Occasions and Sale-a-Bration Preview

I should really be making more Christmas cards but I received my preorder from the upcoming Occasions Catalog.  An added bonus was that I earned Sale-a-Bration items with my order.  Yahoo!
The Mojo Monday blog had a sketch that I wanted to try.  The DSP is part of the Sale-a-Bration freebies.  There are such pretty patterns and colors in this pack.  My card base is Coastal Cabana although it looks more turquoise in my photo.  All I can say is that you need to save your money because the Occasions Catalog is going break your budget!  

Thanks for stopping by!

Seasonally Scattered

Surprise!  I'm sure my two or three friends who follow this blog will either miss it or be shocked that I'm posting after nothing for two months.  What can I say?  Life moves quickly along...

It's not as if I haven't been stamping or crafting.  Most of what I have done lately is total CASEing and I prefer not to post a copy of someone else's work.  Today I decided to try a challenge and found a great sketch on the MOJO Monday Blog.

The Seasonally Scattered stamp set was one that I received in my box of goodies to make Convention Displays.  I found it difficult to work with at first but over the past few months I've seen some great ideas to give me inspiration to try it again.  My card is very clean--lots of straight lines which suits me to a "T".  The All is Calm Specialty DSP coordinates perfectly with the Merry stamp and a little Lost Lagoon cardstock.  If you haven't ordered the All is Calm Snowflake Embellishments I highly recommend these.  They are top notch in quality and detail.

Come back tomorrow and I'll show you what else has been occupying my time over the past two months.  Thanks for stopping by!

Halloween Treats

Making Halloween treats can be so much fun!  Now that school has started and summer vacations are past we head full bore into the holiday season.  Don't you wish it wasn't so?  The only upside of this is that soon our weather will start to cool down.  We are looking at 90 degree temperatures at the end of this week!  Yahoo!

I rent a small booth at a local craft mall and it is time to change things up so I decided to get busy on some Halloween items.  The treat box is made with the Motley Monsters DSP and Envelope Punch Board.  There isn't much stamping involved with this.  I used the Tag Talk stamp set for the tag background punched with the label bracket.  The Halloween greeting is from the Good Greetings hostess set which is only available for a limited time with a $300 workshop.  Last but not least, I cut the little bird out of the DSP.  

To make the box, cut a 6"x 6" square of DSP.  Using the Punch Board, punch and score at 1-1/2" and 3".  Rotate paper 90 degrees counter clockwise, align score mark with score guide.  Punch and score again.  Repeat process until all four sides are punched and scored.  There is a great video by Pootles Papercraft on YouTube--6 x 6 Envelope Punch Board Box Tutorial.

Thanks for stopping by!

Amazing Birthday Display Cards

Have you seen some of the great cards made with the Amazing Birthday set on the Convention Display Pinterest Board?  I wish I could think outside the box like some of the very talented stampers out there.  My samples are more of a clean and simple style.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by!  Tomorrow I am going to take a break from my display samples and post a few other creations I have stamped in the past few days.  See you soon.

 

Convention Display 3-D Extravaganza

Okay...I'm kind of getting tired of blogging about my convention displays.  Today I'm going to post a number of my three dimensional projects. Here it goes;

 

 

This little container started out with a toilet paper cardboard roll.  First, I cut open one of the chevron gift bags and wrapped it around the cardboard and tied the ends with Cantaloupe Crisp and Baked Brown Sugar thick baker's twine.  Then I cut a strip of Cantaloupe Crisp DSP, trimmed it with strips of Whisper White punched with the Dotted Scallop Border Trim and wrapped that around the tube again.  The tag was die cut with the Chalk Talk Framelits.

 

 

My next project looks like a tag but it is a treat holder made with the tag punch.  I started with a strip of paper 2" x 11"  and scored it at 5", 5-1/2" and 6" then folded it accordion style.  The green floral paper from the Flowerpot DSP was my favorite pattern from the pack.  I love the color green, and if I had my choice I would probably incorporate it in all aspects of my life.  My greatest wish is to own a green muscle car.  My husband says that I could make that wish come true if I would go back to work!  Nice guy, right?  Then I would have to give up stamping...

 

 

 

 

No more droning.  This last project is a banner made with the Amazing Birthday set.  It says, "It's a Party".  Don't you love the color combination of Bermuda Bay, Blackberry Bliss and Crushed Curry?

 

Well, thanks for dropping by and for sticking with the long post! See you tomorrow.

 

Kinda Eclectic Scrapbook Page-Convention Display

Long ago I was an avid scrapbooker.  In fact, I scrapbooked long before I ever started stamping.  The crazy thing is that I've never overlapped these two hobbies until now.  It was a real challenge to scrapbook with Stampin' Up products.  The plan was to do all 12" x 12" pages but in the end I made two of the three pages 8" x 8" in size.  It's not so easy to find photos to match stamp sets, let me tell you.  My travel photos seemed like the best fit for the Kinda Eclectic stamp set.

Back in 2009, my husband and I went on a great European trip to Switzerland and Italy.  Every two or three years we take these wonderful trips when he is asked to speak at conferences.  Who would have ever thought research on locomotive engines would take us half-way across the world?  The scrapbook page photo was taken on the island of Bellagio in the Lake Como area.  I kept looking for George Clooney while we were there, but no luck! Sigh!! (He owns property somewhere on Lake Como.)

Anyway, I used a combination of Soft Sky, Smokey Slate, Basic Gray and So Saffron.  The title was stamped with the Metro Alphabet photopolymer stamp set.

 

So, how about you--are you a scrapbooker?  If you are not into traditional scrapbooking, Stampin' Up has the solution with the new Project Life products.  Now you can preserve the memories of your favorite vacation with very little effort.  Ain't life grand! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Amazing Birthday Mini Fries Box

Several months ago I was at McDonald's and saw the mini fries that were included in a Kid's Meal.  The box was so cute that I asked for an empty/flat one to use as a template.  Now that box had been sitting around gathering dust.  So, when I needed a 3-D display sample I dug through my piles of supplies to use it with the Amazing Birthday stamp set.  Although you can't see the treats inside the box, I purchased Sixlets candies in purple, orange and yellow.  We stampers sure do love to coordinate everything!  The box was made with Flowerpot DSP and the image was stamped with Blackberry Bliss ink (yum).  The silver glimmer adds just the right amount of party fun to the little container.

 

 

Have you ever saved a container from something so you could use it as a template for stamping?  You should check out the great new Hamburger and Fry Box Dies from Stampin' Up.  No need to scavenge a used box for your stamping projects!

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

 

 

 

Kinda Eclectic Gold Standard

This card was so much prettier in real life than this photo shows.  My photography skills leave a lot to be desired.  I was scrambling at the last minute to get all my samples in the mail that I was in too much of a hurry to get out my photo box to take better pictures.  The leaves were embossed in gold on watercolor paper.  I had considered incorporating some watercoloring but ended up bagging that idea.  The butterflies were embossed with Pool Party embossing powder to match the base cardstock and seam binding.

 

 

Gold is the new fashion standard these days.  Have you had a chance to use new Stampin' Up gold foil sheets?  If you haven't, you ought to give it a try. And don't forget the gold washi tape collection to go with it!

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Kinda Eclectic-In the Pink

This was the very first card I made for the display boards.  Don't you just love the Kinda Eclectic stamp set.  It was on the top of my wish list when I looked through the new catalog.  I can't tell you how happy I was to get this in my box of supplies. I was going for a shabby, distressed look but I didn't quite achieve it.  My engineering background just doesn't let me be free--everything ends up looking orderly. 

 

Quite a few years ago I took an oil painting class at the San Antonio School of Art and my instructor told me I painted too politely!  Now I'm pretty sure that wasn't a compliment.  I was trying so hard to get out of the box.  I ended up doing best at sketching since that fit with my need to be precise. 

 

 

 

What is your style?  Or what style would you love to emulate?  I'd love to hear from you.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

 

Project Life-Part 3

Nothing too exciting about this card.  No stamping involved, just Project Life Cards.  I used a little bit of the Flowerpot DSP, some washi tape and black cardstock to make the little flags.  The ribbon is the new Hello Honey stitched satin. 

 

 

That's it for Project Life cards.  Come back tomorrow for a look a sample made with the Kinda Eclectic stamp set.  You won't be disappointed (at least I hope not)!

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Project Life-Part 2

Using these Project Life cards guarantees a one of a kind project.  Wish I could have kept this one for myself. There are so many great patterns and quotes in the Everyday Adventure Collection.  This time I chose to pair it with the Kinda Eclectic stamp set.  The card base is Crushed Curry with Pear Pizazz layered behind the first Project Life card.  Then I used two more for the greeting and matte layer.  Melon Mambo ribbon and bright candy dots finished out the card.

 

 

Have you tried out any of the Project Life products yet?  I would like to start scrapbooking again with the products but I don't know when I would have the time to fit it in!  Plus I would have to print up photos which is even more time consuming.  Someday....

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Project Life-Convention Display

As part of the supplies for convention displays, I was given the Project Life Everyday Adventure Card Collection and matching accessory pack.  The bright colors suited my style and I had no trouble with this first card.  It looks like a shaker card but it isn't.  I used a pencil eraser to stamp the round confetti and saved the little black squares from the film strip diecut.  Tricky, huh?  The arrow clip was from the accessory pack and the striped DSP is actually a Project Life card. 

 

 

Did you notice that I have finally figured out how to watermark my photos?  I feel like I am moving out of the dinosaur category when it comes to technology! Ha, ha!  Stay tuned--I will be posting all my convention displays over the next several days.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Sea Street Swap

Way back in May I pre-ordered a few things from the new catalog and the Sea Street stamp set made the cut.  I don't know what's so appealing about the little octopus but I just couldn't pass him up!  This is a swap I made for the Cyberstampers' monthly business meeting back in May.  Sorry about the photo quality.  One of these days I'll get out my photo box again and take better pictures. 

 

 

The card base is Real Red with an embossed layer of Night of Navy.  The DSP is from a new pack called Maritime.  Right now is the time to get your very own paper pack with the Buy 3, get 1 Free special.  Contact me and I'll help you get your very own Maritime DSP.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Amazing Birthday

Amazing Birthday was one of the sets I was given to make convention display samples.  My supply box contained the Flowerpot DSP and at first I was at a loss how to use it with the convention stamp sets.  This first card turned out to be my most favorite card I made.  And do you know, I didn't see it on the convention boards!  Oh well....

 

 

 

 

 

The Convention Display Stampers have posted some of their samples to Pinterest.  Since I'm not an avid Pinterest user I have been trying to figure out how to post my samples to the board.  Plus, I have yet to attempt putting a watermark on my photos.  Some days all this technology overwhelms me--I just want to make cards!!  As soon as I figure this all out I will provide a link to the Pinterest page.  I must say I am rather intimidated by what I've seen on the board and am hesitant to post my samples. 

 

Thanks for stopping by! 

 

 

Backyard Basics

Good-bye Backyard Basics! This is one of the last sets I purchased from the catalog before the retirement list was published.  Good thing, since it is already sold out!  Don't know why I waited so long to get this set.  I am an amateur flower gardener and enjoy bird watching to boot.  This set covers all the bases.  All the coloring on this card was done with blender pens.  My aqua painter gives me fits and squirts out too much water.  I probably just need a new one.  How long are they supposed to last anyway--mine is at least 8 years old.

 

 

The DSP is from the Sale-a-Bration Sweet Sorbet pack.  The Sahara Sand is a perfect backdrop for the flowers and butterfly.  I made my own tag for this card but now you are able to buy a tag topper punch that will make tag-making a breeze.  Contact me if you would like to know more about the tag topper punches or if you need to order one of your very own.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Cheers!

Here is another card intended for an Artisan Entry. I think this is the only card I've ever made with this stamp set!  Shame on me, right?  Do you have a stamp set that you have only used once?  Maybe I should set aside one day a week to use stamps sets that haven't seen the light of day but once or twice. 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm sure you have already seen a fair amount of chatter online about the Stampin' Up Catalog Premiere for demonstrators.  I was fortunate to be able to attend at my local theater and thoroughly enjoyed the event.  Come back tomorrow and I'll show you what I won on Prize Patrol.

 

Thanks for stopping by! 



 

New Challenge - CYCI16

Found a new challenge site via the Stampin' Up demonstrators site.  I made this Mother's Day card with the intent of using it for an Artisan entry.  When the rules for the Artisan Design entries changed I decided it wasn't in my best interest to enter.  So, I have a great card that fit in with the new challenge site.  The site is canyoucaseit.com. 

 

 

 

Sadly, most of the elements of this card are retiring or were retired last year.  I'm going to miss the Graden Gingham DSP.  How 'bout you--what are you going to miss most from the list of retiring items?

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Convention Display Stamper Submission

I've decided to throw my hat in the ring for a chance at being a Convention display stamper. After a few months of blogging hiatus, this will be a veritable feast.  My submission includes three cards, a scrapbook page and two 3-D items. Unfortunately, I had trouble with the lighting tonight.  Wish I would have taken the photos during the day.  My son tried to help me with some editing and we were only moderately successful.  Without further ado, here are my creations.

 

 

 

San Antonio is wrapping up Fiesta celebrations so I thought a little piñata would be appropriate.

 

 

This sweet little can was covered with burlap ribbon and could hold pencils or even better yet, Werther caramels!

 You can see that I dug out some really old photos of my boys.  Why do our little ones have to grow up?  My boys are now 18 and 21.  Where did the years go?

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Peachy Keen Hello

My cardmaking has been sporadic lately--my creativity comes in spurts.  This past week I put together a care package to send to my son at Texas Tech (Guns Up!) and made this card for him.  I loosely CASEd a card by Amy O. using my new Peachy Keen stamp set and coordinating 

Framelits.   The Pool Party card base was a perfect backdrop for the Retro Fresh DSP.  Isn't it great how Stampin' Up pulls together such great color combinations?  When was the last time you used your Tangerine Tango ink pad?  I tend to think of that color for fall themed cards but it looks great with this fresh color combination.

 

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Everyday Occasions Cardmaking Kit

Yesterday I dragged out the Everyday Occasions Cardmaking Kit that I had purchased a few months ago.  I had made a card or two when it first arrived and then I set it aside.  After the mad rush to get my Occasions swaps completed I had to take a break from thinking too hard.  I always feel pressured to create top of the line, original designs when I do these swaps.  The kit was the perfect break--no thinking but lots of creativity.  I finished off the box and was very pleased with the end results.  I made a few minor changes but nothing too complicated.  Here are a couple of my favorites.

 

As you can see, there is a little silver glimmer paper on each of these.  When I looked at the sample brochure I wasn't so sure that I would like the color combos.  Surprisingly, they all looked great when they were done.  I almost wish I could buy another kit of just the consumables so I could make another set.  If you haven't considered this kit, it is a great value.  It's just $30 for a clear mount stamp set, acrylic block and all the supplies needed to make 20 cards (134797). 

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Cool Kid

Here are a couple of cards I made with a new set in the Occasions catalog for a swap.  I was assigned the stamps sets Cool Kid and So Grateful.  Cool Kid appealed to me because I am such an animal lover.  Sadly, my boys are grown into young men and I don't have a need to make cards for children.  The greetings included in the Cool Kids set kind of left me at a loss.  I guess they could be used for reaching goals or special accomplishments.  What occasion would you use this set for? 

 

  Both cards feature DSP from the Occasions Catalog.  The cat card uses the Kaleidoscope DSP and the dog card uses the Fresh Prints DSP Stack.  The Super Hero card sunburst technique took a bit of work--mainly time consuming.  I had to make 10 of each card!  See you back here tomorrow for another post.  Thanks for stopping by!