Candle With Two Ends

Monster To{get}her

2010-08-29T19:05:00.005-05:00

I never buy cutesy stamps. I just don't like them. They are not me. When I saw this stamp set in the new catalog, I knew it had to be mine and it was on my first catalog order! Isn't that crazy? I plan on having lots of fun with this set. It's just adorable! The card was quick, colorful, and easy to put together.

Supplies:
Cherry cobbler cardstock (#119685; $6.95)
Marina mist cardstock (#119682; $6.95)
Whisper white cardstock (#100730; $8.50)
Cherry cobbler stampin' pad (#119669; $5.95)
More mustard stampin' pad (#103162; $5.95)
Marina mist stampin' pad (#119668; $5.95)
Tangerine tango stampin' pad (#111834; $5.95)
Wild wasabi stampin' pad (#109014; $5.95)
Designer label large (#119862; $15.95)
1 3/4" x 7/8" oval large punch (#119855; $15.95)

A Clean and Simple (CAS) card

2010-08-29T18:56:00.005-05:00

I never do CAS cards because I feel like they are always a failure. They never seem finished. This card literally took about 30 seconds and I love, love, LOVE it! I think it is a homerun card!

Supplies:
Whisper white cardstock (#100730; $8.50)
Elizabeth single stamp (#117120; $9.95)
Because I Care hostess stamp set (wood - #118384; clear - #120118)
Basic black stampin' pad (#101179; $5.95)
Marina mist stampin' pad (#119668; $5.95)
Basic rhinestones (#119246; $4.95)

Whooo loves this card?

2010-08-29T18:45:00.004-05:00

I adore this card. It was going to be an exact CASE for a card I made at my upline's post-convention event, but I messed up the cut at the class and the first card I made at home to prep for my new catalog party. I decided that it would be too easy for people to mess up, and I want everyone to leave absolutely delighted with what they've made. So I changed the format of the card a little but left everything else the same. This is is so super cute!

Supplies:
Crumb cake cardstock (#119686; $6.95)
Chocolate chip cardstock (#102128; $6.95)
Baja breeze cardstock (#111352; $6.95)
Old olive cardstock (#100702; $6.95)
Greenhouse gala DSP (#117167; $9.95)
Basic Rhinestones (#119246; $4.95)
Tombow multipurpose liquid glue (#110755; $3.95) This is so important for gluing tiny pieces!
Two step owl extra large punch (#118074; $16.95)
Two step bird extra large punch (#117191; $16.95)
Big shot die cutting machine (#113439; $99.95)
Perfect polka dots embossing folder (#117335; $7.95)

New Catalog Party cards

2010-08-29T18:26:00.004-05:00

Knowing that the new catalog was released in July, it seems a bit odd that I'm just now posting pictures for my "new catalog party". Well, yes and no. It is shameful that these amazing new items went live almost two months and I just now (yesterday - Saturday) had my party. The awesome news from that party is that I was able to meet a personal goal and PROMOTE because of that party! Woo hoo! I've had a downline for almost three months, but I was short on my sales because I'm largely self-funded. Because we've tightened our belts around our house, I decided that I wasn't going to cough up the chunk I needed to promote on my own. So, now I'll officially be a Supervisor!

The first card I'm going to show you features the sweet treat cups and Sweet Centers stamp set. It is a take on the 3-D item on page 59 of the catalog. I simply made it into a card!

Supplies:
Daffodil delight cardstock (#119683, $6.95)
Chocolate chip cardstock (#102128, $6.95)
Very vanilla cardstock (#101650; $8.50)
Pear pizzazz 1/2" stitched poly ribbon (#119265; $8.95)
Sweet treat cups (#116802; $2.95)
1 3/4" circle extra large punch (#119850; $16.95)

Found Inspiration!

2010-08-17T22:03:00.002-05:00

Mary left me a comment today and told me that she had seen my inspiration for yesterday's Happy Birthday card. It was LeeAnn Graff. She is absolutely right! I follow LeeAnn's blog because she is amazingly talented. I made a similar card with a slight variation that I thought was much cuter (and I think more like LeeAnn's original), but I may have given them away before taking pictures. I'll look one more time.

I have more cards to show you, but I just walked in the door after work (it's 10:06 right now) and I'm too tired to download the pictures off the camera. Hopefully tomorrow. Until then, sweet dreams...

Quick Share - Happy Birthday!

2010-08-16T20:38:00.001-05:00

I totally cased this idea from some talented individual, but it was several months ago and who knows where that scrap of paper went on which I wrote the original creator's name? Sorry! If you (original creator) happen across my humble blog, please let me know, because I'd love to mention you and add a link to your inspiration!

This is about as CAS as I get. While I love the Clean And Simple look, I never feel like I can get it to look "finished" and at heart, I'm really all about layers and ribbon (and anything metal...and chipboard!) The stamp set is Happy Everything. Whatcha think?

Enjoy the posts this week. I'm really working hard to get everything posted at least one day in advance because it is crazy busy at work this week. I've been working for about 3 weeks, but the teachers came back for their first day yesterday (Monday). I spent all day in meetings starting at 8:00 and ending at 7:30. I will have the same schedule every other day this week until Friday. I'll be exhausted by then!

Blast from the Past!

2010-08-15T15:00:00.002-05:00

Ok. Yeah. It's me. I'm the blast from your past. I've not posted in so long I'm ashamed to post again. Quick recap of the summer.

June:* I finished up the school year, orchestrated eighth grade promotion, and got through our "flex week" (individualized instruction for students who need extra help to pass state level tests).
* Spent some time traveling and attending conferences and professional development.
* Went to Austin with my mother and the girls and had a blast! See the pictures for proof!

* I had a card class and a scrapbook class at the end of the month! You'll see pictures of those creations soon.

July:
* Early in the month I accepted an administrative job at a local school district. I flew high on a cloud for much of the remainder of the month.* We didn't take a vacation this year. We had planned to go to the Stampin' Up convention in Utah on vacation and circle through New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado on the trip. I kept putting of the registration even though I wanted to go so badly.
* I planned to "downsize" our vacation and make a trip through Texas instead with our main stop in San Antonio. I found awesome hotel rates on the Riverwalk but kept putting of the reservations.* Thankfully, we didn't go on vacation at all because I would have lost all of the money on non-refundable hotel reservations! I ended up going on contract the third week of July.

August:* I've been working every day. I really enjoy my new job - I'm there to provide instructional support to the teachers and help them become better teachers. I've met so many helpful and nice people. I think it's going to be a great year!
* On another note, the job is a little different than how it was portrayed when I accepted the position. I'm going to be super busy. Last year there was a person who did half of my job, half of another job, and had FOUR aides to help her complete my half of the job. I don't have any help. Agh!
* That being said, I'm really looking forward to the year. I think it's going to be great!
I've been cleaning the stamping room this weekend and I came across a couple of cards I thought were very fitting - a blast from the past! Both use retired supplies and show things I created pre-SU demo.
The first card is an acetate card I created and produced (well, seven of them) in about 15 minutes. The outside image is embossed. I layered the real red piece on the inside of the top flap and the very vanilla piece on the outside of the top flap. It allowed me to use regular SNAIL and not worry about the adhesive showing. I also layered a mirror piece of real red on the back side of the card and a matching vanilla piece on the "normal" inside flap.

The second card uses Holy the Triptych stamp set. I bought this immediately when it first came out and envisioned a trifold Christmas card. This was a "quick" card I made just to try out the set. I stamped the Holy Family image and watercolored it using blender pens and an aquapainter. Then I stamped the filigree frame over the image in Versamark and embossed in black.

Enjoy and check back this week. I'm posting more projects from the past (some not so distant!).

Stampin' Addicts Retiring Sets Mega Hop 2010 - Enjoy Every Moment

2010-06-11T09:43:00.004-05:00

Thank you for joining me today! You have found the Stampin' Addicts 2010 Retiring Sets Mega Hop! I'm stop 9 on the hop. You only have a few weeks left to grab the sets you see here, so don't delay! Call your Stampin' Up demo today! The blog hop will make a complete circle, so keep following the links to see all of the fabulous projects!

If you are following the hop, you just came from Sara's blog where she featured Best Wishes and More, a super-versatile set fit for just about any occasion! I love the stationery set she made! Isn't it so cute? A perfect gift for a house-warming gift, don't you think?

The set I'm featuring is Enjoy Every Moment. What I love so much about this set is how the pieces fit together and integrate to create multiple images. Did you know that the larger flower with the dot outline is a perfect fit around the dotted circle O on the Enjoy stamp? I've tried to layer the stamps in my projects for a variety of different looks. I'll be posting details this coming week about some of the projects and I'll show you the other page of that scrapbook layout. So be sure to add me to your favorites or to your blog reader and I'll see you later next week!

The first project was a card using this week's Mojo Monday sketch (#142). The enjoy stamp is quite large for a card, but there are several ways to add it as a focal point. On this card, I used my Stamp-a-majig and placed the letters in a "haphazard" fashion (Yeah, right! I stamped that piece four times!). I also subbed that pointy flower in for the dotted circle O. A quick rumpled flower (using the large flower in the Birds and Blooms Sizzlet set) and a clip from the clip assortment round this card out.

The second project is a case from the catalog and I made it this week to send to someone special. (Someone's having a BABY!!! But my lips are sealed. And see the gender-neutral colors? [Big happy smiles!]) The original card was on page 144 of the Idea Book and Catalog. The card is simple and shows that this "friendly" set has a lot of uses!

The final project is a scrapbook page. I used SCSC241 as a base and modified it a little. I used a lot of layering on this page to include some two-stampin' effects as well as popped images on top of images. I stamped the title in white craft ink and embossed using white embossing powder. A little piercing added a touch of detail. I can't wait for you to see the other page of this layout and hear the story behind it! Come back on Tuesday for the Blog Hop Deets!

I hope you have enjoyed my projects using this cute set. Before you head off to call your demonstrator to place your order, check out Holly's blog. You will definitely want to put Hoppy for you on your next order! I can't believe that that lily pad! So precious! Thank you for checking out the Stampin' Addicts blog hop. We'd love to see you on the website!

Between Neighbors

2010-06-09T15:23:00.000-05:00

I get hit by the genius stick so seldom in life that I have to share when I do. When I got my sneak peek of the summer mini catalog I instantly fell in love with one of the sets - Bouquet Bunch. I don't know that anyone else loved this set as much as I did. Isn't it a crazy set to love so much? I saw this set and almost immediately pictured this card in my mind. Isn't it just amazing? I really impressed myself! The card was very tedious with a lot of cutting and steps. I had originally planned for this to be a card for one of my classes, but it took me over two hours to get this card finished. So for now, I'll just have to treasure it on my own! The sky is sponged using the scallop circle punch as a mask for clouds. The fence is actually made from the medium jewelry tag punch - 24 of them! It is two punches tall with the ribbon strategically placed to cover where the top of one meets the bottom of the other. Each medium jewelry tag punch is sponged with river rock around all of the edges. The leaves were colored with garden green and old olive markers to look more realistic. They were cut out around the outer leaves and layered with dimensionals to give the appearance of some of the leaves spilling out over the fence.

Supplies:
Bashful blue cardstock (#105120, $5.50)
Melon mambo cardstock (#115320, $5.50)
Whisper white cardstock (#100730, $7.50)
Bouquet bunch (#118529-W, $13.95; #120039-C, $10.95)
Bashful blue stampin' pad (#105209, $5.95)
Melon mambo stampin' pad (#115656, $5.95)
Garden green stampin' marker (#100080, $3.25)
Old olive stampin' marker (#100079, $3.25)
Melon mambo polka dot grosgrain ribbon (#115611, $9.95)
Scallop circle punch (#109043, $15.95)
Word window punch (# 105090, $15.95)
Modern label punch (#116630, $15.95)
Medium jewelry tag punch (#117190, $10.95)

Bouquet Bunch with Mojo

2010-06-08T15:04:00.000-05:00

This is a card I made several weeks ago. This card is based on the Mojo Monday sketch 140. I actually made it the day the sketch came out! I think it turned out so well!

Supplies:
Soft saffron cardstock (#105118, $5.50)
Old olive cardstock (#100702, $5.50)
Whisper white cardstock (#100730, $5.50)
Sweet Pea DSP (Retired)
Basic brown stampin' pad (#104315, $5.95)
Chocolate chip stampin' pad (#100908, $5.95)
Taken with teal stampin' pad (#103257, $5.95)
Old olive stampin' pad (#102277, $5.95)
Chocolate chip grosgrain ribbon (#109051, $7.95)
Hodgepodge very vanilla hardware (#112454, $29.95)
Tiny tags (#118091-W, $22.95; #118592-C, $16.95)
Bouquet bunch (#118529-W, $13.95; #120039-C, $10.95)
Aqua painter (#103954, $16.95)
Curly label punch (#112208, $15.95)

Flowers for Father

2010-06-07T14:48:00.002-05:00

This is a quick and easy card for Dad. It came together in just a few minutes and was super easy!

Supplies:
Crushed curry cardstock (#115319, $5.50)
Soft suede cardstock (#115318, $5.50)
Very vanilla cardstock (#101650. $7.50)
Flowers for every season (#111592, $14.95)
Well Scripted (Retired)
Basic brown stampin' pad (#104315, $5.95)
Soft suede stampin' pad (#115657, $5.95)
Crushed curry stampin' pad (#115659, $5.95)
Dusty durango stampin' pad (#115654, $5.95)
Old olive stampin' pad (#102277, $5.95)
Real red stampin' pad (#103133, $5.95)
Large oval punch (#107305, $15.95)
Scalloped oval punch (#114889, $15.95)
Aqua painter (#103954, $16.95)
Soft suede polka dot grosgrain ribbon (#115612, $9.95)

Are you ready for a new catalog?

2010-06-01T16:50:00.002-05:00

Are you ready for a new Stampin' Up catalog? I can't wait! It will hit your hands in July (as long as you are a current customer or tell me you'd like to become one!). However, in order to get ready for the new catalog year, we have to make room for the TONS of new items we'll be getting. Today SU released the retiring lists of stamps, Definitely Decorative items, and accessories. There are literally HUNDREDS of items on these lists (15 pages long!). Some of my favorite stamp sets are on that list. I'm a little sad to see them go, but I know that means that they will be replaced with new ones! So here are the important deets:

1) SU manufactures their own stamps and Decor Elements, so they don't really "run out". While an item may be backordered, the wait time is usually very short.

2) Accessories are WHILE SUPPLIES LAST only! SU does not manufacture these. Once these are gone, you won't see them again. I would suggest getting these quickly if you want them.

3) All of the retiring Decor Elements are on sale 25% off.

4) Check the retiring accessories list carefully. Some of the items are being reconfigured and will return in a new form. These changes are likely to be mainly packaging and cosmetic in nature. Other items are being sold at a discount. There is also a separate column on this list that shows when an item is sold out, so the list will be updated as July draws nearer.

I've added buttons to my sidebar for the stamps, home decor, and accessories. Those will take you to PDF files you can print. Please contact me if you'd like to place an order or visit my Stampin' Up demonstrator website. If you don't have a Stampin' Up demonstrator, I'd love to help you explore your creativity!

Done does not mean DONE

2010-05-30T16:02:00.002-05:00

As I've learned over the past few weeks, done does not really mean DONE. I've been working on my final revisions for my dissertation before it is published. On one hand, I know I could fix the things they marked, submit it, and be finished. (I saw a PhD comic once that said, "If you write it, they will sign it.") But, that thing's going to sit on my bookshelf a long time. I don't want to look back years from now and regret throwing a bunch of junk down. And I'm paying a small fortune to have that little bugger copyrighted, printed, bound, and published to the required websites. So, I'm still working - about finished - but still working. I have begun a huge (well, huge to me) renovation project that will result in a cleaner house (no more piles of research sitting in stacks close to my computer) and a (hopefully) clean scrapbook room. This will be my first summer off in many years. Trying to think back, I believe I've only NOT worked (at something) for one summer in my 9 years of marriage. I have visions of catching up on a lot of scrapbooking this summer! It will begin on Thursday - my first day off - with a girls' trip to the American Girl store for lunch at the Bistro. Eliza got a gift card for her birthday (in April - does that make me a bad parent?) and she hasn't spent it yet. My mother hasn't been to the store yet (we drug Daddy along last time) so she will join us on Thursday. We are going to have fun! I also have four cards I never posted. You'll be seeing those this week.

Wahoo!

2010-05-15T16:47:00.003-05:00

After three years of long school hours and no vacations, I finally graduated today! Praise the Lord! Here is a picture of me after the ceremony with the girls. EG was not happy - she was hungry and tired, especially after a 3 hour graduation ceremony!

I was terrified. I worried all week because I knew that I would be the first one of the doctoral cohort to graduate. This morning I figured out that I was first. I mean first, FIRST. In the entire university. Out of 1200 graduates. I was the first one to walk across the stage. I just prayed that I wouldn't trip, fall, or faint! I made it. It was a great day!

Big Shot Demo Card

2010-05-06T05:00:00.000-05:00

My aunt (Hi!) bought a Big Shot from me. She came last weekend and I was able to give her her order. He had some questions about how to work her new tool, so we had a Big Shot lesson. This was a card we made to show her how to use the embossing folders and to give her one idea she could replicate easily. Unfortunately, I can't get the silly thing to picture upright. Just tilt your head and enjoy!

Supplies to make this card:
Big Shot die cutting machine (# 113439, $99.95)
Certainly celery cardstock (#105125, $5.50)
So saffron cardstock (#105118, $5.50)
Whisper white cardstock (#100730, $7.50)
Certainly celery stampin' pad (#105217, $5.95)
So saffron stampin' pad (#105213, $5.95)
Stampin' sponges (#101610, $3.50)
Elegant Boquet embossing folder (#115964, $7.95)
Pretties kit (#109114, $29.95)
Eyelet border punch (#113692, $15.95)
Mini glue dots (#103683, $4.95)
Well Scripted stamp set (W - #117072, $19;95; C - #118601, $14.95)

First Day card and the LESSON LEARNED

2010-05-04T20:30:00.001-05:00

Wow, was that ever a blooper! If you are reading this, you missed the huge blooper that appeared about an hour ago! Woops! Honestly? I uploaded the picture and put a few "placeholders" to help manage my alignment. Then I scheduled the post for tonight and uploaded. I intended to write the blurb at work today - perhaps during lunch? - or definitely when I got home from work.

However, I got a call today at work that superseded my little blog. I eventually want to get into higher ed. That is the ultimate goal and why I went ahead and got the doctorate. It's a hard field to break into, though. I got the opportunity to adjunct at a local college for their teacher certification program last year. It was a wonderful experience, but I didn't get to go back this spring. A couple of weeks ago, I got a call for the department chair asking me to do a review for one of the certification tests they will be taking soon. I was to teach seven class sessions. Today, I got a phone call at lunch asking me if it would be possible to start tonight as the other teacher had to cancel out at the last minute. Well, yes! Could I really say no? The way it turned out, I get to add on this session rather than exchanging it for one of the other sessions (read: more money, more fun!). So I went straight from work to the college where I taught my class. I just got home. Big woops! Forgive me. :)

I mentioned in the blog hop that this card has a story. I love books. I own - literally - thousands of them. I have a SERIOUS problem with cutting them up. I just can't do it. I knew I needed book print for my "DSP" on the card, but I didn't know how to get it. [Background: This was my last project of the three to complete for the blog hop and it was 2 a.m. in the morning on the day the post was to go active. It was also a work day.] So I was scrambling around trying to find a book I would sacrifice. I finally found that I own an educational law textbook in both a fifth edition and a sixth edition. This would be perfect, right? I could cut up the fifth edition and not "lose" anything! Thank goodness for my retentiveness to want the latest edition! So I took the book downstairs and opened it up to the middle where there was a nice crowded page. And I sat there. I ran my fingers over the print. And I sat some more. I just couldn't do it.

I finally rationalized that there had to be some part of the book I could sacrifice. The index was my first thought, but that would look rather silly as a DSP, right? But...there was a preface, right? And the preface in the sixth edition would be the "preferred" one since it was most recent, right? I could cut up the preface. Quickly - before I could change my mind - I ripped out (ok, not so quickly - I didn't want to leave ragged edges in the binding of the spine) a page of the preface. Whew. The hardest part was over. I had done it (this is where the soundtrack to Rocky plays through your mind).

So I cut my paper and proceeded with my card. Only after I had photographed it (and it was 3 a.m. now with my alarm set to ring in 1 hour and 45 minutes) did I realize what I had put on my card that I plan to give to my eight year old daughter on her first day of third grade. Geez Louise.

LESSON LEARNED: If you "make" your own DSP out of recycled magazines or books, be sure to read the content before creating your masterpiece. (And be aware that the Supreme Court has ruled very specifically about sexual abuse and harassment in public schools and that current laws reflect those rulings within employment practices.) Have a wonderful day.

Blog Hop Thanks and the bookmark

2010-05-03T20:30:00.001-05:00

I want to thank everyone who visited my blog over the weekend. If you subscribed to my blog or became a follower, thank you so much! You are awesome and I hope I can satisfy your daily blog surfing. I hope I have inspired your use of this stamp set. I'd love to see what you create.

Today I'm going to give you a few tips about the bookmark. The bookmark is pretty simple and straight-forward. I really followed the recipe in IBC just changing the colors. I did not like a button on it, so I left that off. I did add the row of apples stamp in bashful blue as a tone-on-tone accent at the bottom.

Supplies used for the bookmark:
Bashful blue cardstock (#105120, $5.50)
Real red cardstock (#102482, $5.50)
Whisper white cardstock (#100730, $7.50)
Basic black cardstock (#102851, $7.50)
Scallop edge punch (#112091, $15.95)
1/16" Circle punch (#101227, $8.95)
Horizontal slot punch (#105089, $5.95)
1" Double stitched ribbon, real red (#115607, $8.95)
Black Stazon ink pad
Green galore ink pad
Real red ink pad
Bashful blue ink pad
Blender pens

I chose these inks because they matched my project. The great thing about Stampin' Up! is that you can color coordinate your paper and inks on all projects! Many of the colors have matching accessories - brads, eyelets, and (my favorite!) ribbons! To color in my images, I squeezed the ink pads (when they were shut) and then flipped open the lid. Don't slide the lid underneath. By squeezing the ink pad, you deposited a little bit of ink on the upper inside of the lid. Use your blender pen to collect a little ink. Try it out before touching your image - you may need more or less to achieve the color and gradation you want. Then, color your image as you desire. This allows you to create shades of a color and add a gradation to increase the perception of depth. Have fun with your coloring. Be sure to post a link back in a comment for me to see what you created!

If you have a demonstrator, I'm sure she (or he!) can help you with this technique. If you don't have a demonstrator who is meeting your crafting needs, I would be honored to help you create. Thanks for looking!

Summer Mini Blog Hop

2010-04-30T05:00:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited to be participating in this blog hop celebrating the new Stampin' Up! summer mini catalog on Stampin' Addicts. SA is my favorite online stamping community. It is a free website dedicated to supporting Stampin' Up stampers and demonstrators. It is loaded with awesome ideas and friendly stampers who are always willing to share their ideas.
If you are following the hop, you just came from Krystal's blog. Krystal is awesome! Don't you love that Go, Graduate stamp set? It's really versatile! If you are starting here, no problems. Keep hopping through; the blog makes a complete circle. I guarantee you won't want to miss a single stop out of this lineup! If you get lost along the way, you can find the complete list of all stops on the hop HERE.

The set I featured is First Day. I fell in love with it when I saw it and imagined all kinds of cute things I could do with it both as a parent and a teacher. So, let's get right to the projects:

I knew I wanted to make one of the gift boxes that were so popular at Christmas that held all the little gift tags. My daughter will go into third grade next year and they get lockers for the first time. There is a special day before school starts for students to go up to the school and decorate their locker. She's already excited. I thought this would be cute to sneak in her locker after she's finished. I resized and rearranged and this is what I ended up making. It contains pencils, a hand-held pencil sharpener, a stack of sticky notes (with a message from Mom), Hershey nuggets, shaped paper clips, and some binder clips. Notice that I stamped her initial "E" on both sides of the binder clip in Stazon ink. It makes it a little more personal.

My second project is a direct case from the Stampin' Up! big catalog. The bookmark is simple but makes an impact. You can find the original bookmark on page 147.

My final project is a card I will give my daughter on the first day of school. It's an odd size - 4.25 x 4.25. I based it on the Mojo Monday sketch 136. I bought First Day in the clear mount stamp so it made the placement of letters on the ribbon fairly easy. The sentiment is from the Crazy for Cupcakes set.

One final look at all three projects.

There is a story for this card. Check back the week of Monday, May 3, and I will post details about each project including supplies. Thank you for checking out my stop on the hop. Jump right on over to Rhonda's blog where she features a super-cute collection of summer items - including a DSP with fab colors, a new Big Shot die, and a matching stamp set. You definitely don't want to miss her projects. I can't wait for you to see what she made!

Non-stamping Sweet Pea card

2010-04-28T05:00:00.000-05:00

This is another card my April class made. It is a fast put-together so it's really great for people who are in a rush and need a card fast.

Supplies I used for this card:
So saffron cardstock (#105118, $5.50)
Sweet Pea DSP (#117161, $24.95)
Chocolate chip cardstock (#102128, $5.50)
Sweet Pea stitched felt (#177266, $7.95)
Old olive grosgrain ribbon (#109054, $7.95)
Corner rounder punch (#109047, $6.95)
Scallop trim border punch (FREE during SAB but will continue in the new catalog)

Painted Inspired by Nature

2010-04-27T05:00:00.000-05:00

This is one of the cards we made at my April card class last week. I have loved the Inspired by Nature stamp set since it first came out. For some reason, I never bought it. It was on my list so many time, but somehow it always got cut. I ordered it a couple of weeks ago when I saw yet ANOTHER gorgeous card using it. Isn't it fabulous? I colored the image with my Stampin' Up markers (always start with the lightest color and add progressively darker ones so you don't stain your lighter markers) and added accents to make the flowers more life-like.

Supplies I used for this card:
Ruby red cardstock (#102030, $5.50)
So saffron cardstock (#105118, $5.50)
Certainly celery cardstock (#105125, $5.50)
Sweet Pea DSP (#117161, $24.95)
Whisper white cardstock (#100730, $7.50)
Pumpkin pie grosgrain ribbon (#109030, $4.95)
Ruby red stampin' marker (#100.075, $3.25)
Summer sun stampin' marker (#100077, $3.25)
More mustard stampin' marker (#100076, $3.25)
Old olive stampin' marker (#100079, $3.25)
Close to cocoa stampin' pad (#103139, $5.95)
Inspired by Nature (#111656, $23.95)
Ticket corner punch (#107214, $6.95)
Stampin' sponges (#101610, $3.50)

Donna's Card

2010-04-26T05:00:00.002-05:00

On Friday my very good friend - Donna - defended her dissertation and officially became Dr. Donna. I am so proud of her! We have gone through so much together over the past three years. I absolutely couldn't miss her defense and wanted to take her an extra special card in honor of the occasion. I forgot to take a picture of it, so I had to ask her to take a picture and send it to me. I made those roses using a technique that a sideline taught me (Julia), but she got it from Julie Williams' blog. Aren't they gorgeous? I think it's much more beautiful in real life. The card is 5.5 x 5.5, an odd size, I know.

Supplies I used for this card:
Pretty in pink cardstock (#100459 , $5.50)
Barely banana cardstock (#102701 , $5.50)
Whisper white cardstock (#100730 , $7.50)
Versamark pad (#102283 , $7.50)
White embossing powder (#109132, $4.75)
Regal rose stampin' pad (#105130 , $5.50)
Bone folder - very important for the roses (#102300, $6.95)
Extra large fancy flower punch (#118073 , $15.95)
Pretties Kit (#109114, $29.95)
So saffron grosgrain ribbon (retired from SAB a couple of years ago)
Happy Everything stamp set - inside the card (#115235, $18.95)

Sidebar Updates

2010-04-25T18:07:00.002-05:00

I realized this morning that I had not updated my sidebar. Oops. I've removed the Sale-a-Bration flyer and I've added two widgets addressing the color renovation at Stampin' Up! The first widget will take you to a PDF of the new color families that Stampin' Up will be introducing this summer (I can't wait!). The second will take you to a PDF of the retiring colors. While I'm very excited about some new colors - Stampin' Up sent us samples of the five new ones - I'm going to be boo-hooing over the loss of a few of my favorites. I adore ruby red and summer sun (you'll see it on my blog several times this coming week!) and I don't know that I can sponge my edges without close to cocoa! I know I'll grow to love the colors and and how I think about and use the remaining colors. Can I say STOCKPILE? I predict a little bit of hoarding coming my way.

Week in Review - April 24

2010-04-24T16:40:00.002-05:00

It has been another wild week around here.

Monday night was the Night of Pops and Praise for my orchestra. We've been working hard on that music for the past couple of months. It went very well - it's always a fun night. We play, there is a small vocal group that sings, and the World Famous Apache Belles dance a few numbers. This year we did a Broadway theme with My Fair Lady, Irving Berlin, Magnificent Seven, Lord of the Dance (this one was a beast to play!), and several others. Lots of fun!

Eva Grace had her dress rehearsal on Tuesday for a dance recital. The theme of the show was "When I Grow Up..." and her class was "... I may be a Cowgirl". It was very cute.

On Thursday I defended my dissertation. After you make your presentation (about an hour long), they question you (about 30-40 minutes in my case), and then they send you out of the room while they deliberate. It's a nerve-wracking, nail-biting 10 minute wait but it's an AMAZING feeling when your chair comes out and says, "Congratulations, Dr. Carnes!" Then you walk back in the room to your other committee members standing to shake your hand and congratulate you. I still have edits to complete before it's published, but it's awesome!

I had a card class on Thursday night (scheduled when I thought the defense deadline was April 16) and made some pretty cards I'll be showing you over the next week.

On Friday, by very good friend defended her dissertation. I couldn't miss that! I made her an absolutely amazing card (well, I thought so!) and gave it to her without taking a picture of it. I'm trying to get a picture so you can see it. It was definitely a WOW card! After her defense we had a wonderful leisurely lunch to celebrate our successes. Then we went back to campus to run a few errands. I bought my graduation regalia. I finally have a velvet robe and a tam! It makes me want to jump with glee!

This morning was EG's dance recital. Very cute! This afternoon, I had a Simply Adorned class where participants received the chain and the 1x1 1/4" char and made 5 inserts for it. I think they turned out well!

Look for posts of cards beginning on Monday. Also, we are getting very close to the new Summer Mini Catalog which means a Stampin' Addicts blog hop! I absolutely LOVE the set I'm featuring. I can't wait to show you!

Week in Review - April 17

2010-04-17T10:18:00.004-05:00

This has been a super crazy week. I've been preparing for my dissertation defense which is scheduled for this coming Thursday at 10:45. I'm excited but very nervous. I have four people on my committee and I know that one friend will be there for sure, another is trying to make it, and my husband will be there. I hope I don't embarrass myself!

The week at work was very long and hard. I'm sure glad that one is over! That's about all I can say about that.

On Tuesday of this week, I went to my upline's monthly meeting where we learn techniques and make things. We make three projects each month. There is always a technique that we learn and usually a card and a 3-D item. This month we made two 3-D items.

The first project I'm showing is the notepad we made. Inside is a junior legal pad. The project features the new Awash with Flowers set. This is a special deal from Stampin' Up. If you hostess a workshop of $350 this month, you can earn the set for FREE this month only as a sneak preview. The set will be one of the new ones featured in the 2010-2011 catalog that comes out in July.

The next item was a heated Big Shot flower. I used the scallop circle die and the scallop circles #2 die. I think the spring colors are very cute. Now I just need a spring cardigan in a certainly celery or mambo melon color. What do you think?

My favorite project of the night was featured by Julia Lassiter, one of my sidelines. She doesn't have a blog, but she got the technique from Julie Williams' blog. These are the most beautiful, gorgeous, amazing flowers you have ever seen. I'm going to spend some time working on these this afternoon. Isn't this fabulous? It's paper! I think it looks like a sugar flower from a cake. The paper is so saffron and it is sponged with regal rose. Expect to see some projects using these flowers soon!

Review of the last week

2010-04-11T11:54:00.003-05:00

Whew! It's been a crazy, wild, scary, and exciting week. I started the week with very little sleep as I finished my dissertation and prepared it for submission. I finally sent it for submission on Wednesday morning around 2:30. I had some preliminary edits from my chair by mid-morning and sent out my (most recently) edited version to my committee on Wednesday afternoon. I'm in the process of scheduling my final dissertation defense right now. I'm nervous and very excited!Yesterday, we went to Athens to visit the Freshwater Fishery. It was Outdoor Fools Day. I'm definitely not an outdoorsy type of person, but we had a lot of fun. We saw fish, tried our hand at geocaching, painted, built boats and rockets, walked four miles, and tried archery. It was lots of fun. Pictures follow the post.

Roy is doing some landscaping at the cemetery where my grandmother is buried. I received two Stampin' Up orders this week, including a box with my pre-order for the new Summer Mini Catalog. I'm so excited about the cute new stuff. I have tons of ideas I can't wait to try. Tonight I'm headed downstairs to play. Look for some fun stuff this week! Thanks for reading.

Cherry Cream Cheese Pie

2010-04-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

Raspberry Tart

2010-04-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

Spring Song Recipe

2010-04-06T05:00:00.001-05:00

This is the first of three swaps I designed for my mother. She had to create spring-themed 6x6 recipe scrapbook cards.

Personally, my life is like Nemo - keep typing...keep typing...keep typing... Wednesday is the "drop dead deadline". I don't like the way that sounds because it sounds too prophetic. I went to the eye doctor this afternoon to renew my glasses prescription. He told me I'm getting very close to the bifocals step - I completely blame the dissertation. Am I that old?

Supplies are listed below. Enjoy!

So saffron cardstock
Mellow moss cardstock
Whisper white cardstock
Spring song stamp set
Watercolor pencils
Blender pens
Stazon ink
Mellow moss ink
Eyelet border punch
Crimper
Sticky strip
White brads

Simply Adorned Swap, Part 2

2010-04-05T05:00:00.002-05:00

This is the second part of the swap I participated in. Stampin' Up now sells a charm bracelet with both square and round charms. I participated in the square charm insert swap. It's really hard to design something so tiny! I didn't expect it to be nearly so difficult. I decided to make a happy/fun insert and used the Picture This hostess stamp set from the spring mini catalog. It was a stamp set I initially didn't order and I've seen so many cute things with it. It's really versatile and super cute! The back of the insert is supposed to look like a honeycomb. I cut out the tiny bees and painted the wings with champagne shimmer paint (yes! it's still available!) and popped it up on a tiny piece of a dimensional. I've listed all of the supplies below. Enjoy and come back tomorrow. I'm still not done writing (last ditch effort to meet the "drop dead deadline" by Wednesday, but I've scheduled several posts to keep you entertained until after the deadline. Drop in and leave a comment - I need all the positivity I can get!

Supplies used:
Yoyo yellow cardstock (#102824, $5.50)
Whisper white cardstock (#100730, $7.50)
Basic black ink (#101179, $5.95)
Yoyo yellow stampin' write marker (#100050, $3.25)
Circle Circus stamp set (#115778, $28.95)
Picture This stamp set (#116928 - wood; #118538 - clear, Level 1 Hostess Set)
Champagne mist shimmer paint (#116806, $5.95)

Simply Adorned Swap, Part 1

2010-04-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

Today's post is about the first of two inserts I made for the swap I participated in. This insert is for the necklace charm. Below are pictures of the front (tree) and the back (flower). Yes, you can decorate the back of the charms! Isn't that great? I do a little more elaborate front and then put less on the back. The space between the back glass and the front beveled glass on the charms is enough to add in some dimension and embellishments. You can see that I added in some of the mini brads. Because there is only one layer (don't stick the brad through the paper!), I cut the legs off the brads with my craft scissors and applied the brad with mini glue dots. I think it turned out cute! I've added the supply list below. Have a good day and a beautiful Easter weekend.

Supplies:
Simply Adorned Chain - 24" (#116800, $10.95) - 36" is available
Simply Adorned 1" x 1 1/4" rectangular charm (#116798, $18.95)
Whisper white cardstock (#100730, $7.50)
Close to cocoa stampin' pad (#103139, $5.95)
Green galore stampin' pad (#102122, $5.95)
Glorious green stampin' pad (#103040, $5.95)
Tempting turquoise stampin' pad (#100814, $5.95)
Real red CRAFT stampin' pad (#101190, $7.50)
Clear embossing powder (#109130, $4.75)
Heat tool (#100005, $29.95)
Trendy Trees stamp set (#113258, $17.95)
Little Flowers stamp set (#115020, $11.95)
Sanded background stamp (#109294, $17.95)
Bold Brights Brads (#106957, $8.95)
1/2" circle punch (#104390, $5.95)

Simply Adorned Jewelry

2010-04-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

I bought a Simply Adorned chain and charm from Stampin' Up. I love the quality. I've had them a little over a month but I've not had time to do anything with them. Enter a swap I joined a couple of months ago and I now have some inserts to wear my jewelry. I'll show you some of what I made over the next few days.

The charm I bought was the 1 1/4 x 1 " locket. These are a little small. I didn't want to get one that was too big. I've seen some of the larger ones, though, and they look very nice. These are the first two inserts I made. The one on the left has a tiny butterfly I cut out, popped up with a dimensional (well, a sliver of a dimensional), and painted with champagne shimmer paint. The one of the left was colored with my Stampin' Write markers. After I stamped it, I colored over it with my two-way glue pen and sprinkled dazzling diamonds over it. It gives it a nice shine!

If you are interested in the Simply Adorned Jewelry line, you can order from my demonstrator website . Better yet, if you are in East Texas (or don't mind a little road trip), I'm having a class you will love:

This class will use the Simply Adorned jewelry line to create a beautiful gift for Mother's Day, a birthday, graduation, or for yourself! The class fee includes a charm (1" x 1 1/4") and a chain (24"). You will create 5 different inserts to give with your gift. This will make a perfect accessory for any outfit. I can't wait to share the Simply Adorned line with you!

The cost of the class is $40 and includes the charm, the chain, and five inserts to get you started on your collection. You will also create gift presentation for the box as well as a card for your recipient.

Your payment will be your RSVP and must be received by April 10 so I can order the supplies in time for the class. Join us for this class - I know you will love the jewelry. It's absolutely gorgeous!

Still Here

2010-03-26T06:34:00.003-05:00

You can still count me among the living. It's been a crazy week. Basically, I have to have the full version of my dissertation to my chair on Sunday night, the final version to my committee by next Wednesday, and then defend it by April 16 in order to graduate in May. I'm trying. I'm not so sure about it working right now. I've added three chapters. I still have two chapters to write. Fortunately, one is pretty short (maybe 12-15 pages?). I designed some recipe cards for my mother for a swap she signed up for, so I even have some crafty stuff to show! I honestly haven't had time to take pictures or upload them in the past week.

I leave for work around 6:30, drop both girls off with brother and sister-in-law (it is a HUGE help for them to take the girls to school for me), work all day, then head to a local university library (not the one where I'm getting my degree - this one is 20 minutes from my house rather than 75 minutes) where I write for 4-5 hours. I've been getting home between 9 and 10. I've been spending weekends (7-8 hours a day) there too. Hopefully it will all be finished soon. I have so many plans for what I want to do after I graduate. Peace and blessings to you.

Bitty Mail

2010-03-20T05:00:00.000-05:00

Some time ago, my oldest invaded my 3D stash and decorated a little mailbox (How dare her! I was going to get around to altering that mailbox. It was only down there - what? two years?).

She promptly put it into the living room and directed everyone to send her mail on a regular basis. My mother does a much better job at getting mail to her (mostly daily), but I've put things in there for her as well. I knew it was time to send some mail, so I headed downstairs to make something quickly. I couldn't just scribble on a legal pad, right? This card took me five minutes - LITERALLY. I used scraps on my desk and made them fit into something that would work. Everything on this card is a scrap - even the ribbon which I used to hold the card closed! Um, yes, I did use a cameo coral marker because my earth element markers were already on my desk and I would have had to get up and walk across my room to get my soft subtles. It really looks fine (don't judge me!). I think it turned out just precious! The card measures 2x2 - it really is tiny!

Supplies for this card:
Pretty in pink cardstock, cut 4x2 and scored at 2" (#100459, $5.50)
Chocolate chip cardstock (#102128, $5.50)
Sending Love DSP (#117153, $11.95)
Very vanilla cardstock (101650, $7.50)
Picture This stamp set (Level 1 Hostess; #116928 - W; 118538 - C; FREE)
Chocolate chip stampin' write marker (#100071, $3.25)
Cameo coral stampin' write marker (#100475, $3.25)
Chocolate chip taffeta ribbon (#109065, $6.95)
Sweet Pea felts (#117266, $7.95)
Word window punch (#105090, $15.95)

Scrapbook: Me

2010-03-19T09:49:00.002-05:00

I've been busy (trying) to write on my dissertation this week. It's been horrible. For the last two years I have written - literally - hundreds of papers, thousands of pages. And I sit in front of the computer all day and eek out one page? Where is the justice in that?

I haven't been downstairs to create in quite a while and I've run out of pre-scheduled posts. I started looking through my old pictures at some projects I never blogged. This is one. I like it for several reasons - the colors and style are different than I normally do, the pictures are ones I love, and it was a project that I worked hard on and incorporated some time-consuming techniques I don't often have the luxury of completing. Most of all, I love it because it is scrapbooking.

I got into this whole crafting thing for scrapbooking (read the "More About Me" on my sidebar). I adore scrapbooking. Try as I might, I can't get any of my customer to develop a love for it and the only classes I have are card classes. I like cards and they are fun to make, but my heart is in scrapbooking. If I ever finish this dissertation (I'm not holding my breath today), I can't wait to spend time scrapping and teaching my daughters to make their own memory books. Sigh. Until then - keep typing ... keep typing .... (Remember Nemo).

I made this a couple of years ago and several of the materials had been retired even then!
Chocolate chip cardstock
Cranberry crisp stampin' pad (retired)
Afternoon Tea DSP (retired and STILL one of my favorites!)
Silver brads
Non-SU metal clip
Very vanilla cardstock
Pretties kit
Chipboard
Big Shot die cutting machine
Top note die
Chocolate chip taffeta ribbon
Curly label punch
Cutter kit
Sanding blocks
Tab punch
Crop-a-dile
Eyelets

Techniques: sewing, sponging, distressing, sanding

Thanks, Sweet Pea

2010-03-18T05:00:00.000-05:00

I needed to make a card for a customer-friend this week. She's moving and I don't envy her a bit. Ugh! I hope she likes it - and I hope it gets there before this posts on my blog later in the week since I know she reads it (Hi!). I used the Mojo Monday 129 sketch for this card. When I first looked at it, I had a lot of trouble conceptualizing that how it should look. Once I sat down and started creating, it just fell together. I love all the layers (I added a couple, I think) and these colors! And guess what? I can make a card without using my Big Shot! (Nevermind that had originally envisioned using an embossing folder.)

Supplies I used to make this card:
Old olive cardstock (#100702, $5.50)
Taken with teal cardstock (#101584, $5.50)
Chocolate chip cardstock (#102128, $5.50)
Sweet Pea DSP (#117161, $24.95)
Chocolate chip 5/8" grosgrain ribbon (#109051, $7.95)
Trendy Trees stamp set (#113258, $17.95)
Good Neighbors stamp set (#118378 (W) or #119116 (C); FREE with $50 purchase during Sale-a-Bration)
Chocolate chip stampin' pad (#100908, $5.95)
Taken with teal stampin' pad (#103257, $5.95)
Ruby red stampin' write marker (#100075, $3.25)
Old olive stampin' pad (#102277, $5.95)
Ballet blue stampin' pad (#100907, $5.95)

Mail Call at Kids Camp

2010-03-17T05:00:00.000-05:00

My baby is growing up. (Sniff, sniff.) Each year our church holds a camp during spring break for 3-5 graders. They are gone four days and three nights. During the second grade year there is a preview opportunity where the kids are able to go for one night. Eliza is a second grader this year and was very excited to have her turn for camp. I would normally sign myself up to go as a sponsor, but I've never had the luxury of having the same spring break as the rest of my family. So ... off I sent my baby to her first overnight camp. I was a little teary and she was completely stoked. One of the ladies in the orchestra with me was a sponsor, so I had an insider who would take extra good care of her. She told me that Eliza had the best time and never held back - she did everything! I'm so glad she was able to go and had an amazing time. It made it easier on me.

One of the things that parents could do was send mail that would be delivered each day after lunch. I got up super early last Friday morning to make this card for Eliza. In honor of my little girl going off to camp, I even decorated the inside - something I rarely do. It came together very quickly and had only a little stamping. I was happiest with the ribbon rouching. I had a couple of "leftover" sketches on my desk and grabbed one to make this card. I believe this is Mojo Monday sketch #120.

Supplies I used for this card:
Big Shot die cutting machine (#113439, $99.95)
Perfect polka dots embossing folder (#117335, $7.95)
Scallop trim border punch (#118402, FREE during Sale-a-Bration with $50 order)
Chocolate chip cardstock (#102128, $5.50)
Pretty in pink cardstock (#100459, $5.50)
Very vanilla cardstock (#101650, $7.50)
Sending Love Specialty Designer Series Paper (#117153, $11.95)
Corner rounder punch (#109047, $6.95)
Sticky strip (#104294, $6.95)
Regal Rose 5/8" grosgrain ribbon (#109056, $7.95)
Sweet Pea stitched felt (#117266, $7.95)
Crazy for Cupcakes stamp set (#111618, $23.95)
Chocolate chip stampin' pad (#100908, $5.95)

Top Note Dresser

2010-03-16T05:00:00.000-05:00

I saw one of these top note dressers on someone's blog (I'm so sorry, but I can't remember where I first saw this) and have since seen them on several other blogs. When I planned my Big Shot class for last week, I knew that I would have to reproduce that dresser as a sample. Isn't it just precious?

I used the stiff backing from packages of DSP to make the core of the top and bottom. I then covered that piece with DSP on both sides. I think it's very important to use the correct adhesive on this layering. I used the Tombow and it worked beautifully. I was able to get close to the edge and hold is tight. Nothing short of a tornado (or my three year old!) is separating those layers! As a reminder, with Tombow, a little dab'll do you!

Everything else was easy as pie! I didn't have a template, but the project is self-explanatory and just takes a few cuts. I didn't do a lot of embellishment because I fell in love with the simplicity of the paper. It's one of my favorite patterns and the color is fabulous!

Supplies I used to make this project:
Big Shot die cutting machine (#113439, $99.95)
Top note die (#113463, $21.95)
Tombow multi purpose adhesive (#110755, $3.95)
Sticky strip (#104294, $6.95)
Matchbox die (#114890, $42.95)
Pewter jumbo eyelets (#108432, $9.95)
Elementary Ribbon Originals (#116231, $9.95)
Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper (#113974, $9.95)
Very vanilla cardstock (#101650, $7.50)

Camera drama and a card

2010-03-15T08:21:00.005-05:00

Ugh! I can't find the charger to my camera so I haven't been able to dump all the pictures from the card onto my computer. After searching in vain for about two weeks, I finally broke down and bought a new charger - for $45. It didn't fully charge the camera last night (just enough to dump the pictures), but I'm giving it one more shot before I take it back this afternoon. I'm sure that I'll find the charger any day now that I've bought the new one.

Here is one of the cards I made for the Big Shot class I held last week. It turned out very well, I thought. My ladies loved it and they enjoyed the details of the watercoloring technique.

Supplies I used:
Big Shot die cutting machine (#113439, $99.95)
Scallop circle die (#113468, $19.95)
Spring Song (#115074, $15.95 or FREE during Sale-a-Bration with a $50 purchase)
Mellow moss cardstock (#102898, $5.50)
Brocade blue cardstock (#101166, $5.50)
Watercolor paper (#105019, $6.95)
Patterns Pack Designer Series Paper III (#116234, FREE hostess gift)
Cutter Kit (#106958, $16.95)
Corner rounder punch (#109047, $6.95)
Modern label punch (#116630, $15.95)
Mellow moss stamp pad (#102774, $5.95)
Close to cocoa stamp pad (#103139, $5.95)
Soft suede polka-dot grosgrain ribbon (#115612, $9.95)
Silver brads (#104336, $6.95)
Stampin' sponges (#101610, $3.50)
Watercolor pencils (#101879, $19.95)
Blender pens (#102845, $9.95)

If you'd like to purchase the supplies to make this card or set up a private workshop to learn more about watercolor techniques, shop at my Stampin' Up website or contact me for further information.

Quick gift idea

2010-03-02T05:00:00.004-06:00

This is another project I've made with my Big Shot in the last week. These are coaster gift sets.

I used the scallop circle die which measures about 4 1/4" in diameter. I felt guilty because they were TOO simple, so I thought a box was needed to complete the gift giving. Unfortunately, the standard pizza box measures 4x4 inches. It was definitely squished in that little box, so I had to do a little experimenting to enlarge the box proportionally to hold the coasters. I cut my paper to 6 1/2" x 12 inches (I know! Only one box per 12x12 sheet. Grrr!) With the short side of the paper at the top of the paper cutter, I scored at 1" and 5 1/2". I flipped the paper to the long side and scored at 1", 5 1/2", 6 1/2", and 11". Cut the flaps (perpendicular to the long side) one inch in (to the first score mark) on both long sides. Fold your paper and crease with your bone folder. Use red sticky tape to secure the four flaps and you have your super easy pizza box! If you have questions, please ask and I'll try to clarify.

I played off the colors in the fabric to create the box. When I first saw the fabric it SCREAMED rich razzleberry, old olive, and more mustard. Isn't it gorgeous together?

The supplies for this project are:
Big Shot die cutting system (#113439, $99.95)
Scallop circle die (#113468, $19.95)
Certainly celery cardstock (#107080, $7.50)
Old olive cardstock (#106544, $7.50)
Rich razzleberry cardstock (#115316, $5.50)
Scatter sunshine jumbo wheel (#107213, $8.50)
Stampin' around jumbo handle (#103661, $5.95)
Old olive jumbo ink cartridge (#103670, $7.50)
Rich razzleberry stampin' pad (#115658, $5.95)
Old olive stampin' pad (#102277, $5.95)
Vintage labels stamp set (#118392 Wood mounted or #119122 Clear mounted, FREE Sale-a-Bration set)
Matchbox messages (#113800, $25.95)
Scallop circle punch (#109043, $15.95)
1" circle punch (#109046, $10.95)
Ticket corner punch (#107214, $6.95)
Hostess Designer Series Paper Pack (#116234, FREE hostess incentive gift - level 1)

Gracie's rag purse and swaps

2010-03-01T05:00:00.000-06:00

I have fallen in love with all the things I can do with my Big Shot other than making cards or scrapbook pages. I love all the things I'm finding on other blogs, so I signed up for a swap making fabric items using the Big Shot. This is one of the items I've submitted for the swap. I made a purse for Eliza a couple of weeks ago that she is now using to carry her Bible, Awana's book, and GA stuff. Eva Grace had a fit that she didn't get one immediately. I created her bag and she carried it to church yesterday.

She's my pink girl - anything will work as long as it is "pink and puh-ple" (said with hands on hips and twisting accents on each syllable). I want to make hers a little special by adding buttons. The corduroy buttons are my new faves! Unfortunately, the real red ones just weren't the right color and the pretty in pink ones were definitely not right. So what's a girl to do? Why, make her own, of course! I took the pretty in pink corduroy buttons and sponged them all over with rose red stampin' ink. On top of that, I sponged riding hood red stampin' ink (now retired) concentrating mostly on the edges.

Here is a close up picture so you can see the effect. The combination turned out beautifully shaded.

I used the same fabrics and pattern for my swap entry. I didn't include the buttons on the swaps and I think they look just as cute.

Supplies used for this project:
Big Shot die cutting system (#113439; $99.95)
Scallop square die (#115950; $21.95)
Old olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon (#109054; $7.95)
Pretty in pink corduroy buttons (#117681; $9.95)
Stampin' sponges (#101610; $3.50)
Rose red stampin' pad (#101778; $5.95)
Riding hood red stampin' pad (retired)

Click the shopping button in the right bar to order these supplies or email me to order. If you are in East Texas, I'm holding a class called I'm a Big Shot on Monday, March 8. There will be lots of samples and you will have the opportunity to make three projects using the Big Shot. Contact me for more information.

In these times

2010-02-26T05:00:00.001-06:00

This is the final card my card class created this week. I started with a sketch challenge from the Stampin' Addicts creative website. You can check out this challenge (and others including scrapbooking, 3-D items, color challenges, techniques, and accessories) at this link. You can find this challenge listed as SASC42 (Stampin' Addicts Sketch Challenge 42). Join in when you can!

My card class ladies really look for a variety of cards that can be readily used up within a month. Unfortunately, these types of cards are sometimes needed, though hopefully not so many that they'll need all of them in one month.

Supplies used for this card:
Bashful blue cardstock (#105120; $5.50)
Very vanilla cardstock (#101650, $7.50)
Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper (#117161, $24.95)
Close to cocoa stampin' pad (#103139, $5.95)
So saffron stampin' pad (#105213, $5.95)
Refuge and Strength stamp set (#115056, $23.95)
Chocolate chip corduroy button (#114339, $9.95)
Linen thread (#104199, $4.50)

If you'd like to order the supplies for this card, please email me or order from my Stampin' Up website. I'd love to hear your comments! Thanks for looking.

Good Neighbors For You

2010-02-25T05:00:00.002-06:00

I saw this card on Melissa Huie's blog and fell in love with the colors and the sketch. Honestly, I intended to case it exactly, and started with that yummy pumpkin pie ribbon. I paired it with the Razzleberry Lemondade DSP and a whisper white scallop edge border. Then I made the mistake of cutting my squares (a whole stack of them for a card class!) before I realized that they were a little smaller than I might have liked. So I thought I'd create a scene rather than windowpane effect. I got the Good Neighbors set in the clear mount and thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to showcase how easy it is to piece together stamps and add in a lot of color. My classes usually hate to pull out the Stamp-a-Majig and they are going to love making this card with clear mount stamps! I finished off the card with a little sentiment from the Happy Everything stamp set.

Supplies:
So saffron cardstock (#105118; $5.50)
Whisper white cardstock (#100730; $7.50)
Razzleberry Lemonade cardstock (#115675; $9.95)
Pumpkin pie cardstock (#105117; $5.50)
Pumpkin pie grosgrain ribbon (#109030; $4.95)
Scallop edge border punch (#112091, $15.95)
Happy Everything stamp set (#115235, $18.95)
Close to cocoa stamp pad (#103139, $5.95)
Ruby red stamp pad (#102259, $5.95)
Old olive stamp pad (#102277, $5.95)
Not quite navy stamp pad (#103008, $5.95)
Good Neighbors (#119116 clear; #118378 wood; FREE with $50 purchase)

If you'd like to place an order, you can email me or order directly from my Stampin' Up demonstrator website. I'd love to help you create your next project!

Happy Birthday!

2010-02-24T05:00:00.002-06:00

This card is one I created for my monthly card class held this week. I used a sketch challenge from Stampin' Addicts (SASC39) as my inspiration. You can check out this challenge (and lots of others!) here. It is a minimal-stamping card but is heavy on the Big Shot. I used the Well Scripted stamp set. I got it in the clear mount version. I am a changed mind - I was not very interested in the clear mounts and really didn't plan to buy any. I broke down and bought a set and absolutely fell in love. The clear mounts make gorgeous images - just like the awesome images we first fell in love with - but they are stored in DVD-type cases that use so much less space. This card also uses some of my favorite ingredients.

The ingredients I used for this card were:
Blush blossom cardstock
Rich razzleberry cardstock
Mambo melon cardstock
Razzle dazzle DSP
Eyelet punch
Dot to dot embossing folder
Well Scripted clear mount stamp set
Flower folds die
Designer brads
Big Shot die cutting system

You can order your supplies directly from my Stampin' Up website or you can email me to place your order.

Do you need inspiration?

2010-02-23T08:24:00.002-06:00

I have a few customers who are so far away they cannot attend my stamp classes. I recently mailed an order to a customer who is new to stamping and Stampin' Up. Since I couldn't be there to help her and guide her, I did the next best thing - I sent her to Stampin' Addicts, my favorite online stamping community. It is all Stampin' Up, all the time. I think the nicest part about it is the mission of the site. The motto is Positively Creative! Positively Stampin' Up! You will not find a spot more helpful on the internet. Yes, there are other sites - and I visit those on occasion - but my main site is Stampin' Addicts. There are three things I love most, and they are all addressed in the motto.

The creativity is amazing. The best artists in the world are there. They provide resources and help to jumpstart your projects.
Everything is Stampin' Up! I love SU. I've dabbled in other companies' products - yes, I even own some - but I can't find anything that beats the quality of SU, especially the paper! Lately, people have been much more careful about how they spend their money. I know I have! What could be a better idea that immersing yourself in a site that celebrates what you already have and gives you ideas to use it more/better/creatively? I will be the first to tell you that you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars and buy every new gadget on the market. Buy at a level that is comfortable for you and then USE the supplies you buy. I can help you do that.
Finally, the site is POSITIVE! Everyone is helpful and friendly. No snarkiness in these posts!

So what are you waiting for? Head over to Stampin' Addicts and join the fun. It's FREE to join!

Visit the Stampin' Addicts Birthday Blog Hop

2010-02-21T05:00:00.000-06:00

I love a blog hop! Unfortunately, I was so busy that I completely missed signing up for this one. I'm completely blown away (as usual) by the amazing talent of these ladies. The first stop on the blog hop is Yapha's blog who always does amazing work. Please visit all of the stops and be sure to leave comments as you go. It really does thrill the hostesses. I guarantee (from past experience) that every comment is read and treasured.

Holiday Occasions Mini Catalog

2010-02-20T15:54:00.002-06:00

Did you know that you can still purchase some of the items from the Holiday Mini that retired on January 4? Don't miss out on these great items. The shimmer paints are to die for! The ornament punch is definitely NOT just for Christmas! I have made more items that are NOT Christmas with this punch than just holiday items. If you are interested in ordering, email me heathercarnes (at) sbcglobal (dot) net or use my Stampin' Up demonstrator website where you can order from me 24/7!

Item #	Description	Price
116794	Ornament punch	$15.95
116806	Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint	$5.95
116854	Frost White Shimmer Paint	$5.95
116807	Platinum Shimmer Paint	$5.95
116829	Décor Elements Blocks	$9.95
116824	Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Folder Petals-A-Plenty	$7.95
116821	Stampin' Up! Holiday Windows Magnetic Movers & Shapers	$29.95
116819	Stampin' Up! Table Setting Bigz XL die	$42.95
116820	Stampin' Up! Embosslits Merry die	$11.95
116823	Stampin' Up! Sizzlits Merry Details die	$5.50
116822	Stampin' Up! O Christmas Tree Pop-Up Bigz XL die	$42.95
118140	Stampin' Up! Tree Decorations Sizzlits die	$5.50
118108	My Digital Studio	$79.95
116519	Charming stamp set	$19.95

Newsest, most exciting project ever!*

2010-02-19T08:17:00.003-06:00

OK, did I get your attention? Good, because I love this and I'm so proud of it! Apology first: I had planned to post this last night when I got to the final hotel on my trip. However, I was so exhausted, I couldn't even go out for dinner. I went downstairs and paid the price for hotel cooking. I was eating so slowly that the waitress finally asked me if I wanted to carry it upstairs. She packed it all up in a box and sent me with that and my glass of tea. I'm not going to be insulted! :) Now on to more pressing matters.

*(My attorneys have asked me to clarify that the title of this post is merely an opinion and I cannot be held liable if you are so excited for me you jump through your roof.)

I've been looking at all the awesome things that people make using the Big Shot. I got it into my head that I could make these things too. After a tiny bit of trial and error, this is what I made.

This is the bag from the front. I created a rag quilt-shabby front and back panel. The side panels are finished. I thought that it added a little bit of visual interest to the whole thing. I created the straps from that yummy Stampin' Up double stitched grosgrain ribbon (in chocolate chip, no less!).

The back is technically the same. You can see from the front and back views that I used the Two Tags die to cut the strap I used as a fastener. I sewed a chocolate chip corduroy button on the front of the purse and sewed a button hole (Aren't sewing machines awesome? They take a completely non-crafty person and make a BUTTON HOLE! I love machines that make me look smart and competent!).

Want to make one? I used the following supplies:
Big Shot die cut machine
Scalloped square die
Two tags die
Chocolate chip double stitched grosgrain ribbon
Chocolate chip corduroy button
Scrap fabrics, quilt batting, and thread

On the road again

2010-02-17T16:55:00.002-06:00

I'm back out on the road. This time south about 700 miles or so. I flew in this morning and my father met me at the airport. We had a wonderful lunch together. It was really nice. I gave his wife a pin (very similar to this one I made for my mother). I think she really liked it. She immediately put it on and thanked me for it several times. I've decided to cut my visit to this hotel to one night and head back tomorrow (about a three hour drive) and stay a night in Corpus Christi to make my Friday morning nicer with no drive. I'll even be able to sleep past 4 or 5! :)

In the mean time, I have a few pictures saved on my computer that I'm bursting to show you! I can hardly wait! I love, love, LOVE what I was able to make. I hope you will like it too. Until then (likely tomorrow morning).

Hair bow for Gracie

2010-02-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

I made a little hair bow for Gracie using my Big Shot and the flower folds die. It's so fast and easy! I made it predominantly in shades of pinks and greens. She likes anything that's "pink and pupple" (say this with on hand on the hip and shaking the bottom in beat with each syllable).

I like the finished look of using the circles #2 die to make a felt piece on the backs of my pins and barrettes. It gives me something to sew the barrette or pin mechanisms to, it gives the piece a sturdy backing, and I think it looks better.

She really liked it and told me that several people at her school complimented it.

Purchasing the Big Shot, the flower folds die, and the circles #2 die will earn you THREE free Sale-a-Bration sets PLUS a free hostess set AND $15 in free merchandise. Interested? Place at order at my Stampin' Up! website (or click on the button in at the right) or email me at heathercarnes@sbcglobal.net - I can't wait to hear from you!

Follow Your Heart

2010-02-15T05:00:00.000-06:00

I really struggled to make a Valentine's Day card for Roy this year. I have a hard time making masculine cards anyway (I'm definitely a ribbon and glitter person!). Believe it or not, this card was inspired by a Mojo Monday sketch as well - MM120. I'm posting it as inspiration, but I did make a lot of changes!

Again, you'll have to rest your right ear on your right shoulder to enjoy. Sorry. :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

Life has been super busy (whose hasn't?) and I've neglected several things I love - scrapbooking, stamping, and my blog. I did carve out a lot of time today to clean my playroom (YIPPEE!!!) and make a few things that I'll be showing throughout the week to come. It is so much fun even if I did have to get past a mojo block. To remedy that, I used the Mojo Monday 121 sketch to jumpstart out my imagination.

Before I go on, I have to rant a brief moment. Is it ridiculous that I consider myself semi-techie and I can't figure out how to rotate pictures in blogger? It's infuriating! Please enjoy the picture below while touching your right ear to your right shoulder.

This is a non-stamping card. I was going to put something in that glittery vanilla piece, but I hated to cover it up and wanted to use that pattern. On the other hand, this is a really fast and easy card to complete!

Supplies:
Pretty in pink cardstock (#100459, $5.50)
Sending Love Designer Series Paper (#117153, $11.95)
Chocolate chip double stitched grosgrain ribbon (#111849, $8.95)
Sweet Pea stitched felts (#117266, $7.95)
Corner rounder punch (#109047, $6.95)
Scallop trim border punch (#188402, FREE with the supplies to buy this card)
Tombow Multi Adhesive (#110755, $3.95)
SNAIL Adhesive (#10432, $6.95)

Stamping and Tortilla Soup

2010-02-11T19:09:00.002-06:00

On Tuesday night, I attended my upline's monthly demonstrator meeting. She gives away really awesome stuff and there are also some incentives for monthly sales. There have been several months that I placed in the top 3 or so - shock! We always make three projects - a card, a 3-D object, and a technique card. This month, we made a little box from the milk box die using the Big Shot machine. I changed mine up a little - I used multiple butterflies rather than a single one and I did not use the going gray taffeta ribbon (gorgeous!).

One of the aides at our school sent an email to the entire middle school offering to make tortilla soup for everyone for lunch today. She is an excellent cook and no one turned the offer down! She even made homemade tortilla chips for everyone. A few people made cornbread, sides, or desserts. I made a cherry cream cheese pie. I wanted to give her something, but I didn't have time to make a new creation. So I gave her the box and she loved it. I filled it with Valentine M&Ms and she thought it was the cutest thing ever! I'm so glad Stampin' Up! makes gifts so easy!

Supplies:
Big Shot
Milk carton die
Basic Black cardstock
Going Gray cardstock
Going Gray stampin' pad
Vintage Labels (FREE Sale-a-Bration set with a $50 order)
Butterfly Sizzlet (cuts and embosses all at once!)
Glue dots
SNAIL adhesive
Stampin' Dimensionals
Stampin' Up! Library Clips

Stampin' Lovers Meet and Stamp

2010-02-09T05:00:00.000-06:00

A few weekends ago, I had the opportunity to a stamping event in Allen, Texas. I signed up as a demonstrator and took two of my favorite customers - my mother and her sister. :) We had a great time making four make-and-take projects, swapping 40 cards, seeing tons of samples using beautiful SU supplies, and learning new techniques.

As fun as all that was, do you know my favorite part? My upline gave me a gift for taking customers to the event. It was a reusable shopping bag that was only sold at the Leadership conference in early January. I can't go to Leadership because I don't have a downline, and I always drool over all the neat things that are available only to those who get the opportunity to attend. I was jumping up and down excited over the cutest bag ever! See?

Jumping on the Fabric Wagon

2010-02-08T19:50:00.003-06:00

I knew that I love my Big Shot. Isn't it great? Look at how much you can do with it. But honestly, you know what? I've only cut a fraction of the items that you can cut. It's almost embarrassing how little I've stepped outside the Big Shot box.

However, with all the abundant cuteness out there, I had to make a trip to the fabric store and get some super cute fabrics. Ok, I admit it. I went a little overboard. Let's just say that there was a loooonnng line behind me at the cutting table (um, I think I counted over a dozen) as I handed them a few bolts of material (well, I came home with sixteen different fabrics).

So, I rushed home and I was so excited about rolling out (It's a pun - get it?!) a quick flower pin. I was aghast to discover that I didn't own the flower folds die. AAGGGHHHH! I had to remedy that right away and had the order expedited. Finally, I had the fabric, the die, and a few minutes (I got up at 4:15 before work one day) and this is what I created...

It looks much better now. The fabric has worn a little and looks soft and loved. It's slightly frayed on the edges and matches so many things! I thought that it wouldn't go with many outfits, but it actually matches most of what is in my closet (and my mother's closet too!).

Supplies:
Variety of fabrics
Big Shot
Flower folds die
Hot glue gun
Stampin' Up designer button
Hot glue gun & glue sticks
Pin mechanism (bought at the fabric store and sewn on a piece of coordinating felt used as the backing for the flower)

Blog Hop Thanks

2010-01-19T05:00:00.003-06:00

If you stopped by over the weekend to participate in the Stampin' Addicts blog hop, I want to say THANK YOU! I appreciate the visits and all the sweet comments that have been left. I also want to thank the hop-meister and participants who did such an amazing job with awesome projects. It is always an honor to be associated with them!

I promised that I would show some close up pictures and provide more details this week.

First, a close up of the scrapbook page elements. (Egads! I guess I have to make a confession. I have a messy stamping table. I made it clear to my picture-taker to only get my hands and be sure not to get me at all. I guess I should have mentioned the background too. And I was so conscientious to get a new piece of grid paper so you wouldn't see remnants of my last 87 projects! Thanks a lot, Mother.) See how I used the oval stamp to make flower petals? I'm still thinking of other things I could make with those. (I'm working on another idea. If it works out, I'll show it later in the week.) I free-hand cut the stem of the flower. For the leaves, I cut four of the smaller corners with the photo corners punch.
I folded each in half and glued the stack of them together, one on top of the other.

Finally, I put SNAIL on the back side of both punched pieces and glued them to the page creating a fan of three dimensional leaves.
The other cute trick I used on the scrapbook page was the grass. I saw this on another blog some time ago. Of course, I can't find it now. If this was your idea (it was brilliant!) let me know. I'd love to give you credit. First, you punch the scallop edge border, just like you always do.

Then, go back over the scallops and punch about half way between the hills. You can be really haphazard on this step - you don't want them all to look the same. I try to end up with some "blades" of grass that are longer than others (it makes me feel at home!).Supply list for scrapbook page:
Whisper white 12x12 cardstock; 106529; $7.50
Green galore 12x12 cardstock; 107110; $7.50
Tempting turquoise 8.5x11 cardstock; 102067; $5.50
Real red 8.5x11 cardstock; 102482; $5.50
Whisper white grosgrain ribbon; 109025; $4.95
Crushed curry polka-dot grosgrain ribbon; 115614; $9.95
Summer sun corduroy button; 114343; $9.95
Real red corduroy button; 117268; $9.95
Scallop edge border punch; 112091; $15.95
Photo corners punch; 109042; $15.95
Wide oval punch; 112082; $15.95
Scallop circle punch; 109043; $15.95
Real red stampin' pad; 103133; $5.95
Tempting turquoise stampin' pad; 100814; $5.95
Crushed curry stampin' pad; 115659; $5.95

Stampin' Addicts' SAB Blog Hop - Stop #1 - Vintage Labels

2010-01-16T09:26:00.008-06:00

Welcome to Stampin' Addicts 2010 Sale-a-Bration Blog Hop. This is the time of year when Stampin' Up! offers you FREE merchandise for every $50 of merchandise you order. It's one of the best times of year and this blog celebrates all things Sale-a-Bration!

You have found stop #1 on the hop, featuring Vintage Labels, an exclusive stamp set you can only get free during Sale-a-Bration. If you just arrived from Stampin' Addicts, welcome and thank you for stopping by! You can follow the hop right through - each stop will lead you to the next and make a complete circuit. The last stop on the blog is Twila's Stamp a Little Longer where she showcases this year's Ronald McDonald charity stamp set, Very Thankful. You can follow the hop forward or backward and it makes a complete circuit. The blog hop posts will be active through midnight on Monday, January 18. After that, many hostesses will post detail pictures, instructions, and supply lists. Be sure to bookmark your favorites and go back to visit next week!

I created three projects using this stamp set - a card, a scrapbook layout, and a 3-D project. The stamp set coordinates with four Stampin' Up punches: the curly label, the scallop circle, the 1" circle, and the wide oval punches.

The simplest - and fastest! - project I made was a little box using the matchbox die and Shades of Spring DSP, orchid opulence cardstock, and certainly celery grosgrain ribbon. I also used my Movers & Shapers die with the extended cutting pads to make a mat.

The second project I created was a card. I again used the Shades of Spring DSP and coupled it with the top note die, the dotted Stampin' Up Backgrounds #1 Texturz plate, and the scallop trip border punch. I layered barely banana with the DSP on pretty in pink cardstock. I sponged the barely banana top note and the scallop circle with pretty in pink ink to give it a distressed look. I sprayed a healthy dose (translation: a whole lot!) of frost shimmer mist onto the every layer except the barely banana top note.

The final project is a scrapbook layout that I had mushing through my brain for a while. The style of the Vintage Labels stamp set is ... well, vintage. but I really wanted to show you something else you could do with it. I like the vintage look, but I know that not everyone does. I've always loved the Pick a Petal set and knew I could make that wide oval frame into a flower. Once I did that, the circle one screamed SUN to me! I used a summer sun corduroy button, crushed curry polka dot ribbon, a real red corduroy button, my scallop edge border punch, my photo corners punch, and white grosgrain ribbon. The blue clouds are sewn on using my sewing machine.

I hope you've enjoyed the projects I created with this stamp set. You could earn the stamp set for free by purchasing the materials to make each one of these projects. I will post detail pictures, supply lists, and instructions for the projects next week after the hop is over. In the mean time, hop over to Stella's blog - Stellar Stamps - where she has created projects using the Happy Moments set.

It's Almost Here!

2010-01-15T10:57:00.002-06:00

You only have to wait one more day for the Stampin' Addicts Sale-a-Bration Blog Hop!

I'm so excited to be participating again. I have some fun projects that I really hope you will enjoy. I'm also a little scared - I'm the first one on the hop tomorrow! So come back to support me and then hop through to all of the other stops. There are some amazingly talented ladies who will be following behind me. You won't believe all they come up with. I can't wait!

I {Heart} This Card!

2010-01-14T05:00:00.001-06:00

I had a lot of fun with this card. This is a fast and simple card made with only a few supplies. It is also one that you can easily adapt for other occasions and with alternate supplies. I textured a piece of whisper white cardstock with a plate from the Stampin' Up Backgrounds 1 set then sponged the raised/embossed portions with Pretty in Pink, Real Red, and Chocolate Chip inks. The stamp set is a new set called I {Heart} Hearts. The image I stamped is actually two stamps, the filigree heart and the dotted outline. I used my Stamp-a-Majig to make sure the images were lined up so my finished product is just perfect!

You will need these supplies to make this project:
Real Red cardstock (#102482 - $5.50)
Whisper White cardstock (#100730 - $7.50)
Pretty in Pink ink pad (#101301 - $5.95)
Real Red ink pad (#103133 - $5.95)
Chocolate Chip ink pad (#100908 - $5.95)
I {Heart} Hearts stamp set (W #117010 - $26.95, C #118571 - $18.95)
Big Shot (#113439 - $99.95)
Stampin' Up Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plates (#114512 - $11.95)
Real Red 5/8" grosgrain ribbon (#109052 - $7.95)
Linen thread (#104199 - $4.50)
Real Red corduroy button (#117268 - $9.95)
Stamp-a-Majig (#101049 - $11.95)

Friend, You Raise Kindness to an Art

2010-01-13T05:00:00.003-06:00

I fell in love with this stamp set the first time I laid eyes on it. I envisioned the long skinny stamp making a border so that is what I had to do with my first project using it. This card would not have been possible without using my Stamp-a-Majig. Some people are talented, but I can use my SAM and look like a pro too! It's the best thing since sliced bread. Everything turns out perfect every time.

So, using my SAM, I created a border frame. I cut along the edges for a filigree effect and stamped the floral flourishes inside the frame. I stamped the flower and friends elements on very vanilla cardstock. The larger flower and the F are both stamped in chocoalte chip. The smaller flowers were stamped in bordering blue. I then used the rock-n-roll technique (remember my card with that technique from Monday?) with chocolate chip to make two-toned flowers. I placed a chocolate chip corduroy button on the larger flower, but Stampin' Up doesn't make small brown brads (we do have the jumbo brads in two sizes!). What are you supposed to do? Put a silver brad on the flower (I didn't like the way that looked)? Buy a brown brad from somewhere else (Heavens no! Plus, why spend more money when you already have supplies?)? My solution: I made a chocolate chip brad. How, you ask? I patted a regular silver brad onto the chocolate chip craft pad and then dipped it into clear embossing powder. I heat embossed the brad then repeated the process. How awesome is that? You can create brads in any of Stampin' Up's 51 craft ink colors! You can't beat that with a stick! Finally, I added chocolate chip double stitched grosgrain ribbon, popped up the filigree frame and and all stamped elements, and curled up the edges of all stamped flowers. I stamped the sentiment (You Raise Kindness to an Art) at the bottom in chocolate chip.

You like?

To a Friend

2010-01-12T05:00:00.001-06:00

I really struggled getting this card together. I really wanted to use that scallop envelope and line the inside with the gorgeous Sending Love DSP, but I couldn't get a layout that I really liked. As a matter of fact, I originally made the card you saw yesterday with the intention of putting this envelope on it. I never could get it to look right, so I abandoned that idea and my cute little envelope. While working on my next card, I knew that this sketch would be a great place to put it. I also wanted to add a different shape and some texture. The best way to do that is to pull out your Big Shot. Do you know that I used to trace shapes I would create on my computer and cut them out to add different elements to my cards and scrapbook pages? It would literally take me hours to complete anything because of all the time it took to get the pieces made. Now, I whip out the Big Shot, insert material (cardstock, fabric, felt, wood sheets, acetate sheets, foam, lots of stuff!), turn the handle a few times, and voila!, I have a shape or I've texturized my paper.

I really love the way this card turned out. Lots to keep me interested without too much to be too busy. I sponged all of the paper pieces (except the chocolate chip cardstock) with chocolate chip ink. After texturing the scalloped circle, I lightly sponged the surface with very vanilla craft ink. That really made the raised-embossed spots stand out.

To make this card, you will need the following supplies:
Big Shot (#113439 - $99.95)
Stampin' Up! Perfect Details Texturz Plates (#115962 - $3.95)
Scallop Circle #2 (#113469 - $19.95)
Scallop Envelope (#113462 - $21.95)
Real Red cardstock (#102482 - $5.50)
Pretty in Pink cardstock (#100459 - $5.50)
Chocolate Chip cardstock (#102128 - $5.50)
Very vanilla cardstock (#101650 - $7.50)
Sending Love Specialty DSP (#117153 - $11.95)
Very vanilla craft ink (#104308 - $7.50)
Chocolate Chip ink pad (#100908 - $5.95)
With All My Heart stamp set (W #118134 - $17.95, C 118623 - $13.95)
Stampin' Sponges (#101610, $3.50)

Sending Love and Thanks

2010-01-11T05:00:00.001-06:00

I finally had a chance to sit down with all my yummy supplies I ordered from the new Occasions catalog. You have to see this stuff to believe it! There are so many gorgeous stamps and papers that I can't get to each of my new toys fast enough! You have to see the Sending Love Specialty DSP to really believe it. It is fabulous! I used that paper as the starting point for some of the cards you'll see this week.

Today's card uses a technique that produces a unique image. The technique is called Rock 'n' Roll. You ink your stamp with your lighter colored ink. Tilt the stamp about 45 degrees (half way to sitting upright on its side edge) and press the edge of your stamp into a different colored ink pad. Roll the stamp around so that the edge is inked all the way around your stamp. You can change the angle of the stamp to get more of less of the second color onto the stamp.

To make this card you need the following supplies:
Kraft cardstock (#102125 - $7.50)
Very Vanilla cardstock (#101650 - $7.50)
Real Red cardstock (#102482 - $5.50)
Pretty in Pink (#100459 - $5.50)
Sending Love Special DSP (#117153 - $11.95)
With All My Heart stamp set (W #118134 - $17.95, C #118623 - $13.95)
Real Red ink pad (#103133 - $5.95)
Pretty in Pink ink pad (#101301 - $5.95)
Clips Assortment (#112580, $6.95)
Linen Thread (#104199 - $4.50)

BOLO - Sale-a-Bration Blog Hop

2010-01-10T12:35:00.002-06:00

I had so much fun on the last blog hop that I had to sign up for another one. Didn't you just love all the awesome things that were created for the new Occasions mini? There are some very talented stampers over at Stampin' Addicts. You won't want to miss the SAB blog hop.

What is Sale-a-Bration, you ask? This is the biggest Stampin' Up deal of the year. For every $50 you spend in merchandise, you get a free stamp set for FREE. No limits, no fine print, no catches. This year is better than ever because you have the choice of four exclusive stamp sets, a designer series paper pad, (for the first time ever!) a border punch, and 56 (yes, I said, 56) additional stamp sets from the Idea Book and Catalog. How awesome is that?

Come back here on Saturday and follow the hop through to find out some amazing things to make with these stamp sets.

Stop #20 Stampin' Addicts Blog Hop - Birds Aplenty

2010-01-01T08:35:00.005-06:00

I am so excited to be participating in my first Stampin' Addicts blog hop! If you are following through the hop, you just came from Twila's blog (Stamp A Little Longer) where she showcased the new Sweet Pea DSP and matching stitched felt embellishments. Didn't you love what she did?

I have a love affair with chipboard. I love the texture, the thickness, and the dimensionality you get when you use it. I love that you can cover it, stamp it, paint it, decoupage it, or leave it naked (and I love that you can call it naked!). :) When I saw that Stampin' Up is offering new chipboard stuff, I knew I had to have it! There are three new shaped chipboard books - a bird, a flower, and a heart. Everyone makes chipboard books - in fact, I'm in the middle of making the heart one for my husband for a birthday gift in a couple of weeks, but I wanted to do something a little different for the blog hop. Thinking outside the box, you know?

So I decided to make some home decor using the chipboard book. I had a picture of what I wanted in my mind until I asked my daughter which book she wanted me to use since it would hang in her room. She chose the bird book. The book comes with eight pages (each pre-punched to fit the chain that also comes with the set). I altered each side of the birds differently using the Razzledazzle DSP (one of my new favorites!). I painted, stamped, embossed, ruched (had to look that up for spelling!) and paper pieced. I used my Big Shot, shimmer paint, crimper, corduroy buttons, create a brads, (lots of) glitter, and ribbon.

The art mobile is now hanging over her bead and matches perfectly with her bedding and new curtains. Which book will you make first and how will you alter it?

Keep hopping along in order to Melissa's blog (Stamping with Melissa). She is showcasing a new stamp set, Little Angel. Such cute projects! Thanks for stopping by today.

As the Year Draws to an End

2009-12-31T19:24:00.002-06:00

I am reminded of all the reasons I am thankful. I have been blessed with a thoughtful and supportive husband, beautiful children, and a healthy family. There is nothing more I could ask for. I'm not one who makes New Year resolutions, but it is my daily endeavor to become a better wife, mother, and friend and to be more Christ-like.

Start the new year out by telling someone how important they are to you. Write a note, make a phone call, send an email.

To my family, friends, and readers: Thank you. I am blessed because you are in my life. Here's to another year.

BOLO - Occasions Blog Hop

2009-12-30T16:30:00.002-06:00

Be On the Look Out! I'm participating in a blog hop hosted by Stampin' Addicts. Be sure to come back and see what I create. The hop will run from noon on January 1 through midnight on January 3. You won't believe all of the great things coming!

Ugh!

2009-12-30T09:55:00.002-06:00

December was crazy! I'm glad it's almost over. For the family and friends who follow me, my mother is doing much better. She came home from the hospital yesterday. I took a long nap yesterday afternoon and slept well last night. I think I'm back on track.

For everyone else, be sure to stop by later this week. I'm participating in a blog hop on Stampin' Addicts that showcases the newest must-haves from Stampin' Up! The new mini catalog begins next week. My open crafting day (scheduled for Saturday) will go on as planned, so if you want to come, it's not too late to sign up.

Taking a day off...

2009-11-28T22:17:00.002-06:00

I had planned to spend the day crafting today but had a few unexpected plans. First, a friend of the family had an emergency appendectomy yesterday and my mother and I went to see her in the hospital this morning. She's in high school and was feeling pretty down. After we left the hospital, we went to Johnny Cace's for lunch. Oh, why did they take Cace's away from Tyler? It leaves me feeling distraught! When I got home I changed into the comfy clothes and planned to craft this evening. As it turned out, I didn't get to do that either. Roy and I went on a date tonight. He got to pick the movie. I really thought that "Have You Heard About the Morgans" opened November 20 (I got it confused with "Blind Side" which I also want to see). Roy picked "Old Dogs" because I really had no interest in "2012". It was funny. I laughed. But I would never pick it on my own and I don't really care to see it again. The next movie is mine. There are a lot coming out soon that I want to see.

That was the long way around to say that I will have some creations tomorrow. I need to make some samples and have just the projects in mind. Until then...

After Thanksgiving Sale!

2009-11-27T06:47:00.004-06:00

If you are out fighting the crazy crowd this morning racking up amazing deals, then bless you! I'm not. I tried that one year and it's just not worth it to me! I'm not cut out for it. However, in the back of my mind I always think of the deals I've missed. I want to get the deals, but I don't want to pay the price. If you are like me, I have the perfect deal for you! I'm hosting an After Thanksgiving Sale. It's not like Black Friday because it's good from now until 8:00 Monday night. That way you can combine it with any of the Holiday Extravaganza items. Wait, it's BETTER than Black Friday because I don't have limited supplies! Everyone gets a special goodie! No standing in line and no running out of the good stuff!

Here's the deal:

My Black Friday Email-a-Thon will begin right now and will run until 8:00 on Monday night. (Remember that you can order Holiday Extravaganza until 11:50 p.m. on Monday night via my website, but to participate in my sale and get your extra goodies, you must order through me.) When you email me (heathercarnes@sbcglobal.net) I will email you back with the promotion offer that you received and the total amount due. So please make sure your order is complete when you email it to me. You won't be able to add to your order after you received your promotion. *** Please note that you cannot receive this offer on my Stampin' Up! website or from any other demonstrator. This is my gift to you as a thank you for your support.

***In your email please be sure to include the item number, description, quantity and price. To qualify for the Email-A-Thon, a minimum merchandise total purchase of $30.00 is required. Once we hit 10 orders, I will start from the top of the list again with email 1. All orders will ship to me and payment must be received in order for me to place your individual order.

1st email - FREE Shipping
2nd email - FREE adhesive package (SNAIL refill and dimensionals - value $8.45)
3rd email - FREE Class of your choice - up to $15.00 value
4th email - FREE Classic Ink Pad (value $5.95)
5th email - FREE two markers (any colors) value $6.50
6th email - FREE medium envelopes - value $6.50
7th email - Free level 1 Hostess Set
8th email - FREE 8.5x11 single color paper pack - value $5.50
9th email - FREE Designer brads - value $5.95
10th email - FREE Ribbon - value $6.95 or less

Thanksgiving Blessings

2009-11-26T05:00:00.000-06:00

I have so much to be thankful for. I am surrounded by family this Thanksgiving season, God is in control, and God has blessed us so completely this past year. God is good all the time! May your day be filled with conversation, laughter, and memories. Blessings to you.

Don't let the Holiday Extravaganza Pass You By!

2009-11-25T16:24:00.006-06:00

There are only five days left to take advantage of the awesome deals in the Holiday Extravaganza. If you haven't had a chance to check out my demonstrator website that details all of the specials, I've converted them into a table for you, but try as I may - I can't make the picture larger than that! If you'd like a copy emailed to you, drop me a line or leave a message and I can send one speeding your way. The deals are amazing with everything 30-50% off! I'll be placing another order, so let me know if you are interested. Don't forget to check back on Friday for my Black Friday specials. They are only available from me.

What's on your wish list?

2009-11-24T23:48:00.004-06:00

I spent a little time surfing the internet today and looking at the Black Friday ads. I have an idea of what I will buy a few people for Christmas this year (strictly online, definitely not going out on Friday!). Part of my shopping list includes some of the specials Stampin' Up is featuring in the Holiday Extravaganza this year. I'm even picking out a few of my favorite things for myself. I'm starting to have customers call me about their orders ... don't wait too late. The specials are only available for a limited time. Go to my demonstrator website to check out the deals. Oh, and Black Friday sales? Be sure to check here on my blog for my own version of Black Friday. I can't wait for you to see what I have planned!

Holiday Extravaganza Is Here!

2009-11-23T20:56:00.004-06:00

Oh my goodness! Last year the holiday extravaganza was really good. I bought several items and my customers were excited and able to place orders for items that had been on their wish lists. This year I'm completely blown away by the deals. Speechless. Do you know how hard it is to make me speechless? :)

Stampin' Up has really outdone themselves this time. I got up early this morning to make a quick post about the great specials, but I just couldn't address them all. I had to quickly email my customers and head to work. Now that I'm home for the night, I have to take the time to give you the lowdown on what Stampin' Up has put on the table. It's as good as Thanksgiving dinner!

The deets:
* This is a limited time offer. It only lasts one week - November 23 through November 30.
* Stampin' Up is guaranteeing the special pricing for the entire week on all items except for the Ultimate Stampers' Starter Bundle. That item is available in limited quantities only.
* You can order through my demonstrator website or by calling me to place an order. You can also see all of the items there or on the Stampin' Up website.

Now for the fun part. Last year there were several great deals. This year, Stampin' Up is offering 38 - yes, THIRTY EIGHT! - bundles and 15 single items. Wow! Check out the list below for a complete list of items available.

Coming tomorrow!

2009-11-22T15:49:00.004-06:00

Holiday Extravaganza is one of my favorite times if the Stampin' Up year - and it starts tomorrow! Check back tomorrow morning and you'll see the limited time specials offered by Stampin' Up! SU slashes prices on stamping supplies and accessories. Last year, I was able to buy some awesome punch bundles at a deep discount. I have no clue what the bundles or supplies will be, but I know that they will be great deals. I hope you are as excited as I am about this amazing opportunity! See you tomorrow.

Thanksgiving Feast Place Cards

2009-11-19T05:00:00.004-06:00

I love, love, LOVE this project! Last week a notice was sent home that two parents were needed to set up for the Thanksgiving feast and make place cards. I replied that I couldn't set up, but that I could make place cards for the children's lunch. On Tuesday after work I got an email asking me to make place cards and have them at school on Thursday morning. Since Wednesday is a church night, I decided to go ahead and make them Tuesday night. I had no clue what to do, but knew that it had to be juvenile-themed rather than adult-elegant. I kept thinking that I didn't have a turkey stamp when all of a sudden it hit me to create a turkey. I've seen turkeys made in this style and I even made a similar turkey from oval punches designed by my upline.

The evolution of this turkey was a bit of a challenge. I kept thinking of things to use to create the face (Boho Blossoms punch) and feet (Jumbo Snowflake punch), but I didn't own those particular punches (proof that you should get one of everything just in case!). I finally found an old gingerbread punch that my mother bough me years ago because I decorate in gingerbread men/women/houses at Christmas. It came in very handy as I used the legs for the turkey gobble. Everything else is Stampin' Up.

I cut the 12x12 cardstock into 4x6 inch pieces. I scored them at 3 inches and folded them to create a little tent. The body of the turkey is popped up off the feathers. The turkey head is popped up off the body. The names were computer generated.

Supplies I used:
Chocolate chip cardstock, 12x12 (#107102, $7.50)
Dusty durango cardstock (#115321, $5.50)
Whisper white cardstock (#100730, $7.50)
More mustard cardstock (#1000946, $5.50) - beak
Ruby red cardstock (#102030, $5.50) - turkey gobble
More mustard Stampin' pad (#103162, $5.95)
Ruby red Stampin' pad (#102259, $5.95)
Dusty durango Stampin' pad (#115654, $5.95)
Close to cocoa Stampin' write marker (#100072, $3.25)
1 3/8" circle punch (#104401, $15.95)
3/4" circle punch (#107217, $10.95)
1/4" circle punch (retired) (cut in halves for the eyes)
Pick a Petal stamp set (#115042, $29.95)
non-SU gingerbread man punch (legs only)
Stampin' dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)

I sent the place cards to school yesterday. The homeroom mother and the teacher seemed to like them. I think they are so much cuter in person! Thanks for looking.

3-D Ornament Punch Card

2009-11-18T05:00:00.002-06:00

I had so much fun with this card! I originally thought I would not do a Christmas card since we are meeting again this Saturday, but I couldn't help myself! The dimensional ornament was not my idea, but I can't remember and can't find my inspiration. I know I marked it, but it's just not jumping out at me right now. If I'm talking about you, drop me a line and I will be happy to give proper credit.

One reason I like the card is because of the color combo I used. I never - and I mean NEVER - use mellow moss or bravo burgundy. They just aren't in my go-to color stacks. I think the combination for the Christmas card turned out quite lovely.

The main reason I love this card is because I finally used my shimmer paint on the card! I bought my spray bottle and the alcohol a couple of weeks ago, but I just hadn't had the opportunity to mix the paint and try it out. I can't believe the effect! My card class members just about had a fit! They fell in love with the possibilities here. :)

The supplies I used for this card are:
Mellow moss cardstock (#102898, $5.50)
Bravo burgundy cardstock (#105123, $5.50)
Christmas Cocoa DSP (#116770, $9.95)
Versamark pad (#102283, $7.50)
Silver Stampin' emboss powder (#109131, $4.75)
Heat tool (#100005, $29.95)
Many Merry Messages (#116586, $34.95)
Silver elastic cord (#109866, $4.95)
Champagne mist shimmer paint (#116806, $5.95)
Ornament punch (#116794, $15.95)
Stampin' dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)

Thank you vase

2009-11-17T05:00:00.003-06:00

Hello! What beautiful fall weather we are having! It's November and 50 degrees - it's darn near winter here in Texas. :)

If you missed the stamping night tonight, you missed this card. I thought it really turned out well. I love the textures from all of the textures plates. The ornament punch has so many uses! For this card, I snipped the pointy end off and made a short, fat vase. You could also narrow the wide curves to make a skinnier vase. What else can you do with that punch?

This card featured the following supplies:
Kraft cardstock (#102125, $7.50)
Ruby red cardstock (#102030, $5.50)
Chocolate chip cardstock (#102128, $5.50)
Very vanilla (#101650, $7.50)
Autumn Days (#115452, $23.95)
Teeny tiny wishes (#115370, $36.95)
Word window punch (#105090, $15.95)
Ornament punch (#116794, $15.95)
Always artichoke stampin' pad (#105219, $5.95)
Autumn Traditions DSP (#115668, $9.95)
Texturz Plates Kit #4 (#114531, $9.95) - I used the Distressed plate
1/16" Circle punch (#101227, $8.95)
Linen tread (#104199, $4.50)
Stampin' sponge (#101610, $3.50)

Thankful, grateful, appreciative

2009-11-16T05:00:00.001-06:00

I love autumn. I love the colors and I love Thanksgiving. November and December are my favorite holiday months of the entire year. This card is a sneak peek for my November Bring a Friend Stamping Night tonight at my house.

In this card, I used the following supplies:
Dusty durango cardstock (#115321, $5.50)
Crushed curry cardstock (#115319, $5.50)
Very vanilla cardstock (#101650, $7.50)
Autumn traditions DSP (#115668, $9.95)
Sanded (#109294, $17.95)
Soft suede Stampin' pad (#115657, $5.95)
In colors Stampin' write marker set (#116329, $17.95) - I used crushed curry and dusty durango out of the set)
Stampin' sponges (#101610, $3.50)
Soft Suede polka-dot grosgrain ribbon (#115612, $9.95) - this is double sided and I used the non-printed side (so versatile!)

In Honor of My Grandfather

2009-11-15T14:16:00.003-06:00

I don't have a crafting post today. Instead I just want to honor my grandfather again. His name is Thomas - but I've called him "D" all my life. I was the first grandchild and everyone I knew called him "Uncle T" but I couldn't say "T". The name D stuck and that's how everyone knows him today. Thank you to all of the veterans. Your sacrifice is great.

It's a Berry Christmas

2009-11-12T05:00:00.001-06:00

Here's another card I made this last weekend. I think it looks a little like a window with a curtain valance above. The little bird is popped up on dimensionals.

Supplies I used for this card:
Real red cardstock (#102482, $5.50)
Close to Cocoa cardstock (#101341, $5.50)
Christmas Cocoa DSP (#------, $9.95)
Whisper white (#102851, $7.50)
Real red grosgrain ribbon (#109034, $4.95)
Close to cocoa stampin' pad (#103139, $5.95)
Green galore stampin' pad (#102122, $5.95)
Gable green stampin' pad (#101673, $5.95)
Glorious green stampin' pad (#103040, $5.95)
Real red stampin' pad (#103133, $5.95)
Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
Scallop edge punch (#112091, $15.95)

Blessings and Autumn Days pheasant

2009-11-11T05:00:00.003-06:00

To all the veterans - both retired and active service, at home and abroad - thank you. I appreciate your sacrifice. To the families of veterans, your sacrifice and support is so important. Thank you. I'm participating in my first blog hop on Saturday. It is in honor of Operation Write Home, a blog that sends mail to military members around the world and whose main mission is to provide them with homemade cards to send to their loved ones. Keep checking back. I'll have a few special creations to share in my little corner of cyberspace. After the blog hop, my cards will be sent to Operation Write Home and mailed to military heroes around the world. Are you interested? Be sure to check out their blog and find out how you can get involved.

This card is very much out of my comfort zone! The sketch is very different than one I would normally make. Roy really liked this card and a some of the details I included. It is one of the few masculine cards that I've made lately. I need to make more of these!

Supplies I used for this card:
Soft suede cardstock
Very vanilla cardstock
Crushed curry cardstock
Rich razzleberry cardstock
Autumn Traditions DSP
Crushed curry stamp pad
Soft suede stamp pad
Dusty durango stamp pad
Brads
Paper piercing tool and Mat pack

You only live once

2009-11-10T05:00:00.001-06:00

Here is another card that I created last weekend. It doesn't really look how I envisioned it, but I think I like it.

The items I used are:
Very vanilla cardstock
Basic black cardstock
Watercolor paper
Basic black stamp pad
Melon mambo stamp pad
Crushed curry stamp pad
Aquapainter
Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

2009-11-09T05:00:00.000-06:00

I spent the afternoon today downstairs in the scrapbook room. I'll be showing you these cards throughout the next several days. The first was quick and easy and used a new toy - the Movers & Shakers die!
To make this card I used:
Whisper white cardstock
Melon mambo cardstock
Christmas Punch stamp set
Movers & Shakers die
Curly Label punch
Green galore stamp pad
Whisper white grosgrain ribbon

This card uses the Movers & Shakers die with my Big Shot.The die has a magnetic piece (one that exactly matches and coordinates with the curly label punch) that attaches to the larger die. It makes that curly label punch place-able anywhere you want on the card. It's great to have that flexibility! Do you know what's even better? I got my Movers & Shakers die for $10! It is regular $42.95, but when you place a workshop order of $250 or more, you can choose any item in the Holiday Mini for only $10. What item do you want? Contact me if you'd like to hostess a party (your home or mine) or have a book party (collect orders - and your free gifts!).

MDS Christmas Album

2009-11-08T19:38:00.003-06:00

Happy Sunday (though I'm pretty late to be saying that!). I didn't post earlier, so I wanted to give you something I haven't shown yet. I'm working on an album that covers the past year starting at Thanksgiving and going through this Thanksgiving when I hope to be finished with the entire album. I'm going to print it and give it to my father for Christmas this year. It will be my first album to print, but I received in the mail the MDS card I had printed. It is amazing! The quality is fabulous, the cardstock thick, and the colors true. Here is one of the pages that will be in the album.

Grandfriends' Day and One of My Favorite Fall Cards

2009-11-07T05:00:00.000-06:00

Today was Grandfriends' Day at Eliza's school. Every year my mother makes a point to be there and this year was no exception. There is always Muffins with Grandfriends, followed by the musical presentation, followed by the classroom tours and the book fair. My mother never goes to Muffins because the grandparents who do don't get seats in the gym (or they have to sit really far away). The musical program always features each lower school class singing, the middle school and upper school choirs, and is fabulous. The fine arts program really rocks! This year the second graders learned Psalm 100 to recite today. Here is Eliza in her classroom just after reciting her Psalm 100. Unfortunately, I can't get this thing right side up. Sorry!

I was going back through some of my all-time favorite creations and I found this card. It uses the Loads of Love stamp set that is absolutely precious and so versatile! Even though I made this card last year and used a DSP that is now retired, isn't it great how Stampin' Up! offers us great papers year after year? I've used the set for Valentine's Day, Christmas, and just a nice masculine card. I love all the things you can do with it!

Traveling Veterans' Memorial Wall

2009-11-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

Not crafting related but life related. On Wednesday of this week, the Traveling Veterans' Memorial Wall made its way to Wood County. The truck carrying the wall is traveling around the country to celebrate veterans from all wars throught American history. Hawkins ISD was the first stop as it made its way to all the schools in the county. We are a small district (about 750 students) and we occupy a single property with three separate school campuses. Each campus turned out to line the street. The truck was escorted by county sheriff trucks, local fire trucks, local police, and a volunteer veteran motorcycle group. On hand were the oldest living veterans in the county serving as the grand marshals of the "parade". The elementary sang "America" and there was a brief presentation by the city mayor. The entire procession lasted less than 30 minutes, but it was moving. If you are interested, the wall is set up at the Mineola Civic Center until Saturday and is free to all who wish to visit.

Special Decor Elements Offer

2009-11-05T05:00:00.000-06:00

I promised yesterday that I would offer a special Decor Elements bonus. If you attend my November Bring a Friend night on Monday, November 16, you will be able to make a project using Decor Elements that I will not feature at any other class. It will be fast and easy so you can see just how simple it is to include these in your home decorating and crafting. Best of all, the project will be FREE!

And I have an even better special than that! If you bring a new (to me) customer to the Bring a Friend night, you will get 10% off your order on that night. How can it get better than that? Be sure to RSVP and let me know you are bringing a guest so I can have all of the supplies cut and ready for you.

Check out my calendar on my demonstrator website and see the classes coming up. Reserve your spot today!

Holiday Gift Ideas

2009-11-04T05:00:00.002-06:00

Do you need holiday gift ideas? Do you need help designing cards or gifts, choosing colors, selecting stamp sets, or creating with limited supplies? That is what I'm here for! Look at the Stampin' Up! Holiday Extravaganza Gift-Giving Guide. I can help you with any of those things. Be sure to download that guide on the right - it's four pages long and packed with great ideas. Then you can call me for assistance OR login/create your personal account at my SU store. I want to help you give gifts that people will remember all year long!

Don't forget that for every $50 you spend in the Holiday Extravaganza Gift-Giving Guide (not including taxes/shipping) you will get a FREE Decor Element (up to $16.95 value) from Stampin' Up! as your gift! This gift does not apply to merchandise that is not in the gift-giving guide. You have a ton of Decor Elements to choose from in many colors to match all the rooms in your house. You can safely apply these to most walls as well as books, photo albums, glass jars, wooden boxes, and many other creative spots. Be sure to check your surface first, but then have fun decorating your world! Find the Decor Elements collection here. Check in tomorrow for a surprise announcement related to this special offer that you can only get from me!

My Digital Studio card

2009-11-03T05:00:00.001-06:00

Several weeks ago, I signed up to complete the certification course for My Digital Studio. Stampin' Up! has provided all demonstrators with an awesome opportunity to learn more about the digital program and receive great training so we can best serve our customers' needs. I thought I would not be able to complete the training in time because I've been so busy with work and my dissertation. However, I decided that I couldn't let the limited time opportunity pass and I'm so glad I didn't! I learned so much.

I am definitely NOT a digital scrapping person. Can you believe that? As much as I'm glued to my computer, I never thought I'd enjoy the digital version. Now, don't get me wrong - I love the feel of that premium SU cardstock in my hands and the effects of that rubber on the paper. I don't think I'll ever get over that. But the digital tools are so much fun too! The final part of the training was to create a project. Here is the card I created. I've ordered it and can't wait for it to arrive in the mail. It's only November and I'm already having anxiety spells. What am I going to do when Crushed Curry is discontinued next summer? I know that there will be six awesome new colors, but I will definitely have withdrawal pains. I'm going to start stockpiling now. :)

Wow. Just wow!

2009-11-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

OK. I said the other day that I had a new go-to in my crafting supplies. Let me just say that I am blown away. This new toy is absolutely amazing. I'm nearly speechless. Don't get excited, I said nearly! I had put off ordering the matchbox die because, honestly, I just wasn't sure that I'd get enough use out of it to justify the cost - and I do have to watch my crafting budget. Not to mention, have you seen how many folds it has? It has to take at least 3 hours and an engineering degree to assemble, right? If I knew then what I know now, it would have been on my FIRST order! Look at this sweet little number.

Oh my goodness! This box was easy peasy lemon breezy to put together! I seriously had it assembled in about 2 minutes the first time - and that was scrupulously following the directions. I don't think I'll ever get tired of this box! It holds four Hershey's nuggets (the kind with almonds, of course) perfectly. It can also hold small gifts, jewelry, embellishments, and other surprises. I wrapped the nuggets in coordinating designer series paper and voila! Perfect tiny gift to go. The box is made of a base (bottom and sides) and a sleeve that slides onto the box. The die even comes with three shapes that perfectly correlate with a stamp set.

Supplies I used:
Not quite navy cardstock (#100059, $5.50)
Autumn Meadows designer series paper (#------, $9.95)
Not quite navy stampin' pad (#103008, $5.95)
Not quite navy stampin write marker (#100059, $3.25)
Pumpkin pie stampin' write marker (#105115, $3.25)
Old olive stampin' write marker (#100079, $3.25)
Matchbox die (#114890, $42.95)
Don't forget that you will need the extended cutting pads for this die.

Old Frankie with a new twist

2009-11-01T05:00:00.000-06:00

I took some cards that I made last year and added a little twist to them. I loved these Frankie cards (not my original idea, but I don't know where I first saw them) but I needed something that could hold a gift card. I used the idea for the gift card insert from an awesome blog I read every day, Song of My Heart Stampers, and you can see my inspiration HERE. Isn't that so cute?!?!

So, here is the card I made with the addition of that awesome gift card slot.

Supplies I used include:
Old olive cardstock (#100702, $5.50)
Perfect plum cardstock (#101889, $5.50)
Whisper white cardstock (#100730, $7.50)
Basic black cardstock (#102851, $7.50)
Top note die (#113463, $21.95)
1" circle punch (#109046, $10.95)
Tasty Sweet stamp set (#111698, $19.95)
Really rust stampin' write marker (#100073, $3.25)
Pumpkin pie stampin' write marker (#105115, $3.25)
Summer sun stampin' write marker (#100077, $3.25)
Basic black stampin' write marker (#100082, $3.25)
Word window punch (#105090, $15.95)

Stampin' Addicts - Join the Fun!

2009-10-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

I've found a new place for fun and inspiration. Stampin Addicts is an online community of stampers crazy for Stampin’ Up. Started last February, SA now has some 3000+ members and a growing SU-focused gallery.

To push the gallery to the 10,000 mark and beyond, SA is hosting a Great Gallery Gussy Up and Giveaway.

Upload your Stampin Up projects (current or retired) to the SA gallery by November 8. One lucky uploader will be randomly selected to win Sweet Season, a So Shelli favorite on page 29 of the IBC. (Run get your catalog right now check out the set. What?! You don't have a catalog? Geez Louise, email me and I'll get one to you right away!)

Not a member of SA yet? Signing up is easy and free. Tell them Heather (hcarnes) sent you! You won't believe the crafty wonderfulness you'll see and the great people you'll meet.

Need a quick card?

2009-10-30T16:46:00.008-05:00

Last night (as she was going to bed), Eliza told me that she and some of her friends wanted to give everyone in the class a Halloween card. Could I make cards for her? This was in addition to the crafts I still had to come up with, design, make, and pack for her party today. I needed something quick! So I pulled out a die that is quickly becoming a new staple in my crafting arsenal. The other supplies you probably have. Play around with those layers and make them fit what you need.

I used these supplies:
Only Orange cardstock (#102837, $5.50)
Old Olive cardstock (#100702, $5.50)
Very Vanilla cardstock (#101650, $7.50)
Scallop circle punch (#109043, $15.95)
1 3/8" circle punch (#104401, $15.95)
1 1/4" circle punch (#104403, $15.95)
1" circle punch (#109046, 10.95)
Stampin' Up! Exclusive Die - Two Tags (#115954, $21.95)
I used a retired stamp from the Tiny Tags set because my first choice - Batty For You - was missing in action.
Batty For You (#116576, $23.95)

Keep your eyes peeled - I'm going to do a blog blitz in November. You'll see a lot of gift ideas, scrapbooking, and new cards. I will also do another Black Friday sales blitz where you can get amazing deals and FREE stuff! I'm so excited about that, I can hardly wait!

Last Deal of the Week - Best one yet!

2009-10-26T13:25:00.002-05:00

The last October Deal of the Week has been announced and it is the adorable Pirate and Princess party kits shown on pages 74-75 and 174-175! Until October 31st, you can get these kits—no limits—for just $9.99 instead of $15.95 each. These are an awesome option to throw together a great party in a snap!

And they’re not just for kids and birthdays—think bridal showers or baby showers, girl’s night out, guy’s game night, or even a fun theme for your next home party group meeting.

Oh, and what about a “birthday in a box” for your favorite college student away from home?

Each kit includes a clever craft for eight, party favors, cupcake toppers, banners, invitations and envelopes. The only thing you need is adhesive—everything else including ribbon for the banners, elastic cord for the pirate eye patches, even toothpicks, comes included in the kit!

Imagine a fabulous party with no hassle—just pure enjoyment. Call me today and order a couple of kits to have on hand or to give as gifts. I’m stocking up! I'm picturing a baby shower for someone having their first girl soon!

Are your Christmas cards ready to mail yet?

2009-10-21T19:45:00.002-05:00

Well, mine aren't addressed and stamped, but they are designed and I have some made. How about you?

It's about time to get your Christmas cards ready for mailing! This year you can create beautiful handmade cards that will make your friends and family positively glow knowing how much you care. This class will use the Christmas Jingle Simply Scrapping Kit. You will make 30 cards and 2 6x6 scrapbook pages (family portraits, you Christmas tree, your children or grandchildren opening gifts - what pictures will you use?) using 1/2 the kit. If you'd like to make more you can purchase another kit and get double the supplies.

I will provide you with all of the supplies to make the cards and the envelopes. You will need to bring your own adhesive and paper trimmer. You will have 1/4 sheet of card stock, 1/2 sheet patterned paper and a couple of die cuts left over to use on other projects.

The cost of the class is $35 (30 cards and 2 6x6 scrapbook pages plus all of your leftover supplies). I will place the order for all of the supplies on Wednesday, November 11. Your reservation is your payment for the class. If you are unable to attend the class, you can still make the cards! I will give you the kit with all supplies cut and pictures of the assembled cards.

I'm really looking forward to this class - the cards are so cute! Won't you join me?

Stampin Up! Deal of the Week!

2009-10-19T15:05:00.003-05:00

If you know me, you know that I'm a sucker for anything metal! I'm still hoarding some of the aged bronze Hodgepodge Hardware that retired - what was that? - two years ago? So what is the deal of the week now? METAL!!! Woo hoo! Remember that there is no limit to the number of items you can order and NO minimum purchase. The easiest way to order the deal of the week is through my personal Stampin' Up! website.

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Special Price
114348	179	Basic jumbo grommets	$6.95	$4.49
109857	179	Mini Library clips	$12.95	$8.99
112571	179	Circle Designer brads	$5.95	$3.99
112581	179	½” Library clips	$6.95	$3.99

Bring a Friend Stamping Night

2009-10-18T21:33:00.003-05:00

I really love these cards! These are the cards from my October Bring a Friend Stamping night. What, you weren't here? Then you need to bring one of your friends next time! We'd love to have new stamping friends join us.

The first card showcases a new (at least to my stamping group) technique. I used household bleach to stamp the flourish from Baroque Motifs onto chocolate chip cardstock. It bleached the cardstock out and looks almost like kraft in those areas. I had a lot of fun with this one.

Stamps: autumn harvest, baroque motifs

Paper: chocolate chip, dusty durango, very vanilla

Ink: chocolate chip craft, pumpkin pie, dusty durango, more mustard, summer sun, old olive, garden green

Accessories: clear embossing powder, heat gun, blender pens, 5/8" chocolate chip grosgrain, distressing tool

Techniques: bleaching, distressing, heat embossing

The second card is my take on the popular quilted top note card. It's a bit trickier than it looks. I had to use my 2 way glue pen to re-attach tiny slivers of paper from the edges.

Stamps: holiday best

Paper: autumn meadows, rich razzleberry, very vanilla, soft suede

Ink: rich razzleberry

Accessories: big shot, top note die, wide oval punch, sponges, rich razzleberry polka dot ribbon, brads

The last card is one I absolutely LOVE! I very rarely make a clean and simple card, but I would put this one into that category. I adore that flocked paper! It is gorgeous!!!

Stamps: delightful decorations

Paper: whisper white, real red, christmas cocoa dsp

Ink: white craft

Accessories: white embossing powder, white taffeta ribbon, ornament punch

Techniques: heat embossing

Cover Tyler Pink

2009-10-16T10:01:00.004-05:00

Eliza was able to go to the Cover Tyler Pink on the square yesterday. They had pink fire trucks and the firemen were wearing pink gear! They even made the fountain downtown pink! She had tons of fun.

Have you tried digital creating?

2009-10-15T17:19:00.003-05:00

Starting today, seven new My Digital Downloads are available for purchase and use with your My Digital Studio software or other design applications. Several of these images are just in time for Halloween! If you want to see My Digital Studio, be sure to contact me. I'll even let you try out my copy - have laptop, will travel! (No surprise to those who know me!) Once you try it, you will be hooked. It's not just for scrapbooking! If you already own a software program and are not in the market to buy another one, these downloads will work with other programs!

The easiest way to shop is at http://www.heathercarnes.stampinup.net/

Item # -- Product Name -- Price
118114 -- Cast A Spell Designer Series paper - digital download -- $4.95
118115 -- Night & Day Designer Series paper - digital download -- $4.95
118124 -- Medallion stamp brush set - digital download -- $1.95
118126 -- Circle Circus stamp brush set - digital download -- $5.95
118116 -- School Days II stamp brush set - digital download -- $9.95
118121 -- Great Moments II stamp brush set - digital download -- $9.95
118122 -- Pumpkin Patch stamp brush set - digital download -- $5.95

Scripture Book

2009-10-15T09:38:00.004-05:00

My mother has a friend who will be leaving the country tomorrow to go to work in the middle east for a couple of weeks. She wanted a small gift for him to take so I decided to make a tiny chipboard book filled with scriptures. I knew the day was coming quickly, but so many other things crowded out my crafting time. I ended up staying up until about 1:45 this morning finishing the book. I could have added more verses, but overall, I'm pleased with the outcome. Personally, I would add more ribbon and hardware, but I tried to walk a fine line of embellished and masculine.

Supplies for the entire project:
Paper: Autumn Meadows DSP, very vanilla, bermuda bay, crushed curry, close to cocoa
Ink: basic brown, bermuda bay, crushed curry, versamark
Stamps: SU Strength and Refuge, Our Daily Bread Designs
Ribbon: chocolate chip taffeta, crushed curry polka dot
Big Shot accessories: Big Shot, top note die, scalloped circles #2, scalloped envelope, birds & blooms, sweetest stem, texturz perfect details, texturz kit #4, texturz backgrounds 1
Accessories: 2 way glue pen, sticky strip, dazzling diamonds, glassy glaze, pastels, crystal effects, hodgepodge hardware, photo corner punch, 1/16" punch, Bind It All
Techniques: cracked glass, sanding, sponging

Album cover

First page

Sweetest stem and top note peek-a-boo page (there is a sentiment hidden behind the flap!).

I Sing for Joy page with pastel bird on flower branch (I've never done my pastels with Versamark before. I know, I was doing it the hard way! I love, love, love the look of this - especially with the thick layer of crystal effects over it! It really does deepen the colors and provide a nice finish.)

Cracked glass

Resist emboss and scallop envelope page with hidden card

Everything beautiful page with pastel flowers (covered in crystal effects and very pretty, IMO)

Birds & Blooms dove

Last page

Super cute notes and matching box and Ellie

2009-10-04T23:17:00.004-05:00

I have been in the mood to make something all week long but I didn't have time. I took some time tonight to make a little 3x3 box. I filled it with six tiny note cards that coordinate with the box.

Stamps: Best Yet

Paper: rich razzleberry, crushed curry, melon mambo, whisper white, razzleberry lemonade

Ink: rich razzleberry, crushed curry, melon mambo

Accessories: big shot, birds & blooms, two tags, crushed curry corduroy buttons, linen thread, 1" circle punch, wide oval punch, texturz plates, in color markers, crushed curry polka dot ribbon, melon mambo polka dot ribbon, pretties

Techniques: big shot, dry embossing

Finally, this has nothing to do with crafting, but we got a new puppy yesterday. I actually brought this one home. EG named her Ellie so we'd have three E girls. She has a crate where I plan to keep her while we are at school and work. She is supposed to sleep there at night, too. I went to my room earlier tonight and found Gracie and Ellie on my bed asleep.