March Stamp-a-Stack

Happy Leap Year to you, but Wow... March already? The months are flying by... and so is Sale-a-Bration! It ends on March 17th, so I thought I'd create the Stamp-a-Stack cards for this month using the wonderful sets available in the Sale-a-Bration brochure. We will make these during my March Stamp-a-Stack workshop here in my home (detailed below), or you can request the Mail-a-Stack option to make them with your own stamps and ink. And if you don't have the stamps and ink I used, good news! You can purchase the supplies and earn the stamps for FREE! I created these cards so that the supplies to make them cost just over $50 - that way, you could get the stamp set for FREE through the Sale-a-Bration promotion!! I've put the full list of supplies under each photo below. If you're interested in any of the packages, I'll need your order by March 14th. ...and if you order all three packages, you would qualify for Hostess Benefits as well!

I will be travelling a lot during March, so my only Stamp-a-Stack workshop this month will be on Saturday, March 15th from 10am - noon. As always, we will make 4 of each of these 3 designs for a total of 12 cards. The cost of this workshop is $10 with a $15 minimum order, or $20 without an order. This price includes clear envelopes, but if you'd prefer paper envelopes (that can be stamped to coordinate with the cards), they are 0.20 cents each. All supplies are provided for you, pre-cut and scored, but I do ask that you bring your own adhesive. Contact me at mgf@forceworld.com to reserve your spot.

And once again, if you can't make that date or live elsewhere in the US, I will have the Mail-a-Stack option open. I prepare kits that contain pre-cut and scored cardstock, ribbon, embellishments, and envelopes... along with detailed instructions with photographs. (See the bottom of this post for an example of what my kits look like.) The cost for this option is $15 for local pick-up, or $19.60 which includes Priority Shipping. This month, I will need your order for the Mail-a-Stack option by March 14th.

Okay, enough of that. Here are this month's cards:

To make this lovely pastel thank you card ("merci" is French for thank you, of course), I used the beautiful Merci Sale-a-Bration stamp set. This one would easily lend itself to an Easter card, and I will have a couple of Easter sentiments to choose from at the workshop on the 15th. The Mail-a-Stack option will include enough of the following supplies to make 4 of this card: Lavender Lace, Certainly Celery, and Whisper White cardstock, Whisper White taffeta ribbon, and Whisper White envelopes.

Or, if you prefer the full package in order to receive the stamp set for free, here is the list of supplies I used:

Soft Subtles assorted cardstock ($7.95)
Whisper White neutral cardstock ($7.50)
Black StazOn ink pad ($7.95)
Lavender Lace classic ink pad ($5.25)
Certainly Celery classic ink pad ($5.25)
Blender pens ($9.95)
Whisper White Taffeta ribbon ($6.95)
Whisper White envelopes ($6.50)
Merci stamp set (FREE!)
TOTAL: $57.30 plus shipping & tax


My mom's favorite color is red, so I always like to come up with a card that I know she would love. I think this would be one... and here's another one from long ago that you might like if you share her affinity for red! To make the vibrant card shown above, I used the Friendship Blooms Sale-a-Bration stamp set. You can't tell very well from this photo, but the center of the flowers has Dazzling Diamonds on them to make them sparkle! The Mail-a-Stack option will include enough of the following supplies to make 4 of this card: Real Red, Basic Black, and Whisper White cardstock, Black Gingham ribbon, and Whisper White envelopes.

Or, if you prefer the full package in order to receive the stamp set for free, here is the list of supplies I used:

Real Red cardstock ($5.50)
Basic Black cardstock ($5.50)
Whisper White neutral cardstock ($7.50)
Basic Black classic ink pad ($5.25)
Real Red Stampin' Write marker ($3.25)
Black Gingham ribbon ($7.50)
Dazzling Diamonds Glitter ($4.50)
Embossing Buddy ($4.95)- I ALWAYS use this when dealing with Dazzling Diamonds!
Glue Pen ($3.50)
Whisper White envelopes ($6.50)
Friendship Blooms stamp set (FREE!)
TOTAL: $53.95 plus shipping & tax


To make these fun cards, I used the Lots of Thoughts Sale-a-Bration set along with a couple of new items from the Occasions Mini Catalog! The Mail-a-Stack option will include enough of the following supplies to make 2 of each design shown above: Bashful Blue and Real Red cardstock, Summer Picnic DSP, Old Olive Poly-Twill ribbon, and Rhinestone brads.

Or, if you prefer the full package in order to receive the stamp set for free, here is the list of supplies I used:

Bashful Blue cardstock ($5.50)
Real Red cardstock ($5.50)
NEW! Summer Picnic DSP ($9.95)
Real Red classic ink pad ($5.25)
NEW! Old Olive Poly-Twill ribbon ($5.95)
5-Petal Flower punch ($15.95)
Ice Rhinestone brads ($10.95)
Whisper White envelopes (6.50)
Lots of Thoughts stamp set (FREE!)
TOTAL: $65.55 plus shipping & tax

As a final reminder, Sale-a-Bration ends on March 17th, so don't forget to get in on all the great ways to earn free stamp sets. Click here for all the information, including a link to the Sale-a-Bration brochure where you can view all the free goodies!

One of a Kind

Thank you all so much for your suggestions on my previous post. I will see if I can't make some improvements and post it again in the future.

Today is a dear friend's birthday... I will keep it anonymous because I don't know if she'd like me blabbing it all over the world! If she wants it known, I'm sure she'll reveal her identity in a comment. But in any case, here is the card I made for her... gosh, I sure do hope it arrived in the mail before she sees this post!

This was my first time using the fantastic new Flower Fusion felt flowers, and oh, what a statement they make! I paired them up with the One of a Kind stamp set and made one flower stand out with different colors and an olive Rhinestone brad so it would "fit" with the sentiment! The base cardstock is Apricot Appeal with a layer of Old Olive and then the Apricot Appeal DSP from the Hostess Level 1 Prints Pack (that pack is going to get a LOT of use in this house!). I sponged the edges of the Apricot paper with the same color ink, and the sentiment is stamped in Old Olive. Those Pumpkin Pie flowers each have an Old Olive brad in the center of them.

Happy, Happy Birthday, [dear friend]!!

What Does It Need?

Hi folks... well, I told you it would happen. You didn't believe me, but I'm here to tell you that I hit a creative slump! That explains why you haven't heard from me since last Thursday! I've been working - honest... but just not up to par.

Okay... here's one I worked on. I wanted to showcase the colors that come in the Level I Hostess Prints Pack - they're so vibrant and lively! I decided to pair them up with a simple combination of black and white to really show them off. But it's not working. Have a look:

This just isn't working for me... so what does it need? I stamped the petal outline from Pick a Petal onto the papers and cut them out. The center is made with the 3/4" Circle Punch. Then I mounted them onto Whisper White and Basic Black with a layer of Bashful Blue in between. I tied on some Basic Black grosgrain with a splash of Bashful Blue grosgrain as well. You see that I also dusted off my sewing machine for this one! In addition, I used some of our fabulous new Love & Happiness Rub-Ons from the Sale-a-Bration brochure for the sentiment! These Rub-Ons really are pretty cool - I can't wait to have you try them out. They look stunning on glass.

In any case, I believe this is an unfinished project. So your homework (*giggle*) is to study the photo above and figure out what could be done to spice it up a bit. Leave a comment and tell me what you think it needs! I'll improve it and post the "after" image when it's done.

Thanks for your help! Oh, and don't forget about my Ribbon Share! I've already had a tremendous response... remember that you must get in on it before March 2nd. My e-mail address is mgf@forceworld.com. Contact me before it's too late!

It's Time For Another Ribbon Share!

Thank you to everyone who participated in my last Ribbon Share! (...and for those of you who didn't get in on that one - good news! I ended up with about 3 extra sets. So if you want one, drop me a line quick! First come first serve.) In any case, that one was such a smashing success, I'm here to tell you about the next one!

This time, I will be doing the Wide Grosgrain ribbon. You all know how much I love this stuff... I use it all the time because it makes such a powerful statement on my cards. It comes in 8 different colors... Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Bravo Burgundy, Real Red, Regal Rose, Brocade Blue, Certainly Celery, and Old Olive. You will receive approximately 3 yards of each color for only $16.50. This is a tremendous way for you to have all the colors of ribbon without having to buy a spool of each one... good for customers and fellow demonstrators alike! To again put this into perspective, it takes an average of 16" to wrap a card (depending on the orientation), so with this much ribbon, you will be able to embellish at least 54 cards!!

I will be placing the order on March 2nd, so be sure to sign up before then. I take payment via PayPal, and will send you an invoice upon request.

Since I didn't have a photo of this beautiful ribbon to show you (I only have 6 of the 8 colors, so I am looking forward to this Ribbon Share as much as you are! :o), I dug into my archives and found this photo of the gift I sent my dear friend Marelle this past Christmas... it has the Brocade Blue Wide grosgrain ribbon on it, so I thought it a fitting time to post.

This is that cute wooden box I found at Michael's way back when (see this post and this post for my earlier boxes, and if you like that turkey, here's a tutorial on how to make him!). I covered this one with Cutie Pie DSP using ModPodge and then coordinated it with Rose Red, Brocade Blue, and So Saffron cardstock. I used the fun All in the Family stamp set for the girls and stamped them using my Stamp-a-ma-jig so they'd be lined up just right. Here's a tutorial on how to use the Stamp-a-ma-jig if you've never seen it done. They were stamped with StazOn ink onto Naturals White and watercolored using my ink pad lids and Blender Pens. The sentiment comes from Wonderful Favorites and is stamped with Rose Red ink. The flower was made with the 5-Petal Flower punch, along with the Spring Flower Bouquet punch (now retired), and fastened with a Rose Red brad.

These boxes were only $1, but once you put some creativity and some heartfelt love into them, they become priceless! Wouldn't that look cute with some pencils, pens, and a pair of scissors peeking out for a cute teacher's gift? Or you could tuck in some homemade monogrammed notecards and envelopes! ...or heck, a bag of chocolate would fit the bill too, I bet! I plan to make another box soon with an Easter theme. Stay tuned!

Thanks for visiting...

A Nugget of Cute-ness!

Okay, here's the last project the girls will be making on Saturday... Hershey Nugget holders! The pattern is not my original creation - I saw them a training class my upline hosts... but I modified the design to make them suitable for the girls.

I used the Hostess Level I Prints Pack to make these, and I happened to use all polka-dot paper. They would be adorable in any of the patterns and they use very little paper so one sheet goes a long way! They are made with the Large Tag punch, with another scrap piece across the bottom. I also used some retired Organdy ribbon. You could easily use grosgrain, but I thought the Organdy looked nice and delicate for these soft colors. The sentiments come from various sets, and the little flower is from the punch in the Three For You punch box, along with a silver brad.

I'm not sure how many we will make on Saturday - it depends on how much time we have left. But we'll do at least one so they know *how* to make them. They are super simple and are great little favors for birthday parties... you can easily make them more elegant and use them for baby or bridal showers. Or even put one at each place setting for a dinner party.

In any case, now I'm off to start working on my March Stamp-a-Stack cards. I hope to have them done and ready for posting by March 1st. Wish me luck - I'm way overdue to hit a creative lull! :o)

Girls Club Card

In addition to the brag book in this post, we will also be making this card during Saturday's Girls Club workshop:

You know that bright colors are out of my normal comfort zone, but I really like these two colors paired up! This is Taken With Teal & Real Red along with some Basic Black for outlines and Whisper White. I knew I wanted to use this swirly paper from the Bali Breeze DSP pack, so I picked the ladybug from Garden Whimsy to give meaning to the "trail". I guess I could've also used a bee, but then I wouldn't have been able to use the beautiful Real Red wide grosgrain ribbon! I was going to use the narrow ribbon, but once I layed the wide on here, there was no turning back!

Speaking of wide grosgrain, that's going to be my next Ribbon Share! I haven't set the date yet of when I will place the order, but it will most likely be around the first week of March. So if you're interested, you can let me know now and I'll add you to the list. It will be approximately 3 yards each of 8 different colors for $16.50. I'll have a more "formal" announcement later, but thought you'd maybe like to get a jump on the offer. :) Edited to add: I mistakenly had the price listed at $16 and will honor that for those who have already contacted me. But the correct price is $16.50.

Anyway, back to this card... the sentiment also comes from Garden Whimsy and is stamped directly onto the base card with Basic Black ink. Then I randomly stamped the pair of bugs from the same set using Versamark ink. I used the Scallop Circle punch, along with the 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle punches to frame the ladybug.

Simple to make... with a dynamite impression! If you haven't signed your daughter up for Girls Club (this Saturday at 2pm), there are still a few seats available - contact me now to reserve your spot! ...and stay tuned - I have one more Girls Club project that we'll make!

More Purple!

Here's another stab at this gorgeous bunch of Morning Glories! (see them in blue here).

Oh, I can't tell you how much fun these are to watercolor! I did these using my Watercolor Wonder Crayons again. They were stamped with black StazOn ink onto Watercolor paper. I distressed the edges with my Cutter Kit and added the jewels from some Rhinestone Ice Circles (I just pryed the prongs up so I could pop out the jewel).

The base cardstock is Elegant Eggplant with a layer of Old Olive behind the flowers. The background was stamped in Elegant Eggplant using the En Francais background stamp. The sentiment comes from Carte Postale and is stamped with Elegant Eggplant ink onto Watercolor paper and punched with the Small Oval punch. I finished it off with some Ivory Taffeta ribbon.

You know, if you've ever thought about watercoloring but are just too intimidated, you should really give these Watercolor Wonder Crayons a try. They are so easy to use and it doesn't take an artist to create a beautiful look. For my local readers, I do have a Watercolor Wonder Club where you can acquire all the supplies you need (plus a couple of fun stamp sets!) over a 4 month period. The cost is $54 per month, which includes shipping, tax, and a 2-hour training class in my home where I will teach you the various techniques you can use with the crayons. Let me know if you are interested in hearing more, and I will send you the list of all that is included in the club.

One other note - I have recently redesigned my Stamp Link Newsletter that I will send out about twice a month. It contains information on Stampin' Up! promotions, my upcoming workshops, and even a stamping tip or two... if you're interested in receiving this e-mail, you can sign up in the left side-bar under Stamp Link News. Pardon the sloppy formatting - I couldn't get it to fit in the space properly, but it still works.

Thanks for visiting... have a fan-tabulous week!

Loads of Purple!

Well, I wasn't kidding! My revelation at the end of the previous post turned out to be quite fruitful! I created my husband's Valentine last night and because purple is his favorite color, and because he previously stated he'd like to see a purple card, I decided to make his in the same fashion as the boys' cards.

This is the most cardstock my Loads of Love set has seen in a long time! This time I pulled out my Short & Sweet set for the sentiment. I forgot to mention on the last post that I also used the Loads of Love Accessories set for the woman (that's me!) driving the truck. The truck was stamped onto Confetti White cardstock using black StazOn and colored with my Watercolor Wonder Crayons and an Aquapainter. Instead of coloring the hearts Rose Red, this time I used Ruby Red.

The base of this card is Perfect Plum with a layer of Elegant Eggplant and Certainly Celery... (is anyone else getting hungry?) Since I didn't have any current Designer Series Paper with a purple that wasn't girly, I pulled out a sheet from Enchante, which appeared in the '06-'07 Winter Mini catalog. I used the Word Window punch again on this one, along with some Ruby Red brads.

And there you have it... I hope it's enough purple for you, Michael!

Valentines For My Boys

I stayed up late last night working on Valentines for the boys... I had no idea what I'd come up with, but I am really quite pleased with these.

I used the Loads of Love stamp set, along with the Family Phrases set for the sentiment. All of the cards share the same basic elements - black brads, Basic Black cardstock, and the Cutie Pie Designer Series Paper (although it's darling for little girls, I'm here to show you its masculine side!). The truck was stamped onto Confetti White cardstock with black StazOn ink and then watercolored using an Aquapainter and a combination of my classic ink pads (where I wanted more vibrant color) and my Watercolor Wonder Crayons. I made the green card first and liked it so well that I decided to make two more in a similar fashion!

The one above is for Morgan. The base cardstock is Certainly Celery, with a layer of Old Olive behind the truck. I used the Slit punch on the Old Olive and tucked the truck behind it before adding the brad for interest.

This one is for Mason and has a Bashful Blue base with a layer of Brocade Blue behind the truck. To make it a little different, I used the Word Window punch.

This one is for baby Maddox (he can appreciate it when he's older!) I would've done a Rose Red card, but that means the lighter tone would have to be pink... and pink just doesn't fly in my house. :) Plus, the hearts need to be Rose Red, so I made a yellow card instead. The base here is So Saffron with a layer of More Mustard behind the truck. I used the Photo Corners punch on this one. I also had to pull out my Stamp-a-ma-jig so I could stamp the sentiment in one straight line. Not familiar with the Stamp-a-ma-jig? Check out my tutorial to see how it works!

This set is a perfect example of one of my favorite things to do when making cards... when you create one you like, DUPLICATE it! Change a couple things here or there - try new colors, change the layout a bit... when you're done, you have a wonderful set of cards that make a darling little gift! Better yet, tuck the cards into a matching box with some envelopes! I show you how to make one in this tutorial.

Tonight, my mission is to create a card for my husband... I can't use the one we made in this post because he's already seen it. With any luck, I'll come up with something I like as well as the boys' cards... and if so, I'll share it with y'all tomorrow. If my creative streak gets smeared, well, then you'll probably end up seeing Loads of Love again, done in purples! :)

... I meant that as a joke, but come to think of it, he may like that. Hmmmmm...

February Girls Club

Due to a very busy February, I thought I was going to have to skip Girls Club this month (OH, the HORROR!), but a conference I was to attend on the 23rd cancelled, so I'm free that day! So...

...this month, Girls Club will be held on Saturday, February 23rd from 2-4pm, and this is just one of the projects we will create:

Isn't it adorable?! It's a brag book, complete with sheet protector pages inside (made out of clear envelopes)to hold favorite photos. Not only will the girls enjoy filling this album with their own photos, but this would be a great gift for Grandma!

EDITED TO ADD: I decided the front of this brag book needed something else, so I have since added two Tempting Turquoise brads in the upper right-hand corner. I thought about taking another photo, but decided it was too much work with all the editing, etc. involved. So you'll just have to imagine that they're there! ...it does make it look even cuter though!

...I couldn't resist popping in a photo of my adorable boys - this is Mason, Maddox, and Morgan. Aren't they dolls? Anyway, this little project has been featured on Splitcoast lately, and I enjoyed trying my hand at it... it's really quite simple! The hardest part about this was coming up with the colors. Since I don't have daughters, I'm a bit out of touch with what the girls like these days. But I'm quite pleased with this combination of Pretty in Pink and Tempting Turquoise! I used the new Level I Hostess pack of Designer Series Prints Paper - the girls will get to choose from several different patterns to complete their book. The polka-dot petals came from the Pick a Petal stamp set, and the sentiment came from Warm Words, stamped with Rose Red ink. The center of the flower is one of the NEW Rose Red Flower Fusion felt flowers! What a great way to add another texture to your creations.

The cost for Girls Club is $10 per child, or $15 for a mother/daughter pair, where both get to create the projects. Girls ages 8-15 are welcome to attend! All supplies are provided, except adhesive. I also recommend bringing a pair of paper snips to avoid waiting to share mine. Contact me to reserve your spot!

What An Honor!

I was named by Nancy Morgan, of PaperSmiles, to receive this rather prestigious award.


I would like to thank my producers, my editor... oh, um, wrong industry. Uh, I would like to thank my wonderful husband of 15 years for putting up with my late night stamp attacks. I thank my boys for their support and their enthusiasm to want to create cards by themselves. I thank Nancy for the honor of her nomination. I thank my wonderful customers and friends who continue to make my head swell by their lovely comments. I would also like to thank my parents who gave me a... wait, don't start the music! ...who gave me a loving home in which... why does the music get even louder? It's just rude! ...in which to grow and learn! THANK YOU America!

**giggle**

I have also been asked to present the next award for an outstanding E-rated Blog. And the nominees are:

Marelle Taylor of ThINKspot
Jayne Mercer of {ME} and my thought
Ali Manning of New England Stamper
Jackie Wright of Jackie's Blog
Aly Schilling of Stamping with Aly!

And the winner is... oh heck, they ALL win!

Another Reason to Sale-a-Brate!

In the world of Stampin' Up!, we're in the midst of some pretty fun "Sale-a-Brating" right now! In addition to all the free stamp sets, I forgot to mention one VERY EXCITING piece:

If you join my team during Sale-a-Bration (thru March 17th), not only do you get all the great things that come in the kit, and not only do you get an EXTRA FREE stamp set of your choice (a $47.95 value!) from the catalog... but you get all of this at 20% OFF! Yes, that's right! During Sale-a-Bration, new demonstrators receive a 20% discount on the starter kit and get over $375 worth of merchandise! Just think, for only $159, you could start something really terrific... I originally intended to be just a hobby demonstrator, but once I got my hands on all the yummy things in the kit, I knew I was into something really terrific. Here I am, a year later, and STILL LOVING every minute of it (and earning a nice chunk of change in the process!).

If you have ever thought about taking the plunge, now is a REALLY GOOD time to do it! Stampin' Up! has made it easier than ever to sign up - you can now do it through my Demonstrator Business Webpage using a credit card. I welcome you to contact me with any questions you may have about this opportunity - no obligation. I am eager to share with you why I love this company and these products so much. And remember, you do not need to be local to join my team.

Okay, on to another new card I made using a Sale-a-Bration stamp set. This set is called Merci and is a fun one to watercolor!

The base cardstock here is Rose Red, with a layer of Certainly Celery, and then Certainly Celery designer prints. The image is stamped onto Naturals White with black StazOn ink and watercolored using my Watercolor Wonder Crayons and an Aquapainter. I stamped the sentiment using black StazOn (I could've used regular Basic Black ink, but the StazOn was already out). I added some Whisper White Taffeta ribbon and two Rose Red brads to balance it out, and voila! A thank you card made simple!

Valentine in Blue

Here is the Valentine we made last Tuesday night - even though it's supposed to be a masculine card for our husbands, I just couldn't help adding the ribbon. But to compensate for that, I stayed clear of pink hearts!

The base card is Night of Navy (which requires a Gel Pen for writing on it, unless you want to write on a separate piece of paper and slip it in the card, which I often do) with a layer of Basic Gray on top. The stamped piece is Bordering Blue with the gorgeous En Francais background stamped in the same color and then sponged with Night of Navy ink. On top of that, we stamped the Baroque Motifs swirl using Night of Navy ink, and the small emblem using Ruby Red. The sentiment is embossed using Night of Navy craft ink with clear powder, punched with the Large Oval punch, and then sponged. It is adhered with a dimensional to make it stand out more, and the card is finished off with some beautiful Basic Gray taffeta ribbon.

This was a simple and fast card to make - it's amazing how quickly you can make elegant cards using that Baroque Motifs set!

Berry Bliss - YUMMY!

I promise I'll get back to cards soon - I'm just having a good old time creating fun gifts! This is a set that I gave my hostess last week...

Isn't that yummy?! This was the first time I used the new Berry Bliss double-sided Designer Series paper, and I was all prepared to do more embellishing, but after I put that paper on, I thought it made a nice, simple statement all on its own!

This is a notebook from Target, and the pink by the spiral matches very well with Stampin' Up!'s Purely Pomegranate ink. I adhered the DSP with ModPodge, then sanded the edges and sponged them with Chocolate Chip ink. I tied on some Chocolate Chip wide grosgrain ribbon and attached a Very Vanilla tag that I made with the Tag Corner punch and a stamp from All Holidays using Linen thread.

This jar is just a Frappacino jar - I have no idea if I spelled that right... I'm not a coffee drinker! (Much to you coffee drinkers' dismay, I poured the contents of this jar down the drain!) Anyway, they are fun to decorate and fill with chocolates. I scalloped the edge of some Pretty in Pink cardstock using the Slit punch and layered some Chocolate Chip cardstock and the Berry Bliss on top. The paper is adhered to the bottle using Sticky Strip. Then I tied on some of the same Chocolate Chip wide grosgrain ribbon.

On the top, I used the Scallop punch on some Pretty in Pink cardstock, and then went back and made smaller holes in the scallops using a 1/16" Circle punch. I also used the 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" Circle punches along with a stamp from Happy Heart Day and Pomegranate ink. This is all stuck to the lid with just a Glue Dot.

These took very little time to create - a simple, but yummy gift... just in time for Valentine's Day!

Gift Certificates!

Have a special birthday coming up? Need a gift for a friend? ...Need to drop a hint to your husband this Valentines Day? (forward this FeedBlitz article to him! *giggle*)

How about a Gift Certificate from me for great Stampin Up! merchandise?

Upon request, I will create a beautiful card with a matching certificate in any amount (I do recommend you include the tax and shipping so the amount on the certificate is what they can spend on merchandise). I can accept payment via PayPal, credit card, or personal check*. I will then mail it to you in a separate envelope so it can be given to whomever you'd like. Or, if you prefer, I can mail it directly to the recipient! All they have to do is contact me to place their order and I can have it shipped anywhere in the US. It's that simple!

Contact me today if you need one!

*Checks require extra time to clear.

The above certificate was created using So Saffron, River Rock, and Brocade Blue cardstock with Le Jardin DSP and Brocade Blue wide grosgrain ribbon and brads. the stamp set is Carte Postale and All Holidays with River Rock and Brocade Blue ink.

What a Difference a Marker Can Make!

Ready for a lesson in Stampin' Write markers? Ready for a SCREAMING good deal on how to get the whole set?? Well, first let me show you how this "lesson" came about, and then I'll share with you the screaming good deal!

I had yet another sympathy card to create recently and here is what I came up with:

I used the Close As A Memory stamp set along with a swirl from Carte Postale. The base cardstock is Always Artichoke (one of my favorites) and the layer on top is Ruby Red. The flowers and sentiment are both on Naturals Ivory. The sentiment is stamped with Always Artichoke ink and I used the Ticket Corner punch on the corners. To make it stand out more, I inked up the edges a bit and added a couple of Ruby Red brads. The swirls were stamped in Ruby Red ink... I really like the way they spiced up an otherwise plain background! I also sponged the edges of the Ruby Red to soften it.

For the bouquet, I knew I wanted to use the markers so I could have a different color for the stems and the flowers. To do this, you simply color the rubber with the brush tip end of the markers. You color the whole thing just how you want it... and right before you stamp it, you must "huff" (breathe as if you're fogging up a window) on the rubber to re-moisten all of the ink. I started with Cameo Coral for the flowers and Always Artichoke for the stems. These two colors turned out nice... but it seemed a bit flat to me.

I immediately saw a "lesson" in the works, so I snapped a picture of it thinking you might like to see the difference a marker can make... compare the above photo to the one below:

See the difference?? Nice, huh? The only thing I did differently was I added my Ruby Red marker for another layer. I used it over the Cameo Coral in different places to give the flowers a more dimensional look.

EDITED TO ADD: I don't believe I was too clear on my description here, so let me clarify... in the first picture, I colored the rubber using only 2 markers, then stamped it. In the second picture, I colored the rubber the same way, but then dabbed some Ruby Red over the Cameo Coral before stamping. Both images were stamped only once - this is not a Two-Step stampin' technique.

The markers truly open up a lot of options when you're stamping. This was a prime example! I also use them when I only want to stamp part of an image. Instead of inking up the whole stamp on an ink pad, I just color the portion I want to use. Another frequent use is when I sign my cards or address my envelopes. I use a coordinating color so it all matches the paper I used. I also use my markers to dye the flowers in my Pretties Kit as I did in this post. And, of course, it goes without saying that they are just the tool you need when you are coloring in detailed images because they have the fine tip end in addition to the brush tip end. These are just a few of the ways I use my markers.

Now let me talk about how you can get your markers... there are basically 3 ways that you can purchase them:

1) individually at $3.25 per marker. (Looks pretty lonely, doesn't he?)


2) by color families at $31.95 for 12 (a $7.05 savings!). Not bad, but I assure you, that box is flimsy and they all get bunched up like an overstuffed box of crayons!


3) the whole set at $125.95 for all 48 standard colors (a $30.05 savings!!). The bulk savings alone make this a good deal, but the real beauty of purchasing the whole set is first, that you have them ALL!! And second, it comes in a FABULOUS hard-shell handled box with compartments for each marker, along with a chart that labels where each marker goes. Mine sits right on my stamping desk and I never have to worry about where they are, or which ones I have or don't have.

So... would you like to have a set? Let me give you one more option... and this is that SCREAMING good deal I promised you! Purchase your set during Sale-a-Bration (February 1 - March 17) and get 2 FREE Sale-a-Bration stamp sets in addition to the markers!! Remember that during Sale-a-Bration you get to choose a free stamp set for EVERY $50 you spend! So better yet, add another $24.05 onto your order and receive THREE Sale-a-Bration sets, PLUS a Level I Hostess Set, PLUS $15 more dollars in FREE merchandise! WOW! Now that's the way to buy your markers...!

Remember that I can help you with your order no matter where you live in the US, and your goodies will be delivered right to your door! I hope you'll take advantage of this excellent time to make this worthwhile purchase!

February Stamp-a-Stack Cards

The start of a new month brings exciting things!! First of all, remember that February marks the beginning of Sale-a-Bration, where you can receive a FREE stamp set for every $50 in catalog merchandise you order! Follow this link for more information, including the downloadable version of the brochure! Second of all, it means I have 3 new cards to offer you for this month's Stamp-a-Stack workshops!

I focused on 'love' this month... hmmm, wonder why?! But remember that the sentiments are completely interchangeable. The details of the Stamp-a-Stack workshops are at the bottom of this post... but first, here are the cards:

To make this adorable froggy card, I used the Unfrogettable stamp set, with Old Olive and Black StazOn ink, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, and the 1/2" circle punch. The Mail-a-Stack option will include enough of the following supplies to make 4 of this card: Brocade Blue, Confetti White, and Old Olive cardstock, Cutie Pie DSP, Old Olive wide grosgrain ribbon, and envelopes.

I have become very fond of Ruby Red and paired up with Chocolate Chip, this card just looks YUMMY! I used the Just Like You stamp set with Ruby Red, Cameo Coral, and Old Olive Stampin' Write markers, VersaMark ink, and the Small Oval punch. The Mail-a-Stack option will include enough of the following supplies to make 4 of this card: Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, and Very Vanilla cardstock, Chocolate Chip wide grosgrain ribbon, and envelopes.

These three cards are just a sample of how you can design the last card in this month's set. It uses the Soft Sky Prints DSP, and because you will get different patterns, you can design it to fit your needs. For this striking combination, I used the Level I Hostess set called A Little Bit of Happiness with various stamp sets for sentiments (Hugs & Wishes and All Holidays are good ones). I also used Real Red Craft ink, clear embossing powder, the Tag Punches, and the Real Red and Black Stampin' Write markers. The Mail-a-Stack option will include enough of the following supplies to make 4 of this card: Blue Bayou, Real Red, and Whisper White cardstock, Soft Sky Prints DSP in varying patterns, Real Red brads, Real Red wide grosgrain ribbon, Linen thread, and envelopes.

Stamp-a-Stack details: This workshop is held in my home and all supplies (cardstock, ribbon, embellishments such as brads and/or eyelets, and clear envelopes) will be provided, but please bring your own adhesive. The supply fee is $10 with a $15 minimum order, or $20 without an order. Add $3 if you need to use my SNAIL adhesive, and while supplies last, you can purchase paper envelopes for 25 cents each (which you can then stamp to match the card).

The dates for my February Stamp-a-Stack classes are Saturday the 9th from 12-2pm (just before my Valentine Treat Box workshop) and Thursday the 21st from 7-9pm.

*REMEMBER* For those of you who are not local (or those who are local but can't make the posted dates), I now offer a Mail-a-Stack option! I will prepare a packet of all consumable supplies (minus adhesive) along with written instructions so that you can make the 12 cards at home using your stamps, ink, and tools. All cardstock will be pre-cut and scored, and pre-PUNCHED only upon request. The cost for the Mail-a-Stack option has changed slightly so I can offer Priority Mail shipping: It is $15 for local pick-up, or $19.60 if shipping is required. Of course, if you need to order any of the supplies used in the projects (which I've listed under each photo above), I can do that for you and have them delivered directly to your home. Any catalog merchandise you order certainly goes toward the Sale-a-Bration promotion, but the cost of my kits does not. Just to give you an idea of what a kit looks like, here is a photo of LAST month's kit:

I take great care in preparing these kits, and I think you will find them very professional with color photographs, a list of supplies included and supplies you will need, and easy to follow step-by-step instructions. I hope you will consider giving this option a try!

Contact me to reserve your February kit!