Carrie Stamps

What's for Dad?

This is what's for Dad this Father's Day.  IA gift card holder/ card in one.  Practical for the men, right.  This is one project that my stamp clubbers will be making in May.  First, club of the month is Thursday!

It seems so simple, till I was packing up all the supplies I used to make it!

I did a watercolor crayon wash over the embossed image from the Bronc Buster Set. I wanted it to look like a sun set. Because I know the cowboys are out from SUN UP, to SUN DOWN.  This stamp could seriously be a picture of my Bob (my "real" Dad, which is not accurate, since my Step Dad was really my Dad!) Anyhow!!!  He is a COMPLETE cowboy and a great guy. 

The card it's self is creamy caramel, stamped with the sanded background using Chocolate Chip ink.  The edges were sponged with Choc. Chip as well, to give it a worn, burnt feel.  The edges of the cowboy image  were distressed and sponges.  I attached the image to the card front with Earth Eelements Eyelets.  The saying is from the "Wanted" stamp set, imagine that!  I tied the card closed with the new Poly Twill, chocolate chip of course. 

This card opens up to reveal a gift card holder! Isn't that the coolest thing.  I found this idea in my blog browsing!  Yes, I not only post but surf as well.  Sorry I do not have the name of the person I got the exact dimensions from.   

Can't you just see the endless possiblities with this project!  Stamp it to match the theme, person or gift card!  Fun, cute and practical, love it!  I need to make one with my Nobal Deer set as soon as it arrives, for my hubby and father-in-law, as they are not cowboys!

If you are interested in Stamp Club email me for more details.  We meet once a month and stamp 3 projects!  I have clubs in the Meridian and Boise area.  It is great fun!

Happy Stampin'

Check out the Spring/ Summer Collection for all the cool stamps and accessories I used to create this card.  Let me know if I can help you with an order.

What a Saturday!

Wow am I tired!  I spent a fabulous Saturday with my Stampin' Up! family, Stampadelicious.  We had an all day event, Technique Book Day.  It began at 9am, but since I am on the meeting committee I was there at 7am for set up.   We completed an entire Technique Book in one day, that is 20 (6x6) technique pages.  I was in charge of the "box station"  that is making sure that we had all the supplies we needed for the day as well as rotating them out that day at the event.  So, I was a busy lady indeed.  I also demonstrated 5 of the pages.  It was great fun.  Three of my downline were able to attend.  It was fun chatting with them.  Lunch was included and we had the best box lunch from Heavenly Ham!  There were AMAZING displays, a card swap and LOTS of prizes! 

Speaking of the card swap.  It is always my goal to make an amazing card.  In nearly NINE years of being a demonstrator I have only won 2 card swaps!  For this event our card had to use a technique.  So I used scratch-n-sniff. 

Here is my card.  It is a cup card and a pocket card.  The lime was stamped with Green Galore and embossed with a mixture of clear embossing powder and lime kool-aid.  That is what makes it scratch-n-sniff!  You need twice as much embossing powder as kool-aid.

To make the cup, trace a plastic cup to create a paper pattern, trace that onto vellum and cut out.  I had to cut mine a little short so that it would fit below my pocket. 

Next sponge ink onto your vellum cup, in the colors you choose, in this case it was Real Red.  You will need to score about 1/4" on each side of the cup and fold it back so you have a  surface to glue to your card front.  Snip off the top corner of each scored flap or it will show when you adhere your cup.  To adhere my cup I used the tombow liquid multi glue.   

Don't forget to add some sparkle to your cup.  I used sticky strip and clear chunky glitter, I did this step before adhering it to the card. 

The pull out insert has a yummy recipe on it for Strawberry-Lime Slushy!

2 C. Strawberry Sorbet

1 C. Lime Sorbet

2T. Fresh Lime Juice

1/4 C. Sliced Strawberries

1/4 C. Orange Juice

2 C. Ice Cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth.

SO, guess who won 1st place in the card swap!  That's right me!  I was so happy.  I got to pick out of three prizes and chose the awesome new Craft and Paper Scissors.   The other swaps were so cool too!  I am always glad I participate in our group swaps! 

Here are some photo's from the day.  From left to right, this is Angie G., Marissa (who is pregnant like me and due 1 week before me!) and Nicole. 

Marissa and Nicole are in my downline and Angie is Marissa's customer and friend.  They are looking over the card swaps they received.

Marissa was recognized and rewarded with a rose for promoting!

Yeah!  She had her first recruit last month.  I am so happy for her!  She lives in Utah and so I was so excited to see her and spend sometime with her.  Her swap card rocked, she did scratch-n-sniff too, I would share, but I did not receive her card!  Tear!

Here is another gal in my downline Angie W.  and Nicole working on their Technique Pages.

It was a whirl wind getting 20 pages done in one day, but they did so good.  And had lots of fun!

Lastly this is a fellow demonstrator Hollie Ann, demonstrating her 5 pages. We are filmed and projected onto a screen for the 100+ people there to see.  The video is also used to create a DVD of that day.

What a totally fun day!  I can not wait for our next events.  In May, I am going on a weekend Stampin' Retreat in the mountains!  And June we are putting on Stamp Camp.  Watch for details on the Stamp Camp, because all my customers are invited to attend as well.  It will be fun, 6 projects and demonstrations, etc. 

Hope you are having a great weekend, I am going to take a NAP, I got my daughter's sniffles and need to recoup for my week ahead. 

Happy Stampin'

Color and Sketch Challenge

I had to Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration #6, because it was such a challenge for me, totally outside the box for me. 

This photo is from Mystic Vally Traders, a photo of some fun bedding they carry. The SU! colors this translates into are:

So Saffron, Sahara Sand, Pumpkin Pie and Wild Wasabi (but just a hit on Wild Wasabi).

I also wanted to do the Splitcoast Sketch Challenge from yesterday, so I combined the two challenges!

Here is my card.  I think the color combination is fresh and springy, Pumpkin Pie is really growing on me, and I am finding that it can be very versatile!

I used Bali Breeze DSP for the largest Pumpkin Pie layer. 

For the next layer I stamped and embossed my Stitched background stamp with Pumpkin Pie Craft ink and clear embossing powder. 

The smallest layer is stamped with the stitched leaf image from Stitched Exotics in Wild Wasabi. 

The center flower image was stamped with the medium/small flower from Stitched Exotics, one flower in So Saffron Craft and one in Pumpkin Pie Craft, both embossed with clear embossing powder and cut out.  I layered them and secured them together with a round Fire Rhinestone. 

The Punched out flower is done with the Scallop Circle punch, punch one out, then with a tiny bit of adhesive stick it to your grid paper and punch it again, turning the punch so that it punches into the scallops, giving it the pointed corners. 

Isn't the ribbon so fun, it is the Pumpkin Pie stripped grosgrain ribbon.

So, this card has LOTS-O-LAYERS, even for me, but I like how it turned out.  And, I had fun stepping out side of my comfort zone with this color combination and a different layout. 

Now, it is your turn, don't be afraid to try something different.  Challenge yourself!  It is fun!

Happy Stampin'

Remember I am here to help you with all your stamping and paper crafting needs.  You can find all the stamps and products I used to make this card in the Spring/Summer Catalog.  Email me if you have questions or would like to place an order.  

Certainly Pretty Chocolate

That is the nick name of this weeks color challenge at Splitcoaststampers.  The challenge is to use the following colors: Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink and Chocolate Chip, of course I could not resist that one! 

So, I pulled out yet another one of my new FREE stamp sets and hit the ink!

I use the "Always" Stamp set.  What a cool set.  It is my best friend Emily's new set and so when I see a card with it I will send her a link, well then I fell in love with it! 

The flowers were originally the heart from this set.  I stamped them, punched them out with the 5 petal punch and then rounded off the corners with the 1/2" circle punch. An, awesome idea I found here,on splitcoast by brendaruse.  FUN, I love little tricks with punches.

I used some Prints DSP in the challenge colors and sponged everything up with Chocolate chip to soften it and add some depth.  The ribbon is Celery Wide grosgrain and Pink Taffeta. My saying is framed by an oval piece from my aged copper hardware, it is a perfect accessory to anything Chocolate Chip. 

I thought this would make a fun Mother's Day Card, soft a pretty, like my Mom.  Oh, tear! I love my Mom!  I plan on making her some pages for her Brag book as well.  It's a mother's day tradition.

Hope this card inspires you to make something Certainly Pretty Chocolate!

Happy Stampin'

 

Happy Earth Day!

Today is Earth Day!  So, I thought I would post an Altered project using a recycled item.  I saved a jar from the honey I use.  It is Raw Honey and comes in a glass jar.  I thought to save the jar because embossed in part of the glass is a honey comb pattern.  It is also printed on the lid.  FUN!  And now , I have the Just B stamp set.  I thought it would be the perfect set to alter this jar. 

Here is the final result!  I still need to fill it with something.  My plan is Bit-O-Honey, if I can find them. 

Seriously, this is TOO CUTE!  I am loving it!  I also, have a smaller jar just the same that I am going to have to make to match.  You know what else would be cute in here... Burt's Bee's products! 

I get so excited about my creations!  And, I love using what you have around the house to turn trash into a treasure.  But, just so you all know I would NEVER have thrown this away.  I am a BIG TIME recycler. 

Here is a close up photo of the stamped part of the jar.  All the stamped images are from the Just B stamp set. 

The colors I used are So Saffron, More Mustard, and Chocolate Chip.  The Designer Paper I used is So Saffron Print DSP.  The scallops were made with the 1-3/8" circle punch and the Scallop Circle punch. 

And here is a picture of the fun flower I put on top of the lid.   The center flower is from the Just B set and I used the scallop circle punch and the 1/8" circle punch for the base, to tie in the polka dot theme.

Can't wait to fill it!  Thanks for stopping by!  Find something you can alter and save it from the trash!  And, if you have not taken the plunge into recycling.  I encourage you to look into it.  In several areas your local trash collecting company provides recycling service.  Very easy! 

Happy Stampin'

You can view the Just B stamp set in our Spring/Summer Catalog.  You will love it's versatility!  Feel the need to order it, email me, I am here to help with all your stampin' needs.

Western Thankyou!

I found another great sketch challenge that helped me inspired me in creating this thank you card.

The Challenge is the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge Week #34 by Julee T.   I just love sketch challenges, they really inspire me.  But the part I love the most about sketch challenges are, it seems to take a lot of time out of card making!  So, I can make a great card in a lot less time.  You have to try it out and see what you think! 

I wanted to make a Thank you card with a Horse on it .  Because a friend of ours gave us a bouncy horse for my daughter to play on in the back yard.  It is so cool!  And, their daughter, who plays with Samantha so well, is a huge horse lover.  So, I thought this would be a good card.

I absolutely love the Groovy Guava with Chocolate Chip! 

I made the scallops with the small oval punch, cut each punched oval in half and glued them to the back of the coluzzled circle.  Now, I wish I would have tucked them in more, so not so much was showing, next time.  I got the idea from another demonstrator, Andrea Walford. 

I used my brand new background stamp, "Sanded"!  Love it.  I got it for free from SU! part of a Product Incentive Order for promoting to Manager!   I got it today, mounted it and inked up right away! 

I used the Bronc Buster Set for the focal image and the Wanted set for the two Guava panels.  What fun sets.  And of course I had to use my white gel pen, which gave me a little trouble, I think it is running out.  Good thing I have a new one on the way!

You can check out all the cool products and stamp sets I used in our Spring/Summer Collection!  Please email me when you find some things you want to order!  I am here to help you with your stamping needs. 

Happy Stampin'

Tanna's Card

I was so excited when Tanna, one of my customers emailed me one of her handstamped works of art.  I love to see what my customers are making!  So, Tanna agreed to be my Guest Blogger.  Yeah, I am so happy  because I have not had one in a long time.  Here is her cute card!

Maybe I like it so much because it is in such GREAT colors, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, and Purely Pomegranate.

She used a stamp sets she got for FREE during Sale-a-Bration, Friendship Blooms.

I love the attention to detail,  the flowers are cut out and popped for dimension.  The edges of the paper were not left out, one is distress and the other is sponged.  And, don't forget the ribbon. And my favorite the brads, a silver brad to accent the flower and a build a brad is the perfect extra to give this card a POP! 

Great job Tanna!  Thanks for sharing your work with all of us!

If you are one of my customers, PLEASE take a photo of your creations and send them to me in an email, I would love to have you as a Guest Blogger!

Happy Stampin'

Pun Fun Double Slider

One of my demonstrator friends is making a bunch of Rocket themed projects for a customer's, son's birthday.  When we were talking about her projects and she was showing me her prototypes I got the idea for a double-slider invitation.  I told her I would stamp one up for fun, I finally got it made this morning.  Since I will see her tomorrow I thought I better follow through and have it to show her!  So, Fontella, if you are out there, this post is for you!

Here is the outside of the card. 

I used the "You're invited" stamp from the  Hugs and Wishes Stamp set.  To get it lined up, centered and evenly spaced I used my stamp-a-ma-jig. Gotta love that tool! 

I have a confession to make regarding my color selection.  I challenged myself to use Brilliant Blue, because I just don't like it.  My friend Britiney has been showing me things she likes with this color, so I decided I needed to find the good in Brilliant Blue.  And, I admit I do like it here on this card!  Yeah, it is good to step outside your comfort zone!  The DSP I used is from the East Coast Prep Collection, that is where I got the other colors I used to completed this card.

I love how the Star punches and stripped grosgrain ribbon accessorize the front of this card.

And, here is the card with the sliders pulled out.  I wanted to feel like when you pulled it out, the rocket was blasting off! 

I stamped the rocket image from "Pun Fun" on glossy white card stock with black Staz On and colored it with my Stampin' Write Markers.  They blend so beautifully on Glossy card stock and colors stay crisp and bold.  Once it was all colored I went over the dots on the rocket with my White Gel pen, they were just to small to avoid coloring. 

For the Invite info, I printed it out using the Little Lamb font from the Write me a Memory CD II.  Lastly, I sponged some stars with Bashful blue ink.  I really like how it turned out. 

Double-sliders are lots of fun.  If you want to try your hand at them, there is a great tutorial on SplitcoastStampers, here.  Just follow along and create your own double-slider card!

Happy Stampin'

Do you need somethings to create a double-slider?  Let me know, I can help you out.  To view the Spring/Summer collection and Occasions Mini Catalogs click here.

Painting Inspired Birthday Card

Today is my Mom's Birthday.  I found this painting to go in her dinning room.  She has a large wall that she is doing a collage of flower paintings and was looking for a long one.  I was hoping this picture would fit in and she would like it.  So far, she does, she just needs to take it home and try it out.

So seeing this picture I was inspired to create a coordinating Birthday Card.  It looked different in my mind, but when my mom opened the card she said OH, look how beautiful!  That was all I needed to hear!

And right away she noticed that the card matched the painting! Only, in real life the painting had more yellow than cream.  So, it makes my card look really yellow. The lighting was much better when I took the photo of the card.   

I used my Cuttlebug for the dry embossed Paisley background.  The paisley embossing folder is actually my friend Patty's, she let me borrow it a while back and this is my first time using it. Very cute.  I also used the Trimtastic and So Many Scallops sets to accessorize.  The flower is from the Blommin' Beautiful Set. 

Here in this photo you can see the detail in the card better.

So, it is not my favorite card ever, but it really is my Mom's style and I made it with her in mind and she liked it.

Thanks for visiting!  Enjoy the last moments of your weekend! 

Happy Stampin'

If you like the Bloomin' Beautiful set, you should check out my Bloomin' Beautiful Card Class! 

View the stamp sets and products used in this project in the Spring/Summer Collection and let me know how I can help you with your stamping needs.

Use What youv'e Got

I came across another challenge I wanted to try on Joanne B's blog.  The Challenge is "What you've got".  She challenges you to use what you have on hand and gives you some guidelines as well.  For this challenge we were to use Bali Breeze Paper and make a Long Card, one that fits in a legal envelope.  FUN!  So, I stamped this card this morning and am just now getting a chance to post it. 

   I got to use my new Stitched Exotics stamp set today for the first time!  And I have been wanting to cut out that flower from the Bail Breeze Paper and make a card with it for a long time, the one in the center. 

  In this close up photo you can see the fun details better.   

For the card base I used Textured Cardstock and wheeled it with the "It's Beautiful Jumbo Wheel".  Click HERE to see how you can get this wheel for FREE!

I stamped the Pumpkin Pie flowers from Stitched Exotics in Craft Ink and embossed them with Iridescent Ice Powder, and did the same with the smaller Taken with teal flowers.  The silver brads were colored with the Versamarker, dipped in Iridescent Ice and embossed as well.  So, this card has a lot of shimmer to it.  I love that.  Glitter is my friend!  The saying, from the Happy Everything Set is stamped in Whisper White and embossed with White powder.

The scalloped edge I made with the scallop circle and 1-3/8" circle punches.  First punch the 1-3/8" circle, then, punch the scallop circle punch around that.  This will create a ring.  Cut a slit in the ring and begin to bend the each scallop to create a straight line of scallops. Now, adhere it where you want a scallop edge.  And, I personally love my scallops with a polka dot from my white gel pen.

So, I am undecided if this will be my Mom's birthday card.  I might  use it or, I might make one that matches the painting I got her for a gift.  Her birthday is tomorrow, but I am inspired by the painting to stamp a card, so if time permits (there are dishes waiting for me, ugh!)  I plan to stamp a matching card, if so I will certainly share that!  Hope you all are having a fabulous weekend. Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stampin'

Email me to take advantage of the FREE WHEELIN' DEAL!  To view the stamps and products used in this card check out the Spring/ Summer Collection.  Let me know how I can help you with your stamping needs!

 

Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #44

I had so much fun last weekend participating in Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge I had to give it a go this weekend.  Here is her the Sketch:

Simple enough!  However, you know me, can it keep it simple?  Even when I try I can not. 

But, I decided that is okay, I have to just be me, do my thing and I love the results! 

I decided I was going to use this sketch to make a Thank you card that I needed to make for a friend, but do you ever make one of those cards that you like so much you do not want to give it away.  That is weird, I know, especially as I sit here and type I can see tubs and baskets full of cards! 

This is my first creation with my new set Pun Fun!  I figured I could get away with Pink and Brown as I have not used it in long time.  Those that know me, know, I LOVE PINK AND BROWN!

Do you love the Cuttlebugged pieces!  I used the new brayered technique, not sure of the proper name for this technique, but you brayer in on the "negative" side of the embossing folder before inserting your paper and running it through your cuttle bug.  Then the background is inked and the embossed part is not!  Doesn't it make the swirls POP!  It's the greatest Cuttle bug idea! 

My other obsessions right now are Polka Dots and my White Gel Pen!  So, I used the Pretty in Pink Prints Paper from the Hostess Prints Pack, using the polka dot pattern.  And, I added doodled polka dots with my White Gel Pen around the border of my card.  Lastly, I inked my Pretties Flower with Pretty in Pink ink, directly to my stamp pad.  When it dried I stamped it with the Polka Dot stamp from the Three for you Punch box with Timber Brown StazOn ink.  Tell me that is not the cutest little flower.  Okay, I get a little excited over my creations.  And, who else am I going to share it with, my husband looks at me with that, how old are you look.  But I know you all understand. 

One other new love, my Stamp-a-ma-Jig.  So, I have been a demonstrator for a while now and never thought I needed this thing to help me stamp straight.  Then, this winter I got it for the Super Sized Snowflake stamp.  I have not used it much till lately.  Seriously, that thing just ROCKS!  Look at my word "thanks" on my card, it is so nice and straight and I stamped it with an ALPHABET, me stamping words that are straight.  Do you hear the choir singing?! Oh, that is just in my head!  If you are a skeptic TRY IT!  And, if you do not have it, you will love it, just as I do! 

Last little note on this card, I stamped the mug on watercolor paper with Jet Black StazOn and watercolored it with my markers and aqua painter, as mentioned in my Bloomin' Watercolor post.  I am really enjoying this technique!  I also added some Liquid Applique for "foam", cute!  And some white gel pen Polka Dots!

Do you think one could type any more about a card!  I know I have a serious addiction!  Just one more tiny little comment, if you are like me and the sponges are getting dusty, pull them out, it adds such a nice shading effect.  An old favorite, sponging, is making it's way back into my stamping! 

I really do have other things I need to do today, I am going to stamp birthday invites with a friend tonight!  Fun!  Hope to have another fun project up for you tomorrow, I found another challenge I have to play with! 

Coming Soon! My Tart and Tangy Technique Swap!  I can not show it till the swap is over on the 26th, but I just finished them and LOVE them.  So, I thought I would throw out a little teaser! 

Happy Stampin'

Remember if you want any of the Stampin' Up! Supplies mentioned in this post I can HOOK YOU UP! Check out the Stampin' Up! Collections here!  Email me if I can help you in anyway!

 

Just Celebrate Gray

Tonight is stamp club!  Yeah, we had a few months break from club so, I am excited to be getting together with my stampin' girls again! 

This is one of this months club cards.  I have just started to use the new Basic Gray color and am really loving it. 

This is the quick and easy card for the night and at my club the 1st week of the month, they said it was their favorite!  I have a hard time keeping it simple at times. I tend to put all kinds of detail and embellishments.  But this card goes to show, it does not always have to be over the top to be a good card. 

  This card uses the Just Celebrate Set from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  It is proving to be a fun stamp set and I am enjoying all the fun images and different sayings.

The butterflies are stamped with Basic Gray ink, punched out with the 1-3/8" square punch and the outline was colored in with the Versamarker.  Then each square was popped with a dimensional.  The four colors I used are: Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi, Certainly Celery, and Pretty in Pink.   

The background was stamped with Basic Gray Ink using the Polka Dot Background stamp.  I "tied" it up with Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon and punched the Just Celebrate saying out with the Word Window Punch.

BTW - I have a few openings in my Stamp Clubs.  We meet once a month to stamp projects using the newest stamps, techniques and paper crafting trends.  And each stamper gets a chance to be hostess and earn Stampin' Up! Merchandise for FREE. I have stamp clubs in Boise and Meridian, ID.  If you are interested email me for more details.

Happy Stampin'

The images, tool and accessories used to make this card can be found in the Spring Summer collection (unless otherwise noted above).  I am here to help you with your stamping needs, email me your questions, comments and orders.  Your order can be shipped right to your door!

 

Bloomin' Watercolor

I was so inspired to stamp today by two things the first was kwerner's Color Challenge #5, she challenges stampers to create a card from the colors in the photo's she posts.  Today it is these pillows from Pottery Barn.

Isn't that fun.  The Stampin' Up! colors that this translates into are:

Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Bashful Blue and Close to Cocoa.  I just love these colors, anything with BROWN, is great in my book!

I knew I had to make a card with this challenge. 

The second thing that inspired me to stamp today, instead of fold the laundry like I should be, is the tutorial on watercoloring  with markers on Splitcoast today.  So, I decided to be irresponsible and stamp during nap time today. OH, take time to do something just for fun, I know it is a novel idea for us mom's!  But you have to try it, be a little naughty!

                                                                                                                                                            Here is the result of my INSPIRED FUN TIME!  It uses the new Bloomin' Beautiful Set from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  As well as the Twill Background stamp and Defining Alphabet set from the Spring/Summer Collection. 

I have to say, I am not the world's greatest at watercoloring, but I love how this turned out.  What do you think, not to bad! 

For my watercoloring I used the following Stampin' Write Markers:

Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Ballet Blue, So Saffron, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip and Going Gray. 

First you want to stamp your image with Staz On ink on Watercolor paper.  Next, color in most of you image with the lightest marker, blend this with an Aqua Painter.  Then, add the darker color and blend with the Aqua Painter again.  Gorgeous!  You really need to see the tutorial, this is the "Cliff Notes" addition!

  Here is a super close up of my watercoloring, as you can see I was not perfect, but that is the JOY of watercoloring, it is not suppose to be!   

I am so loving this set!  Especially this stamp.  Okay, the bee is cute too! 

If you are liking this set you will want to come to my Bloomin' Beautiful Class, or if you are not in the Boise Area, you can get the Bloomin' Beautiful Class by mail!  Just click the links for more information, hurry I only have a few spots open!

Happy Stampin' 

Designer 5 Petal Topiary

Isn't this the CUTEST THING,  do I say that a lot?  Okay, I get a little excited over my paper crafting!  BUT SERIOUSLY, I look at this and get that little girl feeling, "look what I made mommy"!  And, this was not my original idea, it has been floating around in the Internet world of paper crafting, but I got the idea from Rhonda L!  THANKS, Rhonda!

Not only is this totally cute, but it is easy to make.  I used 5, 6x6 sheets of Prints Designer Paper.  Pretty in Pink and Apricot Appeal from the Hostess Print Pack and Almost Amethyst Prints DSP.  Then I took my 5 Petal Punch and punched out all the flowers I could out of that paper.  I also punched out a bunch of smaller flowers using the Three for You Punch, out of printer paper.  This is because I wanted something light weight that would be easy to push the pin through.

Then you fold up the petals of the flowers and pin then into a Styrofoam ball!  So easy.  Then, when the ball is almost full push a dowel through the middle of it at the bottom.  I used some crystal effects on the end of the dowel before pushing it in and then at the base of the ball after the dowel was in.  After the crystal effects was mostly set, I filled it in with the rest of the flowers. 

For the flower pot, I painted a Terra cotta pot with acrylic paint, 2 coats. I then inserted a cut in half Styrofoam ball, round side down, that way the ball in the pot does not move around. Push the end of the dowel in this piece, again using crystal effects to secure it.  Add some moss, grass or shredded paper. 

I also added rub ons to my painted pot!  I used the Urban West Rub Ons.

As I always say, love is in the details. So I had to put some love on my pot!  And it really made the pot and project complete!

Lastly, I wanted to add a tag.  I had a few left over flowers and thought they would be great to make a coordinating card, then my dear friend Britiney, who I was making the topiary with, said she was going to add a tag to hers!  LOVED that idea.  So, I totally copied her idea! 

I used a Pretty In Pink flower, I notched the petals by inserting a single petal at a time back into the 5 petal punch and punching a little triangle out of each petal.                                                                       

The corners of the tag were punched with the Ticket Corner Punch.  I also wanted to tie in some silver, as the pins used were silver, so I added a silver brad to the center of the flower, a silver eyelet and cord to attached the tag. 

The saying is also from the Urban West Rub Ons, on Almost Amethyst Prints DSP and punched out with the Small Oval Punch. 

I had LOTS of fun making this project, especially since I got to get together with my friend Britiney to make it, it is always fun to create with a friend!  And, since I became a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, my life has been enriched with friends I never thought I would have.  So, HUGS to all my special stampin' friends out there!    If you have been a little frazzled lately, call up a friend and STAMP something, or make a TOPIARY! 

Happy Stampin'

Need more information on how to get the products used in this post, email me!

You can view Stampin' Up! products in the On Line Catalog.

WINNERS, SPECIALS and Fabulous Flowers

I am sure you have all been waiting on the edge of your seat for my ANNOUNCEMENT!  PINK OR BLUE!  I am sure the color here gives it away.  But, I found out yesterday we are having a GIRL!  I am thrilled!  Now Samantha will have a sister and, having 3 my self I know that is a special thing!  So, for all of you who guessed that it would be a girl, I put your names into a drawing and the winner of a spool of PINK TAFFETA RIBBON IS.....

dtstampz

Please email me to claim your prize!

Another EXCITING announcement!  I have a winner from my 50/50 board.  Here is how it works.  When you order $50 with me, at a stamp camp, party or customer direct order you get to put your name on the 50/50 board.  There are 50 spaces on the board.  When the board fills up I draw out a number, who ever has their name on that number wins a $50 SU! gift certificate from me! 

Well, it filled up and I have a WINNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The number drawn was #1!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO.........

DEBBIE BLONDIN!

Yeah Debbie.  Email me to claim your prize! 

If you are interested in this drawing, I am starting a new board.  And for the month of APRIL, anyone who places a $50 order will get their name on the board twice!  This would be a really good time to take advantage of the WHEELY BIG SPECIAL!

PLUS!  Today is TAX day!!! Hope no one out there is stressing about that today!  So, if you place an order with me today I will pay the tax on your order for you! 

If you think some of your friends might want to take advantage of this offer you could be a catalog hostess and get LOTS of SU! merchandise for free, plus a set of 48 markers as a gift from me, check out yesterday's post for more details.

To place your order EMAIL ME!

And now it is time for a STAMPED SAMPLE!

I made this card on Sunday using Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge.  I was hoping to post it then, but Sunday got busy. So I am posting it now.

I was dying to use my new Fabulous Flowers set.  I have been wanting this set since it came out.  The large flower in this set is so fun! 

First, I inked the large flower in Groovy Guava Classic ink then I highlighted the outside edge of the petals with my Chocolate Chip Marker.  I then stamped it on Whisper White CS and cut it out.  I repeated that step 2 times, each time making the cut out flower smaller to create a 3-D flower. 

You can see the dimension in this close up photo better. 

I also used the Afternoon Tea Designer Paper and the Chocolate Poly Twill Ribbon from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  I just love this stamp set and can not wait to make some more creations with it! 

Happy Stampin'

COMING SOON:  Designer 5 petal Topiary!  I may not be able to wait till tomorrow to post this cool creation!  Check back soon! 

The 48 Markers for FREE!!!

Have you always wanted the WHOLE SET OF 48 MARKERS?  Well, I am here to help!  For anyone who wants to host a CATALOG party with me you will have the chance to earn them!  Here are the details.

To be a CATALOG HOSTESS this is what you need to do:

* Pass around the catalog to your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers and who ever else you can think of

* Collect their orders

* Meet with me to close the party by APRIL 30th

WHAT DO MY CATALOG HOSTESSES EARN?

*Free SU! Merchandise ($90 with $500 in orders)

*Free SU! stamp sets available to hostesses only (see pgs.18 - 26 for selections)

*With a $500 party you will get the entire set of 48 markers for FREE from ME!  That's a $130 value!  (If you already have the markers you may choose $100 in SU! merchandise from me in place of the markers)

Now that is a ROCKIN AWESOME DEAL!  What a great time to be a CATALOG HOSTESS!  To take part email me RIGHT NOW and I will get you started!  You do not need to live in the Boise Area to take part!  So, do not miss out.  It is very easy to collect $500 in orders.  And you will reap the benefits, with over $250 in FREE SU! Merchandise!  You can not beat that, email me so you do not miss out on this great offer!  It is only good until the end of April! 

Carrie

[email protected]

 

I like to shake it, shake it!

MORE WOW SWAP CARD SAMPLES, well the last one!  This is the 3rd card I made for the Wow swap I participate in. 

It's is Shaker Card, that's why the funny title.  Actually, I watch to many kid movies.  I have that crazy song from Madagascar, "I like to move it, move it!" And since I was posting some shaker cards, it turn in to SHAKE IT, SHAKE IT!  And isn't this the best set for shakers! 

In this shaker I used the new Red Micro Beads and Red Chunky Glitter.  I found that when you used colored things in your shaker you need to use less because they cover more of you image than clear beads. 

Here are the fine details:

Stamps: Tart and Tangy

Ink: Real Red and Always Artichoke Markers and White Gel Pen

Paper: Bashful Blue, Always Artichoke, Real Red Textured, and Whisper White CS and Summer Picnic DSP.

Accessories: Window Sheet, Boho Blossom Punch, Red Micro Beads, Red Chunky Glitter, Dimensionals, Real Red Stripped Grosgrain, A perfect Day Rub Ons, Ticket Corner Punch.

BUT WAIT, THERE IS MORE! 

Here is another shaker card I did for a swap.  For a demonstrator group meeting. Well, this was not the final card, but the one I kept for my self.  I was not completely thrilled with this one.  I did not like the Glitter frame.  So, I omitted that in the final version.  I just could not get is as even as I wanted and too much glitter stuck to the window sheet.

  I colored the strawberry with my markers to make it two toned and in the end did not love that either, so I used Real Red and Old Olive in the end.

My favorite thing about this card is the faux dry embossed background using the Three For You Punch.  And if you look at the close up picture, I stamped polka dots from Itty Bitty background on the window sheet and omitted that in the final card as well, just did not show up that much.  

So, I encourage you to try out Shakers with your stamps, especially TART and Tangy! 

Happy Stampin'

Weekend Sketch Challenge

WHAT A DELIGHT!  My husband took the day off work today to run some errands, when my 3 year old asked Daddy where he was going he said to run errands and she asked if she could go with him.  That was at 9am this morning and now it is 7:30pm and they are now on their way home!  Yeah for Mommy! So I spent most the day with my friend Corrina looking at houses and then when I found I had more time I decided to take part in Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge! 

Every weekend she posts a challenge to her blog, a card layout. 

Here is this weekends challenge. 

I also felt inspired to stamp because I got a BOX FULL-O-STAMPS today, FREE STAMPS! 

As a demonstrator, during Sale-A-Bration we earn free stamp sets based on our sales and recruiting.  I was thrilled to earn NINE sets!  So, I broke out 3 new sets for my card.

Here are MY FREE SETS, had to share the excitement!

Alright enough!  But do watch for my creations using the AWESOME SETS!  I have many bright ideas!

But now for my card for the Weekend Sketch Challenge!!!

For those of you who frequent my blog you may have read my post earlier today, "Crystal Glitter Wash".  I used my new technique her as well!

So the new sets that I used here are the Defining Alphabet, Define Your Life and All Scallops. 

And check out my close up photos, you can see the Crystal Glitter Wash very clearly! 

Here is used it on my Pretties Flower and Real Red Brad.  So pretty!  I love how it looks on the Pretties!

And here I used it to highlight each cherry on the Summer Picnic DSP and then added it to my Red Grosgrain Ribbon.  It's almost a candied card with the shimmery, sparkly, glittery card. 

I hope you enjoy it.  I know I had lots of fun stamping it, using new *free* stamps, and having time ALONE! 

But I have to say I do miss my little bunny girl!  Who would not miss this cute face! 

She was sick on Easter and we were playing with her basket of goodies. 

I am getting a little blog happy here, so Happy Friday Night and Happy Stampin'

Crystal Glitter Wash

On yesterday's post I told you I would share my other creations for my WOW swap.  Today I wanted to share with you my card using my own technique called Crystal Glitter Wash.

To make a "Crystal Glitter Wash" for your card you will need:

Crystal Effects

Glitter

A brush or sponge for application.

I mixed Crystal Effects with Glitter and brushed it on my card front to get a shiny and glittery background all over my card. 

The glitter is used is the green from the Fine Cosmo Glitter Collection.  Dazzling Diamonds would work great and would go on any color of cardstock.  Also, there are a few pieces of chunky glitter in mine, also green. 

I did not measure my glitter but stirred in a little at a time until I achieved the amount I thought looked good.  If you just want a little glitter here and there, use less. 

I suggest using a stampin' sponge when applying the Crystal Glitter Wash, I tried on of those sponges on a stick type brushes but it seemed to soak up to much crystal effects.  The stampin' sponge worked great,  I used a clothes pin to hold onto it and brushed it on. 

It will take 10-20 minutes to dry, depending on how thick you put it on.  You may want to stick on your other images while it is still wet, and use it as an adhesive too.  If not, you will need to use TOMBOW LIQUID GLUE!  Snail adhesive will not hold your cs on to this back ground. 

Here is my complete card:

I thought this set is a picture of a lot of women's journey in life.  Growing up, getting married, career, and family.  We are fabulous, aren't we!  Admit it you deserve a pat on the back and we don't often give that to our selves, so we need to give it to each other.  That is what I have in mind for this card. 

The "She's All That" girls are inked with a Taken with Teal Marker, stamped on Tempting Turquoise CS and punched out with a 1-1/4" square punch.  Then layered on a 1-3/8" square of Taken with Teal.  I colored them with a marker to omit the words that are also on each stamp. 

The Designer paper, which was my color inspiration for this card, is from the Bali Breeze Collection.  I used the scallop circle punch and the 1-3/8" circle punch to create a scalloped ring, then cut a slit on one side of the ring and straighten the scallops out to use it as a border.  Then I used the white gel pen to add a dot to each scallop.

The sentiment on this card is created with the words that are on the expectant mother's stamp from this set.  It says "you look fabulous".  I colored the You and Fabulous with a basic black marker and stamped that on Certainly Celery CS then I stamped the "r" from the Big Deal Alphabet over that in Old Olive and punched it out. 

The flower accent is created with the Boho Blossom Punch, Flower Fusion Kit and a Ice Rhinestone. It is hard to see in the photo, but I added some dazzling diamond glitter to the center of each flower with a 2-way glue pen as well. 

I hope you have learned something new in the "Crystal Glitter Wash" technique.  As far as I know this is my own creation, but would not be surprised if it has been done before! 

Give it a try I am sure it will work on other mediums besides cardstock.  That is what I am going to tackle next, I will post my success's! 

Happy Stampin'

PS - Do you like my new signature? 

Whoo Hoo - Look at her!

Isn't she lookin' cute!  Just add some eyelashes, a flower and some pink and WHOO HOO!  This is a card that I made for a quarterly WOW swap I participate in.  I was waiting to share with you until everyone got their cards and almost forgot!  I will share the other two cards that I made for the swap as well, so watch for those.

Here are the details:

Stamps: Just Celebrate (the pink flower is from another stamp in this same set!)

Ink: Pretty in Pink Marker, Close to Cocoa Pad, Basic Black Journaling Marker and Classic Pad, Wild Wasabi Classic Pad and White Gel Pen

Paper: Wild Wasabi, Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Creamy Caramel Cardstock and Print Pack DSP.

Accessories: Scallop circle, Word Window, Ticket Corner and 1-3/8" circle punches, crafter's tool kit (for paper piercing), Wild Wasabi Stitched Grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals, white eyelets, crop-a-dile, tombow liquid glue, blender pen

Thanks for stopping by to check out my creations.  I love sharing my works of rubber! 

Happy Stampin'

Carrie