One More...

I'll stop with the magnetic layouts after this one, I promise! I made this for my best friend's daughter, so it has a younger feel to it:

This is some old DSP, so I don't remember the name. I used the Big Shot to die cut the flower pieces and then I painted the top one with some of the white shimmer paint (I think that's what it's called... I'm too tired to go back downstairs to look!!). It stinks not knowing what all the names are anymore!! But I figure you come here for the pictures, not for my blabbering anyway. :)

The inside is decked out with another pearl-adorned flower.

Okay, I'm going to move on to other designs now... :)
Hope you all had a fabulous weekend...
Michele

Another Magnetic Birthday

I told you I liked this new style, so here's another one, with a more vintage look. This one is for a good friend back in Texas.

I used the gorgeous Bliss Sale-a-Bration stamp set, along with Baja Breeze, Soft Suede, and Cherry Cobbler. I cropped this next photo so you could see how I mounted the flat washer on the inside and then covered it with a small circle. Very easy - and I love how it "snaps" closed!

I have one more of these that I'm working on - but it's for a young girl so it will be noticeably different in appearance. :)

Have a great weekend!
Michele

PS: Have I mentioned that I LOVE being back at my stamp desk?!! Waaaahoooooo!

Feels So Good...

...to be stamping again! And thank you so much for all of your comments!! I was so pleasantly surprised that you're all still there! (who was the anonymous commenter who said their boys were thinking of my boys?? Jill, Jazen, Stef??)

I sat down the other day in an attempt to make something new for my best friend's birthday, and this is what I came up with. (I hope she forgets to read my blog!)

This was one of those "accident" cards... where you get a new idea from a mess up? Love it when that happens. Anyway, I used a small magnet and washer to hold the card closed. I believe the color scheme is Baja Breeze and Not Quite Navy (see how horrible I am anymore at recognizing them?! I'm still not used to the beautiful new color palette). I used the En Francais background stamp on the bottom and then Vintage Vogue for the flowers. Of course, the flower was begging for a pearl accent! This is what the inside looks like:

I was so pleased with how this turned out that I think I'll be making a few more of them... even had my husband buy me some more washers when he was at the hardware store. :)

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!
Michele

The Return

I don't want to be the cause of any heart attacks, but yes, it's me. I'm still here. I don't know if any of YOU are still there, so I'll be pleasantly surprised if I receive any comments. In any case, I wanted to share a scrapbook page set I created... I started these pages a long, long time ago and just finished them today. I've been spending the last 3 or 4 days cleaning out the "utility room" (a.k.a. the room where everything got shoved for the last 2 years). A lot of my Stampin' Up! things are in there, and I suppose it gave me an urge to chisel the dust off my desk and see if I still remembered how to put ink to paper!

These are a couple of old school photos of my two oldest boys. I have always loved these shots, so they deserve a spot in my 6"x6" Favorite Photos Album.

I may have remembered how to stamp something, but I had a hard time adjusting the photos to look decent. I'll get frustrated if I try to fiddle with them anymore, so I'm going to just leave them as is.

I'm also not going to spend time searching through past catalogs to give you the names of the things I used! The fact is, most of you could probably tell ME what I used! Ha!

So there you are... the return of Michele. I hope I can get something else posted before another 6 months go by.

Hugs,
Michele

A Boy On the Way!!

No, not another Force boy... but a dear friend of mine with two adorable girls just found out she's having a boy! I was excited at the opportunity to make a card for her.

I pulled out Build-a-Roo for this one because that little kangaroo baby is just too adorable. The roos are colored with an Aqua Painter and the ink pads. Then I cut baby out and popped him up for dimension. The color scheme is So Saffron and Marina Mist with some Pawsitively Prints DSP.

The sentiment fits perfectly on a 1-3/4" Circle layered on top of a 2-3/8" Scallop Circle. And, of course, I added some Basic Pearls!

I can't wait to cuddle this new little guy! My own baby just turned FOUR on Tuesday... wow.

Hugs to all,
Michele

Aviary

As you can tell by the more frequent posts, Mr. Brown has recently made a visit to my home. :) Even though I've been with Stampin' Up! for a while now, when that brown truck brings me new goodies, it's still one of the best days ever! One of my newest sets is Aviary... a whimsical set that has a lot of possibilities. Here was my first stab at using it:

The color scheme is, of course, Basic Black, along with two new In Colors: Poppy Parade and Pear Pizzazz. I also pulled out my Big Shot and used my new Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder and long-sought-after Alphabet Simple Letters.

If you look closely, you'll see that I used the new Basic Rhinestone jewels (no pearls!). I placed one at the tippy-top of the bird cage, one in the center of the Flower Brad, and then two on the "f".

A fun card for no particular reason, except to play with my new toys... (well, and to give y'all something to look at).

Michele

Creation Inspiration

One of my current favorite stamp sets is Upsy Daisy. I've used it a lot lately because it makes for a quick and beautiful card - two of my requirements for card-making!

This card uses Blueberry Crisp DSP, along with Crumb Crake, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, and Pacific Point. It was nice to also pull back out my Defining Alphabet and Define Your Life stamp sets. They haven't seen much ink lately. Poor things. :)

Have a great week!
Michele

Elizabeth Al la Carte...

There is an incredibly beautiful al la carte stamp that you simply must have... Elizabeth. I made a couple cards using it that are elegant, yet quick!

This card uses Woodland Walk DSP along with Soft Suede. I used two oval punches and some dimensionals to lift the sentiment. The ovals aren't the exact shape as the oval in the image (I'm not sure why they didn't make them the same??), but it is close enough to work. Of course, you could opt to eliminate the punches and just stamp your sentiment in the oval itself. Either way, it makes a gorgeous card. On an angle, you can see that I have once again used those nifty pearls.

And here's another version of the same card using a different color scheme. It has Blueberry Crisp DSP, along with Pacific Point. Both cards use the Very Vanilla satin ribbon.

I hope everyone had a terrific weekend!
Michele

Thank Yous

Okay, so we already determined that I'm loving the new Basic Pearls... but how about this gorgeous Crochet Trim ribbon?

I made these cards for a couple of my faithful Share followers... they participate in every single one I offer, which is a true blessing to me.

I wanted to show off some of the new DSPs on these cards, so the one above uses Blueberry Crisp, and the one below uses Elegant Soiree.

...and, in case you didn't notice, I also used more of the fun pearls!

And just to show a final touch - here's what you can do with those left-over scraps of DSPs... jazz up the inside of the card!

So, thank you again, ladies for your loyalty and faithfulness! You're the best!

Michele

Lovin' These Pearls!

Having my stamp desk closer has certainly helped me find the time to stamp again... who'd have thought? Anyway, my best friend's daughter's birthday is coming up, and since they live on the other side of the ocean, I can't exactly bake her a cake myself. So I whipped this one up for her.

So there's a lot to love in the new catalog, wouldn't you agree? But the one thing I'm loving right now are these Basic Pearls (pg 188, item #119247). Look how I jazzed up this cake from the Sale-a-Bration set, Happy Moments!

There's multiple sizes, so I used the itty-bitty ones for the cake flowers (a nice pair of tweezers helps place them where you want them) and I used a larger one for the Flower Brad up in the corner!

I am also loving these new Designer Series Papers... this happy one is from Pawsitively Prints II. And, by the way, I have one more entire set from my Paper Share... a 6"x6" sheet of EVERY new regular DSP. Let me know if you want to claim it!

Happy Stamping!
Michele

It's A Thought...

A little housekeeping first... I have one spot left for most of my Product Shares - first come first serve! Don't forget, also, to browse through my available Retired products. There's a lot there...

Okay... I have new cards for you! I have moved my stamp desk (which is downstairs) closer to the stairwell, hoping that the closer it is to where I'm usually working (kitchen), the more apt I'll be to get myself to it! Well, so far, so good...

In keeping with an earlier post, I will not go into great detail on how I made these... you all are smart and can usually figure it out yourself. But I will share the color scheme I used (being as how we all need to get used to these fantastic new colors!). Look for this information at the bottom of this post.



These cards all used the "It's A Thought" stamp set, along with the "Sanded" and "En Francais" backgrounds. Colors used include Crumb Cake (old Kraft), Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, and More Mustard.

Have a great week, everyone!
Michele

Retired Stamp Sets Available

**NOTE - ALL OF MY STAMP SETS HAVE BEEN SOLD!**

I am cleaning out my stampin' closet in order to make room for all the new goodies (see my new Product Shares)! Below is a listing of all the retired stamp sets I have available for purchase. Note that there are multiple lists (used, new, wheels, etc.) If you see something you are interested in, drop me a line and I'll tell you the condition and any notes about the set. Most of my used sets are in very good condition, and some are like-new with several stamps still unmounted. If you determine that you would like something, make me an offer! Buyer pays shipping. Preferred payment is via PayPal.


Used Stamp Sets (All WOOD)
Amazing to Zany - set of 56
Animal Crackers - set of 5 *SOLD*
Baroque Background - set of 1
Beautiful Borders - set of 6
Branch Out - set of 7 *SOLD*
Christmas Punch - set of 7 *SOLD*
Classic Alphabet - set of 56
Classic Sketches - set of 3
Classic Stripes Background - set of 1
Close As a Memory - set of 4
Crazy Alphabet - set of 28 *SOLD*
Cute & Curly - set of 4
Doodle This - set of 5
Embrace Life - set of 5 *SOLD*
Friendship Blooms - set of 5
From the Garden - set of 1
Garden Greetings - set of 8
Garden Whimsy - set of 8
Going Somewhere - set of 4
Great Grads - set of 5 *SOLD*
Happy Everything - set of 8
Happy Heart Day - set of 7
Heartfelt Thanks - set of 9
Hit the Road - set of 5 *SOLD*
Holiday Blitz - set of 28 *SOLD*
Holidays & Wishes - set of 6
Hugs & Wishes - set of 6
It’s a Plan Background - set of 2 (double-mounted)
It’s a Stretch - set of 4
Just Like You - set of 9
Kind & Caring Thoughts - set of 12 *SOLD*
Little Birthday Cheer, A - set of 4
Little Flowers - set of 6
Little Somethin’, A - set of 6
Live Your Dream - set of 8
Lots of Thoughts - set of 6
Many Happy Returns - set of 33 (mounted on dominoes)
More the Merrier, The - set of 10 *SOLD*
Morning Soft - set of 2
Of the Earth - set of 4
On Gossamer Wings - set of 9
One of a Kind - set of 6 *SOLD*
Paisley Background - set of 1
Polka Dot Background - set of 1
Pretty Peony - set of 12
Rose Is a Rose, A - set of 14 *SOLD*
Say It With Scallops - set of 4
Scandinavian Season - set of 4 *SOLD*
Seaside - set of 5 *SOLD*
Seeing Spots - set of 6
Shapes & Shadows - set of 12
Springtime Stems - set of 8
Stippled Stencils - set of 4
Stitched Exotics - set of 9
Sweet Celebrations - set of 8
Sweet Sampler - set of 4
Tasty Sweet - set of 6
Think Happy Thoughts - set of 6
Time For You - set of 4
Together Forever - set of 6 *SOLD*
Touch of Nature - set of 7
Tres Chic Background - set of 1
True Friend - set of 6
Warm Words - set of 8
Wild About You - set of 8
Wings of Friendship - set of 4
Wonderful You - set of 6
Year After Year - set of 8
Zoofari - set of 6

Brand New Stamp Sets (All WOOD)
Comfort Food - set of 4
Congrats - set of 7 (3 available)
Country Morning - set of 4
Echoes of Kindness - set of 4
Event Full - set of 6
For a Friend - set of 6
Friendship Blooms - set of 5 *SOLD*
Infinite Goodness - set of 6
Little Bit of Happiness, A - set of 4 (2 available)
Little Somethin’, A - set of 6
Measure of a Life - set of 5
Merci - set of 6
One Smart Cookie - set of 12
Organic Grace - set of 4
Polka Dot Punches - set of 4 (3 available)
Punches Three - set of 3
Sidekick Sayings - set of 5
Snowbuddies - set of 12
Springtime Stems - set of 8
Thoughts of Father - set of 3
Yummy - set of 3 (3 available)

Used Jumbo Wheels
Bold Snowflakes
Petals
Scatter Sunshine
So Swirly
Stems & Silhouettes
Sweet Stars
Watercolor Vine

Used Regular Wheels
Forever FLowers
Little Bits

Ribbon (still in original wrapping)
Ribbon Bundle with Certainly Celery Polytwill & So Saffron Grosgrain (10 yards each)
1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain in Riding Hood Red (10 yards) *SOLD*
1-1/4" Grosgrain in Pink Pirouette (10 yards)
1/2" Polka-dot Grosgrain in Crushed Curry (15 yards) *SOLD*
1/2" Polka-dot Grosgrain in Dusty Durango (15 yards) *SOLD*
1/2" Polka-dot Grosgrain in Rich Razzleberry (15 yards) *SOLD*
1/2" Polka-dot Grosgrain in Melon Mambo (15 yards) *SOLD*
3/8" Taffeta in Riding Hood Red (10 yards) *SOLD*
3/8" Taffeta in Basic Gray (10 yards)
5/8" Grosgrain in Regal Rose (15 yards)
5/8" Striped Grosgrain in Kiwi Kiss (15 yards)
I also have LOTS of the retired colors of ribbon in varying amounts... if you need something, ask.

Rub-Ons
Love & Happiness

Cardstock/Designer Series Papers (all still in wrapper)
8-1/2x11 Almost Amethyst
8-1/2x11 Ballet Blue
8-1/2x11 Barely Banana
8-1/2x11 Blush Blossom
8-1/2x11 Brocade Blue
8-1/2x11 Handsome Hunter
8-1/2x11 Mellow Moss
8-1/2x11 Only Orange
8-1/2x11 Orchid Opulence
8-1/2x11 Really Rust
12x12 Textured Rich Regals *SOLD*
12x12 Textured Earth Elements *SOLD*
12x12 Textured 2009 In Color (Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, etc.)
Delicate Dots DSP (4 available)
I also have several open packs of cardstock, so if there's a color you need, let me know and I can sell you what I have.

Misc. (All still in wrapper unless otherwise noted)
Write Me a Memory CD, Volume II
Saddle Stitch Book Kit - Boxes & Tags (Assortment 1)
Boxes & Tags Book Kit Accordion (Assortment 4)
Coluzzle (USED)
Silver Eyelets - 200 ct
I also have just about every color in buttons, brads, and eyelets - let me know what you need.

New Product Shares!

A brand new Stampin' Up! catalog means there are LOTS of new goodies to get our hands on! Here are the details of the Shares I am offering. You can order as many or as few as you'd like, but if you would like to GET IT ALL, I will ship it to you for FREE! The cost for EVERYTHING is $196, which includes all the new Designer Series Papers, Ribbons, and Accessories... PLUS, you get to choose your own Level I Stamp Set for FREE! Just to give you an idea, if you were to purchase all of these items from the catalog, you'd spend over $720 + TAX!! As you know, by participating in these Shares, you can sample ALL of it for a fraction of the cost.

If you'd prefer to pick and choose, please note that the shipping charges are not included in the prices listed below. Once you tell me which Shares you'd like, I can tell you how much it will cost. My best guess is that it will be $10.70 for Priority Mail... that box should fit everything you'd like. If I can fit your Shares into a Flat Rate Envelope, the shipping cost will be $4.90. Please note that only US addresses can participate in this Share.

If you have any questions at all, just let me know!

PAPER SHARE - $36 to get it all
Each group consists of 48 6"x6" double-sided sheets of the fabulous new Designer Series Papers. The cost is $12, plus shipping. Groups are as follows:

Group 1:
Greenhouse Gala
Love Letter
Jolly Holiday
Newsprint

Group 2:
Woodland Walk
Lap of Luxury
Blueberry Crisp
Elegant Soiree

Group 3:
Celebrations
Sunny Garden
Play Date
Pawsitively Prints II

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RIBBON SHARE - $124 to get it all
There are several new ribbons to adore! Chose from the following groups, or get them all! Yardage amounts are approximate.

Crochet Trim:
1-1/4 yards each of 2 styles (Chantilly & Victoria). $4.50

1/2" Stitched In Color:
3-3/4 yards each of the 5 new In Colors. $13.50

1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain:
2-1/2 yards each of 8 colors. $23.00

1/4" Grosgrain:
3-3/4 yards each of 4 colors. $7.00

5/8" Grosgrain:
3-3/4 yards each of 8 colors. $16.50

5/8" Satin:
3-3/4 yards each of 6 colors. $16.00

1/8" Taffeta:
2-1/2 yards each of 13 colors. $23.00

3/8" Taffeta:
2-1/2 yards each of 10 colors. $20.50

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ACCESSORY SHARE: $36 to get it all
Fun new stuff! Pick and choose, or sample them all!

Designer Buttons: $10.50
1 each of 3 designs in 24 colors, for a total of 72 buttons.

Brads: $8.50
5 each of 24 colors, for a total of 120 brads.

Flower Brads: $10.50
2 each of 24 colors, for a total of 48 flower brads.

Misc. Accessories: $6.50
Antique Brads: 1 each of 5 designs, for a total of 5 pieces.
Vintage Trinkets: 2 each of 2 designs in 3 colors of trinkets, for a total of 12 pieces.
Pearls: 12 each in 3 sizes, for a total of 36 pieces.
Rhinestones: 12 each in 3 sizes, for a total of 36 pieces.

Happy Mother's Day!!

I woke up to a yummy pancake breakfast-in-bed made by my very own son, Mason! What a sweetheart... Well, I hope you are all having (or had) a fantastic Mother's Day! I know I am... because by the time you're reading this, I'll be hitting the high seas with my family for our cruise vacation!

...but before I go, I thought I'd pop in and show you the card I made for my mom - who happens to be meeting up with us to join us on the cruise, along with my dad! So that makes a triple-bonus for MY Mother's Day! Oh, the memories we'll be making!! (I sure do miss them...)

There are a couple of companion cards to this one that I'll have to show you next time... I got a boat to catch!

Hugs to all,
Michele