Tag Time GONE!!

$5 Botanical Garden GONE!!

$6 Geometric GONE!!

$12 Toile Blossoms GONE!!

$10 Shapes & Shadows GONE!! (1 of2 available)

$12 Island Blossoms GONE!!

$6 Linograph GONE!!

$4 Doodle That GONE!!

$6 Holiday Wishes GONE!!

$6 Natural Beauty GONE!!

$10 A Greeting for All Reasons GONE!!

$12 All-Year Cheer III GONE!!

$2 Party Fun stampin' around wheel GONE!!

$2 Pine Bough stampin' around wheel GONE!!

$2 Gifts Galore stampin' around wheel GONE!!

$2 Simply Shells stampin' around wheel GONE!!

$2 Bloomin' stampin' around wheel GONE!!

$2 Swirl Fun stampin' around wheel GONE!!

$3 Flitting By jumbo stampin' around wheel GONE!!

$3 Woodcut Holly jumbo stampin' around wheel GONE!!

$3 Poinsetta jumbo stampin' around wheel GONE!!

**If you spend more than $30, I'll even throw in some free (retired) SU designer series paper.

Finally, an update!

2007-08-21T12:52:00.000-05:00

Hello all!

So sorry I've been absent from blogging this month. It's crazy how fast time flies. . . .

First of all, I will be posting some pictures and other things later today. I just need to get the camera and work on that.

Secondly, I have a bunch of retired stamp sets available, so I'm getting ready to post that.

OH -- the biggest reason why I haven't been blogging is that we've found a house, so I've been doing the "paperwork shuffle"! Those of you who have purchased or refinanced, know what I mean. I'm also in the midst of packing and getting rid of stuff, so my days are long and filled with sorting and resorting (because after I sort stuff, the kids come along and "un sort" it for me). What a joy! hee. . . hee. . .

Christmas Card Club

2007-08-01T22:07:00.001-05:00

This year, I will be holding my annual Christmas Card Club on the 3rd Thursday of each month starting this month. (The above card was a make n' take from my Christmas in July Open House.) We will make 10 cards each month, 5 each of 2 different designs.

The classes are $15 each and will be held in my home. Please email me for more information: kellybstampin@yahoo.com.

These are the cards we will make this month:

(bleaching technique used with Frosty)

(quick & easy with designer series paper)

Christmas in July

2007-08-01T08:39:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday, I had a Christmas in July Open House. We had a great time talking and stamping together, as well as browsing Christmas items together. It's never too early to start!

Here's some of the projects from that day. . . . .

1st birthday

2007-08-01T08:36:00.000-05:00

I just can't believe my baby turned one year old Monday! This is the card I made for her:

Supplies: Rose Red, Basic Black cardstock; Cutie Pie designer series paper, on board number, pink gingham ribbon, rose red craft ink (to dye the "1") and stampin' dimensionals.

Very quick and easy card to put together.

Rockin' Girl Blogger!

2007-07-22T18:49:00.001-05:00

WOW! I was nominated by fellow blogger & stamper Rita for the "Rockin' Girl Blogger" Award. How cool is that?! Thanks Rita! Make sure you check out her blog here. She always has great cards posted there.

By the way . . . I have space for 5 more people in my Stamps in the Mail program. If you'd like to sign up, please contact me via email ASAP: kellybstampin@yahoo.com. Go here for a hint of one of the two stamp sets you'll get in your kit. It's even more versatile than the set everyone received in Round One, and supplemented with a COOL set of words, it's perfect for Stamps in the Mail!

(See this post to get all the important details on Stamps in the Mail.)

Please forgive me!

2007-07-22T18:37:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone. . . . . . . . No, I have not fallen off the face of the earth. So sorry!

I haven't been blogging lately because I've just been so busy with other work. I wish I got paid to blog, then you'd see a LOT more here. :)

Anyway. . . . I'm working on a bunch of Christmas in July samples for my Open House this Saturday, so as soon as I get them photographed and in the computer, I'll upload here.

I'm also selling a TON of retired stamps from my personal collection, so stay tuned. Whatever doesn't sell at the Open House will be posted here.

Happy Stamping!

Conserving Ribbon

2007-07-12T08:40:00.001-05:00

I decided to post a tutorial on how to conserve ribbon when making a lot of the same card. Some of you may know this trick, but to me, I discovered it yesterday! The main reason why I did this is because I had to make 10 cards for a customer, but only had enough ribbon for about 5. I had wanted to tie the ribbon all the way around the card. But I realized that if it was only on the front, I'd be able to have the same look with the help of some sticky strip (I LOVE that stuff!).

This card (that I posted yesterday) uses the technique. Here's the steps and I promise to add detail tutorial photos by tomorrow:

STEP ONE
Run a piece of sticky strip across the area you want your ribbon.
STEP TWO
Cut a small piece of ribbon (for a fake bow) and lay it VERTICALLY across the sticky strip.
STEP THREE
Lay a piece of ribbon across the entire piece of sticky strip HORIZONTALLY, and on top of the smaller piece.
STEP FOUR
Trim your edges & tie the (fake) bow.

Sarcastic Cards

2007-07-11T20:01:00.001-05:00

My sister is pretty sarcastic, and requested some special cards recently. So these sayings are totally from her & the designs are by me.

DETAILS: All cards use various SU cardstocks as well as the new designer series prints paper. The sayings were printed on the computer.

Some buggy cards . . .

2007-07-11T19:41:00.000-05:00

It's time for some cards . . . . FINALLY! : ) I made these cards for a pest control service. The lady is in a networking group with me and asked for me to make 20 thank you notes for her customers.

This card is my thank you to her. (I also stamped all of her envelopes with the ants like this one.)

Details: Bugs & Kisses stamp set; Real Red & Basic Black cardstock &amp; watercolor paper; Basic Black ink; SAB set; Giga scallop & 1/16" punch; Creative Memories oval cutter; b&w gingham; dimensionals.

This is card #1:
Details: Bugs & Kisses stamp set; Blue Bayou, Night of Navy, Very Vanilla, More Mustard cardstock; NIght of Navy & Wild Wasabi ink; crystal effects; "thank you" from Fave Teddy Bear; black organdy (thought I was using navy until I photographed it in good light!); crystal effects (on grasshopper's eye) dimensionals.

This is card #2: This card is almost a direct case from"ambouth" on SCS. Here's her card.
Details: Bugs & Kisses stamp set; Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate, Very Vanilla, Naturals Ivory; Cool Caribbean cardstock; Purely Pomegranate & Wild Wasabi ink; "thank you" from Favorite Greetings set; Dots wheel & close to cocoa ink cartridge; celery grosgrain; deckle scissors; dimensionals; sticky strip; crystal effects (on ladybug head).

This is the bag I packaged the 20 cards in. I just love this set.

Details: Bugs & Kisses stamp set; white lunch bag; Garden Green, Creamy Caramel & Sahara Sand ink; rectangle punch; yellow wide organdy.

2007-07-08T07:25:00.000-05:00

I'm back! FYI: This post will be mostly non-stamping related since I have only been able to stamp ONCE since I left! :)

My family (hubby & 3 kids) and I went on a weeklong trip to visit friends and family. First, we traveled to Greenville, SC for a memorial for a dear missionary friend of ours who passed away. She's the person who first introduced me and my husband. What an inspiration she was -- after 30 years of teaching, she "retired" to do missionary work for about another 20 in Haiti (that's where my hubby and I met her when we were missionaries in Haiti). She had recenly "retired" again to the states, and after a short time, became ill and passed away. We will miss her dearly.

Then we travelled over to St. Louis to spend time with family. The kids loved seeing all their relatives and going to the zoo, Grant's Farm, etc. It really was a great trip -- exhausting, but wonderful.

After a 15+ hour drive home last Friday, I've been "vegging out" with the kids (and avoiding the pile of laundry, cleaning, etc. that needs to be done!). This morning we head off to church, so after that maybe I can post some cards.

So what do you do for your vacations? Do you sightsee/go to amusement parks? Do you visit family? Do humanitarian work? Do you work on house projects? Do you do "nothing"? I'd love to hear what you all do if you'll post it here.

2007 Fall/Winter Collection is HERE!

2007-06-28T09:37:00.000-05:00

I have copies of the *N*E*W* 2007 Fall/Winter Collection catalogs in my possession. I LOVE ~ LOVE ~ LOVE everything in it. . . . my personal wish list is pretty long, especially with the new accessories and double sided paper!

WAYS TO GET IT:

Purchase it for $10 (locally) & get a $10 off purchase of $50+ coupon!!
OR sign up for Stamps in the Mail, round 2 by July 15th & get it FREE!!
OR purchase it for $12 & I will priority mail it to you.
OR earn it free by hosting a workshop.
OR spend $50 and get it free!

(Please note: I am going out of town tomorrow -- June 29th -- and will return July 7th.)

Paypal payments to kellybstampin@yahoo.com.
Be sure to include your correct shipping address
and it'll be on it's way to you!

Stamps in the Mail

2007-06-26T13:40:00.000-05:00

Stamps in the Mail

~ Round 2 ~

project from Round 1

Do you love to create your own cards and other stamped projects, but want someone else to come up with the ideas, do all the cutting and scoring, and even buy all your supplies & send you everything in one nice, neat package monthly? Then join me and lots of other stampers/crafters around the country for Round 2 of Stamps in the Mail!

STAMPS IN THE MAIL (SITM):
I am limiting the # of participants, so RSVP ASAP to kellybstampin@yahoo.com!! I have just finished the last set of directions for Round 1 and will be mailing them out by Thursday. We've had a great time stamping via mail these last 3 months and have made 12 very diverse projects total. If you wished you hadn't missed out on the last round, don't delay & sign up for Round 2 TODAY.

SITM ROUND 2 INFO:

$40 per month for 3 months. (cost increased due to increased shipping rates & increased SU prices)
Receive 2 *new* SU stamp sets, 2 *new* SU In Color classic pads, and various other supplies throughout this round.
Receive precut/scored supplies to make 4 projects each month for 3 months.
RSVP by July 15th.
Limited to 1st 20 participants.
Runs August through October.

$40/month includes:

color directions & tutorial DVD
video tutorial on YouTube for monthly projects
consumable supplies precut and scored in cello bag for 4 projects each month
various embellishments for projects in stampin' store mini container
*new* stamp sets
*new* In Color classic ink pads
various other supplies as projects require
priority shipping & handling costs
all supplies will be from Stampin' Up unless we don't sell it!

FREE * FREE * FREE:

RSVP by July 15th & pay for month 1 or all 3 months and receive the *new* Fall/Winter Idea Book FREE.
Prepay for all 3 months ($120) by July 15th and receive ANY 2 stampin' write markers FREE ($5.90 value).
First 3 participants to prepay for all 3 months receives FREE shipping ($15 value). [I must receive payment for $120 via paypal (to kellybstampin@yahoo.com). After determining which 3 were first to pay, I will refund $15 to your paypal account.]
FREE shipping/delivery to any local Fredericksburg participants.

***********************************************************

Stamps in the Mail

for demonstrators

~ Round 3 ~

Are you a SU demo and just need a few new & fresh ideas?

Join my Stamps in the Mail for demos!

SITM for demos ROUND 2:

$35 total (cost increased due to increased shipping & increased SU prices)
Receive precut/scored supplies to make 12 projects (4 projects/month for 3 months)
RSVP by July 15th
Limited participants
Runs August through October

$35 includes:

3 months of color directions & tutorial DVDs
3 months of video tutorials on YouTube
consumable supplies precut and scored in cello bag for 12 projects (4/month for 3 months)
various embellishments for projects in stampin' store mini containers
3 months of shipping/handling costs

Important: You will need to purchase various Stampin’ Up stamp sets and accessories in order to complete the monthly projects. I will send you a list by July 20th of those items so that you will have them in time for the first set of projects.

Cards for Marines

2007-06-23T13:57:00.000-05:00

We're sending off a care package to 2 marines in Iraq who work with my husband. He knows first hand how nice it is to receive messages from the homefront. We're also sending them each some cranberry oatmeal cookies. I hope they are still edible by the time they arrive.Inside of card:
DETAILS: Not Quite Navy & Very Vanilla cardstock; Land that I love stamp set; Not Quite Navy & Summer Sun ink; Sage Shadow watercolor crayon; blender pen; copper brads (vintage brads); 1/16" punch; dimensionals & designer series paper.

Wedding Card Swap

2007-06-22T12:55:00.000-05:00

I need more wedding samples for my samples basket. SO I am proposing an ALL + 1 swap. You do not have to be a Stampin' Up demo to participate, but I do ask that you do "demo quality" work. (If you're not sure what that is, just email me and ask!)

Here are some samples of wedding ensembles (click on pictures to enlarge):

Inside "cherish" wedding card/invitation:Let's make this a complete wedding themed swap and include the following:

invite (any style)
RSVP postcard
thank you note
**matching envelopes are not required**

BE CREATIVE!

You can create any size wedding samples from long to traditional to large. It's up to you. Please use at least one embellishment (ribbon, brad, etc.); all current SU products -- but if SU doesn't sell it, you can use it.

I'm hoping for at least 10 participants, and if more sign up, we'll split into 2 (or more) groups. I need your RSVP by July 7th and your swaps by July 25th (this gives you time to order from the new catty!). Swaps will be mailed back to you by the 30th of July. (In your swap, include Priority postage stamp & self-addressed label.)

Please RSVP to: kellybstampin@yahoo.com for address and any other details OR leave a comment to this post with your contact info.

Another Sympathy Card

2007-06-19T20:47:00.001-05:00

Unfortunately, I had to make another sympathy card. This time it's for the father of our pastor's wife. I tried to make this one a bit more cheery. I also used the "tent topper" style card that I CASEd from Michelle Wooderson. (By the way. . . her blog "Mish Mash" is AWESOME!)

Anyway . . . you cut your card base to 8 1/2" X 4 1/4" so that when it's folded, it's a perfect square. Then I added the designer series paper (cut to 4" square). The little piece on top sticks out, making the card "regular size" for medium envelopes. You can roughly measure it by holding it over an envelope.

DETAILS: Shimmery White & Chocolate Chip cardstock; Warmest Regards & Doodle That stamp sets; Basic Brown ink; Regal Rose marker; White Signo gel pen; celery grosgrain ribbon; designer series paper (almost amythest).

Birthday Card

2007-06-16T09:17:00.000-05:00

Birthday cards are fun to make . . . .
DETAILS: Real Red, Basic Black & Whisper White cardstock; Basic Black classic ink; Birthday Cuttlebug embossing folder; black&white gingham ribbon; It's Your Birthday stamp set; sticky strip & dimensionals; square punch.

We're all going to a 7 year old's birthday party on a local farm today, so I finished the card this morning. It's tough to shop for a 7 year old boy when my oldest is a 4 year old girl!

I thought I'd show you how I wrapped his present. I found a picnic tablecloth in the $1 spot at Target and thought that would make great wrapping paper for the barn theme. I also used raffia to tie it all together, and I stamped his name on the envelope to finish the package. Although, now that I'm looking at it, I'm afraid it may blend into the table when we get there! ha ha . . . .

For some reason, I'm thinking I may have CASEd this card design, but honestly, I wasn't even online looking at samples when I created it. If it's yours & posted on your blog, I'm sorry! Let me know and I'll give you credit.

Sympathy Card

2007-06-15T23:11:00.001-05:00

It's never an enjoyable experience to create one of these cards. Unfortunately, the son of one of my husband's bosses passed away unexpectedly this week.

DETAILS: Baroque Motifs & Warmest Regards stamp sets; Designer Series paper sampler pack; Naturals White cardstock; Night of Navy craft ink; clear EP; heat gun; Rose Red classic ink; navy narrow organdy ribbon; Ice brads (new in Preview Brochure).

Another Father's Day card

2007-06-14T10:55:00.000-05:00

Here's one more Father's Day card I made.

Trifold Card & square envelopes

2007-06-13T19:39:00.000-05:00

I love making these little cards. They're just so much fun. Most of my idea for this card came from Cambria Turnbow at Stamp a Little Love Baby!

DETAILS: Regal Rose, Very Vanilla, Certainly Celery cardstock; pink grosgrain ribbon; slot punch; Petals & Paisley stamp set; Regal Rose and So Saffron markers; Red Rose ink; Au Chocolat paper.

For the square envelope, I didn't have any on hand, but I did have the large, open ended envelopes. So, I cut them to the size I needed and put sticky strip in the bottom to close it.

Baroque Motifs

2007-06-13T19:33:00.001-05:00

These cards are for a swap I'm participating in with stamps from the preview brochure. I got the stamps yesterday and had these done this morning! I just love this new set, Baroque Motifs.

DETAILS: Baroque Motifs stamp set; Pale Plum, Perfect Plum & glossy white card stock; small & large oval punches; mini glue dots; perfect plum and pale plum classic ink; brayer; copper brad; copper cording; whisper white embossing powder; versamark; heat gun.

I stamped the swirl image on glossy white with versamark. Then I embossed it with whisper white EP. When cool, I brayered perfect plum over it all.

Bridal Shower presents for someone special . . . .

2007-06-09T10:29:00.000-05:00

I've had these pics ready to be uploaded for some time now, but wanted to wait until today (the day of the shower). These are for my dear, dear friend in Florida who is getting married later this year. She's more of a blue and silver kind of girl (like myself). This is the box that holds her thank you notes & matching pen.

Here's a quick tutorial on how to make this box:

1. Take an ordinary cigar box & cover all the edges & inside with silver paint.

2. Using ModPodge, glue on decorative paper cut to fit around the sides & top (I used a solid color on top & bottom, and striped around the edges).

3. ModPodge the entire thing and set to dry. (I added more silver paint and ModPodged it all again.)

4. Add embellishments (ribbon, primas, etc.) and you're finished!

This is a matching recipe tin that I sent along with the thank you notes/box. Inside, another friend and I added our favorite recipes.

Happy Birthday

2007-06-05T13:31:00.001-05:00

I created this card for a friend's birthday this month. I just LOVE that Cuttlebug! I like the way these colors went together. I think they really fit the person I sent it to. (Brocade Blue, Certainly Celery, So Saffron)

Happy Father's Day!

2007-06-05T13:23:00.000-05:00

I almost totally CASE'd Cambria Turnbow's card. I just loved that little shirt pattern, and I loved the way she used the Palette O'Prints paper.

I chose Almost Amethyst and used Soft Subtles brads instead of a tie. I also stamped "Happy Day" with Eggplant Envy using the "Happy Everything" set and "DAD" in Perfect Plum with Whimsical Alphabet (uppers). I layered everything on Eggplant Envy on an Almost Amethyst card.

So sorry!

2007-06-05T09:04:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I'm sorry I haven't posted lately. It's been a crazy week. I have made a bunch of things, but can't quite post them yet (three pictures will be posted Saturday, after they have been given to the recipient).

I've also been working on more Stamp-A-Stack projects. I've come up with a different version of 2 cards I previously posted, so I'll get those scanned in today.

The Stamps in the Mail participants have mostly received their projects, so I'll post a pic of their 4 projects, too. I just started videotaping the tutorials for those and put them on YouTube. I'll put a link here later for a "teaser" if you're interested in that program. (You have to sign up in order to get the supplies and tutorials.)

A couple other items that will be posted soon (hopefully in the next week):
1 - A review of a UHU glue roller.
2 - new stamp projects from both Stampin' Up (from the preview brochure) -- just waiting for them to arrive.
3 - new stamp projects from www.rubberstampingfun.com -- just waiting for those to arrive, too.

Ok, off to chase my 4 year old and 2 year old around the house, and to work on some Father's Day cards!

Blog Candy Winner!

2007-05-30T08:12:00.000-05:00

We have a winner! I just used Random.org to generate a winning # and it listed lucky #13, VERENA HANSON.

Verena Hanson said...: I must say it is the craft store,
my mom always shops in to send me
little treats from Germany,I don't really no the name of the store,but I
would guess " Bastelladen "
The cute little angel on my Christmas cards last year came from there.
<><>

Thanks for playing, everyone!

Blog Candy Time!

2007-05-27T17:09:00.001-05:00

In honor of having over 5555 hits, I will be offering FIVE pieces of blog candy to one winner. Check back to this post later tonight for the picture of the "sweets" I'm offering up. (Hint: I just got back from Michael's . . . )

**Sorry everyone! I fell asleep real early last night and forgot to post the candy pic. :) I'll work on that right now.

Here's the description:

Giga Scalloped ovals punched out (5 Very Vanilla; 5 Naturals White)
Michael's ribbon
Tombo Mono refill (removable)
"Congratulations" stamp
"Birthday Wishes" stamp

Just reply to this post (as some of you have already) and tell me what your favorite craft STORE (not company -- but an actual store). If you've already posted, go ahead and post again. And to be fair, if you haven't posted yet, feel free to post twice. The more comments, the merrier, I think! I'll choose a winner using random.org Wednesday at 9am.

Stamp-A-Stack

2007-05-25T11:20:00.000-05:00

These are 5 cards I've planned for an upcoming Stamp-A-Stack. Participants will make 2 of each card for $15.

If you live in the Fredericksburg area and are interested in this class, please let me know by posting a comment.

DETAILS: Fishy Friends; Naturals White, Shimmery White, Vintage Violet cardstock; Petals & Paisley DP; Black Stazon ink; Apricot Appeal & Vintage Violet ink & blender pens.
DETAILS: Regal Rose, whisper white & Certainly Celery cardstock; horizontal slot punch; Rose Red ink; Celery grosgrain ribbon; Petals & Paisley DP; 3/4 circle punch.

DETAILS: All Natural & All Year Cheer I (?); Versamark, So Saffron & Always Artichoke ink; White EP & heat gun; white narrow organdy ribbon; glossy white, naturals white & Always Artichoke cardstock; lg & sm oval punches; mini glue dots.
DETAILS: Tags stamp set; Deco paper; Very Vanilla, Kraft & Choc chip cardstock; Cranberry Crisp ink; horiz slot, sm & lg tag punches; celery narrow organdy ribbon.
DETAILS: Do the Hula & Canvas stamp sets; Marigold Morning & Close to Cocoa ink; HodgePodge hardware; Twill tape; Choc chip, Very Vanilla, Marigold Morning & Buckaroo Blue cardstocks.

Cool Lamby

2007-05-21T10:28:00.001-05:00

I opened my fridge to find. . . .

. . . Lamby!

My daughter has a crazy sense of adventure sometimes. You just never know what you're going to find around the house. When I asked her why Lamby was in the fridge, she said, "Mommy, he's not alive!" Then she giggled and said, "Oooh, he's cold, Mommy!" (She's four. . . .)

Sympathy Angel

2007-05-21T10:20:00.001-05:00

My Bible Study ladies needed a card to send to a woman in our church whose mother recently passed away. I knew Brushstroke Angel would be perfect for her. . . Details: Brushtroke Angel, Paisley BG stamp sets; naturals white, basic black, bashful blue, watercolor cardstock; bashful blue ink; black stazon; watercolor wonder crayons, aqua painter & blender pen; liquid glue & dazzling diamonds; stampin dimensionals; white narrow organdy ribbon.

Herb Garden

2007-05-19T13:54:00.000-05:00

For Christmas, I received a Chia Herb garden. About one month later (when I went on a week-long trip & forgot about them), I almost killed all four sets of herbs -- yikes! Luckily, they have started coming back again with a lot of TLC. I just repotted them & labelled them.
I thought you might be interested to see how the labels came out. I just wish I could get a good, clear photo of all four of them on my window sill. They look so cool! (If I can say herbs are "cool.")

Details: I used the ribbon slider die from Cuttlebug and the Word Window punch from Stampin' Up (I was so excited to find that the word window punch would fit into the sliders. I just cut off the extras). I ModPodged it all so that it wouldn't get ruined during the daily watering. I used Choc Chip card stock and Very Vanilla (although it looks like white in my photo). And I attached the labels with Pop up glue dots.

Sweet Baby Girl

2007-05-19T13:09:00.001-05:00

My friend was due to have a baby this month, so I decided to go ahead and make the card. I just hope she really did end up with a girl!DETAILS: Regal Rose & Pretty in Pink cardstock; Palette O'Prints paper; Cuttlebug ribbon slider & giraffe; SU flirt ribbon; Everyday Flexible Phrases & Sweet Shapes stamp sets; mini glue dots; 2way glue & dazzling diamonds (of course).

Bracelet

2007-05-16T16:07:00.000-05:00

I was working on a little craft with my 4 year old and we had some left-over leather. I looked at it, looked at my Cuttlebug, then had an idea! Yep, it worked. I used the flower die and cut out a cute leather flower! My daughter even did it herself. Then we added a CTMH flower with a vintage brad (punched a 1/16" hole first). Finally, we poked the brad through a piece of pink grograin, and . . . .VOILA! I cut the ribbon long enough to tie around her wrist. She loves it! How easy and cute is that? : )

Happiness

2007-05-16T16:03:00.000-05:00

I just love that white shimmery cardstock from SU, but it's so difficult to take a good pic of it. I'm not going to say what this card is for, but I'll tell you how I made it!

Details: Shimmery white cs; non SU blue cs; deco paper; slit punch (to create scallop); celery narrow organdy ribbon; CTMH flowers; vintage brad; watercolor wonder crayons (for stems); night of navy ink; glue dots & stick strip.

A Sneak Peek!

2007-05-16T08:24:00.000-05:00

Here's a sneak peak of Stampin' Up's new IN COLORS for 2008! FYI -- Round 2 (begins Aug 1st, but rsvp by July 15th) of my Stamps in the Mail program will feature at least 2 of the above colors (maybe 3) as well as two totally new stamp sets and some new accessories from the upcoming catalog!!

There's so much new to celebrate in July, I can hardly stand it. The preview catalog comes out in just a matter of weeks. If you would like a preview catalog, you must book a workshop or class in June -- catalog OR in-home -- and I will provide them to you for FREE!

Present

2007-05-16T07:42:00.000-05:00

This is the present that went with the TMNT card. I thought something kind of funky with stars and more copper cording might look "cool" for my 7 year old nephew. (Don't mind the fingers -- those are my 4 year old daughter's.)DETAILS: SU wrapping paper; star wheel s/ ballet blue ink cart.; basic black & yoyo yellow cardstock; copper cording.

This was actually kind of fun and super simple. Boys don't want bows on their presents, right? Doesn't really matter what the outside looks like anyway . . . I know he'll like the inside! ( I envision that star being flung across the room after it's torn off the present -- so my apologies to his mother!)

Graduation Card

2007-05-16T07:28:00.000-05:00

This is a graduation card I created for my husband's dear friend's son. When we received the graduation announcement two days ago we could hardly believe it. My husband kept saying, "no, no!" (Not that the young man is graduating, but that he is old enough to graduate!) hee. . . hee. . . I guess that means we are getting older.
Details: All Year Cheer III (inside)stamp set; The Art of Life stamp set; Naturals Ivory & Chocolate Chip cardstock; Recollections Deco paper; Twill tape; Hodgepodge; tab & oval punch; craft ink (think I actually used ballet blue); vanilla embossing powder & heat gun; sticky strip. (I know there's flecks of embossing powder around the sentiment. . . I actually liked it and left it to be embossed. In person, the card looks much "cooler.")

This is a pocket card. I trimmed the front panel a bit shorter so the striped pocket would show. Inside, I just adhered a piece of deco paper with an oval punched out, using sticky strip around 3 edges. I stamped the sentiment directly on the gift card holder from Borders with Stazon & added a tab that says "for you."

FYI: In order to line up the greeting to come through the oval perfectly . . . before I adhered the pocket, I turned the piece over and placed the gift card under. I used the oval as my guide, I stamped the sentiment. Since it was on the back, any mistakes I made don't show in the final product!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

2007-05-14T20:50:00.000-05:00

So the only stamped part of this card is inside, but I love the way it came together. (It helps to have a hubby who can draw!!)This card is for our nephew's bday this week, so hopefully it'll make it into the mail tomorrow!

DETAILS: TMNT image colored with SU watercolor wonder crayons; elegant eggplant & basic black cardsdtock (the other color is non-SU, so not sure of the color); copper cording; 1/16" punch; black vintage brads; dimensionals. (Inside I stamped "Happy Birthday".)

My new tote!

2007-05-14T18:38:00.000-05:00

So maybe you're thinking this isn't stamping related, right? Well, I needed something to carry my SU catalogs in from time to time. (Ok, so it's going to be my main purse, but I AM going to carry catalogs in it!)This tote was handcrafted by Jennifer Church of Ever Sew English. Her quality is superb. What is so cool about her business is that you can just order a ready made tote that you like OR you may design one yourself from her basic patterns and fabric samples. (I designed mine at a "tote gathering" a friend of mine had.)

Here's the inside.
I had her add a "cell phone pocket" -- the blue one -- and there's also two others on the other side.

If you're in the Fredericksburg, VA area, I HIGHLY recommend booking a "tote gathering" with her. The personal experience of designing your tote is great. No, I don't get any royalties or commission from sending you to her site. I just like to highlight home businesses that I believe are great to spend your money on from time to time!

Ok, now I'm thinking I should make some cards based on this tote -- colors, layout, etc. Isn't it funny how everything we see becomes a possible card idea?? I even jotted down a color combo during a Beth Moore Bible Study (wall colors and decorations of the church sanctuary where she was speaking) -- Apricot Appeal, Close to Cocoa & Cool Carribean. Look for a card soon with those colors. . .

Sorry!

2007-05-14T11:54:00.000-05:00

So sorry, everyone!

I've been working on my OTHER work -- transcription -- lately. I transcribe oral histories (like career interviews of generals and such) for the USMC's History Division. I just finished a 118 page session (turned in late last night), so I am going to devote this week to playing with my children (and blogging, too, of course!).

Look for some new posts later tonight (after the kiddos are in bed). Oh, I'll post a picture of something I'm going to pick up this afternoon -- a new "tote" that I ordered. I'll have more details on that soon . . . in the meantime, you can check out Ever Sew English. Honestly, you have to see these totes in person.

Oh my . . . I'm getting anxious to go get my tote now!

Announcement

2007-05-09T08:53:00.000-05:00

I just found out that I have been selected to be a stamp reviewer for Rubber Stamping Fun! They're a relatively new stamp company that I'm excited to see growing.

I don't have a lot more details yet, but as soon as I do, I will let you know. I believe sometime next month I'll receive my first set of stamps to review, then you'll benefit from seeing some new designs.

FYI -- I'm not selling the stamps and I don't receive any sort of commission through this program. I just make cards/projects with what they send me and post everything here on this blog.

I can hardly wait!

$$$

2007-05-09T08:07:00.000-05:00

So this isn't really stamping related, but it was fun anyway!

My blog is worth $5,645.40.
How much is your blog worth?

I just found this cool button. Is my blog REALLY worth that?? :) I don't know, but it was fun.

If you have a blog, click on the link and enter your URL to find out how much it's worth!

Graduation

2007-05-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

Myhusband's second cousin is graduating next week, so I created two cards.This is the "congrats" card. I used a piece from his actual announcement for the main image. It is a vellum piece which reads "class of 07." I used my 2way glue pen to outline those words and then added Dazzling Diamonds (yes, I'm still the glitter queen!). . . . I embossed "Congratulations" in silver detail EP and cut the front flap shorter for it to show through. I mounted the vellum piece onto Real Red with Vintage brads and adhered it to the Basic Black card. Inside, I used the silver side of my Zig Painty to write a message.

I created this Real Red Petal Card to hold his gift card.
Outside, I used the "faux metal" technique from SU regionals to create the "Good Luck" tag. For the last step, I "dry stamped" my stamp in Dazzling Diamonds, then into the warm silver to create that look. I then used my tab punch to create the edges of the tag, and punched holes with the 1/16" punch and ran silver cording through it, tied in back.

Inside, I ran Ballet Blue craft ink all over a piece of Basic Black. Then I added Hologram Highlights EP and embossed it. I will adhere his actual gift card to that piece.

Happy Mother's Day! (a little early)

2007-05-07T16:25:00.000-05:00

I can finally post these pictures because the mothers have received their cards. Both cards used a *new* set from Stampin' Up that will be in the *new* catalog coming out this July! (I received it at the VA Beach Regionals last month.)SUPPLIES: Confetti White, Old Olive, So Saffron cardstock; Designer Series paper; watercolor paper; giga scallop oval & 1/16" punches; Double Line Doodles & Whimsical Alpha sets; So Saffron & Old Olive ink; aqua painter; Rich Regals Watercolor Wonder Crayons; 2way glue & dazzling diamonds glitter; stampin' dimensionals; narrow celery organdy ribbon.

Organized the corner . . . .

2007-05-06T20:12:00.000-05:00

I have completed my organizing. From the "before" picture, it's not that drastic of a change, but trust me. . . it took almost 2 hours to organize, sort & put (or throw) away everything that had accumulated under that table! I also spent a good amount of time going through my stamp sets that are retiring (boo hoo).

P.S. For those of you who click on the image to enlarge, I know the floor is dirty -- that's tomorrow's project! : )

Cuttlebugging again

2007-05-06T15:29:00.000-05:00

I'm either going to be known as the "glitter queen" or the "cuttlebug queen." I can't decide. Although most people who see me in person would say "glitter queen" for obvious reasons! :)

After organizing my space, I have found it to be VERY easy and VERY quick to make cards now! I made this card in all of 5 minutes or less.DETAILS:
Naturals white, chocolate chip, bashful blue & close to cocoa cardstock; chocolate chip classic & craft white ink; white narrow organdy ribbon; cuttlebug embossing folder & die cuts (ribbon sliders); natural beauty& everyday flexible phrases stamp set.

I also created this clock for my stamping area! I used a 3.99 clock from IKEA (have I mentioned that IKEA is my fave store?? hee. . . hee. . . ), SU deco paper, & the flower punch! That's it! he actual designing and assembling took 5-10 min.

Organization . . . . FINALLY!

2007-05-05T21:51:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I'm not totally finished organizing my space, but it's close! I still have one corner to work on.

I know how much I enjoy looking at how everyone else has organized their spaces, so here you go!

When you look into the room, this is what you see first:
To the left -- my desk/computer/printer is now between the two front windows.

Straight ahead & to left -- a small cabinet with all of my stamp sets inside (even the soon to be retired that are very sad . . . ) and on top is my "cuttlebug station"!! I'm SO excited to have a designated area for cuttlebugging cardstock.
Straight ahead & to right -- The *beautiful* white shelf is from IKEA. I'm still deciding how to organize the shelves. I've written what is on each shelf (click to enlarge). And I put this lovely piece together all by myself this morning.

When you turn to the right, this is what you see:
My workstation is a table next to the shelf. I have my ink pads on top for now (looking for a table to put in the corner of wasted space & get them off the table top). By the way, my little table lamp is another IKEA find for $3.99!
Above left is my IKEA rack/organizer & above right is a shelf that holds extra ink pads, drawers of adhesive & my ribbon holders.

Here is my "unorganized corner." I figure this "before" picture will be a great contrast to the "after" picture. I have a great acrylic paper holder/organizer that needs to be REorganized! The worst part of this area is under the table. I need to sort out the papers and get the clutter out of there into its new home somewhere in the new IKEA shelf. There's also a box of retired stamps under there that will be offered up for sale soon.

NEW Stamping Space!

2007-05-05T19:12:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! My husband and I made a late trip to IKEA (best store ever) last night. We purchased a great new bookshelf that has completely changed the effectiveness of my stamping space! I will finish organizing tonight and post some pictures real soon.

Just wanted you to know why I haven't posted any stamped projects . . . . OH, I've also been working on the Stamps in the Mail projects, which I don't post pictures of in advance. So I have been stamping, but you can't see it yet!

Stamps in the Mail Round 1 Projects

2007-05-02T08:47:00.000-05:00

Well, their packages are all officially mailed out or delivered! I thought I would show you the four projects the SITM participants will be making this month.
In case you're wondering, for $35 they received (or will receive soon) the following:

Doodle That
Basic Brown classic ink pad
So Saffron marker
Certainly Celery marker
Anywhere glue stick
a mini Stampin' Store filled w/embellishments for projects (ribbon, hodgepodge, punched ovals, etc.)
a cello bag with all consumables for 4 cards/projects (precut & scored cardstock, envelopes, precut designer series paper, etc.)
directions with color photos & Stampin' Up grid paper
Stampin' Techniques booklet

I also have demonstrators participating in this as well. For $31.50 total (that's for all 3 months -- 12 projects!), they received:

a mini Stampin' Store filled w/embellishments for projects (ribbon, hodgepodge, punched ovals, etc.)
a cello bag with all consumables (precut & scored cardstock, envelopes, precut designer series paper, etc.)
directions with color photos & Stampin' Up grid paper

If you are now sad that you missed out on Round 1, start planning to sign up for Round 2! I'll announce details through this blog the end of June and sign up will be by July 15th.

More wedding samples

2007-05-01T10:17:00.000-05:00

I have been playing around with the Happy Everything stamp set this morning because my Stamps in the Mail group will be making cards/projects with it next month. I like to use it in different ways to see how I like it best -- as the only stamped image, or in combo with another stamped image. I also played with the 2-way glue and Dazzling Diamonds glitter (needless to say, I AM a big "blob" of glitter right now!). . . .

To create the look of the flower, I inked my Paisely BG stamp, set the Big Blossom stamp on top to pick up the design, then stamped the flower on the paper. I then "huffed" on the flower and stamped again to create the lighter flower. Then I covered it with 2way glue and glitter.

DETAILS: I used Regal Rose ink on Shimmery White cardstock, added choc chip & certainly celery cardstock for the base, then tied a celery narrow organdy ribbon on. I also punched out a 3/4" circle out of So Saffron that had been stamped with the Paisley in Regal Rose and adhered it to the underneath of a clear button, then some more glue on top and of course more glitter!

This card uses Naturals White, Choc Chip, Certainly Celery cardstocks, Basic Brown ink, crystal effects & Dazzling Diamonds; Happy Everything stamp set; & ribbon from Michaels!

I also wrapped the bride-to-be's wedding gift to match her card. (Truth be told, I designed the gift wrap/package first, THEN I made the card to match!) Anyway, I used SU's gift wrap, flirt ribbon, regal rose ink, Big Blossom & Paisley stamp set, whisper white & Regal Rose cardstock, 2 way glue & Dazzling Diamonds. To create the look of the flower, I inked my Paisely BG stamp, set the Big Blossom stamp on top to pick up the design, then stamped the flower on the paper. I then "huffed" on the flower and stamped again to create the lighter flower. I drew around the edges with my 2way glue pen and added glitter.This is the top of the present where you can see the detail better. I stamped the sq envelope with Happy Wedding Day from All Year Cheer III (which is retiring from the SU Idea Book & Catalog). I created the flower following the same steps, but I mounted a flower on Regal Rose cardstock and cut it all out. I added a 3/4 " circle of Regal Rose on top (bent the edges of the flowers down, as I sort of "cased" from another blogger, and finally added 2 lg ovals out of Certainly Celery that I folded in half for dimension.

Cuttlebug Candy winner

2007-04-29T18:12:00.000-05:00

Congratulations toTami! She got 6 out of the 8 colors correct. Everyone else only got 5 correct. :) That's pretty good considering how poor my picture came out!

Tami said...: Taken with Teal, Elegant Eggplant, Gable Green (although I debated on this one), Bravo Burgundy, Creamy Caramel, Bordering Blue, Pretty in Pink, Orchid Opulence, and the one that is close to bravo burg. has pretty sparklies in it (or at least it appears that way in the pic!)

The correct names of cardstock colors are:
Taken With Teal (SU)
Bordering Blue (SU)
Elegant Eggplant (SU)
Brushed Copper (SU) -- this one looked like sparkly Bravo Burgundy b/c of my picture
Orhid Opulence (SU)
Gable Green (SU)
Creamy Caramel (SU)
Blush (CTMH) -- no one guessed this one correctly

Tami, please email me at Kellybstampin@yahoo.com & send me your snail mail addy.

Up late . . . can't sleep!

2007-04-27T21:40:00.000-05:00

I went to a Pampered Chef show tonight and I guess all the chocolate from the Trifle (*yummy*) got to me or something! Anyway, since I can't sleep, I'm "blurfing" (blog surfing).

I just found the MOST hilarious thing. You've got to check this out:
The Chicken Who Did It

Ok, I'm back to my blurfing now. . . . hopefully soon I'll get tired. *yawn* Ok, sleepy time is coming soon. . . .

Cuttlebug Candy!

2007-04-27T08:56:00.000-05:00

Time for some Cuttlebug candy!

(click picture to enlarge)

This morning I was cuttlebugging some cardstock (my new favorite thing to do) and made up a "Cuttlebug Candy" package. All you have to do to win it is this: Guess the names of each of the colors of cardstock in the picture. The first person with ALL of the correct answers wins all of the cardstock pictured.

What makes this so difficult is the quality of my photo -- sorry! And also the fact that I'm not telling you how many different colors are actually pictured.

I'll give you a hint -- all cardstock except ONE is from the same company -- if you need help, catalogs can be found online with color names!

**UPDATE**
I will keep this contest open until Sunday 8pm EST. At that time, I will go through all of the guesses. Whoever has all of them correct OR the most correct will win.

Tag . . . I'm it!

2007-04-26T14:38:00.000-05:00

WOW. . . .

I'm so honored! I've seen lots of others tagged on their blogs and now I'm "in the club!" I was tagged by Stamping Addiction. I have to list 7 things about myself, good or bad, and then tag 7 other bloggers to do the same. I think it's great because I've learned SO much about other bloggers I browse.

So here goes:
1. In third grade I was nicknamed "Michael Jackson." Yeah, it's true! I was working on a project at home and the lights went out in a terrible storm (I practically grew up in the basement b/c of all the tornadoes that went through St. Louis where I grew up). My mom set up candles around my project and when I leaned over one side, my hair caught fire. My mom quickly put out the fire, but the next day, my classmates teased me! (This was the same year that Michael Jackson caught his hair on fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial -- that's why I got the nickname.)

2. I worked in a machine shop and made screws. Yeah, that's true, too! One summer between college semesters, I worked for my uncle. I actually had to put the screw into the machine by hand and hold it until the machine grabbed it. It would start turning it and often my fingers were cut. All the while, oil was coming down on my hand and the screw. I quit when another girl caught her hair in a machine!

3. I (used to) speak Haitian Creole. I served 2 years as a missionary in Haiti, and became a translator/interpreter. I don't really speak it well anymore, but my husband does!

4. I met my husband in Haiti! He, too, was a missionary. We've been married almost 7 years now. He's a great artist (serving as a USMC combat artist right now).

5. My husband and I have three super sweet children: Hannah (4), Jack (2), and Kate (almost 9 mo). They are the joy of my life. I'm a 32 year old WAHM (Stampin' Up/writing & editing/transcription) so that I can be with them.

6. I fulfilled a life-long dream: I have a published book. Last summer, my first ever book came out:Let's Prepare for the grade 8 FCAT in Reading and Writing+, published by Barron's Educational Series. Ok, a shamless plug. Sorry! :)

7. Oh, and I burned my hair AGAIN in 8th grade! A girl lit my hair on fire with her (contraband) lighter on the playground. She didn't think hair would catch on fire. But remember back in the 80's when we had TONS of hairspray, even in the BACK of our hair??? Well, let's just say she was far enough away that only a small section was burned. Then I had to endure the rest of the day stinking like an ash tray! I didn't tell on her because she was one of the "cool people." (It would be hilarious if she was reading this right now -- I wonder if she even remembers it?)

I just can't find 7 people who haven't already been tagged. If you have a blog, you're reading this, AND you haven't been tagged yet, PLEASE comment and leave a link to your blog!!

**UPDATE**
I'm tagging the following (once you've been tagged, you post 7 things about yourself on your blog and tag 7 others by posting a comment "tag, you're it" on their blog):
1 - http://jayceer.blogspot.com
2 - Inspirations by Rachel
3 -
4 -
5 -
6 -
7 -

PS I'm working on some new blog candy! My cuttlebug just came in!!!!! So check back by tomorrow (maybe even late tonight). . . .

Pirate Presents

2007-04-24T15:45:00.000-05:00

I just finished a bday card for my nephew and wrapping paper for his present. I just love the set Ahoy Matey and the matching wheel! Card Details: Linen BG, Ahoy Matey & matching wheel; More Mustard, Taken with Teal & Naturals White cardstock; Old Olive ink; Basic Black ink/cartridge; markers; wide organdy ribbon. (I inked "ARR" with a black marker and stamped it in the corner.)
Present Details: Linen BG; SU wrapping paper; Ahoy Matey & matching jumbo wheel; Basic Black ink cartridge; Old Olive, More Mustard & Handsome Hunter ink; alpha set; markers; wide organdy ribbon; word window punch; Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, & Naturals White cardstock.

Candy Container

2007-04-20T12:51:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I save EVERYTHING! hee. . . hee. . .
Here's a baby food container (that had prunes in it!!). I covered it with pieces from a SAB scrappin kit and some copper cord. That's it! Oh, and then I filled it with Choxie candy! Yummy . . . . ~now, if I can just get my pictures to come out decently~

Presents (Don't look, Melissa!!!)

2007-04-20T08:39:00.000-05:00

I am expecting one of my downline from Florida to arrive later this afternoon so that we can go to the Stampin' Up! VA Beach Regional tomorrow.

Just as a little gift, I made her a mini composition book (that has a matching SU pen!) and a coordinating little gift bag. Inside the bag, I also included a SU post it note pad and one of my swap cards.

More stamped projects coming SOON! I'll be staming ALL DAY tomorrow, so maybe by tomorrow night or Sunday I'll have projects to post.

DETAILS: I used Loves Me deco paper, Chocolate Chip & Whisper White cardstock; Basic Brown ink; 2way glue; Dazzling Diamonds; Hodgepodge Hardware; pink grosgrain & white narrow organdy ribbon; glue stick; alpha & EFP stamp sets; double rect punch; white lunch bag; mini comp book

For the bag, I cut down a small white lunch bag by about 2" and adhered pieces of deco paper to the fronts and back, but the pieces came up about 1" above the bag. I used my double hole punch to adhere the ribbon in the back and brought it around the sides to tie in the front. (I also added some pieces from a scrappin' kit for the flower on the bottom left of the bag front.

I'm still working on my scans; I know they are really blurry here. Does anyone have any idea how to do "auto fix" using GIMP? I'm just not finding the right buttons! Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. . .

PS My Cuttlebug shipped yesterday (YAY!), so at the end of next week, look for another Blog Candy post.

Blog Candy WINNER!

2007-04-18T19:29:00.000-05:00

Lucky #5, Amy H, is the winner of the blog candy (with some help from random.org)! YAY! :) I think I know who you are *wink* so I don't need you to send me your address.

amy said...: well, I don't yet have a favorite ribbon, but if I win the blog candy maybe I'll go and get some? I have lots of ribbon that I love that my mother in law wraps all her gifts in and then I just save it and use it on my cards. Amy H.

Amy, I think you need to get some ribbon now!

Thanks for all of your great comments. I'm ready to go shopping for ribbon. Of course, I just placed my "Stamps in the Mail" order today, so I'll be getting several new spools soon!

Amazing Site!

2007-04-18T09:44:00.000-05:00

Ok, I just stumbled across the most amazing site: http://www.stampinkub.com/index.html.

I HIGHLY recommend you check out "Stampin' Kub's" website. There are tutorials and ideas galore! Make sure you read the "about me" page -- you'll be as surprised as I was! He also has a blog. I just watched a tutorial on how to create your own watermark -- it's simply amazing!

If only my little guy grows up to be like Stampin' Kub . . . . but, alas, my little "Jack-Jack" is only 2. . .

Happy Stamping!

Blog Candy Time!!

2007-04-17T15:42:00.000-05:00

To celebrate 2500 hits, I'm giving away one (empty) medium-sized ribbon holder from Stampin' Up! (The middle one in the picture.)

Please note: I am not giving away the ribbon, just the ribbon holder. (I'd be out of ribbon if I did that!) But hey, I'll throw in some ribbon pieces for the winner! :) And if you already have ribbon storage, these are great little organizers for your desk.

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post about your favorite ribbon -- who makes it, what color/style is it, etc.

I'll choose the winner at random (using random.org) by 8pm
tomorrow (Wed). GOOD LUCK!

PS When my Cuttlebug arrives, I'll have another blog candy giveaway for "cuttlebugged" cardstock! I have no idea when that will be, so you'll have to keep checking back for that one!

Bridal Shower

2007-04-17T15:15:00.000-05:00

The bridal shower was this past Sunday at my home, and here are a few pictures from it. . . .

Recipe tin was set up at a table where people could also sit and write a prayer or advice note for the bride-to-be (to be inserted into "So Very Blessed" book in the middle. And we also had a book (on the stand) where guests could write their addresses & also inside which someone recorded all the gifts. The brown flower decoration is made out ofpaper bags!! (Martha Stewart had the idea on her site -- I also had white ones hanging from the ceiling.)

These were the favors for each guest -- mini composition books.

And this was the bride-to-be's gift from me. I attached her card to the top. Inside the "basket" (metal colander) was all sorts of kitchen items, as well as the name frame & thank you notes I posted earlier.

Stamps in the Mail Round 1 CLOSED

2007-04-17T08:32:00.000-05:00

Well, with a great group of participants across the country, I have officially closed Round 1 of Stamps in the Mail. I am just waiting on payment from a few of you before placing the order, but it looks as though everyone's kits should be mailed out by the first week of May.

If you missed your chance this time, be sure to sign up for Round 2 which will begin the first week of August (RSVP by July 15th).

Stamps in the Mail for Stampin' Up demos CLOSED

2007-04-16T19:29:00.000-05:00

*UPDATE*
This program is now closed. I will reoffer the same opportunity for Round 2 which will begin in August (RSVP by July 15th).

OK, after getting quite a few SU demos asking me about my Stamps in the Mail program, I decided to offer a special program for you:

If you are a SU demo and would like to get all of the monthly projects mailed to you, complete with directions (that you can copy & use with your customers/downline) & all "consumable" supplies, please email me directly: kellybstampin@yahoo.com.

Once I verify you're a demo, I'll send you a copy of the product list you'll need to complete the projects (SU product you may have; if not, you purchase it from yourself).

For a small amount, you can get 12 different projects to use with your customers or downline!

Please don't post a comment asking for info -- simply send me a direct email.

More Blog Candy!

2007-04-16T19:25:00.000-05:00

*UPDATE*
Blog candy announcement coming soon! I need to take a pic and post it later today! Should be posted by 5pm today (Tues).

Ok, so I was TOTALLY shocked when I saw my blog has had over 2500 hits as of tonight! WOOHOO!!!

This means it's time for some more blog candy. (I feel like I just mailed out the 1000 blog candy prize package!)

I will be putting together a nice package tonight (I'm thinking some "Cuttlebugged" cardstock is in order, as well as other fun candy). I'll post the picture sometime tomorrow of the candy, so stay tuned. I'll also decide on a fun question or challenge for you . . .

Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug!

2007-04-16T19:21:00.000-05:00

Guess what's coming to my house soon????

A NEW CUTTLEBUG!

I'm so excited. My husband let me order it and a couple of embossing folders as "payment" for doing our 2006 taxes. Let me tell you, our taxes are not easy. My husband had 5 different sources of income (some self-employed without 1099's, some W2's, but he also served overseas in a combat zone. . . .) and I had 2 (Stampin' Up being one!). Then we sold our home and moved. SO all of these crazy variables led to a not-so-easy tax prep time this year.

BUT. . . I'm being rewarded!!! That means you will get to see more Cuttlebug projects soon!

Stamps in the Mail -- last chance for Round 1!! CLOSED

2007-04-13T18:02:00.000-05:00

*UPDATE*
This program is now closed. Please check back for Round 2 which will begin in August (RSVP by July 15th).

"Stamps in the Mail" is for those of you who like to stamp but can’t find the time or the inspiration to come up with ideas. ANYONE can join, regardless of where you live! You’ll get four new projects each month & get to keep all of the supplies and accessories from the club.

Details
For $35/month (includes $5 for shipping/handling), you get the following packaged & mailed out directly to your front door:

stamps
ink pad(s) and/or marker(s)
accessories
precut cardstock & envelopes
directions with color photos

During each round, you'll get different supplies to work with each month (but building off each month's supplies). My directions & the precut cardstock will be to make 4 cards/projects with all of your new goodies, but remember, you'll be able to reuse many of the supplies in your kit again! This is such a great value. . .

"Stamps in the Mail" Freebies/Specials:

Don’t want to stamp alone? Invite a friend, or two . . . or four (!) to join you when the supplies arrive. And if there are 5 of you signed up as a group, you'll get extra freebies in your monthly shipments. If you have friends/family who do not live near you, you may still sign up as a "group," so forward this info on to them! (Click on the little envelope with the arrow at the end of this post to forward this.)
Prepay for Round 1 (all three months, May-June-July) and receive FREE shipping (that’s a savings of $15!).
There will be specials available ONLY to program participants.
ALL Round 2 participants will receive the NEW Idea Book and Catalog (making its debut in July) for FREE!

ROUND ONE begins in May, so please RSVP by this Sunday. Each round lasts 3 months, so your commitment is only for a short period of time. However, you may choose to renew your commitment at the end of the round. I promise, you will not be disappointed in the amount of supplies and the quality of the projects.

Contact me today to sign up for Round One: kellybstampin@yahoo.com.

**This program has been approved by Stampin' Up!® to be published on this blog**

Cards for the Troops

2007-04-12T22:43:00.000-05:00

Some of you already know this, but for those of you who don't . . . My husband is a USMC combat artist. He recently served 3 months in Iraq. To see what he did (or to find out what a combat artist is/does), you can go here: http://www.kjbattles.blogspot.com.

While he was there, I sent cards to him to pass out to other soldiers & marines. They were much appreciated! Well, another SUPER supportive person of the troops has her own collection going for the troops. Please head over to her blog and check out exactly what she's doing: http://dddzstmpn.blogspot.com/2007/04/no-hallmark-stores-in-iraq-or.html

You could really show your support to the troops with something so simple, and for many of you reading this blog, something so easy to do! I know for me personally, I'd MUCH rather create a card then hold a machine gun.

OORAH & as my husband likes to say, "Semper Paint!" : )

More Cuttlebug

2007-04-12T14:57:00.000-05:00

I made the bride-to-be's personal card for the shower, very similar to the one I made my mom for her bday. But I added on the middle strip, I used the same cardstock (naturals ivory) and embossed it. Instead of coloring the middle strip, I simply put 2way glue on one flower and Dazzling Diamonds glitter. I stamped the greeting in Always Artichoke, and the matching saying inside the card. I also tied the ribbon the other way and used the wide organdy. (sorry for the fuzzy photo -- I'm still learning my photo editing program!)

I am also into decorating the envelopes now, too! All I did here was use pieces from a scrappin kit and grosgrain ribbon. I think it really makes the card more of a gift when you "pretty-up" the envelope, too!

Cuttlebug Embossing

2007-04-10T12:49:00.000-05:00

I bought one of the Cuttlebug Embossing folders to try it out in my old Sizzix machine. It works fine, but I am saving up to get the real Cuttlebug! Trying to use the Sizzix is really difficult to get the entire image embossed well.

This is a card for my mom's birthday. (Surprise, Mom!) :)
Supplies: Cuttlebug embossing folder; Naturals Ivory & Naturals White cardstock; watercolor wonder crayons (lightly colored on embossed images and rubbed); Always Artichoke ink; deco paper; Wonderful Words stamp set; celery narrow organdy

I made 6 of this card and packaged them with envelopes to be given away as a prize during the Bridal Shower this coming weekend.
Supplies: (??) Sell-A-Bration stamp set; Cuttlebug embossing folder; Copper, Naturals Ivory & Close to Cocoa cardstock; Basic Brown ink; copper brads; sticky strip & dimensionals; vanilla craft ink (lightly rubbed over embossed images and edges)

Bridal Shower items

2007-04-10T12:39:00.000-05:00

I've been working on the following items for the upcoming bridal shower I'm having at my home.This is a recipe tin. Each guest will bring a recipe for the bride-to-be and put it in this tin. She'll have a great variety of recipes to start her marriage!
SUPPLIES: Provo Craft tin; Petals & Paisley deco paper; ModPodge; Whimsical Alphabet (uppers); Flirt ribbon; sticky strip; Always Artichoke ink.

This is a post-it note holder to be used as a prize for one of the games we're playing.
SUPPLIES: So Very stamp set; Petals & Paisley deco paper; Rose Red ink; pink grosgrain ribbon; sticky strip; Soffron & Whisper White cardstock; post-it notes

Bridal Thank Yous

2007-04-06T09:23:00.000-05:00

These are a set of 12 thank you notes I made to match the other items I'm giving the bride-to-be. I think that giving thank-you notes is such a great gift because it's something she can use right away.

I packaged the cards and matching envelopes along with a matching pen into a 6X6 page protector (where I cut off the edges). Then I adhered the protector to cardstock with sticky strip and decorated it. To keep it closed, I used a large glue dot.

To make the matching pen, I simply cut a piece of coordinating deco paper, rolled it up and inserted it inside the barrel of the pen. I also added a little celery ribbon to the cap.

SUPPLIES: Simply Sweet & Curvy Verses stamp sets; Petals & Paisley deco paper; So Saffron, Close to Cocoa & Chocolate Chip card stock; Basic Brown ink; 2 way glue & Dazzling Diamonds; page protector; certainly celery narrow organdy; glue dot & glue stick.

(Click to see glitter detail on dresses)

Baby Announcement

2007-04-05T15:29:00.000-05:00

This is my youngest daughter's baby announcement. I was saving it into the computer to send to someone requesting baby announcement ideas when I thought I might as well post it here. I made it last summer.

SUPPLIES: Paisley background stamp; So Saffron, vellum, Whisper White & Regal Rose card stock; Cameo Coral ink (stamped on So Saffron) and Regal Rose ink (to dye the organdy); white narrow organdy & pink gingham ribbons; double hole punch; 1/8" punch; & square punch (1 3/8, I think!).

My husband is a very talented artist (OK, so I'm biased, but check out his work for yourself: www.krisbattles.com). Anyway, he sketched our daughter while she was sleeping, I scanned it and printed it in black & white along with the words directly onto the Whisper White cardstock. Lining them up so that her face would show through the square hole was tricky, but once I got it, it worked beautifully.

Now, imagine making about 65 of these!!! Good thing (I think) I was on bedrest for the last two months and I knew it was a girl! I had everything made ahead of time except her name on the vellum (took until the day she was born to decide) and the printed white parts (because we needed her to be here for that!). hee. . . hee. . .

I have beautiful sketches of our other two children that I used on their announcements, too. If I can unpack their albums, I'll scan those and post them here too. But they're not quite as elaborate.

A Stamping Adventure

Birthday Invitation

Not stamping related

WAY too long since my last post!

Long Pocket Notes

Contest . . .

Long pocket notes

Froggie card

Scrapbooking!

Baby Girls

New Website!!

SITM Round 3

Stamps In The Mail Round 3 is here!!

Watercolor Wonder

Christmas Gifts

Boy birthday cards

Mary Kay cards

Ornaments

Organization is on its way!

Stamped Presents

Bye - bye Letterpress & so many more. . .

Christmas treats : )

Birthday Card

Christmas card

Free Make n' Take

*F*I*N*A*L*L*Y a new post!!!

Christmas Stamps in the Mail

Coasters

Baby cards

Retired sets for sale

Finally, an update!

Christmas Card Club

Christmas in July

1st birthday

Rockin' Girl Blogger!

Please forgive me!

Conserving Ribbon

Sarcastic Cards

Some buggy cards . . .

2007 Fall/Winter Collection is *H*E*R*E!

Stamps in the Mail

Cards for Marines

Wedding Card Swap

Another Sympathy Card

Birthday Card

Sympathy Card

Another Father's Day card

Trifold Card & square envelopes

Baroque Motifs

Bridal Shower presents for someone special . . . .

Happy Birthday

Happy Father's Day!

So sorry!

Blog Candy Winner!

Blog Candy Time!

Stamp-A-Stack

Cool Lamby

Sympathy Angel

Herb Garden

Sweet Baby Girl

Bracelet

Happiness

A Sneak Peek!

Present

Graduation Card

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

My new tote!

Sorry!

Announcement

$$$

Graduation

Happy Mother's Day! (a little early)

Organized the corner . . . .

Cuttlebugging again

Organization . . . . FINALLY!

*NEW* Stamping Space!

Stamps in the Mail Round 1 Projects

More wedding samples

Cuttlebug Candy winner

Up late . . . can't sleep!

FINALL*Y a new post!!!

2007 Fall/Winter Collection is HERE!

NEW Stamping Space!

Stamps in the Mail Round 1 CLOSED

Stamps in the Mail for Stampin' Up demos CLOSED

Stamps in the Mail -- last chance for Round 1!! CLOSED