Wandering Words

Today's card turned out really well, if I do say so myself. You can almost feel the Autumn breeze. This is another set from the Holiday Mini Catalog; Wandering Words. This is a set of 3 stamps, one for Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Thanksgiving. The patterned paper is DSP Autumn Traditions, and can be found in the IBC (Idea Book & Catalog). I used coordinating cardstock Always Artichoke, More Mustard, and Very Vanilla. I used the Scallop Edge Punch and the 1/16" Hand Held Punch to create the scallop edge. To get multiple colors on my stamped image, I inked up my stamp with Always Artichoke Classic Ink, and then used my Stampin' Write Markers in Ruby Red and More Mustard to color some of the leaves. Then, huff, and stamp. For the finishing touch, I wrapped some Linen Thread around the Very Vanilla layer and tied it in a knot.

It's not to late! Today is the last day to join the Stampin' Up! family with the purchase of the limited-time Mini Starter Kit. You can join by going directly to my website. All you need is my special code: debbied722

Tomorrow is the first day to place orders from the Holiday Mini Catalog! SU was running a bit behind in mailing them, but everyone should receive their copy by tomorrow. If you haven't received one, you can view the catalog online. Again, just go to my website and you can find it there. Remember, you can place your order while you're there! If you don't receive one in the next couple of days, contact me, and I will send you your very own copy. Selling dates are September 1, 2009 through January 4, 2010.

Check back tomorrow for another project featuring products from the Holiday Mini Catalog.

dd

Lovely as a Tree

I hope you find today's project worth the wait. I was so excited when Lynn brought me one of the new Wood Sheets available as one of the many products that can be used in the Big Shot. When I saw the wood, I immediately thought of my Lovely as a Tree Stamp Set, and of course, I had to see how it would cut with my Big Shot. I cut the Top Note shape just as easily as cutting cardstock or patterned paper. I couldn't even tell a difference!

I was truly inspired, and felt that this project was going to be "frame" worthy, so I planned it around an 8x10 frame that I had with a 5x7 opening. I have done some other projects like this and really enjoy them. I remembered a technique that I had learned a while back that would add just the touch of color that I was looking for; Thumping. First, I inked my multi-tree stamp with Close To Cocoa Classic Ink. Then I used my Stampin' Write Markers in Handsome Hunter, More Mustard and Really Rust and Thumped or Lightly Touched randomly around the trees to create fall colored leaves. Then, huff and stamp directly on the cut Wood Sheet. I used my Stampin' Sponges and sponged the edges of the Wood Top Note with Close To Cocoa Classic Ink. Then, for some added texture, and because it looks like bark, I ran a piece of Chocolate Chip Cardstock through my Big Shot using the Texturz Plate Kit #4, and layered that off center on Handsome Hunter Cardstock. I stamped the little pine cone down the side in Handsome Hunter Classic Ink. I added a piece of Styled Silver Hodge Podge Hardware by tying it on with Hemp Twine. I searched my entire collection of stamps for just the right word. The word Hope is actually from the Sense of Time Stamp Set and is part of one of the sayings. I just used my Stampin' Write Marker in Close To Cocoa, colored just the word I wanted, and stamped it on Very Vanilla Cardstock. Then, I decided I wanted some more dimension, so I stamped the pine tree with Handsome Hunter Classic Ink on Creamy Caramel Cardstock, and cut it out. I mounted it with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Here is a close-up so you can see a little better.

If you have been thinking about joining my Team, for a limited time, you can join by purchasing a Mini Starter Kit for only $85. With your mini kit you will receive the following:

Item Code	Page #*	Description	Retail Value**
115360	118	For All You Do stamp set	$28.95
115658	155	Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115656	155	Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115659	155	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115654	155	Dusty Durango Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115655	155	Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115657	155	Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
100730	155	Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")	$7.50
115315	155	In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")	$7.95

*All page numbers refer to the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog
**All products may be substituted for like items; see Mini Starter Kit order form for details.

You will also receive all the usual business items as in the regular Starter Kit.
If you are thinking of joining, and want to purchase the regular Starter Kit, as an added bonus, for a limited time, you will receive all 6 In-Color Classic Ink Pads, and One Pack of In-Color Assorted Cardstock 8-1/2 x 11. This is a $43.65 value! This offer ends August 31, 2009, so contact me today!

Have a Great Weekend!
dd

Delightful Decorations

This is another set from the Holiday Mini Catalog that when I saw it I knew I had to have it! Okay...I know...I say that about almost everything! But, this set, Delightful Decorations comes with four ornaments and three little accent stamps. Then, there is a coordinating Ornament Punch, and Merry & Bright Rub-Ons! There is also a coordinating Sparkle & Shine Wheel. How cool is that?

Here is the card I made, using Always Artichoke, Ruby Red, and Whisper White Cardstock. I used one of the little accents to randomly stamp the background, then stamped the ornaments in Ruby Red and Always Artichoke Classic Ink and punched them out with the Ornament Punch. Isn't cute the way it leaves the perfect border around the ornament? I used the Eyelet Border Punch to add a delicate touch. I like the way the holes in the eyelet coordinate with the dots on the ornaments. I was also glad to see that they brought back the Silver and Gold Elastic Cord. This is a great addition to cards, and is also fun to use for wrapping small packages or adding to gift bags. A little hint: I added a tiny dot of Crystal Effects to the silver bows, so they won't come untied. I also used Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere the ornaments. The Merry Christmas stamp is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set.

Ornament Punch & Delightful Decorations available September 1 in the Holiday Mini Catalog.

We are working out the details for our Holiday Mini Workshop. There are so many great things in this catalog, so keep watching, you won't want to miss this one!

Thanks for stopping by today!

dd

Sweet Centers

Okay...I can't stand it any longer. I have noticed that some other Demonstrators have already shared some projects from the up-coming Holiday Mini Catalog. There are only a few days left before the sales period begins, so I decided that I too would share some of the things that I have been working on lately.

I was so excited when I saw this first item in the mini. These Sweet Treat Cups are perfect to hold little goodies, and coordinates with the Sweet Centers Stamp Set. The cups are self adhesive, which makes it even easier to create ornaments, treat bags, cards and more!

For my card, I used Basic Black Cardstock for the base. I stamped the Sanded Background Stamp on Rich Razzleberry Cardstock with Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink. I stamped the Ghouls and Goblins Stamp on Whisper White. This is one stamp, with the EEK in the center. I just punched out the center with the 1-3/4" Circle Punch, and added a Black Brad for the spider.


Hostess Promotion!
Beginning September 1--
Host a workshop* totaling $250 or more and choose any one item** from the 2009 Holiday Mini Catalog for only $10!
* A workshop can be an in home workshop order, a group catalog order or a personal order with merchandise before s/h and sales tax totaling $250.
**Offer excludes hostess sets and My Digital Studio.

Contact me to schedule your workshop today!

Thanks for checking in...more mini samples tomorrow...

dd

It's Good To Dream

More Razzleberry Lemonade DSP and Rich Razzleberry 1/2" Grosgrain Polka Dot Ribbon. The bottom half of this card is the DSP, and the top half is stamped with the new Razzle Dazzle stamp set. I just love the colors in this patterned paper, and the way it coordinates with this stamp. I used the Melon Mambo and Crushed Curry Classic Ink to randomly stamp the design on Whisper White Cardstock. Here's a simple tip when preparing several cards. Try stamping an entire sheet of cardstock, and then cutting them to size.

I stamped the sentiment, also from this set, in Melon Mambo, punched it out with the Word Window Punch, and then mounted it on Melon Mambo cardstock punched out with the new Modern Label Punch. I love the way these two punches work so well together. I then used Stampin' Dimensionals to mount the sentiment on the card.

I LOVE FREE STUFF!
From August 1–31, get a FREE package of Designer buttons—a $7.95 value—when you spend $35 on stamp sets in the Growing Up section of the catalog (pages 74-90) or my Online Store.












Also, check out the limited-time Décor Elements^™ Growth Chart, now on sale for just $24.95. But hurry—it's only available through September 30!

Thanks for visiting me today!

dd

Friend to Friend

I am so bad! I had so much fun creating new samples at an all day crop that I attended this past Sunday. I had pre-ordered a couple of things from the up coming Holiday Mini Catalog, and worked on some projects to have ready when the selling period starts on September 1. I got so excited about the things that I made, and got so many more ideas, that yesterday, I ordered more! I can't share those projects with you just yet, but I can share with you another card I made.

This card uses the Pocket Silhouettes Stamp Set, and DSP Razzleberry Lemonade. One thing I ordered was some different Designer Series Papers. I realized that I only had two sets, so I needed more. I like this color combination for fall; Rich Razzleberry and Crushed Curry Cardstock. I stamped the flower and sentiment with Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink and used my Stampin' Sponges on the edges to coordinate with the look of the patterned paper. To finish it off, I added a strip of 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon in Rich Razzleberry.
This card is a perfect example of how Stampin' Up! makes it so easy to create beautifully coordinated projects. All of the Designer Series Papers and Specialty Papers shown in the catalog and mini catalogs list the coordinating cardstock/classic ink. They take all of the guess work out of it! You pick the patterned paper you like, and they tell you which cardstock you need to go with it. Then just pick a coordinating ribbon or other embellishment and you're ready to create!

If you haven't received a New 2009/2010 Idea Book & Catalog, and would like one, just contact me and I will get one to you right away.

Thanks for stopping by today!

dd

Enjoy Every Moment

This is one of the sets that I finally got around to mounting last week when catching up on things in my craft room; Enjoy Every Moment. I have had this set on my wish list for quite some time. During Sale-a-Bration, we have the opportunity to earn free stamp sets. This year, this is the stamp set that I chose as my FREE set. I have you, my customers to thank for that!

I used my Big Shot and the Texturz Plates Stampin' Up! Backgrounds 1, Large Polka Dots, and the DSP Razzleberry Lemonade for the background. The word enjoy is one stamp and is stamped with Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink. Every moment is another stamp, and is stamped in Crushed Curry Classic Ink. I stamped a coordinating decorative circle, from the same set, punched it out and layered it over the "o", then glued a Half Pearl from the Pretties Kit on top.

My favorite part of this card is the butterfly. I used my Big Shot and Bigz Die Beautiful Butterflies to cut the butterfly from another pattern from DSP Razzleberry Lemonade. From the Pretties Kit again, I used a Clear Teardrop Pearl and a Half Pearl to create the head and body. Then I used the centers from two of the flowers to make the antenna. I used my Crystal Effects to glue the pearls because it dries clear. I wanted the wings to stand out so I used two Stampin' Dimensionals stacked on top of each other.

If you've been thinking about joining my team, and doing what I do, now is the time! You can join the Stampin' Up! family now through the end of August for only $85.00. Start earning your FREE stamps today. Contact me for more information.

You should be receiving your Holiday Mini catalogs very soon. I know you're going to Love it! I have been working on several samples to share with you, but I can't spoil the surprise. Starting September 1, be sure to check in to see some projects using some of the stamp sets available.

I hope your week has gotten off to a great start. Thanks for stopping by today!

dd

Hello Baby

Here is another card I made using the cute Animal Stories stamp set. Here, you can see the whole giraffe. Isn't he just so cute? I don't usually go for the cutesy kid's stuff, but when I saw this set, something about it just struck me.

This card kind of has a lot going on. The patterned paper is from DSP Razzleberry Lemonade. The cardstock colors are the new In-Colors Melon Mambo and Crushed Curry. For the Crushed Curry layer, I used my Big Shot and the Texurz Plates Stampin' Up! Backgrounds 1; Small Polka Dot. The Designer Hardware Jumbo Grommet coordinates perfectly with the 1/2" Circle Punch. It also makes the perfect hole to tie the new 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon through. This is the Crushed Curry. The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes. I told you this set has something for every occasion!

I used a really easy method to get two colors of ink on the giraffe. Since this stamp is fairly solid, I inked the entire stamp with Crushed Curry Classic Ink, and then colored the mane and tail with my Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker. Then, just use the "huffing" technique and stamp.

Hope you have a Great weekend. Thanks for checking in today!

dd

Animal Stories

I'm posting later than usual today. My camera battery died while trying to photograph today's project, so I needed to wait while it charged. I am truly enjoying my time at home. I have cleaned and organized in my craft room...again. I think that is just going to be an on-going project. I've also worked on some projects with the hopes of participating in craft shows this fall and selling some handstamped gifts.

One of the things I sat down to do yesterday was mount some stamp sets that I "just had to have", but hadn't even found the time to put them together! One of the sets I came across was this cute set Animal Stories. I decided today, since I just had to have it...I should use it!

This is three of the four animals that comes in the set. They are stamped with Chocolate Chip Classic Ink. There is also a whale that is very cute too. This paper is the DSP Tall Tales that coordinates with the stamp set. The cardstock colors are Old Olive and So Saffron. The happy birthday stamp is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set.

Yesterday I posted that the sentiment used on the Fabulous Friends card was from the Only Ovals set. I need to correct myself. The correct set is Oval All. Sorry for any confusion.

Thanks for stopping by!

dd

Fabulous Friend

As promised, here is another card we made using the Medallion Stamp. With this one, we stamped the Medallion first with the New In-Color, Soft Suede Classic Ink, then a second image with Crushed Curry Classic Ink, and punched out the center with the Scallop Circle Punch. We also added a Decorative Brad from the Styled Silver Hodge Podge Hardware. The patterned paper is from the new DSP Razzleberry Lemonade, and again we used the Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon in the Soft Suede. The sentiment is from the Only Ovals set that coordinates perfectly with the Scallop Oval Punch.


Yesterday was Makayla's first day of Kindergarten. I thought I would share a couple of photos of her big day. She only goes two full days and half a day on Friday. She had a great day yesterday and is anxious to go back tomorrow.

Elegant Thank You

This is another one of the gorgeous cards that we got to make at our meeting. This is also another one of my new favorite stamps, Medallion. This is a background stamp and comes as a single stamp. This is one of those stamps that was "love at first sight". I knew I had to have it as soon as I turned the page and saw it. The possibilities are endless! We actually made a couple of cards, and I will show the others later.

This one was created by inking the entire stamp with Cameo Coral Classic Ink, and then using a Sponge Dauber and Soft Suede Classic Ink and just dabbing the ink around the edges and center areas where you want the second color. This is another great way to get multiple colors on one stamp. Using the sponge daubers gives a softer look, and blends the two colors nicely.

The sentiment is the Elegant Thank You stamp, and is also sold as an individual stamp. This is one of the great new additions SU has added to the catalog; the under $10.00 items. That way, if you purchase a set such as the Medallion, or the Circle Circus set shown yesterday, that don't have a sentiment, you can choose the sentiment of your choice at a very reasonable price.

The ribbon is the new Double-Sided 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon in Soft Suede. This is just the back side. Being double-sided makes this ribbon very versatile!

Be sure to check the SU website for several different promotions going on now!

Thanks for visiting.

dd

Another Great Shoebox Swap!

Hello! I know...it's been too long. Well, this last week has been busy. I decided to quit my job at Pier 1 so I can be a stay-at-home Mom/Grandma! Makayla starts Kindergarten tomorrow, and we decided it would be better for her to have a more "regular" routine. The easiest solution was for me to stay home. I also plan to devote more time to my SU business...yes...get back on a "regular" routine myself. Regular classes, regular blog posts, regular monthly page kits, and I'm even looking in to a little side business of selling my handstamped gift items. Very exciting stuff!

This past weekend, we had our Stampin' Up! meeting, and did another Shoebox Swap where we all design one card and prepare enough supplies for each attendee to make our card. This is such a fun way to get great new cards to share. This is the card that I designed for the swap.

This is one of my favorite sets from the new catalog, Circle Circus. This is just 6 of the 10 different circles you get in this set. These are also 3 of the 6 new In-Colors. Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry and Soft Suede. The ribbon is the new Dusty Durango Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon. The sentiment is from the new set, Teeny Tiny Wishes. This is a really great set. It has something for almost every occasion. It is stamped with Soft Suede Classic Ink on Whisper White Cardstock, punched out with the Word Window Punch and mounted on Dusty Durango Cardstock punched out with the new Modern Label Punch.

I have several cards to share with you this week, so come back soon to check them out!
Thanks for stopping by.

dd