Paper & Ribbon Shares!

The start of a brand new Idea Book & Catalog means it's time for more SHARES! Although the new catalog won't go live for another day, I wanted to give you advanced notice so you could be better prepared with your wish list -- and by participating in these shares, you can save money to be spent on other goodies!! (and be sure to look at the "Want it All" special at the bottom of this post!)

Paper Shares
I will have 4 different groups to choose from. Each group contains 6"x6" squares of each paper in those particular Designer Series Paper (DSP) packs. For instance, if a share contains 3 different DSP styles, then you would receive 36 squares (12 from each style). This is an EXCELLENT and AFFORDABLE way for you to sample many packs without paying full price for any of them!

Group 1 - $12
Nouveau Chic
Cottage Wall
Thoroughly Modern

Group 2 - $12
Kaleidoscope
Tall Tales
Razzleberry Lemonade

Group 3: (Holiday Group) - $15
Holiday Lounge
Merry Moments
Autumn Traditions
Cast-A-Spell

Group 4: (Specialty Papers) - $10
The Write Stuff Specialty
Storybook Specialty


Ribbon Share
I will only have one Ribbon Share group, and it will include ALL of the NEW ribbons that are in this catalog. The cost is $32 and a detailed list of what will be included in this share is below:

Real Red 1" Double-Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (2 yards)
Rich Razzleberry 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (3 yards)
Bermuda Bay 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (3 yards)
Soft Suede 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (3 yards)
Crushed Curry 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (3 yards)
Dusty Durango 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (3 yards)
Melon Mambo 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (3 yards)
Pumpkin Pie 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (2 yards)
Chocolate Chip 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (2 yards)
Old Olive 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (2 yards)
Basic Black 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (2 yards)
Real Red 3/4" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (2 yards)
Basic Black 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (3 yards)

If you ordered a whole spool of each of these, you'd spend over $130. Share the cost and save $100!!

And for those of you who want it all... take advantage of this SPECIAL OFFER:
Participate in ALL of the above shares and save $11 - Total cost is only $70! (and shipped via Priority Mail)

All prices include shipping and tax. Contact me to place your order and I will send you a PayPal invoice. I will keep these shares open throughout the month of July, but I will place the orders as soon as each group fills up. Be among the first and get your shares the quickest!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yes, today is my birthday! I'm 23! :)

I received so many e-mails wishing me a happy day (and it was!), but I only received ONE homemade card!!! Okay, okay... I know it's because I moved and no one has my address anymore. But I wanted to show you the card I received from my dear friend Marelle from Australia:

Isn't she so talented?! You may not be able to see the detail, but she did some faux silk on this one, along with some gorgeous plum cone flowers from the Inspired By Nature stamp set. I think they are just divine!!

Thank you, Marelle... you are so dear to me. And thank you, everyone, for all the wonderful e-mails!

Hugs to all!

Happy Birthday, Carey!

Ever have one of those days where the card you're trying to make turns out even better than you imagined? This was one such card...

One of my dear friends in Dallas recently had a birthday and I made this card especially for her. I have never used this A Rose is a Rose set before, but I knew it was the perfect one for Carey. She is so beautiful and so loving... and roses just remind me of her. I also have never used this gorgeous Organza Ribbon - oh, my!! Is it ever elegant! I am going to have to find some more cards to use this on... I absolutely love it! As if that ribbon didn't do enough (which it did!), I also dazzled up the rose a bit as you can see below.

Well, this was a fun card to make... I do recommend using the Stamp-a-ma-jig on this set to get it lined up just right. If you're not familiar with this tool, you can see a tutorial on how it works by clicking here. I hope Carey had a fabulous birthday... and Carey, if you're reading this, when are you going to come out here and visit me in these beautiful mountains?! :) Love ya!

Card Recipe:
Stamp Sets: En Francais Background, A Rose is a Rose
Ink: Regal Rose, Rose Red, Always Artichoke
Cardstock: Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss, Rose Red, Whisper White
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, Organza Ribbon
Tools: Wide Oval punch, Glue Stick, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Stamping Sponge

Classic Father's Day

I told you I'd make time to show these to you! I have 4 fathers to make cards for... actually, I could count a couple more that I'd like to send cards to, but these 4 are the highest priority. I pulled out a set that has never seen ink before... Classic Sketches, and made these 4 classic cards!

The Plum one is for Michael... purple is his favorite color.

The Pumpkin one is for my dad because orange is his favorite color.

This Brocade one is for Michael's dad (I don't actually know what his favorite color is, but blue will have to do!).

And this Moss one is for Michael's step-dad (again, have no idea what his favorite color is, but I had to choose something other than purple, orange, or blue!).

As you can see, they are all made basically the same with just some color variations. They are all in the mail and I am happy that they will be on time!! Are yours?!

Card Recipe:
Stamp Sets: Sanded Background, Classic Sketches, Teeny Tiny Wishes (NEW! for 2009!)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust, Brocade Blue, Night of Navy, Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Apricot Appeal, Pumpkin Pie, Brocade Blue, Night of Navy, Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Vintage Brads
Tools: Stamping Sponge, Modern Label Punch (NEW! for 2009!)

Morgan is TEN!

Yes, it's been another week since I've posted. I have to say, I am just loving Colorado SO MUCH, that it takes a lot for me to sit still enough to write a post. It's so beautiful outside, and one of my favorite things to do when I'm not stamping is to curl up somewhere with a good book. My current book is Jubilee Trail by Gwen Bristow... I'm such a pioneer woman at heart. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to stamp, and I've got at least 7 or 8 cards that I need to show you, but the posting part is not NEAR as much fun as the stamping part! *sorry*

But today is a very special day in the Force household... Morgan is now TEN! I made him a special card...

...but then decided I wanted a little more bling since this is his big double-digit birthday, so I made this one too!

Those of you who have followed my blog for the last couple years (thank you!) will remember Morgan's love affair with Only Orange. I simply had to include it on his card... but unfortunately, I don't have any orange glitter, so red will have to suffice! I think I'll go ahead and give him both cards since they were both made specifically for him. He'll get them tonight after his special dinner!

I promise to get my Father's Day cards posted by the end of the week...

Card 1 Recipe:
Stamp Sets: Pun Fun, Heard from the Heart
Ink: Brilliant Blue, Only Orange, Basic Black
Cardstock: Basic Black, Brilliant Blue, Bashful Blue, Only Orange, Whisper White
Accessories: Black Brad
Tools: Big Shot, Texturz Plate, 1-1/4" and 1" circle punches

Card 2 Recipe:
Stamp Set: None (except for the inside greeting)
Ink: None (ditto)
Cardstock: Brilliant Blue, Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White
Accessories: Sticky Cuts Letters, Chunky Essentials glitter
Tools: Photo Corners punch, Crafter's Tool Kit

Just For You

I know, I know... I've been gone far too long. Believe me, I feel it too! I'm so out of practice that any chance I get at my stamp table, I just sit there and stare! But thankfully, Mr. Brown brought me some new goodies to sit and stare at... until finally I managed to squeeze this one out.

I'm not completely in love with this card, but it was my first shot at some new colors. It always takes a little while to get used to the new In Colors and although I love the new selections, going at them while I'm out of practice didn't quite make for a speedy card completion!

This card uses three new In Colors (Soft Suede, Dusty Durango, and Crushed Curry) as well as three new stamp sets. The giraffe comes from Animal Crackers, the background comes from Circle Circus, and the sentiment comes from Teeny Tiny Wishes. The ribbon is new too - it's our new Soft Suede polka-dot grosgrain - although I used the opposite side because I felt the polka-dots were a bit much this time.

But the most FABULOUS thing about this card... do you notice how the giraffe is two different colors? Well, Stampin' Up! has finally done it!! They've given us the In Colors in MARKERS!! Let me tell you, I squealed when I saw it! I am so excited to have them.

...and you, too, will be excited when you see all the fun new things in our upcoming catalog! But first things first... don't forget to take advantage of the great specials on all of the retiring items I discussed in this post.

I'll try not to be as long gone this time... you'll have to cut me a little slack, though... I'm a crew leader in Vacation Bible School this week. I've got 19 little 5 & 6 year olds tugging on my shirt all week... not to mention my OWN 3 little monsters! :)

Card Recipe:
Stamp Sets: Circle Circus, Animal Crackers, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Crushed Curry, Soft Suede
Cardstock: Soft Suede, Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry, Whisper White
Accessories: Soft Suede Polka-dot grosgrain ribbon
Tools: 1/16", 1", 1-1/4", 1-3/8" circle punches, Scallop circle punch, Stamping sponge

Last Chance!

As we prepare for another new and wonderful Idea Book & Catalog, it means we must say goodbye to some of our old favorites. Click on the links below to view the lists.

Last Chance Stamp Sets (Listed by page number)
Last Chance Stamp Sets (Listed alphabetically)
Decor Elements Last Chance List

To see all the retiring products - including the retiring Accessories - click here. Don't forget to choose your demonstrator for the best prices... you'll notice that a lot of these items are either 25% or 50% OFF!!

In addition, June is a perfect time to host a workshop or place that large order you've been saving up for. Why? Well, besides the fact that this is the last chance to get all the great things listed above, you can get MORE FREE STUFF this month!

• Hostesses who hold a $250-$399.99 workshop will receive an additional $20 in hostess free merchandise dollars.
• Hostesses who hold a $400 or more workshop will receive an additional $40 in hostess free merchandise dollars.

Let me put this into perspective for you... If you were to place a $250 order this month, you would get all those goodies on your list PLUS $45 in FREE stuff, PLUS a FREE level 1 Hostess set!

If you were to bump your order to $400, you would get everything on your list PLUS $85 SMACKEROOS in FREE stuff, PLUS 2 FREE Hostess sets!

That's a lot of FREE stuff!! Let me know if you have a list of goodies that you'd like to see delivered in a big box right to your front door! (What could be better than that?!) And don't forget, you can shop online at anytime.

A Rainbow of Thanks!

Situation: I needed another thank you card. (I'm needing a lot of these lately)
Dillema: Which stamp set to use.
Solution: Grab a new Thank You background stamp that hasn't seen ink yet!
Result: A Rainbow of Thanks!!

This colorful set was so much fun to create! I just love this new Gratuitous Graffiti background stamp - it really stands alone, as you can see.


On this Old Olive one, you can see how I made the envelopes, too. I used one of my favorite techniques - faux tearing. For a tutorial on this technique, click here.




And what's better than a set of really beautiful cards? A set of really beautiful cards in a really beautiful matching box!


I hope you liked it!


Card Recipe:Stamp Sets: Gratuitous Graffiti, Beautiful BordersInk: Chocolate Chip, Perfect Plum, Baja Breeze, Old Olive, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Ruby RedCardstock: Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Perfect Plum, Baja Breeze, Old Olive, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Ruby RedAccessories: Chocolate Chip Narrow Grosgrain RibbonTools: Designer Label punch, Wide Oval punch, Stamping Sponge

A Catalog CASE

I don't do it very often, but sometimes, just sometimes, I actually CASE a card from the catalog. This is one such time.

I needed a quick Thank You card, and sometimes CASEing is the fastest route! You'll find my inspiration for it on page 106 of the current Idea Book & Catalog. Not much to say about it... but it would be great in several different color combinations!

Card Recipe:
Stamp Sets: Fifth Avenue Floral, Elegant Thank You
Ink: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White
Accessories: Chocolate Chip Narrow Grosgrain ribbon

Happy Birthday, Stacey!

One of my dearest friends is having a birthday this coming week. Here's the card that will go in the mail on Tuesday:

I used a couple of new things - new to me, at least, in that I haven't used them yet. The tag came from the new Matchbox Bigz XL Die, and the sentiment came from Great Friend - both of which are in the current mini catalog (good through June 30th). The background is from the Bella Toile stamp - beautiful!

Another great thing about this card is that I made it at my new stamping workstation! One thing's for sure... moving in takes a heck of a long time! I've moved this desk 3 times now. But I think we finally got it right. Once I get it completely organized, I'll take pictures and share it with you. But I assure you, it's not as extravagant as what I had in Texas where I had a whole room to myself. I'm reduced to a corner of the downstairs family room... but it's okay - I'm just loving it here!

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!

Card Recipe:
Stamp Sets: Bella Toile background stamp, Great Friend
Ink: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron
Cardstock: So Saffron, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Accessories: Chocolate Chip wide grosgrain ribbon, Linen Thread, Vintage Brad
Tools: Eyelet Border punch, Matchbox Bigz XL Die, Big Shot

A Blast!

One night I sat down to make a special card for a special person. No real occasion - just something to tell her how much fun I have when I'm with her. This is what I came up with:

As you can see, I used my Big Shot on the background... it made for some great polka-dots! I also used the new Eyelet Border punch - it was my first time using it and I really like it! I enjoy watercoloring, and this was no exception. I didn't get too fancy, except to add a little sparkle. Here's a closer look:

One thing I'm doing a lot more of these days is actually giving away the cards I make! Like many other crafters I know, sometimes it's hard for me to part with something I spent so much time and creative energy on. But oh, the joy of actually giving it away!! It's far more rewarding! Give it a try... dig out all those cards you have stashed up... take a picture of them if it helps you... and then GIVE THEM AWAY to the special people in your life!

Card Recipe:
Stamp Set: Pun Fun
Ink: Black StazOn
Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Confetti White
Accessories: Whisper White Taffeta ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds
Tools: Eyelet Border punch, Big Shot, Texturz Plate, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Aquapainter, Glue Pen

For Doris

I made this card for a wonderful friend of our family. She's been having a rough time lately, and I just wanted her to know that she's been on my mind.

The fun part of making this card was using the markers to color the rubber tree before stamping. I just used my Old Olive and Always Artichoke markers and willy-nilly colored the leaves. The trunk was Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip - much like I did on this card. Hmmmmm, I seem to be partial to trees lately?! I wonder why... :) In any case, here's a closer look:

Another fun part was running it through my Big Shot to get the textured background! Sponging the edges makes it stand out even more. The sentiment was punched with the Key Tag punch and then layered on top of two Designer Label punches.

Thanks for looking - I still have more to show you... it's finding time to do these blog posts that's proving difficult right now!

Card Recipe:
Stamp Sets: Thoughts & Prayers
Ink: Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Naturals White, More Mustard
Accessories: Chocolate Chip Grosgrain ribbon, Brads
Tools: Key Tag punch, Designer Label punch, Big Shot, Texturz Plate

From the Boys

For Mother's Day this year, I received two wonderful homemade cards by my two oldest boys. They snuck into my supplies without my knowledge (it's okay - I've taught them how to clean the stamps long ago!) and presented me with these:




I wanted to share these with you for several reasons:

1. I'm proud of them, and what mom doesn't like to show off her kids?

2. For a while there, they were doing more stamping than I was! (but never fear - I've been quite busy these past few days and I have lots to show you!)

3. I wanted to prove that stamping is not just a girls activity! My boys love to do it - one more so than the other (can you tell which?! And for you loyal readers, take notice of what color he used!! Refer to this post for an explanation.)

Stay tuned - I will be publishing some of my own work very soon.

Happy Birthday, Audrey!

Today is my sister's birthday... a perfect excuse to make a new card! I know I'm not making them at the rate I used to, but I promise... I'm showin' you everything I'm makin'! I'm not holding anything back! So special days like this are a great opportunity to squeeze in a little stampin' time.

This was the first time I really got to play around with this adorable Branch Out set. I inked up the tree with Close to Cocoa and then used my Chocolate Chip marker to add a bit of depth to the rubber before stamping. You can see the effect in better in the close-up photo below.

You can see I also wiped off the Cocoa on the grass and colored it with Old Olive. Then I played with a couple colors on the leaves - Kiwi Kiss and Old Olive. I masked off areas as I stamped them so it wouldn't be too full. I just wanted a nice spring look. The bird and birdhouse are both inked up with Ruby Red - which matches the Riding Hood Red ribbon perfectly.

I hope you are all having a great week - enjoy the weekend!

Card Recipe:
Stamp Sets: Branch Out, Warm Words
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa textured, Kiwi Kiss, Confetti White
Accessories: Riding Hood Red Taffeta ribbon
Tools: Large Oval punch