Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Chic Challenges CC-05


Hi there Stampers! Welcome to my Chic Challenges card post for challenge CC-05. For this challenge card I decided to showcase a new stamp set from the BRAND NEW Catalog! I used Mosaic Madness and it's coordinating punch to create this card. Best of all, you can get both and save 15% by ordering the Mosaic Madness Bundle (see page 123 of the new catalog)  I also used the Express Yourself stamp set - this one is a special stamp set reserved for Hostesses. Just ask me about hosting and how you can get FREE stuff!

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Scrappy Birthday Card - BCC #2



Hello Stampers and Fiskateers!

Today's card is a Scrappy Birthday Card as it is made from odds and ends of card stock that I have had stored in my scrap box. My granddaughter, Avah, calls it a rainbow card. Either way, it is my version of challenge card for Fiskateer's Birthday Club Crop - Challenge #2. I posted it to the gallery over at Fiskateer's Message Board on Saturday but saved the blog post for today.


I won't promise it is entirely Stampin' Up! card stock as it is not, for sure. But most of the strips are Stampin' Up!  This scrap box I had laying around has been with me since I first ordered paper from Stampin' Up! but I was also buying brands from Michael's including Bazzill and Recollections brands. I do recognize strips of Melon Mambo, Old Olive, and Tempting Turquoise in the bunch and I know I had a handful of retired colors back from my first Clearance Rack order - but I have no clue what the colors may be...


I stamped my sentiment - from the Make a Wish stamp set, in basic black on Tempting Turquoise and cut it out with a spellbinder's fancy tags die. Of all the sets I have, I love this stamp set the best - and I got it FREE at the St. Louis Regional event in March.  I glued strips of colored card stock diagonally across a piece of whisper white cut at 5 3/8 x 4 1/8 - trimmed the excess flush with the whisper white. Then embossed that piece with my Happy Birthday embossing folder. I glued that down to my Tempting Turquoise card base and embellished  it with my stamped and cut out sentiment. Simple and so pretty!

Supplies:
  • Odds and Ends of various colors of card stock
  • Basic Black Ink
  • Tempting Turquoise Card Stock for Base
  • Make a Wish Stamp Set


Tools:
  • Stampin' Trimmer
  • Big Shot
  • SNAIL adhesive
  • Stampin' Dimensionals
  • Fancy Tags Spellbinder's Dies - non SU
  • Happy Birthday Embossing Folder - non SU

 I hope you enjoyed my card today. There are lots of things you can do with scraps of paper to make beautiful cards...just takes a little imagination and creativity! Happy Stamping!

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
wndy26@gmail.com


Disclaimer:  I am a new Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I am working on replacing all my craft supplies with only Stampin' Up! product, but I will occasionally use some of my non-SU stash. Bare with me as I work to replenish my stash with only SU product. I will be highlighting new products as they come in and I will always point out great alternatives to my non-SU product that are Stampin' Up!. Thanks for understanding.

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Tangerine Tango Birthday Card



Hi Stampers and Fiskateers!  

My card today is for the Fiskateers Birthday Club Crop Challenge 1 - BCC #1.  I used all Stampin' Up! product, except for the American Crafts glitter tape and an EK Success Punch. I love the way the glitter tape coordinates nicely with Tangerine Tango card stock from Stampin' Up!.  I hope you enjoy my card!

Supplies:
  • DSP - Just Add Cake (retired)
  • Tangerine Tango Card Stock
  • Very Vanilla Card Stock
  • Tea Lace Doilies
  • Basic Black Ink
  • Tangerine Tango Ink
  • Express Yourself Hostess Stamp Set
  • Make a Wish Stamp Set
  • American Crafts Glitter Tape
Tools:
  • Glue Dots
  • SNAIL adhesive
  • Stampin' Dimensionals
  • Modern Label Punch
  • Stampin' Trimmer
  • Paper Snips
  • EK Success Scallop Dot Border Punch

For details on how to make the cute bow watch Connie Collins video on youtube. I used the techniques in that video and adapted them to make my by using AC glitter tape. Enjoy!

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
wndy26@gmail.com


Disclaimer:  I am a new Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I am working on replacing all my craft supplies with only Stampin' Up! product, but I will occasionally use some of my non-SU stash. Bare with me as I work to replenish my stash with only SU product. I will be highlighting new products as they come in and I will always point out great alternatives to my non-SU product that are Stampin' Up!. Thanks for understanding.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Pinterest Picks - May 27

It's time again for my Pinterest Picks of the Week! I missed you all last week due to many family members graduations and parties.  It was a fun-filled weekend...I enjoyed it very much. I hope you had a wonderful weekend where ever you were!

I have decided to do this Pick of the Week post different than my first because I found an amazing and cool new iphone app that lets me create some really neat collage images from the photos on my phone. And - I found that app through a pinterest pin!  Isn't that just so righteous! I already had several of the suggested apps but I did find several new ones, including the collage app -Moldiv - and one I can use for a picture a day - Catpture - great for using with your This and That journal and/or Project Life scrapbook albums.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

May Paper Pumpkin - Good Life Brag Book


 May Paper Pumpkin - Good Life Brag Book!


Hello stampers! I was so excited to open my Paper Pumpkin kit this month and find some wonderful and different goodies! This month they sent us the cutest brag book!  It comes completely un-assembled - you get to decide which paper to put on your covers and how to decorate each page.  It came with 6 2-sided

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Chic Challenges 4 - CC-04





Welcome to my Chic Challenges card post for challenge CC-04. With Stampin' Up! retiring some of their items and introducing some neat new ones, I decided to showcase a little of both. It hasn't been that long ago that I picked up the Beautiful Birthday wood block stamp and I know I haven't gotten full use of it since I bought it. So here it is, in my challenge card this week.  I so love this stamp and will miss it terribly so I am trying to make good use of it while I can. I hope you like my card and that you join us over at chic challenges to show us what you can do with this week's sketch.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Thinking Of You


Today's card is a CASE (Copy And Share Everything) from last week's Pinterest Finds.  You can visit my board and see ALL the Pinterest Picks of the Week or stop in on my Pinterest Finds page (in the menu bar above) and see my last 30 days of finds - or scroll all the way to the bottom to see them in a widget at the foot of the page.  The original card used quite a few of the new up-coming 2013-2015 in-colors.  I used the 2012-2014 in colors on mine. Also, I made a horrible boo-boo, betcha can't see it!

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Sunday Share - Pinterest Finds

Happy Mother's Day everyone! Today's Sunday Share is all about my new Pinterest Finds page.  I wanted to share some of the inspiration I find online with all of you - I use Pinterest A LOT.  Where do you find your inspiration?

To start with, I want to share a retiring stamp set that was one of the first sets I strongly considered adding to my starter kit when I signed up -  Easy Events.


Just love that card and stamp set and now that it's retiring, I must remove it from my wish list - but if it's on your wishlist - get it while you can! It really is an all around nifty stamp set for making all occasion cards. I love that you can color the images so that it coordinates with ANY card stock and papers.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Chic Challenges 3 - CC-03




Welcome to my Chic Challenges card post for challenge CC-03. I totally love this sketch and just had to use My Paper Pumpkin kit to create the card for this one. I had such a fun time playing with "Seriously" and "love your guts" stamps from the April Paper Pumpkin kit. I think it's just way too cool that Stampin' Up! is finally adding some cheeky stamps to their offerings. These new stamps are just what the younger generation really like.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Chic Challenges CC-02


Welcome to my Chic Challenges card post for challenge CC-02. Our second challenge used the sketch below:


I had a lot of fun with this sketch. It was interesting figuring out how to make my big Hello, Hello stamp fit without overpowering the rest of the card. I had to trim my stamped image down fairly close to the edges to make it work. I then decided to round two of the corners to give it a little bit of needed flair.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

St. Louis Regional's Swap Week 3

On March 23, 2013, I was lucky enough to attend the St. Louis Regional Stampin' Up! event where I swapped a few cards with many wonderful designers. This series of posts will showcase the cards I received. Not all cards were signed by their designer - so unfortunately credit couldn't be given every time. When I am able to, the designer is given credit. Every card I received will be featured -they were all equally wonderful! Without further ado - here are my swaps for this week:

Week 3 in the St. Louis Regional's Swap Series brings you not one, not two, but three unique swaps! While many swaps were the standard sized card front - these were different. If you see me at an event - just know that I love breaking from the norm - I will swap non-standard sizes for whatever swaps I bring. 

Dresser Front by Kathy Strobl

This gorgeous card element was created by Kathy Strobl. Wouldn't this look adorable on a baby shower card for a little girl! She used a couple shades of pink card stock - my best guess is Pretty in Pink and Pink Pirouette - but I may be wrong! Identifying the various colors of Stampin' Up! card stock is something I know I will get better at it eventually. She used brads to create the pulls for the drawers. Lastly, she used two punches to accent the piece to give it that "dresser" look. The decorative label was used at the bottom and the scalloped flower from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack was used to accent the drawer pulls.  Such a cute element to add to any card! I love the creativity it took to design such a piece.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Photopolymer Stamps from Stampin' Up!



We've searched long and hard for just the right material to be able to introduce completely clear stamping. And we've found it.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Hurry...the clock is ticking....


Hi everyone,

Hurry, time is running out to sign up for Paper Pumpkin this month! Sign up by midnight tomorrow (April 10) so you won't miss out on any more kits.

Everyone surely won't want to miss out on paper, stamps, and fun-we know you're gonna love it! Remember, each month's kit is only available for a month at a time; go towww.mypaperpumpkin.com to sign up.

Don't be the one that misses out. Remember, Shack Scraps has a monthly Pizza Party where you can come and put your Paper Pumpkin together with friends! Check out the event details by visiting Shack Scraps Facebook page - under events!

See ya soon!

-Paper Pumpkin

If you need help signing up, just let me know!
You can call me (573)353-5462 or email: wndy26@gmail.com
OR you can contact me via facebook: www.facebookcom/ShackScraps



Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

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Disclaimer:  I am a new Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I am working on replacing all my craft supplies with only Stampin' Up! product, but I will occasionally use some of my non-SU stash. Bare with me as I work to replenish my stash with only SU product. I will be highlighting new products as they come in and I will always point out great alternatives to my non-SU product that are Stampin' Up!. Thanks for understanding.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Free Shipping and a Color Refresh!

Free Shipping!

We're excited to let you know that we are offering FREE shipping on EVERYTHING April 6-8 (excluding expedited orders)! That's right. There are no minimums or limits and all order types qualify (customer, demonstrator, workshop, online). Did we mention that the free shipping is on everything?

Free shipping starts:
  • Saturday, April 6, 2013; 12:00 AM (MT) (That's 1:00 am Saturday Central Time)

Submit orders by:
  • Phone: Monday, April 8, 2013; 6:50 PM (MT)
  • Online: Monday, April 8, 2013; 11:50 PM (MT)

Color Refresh 2013



Announcing our Color Refresh! We love color and we know that you do too. Color is fundamental to who we are and what we offer. It's important for us to stay up-to-date with color trends so we are thrilled to share our updated line of colors, and hope you will be as excited as we are by the new possibilities!

Why now? In 2010 we did a big color renovation and shared our plans for smaller color refreshes every three to five years to keep our colors on trend. Well it has been three years and we are excited to announce that the upcoming 2013-2014 annual catalog will include 10 new colors (most of which are returning In Colors from previous years)! We are welcoming back some of your favorites, moving some colors around, and introducing one brand-new color, so take a look!
Beginning on April 4, 2013, all retiring/discontinued color products (i.e. ink, paper, ribbon, accessories, etc.) will be available only while supplies last. This means that some products will not be available through the retired list period.

With free shipping going on April 6-8, 2013, this would be a great time for you to get your favorites before they are gone! (Free shipping is for North America only.)


Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

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Disclaimer:  I am a new Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I am working on replacing all my craft supplies with only Stampin' Up! product, but I will occasionally use some of my non-SU stash. Bare with me as I work to replenish my stash with only SU product. I will be highlighting new products as they come in and I will always point out great alternatives to my non-SU product that are Stampin' Up!. Thanks for understanding.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

St. Louis Regionals Swap Card 2

On March 23, 2013, I was lucky enough to attend the St. Louis Regional Stampin' Up! event where I swapped a few cards with many wonderful designers. This series of posts will showcase the cards I received. Not all cards were signed by their designer - so unfortunately credit couldn't be given every time. When I am able to, the designer is given credit. Every card I received will be featured -they were all equally wonderful! Without further ado - here is my swap card for this week:


Artistic Etchings Card - unknown

Week 2 in the St. Louis Regional Swap Cards is the Artistic Etchings card (designer unknown). This is the perfect card for my daughter! She is a big Paris fan and her living room is decorated as such. I love the layout of this card. 

The designer went to great lengths to create a very lovely card using stamps from 3 different stamp sets - Artistic Etchings (p124-#120573), Teeny Tiny Wishes (p133-#127802), and the Create a Cupcake set (p49-#121982) (not pictured but on the inside of the card). All stamps were stamped with either Basic Black ink (p156-#126980) or Staz-On Jet Black ink (p157-#101406). The card base and the mats for each of the elements was made from Basic Black card stock (p156-#121045).  Each Whisper White (p156-#100730) element has the edges distressed in Tempting Turquoise ink (p153-#126952)  using a sponge (p179 #101610) or dauber (p179 #102892). The background layer in Tempting Turquoise card stock (p153 #102067) has been embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder (p189 #117335) and then sponged with coordinating ink as well to give the dots a bit more dimension. The corners of each are invert rounded using a circle punch (likely) or a ticket corner punch - there are several likely tools that can do this. The designer chose to punch the sentiment layer with the Large Oval punch (p184 #119855( and layered it with the Scallop Oval punch (p184 #119856).  In addition, the Scallop Trim Border punch (p183 #118402) was also used.


Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator


Disclaimer:  I am a new Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I am working on replacing all my craft supplies with only Stampin' Up! product, but I will occasionally use some of my non-SU stash. Bare with me as I work to replenish my stash with only SU product. I will be highlighting new products as they come in and I will always point out great alternatives to my non-SU product that are Stampin' Up!. Thanks for understanding.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Chic Challenges CC-01



Welcome to my Chic Challenges card post. I am a Chic Challenges Designer and this is our very first sketch! I had fun working on this and created two cards! I hope you like them.

I went with a clean and simple design for my first card.  I used the in-color Summer Starfruit for my base card layer and Rich Razzleberry cardstock for the forefront layer. I also pulled out some Print Poetry DSP from the Spring Catalog and used a stamp from the Happy You hostess set.

For my second card, I turned the background part of the sketch on its side. I played around with flags and distressing. I used my brand new freebie set, Make a Wish, from the spring catalog. I received this one as a gift at the St. Louis Regional event and I couldn't wait to use it! I also used the droplets stamp from My Paper Pumpkin Welcome kit.  I mixed and matched Tempting Turquoise, Gumball Green and Midnight Muse for my color pallet.  You can't see it here too well, but I also made a shimmer mist using alcohol, white shimmer paint, and the Tempting Turquoise refill.  I distressed the edges in Midnight Muse. Totally loving this new stamp set. Can't wait to use it again!

Hope you enjoy the sketch and can't wait to see everyone's unique ideas!


Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

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Disclaimer:  I am a new Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I am working on replacing all my craft supplies with only Stampin' Up! product, but I will occasionally use some of my non-SU stash. Bare with me as I work to replenish my stash with only SU product. I will be highlighting new products as they come in and I will always point out great alternatives to my non-SU product that are Stampin' Up!. Thanks for understanding.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Best of Butterflies - April Best of Stamp Set

Every month during 2013, we’re combining some of our all-time-favorite stamps with a new, never-before-seen stamp to create a monthly “Best of” stamp set. Best of Butterflies is our April offering, but don’t forget to check out the sets from previous months as well. They’re available all year!


Did you know that every year Monarch butterflies migrate from Canada to Mexico, and that the migration might span multiple generations of butterflies?

Impressive.

Of course, you can just stamp a butterfly from the Best of Butterflies Stamp Set on a card and mail it ANYWHERE in the WORLD. Take that, Mr. Monarch butterfly!

Note: Clear-Mount Blocks B, C, and D needed for this set. Pick up Blocks and Stamping Accessories here.
See all Best of sets - download the flyers below!


As a special incentive to collect the Best of stamps, we're including a collector's card and 25-year proof of purchase sticker with every Best of set. Collect six stickers, and send it in to redeem a FREE set of your choice valued up to $14.95! Free sets must be redeemed no later than April 30, 2014.




Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator


Disclaimer:  I am a new Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I am working on replacing all my craft supplies with only Stampin' Up! product, but I will occasionally use some of my non-SU stash. Bare with me as I work to replenish my stash with only SU product. I will be highlighting new products as they come in and I will always point out great alternatives to my non-SU product that are Stampin' Up!. Thanks for understanding.

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! 

Hope everyone had a beautiful day for hunting Easter eggs!  Mid-Missouri surely did!  Which is why I was not able to get online to make a post earlier!  I just had to share some wonderful news with you about our single stamps! They have been extended until July 31, 2013!  Which means, you can still purchase the cute Easter stamp below, as well as several other adorable single stamps!  
A quick search on Pinterest will bring a ton of cute ideas for using this stamp.  I found where the stamped images were fussy cut and placed in a different layout - so cute!  I have found that Pinterest is my go-to place for great inspiration!  If you haven't checked it out yet, you really should!  Just search your specific stamp set by name, be sure to add "Stampin' Up!" to the search so you get relevant images and poof - tons of cool inspiration using any stamp set you own or want to buy!  

Remember - each of the single stamps costs  $7.95 or less!

Stop in at my shop and check out all the cute single stamps you can pick up! 


Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Disclaimer:  I am a new Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I am working on replacing all my craft supplies with only Stampin' Up! product, but I will occasionally use some of my non-SU stash. Bare with me as I work to replenish my stash with only SU product. I will be highlighting new products as they come in and I will always point out great alternatives to my non-SU product that are Stampin' Up!. Thanks for understanding.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

St. Louis Regionals Swap Cards 1

On March 23, 2013, I was lucky enough to attend the St. Louis Regional Stampin' Up! event where I swapped a few cards with many wonderful designers. This series of posts will showcase the cards I received. Not all cards were signed by their designer - so unfortunately credit couldn't be given every time. When I am able to, the designer is given credit. Every card I received will be featured -they were all equally wonderful! Without further ado - here is my swap card for this week:

Paper Pumpkin Card created by Martha Swift

The first swap card I am going to share with you is this lovely Paper Pumpkin Card created by Martha Swift.  Martha used the Paper Pumpkin Welcome Kit stamp set and a few other Stampin' Up! tools and supplies as well as some unconventional household items to create this unique card. That beautiful silver embossed trim is actually silver aluminum tape from the hardware store embossed with the new Fancy Fan embossing folder (p189 - #127751)!  She matched it up with Versa Mark (p159 - #102283) and silver embossing powder (p159- #109131) on Basic Grey (p156-#121044) and Basic Black (p156-#121045) Card Stock and embellished it with the lovely 3/8" Black Taffeta Ribbon (p173-#119962). The black mat was trimmed with a fancy border using the Scallop Trim Border Punch (p183-#118402) and the sentiment was punched out using the Scallop Oval Punch (p184-#119856). 

Anyone who signs up for My Paper Pumpkin will get the initial welcome kit as their first shipment. It comes with everything you see in the photo below. Every month a new kit arrives, filled with lots of fun - it can be cards, gift items or even home decor. As well, you will be invited to my monthly Paper Pumpkin Party where you can put the kit pieces together along with friends! What a great way to escape!



What a great way to use the Paper Pumpkin stamps! I can't wait to feature this lovely card on Saturday at my Paper Pumpkin Pizza Party! If you haven't signed up for Paper Pumpkin and want to get a sneak peak at what comes in the Welcome Kit, come on out to Pizza Hut on Worley Street in Columbia and check it out. I will be there from 2pm to 4pm sharing pizza and my first Paper Pumpkin kit. 

Come see how easy stamping really is!

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator


Disclaimer:  I am a new Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I am working on replacing all my craft supplies with only Stampin' Up! product, but I will occasionally use some of my non-SU stash. Bare with me as I work to replenish my stash with only SU product. I will be highlighting new products as they come in and I will always point out great alternatives to my non-SU product that are Stampin' Up!. Thanks for understanding.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Sunday Share - March 3, 2013

Happy Sunday Stampers!

Today, I don't have a lot to share, except more snow stories!  We got another 12 inches of snow on top of the already 12 inches of snow we had from the previous week. I got stranded in Columbia for the majority of the week and I didn't get to play much with my color theme from last week. So, in light of my lack of participation, I bring you a card using last week's color theme, and a promise to continue that color theme this week!


This card uses Melon Mambo, Raspberry Ripple and Whisper White card stock and Raspberry Ripple Classic Stampin' Pad and Stampin' Write Marker (for the inside). The striped paper is from the Brights Pattern DSP stack. The "thanks" stamp is from Perfect Punches stamp set and on the inside of the card, I used a hostess set from the Spring Catalog - Stacks of Wishes. The ribbon on this card is the only thing NOT Stampin' Up!  I used a sheer ribbon that I had in my stash from my previous days as a Michael's instructor. 

Here are our colors for the week (held over from last week). Melon Mambo, Raspberry Ripple and Whisper White.


I hope you enjoyed today's card! I enjoyed making it and I can't wait to give the card to the recipient! That Eiffel tower on the side is actually an LED candle that my daughter keeps on our living room coffee table. I thought the elegant card deserved to be next to another elegant item!

Keep on Stampin!


Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Shop Online Now

Disclaimer:  I am a new Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I am working on replacing all my craft supplies with only Stampin' Up! product, but I will occasionally use some of my non-SU stash. Bare with me as I work to replenish my stash with only SU product. I will be highlighting new products as they come in and I will always point out great alternatives to my non-SU product that are Stampin' Up!. Thanks for understanding.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Tool Tip Tuesday

Today i am stuck in a hotel room and all i can do is miss my craft room and think about what tools i miss the most. At the top of the list are my Stampin' Write Markers. Why? You may be asking. Because they are just so versatile and a lot more inexpensive than most tools.

Did you know you can stamp with your markers? When you see those gorgeous cards online with all the multi-colored ink from a single stamp, its likely they used the Stampin' Write Markers directly on the stamp coloring it part by part with several different colored markers. I LOVE this particular use if the markers.

Another way to use Stampin' Write Markers is with a blender pen. Just touch the tips of the two pens together to "ink up" the blender pen tip then color your stamped image with the blender pen. Its like water coloring without the brush and water! It really lets you blend your color out creating a gradient effect quite easily and makes shading a cinch.

Also use Stampin' Write Markers with the Aqua Painter to watercolor your stamped images. Just scribble some ink onto your acrylic block, squeeze a bit of water through the brush to wet it, dab some of the water off then brush through the ink to pick it up and just start watercoloring.

Stampin' Write Markers come with two tips, a fat brush-like tip and a fine point tip. For best care store your markers horizontally to keep ink in both tips. Theres no need to replace your markers when the ink gets low. Use our reinkers to refill them easily. To refill just pull the fat nub carefully out of the barrel and drop a few drops of ink into the barrel. Then carefully put the nub back into the barrel. At this time, there are no nub replacements. A damaged nub is the only reason for marker replacement.

If you are interested in picking up a set of markers message me. I can help make them more affordable with my marker club.

Monday, February 25, 2013

More Snow Days!

Hello Stampin' Friends,

Having more snow days this week - unfortunately, I am stuck at my full-time job and will be staying at a hotel with no laptop - only my Iphone. Make-Over Monday post is postponed to next week, as well as my WOYWW post. I am putting a tool tip out for Tuesday. If you live here in Missouri please be safe as we head into another of these nasty snow storms. And if your lucky enough to get to play in your craft room - please think of me!

Happy Stampin'!


Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

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Disclaimer:  I am a new Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I am working on replacing all my craft supplies with only Stampin' Up! product, but I will occasionally use some of my non-SU stash. Bare with me as I work to replenish my stash with only SU product. I will be highlighting new products as they come in and I will always point out great alternatives to my non-SU product that are Stampin' Up!. Thanks for understanding.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Sunday Share Feb 24, 2013


View from my craft room.
Wow did we get plenty of snow! Thursday it snowed so much that I wasn't able to get to work - I had my first Snow Day in a long, long time!  You would have thought I'd get lots of stamping done but I had way too many distractions. Speaking of distractions, trying to write this post has been challenging even. Gotta love your family...I keep telling myself that! And I do! Which brings me to my distractions for the long snowy weekend. I played in MDS2 today and created a couple of layouts from one of the events of the weekend.

Avah playing dress-up in her Minnie Mouse outfit.

She kept losing her mouse ears - not enough hair to hold them on!
 I love spending time with Avah! She is just the cutest and smartest baby in all the world (can ya tell I am truly a grandma now?)  She is such a character. Copying everything. Today, she wanted to "work" in the craft room with Omah.  She wants that every day and it is so hard to pull away and just be alone - even though Omah's need alone time too. And what do I do when I get my precious alone time - I think of her! Oh the vicious cycle! But I love it so!

This week, I am going to focus on a monochromatic color scheme.  Raspberry Ripple, Melon Mambo, and Whisper White.  I love the way they worked together in the Minnie Mouse layouts above. Don't forget to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest and have fun stamping!


Happy Stamping!


Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Shop Online Now

Disclaimer:  I am a new Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I am working on replacing all my craft supplies with only Stampin' Up! product, but I will occasionally use some of my non-SU stash. Bare with me as I work to replenish my stash with only SU product. I will be highlighting new products as they come in and I will always point out great alternatives to my non-SU product that are Stampin' Up!. Thanks for understanding.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Snow Day!

Happy Thursday friends! I don't typically take snow days but I had to take one today. It was way too dangerous to be out driving - let alone driving 30+ miles to work. I wish I could say I spent my whole day stamping...but alas, I can not. I spent some time on Facebook drooling over the Krispy Kreme torture message they posted - Oreo Donuts - seriously! And on a snow day! Argh!

Instead of crafting, I made icee frappes for everyone. I made home made fudge to add to them as well. Then we spent time cooking dinner together and just hanging out. I don't get to spend much time with all my family at the same time because I work evenings and they are either at work or school during the day. So I spent the evening enjoying their company.

Now that its about 11pm, I am in the craft room ready to get busy working on my monthly newsletter. I was hoping to have it sent by now but I have been super busy. Maybe by Monday it will be ready for mailing! Here's hoping you had a great snow day and were warm and safely snug as a bug at home!

Happy Stamping!


Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

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Disclaimer:  I am a new Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I am working on replacing all my craft supplies with only Stampin' Up! product, but I will occasionally use some of my non-SU stash. Bare with me as I work to replenish my stash with only SU product. I will be highlighting new products as they come in and I will always point out great alternatives to my non-SU product that are Stampin' Up!. Thanks for understanding.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday Feb 20


Here is my desktop in all it's glory! I have the typical tools and supplies on my desk - some left over DSP, card stock, inks and markers, etc.  I also have the one thing no one should be without - a Candy Stash! I use that for a quick energy burst to get me going... Like our host of WOYWW, my cards are finished! Everything is piled up ready to be put away though...tidying won't take long! Initially, I only needed one Thank You card, but I wanted to use up my scraps and since trying to stay only with Stampin' Up! supplies, I have been really missing my washi tapes! Sooo...I decided to use some SU DSP scraps and make them look a bit like Washi Tape.  What do you think?


Today, I worked on a couple Thank You cards using Vintage Verses stamp set from the Sale-A-Bration flyer. You can get this stamp set FREE with a $50 purchase from my online store.  My weekly color scheme uses the 2012-14 In-Colors - Primrose Petals, Gumball Green, and Summer Starfruit.  I used those colors to make my cards. On my desk, you can see my Stampin' Write Markers in Primrose Petals and Summer Starfruit as well as my Classic Stampin' Pads in Gumball Green and Primrose Petals. For both of my cards, I used the Print Poetry DSP stack from the 2013 Spring Catalog. I just love using this paper - it coordinates perfectly with the 2012-14 In-Colors.  You can also see my retired Stampin' Up! Mat Pack. I used that to set the brads on my first Thanks card.

There are also a few non-Stampin' Up! products on my desk - my Fiskars Circle Cutter and my We Are Memory Keepers Brad Setter. I have had those for a while - love my circle cutter - I have the Martha Stewart circle cutter too but I really don't like using it. The Fiskars one is by far the best for the money.

Thanks for stopping in to take a look at my desk. I hope you come back again soon and feel free to post a comment! Many thanks to all of you WOYWW posters for stopping in and bringing a little traffic to my humble little blog. Happy Stamping...

FYI:  Participating in WOYWW posts is a bit tough for me. I rarely get to work during the day so I am always crafting/posting the night before.  So this IS from Wednesday's work desk, it just happens to be the wee early morning hours - from just after midnight to about 2 a.m. Wednesday morning. See, I happen to work evenings and babysit during the day. My most productive times are late nights. If I am lucky enough to get to spend time in my craft room during the day I am also working on entertaining a 2 1/2 yr old at the same time. Needless to say, she handles a scissors quite well, has her own ink and stamps, and even knows how to use punches and glue sticks! Way to go Omah!!!  She is well on her way to becoming the next stamper in my family! 

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator


Disclaimer:  I am a new Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I am working on replacing all my craft supplies with only Stampin' Up! product, but I will occasionally use some of my non-SU stash. Bare with me as I work to replenish my stash with only SU product. I will be highlighting new products as they come in and I will always point out great alternatives to my non-SU product that are Stampin' Up!. Thanks for understanding.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Tool Tip Tuesday - Stampin' Sanding System


Stampin' Up! has replaced it's previous sanding block with the new Stampin' Sanding System. The Stampin’ Sanding System consists of a soft, easy-to-grip sanding block with four pieces of sanding paper, 2 of each size. The fine 150 grit and ultra-fine 180 grit sanding papers are ideal for distressing and sanding Core’dinations card stock. The Stampin' Sanding System (129367) can be found on page 12 of the 2013 Spring Catalog, and was originally featured in the 2012 Holiday Mini. It costs $3.95 US.  Refills (129368) are also available for purchase and come with 8 sheets of sandpaper, 4 of each grit. Refills cost $1.95 US.

I love this product! Prior to joining Stampin' Up! I had used everything from a cheap paper emery board to buying sandpaper at the hardware store. Both of which are not that convenient methods for adding distress to my creations. I am a bit stingy when it comes to buying tools - I'd rather have stamps and ink than specific tools so I could never bring myself to buy the Tim Holtz Sanding Block - although I do love Tim Holtz products and I'm sure I would have liked his version as well - I just never would spend the money to get it.  I did, however, read a review where the reviewer really liked Tim Holtz sanding block. Below is a comparison of the two systems, based on my online research. Items I compared were cost, ease of use, and refill/replacement.

Stampin' Sanding System
#129367 - $3.95
Stampin' Sanding System cost is only $3.95. It comes with the block and 4 pieces of sanding paper in two different grits - letting you quickly and easily distress any kind of surface. The sanding paper is removable/replaceable using hook and loop style attachment. You get two surfaces for sanding - a wide surface and a narrow surface. Refills are only $1.95 and come with 8 replacement sheets - 4 of each grit 150 grit and ultra fine 180 grit.

Refills: #129368 - $1.95
Tim Holtz Ideology Sanding Block costs $5.99.  It comes with only 1 sheet of sanding paper.  It has two spikes that hold the paper at each end. Hook and loop is pretty secure - I would be worried that the paper may wiggle and move on the block when using spikes to hold it in place. Ideology brand refills cost $1.52 on Amazon and only come with 4 refill sheets - no mention of whether or not they are different grits or all the same. This sanding block has only one large surface (2" x 3") to sand with.

Both systems appear to be adequate for sanding the Core'dinations Card Stock. Initial start up costs for Tim Holtz though appears to be more pricey  For the cost of Tim's Sanding Block, you can purchase the Stampin' Sanding System and its refills - which would initially give you 6  sheets of each grit just to get started with. For me, that would be enough to last a year or two.

The initial investment and maintenance of the Stampin' Sanding System appears to be a much better economical choice at this time. I have only had mine for a few weeks - time will tell if this product will last - but my guess is that it will stand the test of time. Stampin' Up! does their homework.

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator


Disclaimer:  I am a new Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I am working on replacing all my craft supplies with only Stampin' Up! product, but I will occasionally use some of my non-SU stash. Bare with me as I work to replenish my stash with only SU product. I will be highlighting new products as they come in and I will always point out great alternatives to my non-SU product that are Stampin' Up!. Thanks for understanding.