Carrie Stamps

Christmas in July!

Good Morning!  So much to do today in preparation for Convention tomorrow!  I am so excited!  Tomorrow I will have that new catalog in my hands!  But today I wanted to share one of my convention swaps with you.  It is a Christmas Card made with the CUTEST new Hostess Set, Deer Friends.

Of course I had to use Rudolph, since my daughter has an obsession with him!  It is Christmas at my house all the time!  The Build A Bear Rudolph (who happens to be sitting at my stamp desk right now, wearing my SU! apron!)  is a favorite, as well as the Rudolph movie, soundtrack, color book, you name it!   It could be worse, could be BARBIES!!!!!!!!!

I also used the new Bella Rose paper, it is so fun and versatile!  You will have to get some!  It uses the new In Colors, Red Riding Hood Red and Kiwi Kiss, they are so growing on me!

The Ric Rac was made with the new Scallop Punch, I know all of my customers will be adding this to their punch collections!  It rocks!  So, I took a 1' strip of card stock, in this case Close to Cocoa and punched a row of scallops, then flipped it and off set the scallops and punched an entire new row of scallops on the other side, creating Ric Rac!  It does take a little practice, at least it did for me, so use up some of those scraps! 

The saying at the bottom is from a new stamp set, Heard from the Heart. I stamped it in White Craft in and embossed it, in this one I used Winter White powder, but in the rest of my swaps I got a little crazy!  I mixed the winter white with some Iridescent Ice powder to give it some sparkle!  Love how that turned out, got the idea from my dear friend Britiney!  (Hey B!) 

The nose is a Red Rhinestone.  My friend Lisa gave me like 1 million of these that she had left over from Christmas cards a few years ago and I used them on my Christmas card last year and still have 1 million left!  So, they went perfect for Rudolph's nose! (Thanks Lisa!) 

Well, I really need to get down to business, so much to do before we leave at first light tomorrow!  The checkbook, prep for the kind hearts helping with my sweet Samantha, Dr. apt., swim lessons, cut paper for my shoe box swap that is tomorrow night......  I figure what gets done, gets done and the world will not stop if something does not! 

Happy Stampin'

Carrie

Still Stampin'

I did not fall off the face of the earth or give birth (yet).  I have been a crazy busy lady.  Getting ready for convention, SWIM LESSONS, weekly Dr. appointments.  And the things I have been stamping I have not wanted to post for all to see yet, as they have been for classes, club or swaps!  No stamping just for pure joy in a while.  Don't get me wrong, it all brings me joy, but I have not had time to stamp just for the fun of it!  But, I have wanted to share my BONUS Stamp Club project that we did this month.  I did not want to share it until all my clubs finished for the month.  I like them to have some surprises when they come to club!  So, here is the Bag in a Box.  They are very popular right now and much easier to make than they look, click here for a tutorial.

I used the East Coast Prep Paper and Big and Little PIeces Stamp sets.  All retiring!  These are two great stamp sets!  Fun and versatile!  I have had a lot of fun with them.  What is hard to see here is the the center of each circle image has the matching Little Piece stamped and then popped with a dimensional.  The bottom of the box was made with the new Scallop punch.  Love it.  Tomorrow I will show you how I used it to make Ric Rac on one of my conventions swaps. 

So, far I am still able to go to convention, I have one more Dr. Apt tomorrow to make sure I am not dilated!  But I feel good about it and do not plan on giving birth until I get back!  I will have 10 days till she is due, so I am good!  No worries!  I can hear all you mom's out there laughing at me!  Well, if you are a demonstrator going to convention and happen to be a mid-wife, OB nurse or Dr., maybe you should email me and we could be friends at convention this year?!

Okay, so much to do!!! First dinner and then more convention preparations!  More tomorrow, at least that is my hope! 

Happy Stampin'

Carrie

Baby Shower

Saturday was my baby shower.  It was a nice time.  I have to say thank you to my Mom and friends who came together to put on a nice shower for me!!!

We did a stamping project at the shower!!!  So, I had to share that with you.  We stamped on onsies and bibs. 

We used the Wild About You Set and Rich Regal Craft Pads.  These were my two favorite items.  After everyone stamped I got to pick my favorite and they won a door prize.  I thought that was fun! I must give credit where credit is due... The lavendar onsie was stamped by my friend Georgie and the pink by my friend Cheryl. 

Since we used this the Wild About you Set, which I borrowed from my friend Lisa (how do I not have this set?).  I decided to use it to make my Thanks You cards.  I thought I would share it here even though I am in the final stages of completing them and some of the recipients will certainly see the card here before they receive it at home! 

I also used the new Wow Flowers (from the up coming Fall/Winter Catalog) set for the saying, I did not think so a first but this is going to be one of my most used sets. I was inspired to use these colors by some fun clothes I got for Baby Hannah.

The scallop circle is punched out of the card front creating a window to the inside of the card and then the saying is mounted on the inside of the card on a Chocolate Chip Scallop circle.  I hope to finish the lot of them tonight and then begin writing on them tomorrow, then address the envies and get them off no later than friday. 

Happy Stampin'

Carrie

Gift Certificate/ Card Holders

Good Morning!  I wanted to share with you a Gift Certificate and Gift Card Holder that I made for my mom, she needs them to give as gifts.

This one holds a SU gift certificate. I used two new In Colors, Baja Breeze is the lighter blue and Pacific Point is the darker.  I love Pacific Point, it is the blue I never knew I always wanted! 

I put a faux belly band around it and closed it with a Thank You stamp from the new Wow Flowers set (coming out in the Fall/Winter Catalog - August 11th).  My lovely scallops were made with the new Scallop Punch, a must have!

Here it is open.  I turned the gift certificate over so the receiver can not see it if she is surfing this morning. 

I took a 8-1/2x11 piece of card stock and scored it at 4" and 8-1/4".  This created the middle section big enough for my gift certificate, after I trimmed it down a little.

The pocket is made with my scallop punch. Easy and simple to make. 

This is the gift card holder.  It is actually LEFTOVERS from last months Stamp Club.  We made this project using Live Your Dream (from the Occasions Mini).

I had LEFT OVER packets, so I used the paper and created a whole new gift card holder. 

This one uses Soft Sky and Blue Bayou, what a contrast to the Baja Breeze and Pacific Point used above! 

The base of this gift card holder is an envelope.  I got this genious idea from another demonstrator's blog.  And for the life of me can not remember who, maybe Andrea Walford! 

Here is the inside.  I took a med. whisper white envelope, folded it in half.  Then you open it and cut the flap on the line.  Seal one side and leave the other open to slip your gift card in and out!  Isn't that cleaver!

I have this one turned on it's side, but you could have it going vertically too.

So, try them out when giving gift cards or certificates! The holder is as much a part of the gift as the card itself! 

Happy Saturday and Happy Stampin'

Carrie 

DReaMS Du JouR!

Here is my first sample with another of the Sneak Peek sets from the up coming catalog, "Dreams du Jour".

I also used the new Bella Rose Paper.  I love that name!  The colors in this new DSP are so fun, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette and Chocolate Chip!  That is 3 of the new In Colors.

For the fun frame, I used my new Scallop Punch.  I got the idea from Mary Jo Albright's blog. She had some great ideas on making frames with the new scallop punch.  I am still trying to perfect them and will share more when I do. 

This square is just a 2-3/4" square, then I punch each side once, centering it in the punch.  I was then able to run the largest twill tape through it! 

I stamped and embossed all the images with Chocolate Chip Craft ink and Clear Embossing powder.

The button is from new button collection, also coming out in the Fall/ Winter Idea Book and Catalog, Button Bouquet! 

So, I have to say I am having a lot of fun with my new In Colors!  I so need to get started on my swap projects and convention swaps as well! 

Happy Stampin'

Carrie

His and Her's Sock Monkey's

I don't know why but that title sounds a little...dirty! 

Okay, what do I say after that?  Still laughing, hold on.....

Alright.  Well, I inked up my brand new Sock Monkey Set, love it, he is so funny.  And, I had a sock monkey as a child so I knew I wanted this set. The cards I made use this weeks Sketch Challenge #184 from splitcoast.

 

Isn't he so cute and fun!  I used the new In Color "Pink Pirouette" on this card.  I thought this color would be really close to Pretty in Pink, so I was not that excited about this one, but I TOTALLY LOVE IT!  It is so soft and delicate!  So, after I made this card I thought, I need to make a little boy one as well!

This card uses the new In Color "Baja Breeze".  It is a really fun color!  I can not wait to put it with my all time favorite color CHOCOLATE CHIP!  I am also looking forward to many more fun creations with this fun set.  Then, by the time the new catalog comes out you will have lots of ideas to do with your own SOCK MONKEY set!

Happy Stampin'

Carrie

Yeah, my Sneak Peek order arrived!

Finally, my Sneak Peak Order arrived yesterday at 3pm ish.  I had stamp club last night, so this morning was the first chance I got to play with it.  I could not sleep last night knowing there was untouched rubber and ink in my house!  I had so many ideas in my head I did not know where to start.  So, as I was eating my breakfast I checked my Google Reader and found Kristina Werner's Color Challenge #15.  That gave me a great starting point.  Here you can see the inspiration piece:

And here is my card:

I made one change to the inspiration colors. I changed the Really Rust to the new In Color - Tangarine Tango.  I love that name, it reminds me of that song "Mr. Tangarine Speedo".  I also used one of my new stamp sets, from my Sneak Peek order, Wow Flowers.  It is so fun, kinda retro! 

The flower fits perfectly in the 1" circle punch.  I added a polka dot border with my White Gel pen to match the border on the bedding.  And, the satin ribbon, is like the satin sheets that may be under that fun comforter set! 

Okay, I totally need go mount my Sock Monkey set and stamp something with him!!!  It wont take me long, because did I tell you, ALL NEW STAMP SET ARE DIE CUT!  I feel like I got upgraded to 1st class!  Stampin' Up! Rocks!  So look for my upcoming SOCK MONEY creation! 

Happy Stampin'

Carrie

 

Birthday Bash!

Your'e Invited to a BIRTHDAY BASH! 

Friday, July 25th

6:30pm to 10:00 pm

At My House

If you have ever found yourself in need of a Birthday card with out time to stamp one, then you need to come to the Birthday Bash! 

At this fun filled event we will be stamping 12 birthday cards, one for each month of the year!  There will be 6 card designs and you will get to make 2 of each design, for a total of 12 cards!  You will also receive an envelope for each as well as a special card keeping box to store them all in, with room left to add your own creations!

What to bring:

Your own adhesive, such as Snail Adhesive and/or Tombow Liquid Glue

And, You favorite SCISSORS to cut with.

ALSO,

It is my Birthday month!  So, bring me a handstamped birthday card and you will get 5 tickets into the GRAND PRIZE drawing!

Prizes will be raffled and Party Favors Given!

Who ever places the largest order that day will win the hostess benefits! 

It will be a lot of fun and what's better than going home with cards that you know you will use!  Space is limited so SIGN UP TODAY, using the Pay Pal link below!

ARE YOU OUT OF TOWN, OR MAYBE YOU JUST CAN'T MAKE IT?!?

You can still receive the Birthday Bash by MAIL!

Here is what you will recieve:

• Precut Cardstock and Accessories to make all 12 cards (you will complete your cards with stamps that you have on hand)

• Envelopes for each card

• 6 Inspiration Sheets

• Email with color photos and step by step directions for completing each card

• Card Keeper Box to store your cards

How to sign up for Birthday Bash by Mail:

Use the same paypal link, above, as the cost is the same, Just $30!

In the comments box when you click to pay please indicate that you would like to recieve the BIRTHDAY BASH BY MAIL and include your full name, mailing address and email address!

It's that simple! 

Happy Stampin' and I hope to see you at the BIRTHDAY BASH!

Carrie

BonJour!

Good Morning Stampers!  This morning I stumbled across a new blog, dedicated to Sketch Challenges!  Yeah, fun, my favorite! It is 2 Sketches 4 You, thanks to Lea who left a comment to my Just B Happy Post yesterday!  So, I decided to give it a go this morning. Here is my card for their latest sketch, Kazan's Sketch 4. 

I wanted to use the Carte Postal Set, since it is one of the sets we are using at Stamp Club this month, I like to have samples done with the sets we are using, samples they have not seen before.

I also wanted to use a more bright color palette for this card.  I can not tell you how many times I changed the colors, but Orchid Opulence was always in there. The other two colors I used are Bashful Blue and Close to Coca. I did a lot of sponging for added texture and depth.  In addition to the Carte Postal set I also used the coordinating background stamp; French Flair as well as Canvas Background. 

For some real added demension and texture, I used my Hodgepodge Hardware.  WHICH IS ON SALE THIS MONTH! 

Hodgepodge Hardware is 25% off now through August 10th, while supplies last!

Item #	Page #	Item Description	Regular Price	Limited Time 25% off Discount
105532	188	Aged Copper Hodgepodge Hardware	$27.95	$20.96
105531	188	Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware	$27.95	$20.96
105515	188	Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware	$27.95	$20.96

What a great deal!  You don't want to miss out on getting your Hardware to dress up your paper crafting projects! 

Email me to order yours today, there is no limit to the number you can order at this price!

Happy Stampin'

Carrie

[email protected]

 

Just B Happy

This is what I am telling my self this morning as I checked the SU! website only to find that my PRE ORDER (sneek peak items from the upcoming catalog) is still at SU!  Sad in my heart, I thought for sure it would be here today.  So, how do you "Just B Happy?"  STAMP, of course. 

When I saw the CPS #72, that was enough to spark some creativity and stamp out a card!  I just opened one of my drawers full of stamp sets and said, it has to be with a stamp set from this drawer.  And, here you go.  Just B, I have only used this set once since I got it.  It is so cute.  Speaking of cute, how about that Cutie Pie paper. I have not used that one in a while either. 

So, yes I feel better after stamping and will be content till my order does get here.  But you know what can really put you over the edge to happiness?  GLITTER!  I do not know if you can tell in this picture, so I took a close up; my B and flower are embossed with Iridescent Ice powder!

WOW!  Now, that will make a girl happy!

I hope you all had a fun Holiday Weekend.  We did, I got in one last mini camping trip, before the arrival of the new baby.  Thank goodness for our trailer and generator! It really is the way to camp - cabin on wheels!

Happy Stampin'

 

Leftovers

What do you do when you are on a roll stamping a project and one crutial supply is missing!!!  Oh, I can not find my slit punch this morning!  So, what did I do?  Thereaputic Stamping!  I pulled out some "leftover" supplies from a stamp camp and created a new card with the supplies. 

The orginal packet had Afternoon Tea DSP with it, but since it is no longer available I did not want to use it on this card.  I looked through my stamp sets and Fresh Cut stuck out to me for this card. 

Hope you all had a nice 4th of July Holiday and continue the fun throught this weekend.  I am going up near Idaho City today, where my husband and father in law have been camping and doing an Archery Shoot. The weather is supose to be a few degrees cooler so I think I can tough it out for the evening.

Happy Stamping!

 

Unfrogettable Stamp Set

One of my favorite stamp sets is Unfrogettable.  So I thought I would use it for one of my Club projects this month.  I had to share it cause I love how it turned out!  This was actually my second card.  I was all done with the first card and then my daughter woke up, I went in to get her up and when we snuggled she fell back to sleep, then this card came to me.Luckly, she stayed asleep and I got to make it before I "FROGGOT" IT! 

I also wanted to use my current In Colors, they are great, so I used Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava and Purely Pomegranate.  The water is soft sky and blue bayou and dragonfly's wings are soft sky as well.  And as I always say, love is in the details, so I added crystal effects for the snail trail and white gel pen to accent the flowers.  I can not resist using the crystal effects with the snail almost every time I stamp him, how cute!  This is a Z-fold card.  See the side view:

 I use the saying " Have I toad you lately that I love you" on the inside of the card, and I punched it out with the Scallop circle punch.  The frog got some love too, wiggly eyes, which work perfect with this set!  The paper on the inside of the card is Groovy Guava Prints DSP.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So as I am typing this I am thinking you probably want to see the card I did not go with, okay, here it is:

Not a bad card.  I like it, but I LOVE the second one!  This one is also a Z-fold, just turned a different direction. 

All the images in this post were colored with my In Color Markers, Blender pens inked with the In Color re-inkers.  I love them, it gives me so many more options with my In Colors. 

If you do not have this Unfrogettable set, and the two matching wheels (view them here)  you must get it before it retires August 10th!  Email me at [email protected] if you would like to purchase it before it is gone forever!

Happy Stampin'