Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Round or Square? Mojo Time Again!

I love MOJO Monday Challenges, but once a month they give me a choice I don't know what to do with!

Round or Square Week?!   Seriously??? How about neither? I mean, I've always been kind of a square peg trying to fit into a round hole but I don't need to be reminded of it monthly!!

And what do you do with round or square cards? There's the envelope problem of course.  I know, I know, with our Simply Scored Tool, I could make my own, but that takes more time!

There is something coming soon from Stampin' Up that will make envelope crafting much easier, but I have to wait for awhile to show you what it is!  Are you curious?  Curious like a cat?  Good!

Here's this week's Mojo Monday Challenge #304:

After some debate, I finally settled on Round!  It's just easier!  Here it is:

I will be using it for my Technique Night classes next week.

  •  My ladies all wanted to learn how to do rolled flowers.  They are really easy to do. I will get my video camera rolling a do a tutorial after technique night is over, but basically you just punch out a scallop circle, spiral cut it and roll from the outside to the inside, using the last bit of the spiral to hold the rest with a glue dot. 

Your cut doesn't need to be perfectly even because it will give your flower more interesting variation.

  • I'm using a new stamp set called Kind and Cozy, which was made to coordinate with Gingham Garden Design Series Paper (DSP).  See the gingham around the edge of the circle and that little nosegay stamp which matches the flowers on the DSP?
  • The colour palette I'm using is Strawberry Slush, Island Indigo, Pear Pizzazz and Daffodil Delight.
  • I used the Circles Collection framelits to make the shaped card here.  I took one 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of Strawberry Slush cardstock and scored the long edge at 5 1/2".  I folded it and put the largest Circle framelit on it with one edge of the framelit overhanging the edge of the fold.  That gave me the shaped card base, but because the fold edge was flat instead of round, I cut out another full framelit piece and matched the two up and glued it on, so the scallops matched.
  • The Bird Builder punch created those Pear Pizzazz leaves.
  • I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to position the gingham ring and the flower bunch perfectly around my sentiment.
In other GREAT news, the Holiday Mini goes live tomorrow!  Have you got your orders ready?  I will have a link to the catalogue here on my blog and the phone lines will be open if you want anything!  I will put in an order on Friday!

Did you know that the Holiday Mini Catalogue is interactive?  Here's Brandi Barnard from Home Office to tell you all about it:

           


Stamps:  Kind and Cozy (w129123; c129126)
Paper:  Gingham Garden DSP (129310); Strawberry Slush (131295), Island Indigo (122923), Pear Pizzazz (131201), Daffodil Delight (119683), and Whisper White (100730) card stock
Ink:  Classic Stampin' Pad in Island Indigo (126986); Stampin' Write Markers in Island Indigo (131265)*, Strawberry Slush (131260)* and Pear Pizzazz (131266)
Accessories:  3/8" Ruffle Stretch Trim in Strawberry Slush (130023); Pearl Basic Jewels (119247)
Tools:  Circles Collection Framelits (130911); Big Shot (113439); 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch (118874); 
1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch (119854); Bird Builder Punch (117191)
*As part of the Colour Collection package
Bird Builder Punch

Circles Collection Framelits

Gingham Garden DSP

Kind and Cozy Stamp Set

Strawberry Slush 3/8" Ruffle Stretch Trim

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Texture

I love texture!  I love colour,too, but not a huge variety at once.  I like two, maybe three colours and gobs of texture!  I like it in clothes, in decor and in my cardmaking!  That's why I'm so excited about some of the new stamp sets and embellishments in the Holiday Mini.















I'll show you what I mean:


I created this card for The Paper Player's Challenge #156


  • Look at the texture of the wood chevron stamp that's part of the Truly Grateful stamp set. I added even more texture to it by using the tapping or thumping technique.  I inked the stamp up in Baked Brown Sugar and then, using my Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write marker just tapped the stamp here and there all over.  The result is a little hard to see here but it added another shade of brown which added more texture.
  • You can see more of the same burlap ribbon I used here at the bottom of the wood chevron panel, which adds even more texture.
  • The sheaf of wheat is stamped in Baked Brown Sugar as well, but the panel is backed with Cajun Craze cardstock, adding some definition and a little more colour.
That samed colour is echoed in the little Cajun Craze Candy Dots on the Sweater Weather DSP panel at the back, which is also backed in Cajun Craze cardstock.


  • The sentiment, from the same stamp set and die cut with the Itty Bitty Banners framelits, is backed by some 7/16" Natural Trim (more texture) and highlighted with one of the new In Colour Boutique Details in Baked Brown Sugar.  That gives the card more (you guessed it)...TEXTURE!!!
  • Watermarks are stamped using the watermark stamp from the first Paper Pumpkin set.  Watermarks on cards are all the thing these days, so you need to find yourself one.  If you haven't subscribed yet to Paper Pumpkin, when you do, your first kit will contain this stamp.  What's that?  You've been seriously considering Paper Pumpkin?  Well, have I got a deal for you!!
Offer Details: Use the promotion code PUMPKINDEAL to join Paper Pumpkin before August 31, 2013, and pay only $12.50 a month* for the first two months.

*plus tax, where applicable. Shipping included!

The Fine Print:

For new subscribers only.
Promotion applies only to the first two months of a new subscription. After receiving two month's worth, the price for each month's kit will go to the regular price: $24.95.
You and your customers need to visit mypaperpumpkin.com to join.
You must click "Add Promo Code" and then enter the promo code PUMPKINDEAL in the "Promo Code" field when you sign up on the mypaperpumpkin.com website to take advantage of this promotion.
You must join by Saturday, August 31, 2013; 11:50 PM (MT).

Give it a try.  You have nothing to lose.  You can cancel anytime or put it on hold for a month or two.  The coolest part is that you get never before seen stamps exclusive to Paper Pumpkin. Here's a video that was one of our competition videos in the Convention 2013 contest:

           

I loved this one, especially for the slogan!

Who needs the prince, when you've got the Pumpkin!

Give it some thought, investigate the MyPaperPumpkin website, and give me a call if you'd like to sign up.  I can help you with it.


Stamps:  Truly Grateful (w131730; c131733) * available August 1, Watermark stamp from Paper Pumpkin Welcome Kit (see website)
Paper:  Sweater Weather DSP (132184)* available August 1, Baked Brown Sugar (131296), Cajun Craze (119684), Very Vanilla (101650) and Chocolate Chip (102128) cardstock
Ink:  Classic Stampin' Pads in Baked Brown Sugar (131174) and Cajun Craze (126965); Stampin' Write Marker in Chocolate Chip (131261)** part of the Neutrals collection package
Accessories:  7/16" Natural Trim (129287); 1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon (132140)*available August 1; Regals Collection Candy Dots - Cajun Craze (130932); In Colour Boutique Details - Baked Brown Sugar (130938)
Tools: Itty Bitty Banners Framelits (129267)


Natural Trim
Regals Candy Dots




Monday, July 29, 2013

Christmas in July!



I hate to be the one to break it to you, but there are only 148 days until Christmas


 Now, you're either squealing with excitement, or looking for something to throw at me. Hey, don't kill the messenger.  I'm just stating the facts.


But don't worry!  With Stampin' Up's help, you're going to be more than ready for the BIG DAY!  In just 3 days our Holiday Mini Catalogue will go live and it's just jam-packed with great cards, decor items, packaging ideas, cookie decorating and more, including a great planner journal for you.  I know some of you have seen it already and can hardly wait to get that first order in.

I have some great Christmas Stamper's Dozen classes planned along with some great wreaths and banners for home decor for the holiday season.  And start making your wish lists now and pass them on to your loved ones so they can get you what you really want!

But while we're waiting, I thought I'd show you a couple of cards I made using the new products this week. The first one was created for this week's Dynamic Duos Challenge #63 :


Here's the Challenge logo:



  • I used Pear Pizzazz Core'dinations cardstock for the card base and embossed it using the Beautifully Baroque embossing folder.
  • The stamp set is from the new Holiday Mini and it's called Calm Christmas and I certainly hope yours is this year!  The sentiment is also from that set.
  • I used Pear Pizzazz 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon to tie a festive little bow and added some sprigs of mistletoe, created with the Bird Builder punch.
  • The Rhinestone Basic Jewels add the finishing touch to this simple card.
If you haven't received your Holiday Mini yet, let me know and I will get one to you as soon as I can.  I am just waiting to receive a shipment of catalogues.  August 1st, I will have a link to the catalogue on this site for you to peruse as well.

Keep your eyes open this week for my new fall schedule and new Product Shares from the mini as well.  I am really excited about all the great classes I have planned for this fall!

Stamps:  Calm Christmas (w132736; c132739)*
Paper:  Pear Pizzazz Core'dinations cardstock from the Subtles Collection (129954); Garden Green (102584), Pear Pizzazz (131201) and Whisper White (100730) cardstock
Ink:  Classic Stampin' Pads in Garden Green (126973) and Pear Pizzazz (131180)
Accessories:  3/8" Taffeta Ribbon in Pear Pizzazz (131208), Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246)
Tools:  Beautifully Baroque Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (130917); Bird Builder Punch (117191)
Beautifully Baroque Embossing Folder

Bird Builder Punch

Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Subtles Collection Core'dinations Cardstock




Sunday, July 28, 2013

Better Late Than Never

I know I promised you a guest stamper today, and a look at my convention loot, but this morning I made 3 rather startling realizations:


1.  It was my oldest daughter's anniversary today and I totally forgot all about it!  I could tell you a long story about how I was so busy this year that I didn't have time to transfer all the events from the 2012 calendar to the 2013 one, but it's no excuse and I know I need to embrace the disgrace and offer apologies to my daughter and son-in-law for inexcusable event forgetting!

2.  I had not yet entered the Pals Paper Arts Challenge #165 as I had been intending, and the deadline is tomorrow so I had to get the card made and entered right away.  I know I don't always enter this challenge, but I really liked the sketch this time and wanted to give it a go.
3.  Although I have had my Holiday Catalogue Pre-order for few days, I still hadn't given you any sneak peeks and that's unforgivable!  (50 lashes with a wet noodle!)

So to make amends:  Here is my Sunday post - a card for my daughter's anniversary using the Pals Paper Arts sketch, and using some products from the new 2013 Holiday Mini Catalogue!  Phew!

My daughter and son-in-law are decorating using a hunting lodge theme and so I thought this design would fit right in!

  • I used the Walk in the Wild stamp set which is from the regular catalogue, but it's just perfect for a hunting theme.  The Cherry Cobbler ink really matches the DSP.
  • The Design Series Paper you're looking at is called Season of Style and is found in the Holiday Mini on page 23!
  • I'm loving the 1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon that you see here and it was so easy to cut with my pinking shears to get the zigzag bottom edge without fraying!
  • I brought out my Memorable Moments stamp set, which I've had for awhile, but never used, for the greeting.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to get all the words placed just right.  If you've never used one, try watching my video tutorial to get the idea.
  • A few Cherry Cobbler Candy Dots mounted on the Candy Dot Brad Bases add the finishing touches.
Okay, I hope I've redeemed myself now, and I will do the guest stamper thing and Convention loot another day this week!  Thanks for dropping by.


Stamps:  Walk in the Wild (w130354; c130357); Memorable Moments (w132039; c126682)
Paper:  Season of Style DSP (132340)*; Crumb Cake (120953) and Very Vanilla (101650) cardstock
Ink:  Classic Stampin' Pads in Cherry Cobbler (126966), Early Espresso (126974) and Crumb Cake (126975)
Accessories:  1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon (132140)*; Cherry Cobbler Candy Dots (130932) - as part of the Regals collection, Candy Dot Brad Bases (132293)
Tools:  Circles Collection Framelits (130911); Big Shot (113439) 
*from the Holiday Mini Catalogue 2013, not available for purchase until August 1, 2013
Big Shot

Circles Collection Framelits

Regals Collection Candy Dots
Candy Dot Brad Bases

Walk in the Wild Stamp Set

Memorable Moments Stamp Set




Saturday, July 27, 2013

Blog Candy Winner

It was another beautiful Okanagan summer day today.  We went for a walk down by the lake at about 8 pm and the wind was blowing but it was balmy and warm, the perfect time for a walk really.  I should have taken some photos but didn't think to do it.  I will next time.

When we got back, it was time to draw for the winner of the Blog Candy I advertised on Monday.

The winner receives a pack of discontinued DSP - Beyond the Garden, a Big Shot die - Beautiful Butterflies, a wonderful discontinued stamp set called Full of Life - never used, a complete roll of Pretty in Pink Stitched Grosgrain ribbon, a partial roll of Two Tone Ribbon and a package of Designer Silver Basics Buttons.

Here's my hubby doing the draw:


And the winner is:

Karen Bridden
I will contact Karen to arrange to deliver her prize to her.  Congratulations, Karen!

Here's another card designed for my workshop on Wednesday morning:  
  • I used the stamp set, Giggle Greetings, again because they are so humorous!  And the palette of colours comes from the DSP (Design Series Paper) Birthday Basics - Bermuda Bay, Crisp Cantaloupe, Raspberry Ripple and Very Vanilla.
  • The Crisp Cantaloupe panel is actually Core'dinations Cardstock, with a lighter core colour.  I embossed it with the Stripes embossing folder and sanded it with the Stampin' Sanding Block to reveal more of the inner core.
  • I stamped the cheesy image in Bermuda Bay and die cut a circle around it using the Circles Collection Framelits.  Then I backed it with Coastal Cabana Stretch Ruffle Trim.  Because it stretches and is ruffled, it is so easy to adhere it around the perimeter of the circle, which is why I love it so much!


  • The sentiment is from Banner Greetings stamped in Raspberry Ripple and fussy cut by hand. A little bow made from 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon in Bermuda Bay adorns the corner of it.
  • The Bermuda Bay backing for the candles paper was edged with the Scallop Trim Border punch.
See you tomorrow with a guest stamper and a peek at all the goodies I got at convention!


Stamps:  Giggle Greetings (w131062; c131065); Banner Greetings (w129711; c129714)
Paper:  Core'dinations Cardstock in Crisp Cantaloupe (129958)*; Birthday Basics DSP (130145), Bermuda Bay (131197) and Very Vanilla (101650) cardstock
Ink:  Classic Stampin' Pads in Bermuda Bay (131171) and Raspberry Ripple (126859)
Accessories:  1/8" Taffeta Ribbon in Bermuda Bay (131206); 3/8" Ruffle Stretch Trim in Coastal Cabana (130024)
Tools:  Big Shot (113439); Stripes embossing folder (123128); Circles Collection Framelits (130911); Scallop Trim Border punch (118402); Stampin' Sanding Block (129367)
*Part of the 2013-15 In Colour Collection of Core'dinations Cardstock                                                                                          
Giggle Greetings Stamp Set
Birthday Basics DSP

Banner Greetings Stamp Set


Big Shot

Coastal Cabana 3/8" Ruffle Stretch Trim


Scallop Trim Border Punch