CREATIVE BLOG HOP!

Welcome to this Monday's Creative Blog Hop! I want to thank Cathy Miller for nominating me, and you can visit Cathy's blog Anything Goes Crafts by Cathy here.

The first project I want to share is a birthday card I made for a demo friend Maree. She is also involved in this blog hop, and you can visit her blog Inky Moose here.

For this card I used the Gold Soiree Designer Series Paper on Garden Green and Calypso Coral card stock.

The stamp sets used are Petite Pairs and Simply Wonderful.

The second card features three stamp sets: From My Heart (sentiment), Work of Art, and Serene Silhouettes. The colours are Lost Lagoon, Basic Black, and Whisper White. This is a good card for classes, simple to create but impressive to receive.

 My third project is a Bunny Basket, made with the Berry Basket Die.

The basket is stamped with the Hardwood background stamp in Baked Brown Sugar and lined with Designer Series Paper.

The bunny is made with a variety of punches...

The best part is when you turn the basket around you can see that the bunny is in the process of hopping into the basket!

Now on to the questions:

1. What are you working on now?

At the moment I am preparing for my Easter classes, and this bunny basket is a part of that. I'm also in rebuilding mode and trying to offer new and exciting ideas to my stamping friends. Part of that is starting Memory Keeping classes which I will be marketing in the new few weeks.

2. How does your work differ from others in your genre?

Sometimes it doesn't differ at all! I do a lot of CASEing (Copy & Share Everything). Partly because there are so many beautiful creations out there, and also because, for me at least, creativity is a slow process, requiring uninterrupted time alone. My natural style inclination is towards vintage.

3. Why do you create what you do?

Although I do make a lot of cards, I really enjoy caseing and creating projects that are practical and useful - gift items, stationery, mini scrapbooks and such.

4. How does your creative process work?

I need a specific goal, I can't create without something to guide me. Whether it's a birthday card or a gift item, I need to consider who it's for and how it will be used.

Then I usually choose a Designer Series Paper to help me with the colour combination - I may or may not use the DSP in the project. 

Once I have these I need 2-4 hours of uninterrupted time, depending on the complexity of the project. Personally I can't design unless I'm alone. And if I can set aside two or three days for designing and creating my ideas get better and better as the time goes on. I guess I have to get into the 'zone'.

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For next week's Creative Blog Hop I would like to nominate Lillian Kemp, a lovely lady I met on the last day of Leadership this year. Lillian is working on reviving her blog so be sure to visit her next Monday (I will remind you!). Lillian's blog is called Stampers' Niche and you can find it here.

Thanks for stopping by - I hope you enjoyed the projects.

Happy Stamping
Carol

A Video for Using Blender Pens

Stampin' Up! recently announced they would be discontinuing the Blendabilities product line, and while I found them wonderful for colouring there were some problems.

Here is what Stampin' Up! says:

"Due to the nature of the defect, we have concluded that difficulties, dissatisfaction, and product returns will only become more widespread. The manufacturer is unable to correct the problem in a manner that we are certain would meet our high quality standards and provide us with a stable, long-term solution. Therefore, after a great deal of deliberation and in order to prevent further disappointment, the Blendabilities product line has been discontinued."

BUT we still have our Blender Pens and Aquapainters which also provide effective and beautiful colouring.

Here is a quick video on how to use the Blender Pens:

I hope you dig out your Blender pens and have fun today!

If you don't have Blender Pens, contact me to place your order.

Here are some other creations using the Sale-a-bration same stamp set. 
(taken from Pinterest)


     


Happy Stamping!
Carol

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Even More Sale-a-bration Choices!

Since Blendabilities are no longer available as a Sale-A-Bration redemption item, Stampin' Up! has made more items available to redeem for free during these last few weeks of Sale-A-Bration. 

Remember - Sale-A-Bration choices are available only while supplies last.

Happy Stamping!

Carol

The March Paper Pumpkin Has Arrived!

It's here! It's here! I'm always thrilled to open My Paper Pumpkin each month to find out what's inside. This month is really cute!

Here's a video to show you the basic kit. 

And I'll be back to show you a video with some alternate ideas for using the kit.

If you want to have Paper Pumpkin delivered to your door each month with everything you need to create wonderful projects, click here!

If you have any questions about Paper Pumpkin please contact me.

Happy Stamping!
Carol

Mini Treat Bags for Spring

I've just heard the weather report for tomorrow night and Sunday:35-40 cm (8-10 inches) of snow and wind gusts that will cause whiteouts. (sigh)

I'm really glad I can turn my gaze from the window where I can see the two feet of snow we have left from previous storms to my completed Mini Treat Bags decorated for spring. At least I can dream of flowers!

I made these for a Spring Fling Expo that was scheduled for this Sunday, which now of course, has been postponed.

Now I have another plan for them, but that will remain a secret for a bit...

I used the Mini Treat Bag Thinlits die to cut four different colours of card stock: Mossy Meadow, Daffodil Delight, Strawberry Slush, and Pistachio Pudding (although it look blue in the above photo!) Then once they were assembled I used the Spring Flowers Textured Embossing Folder to give them more substance.

The leaves are cut using the Flower Frenzy Bigz L die.

The 'for you' is part of the Mini Treat Bag die set.

Butterflies - it's been so long since I've seen a real one... (another sigh)

I plan to tuck some Easter treats inside these and then place them in a cello bag tied with a bow, and probably a tag. Once they are done I'll post another photo.

I hope you have some sunshine and flowers in your corner of the world, or at least that you're not getting more snow.

And I hope you'll leave a note below telling me you've dropped by.

Happy Stamping!

Carol

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Happy 2nd Birthday Paper Pumpkin!

Happy Birthday Paper Pumpkin

I couldn't wait to receive my first Paper Pumpkin box two years ago! I love getting mail, and a box with a craft project in it was the absolute best!

Since then I've looked forward to it every month - and it's only gotten better. So I want to celebrate Paper Pumpkin's 2nd birthday by giving YOU a present!

Everyone who signs up with Paper Pumpkin before April 10th, 2015, will receive a gift from me, mailed to your home (or delivered if you live close by). Current members will receive this gift as well!

You can sign up for one month OR if you sign up for a Prepaid 3 Month Membership before March 31st, you'll also earn a free Sale-a-bration item.

If you choose the Prepaid 3 Month Membership, please contact me to order as it requires a special item number, and you will need to choose your Sale-a-bration product.

Otherwise visit My Paper Pumpkin for more details. 

It's a great gift for a crafty friend or family member too!

For updates and alternative ideas on using the products in the box, visit Paper Pumpkin on FaceBook or Pinterest - I promise you'll be amazed.

Here are some projects I've made with recent Paper Pumpkins!

Now go celebrate!

Happy Stamping

Carol

 

New Photopolymer Stamp Set - Just Had to Share it!!!

Stampin' Up just released this stamp set on Tuesday and it gave me a few chuckles. I can't wait to get it to make some cards for my friends!

Here's a sample card:

And here is the full "Just Kidding" set:

 Just Kidding Photopolymer Stamp Set  #140667   $19.95   15 stamps

If you want it too, just let me know!

Happy Stamping
Carol

Spring Classes are Posted!

We have lots of fun at our stamp classes, I'd love for you to join us!

MARCH CLASSES

Monday, March 30, 7 - 9:00 pm

CARDS & CASE SERIES - Thank You & Thinking of You   

This is the third class in our Cards & Case Series. We will be making eight quick & easy Thank You & Thinking of You (four of each), plus a plastic case to store them in. You can pick & choose the classes you attend, but each will include eight cards & a case.

March 30th - Thank You & Thinking of You

April 27th - Brides & Babies

May 25th - Holidays & Celebrations

June 29th - Happy New Grandparents & Happy Retirement

Fee is $25

Please book your seat by March 24th.

Sign up now.

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Tuesday, March 24th, 2 - 4 pm and 7 - 9 pm

EASTER TREATS & CARDS

We'll make an Easter Basket filled treats along with chicks and bunnies that are filled with treats, plus two Easter Cards. 

Fee is $25

Please book your seat by March 20th!

Sign up now.

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APRIL CLASSES

Thursday, April 9th, 2 - 4 pm and 7 - 9 pm.

Sunday, April 12th, 2 - 4 pm.

THINGS THAT POP!

Three projects - Two Cards and one Gift Card Box that pop-up when opened!

Please contact me by April 7th to reserve your place.

Fee is $25

Sign up now.

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Monday, April 27, 7 - 9:00 pm

CARDS & CASE SERIES - BRIDES AND BABIES

This is the fourth class in the Cards & Case Series. 

We will be making eight quick & easy cards  - four of each, plus a plastic case to store them in. You can pick & choose the classes you attend, but each will include eight cards & a case.

April 27th - Babies & Brides

May 25th - Holidays & Celebrations

June 29th - Happy New Grandparents & Happy Retirement

Please contact me by April 24th to reserve your place.

Fee is $25

Sign up today

Hope to see you soon!

Weekly Deals, Video, and Samples

Did you know that Stampin' Up! offers a different selection of discounted products each week? They are posted every Tuesday, and are definitely worth checking out.

This is the last day you can order from the weekly deals shown on the right.

You can either order on-line, or contact me as I will be sending an order in before midnight!

Here is a video on how to create and use the "A Little Sumthin' Sumthin' Gift Box Kit"

And here are some things created using the some of the items on special.

This flower was made using the Natural Filter Paper cut with the retired Snowflake Dies and spritzed with Melon Mambo ink.

This was made using the Decorative Window Gift Box.

This used the Polk Dot Tag Bag Gift Bag. You can make so many lovely little treats using these boxes and bags.

Tomorrow there will be a new selection posted that will be available until next Monday night.

So be sure to check it out tomorrow!

A Beautiful Handmade Gift

I received a lovely visit and a wonderful gift on Sunday, and I want to share it with you for two reasons.

The first is because it's so beautiful that I know you will appreciate it.

And the second is to prove once again that Stampin' Up! has brought wonderful, talented, people into my life!

This handmade Memory Book was made by a former member of my team, Louise Fraser. It's created with a garden theme because she knows I love all gardens, especially my own; and because she knows that my two granddaughters from Calgary - aged 9 and 6 - love to play in the garden when they visit.

The theme is Secret Garden (based on the book by the same name) and Louise even reviewed the book to keep the theme true.

There are so many details, hidden pockets, and secret folds in this 11" x 9" treasure, that I can't even begin to count them all. But please note the cover - the hinges and latch on the wooden door... 

You can brush the vines away and open it to reveal the beauty within!

The binding is sturdy and large to hold plenty of photos, mementos, and embellishments!

Attached to the ribbons are tiny flowers and beads and a miniature bird cage.

Inside are pages with pockets and foldouts and secret envelopes, and more. I spent hours going through each section!

And then this morning I had the additional joy of going through my photos to choose the ones I will use in this book.

THANK YOU LOUISE for such a thoughtful and beautiful gift. I will cherish it, I know my granddaughters will cherish it too!

I hope you've all enjoyed this little peek. Louise will make these one-of-a-kind heirlooms to order, and if you are interested you can email me for her contact information.

Thanks for stopping by!
Carol

New Sale-a-bration Items!!

Well, Stampin' Up! has come through again! They are offering four new products that you can earn for FREE during Sale-a-bration! (One free item with each $60* order).

And here they are:

Please note, the stamps are not actual size.

* $60 before shipping and handling and tax.

Have you called your friends for a fun get-together yet? I'll bring all the supplies and we'll make two fun projects, then you can decide what you want from the Sale-a-bration products!

If you're too busy or too far away for me to visit, we can hold a virtual party! Contact me for details.

Happy Stamping!

Carol

Mood Lighting for a Summer Party!

Hello Stamping Friends!

It's a beautiful sunny Sunday here and I want to share a summery project to go with it.

I've been thinking about doing this for over a year, and then I saw a similar one on Connie & Mary's site and it was the catalyst that got me working on it.

I love how it has turned out and I want to make a few more for a family get-together this summer.

The lantern is 8" in diameter and has a small light in the bottom that requires 2 AAA batteries (they do not come with the lantern). I purchased it at a local discount store for $1.25. You could get them in different sizes (larger and smaller) and different colours.

I used a glue gun to attach all the flowers and leaves, as well as attach the stamens to the flowers.

Once the petals were cut (I used the Flower Frenzy Bigz die from the SU Annual Catalogue), it didn't take very long to assemble - about an hour. So I think I'll offer it as a class in April.

I hope you like it! And if you do please leave me a note!

Happy Stamping
Carol

Dimensions:
Large white flowers - 1 1/2 to 2 sheets of 8 1/2" x 11" Whisper White
Scraps of Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Smokey Slate
1/2 sheet of DSP

Supplies:

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