Birthday Circles

I love the medallion image created with this stamp. I wouldn't have thought to layer the images in this stamp to create a dimensional focal piece for this card. It works perfectly! Just stamp and clean your stamp before you switch colors :) This card was designed by Tammy Crittenden.

Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Whisper White

Stamps: Circle Circus, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry, Bermuda Bay

Accessories: Scallop Edge punch, Scallop Circle punch, Paper Snips, 1 1/4", 3/4" circle punches

Elephant Thank You

This card greeting could be changed for just about anything...perfect for a new baby, a birthday, or a thank you. Who would have thought to use the scallop edge punch for the top part of the card...I never would have :) This card was designed by Trenna Garoutte.

Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White
Stamps: Animal Stories, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Melon Mambo Polka Dot Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch

Circle Circus

This has to be one of my favorite new stamp sets. I have to admit at first I wasn't so sure about it but I ordered it anyway, and I'm sure glad I did! I love that this card could be used for ANY occassion! This card was designed by Cula Parker.

Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry, Whisper White
Stamps: Circle Circus
Ink: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry
Accessories: Crushed Curry Polka dot ribbon, Scallop edge punch

Birthday Balloons

At our August demo meeting, each demo brought a shoebox swap. So we all stamped together...which I really enjoyed because usually I do all the prep work for everyone else. I really enjoyed stamping with my friends! You'll notice something for the next few days about these cards...they all used Melon Mambo...must be a favorite new in-color color! This card was designed by Michelle Fredrick.

Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Green Galore, Whisper White, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Ink: Basic Black, In Color Markers
Stamps: The More the Merrier, Crazy for Cupcakes
Accessories: Paper Snips, Dimensionals, Hemp Twine, Corner Rounder

September Events & Specials

September is just around the corner so I wanted to share the happenings with you now :)

First and most importantly, you should be receiving your holiday mini catalog any day! I LOVE this mini! I know I've said that so much lately but they really have some GREAT new products in this mini. There is so much for EVERYONE in this mini. I'm having so much playing with the Sweet Centers stamp set and the Sweet Treat Cups that match!!! Want to see these in person for yourself and make two fun projects??? Join me for Stamp Club Technique Night on Thursday, September 3, at 7 p.m. We'll be making two projects. Fee: Stamp Club Members--FREE!!! Customers/Guests--$7. Please RSVP by Tuesday, Sept. 1, so I'll have enough supplies prepared.

Because of schedule changes, Monday Madness will now be WEDNESDAY WOW!!!! Join me for a few hours of working on your own projects with stampin' friends. Stop by any time between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. Bring your own supplies and get craftin'! Please let me know by Monday evening before each event if you'll be attending so I can set up for all those who would like to attend :)

September's Stamp Camp will be held on Friday, September 18, at 7 p.m. We'll be learning new techniques!!! You'll be on creative overload after this eventful night :) We'll be creating 5 projects at this event. All supplies will be provided except adhesive...please bring your own. Fee: Stamp Club Members--$20 Customers/Guests--$25. You and your guests MUST RSVP by Sept. 12 for this event.

October's Stamp Camp will be on Friday, Oct. 23...we'll be creating the very popular 6x6 desktop calendars. Mark your calendars now for this event! I'm already starting my RSVP list. This class is limited to 10 participants. I can offer this class another day if the need is there. :)

Last but not least...September's promotions are FABULOUS!!!

**The new Decor Elements Growth Chart is only available until September 30. I've seen so many great ideas for this chart...whether it's in a kids' room, a bathroom, or in a classroom....it's the perfect accent to a room!

**You'll DEFINITELY want to be a hostess in September....Host a workshop totaling $250 or more and choose any one item* from the 2009 Holiday Mini Catalog for only $10! (*Offer excludes hostess sets and My Digital Studio.) After My Digital Studio is released, this offer will become even sweeter: Host a workshop of at least $400 and get My Digital Studio for 50 percent off the retail price (retail price: $79.95; promotional price: $39.97) as well as any item for $10. Contact me TODAY to book your stampin' party!!!

See you in September!

Snowman and a snowflake

I saw this fun snowman on Patty's blog. She received it as a swap at convention. It thought how perfect it would be to go along with this glittery snowflake on the inside of the card.
Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Whisper White, Basic Black, Dusty Durango
Sets: Sincere Salutations
Inks: Basic Black
Punches: 1 ¾” Circle, 1 ¼” Circle, 1” Circle, Jumbo Snowflake
Other: Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, Vintage Brads, Bermuda Bay Polk Dot Ribbon, Tombow Multi Adhesive, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Clear Packing Tape

Tips: Tear snow, add tombow to torn edge, and dip in dazzling diamonds glitter. Attach to cardfront to dry.
Adhere snowman circles together and then add buttons.
Tie a knot in the ribbon and then attach to snowman.
Inside snowflake: Punch out of Bermuda Bay CS and trim to 2 ¾” x 2 ¾”. Adhere packing tape to the back and dip in dazzling diamonds glitter. Punch several large circles in the Basic Black CS so the snowflake will show through to the white. Adhere three layers together.

Scarecrow Friend

Isn't this scarecrow cute?!?! Perfect for all those fall crafts.

Cardstock: Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Sets: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Pumpkin Pie
Punches: 1 ¼” circle, Scallop Square, Trio Flower, Word Window, Small Tag, Horizontal Slot, ¼” circle (retired), ¾” square (retired)
Other: White Gel Pen, Blush Blossom Marker, Hemp Twine, Basic Black Journaler, Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain

Tips: Punch all pieces of the scarecrow first. Then assemble on Crushed Curry square. You'll need an extra piece of DSP to fit under the bib overalls to create a "shirt." Add faux stitch markings last because they can smear.

Palm Tree

This fun palm tree is perfect for lots of things...scrapbook pages, themed party invitations, or just for fun!

Cardstock: Cardstock: Brocade Blue, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Old Olive
Sets: Happy Everything
Inks: Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel
Punches: Scallop Oval, Modern Label, Word Window, ½” circle
Other: Dimensionals, Sponges, Bone Folder, Circle Scissors Plus

Tips: Punch 5 scallop ovals from Old Olive. Fold in half (I scored my with the scoring blade on the paper trimmer) and cut in the insides of the scallops. Create base of tree using Circle Scissors Plus...cut 3" circle first and then cut 4" circle around it. You'll have enough for 3-4 bases. Tear Creamy Caramel CS and tear to create layers of sand. Sponge ½” circles and attach with dimensionals. Stamp word first and then punch with word window punch. Sponge edges of Modern label and word window

Worm Wishes

For some reason, I had in my mind this cute stamp set had retired so when I was preparing for my punch class, I didn't think I could use this fun card I made for our friend's birthday. Guess what?!?! This stamp set is still current :) The "magnifying glass" is perfect for a boy card...add the bugs, and you're near perfection! I stamped the background with the bugs and then put the top two layers together. I punched a 1 1/4" circle through the layer so you could see the background paper. I added a piece of a window sheet to the back of the circle to look like the glass on a magnifying glass. The magnifying glass was created by punching a 1 1/4" circle and then punching a 1 3/8" circle around it. The handle is created with the word window punch and then adding a brad with the 1/16" handheld punch.

Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Whisper White, Window Sheets Medium
Ink: Bermuda Bay, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Only Orange
Stamps: Bugs & Kisses
Accessories: 1 1/4" circle, 1 3/8" circle, 1/16" handheld, and word window punches, vintage brads

Turtle

I took yesterday's card base and created this cute turtle!!
I can't take credit for the turtle. It came from one of the posts I found on this blog. We created this card at my punch class. This turtle was definitely a hit :) What color combo would you choose?

Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Whisper White, Green Galore
Sets: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Basic Black
Punches: 1” Circle, ½” circle, Word Window, Small Oval, Horizontal Slot, 1 ¾” Circle, Scallop Edge, ¼” circle (retired)
Other: Bermuda Bay Polka Dot Ribbon, Paper piercer, Mat Pack, Basic Black Journaler

SU! NEWS.....with BLOG CANDY for YOU!

Last month was my 5th anniversary with Stampin' Up! When I got home from vacation, I received my 5-year pin from Stampin' Up! Here's a picture of me with my new pin...I'm also showing you my favorite new stamp set from the Holiday Mini that is available to order from September 1!!!! We'll be using this stamp set and the treat cups that go with it at our club technique night on September 3. Sign up today to reserve your spot!

Since I didn't get to go to convention, some of my fellow demos went shopping for me at memento mall! I got this cute jacket, 2 shopping bags, and a technique DVD. I'll be learning new techniques from this video which I'll be teaching you at our monthly stamp camp on Friday, September 18. Register TODAY!!!

To celebrate my 5 year anniversary with SU, I'm giving away two punch templates....so we'll have two winners! All current punches will be included in this template.

Please leave me a comment about which punch is your favorite and what you like to use it for on this post. I'll take enteries through August 31 at 5 p.m. (PST) Good luck!

Bermuda Bay...Yummy!!!!

I love this new in-color! These scraps were just laying on my desk, and I thought they looked AMAZING together so I had to sit down and put a quick card together.

Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Green Galore
Ink: Bermuda Bay
Stamps: Thank You Kindly
Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, Bermuda Bay Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon

Razzly Rich Razzleberry

As I was stamping the other day, I came out to my computer to scan some cards, and I got this post through bloglines. I loved Val's idea of the sketch and the White base with a splash of color. This was my attempt at this simple layout.

So...here's my sketch challenge for you today...give this layout a try. You can use the crisp white with a splash of color or whatever colors you choose :)
Cardstock: Whisper White, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers, Thank You Kindly
Accessories: Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Ribbon, Dimensionals, Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads

My Love!

Today we celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary! Where does the time go??

Cardstock: Kraft, Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Bermuda Bay, Going Gray Standard Wheel Cartridge
Stamps: Forever, Hearts O' Plenty standard wheel
Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Envelope, Perfect Details Texturz Plate, Impressions Pad, Silicone Rubber

3-D Butterfly

I love the new Butterfly punch SU! has. This was the first card I made with it, and I wanted to be sure the butterfly felt like it was flittering around :) So I stamped the grass and then punched two butterflies...you can see the results here.

Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Stamps: Thank You Kindly, Inspired by Nature
Ink: Always Artichoke, Melon Mambo
Accessories: Butterfly Punch, 2-way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Melon Mambo Polka Dot Ribbon, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch

Stepped-Up Thank You Card

Same card as yesterday...just took it to the next step :) Added a background stamp to the base of the card using the Dusty Durango ink. Add more interest by sponging on Ruby Red ink lightly using a sponge dauber. Used the cutter kit to rough up the edges and then sponge more color on the edges. Paper pierced the bottom of the card using the mat pack and the paper piercer.

Cardstock: Dusty Durango, Whisper White
Ink: Dusty Durango, Ruby Red
Stamps: Kind & Caring Thoughts, Sanded
Accessories: Sponge Daubers, Cutter Kit, Mat Pack, Paper Piercer
Technique: Two-Tone stamping (stamp image in lightest color...Dusty Durango...sponge image edges using a sponge dauber with the darker color...Ruby Red....it adds a little dimension to the flowers)

I'm stamping again :)

I'm mostly caught back up on life again after our vacation so I finally found myself with some time to myself today since the older two returned to school and the little one was crashed on the floor for a nap :) I decided to start simply with this card...I'll be posting more of my creations this week. Watch for daily posts again starting today! :)

Cardstock: Dusty Durango, Whisper White
Ink: Dusty Durango, Ruby Red
Stamps: Kind & Caring Thoughts
Accessories: Sponge Daubers
Technique: Two-Tone stamping (stamp image in lightest color...Dusty Durango...sponge image edges using a sponge dauber with the darker color...Ruby Red....it adds a little dimension to the flowers)

Watched for a stepped-up version of this card tomorrow. Happy Stampin'!!!

August News & Specials

**Growth Chart Decor Elements--See my demo website to see this FUN growth chart to add to any kid's room. Available only until September 30 for $24.95.

**Growing Up Promotion--Spend $35 on stamp sets from the Growing Up section of the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog (pages 74-90) and receive a FREE package of Designer buttons (Playground, Sherbet, or Button Latte buttons)--a $7.95 value. (Available August 1-31).

**Become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator with the limited-time $85 Mini Starter Kit. Contact me for more information. (Available through August 31).

**Summer Cookout Kit--Is now available at a 40 percent discount--making it just $14.95! And with plenty of summer left to celebrate, it's a great time to take advantage of this huge discount. The Summer Cookout Refill is also still available at its regular price of $9.95. This special offer only goes through August 31, or while supplies last.

**Punch Stamp Camp on Friday, August 21, at 7 p.m. We'll be creating 5 projects using punches!!! You'll be amazed at the punch art will be making. A punch of your choice is included in this stamp camp fee. All supplies will be provided except adhesive, please bring your own. Fee: Club Members $30; Customers & Guests $35. Must RSVP by August 14 with name of the punch you would like to receive the night of the class. Spots are limited! Contact me ASAP so you don't miss this popular class :)

**If you have not received a catalog yet and would like one, please e-mail and I will mail you one priority mail FREE!

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.