Mocha Memories

Quick and Simple In Colors

While I was in the mood to use my window sheets, I decided that I better take the plunge and use my printed window sheets from the Occasions Mini catalog.  Luckily these made it into the new SU! catalog and I still had time to STOP HOARDING my supplies.

These made great quick and easy cards for my Open House.  I wish that I could take full credit for these, but they are a complete CASE from Elizabeth Kratzer (I just switched the colors).  A unique fold and the opportunity to play with the new In Colors - you could not ask for a better combination as an Open House Make'n'Take.

Speaking of the new In Colors - I was asked to describe them by an on-line customer recently.  This year Stampin' Up! went with very vibrant colors and rich undertones.  I guess you could say that they are a cross between the Bold Brights and Rich Regals.  I can't wait to see all of the color combinations that you guys dream up this year!

Be Inspired by Life,

• Stamps: NONE (How can that be?)
• Ink: NONE (She can't be serious!!!!)
• Cardstock: Soft Suede (115318), Whisper White (100730), Bermuda Bay (115317)
• Accessories: Crop-a-dile (108362), Bermuda Bay Polka-dot Grosgrain (115610), Clearly Thanks Window Sheets (115122), Scallop Edge Punch (112091)

Extra Note:  Thank you so much for all of the wonderful comments regarding my Clearly Christmas card on yesterday's post.  I am finding it difficult to explain how to create the frame, so I am attempting to create a video that will be much more useful.  Check back for more You Tube additions by this weekend!

Clearly Christmas

I was so excited when Stampin' Up! started carrying the acetate sheets again.  There is so much that you can do with it. 

I decided that my first Christmas card of the season needed to be created using some of the medium weight acetate and 'A Wish for Peace' stamp set was the perfect simple set to use.

To create the floating image, I stamped the dove onto the acetate with black StazOn.  I then flipped the acetate over and filled in the image with Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive and Dazzling Diamonds. 

Once the glue was dry, I then adhered the acetate to the Basic Gray and Basic Black framing and used Pop up Dots to then attach the whole thing to the card base.

You can easily take this card and translate it to something even simpler.  In fact, I used this card to inspire one of the cards that we will be completing during my 'Christmas in July' Stamp-a-Stack.  Want to join us and get ahead this holiday season?  Check out my calendar and email me to reserve your spot.

Be Inspired by Life,

Stamps: A Wish for Peace (111614) 

Ink: Versamark Marker (100901), Black Stazon (101406), Mellow Moss marker (100038), Going Gray marker (109216) 

Cardstock: Basic Black (102851), Whisper White (100730), Basic Gray (108692)  

Accessories: Window Sheets (114323), White Embossing Powder (109132), Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon (109069), Dazzling Diamonds (102023), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive (110755) 

I Love My Stampin' Girls

I had the best group of ladies this year in my Hostess clubs!  This has been one of the most entertaining groups ever.  I know they loved learning how to create simple cards, unique cards and season appropriate crafts, but I enjoyed their company and antics even more.

To say 'Thank you' for this year, I created some special containers of goodies.  I used some of the Summer Love rub-ons on a few plastic bottles that I found to create these little cuties.  (Now I know that these are no longer available, but there are some wonderful new colored rub-ons in the 2009-2010 SU! catalog. Check them out here or email me to get your own catalog.) 

I filled the bottles with single serving drink mixes to help them pass the hot summer days.  Vellum cut to the height of the bottle was used to keep the colors coordinating and hide the surprise inside.

Want to receive some of these great favors or do you just want to be a part of this great group of ladies?   I will be taking additions to this group during my Open House, July 14th at 7:00 pm.  If you live close to Lexington, Kentucky and want to take part, just call me at 859-539-8010 or email me to RSVP.  Can't make it to the Open House?  Call me today to reserve your spot in the next Hostess club!

Be Inspired by Life,

 

Origami Star Video Tutorial

I knew that I wanted to create Origami stars so I immediately started searching the web.  I found this tutorial that used money, but I knew that it would work just as well.

5 Dollar Origami Star - Click here for more free videos

I created my star out of pieces of Bashful Blue Designer Series Paper that was cut to 2-5/8" x 6".  I was able to replicate the steps until it states to "fold the point to the edge of the black circle".  OH NO!!!  I don't have a black circle on my paper.  No problem - I measured some money and found that the edge of the circle was about 1-1/2" away from the end.  I then scored my paper there and just made the point meet the score line.  I then followed the rest of the tutorial exactly as described in the video.  Hint:  Use your bone folder on every fold.  Our designer paper is thicker than you think! 

I then took my stars and placed them in my floral arrangements inside and outside of the house.  

These held up so well that I am going to save them for my next 'starry' holiday.  Could they even decorate my holiday tree?

Did I mention Christmas?  Did I actually make the jump from Fourth of July to Christmas?  Yes!  Actually, I am already trying to plan my Christmas cards for this year. 

Start to think Christmas and browse the Holiday section of the Catalog.  I bet you will find a stamp set that is exactly what you have been looking for.

Be Inspired by Life,

'Origami Stars' and Stripes

I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July!  We were able to cookout and play a little outside before the rain came.  I hate to report that it rained the rest of the day and it is still raining this morning.  So much for setting off our fireworks at home.

In celebration of this incredible holiday, I created a card with an origami star as the focal point. 

These origami stars are SOOO sturdy that I decided to create the card so that the star could be removed and used as a holiday accent by the recipient.  The star is attached to the card's frame by red gingham ribbon thread through holes punched in the acetate.

Want to know how I created the star?  Need to know how I used this as an accent piece for my celebration?

Check out my blog tomorrow for the video tutorial and more pictures.

Want to see this card up-close and live close to Lexington, Kentucky?  Come to my Open House, July 14th to enjoy some new product peeks, delightful desserts and marvelous make-n-takes.  Check out the specifics here and email or call me by July 9th. 

Be Inspired by Life,

• Stamps: Matchbox Messages (113800) 
• Ink: Versamark Marker (100901)
• Cardstock: Real Red Textured (108698), Whisper White (100730), Bashful Blue Designer Series Paper (112151)  
• Accessories: Window Sheets (114323), White Embossing Powder (109132), Red Gingham Ribbon (104827)

Catalogs are Here - Want One?

My beloved 2009-2010 SU! catalogs are here.  I have already been through mine several times and created several revisions to my Wishlist.  By revisions, I mean additions - HA! HA!  Thank goodness I have an entire year to buy everything I want.

I would love to pass the fun on and send you a catalog.  These great idea books retail for $10, but I would be happy to send you one for FREE. Email me with your address, phone number and the most convenient time for me to contact you. (Make sure that your Pop-up blocker is OFF when you try to email me.)

Want to know what some of my 'Must-Haves' from this catalog are?

Number 1 on my list is the ALL of the polka-dot Grosgrain ribbon!  I love polka-dots and now I can buy it in all of the '09 In-Colors as well as in Real Red!

Number 2 on my list is the Wood Sheets!  I love my Big Shot and I can already imagine the possibilities.

Number 3 is the Princess Party Kit.  I have a 7-year old princess of my own that will be the Belle of her own ball.

Finally, I LOVE the Stampin' Up! Fancy Favor Bigz Die.  Oh the favors I will be creating for my hostesses this year. 

Find any of these irresistible?  Call me (859-539-8010) or email me to place your order. 

Can't wait for your copy of the catalog to arrive?  Peruse the pdf version of the catalog while you wait.

Keep watching for more information about my upcoming New Catalog Open House where you will be able to play with my favorite new products. 

Only One More Week

Ladies.... I need to remind you that all of those great accessories that are retiring are available for only one more week.  Some of those accessories are even 25% or 50% off.  A few of those accessories are hard for me to let go.  First, I absolutely LOVED the Kiwi Kiss Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon.  I was shocked to see it at 25% off, but alas it has finally SOLD OUT!!

Another one of my favorites is the Taste of Textiles paper.  Luckily it has not sold out yet as I plan on getting a few more packs before it is gone.  Why?

If you have not been able to see this paper in person, you are really missing out.  It is great, neutral paper for any card that needs a little extra background pizazz.  Remember my card from yesterday?  It truly would not have been the same without the Kraft striped paper. 

Still not convinced?  Well, here is a very simple masculine card created with the bronze paper that is included in the Taste of Textiles pack.  When the bronze paper hits the light it looks extremely metallic AND masculine.  The paper looks so amazing by itself that it only takes a little black embossing powder to create a WOW card.

I will check back a little later for one more card created with some more paper from this pack.  I better take a break now and order a little more so that I have plenty to hoard later.  Ha! Ha!  

Be Inspired by Life,

 

Retiring items are noted in yellow (Entire List Here):

• Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Holidays and Wishes
• Ink: Versamark
• Cardstock: Taste of Textiles, Basic Black
• Accessories: 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Black Embossing Powder

It's All Quite Manly

Smell the testosterone in the air?  Yes, it is the day before Father's Day and we are all getting ready with our manly gifts and fired up grills (though I dare say more women grill than men now a days).  It is all perfect but .....do you have a card to go with that incredible gift? 

Here is a card that is easy and fun....

I used my circle scissors, my favorite stamp set and some great masculine colors to create this card. 

I created the thin brown circle out of some Close to Cocoa paper by cutting a 4" circle first and then adjusting my cutter to 4 1/4" for the second cut.  The brown arc piece at the top left hand corner of the card is simply one piece of my 4" circle that was cut into quarters.  (Don't waste is a big motto of mine!)

The focal image was stamped onto a 3 3/4" circle cut in half.  A little watercoloring and some paper piecing on his shirt creates the perfect little golfer.  Paper piecing is too time consuming you say?  I thought so too, but this was REALLY EASY!!!! 

Paper piecing in a snap - Stamp your image on the white cardstock and color like normal.  Stamp the image again on a piece of patterned cardstock (Bashful Blue Designer Print paper) and cut out the portion that you would like to highlight.  Now simply tape it over the corresponding part of the the original image.  Just give it a try and let me know if you need any help.

Love it?   Well, here is another quick card with the same set.....

I only used markers to color the lawn mower so this card was created in no time.  It looks like so much more by simply adding a few extra elements.  A textured background created with my Big Shot and Texture Plates #1 really makes a great contrast to the striped Kraft cardstock from the Taste of Textiles.  Stamping a sentiment directly onto the taffeta ribbon is an unexpected touch that finishes this masculine birthday card.

Inspired?  I hope so.  So create that one of a kind card for that special man in your life.

****ALSO.....Some of the items that I used are retiring and will no longer be available after June 30th.  So that you can easily identify these items, I have highlighted them in yellow below.  Some of them are even ON SALE but are only available until they sale out!!!!  Contact me by phone (859-539-8010) or by email to order them before they are gone.

Be Inspired by Life,

Father's Day Card

Stamps: And Many Mower

Cardstock: Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, Bashful Blue, Bashful Blue Designer Print Paper

Inks: Bashful Blue, Close to Cocoa, Blush Blossom and Kiwi Kiss Reinkers (sold out) and Black StazOn

Accessories: Kiwi Kiss Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Circle Scissors Plus, 1/2" Circle Punch, Stampin Dimensionals

Masculine Birthday Card

Stamps: And Many Mower

Cardstock: Basic Black, Brocade Blue, Very Vanilla, Taste of Textiles 

Inks: Brocade Blue, Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip Markers and Black StazOn

Accessories: Big Shot, SU! Backgrounds #1 (Texture Plates), Kraft Taffeta Ribbon

What a Month

Holy cow!  What a month!  This month is jam-packed with specials and 'last-chance' items.  Sit back, relax and start to dig in....

_______________________________

First on the special runway is our much anticipated Last Chance Stamp set and Decor Elements lists.

• Last Chance Stamp Sets
• Last Chance Decor Elements

Print these off if you like and I know that you will find a set or two that you would love to have!

_______________________________

Next you need to take a peek at the list of retiring accessories......  WHOA!!! Really prop your feet up for this one.  Lovin' some of the 2009 In Colors?  You need to stock up on these accessories and the Designer Series Paper then.

Even better.....notice that a Discount column is included!!!!!!  Some of the items are up to 50% off!  Catch these before they are gone.  Once these are sold out, they are NO longer available!!

• Retired Accessories List (updated 6/23/09 @ 5:20pm EST)

_______________________________

There is even a special treat for our June hostesses.

The Summer Fun Hostess Bonus Promotion has two parts:

• Hostesses who hold a $250-$399.99 workshop will receive an additional $20 in hostess free merchandise dollars.
• Hostesses who hold a $400 or more workshop will receive an additional $40 in hostess free merchandise dollars.

_______________________________

What more could you ask for?  Combine all of these specials for one heck of a deal and call me (859-539-8010) or email me to place your order.

National Scrapbooking Month

New month - new specials!  Actually it is so much more than that!  It is National Scrapbooking Month and what do scrappers cherish?  PAPER!!  So Stampin' Up! is going to enable you with a great special.  Buy three packages of Designer Paper or Textured Cardstock and get one FREE!!!! 

Check out all THREE specials HERE and be ready to scrap all month long.

Speaking of paper - I love to make gift boxes and decorate them with gorgeous Designer Series Paper.  This gift box was inspired by the original Paula Goff and my FAVORITE stampset, Fifth Avenue Floral. (Actually I am in love with the ENTIRE Manhattan collection on page 9 of the Spring-Summer 2009 Stampin' Up! catalog.)

To create this box, you can follow the tutorial that Paula has provided here.  I gave my version a little Manhattan flare.  The background paper for my box HAD to be Urban Oasis Designer Series Paper.  I created the black tag with my Tag Corner and Horizontal Slot punches.  The flower image is embossed with clear embossing powder for a very dramatic effect.  The die cut butterfly was created using my Big Shot and SU! Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die.

So think boxes, cards, and scrapbook pages and STOCK up on all of that paper NOW!

Be Inspired by Life,

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, Great Friend 

Cardstock: Kraft, Basic Black, Kiwi Kiss, Urban Oasis Designer Series Paper 

Ink: Versamark

Accessories: Horizontal Slot Punch, Tag Corner Punch, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Big Shot, Clear Embossing Powder, Sticky Strip, Kiwi Kiss Striped 5/8" Grosgrain, Stampin' Dimensionals