Hoppy Birthday

I made this card this morning for my nephew, Owen, who is turning 2. Spent way to much time on a card for a 2 year old but it's just so darn cute and as you can see, it coordinates with his gift! (Which is very important to a 2 year old!) My daughter left her little backpack at his house a few weeks back and from what I hear he wore it around the house every day so we decided to get him his own for his birthday. I still need to pick something up to put in it but that shouldn't be too tough. Today I am meeting a good friend for lunch and a trip to our favorite scrapbook store - cuz I really need more stuff! LOL! Have a great day.

Poppin' Pastels

I actually made this card a long time ago but I simply have not had time to finish anything to post for a couple days so I dug this picture out of the "archives". I just love how it looks. I demoed this at a workshop and everyone was amazed by the technique. So simple but so pretty.
Recipe: Regal rose base. Used versamark for the background stamp and then used the sponge daubers with pastels to colour. I did a diagonal pattern but others did vertical and horizontal colouring and it looked nice, too. The heart is from Simply Said and "Love" is from Wonderful Words. I also used some pastels on the edge of the sentiment layer. The ribbon is the retired wide organdy.

I am working on a couple of coaster boxes right now. One for my daughter and one for me. I should have time to finish them tomorrow between my lunch with a friend and my nephew's 2nd birthday party.

My New Car

Since I mentioned that I picked up my new car I thought I should share at least one picture. It's a 2008 Volvo S80. I love it. So different from my mini van but I am getting used to the change. It has leather seats that are heated and airconditioned (who knew they even made those?!). The sunroof is awesome and it will soon have an entertainment system in the back for the kids (their own TV/DVD in the headrests!) which will be great for then AND me. I will actually be able to listed to MY music without complaints!

Time to Play!

I am so excited - I just picked up some new stuff to play with! Found a great on-line store that is based in Edmonton called PaperWorksCo. http://www.paperworksco.com/ They have all kinds of great things (at great prices) including coasters, tins and lunch boxes. Woohoo! And the best part is there are no minimum quantities! So, my downline, Jodie, and I picked out what we wanted I picked it up today. I am so hoping I have some time to play tomorrow. Work has been way too busy plus I picked up my new car today (yay!) and I am trying to get ready for my cheer team that starts next week. Anyway, just one card to share today. I used the new scallop edge punch to do the corners of the edges of the Close to Cocoa layer. This is the first time I have stamped on the twill tape. My SAMJ was not cooperating so it took a couple of tries but it looks good now.

Paper and Ribbon Shares!

What are shares? They are the BEST way to try out paper, ribbons, and other Stampin’ Up products for a fraction of the cost. By purchasing a “share” you will get a variety of papers or ribbons for a fraction of the cost of full packages or spools. Most people don’t need 15 yards of 1 type of ribbon but could sure use 2-3 yards of 10 different ribbons. And shares are how you can do that!

Paper Share

You will get 60 6”x6” pieces of Stampin’ Up’s Double Sided Designer Series Paper for just $18! These are great for card layers, small layers in large scrapbooks or layers in smaller books. They will also work great with chipboard and some great projects using coasters that I will feature this fall! I will also send you ideas on cards and other projects to make using your paper. (Optional)
Buying full packages of all this paper would cost you over $120. This is a great way to get lots of super papers and to see what paper you might want to buy full packages of later.

Paper Share #1: Designer Series Paper (p. 168-171)
Windsor Knot
Bella Rose
Georgia Peach
Maine Blueberry
Prestwick
Banbury
Muirfield
Junior Varsity
Rainbow Sherbet
Holiday Treasures

Share #2: Patterns Designer Series Paper (p.171)
Chocolate Chip
Pink Pirouette
Rose Red
Riding Hood Red
Perfect Plum
Pacific Point
Baja Breeze
Old Olive
Kiwi Kiss
Tangerine Tango

Ribbon Share

These ribbons will coordinate perfectly with the designer papers above as well as Stampin’ Up! cardstock. The cost of the ribbon share (10 different ribbons) is $25. Purchasing full spools of all these ribbons would cost nearly $120!

Ribbon Share #1: New Ribbons!

2 yards of each of the following 1” double stitched ribbon:
Bashful Blue
Chocolate Chip
Rose Red
3 yards of each of the following 5/8” striped grosgrain ribbon:
Pink Pirouette
Baja Breeze
Pacific Point
Kiwi Kiss
Tangerine Tango
Old Olive
2 yards of each of the following Taffeta ribbon:
Riding Hood Red

*Bonus: Purchase all 3 shares and save $6…just $55 for all 3! And order any share by September 1 and receive 2 yards of the new double sided Satin Ribbon for free! (Max. 2 free yards per person)

Paper and ribbon will be available for pick up at my house (Stony Plain) starting September 11th or add $1 per share and have it mailed right to your house! (Canada only...US shipping will be higher). Leave me a comment or email me at stampin.leanne@shaw.ca to purchase a share!

Quick Cards

Just a couple of simple and cute cards to show you today. The hippo is from Pun Fun. I did several cards like this using different colour combos and animals from the set. Colours are Real Red, Brilliant Blue and Only Orange. The ribbon is red & white gingham but I used the pastels to make it red & orange. The second card uses Seeing Spots. Colours are Certainly Celery and Bashful Blue with blue & white gingham ribbon. I have lots of work to get done today but I hope I may have time to play tonight. I placed another large order yesterday that includes some new dies for my Big Shot - super excited to get them next week!

Using the Catty

I find that most people I stamp with rarely use the Stampin' Up catalogue for ideas. So, I do my best to case cards from it now and again. This one is more "inspired by" than a case but the idea came from page 59 none the less. I don't use Not Quite Navy very often but I really like the look of it with Certainly Celery. This card was another one from last night's stamp a stack. This one is easy to make as a birthday card as well, which some ladies did. Thanks to the ladies who came - they were all awesome and efficient stampers completing 12 cards in less than 2 hours.
I have to get some "real work" done today but hope to have some time later to play a little more. I am also planning a ribbon and designer paper share so stay tuned for more information on those.

More S-A-S

These are the other 2 Christmas cards that we are making at the stamp-a-stack tonight. I decided we would do one of each of the Xmas cards and then 3 each of the other 3 cards (for a total of 12 cards) which I will post another day. Oddly enough this is the first time I have used kraft paper. I love it with the Chocolate Chip and Riding Hood Red. I just can't get enough of Deer Friends and Heard From the Heart. I am giving the option of using grosgrain ribbon or the retired satin ribbon on this card. The other Christmas card is Real Red with Glorious Green and uses the new set Spotlight on Christmas with the 5/8" grosgrain ribbon. I plan to host at least 3 Christmas card stamp-a-stacks over the next 3 months so stay tuned for details on how to register. I will also be selling Christmas card kits again this year. Details coming soon...

O Christmas Tree

This is one of the cards we will make at today's Stamp-a-Stack. I love the simple look of this card. I have several others using the same layout in different colours and with different stamps from the "Deer Friend" hostess set.
Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Ink: Old Olive and Summer Sun & Chocolate Chip markers on tree
Embellishments: Old Olive Grosgrain
Punches: 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" circles, Scallop circle

More Big Shot Fun

I saw a great card done by Jill Hilliard at Jills' Card Creations. Thought it was such a super idea for the little scallop envelope die. Wasn't sure what I would do with such a little envelope until I saw this card. I'm sure there will be lots more great ideas as more people play with their new toy.

Cardstock: Cameo Coral

Ink: Cameo Coral, Mellow Moss, Chocolate Chip

DSP: Retired and I can't remember the name

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly

I made a whole pile of cards today so now I will have new ones to upload for several days even if I don't have time to stamp. Yay! :)

I'm Back!

This week turned crazy when I returned from Vancouver and I had no time to stamp...even with a box of new stuff waiting to be played with! I had a few minutes to play with my new Big Shot and my daughter has made about a hundred little things with it already. I am prepping for a stamp-a-stack happening tomorrow evening (talk about leaving it to the last minute!) and thought these cards would work well for 2 of the 3 Christmas cards we will make. As soon as I saw this die I knew that I wanted to cut up the words and I am happy with the results.

Cardstock Colours: Real Red, Night of Navy (would also look great with Brilliant Blue)

Ink Colours: Whisper White craft

Stamped white snowflakes in the background and then added the die cut words.

Embellishments: Red & white gingham ribbon

I will likely post again later today. I'm heading back downstairs to play some more!

Done...and in record time!

Well, it isn't fancy, but it's done. Took me about an hour to put this together last night. Not much for embellishments but I bet Great Grandma won't mind! As it turns out Colin won't leave until tomorrow but today is crazy with trying to get the kids and I ready for Vancouver tomorrow that I knew I better finish it last night. It's a clear envelope brag book. The instructions can be found at www.splitcoaststampers.com in the projects area. They are super simple and use the clear envelopes sold by Stampin' Up. I used 5 envelopes for this one so there was room for 10 pics. I won't include them all. Sorry that the quality of pics isn't great - again - not much time today!

We had planned to go to Vancouver as a family this weekend but with the passing of Colin's grandfather we had to rearrange things. So, my sister in law and nephew (who will be 2 in a couple weeks) will join us instead. Should be lots of fun (although we will miss Daddy!). We don't have any big plans, just a trip to Granville Island, the aquarium, and a visit with my cousin whom I haven't see in about 4 years. Not sure that I will be posting while I am away, and I don't have anything loaded to auto-post as of now. Maybe I will find some time later today to do that. If not, I will be back next Wednesday! Enjoy your weekend.

Busy, Busy!

Ack! Three days without a post. Things have been busy around here and I just have not had any opportunity to stamp. I will be doing some tomorrow, however! I have to get a small photo book done for my husband's grandmother. His grandfather passed away yesterday and he will be leaving for Montreal on Friday and I really want to send some pics of the "great grandkids" for her. Since I haven't had a chance to stamp I thought I would post an older project that is similar to the one I will work on tomorrow. This is a paperbag scrapbook that I made of my kids. These are such fun and simple scrapbooks.

On another note, I am so excited for my new stamping stuff to get here. I placed a rather large order from the new SU catty on Tuesday. Still lots I want to get but this will be a good start. I hope it arrives by the end of next week so I can use some of my new goodies at my stamp-a-stack on the 24th. I can't believe we are almost half way through August! Not long until the kids are back in school. I am starting to look forward to them going back. I have lots of work to do and just can't seem to get it all done with the kids around. It will be strange with no kids at home all week. Last year Jenna was home 2-3 days a week but now she is going into grade 1 so mommy will have lots of alone time. And quiet time...ahhh...the sound of silence!

The Big Shot!

Tomorrow is the launch of the new Stampin' Up catalogue! There are so many awesome stamps and accessories I just can't decide what to get first. However, there is no question as to whether or not I will be getting the Big Shot! Stampin' Up has partnered with Sizzix to bring you the Big Shot die cutting machine! SU will carry a variety of dies including some exclusive to SU. The Big Shot works with dies from virtually every company and can be used to cut 50 different materials including fabric, chipboard, plastic and vinyl! I will be demonstrating this amazing machine at my stamp-a-stack on August 24. Email me for more details!
Hopefully I will have a card or two to show you tomorrow. Took some time off stamping this weekend to organize for my open house and also to do some work for cheerleading (my "real" job) that I have been putting off. I will also be coaching my daughter this year so I have some prep work for that, too. My last coaching experience was with university students so coaching 6-8 year olds will take a little getting used to but I am really looking forward to the challenge!

Let the Games Begin!

Well, my new catties finally arrived! The more I look through it the more I like it and the longer my list of "must haves" gets. These cards are for my open house on Monday - the FREE make & take! They are a spinoff of another card I did in black and white with a zebra in the window. The one on the left is Pacific Point with Baja Breeze. Used Heard from the Heart along with the flowers from Simply Said, the 1", 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" circle punches and a silver brad. The other is Tangerine Tango with Baja Breeze. Stamped the sentiment in white but it wasn't dark enough so I did it again in Baja. Pretty pleased with the results. Both cards use the scallop edge punch (can't get enough of that thing!) and whisper white on the inside. I think I will do another card in Riding Hood Red using the square punch. I like to give people options!

I am so excited that the Olympics have started! I love the summer Olympics. I am most looking forward to the gymnastics as that has always been a favorite but I also had the chance to meet Kyle Shewfelt on a few occasions and even had him to speak at a conference I organized. I have been in touch with him on and off the last couple of years. He is an amazing person and I have my fingers and toes crossed for him. He has an awesome blog www.kyleshewfelt.blogspot.com . You should check it out. GO CANADA!

Loving the Layouts!

This is a layout from Taylored Expressions. I have decided that these layout challenges are the BEST! I love being able to have something to start with (the layout) but then the challenge of making something that is my own. This uses the Lilac DSP from SU along with a stamp from Sale-a-bration. I used the slot punch for the ribbon and viola! This took me less that 10 minutes from start to finish with no plan of what I was going to do except the layout.
Still no new catties. Just going to go to the mailbox and see if my magic slip is here. Luckily one of my downlines (and new best friend, Amy) got hers and was kind enough to lend one to me and another one of my downlines until we get ours. The new catalogue is beautiful and has some really cute new stamps and some great new accessories. I just hope mine get here in time for my open house on Monday! 6:30-9pm at my house...come on by!

Pirouette Petal

This card started out as something completely different but I am happy with the results. Stamps: Pick a Petal and Heard from the Heart. Used the new scallop edge punch with twill ribbon in chocolate chip. Paper is pink pirouette, close to cocoa and the base is vanilla. Ink is pink pirouette, pretty in pink, creamy caramel, and chocolate chip. Also used a button and linen thread.

Tomorrow is new catalogue arrival day...can't wait!

New SU Promotions!

Promo #1: "Never Seen Before" stamp set sale! This is such a great deal because you don't have to buy a minimum amount before getting a deal - you just save on these awesome new stamp sets. Here's the full brochure. This sale starts on August 11th when the new catalogue is released.

The second promotion is a mini starter kit. There are three kits to choose from - which is awesome if you've wanted the benefits & discounts available to a demonstrator but already had a bunch of the materials in the regular $249 starter kit. There is a kit for stampers, one for scrapbookers, and one for home decor accents. These kits are discounted to $119 and can be purchased online starting August 11th. See the full brochure here. If you would like more information on exaclty what is in each kit, the discounts demos receive along with all the other amazing benefits and sales requirements please email me. I would love to give you more information.

For more information or to take advnatage of any of these promotions you can also attend my New Catalogue Open House on August 11 from 6:30-9:00pm at my house: 24 Harmony Crescent in Stony Plain. There will be a FREE make & take with new colours, new stamps and an awesome new punch, garage sale items (for every $1 you spend on discounted garage sale items you get 40cents towards a new catalogue purchase! There will also be door prizes and delicious treats from Epicure!

OCC Challenge Card #3

OK, I think this will be my last OCC Challenge card! I am just in a stamping groove and my back isn't hurting too badly. Probably will be later but it's worth it. This card is totally not my usual. I don't use these colours or this type of paper so I thought it was an extra good challenge. The paper is not SU, it's from a pack I got at Costco. It goes well with some left over Cranberry Crisp and More Mustard. The ink is Bravo Burgundy (guess I sold my Cranberry Crisp!). The stamp set is One of a Kind. I also used some aged cooper hodgepodge. Pretty happy with the results. The circle is cut with the Coluzzle and the small ones are 1" punch. The big circle is on dimensionals. All circle edges are scraped with bravo burgundy.

On another note I got a notice that my new Stampin' Up catalogues are on their way! Woohoo! Says they will be here Thursday but I am expecting them sooner. Why would it take them 4 days to get here from Calgary? It's only a 3 1/2 hour drive!

OCC Challenge Card #2

Decided to try this layout again doing something different. This is Pretty in Pink with the prints pack paper. Used the coluzzle to make the circle, the scallop punch, and daisy punch with a green rhinestone brad in the middle. Used some pastels (pretty in pink and regal rose) on the circle and flower. Sentiment (from Stem Sayings) was stamped in Pretty in Pink, then white, then Regal Rose. Ribbon is white tafetta thru the slot punch.

OCC Challenge Card #1

I am having a terrible time getting a good picture of this card. The colour looks so grey but it's really shades of purple. See below for details.

New Technique and OCC Challenge

My first challenge card! Did this for the OCC August Challenge. I also tried a new technique that I saw on SCS. Stamped the image in black classic ink and used an aquapainter to sort of smudge the colour. Because SU's black is actually a super dark purple I thought it would work well with the plums. I took a closeup shot to show the colour a little better but it's hard to get a good. pic - looks much better IRL. Used the cutter kit to rough the edges and added rhinestone brads. Colours: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Basic Black, Whisper White. Stamps: Summer by the Sea, Embrace Life. Other: Coluzzle, cutter kit, word window punch, rhinestone brads, aquapainter.

Stamp-a-Stack planning

I am starting to think about what cards I will do for a stamp-a-stack I am holding in a couple weeks. I really like this layout so I think I will do a few cards like this. I made my own DSP using the Priceless set. This also uses some stamps from Seeing Spots. The sentiment is from Short and Sweet. Colours: Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Barely Banana. Ribbon is white taffeta.

Stamp-a-stack will be held at my house in Stony Plain on Sunday, August 17 at 6:30. Let me know if you are interested in attending.

Another Try

Thought I would give it another try this afternoon. Did not go too well although the results are pretty good. Had a really tough time cutting the butterfly (hence the chopped off antennae)which is something I am not used to at all. I am usually the one cutting out everyone's small pieces at workshops. This layout was inspired by the one below. Colours: Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi and the new Pink Pirouette. Used the new scallop edge punch and the retired daisy punch with silver brads. Butterfly is from Priceless and happiness is from Warm Words. The DSP is from the hostess prints pack.

Finally sat down to make a card. It turned out pretty well but I won't be making many in the next while based on how I felt afterwards. It was a quick and simple card (layout from Taylored Expressions) and yet a sore neck and headache were the result. Uggghhh! I am not a happy stamper. Card and ink are Brilliant Blue, paper is from the Jersey Shore set with circle punches in Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue, and Wild Wasabi (have I mentioned how much I am going to miss this colour?) The Happy Birthday is from the retired set Favorite Teddy Bear and is set on dimensionals. I miss the teddy stamps. Maybe there will be a new one in this catty. Can't wait to get it - some demos in Calgary and Edmonton got theirs today so hopefully mine will show up on Tuesday (darn long weekend!). Anyway, maybe I will try another card tomorrow using another TE layout. Hope you have a great long weekend!