30 Mar 2013

26 Mar 2013

More New Promotions and Contests!

Be sure to check out Stampin' Up!'s latest sale on FABRIC!! 
50% off!
Regularly $12.50, NOW $6.25

Click here to visit my on-line store to see the selection.


PLUS

Enter by April 30 to win!
One GRAND PRIZE winner will receive round trip airfare for two to San Diego and accommodations at the luxurious US Grant Hotel September 12-15. From world-famous Sea World to the San Diego Zoo, there is an array of exciting things to do in this charming, seaside city.
The GRAND PRIZE winner will also get two free  This and That Bundles from Stampin’ Up!—a journal and more to capture your trip in the moment.
Ten FIRST PRIZE winners will win one of ten This and That Bundles

Click here to visit facebook to enter!

Birthday Blitz

It was time to refill those empty birthday card slots so I held a Birthday Blitz class on Sunday. Quick and easy cards that could be duplicated at home.

Card #1

This one has lots of colour! Old Olive, Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White! The images are from the Secret Garden stamp set and we cut out the two daisies with the Secret Garden Framelit Collection. The sentiment used on this (and all cards in this group) is from Bring on the Cake.

Because the card were simple and clean, we stamped the envelopes too for extra pizazz.


Card #2

What an impact an embossing folder makes. Imagine this card without it... This is the Elegant Lines folder, and the envelope flap is also embossed. Colours are Melon Mambo and Whisper White.

Card #3

I definitely had the men in my family in mind when I designed this card! Colours used are Basic Gray, Midnight Muse, and Very Vanilla. The stamp set is By the Tide, and while this was the first time I've used it, it definitely won't be the last! I can see so many possibilities - birthday cards of course, but also Lobster Boil invitations, seaside cards and scrapbooking, and lots more!


Card #4

This card shows how Designer Series Paper can dress up a simple card. We used the Ovals Framelits Collection to cut the large oval from the Sale-a-bration DSP, and the small oval after we stamped the sentiment on Whisper White. Easy and fast! The blue used is Pacific Point.


Card #5

Hmmm, I've already sent this card to someone! But I can give you a general idea... it looked very much like the Happy Birthday card that we made at our Hostess Club this month.

Colours used are Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, and Very Vanilla. The images are from Artistic Etchings.

I hope these samples gave you some ideas for your own use!

If you need any supplies or would like to attend classes in my area, be sure to contact me for information!

Happy Stamping!
Carol

24 Mar 2013

Club Cards for March

We held our Hostess Club meeting last week and this time we made two cards and one 3D item. All of my ladies are talented and experienced so the evening went really quickly.

Here is the first card, using the Artistic Etchings stamp set. The images in this set are so universal they can be used for almost any event. These ones are for a birthday or thank you card.


The card base is Soft Suede and the other card stock is Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla. The ink used is Crumb Cake and Soft Suede as well. The sentiments come from the stamp sets Bring on the Cake, and Kindness Matters.

To make this monochromatic card a little more WOW the Very Vanilla cardstock is scored every 1/2 inch in a tile pattern, and the whole card is sprayed with Frost White Shimmer Paint mixed with 70% alcohol.


The next card is my favourite because it is basically all white and uses the Champagne Glitter Paper.
The front mat is embossed with the Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder, the ovals are cut with our Oval Framelits, the leaves are made using the Little Leaves Sizzlits, and the sentiments are embossed with Gold Embossing Powder.


But without the Champagne Glitter Paper butterflies it would still be a dull card. LOVE THEM!


Finally we made these Bunny Buddies. I found this punch art tutorial last year created by Kay Sha from Creations on Paper, and they are still my favourites!

I love that baseball cap!

I hope you can join me at one or more of my classes. Check the schedule to the right and contact me to hold your spot!

Happy Stamping!
Carol

23 Mar 2013

Oh My! Check This Out!!!

Coming in the new annual catalogue, 
BUT AVAILABLE NOW!

 The coolest, easiest, funnest way to keep a journal,
with everything you'll need!



  Washi Tape! The cutest date and event stamp ever!


And because it's Stampin' Up! everything matches the
inks and ribbons and cardstock that you already have!

What you need to know…
  • We’re introducing the line with these five products, but we’ll be adding more This and That stuff as time goes on.
  • Bundle Dates: March 23-April 30 (remember the items that come in the bundle will be available in May and in the new catalog, but we’re only offering the discounted bundled until April 30).
  • You can get as many This and That products or bundles as you want.
  • You can buy the This and That products separately. But why would you do that when you can get all five together and save 15 percent?
  • Bundle ordering deadline: Tuesday, April 30, 2013; 11:50 PM (MT)
 
Click here to see a more detailed flyer.
Contact me to place your order now!

20 Mar 2013

Happy Spring!

Officially....it's the first day of spring...

But outside it is snowing and blowing! Schools are cancelled! Roads are not plowed!

Oh well.... PLAY DAY!! :0)

Common Red Poll


I want to show you what was delivered to my door last week. Yes! It was My Paper Pumpkin Creative Escape box!


I couldn't wait to open it and see what was inside!!


And then, the first chance I got, I started creating with the supplies. You can make the cards all the same using the instructions that come with the set, or you can mix it up however you want...


So I mixed it up. And it still took me less than 30 minutes!!

Now I can hardly wait until next month!!!

Remember to register with www.mypaperpumpkin.com before APRIL 10th to receive the kit in April.

Happy Stamping!
Carol

18 Mar 2013

Embossing Folders - Easy and Impressive!

I find that Embossing Folders are one of the easiest ways to make a big impact with any card. They add texture and design and look amazing. Here is a short video from Stampin' Up! showing a way to use the Vine Street Textured Impressions Embossing Folder in the Sale-a-bration Flyer.
Remember - Sale-a-bration ends on Friday, March 22nd!

15 Mar 2013

For the Love of Green!

St. Patrick's Day is almost here, and although there is a history of strife and separation throughout the centuries, it always makes me think of the fun I've had with Irish people. Lots of laughter and music, and perhaps a little imbibing?

Anyway, here is a card to celebrate this special day:


I'm always amazed that if you punch a heart in green and turn it up-side-down and sideways it immediately takes on a new persona - but the love is still there! And if you are scratching your head and thinking "I don't remember that four leaf shamrock stamp..." it's because it's only available to demos as a supply order. So I apologize for not having it readily available.

I used Garden Green for the cardstock and ink, Whisper White, and DSP from the Regals Collection DSP Stack. The punch is the Small Heart.

I hope you celebrate with joy on the 17th!

Happy Stamping!
Carol

14 Mar 2013

How Not to Dress Stupid!

Here is a fun way to start your day!



Don't you love the BUTTONS!!

I want to give them a try on headbands, hats, as a broach, and whatever else I can think of! If you do too, just check out the catalogues to the right, or zap me an email!

Happy Stamping!
Carol

13 Mar 2013

In an English Country Garden

I love that song! I love English gardens! And I love birds! So I couldn't resist this idea from CraftProjectCentral.com.

There are so many ways to use Designer Series Paper, and I love the combination of papers from the Tea For Two DSP on this project. I picked up a wooden bird house and adjusted the measurements from the instructions (my bird house was much larger!) and here it is:


The 5/8" Flower Trim from the Spring Catalogue is one of my favourites. It's so versatile, you can use it on cards, on 3-D projects, altered projects, scrapbooking, and probably more but I haven't done it yet. :0)


The Champagne Glitter Paper is my favourite as well, it looks so rich and warm, and is beautiful when punched with the butterfly punches.


I didn't have the proper ribbon that was called for in the instructions so I improvised with some retired Sweater Trim from the 2012 Holiday Catalogue. I think it fits right in!

This bird house is actually the proper size for a Chickadee, but I don't think it's going to make it outside of my craft room! I have other ones the Chickadees can use...


Believe it or not, many birds have already mated and started their nesting in my part of the world (Nova Scotia, Canada) even though there is still snow on the ground and freezing temperatures most nights. And now that I have my window open in the morning I can hear the birds singing when I wake up - wonderful!

Happy Stamping!
Carol

Shimmer Paint, Lace, and Builder Brads

Sometimes things just come together without even thinking, and this is how this card was created. I wanted to use the 'Mother of Pearl' technique for the background, and also wanted to highlight the new Builder Brads in the Spring catalogue, so I got up one morning and this idea fell into my brain. I have to confess, I really like it. If it turns out I saw it somewhere else and subconsciously stole the idea I truly apologize to the original creator!


 

The cardstock colours are Marina Mist and Whisper White. The technique is done on Stampin' Up!'s Glossy White paper - it makes it so easy to sponge colour.

Mother of Pearl Technique:

Supplies:
Shimmer Paint (I used Frost White)
Marina Mist Ink Pad
Sponge
Cling Wrap (such as Saran Wrap)
Directions:
Tear of a small sheet of cling wrap and scrunch it into a ball. Place it over the open top of the Shimmer paint and turn upsidedown to add a small amount of paint. Then pounce the crumpled cling wrap on the Glossy Paper, being sure to leave spaces so the colour to be added will show. You can use as little or as much as you like, try to keep it from being too thick (paint) so that it will dry more quickly.

Allow the Shimmer Paint to dry (at least 5 minutes). Once it is completely dry, use the sponge to add ink all over the cardstock. Again you can add more or less depending on the depth of colour you want.

Let dry for a few minutes. Then take a tissue and wipe over the whole sheet to remove excess ink from the Shimmer Paint areas.

It's a real WOW technique that takes very little effort.

The rest of the supplies for the card include:
Lace Doily
Just Thinking Single Stamp
3/8" striped Organdy Ribbon (Marina Mist)
Designer Builder Brad - the blue centre is punched from Marina Mist cardstock and covered with the epoxy bubble that is included with the brads.
Basic Rhinestones

Hope you like it!

Happy Stamping,
Carol

12 Mar 2013

Hello Kitty and Mr. Frog

I have two wonderful, adorable, brilliant, and beautiful granddaughters (but I'm not prejudiced!). They are aged four and seven, and live much too far away from me.

One of the things I try to do for them is to provide Birthday cards to take to the myriad of birthday parties they go to each year. Here are two punch art cards that I'm sending out this week.




The Hello Kitty card was inspired by Lynn Pratt, (who has some great tutorials for sale on her blog).


The pinks are Regal Rose, the blues are Pacific Point, and the DSP is from Sunshine and Sprinkles - love that DSP! The sentiment is from Itty Bitty Banners and cut out with the corresponding framelits.

All of the pieces of the kitty are made with punches, however you have to do a bit of free cutting too.

Mr. Frog has instructions on Alystamps.com (http://alystamps.com/?s=frog+punch+art&x=0&y=0), and it's a blog you'll want to visit!


And I didn't notice until I posted the photo that you can see a bit of the dimensional under his chin - gotta fix that! Mr. Frog is very straight forward and easy to make, the greens I used were Lucky Limeade and Always Artichoke (which looks totally off colour in this photo!) The sentiment is from "Henry Says".

Now I've done Mr. Frog for them before and they have requested more. I hope they like Hello Kitty just as well.

Here is a poem I found when my first granddaughter was born and it expressed my heart:



I held my daughter to my breast
And now her sleeping child there rests
Daughter, granddaughter
I am twice blessed.

Lucky me - I am thrice blessed!

Happy Stamping!
Carol


9 Mar 2013

Calgary Regional Make and Takes

One of the many fun things that take place at a Stampin' Up! Regional meeting are the Make and Takes.  It's always fun to create with other stampers, especially when you make new friends! (Hello Susan!)

Here are the three projects we made in Calgary:

Each of the projects used the stamp set Clockworks (p. 105, #127292 Clear Block, $21.95) and now I have to have it!!

This card uses Gumball Green and Basic Gray ink, the cardstock is Whisper White, Basic Gray, and Pool Party. The cut outs on the sides of the card are made with the 1 1/4" circle punch.



This really basic paper pad was all dressed up and made special with grid scoring and a punched flower. I will be making more of these too!

Finally we made this adorable little box and gift cards. The box uses the Two Tags die.


I was impressed with the Clockworks stamp set and the variety of ways it could be used, and can't wait until I get my own set!

There were lots of other fun things from the meeting and I will share them with you soon!

Happy Stamping!
Carol

8 Mar 2013

My Paper Pumpkin - Sign up now for This Month's Kit


Just a reminder that if you want to receive the March kit you must register by March 10th! If you're in Canada and want to use me as your demonstrator, please include my demo number (2029987). www.mypaperpumpkin.com

So Many Things to Share!

Wow, time has not only flown in this past month, it's broken the sound barrier!!! I've visited family, I've been to the Calgary Regional, my Mom broker her hip and is recovering well, But now
I'M BAAAAAAAAAAACCCKKKK!

OK, so let's get to the good stuff. I promised you a tutorial on how to make the WOW cards with the insert:

I am using the Happy Birthday Card for my sample, but you could change it to Get Well, Congratulations, or whatever you like.

1. Cut your cardstock base to 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches (shown here in green). Decorate the front of your card however you wish, I used the Tea for Two DSP and the sentiment is from Bring on the Cake. The ribbon is from the Sale-a-bration brochure - Sycamore Street Ribbon & Button Pack.

2. Cut coordinating cardstock or DSP to make your insert. Cut two pieces 5 1/2" . square. Score each piece at 1 1/4", 2 1/2", 3 3/4", and 5".

3. The small strip left at the end is where you attach your sticky strip or snail.

4. Make sure your box is flat when you attach the ends together - otherwise it will not lay flat inside your card when it is closed.

5. Create the two boxes and then place them so that the tabs are on the inside where they won't show.

6. Add two strips of Sticky Strip on each end of one side of one box as shown. Remove the plastic and attach the two boxes together.

7. This creates your box with the open center for gift cards, cash, tissues, or photos.


8. Now place your box inside the card, mark the two bottom sections of the box that touch the card base.

9. Remove the box and add glue/Sticky Strip/snail to the card base.

10. Place the marked side of the box on top of the adhesive, and fold it flat toward the bottom of the card.

11. Place adhesive on the first side/section of the top of the box closest to the score line of the base card.

12. Fold your card closed and press to make sure the card front attaches to the box insert.

13. Open your card, and tuck your surprise inside the box! You may also add a sentiment or embellishments.
For more ideas, see the previous post (or simply scroll down...)

These are fun and easy to make, and always bring a smile! I hope you give it a try!

Happy Stamping!
Carol