Sweet Cake

Today's card features the fun new stamp set in the Occasions Mini Catalog, Sweet Cake, and Designer Series Paper, Twitterpated. I love the color combination of Riding Hood Red, Pretty in Pink and Basic Grey.

I stamped the cupcake image twice, once with Basic Grey Classic Ink, and once with Pretty in Pink. I cut out the pink cupcake by hand, and adhered it with Stampin' Dimensionals. I used my Stampin' Write Markers to color the cherry, cut it out and adhered it with a Mini Glue Dot.

The Happy Birthday sentiment is from the same stamp set. I used my markers again, to get the multi-color stamped image. I used Riding Hood Red and Pear Pizzazz to coordinate with the DSP.

To bring in a little more pink, I added a bit of the new Pleated Satin Ribbon. A product saving tip here ~ just put about a 1" piece on either side on the main image, instead of going all the way across the card. Then I used Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere the main image to my card. The little red heart was cut with the new Fashionable Hearts Embosslit.

Do you want to make this card? If you bought the products to make it, you could earn a FREE Sale-a-Bration item! Now through March 31, earn free product with every $50 you spend. Contact me or visit my website for more details.

Thanks for stopping by ~
dd

Sale-a-Bration Sneak Peek

With Sale-a-Bration just a few days away, I thought it was time to give you a little peek of some of the Exclusive products that you can earn for FREE! Here is my card honoring the Sale-a-Bration ~

This card features the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper. I am in Love with this assortment of paper! It is so beautiful and coordinates with the 2011-2013 In-Colors. During Sale-a-Bration, when you spend $50 you can get this pack of 12x12 paper FREE. You will get 12 sheets, 2 each of 6 double-sided designs.

The sentiment is another SAB exclusive item. This is the Outlined Occasions Stamp Set. It is a set of 6, and can also be yours FREE with a qualifying order. I stamped it on Naturals Ivory Cardstock, and colored it in with my Calypso Coral Stampin' Write Marker. Then I cut it in to a tag shape and added the brad and ribbon, which are also SAB products. The Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack coordinates with the DSP and comes with 2 spools of ribbon, Calypso Coral & Lucky Limeade, 10 yards each, and an assortment of coordinating brads.

I used the new Framelits Labels Collection to cut the DSP. To enhance the vintage look of the paper and add dimension, I used my Sponge Daubers and Soft Suede Classic Ink to sponge the edges. To give extra dimension, I used Stampin' Dimensionals on the second and third layers. The small floral piece I hand-cut. I added a small piece of scallop border to the tag, punched from Calypso Coral Cardstock with the Scallop Border Trim Punch.

The Framelits are great and easy to use. They coordinate with stamp sets found in the Occasions Mini. Since they are frames, they enable you to see where you're placing the design on your paper before you cut, so you can center them over a stamped image or an image on the patterned paper like I did here. I Love them!

Sale-a-Bration starts January 24. Remember you can place your orders online, anytime, from the comfort of your own home, enjoying all the same benefits and have your orders shipped directly to your doorstep!

Contact me with any questions or to book your workshop. Thanks for stopping by ~
dd

Occasions Mini Valentine

The selling period for the Occasions Mini Catalog has begun! This mini is full of fun new Stamp Sets, Designer Series Paper, Ribbon, Buttons, Tools and more. I finally had some time to try out some of these new products. Here is a Valentine card inspired by the tag featured on page 7 of the mini.

I Love everything about this catalog! I use my Big Shot in almost every project, so I was extremely happy to see the new Framelit Dies. These are a bit different from the dies we've had in the past. They are wafer thin dies designed so you can see what you are cutting. The Heart Collection used here, comes with 6 dies, designed to make layering a breeze! This set coordinates with the Take it to Heart Stamp Set, also featured in the mini.

Another great new product is the new Textured Impressions Embossing Folders, Adorning Accents, used here. These are smaller than the regular embossing folders, designed to add embossing to the edges of your cards. This set comes with 3 folders, that coordinate with the new Edgelit Dies, and of course, the Bordering on Romance Stamp Set, so you can stamp, cut & emboss so easily!

One more item I am completely in Love with is the new 3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon! It is available in 4 colors. I've used the Blushing Bride here. It is gorgeous and so easy to use.

You can view the entire mini by clicking on the picture on the side bar. If you don't have your very own copy, just let me know & I'll get one to you right away! Also, Sale-a-Bration begins later this month. If you haven't received your brochure, let me know and I'll make sure you have one before it begins on January 24, 2012.

If you're interested in Hosting a workshop, Sale-a-Bration is a super time to do it! You and your friends can earn Free product with a qualifying purchase. For the first time ever, You as a Hostess has the opportunity to earn an adorable Free Reusable Tote, and a Free Hostess Bundle* featuring exclusive Sale-a-Bration items.
*Host a $400 Workshop

Have you been thinking about joining the Stampin' Up! family? During Sale-a-Bration is a great time to do this as well! Not only will the Starter Kit be discounted, you will receive either a Free pack of Designer Series Paper of your choice, or a Digital Download each month for the rest of the year! This is an awesome savings to help you get your business off to a great start. Contact me if you have any questions, I'd be happy to chat with you about this Fun Opportunity, & I'd love to have you on my Team!

Happy New Year!
Thanks for stopping by~
dd

Boo!

From one Holiday to another! Well, I was inspired when I received my free package of Frightful Sight Designer Series Paper. Yep, I took advantage of the August promo and stocked up on some DSP. You can get a free package too! When you order 3 packages of Designer Series Paper, you get the 4th package free. Click HERE to see all the great choices.

Halloween really isn't that far away, especially when it comes to planning your cards and projects. I tried a new technique on this card. Cutting, Embossing and Inking Wood Sheets. First, I cut the letters from the Wood Sheet with the Big Shot and the Simple Letters Alphabet. Then I embossed the letters using the Square Lattice Embossing Folder. Next, I sponged them with Basic Black Classic Ink. I think it gives it a very spooky look.

The background was embossed with the new Stripes Embossing Folder. The cute little spider is from another new stamp set, Spooky Bingo Bits. This is a great set with 24 spooky images. I punched it out with the 3/4" Circle Punch and layered it on a Mini Vintage Tag with a Stampin' Dimensional. The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes, punched out with the Word Window Punch, layered on Basic Black Card Stock punched out with the Modern Label Punch. I finished it off with a Pumpkin Pie Glimmer Brad.

August 31 is the last day to order from the Occasions Mini Catalog and the last day of the Buy 3 Get 1 Free Designer Series Paper Promotion. You can see the mini on my website, and don't forget to stock up now on DSP for all your Holiday projects and card making!

Thanks for stopping by ~
dd

Hello My Friend

I must say I'm very pleased with today's card. This stamp set, My Friend, was one of the first ones to go on my Wish List from the new catalog. I just Love the swirly hello sentiment.

I used the new Fancy Fan Letterpress Plate to create the background. I inked up the plate with Versa Mark, placed my Baja Breeze card stock on top of it, and ran it through my Big Shot. This embosses the card stock and gives it the tone on tone look at the same time. The base of the card is the new In-Color, Island Indigo. Check out the new Ruffled Ribbon. This comes in all of the new In-Colors. The lacey border was created with the new Lace Ribbon Border Punch. I just cut it in half and put it above and below the Whisper White Card Stock used for the sentiment.

See the stamping on the little butterfly? This is another stamp from the My Friend stamp set. I stamped a scrap of paper with Baja Breeze Classic Ink, and then used the Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die and my Big Shot to punch it out. I've used all 3 different sizes of Basic Pearls to put the finishing touches on my card. Two medium pearls on the body of the butterfly, 3 large pearls on the ribbon, and the tiniest one on the swirl in the words my friend.

Don't forget to stock up on your DSP this month. Buy 3 packages and Get 1 FREE! Contact me for more details, or visit my website.

I hope you enjoyed your visit. Thanks for stopping by!
dd

Christmas in July

Well, it was still July when I made this card. We had our Group Meeting last weekend and this is the card I made to share.

We did our shoebox swap again, because we all enjoy it so much and it's a great way for all of us to get several new samples to share. Each Demonstrator designs a card and prepares everything for every other Demonstrator to make it. Then, we all rotate stations making each card. It's great to relax and make cards that someone else has designed & prepared. We also bring other samples to share, have product demonstrations, discuss business and eat great food. I always look forward to these days. They are such an inspiration and I truly enjoy spending time with my Stampin' Up! family.

I used several components on this card. I don't think I can complete a project without my Big Shot. I used it, along with the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, the New Fancy Fan Letterpress Plate, the Scallop Circle #2 and Circle #2 Bigz Dies. The trees were stamped using the Masking Technique. I used my new Pennant Parade Stamp Set and coordinating Petite Pennants Builder Punch with Stampin' Dimensionals to pop up the center tree. I added some of the New 3/8" Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon, a Mini Vintage Tag, and Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine. For the finishing touch, I topped each tree with a Basic Rhinestone.

If you have questions about becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and want to join our "family" and be a part of our next group meeting, contact me any time. I'd love to chat with you about what I do!

Thanks for stopping by ~
dd

Paper Daisies

It seems that paper flowers are all the rage right now. I just had to try some myself. They are so easy using the Big Shot and the Bigz Flower Daisies #2 Die.

I cut the daisies with Whisper White and Daffodil Delight Cardstock, alternated the layers and added an Antique Brad for the center to create this one. The patterned paper is one of the prints from the Paisley Petals DSP from the Spring is Blossoming promotion that will be ending in just a couple of days. That and the Four Frames Stamp Set will be available in the new 2011/2012 Idea Book & Catalog when it releases in July, but as a sneak preview, you can get them now! Order both of these exciting new products with a $20 purchase, or get them Free when you host a qualifying workshop. After April 30, both of these products won't be available again until July 1. Get yours today!

It's hard to see in the picture, but I've added a bit of Frost White Shimmer Paint to the bird and the daisy. For the bird, I used my Aqua Painter to paint his belly. To add it to the daisy, I mixed a few drops to a mister bottle half full of alcohol. Then just spritz the flower. This adds a fun sheen to any project!

The word Enjoy is from the You're a Gem Stamp Set and is stamped in Marina Mist Classic Ink.

Thanks for stopping by!
dd

Paisley Petals

Here's the card I promised using the Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper and Four Frames Stamp Set. I absolutely Love both of these items, and am thrilled that they will be available in the new 2011/2012 Idea Book & Catalog!

If you love them too, you don't have to wait until July to get them. During the month of April, just place a small $20 order and you can order these too! Do you Love Free? Just Host a qualifying workshop in April, and both of these items can be yours for Free!

For this card, I've used the coordinating Cherry Cobbler Cardstock and Seam Binding Ribbon. The Four Frames Stamp Set coordinates with the Designer Label Punch. There are four different designs that are all just adorable! To mat the frame, I punched out a Cherry Cobbler Designer Label, cut it in half, and then just layered it on the top & bottom half of the frame. I pulled a single thread to gather up the ribbon, adhered it with Sticky Strip, and added some Basic Pearls for the finishing touch.

I have another card just like this but in another color combination for tomorrow. Contact me to place an order or book your Workshop, or place your order online anytime from the comfort and convenience of your own home!

Thanks for stopping by~
dd

For You

We are down to the last 3 days of Sale-a-Bration! I can't believe how fast this time has gone by. Have you gotten all the Free stuff you wanted? I still have a couple of things I need, so I'll be placing my last personal Sale-a-Bration order tomorrow. Let me know if you need anything. I'd be happy to help you earn Free products too!

Today's card features a couple of the items you can get for Free during these last couple of days of Sale-a-Bration. The Punch Bunch Stamp Set, Ice Cream Parlor Designer Series Paper Pack & Quick Accents Pack, and the adorable buttons from the Ice Cream Parlor Ribbon & Button Pack.

The Punch Bunch Set is great! Each of the 5 stamps coordinates with a punch. I've used the 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch to punch out the stamped image and layered that on to the Old Olive 2-3/8" Scallop Circle. The Flower Strip and Scallop Border are from the Quick Accents Pack. These are self adhesive die cuts that are great for cards or scrapbooking. You get 2 12x12 sheets of die cuts with tons of designs, along with 9 sheets of double sided DSP in this pack. I've used one of the papers here. To add some texture, I ran the DSP through my Big Shot with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder. I really love this technique! Lastly, I added the Ice Cream Parlor Buttons from the Ribbon & Button Pack, which coordinate with the DSP & Accent Pack.

There's also just 2 days left for my Big Shot Special. If you've been considering making that purchase, now's the time. You can earn lots of free Sale-a-Bration products, plus I am offering a Textured Impressions Embossing Folder of your choice ~ My gift to you! Click on the link above for all the details.

Thanks for stopping by today!
dd

Shades of Green

I don't have any St. Patrick's Day stamps, but I saw this card that a fellow Demonstrator had done, so I thought I'd give it a try with green for the occasion. The colors are a bit off here, I couldn't seem to get a very good picture. Green really isn't one of my most favorite colors, but this didn't turn out too bad. I'm sure it would be much prettier in pinks, reds or blues.

I used the Circle Circus Stamp Set to stamp the images on Certainly Celery, Pear Pizzazz, Wild Wasabi, and Garden Green Cardstock with their coordinating Classic Inks. The sentiment is from the Something to Celebrate Stamp Set. This is the Level 2 Hostess Set available in the Occasions Mini Catalog. I chose Black Taffeta Ribbon and added a few Basic Rhinestones as a finishing touch.

I hope you're enjoying your St. Patrick's Day! Thanks for checking in ~
dd

Inspiring Weekend!

We had our Spring meeting this past weekend with several Demonstrators in our group. I always look forward to these days. My upline lives in Iowa, but has family here. She plans these meetings when she's going to be in town and it's so great to see her and other Demonstrators in the area. We usually discuss business first, have some technique demonstrations, and then we get to stamp! Each Demonstrator designs a card and brings enough supplies for everyone else to make it. It's so much fun to sit down and leisurely stamp cards that someone else has designed!

Here's the card that I designed. This is the Clearly For You Stamp Set. This is the set that we got when we went to Leadership. It's definitely one of my most favorite sets right now!

I stamped the floral block design 3 times across the bottom with Marina Mist Classic Ink. The Old Olive Scallop Dotted Ribbon Border is lined up across the top of the stamped image. Then I layered the Very Vanilla Cardstock over that leaving only the bottom of the scallop showing. I used a strip of Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon tied with Linen Thread and a Clear Bitty Button to finish it off.

Don't forget, there's only a couple more weeks to take advantage of Sale-a-Bration. For each $50 you spend, before s/h & tax you earn a Free Sale-a-Bration product. Or Host a Workshop to earn even more! Contact me for more details.

Thanks for stopping by today!
dd

Friend

I was playing around with Black, White and Very Vanilla today, and this is the card I came up with. I Love black and white, but the Newsprint DSP is Basic Black and Very Vanilla, so I thought I would use all three! I really like the way it turned out.

I knew I wanted the base of the card to be white. Then I picked two different patterns from the Newsprint DSP and layered them. I had to add some texture, so I did that easily by using my Big Shot and the Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder. I searched the small print for words that I liked and punched them out with the Small Heart Punch and layered them on black circles I punched with the 3/4" Circle Punch. I adhered them with Stampin' Dimensionals to make them really stand out.

The word Friend is from the You're a Gem Stamp Set found in the Occasions Mini. I wanted it to be very crisp and clean, so I stamped it with my Black Stazon Ink. I punched it out with the Wide Oval Punch, layered it on the Scalloped Oval, punched a black heart and added a Bitty Heart Button tied with Linen Thread as the finishing touch.

I hope you enjoyed today's card ~ Thanks for checking in!
dd

Amour

Wow! I know February is a short month, but geesh what happened! I went on a short vacation, had a bout with some migraine issues when I got back & now it's already the second week of March! I definitely have some catching up to do.

I do feel the "Love" and appreciate you checking in and leaving comments even though it's been over a month since I've shared a new project with you. The card I have today is one I've been admiring in the Occasions Mini Catalog. I love every element about it! The new Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, Beveled Windowpanes, Trinkets, Seam Binding, Stamping on DSP, and the Clearly For You Stamp Set!

Here is a close up of the detail of the Beveled Windowpane. All of the images are stamped and layered under the windowpane. There are pre-made slots all ready for you to tie your ribbon through to attach it to your card or scrapbook page. These come in 3 sizes. This is the largest, 1-1/2" x 2".

Don't forget that Sale-a-Bration is still going on through the end of March. For every $50 you spend (before s/h and tax) you earn a Free Sale-a-Bration product. There's still time to host a workshop & earn even more! Contact to schedule today.

Thanks for stopping by!
dd

Wedding Card

My niece got married this past weekend, and I would like to share the card with you that I made for her and her new hubby. I got the idea from Rebekah Jensen, a fellow Demonstrator. You can see her card HERE. I thought it was so beautiful and elegant, I had to CASE it.

I used the new Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. I love how this embossing folder adds a textured border to outline the focal point of the card. I used it on the inside too, to frame the sentiment. I stamped the medallion from Artistic Etchings, one of my favorite sets, in Concord Crush Classic Ink. I cut the monogram from Concord Crush Cardstock with my Big Shot and the Serif Essentials Alphabet. The little hearts are punched out of Lap of Luxury DSP with the Small Heart Punch. I've used Stampin' Dimensionals on one of them to add a little pop.

Remember, if you'd like to order any of these items, you can earn free product. With every $50 spent (before s/h & tax) you earn a Free Sale-a-Bration item. Click HERE to shop now!

Thanks for checking in ~ Enjoy your day!
dd

Swap Card for Leadership

I'm on my way to Nashville, TN for Stampin' Up! Leadership. This is the first year that I have been qualified to go. I'm so excited! These events are always so much fun & I always learn so many new things & meet so many new people. Thursday and Friday will be filled with great classes, make & takes hundreds of fellow stampers.

As I mentioned before, one of the features of attending Stampin' Up! events is swapping with other Demonstrators. Most swapping is just done randomly, but some are actually organized. I joined one organized swap using the Simply Scrappin' Kits, but I also was able to get a few cards made to swap randomly. Here is the card I made.

I used the new Create a Cupcake Stamp Set and coordinating Build a Cupcake Punch found in the Occasions Mini Catalog. Oh my goodness this set & punch are so much fun to use! I can't wait to create more cards and scrapbook pages! I wanted something bright & cheerful, so I pulled out my Peach Parfait & Pear Pizzazz Cardstock from the new In-Color Assortment and the coordinating 1/2" Stitched Poly Twill Ribbon. I also used my Big Shot, and the Scallop Square Duo Die, which is being carried over from the Holiday Mini. You can see all of the other items being carried over by clicking HERE. These are items that were in the last mini that can still be ordered, even though they are not shown in a catalog at this time.

I'm going to try to post while I'm gone. We'll just have to see how the time goes. Thanks for stopping by today!
dd

Have a Seat

This is another card we did in my Birthday Bash Class last month. I absolutely love the stamp set Have a Seat. It's just 4 chairs, but there's just something about it ~ I love it!

I've used two Embossing Folders with my Big Shot; Vintage Wallpaper & Perfect Polka Dots. This is my favorite way to add texture to cardstock. It's so easy and adds such a great element to your cards or scrapbook pages. I've also used two punches. The Decorative Label & Wide Oval. I punched the Label twice. Once with Early Espresso and once with Cherry Cobbler Cardstock. Then I cut the Early Espresso label in half and layered it under the Cherry Cobbler label. To add the distressed look, I used my Color Spritzer Tool with my Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker & spritzed the card & sentiment. This is another easy technique that adds just the right finishing touch.

This card was inspired by one I saw on the Demonstrator Website. When I saw those chairs, I knew I had to make the card. This is just one more perk of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. We have so many resources available to help us in finding great ideas to share. I know I would be in trouble if I had to come up with every idea on my own! That's what Demonstrators do ~ Share What We Love & Love What We Do. If you love stamping or scrapbooking & want to share with others, contact me about joining my Team ~ We'd Love to have you!

Don't forget to check out the Occasions Mini. There's lots of fun new products now available!
Thanks for checking in today!
dd

Love Card

I realized as I was photographing this card that it is very similar to the last one that I posted. I must like this format. I had an idea & it always seems to change while traveling from my brain to my stamps, ink & paper. I do like the way this one finally turned out though.

I used mostly products from the Filled With Love Bundle again, but did add a couple of other little touches. One being the tiny little heart stamp from Itty Bitty Bits on the scallop border I cut with my Big Shot from the Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die that was in the Holiday Mini. I also used the Medium Oval Punch from the Holiday Mini and tied it to my Certainly Celery Taffeta Ribbon with Linen Thread.

The Occasions Mini Catalog sales period has begun. If you haven't looked at it, jump on over to my website & check it out! There are so many fun new products ~ 43 pages full! As I've said before, it's a good thing we have 4 months to be able to get everything we need.

If you need a little, just place an order. If you need a lot, host a workshop & earn Free stuff. If you need everything, join my Team! Join now to get your kit in time for Sale-a-Bration. Sale-a-Bration begins January 25 ~ Earn Free merchandise with every $50 spent before s/h & tax. Contact me for more information.

Thanks for checking in today!
dd

I'm Back!

Although I didn't really go any where ~ I'm back! My husband took 2 weeks off for the Holidays & I do love him dearly, but it really put a crimp in my daily routine. I finally got to spend some time in my craft room, enough time to shove everything off of my table & clear just enough space to create a card using the Filled With Love Bundle & the new Glimmer Paper in the Occasions Mini.

Today is the last day to order from the Holiday Mini & tomorrow is the first day we can begin to place orders from the Occasions Mini. The Filled With Love Bundle is a great bundle of Stamps & Designer Series Paper and Free Clear Bitty Buttons. As a bonus, when you purchase this bundle from me, you can take my January class for Free and use your new bundle to create your Valentine cards & treats! My class is January 16, so you must place your order within the next week to be sure to get your bundle in time for class. You can place your order online or by contacting me personally. This promotion runs through January 24, so the only reason you need to order now, is if you're interested in attending my January class on the 16th.

Glad to be getting back into a routine ~ Thanks for stopping by!
dd

Birthday Bash

That's what my class was yesterday ~ a Birthday Bash! We made 12 Birthday Cards getting a head start on the New Year! Those January Birthdays always tend to sneak up on me, so I decided to be ready for them this year. I designed 4 cards & we made 3 each of the 4 designs.

The first one is pretty much a CASE from the catalog. I've had my eye on the For You Flower Stamp since the catalog came out & finally got it. I don't know why it took me so long. It's one of the single stamps that you can get for only $7.95.

It coordinates with the Fancy Flower Punch & the 1-1/4" Circle Punch. I've also used the 1-3/8" Circle Punch to add a layer of Chocolate Chip. I stamped the flower once with Real Red Classic Ink, and once with Crumb Cake Classic Ink. On the Crumb Cake flower, I used my Real Red & Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Markers to color in the heart and the words You & for before stamping and punching them out.

The patterned paper is from the Play Date DSP, edged with Chocolate Chip Cardstock trimmed with the Scalloped Edge Border Punch.

I had a little Holiday Boutique in my home this past weekend, hence my absence ~ I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted anything! I have some pictures to share tomorrow.

Thanks for checking in!
dd

Shower Favor & Card

We had my nieces Bridal Shower yesterday. My contribution was making the favors for everyone who attended. Thanks to my Upline, Cindy K. I had the perfect idea.

I made 30 of these adorable "purses", perfect for my niece, who has loved little bags since she was little herself. The colors for her wedding are white, cream, silver & purple. The Lap of Luxury DSP was perfect, paired with Concord Crush Cardstock and the 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon. Doing a project like this is when you fall in love with the Big Shot all over again! I was able to cut 2 layers of cardstock at a time, and 4 layers of DSP. Since I had to cut 90 Scallop Circles, that made my job so much easier.

I also made the card I put with her gift. The sentiment is from Whimsical Words from Sale-a-Bration last year. I love this set and found a great saying that I hand wrote on the inside with my Concord Crush Stampin' Write Marker.


Thanks for stopping by ~ Have a great week!
dd