Sunday, November 29, 2009

First Pals Paper Arts Challenge!

Every week I have a look at what the talented ladies at Pals Paper Arts create and keep thinking that I should really play along in one of their challenges! Well this weekend I decided that it was time!  This week's challenge was a  K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple Sweetie!) card. 

The suggested guidelines for a K.I.S.S card are the following;
1- Clean with lots of 'white' space,
2- Simple Designs,
3- Minimum time to create,
4- Limited layers and embellishments.

Here's mine:


My card is based on this card, which I posted earlier today. 

I am one to keep every little bit of scrap paper...and I do mean everything! But I always find a good use for it :)

First I used scraps of paper from the Merry Moments DSP, all in tones of Old Olive (favorite color!) and Very Vanilla.  I punched out 10 modern label shapes.  Because the shapes are a little bigger than the Word Window shapes, used for my last card, I decided to go with a 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" card size.  Here the base is textured Very Vanilla cardstock.  The shapes were adhered to a piece of scrap paper so that it would be easier for me to level the shapes as well as tuck my ribbon around both sides before adhering it to my card base.  Then a piece of Old Olive was layered on top of the shapes to frame the piece of 5/8" Very Vanilla Grosgrain ribbon.  I cut a shorter piece of Very Vanilla ribbon and tied it into a knot.  The Greeting from the Happy Everything set was inked in Old Olive to finish the card.

I am so happy about how it turned out!  I hope the ladies at PPA will like it too!

Announcing a NEW Monthly Card Class!!!

Starting next month, I will be hosting a card class were you will be making 6 cards each month. The class is FREE with a $25 purchase that day or pay a flat fee of $15.
I am so excited about this! I know that we are going to have so much fun! For more details, visit my class schedule HERE.

Here are 2 of the cards we will be making on Tuesday, December 8th.



This card was inspired by a Tammy Fite creation.  You can see her card HERE.










I CASED this card from the very talented Jan Tink!








Speaking of classes, I still have spaces for my Tags Galore Class on December 16th! 
Pay $29.95 for the class, which includes the Sparkly and Bright stamp set (a $22.95 value).  So really, it's like getting this class for FREE.
Or you can choose to pay a flat fee of $20. More details HERE.

Registration deadline is December 1st
(so that the supplies are delivered in time for class)
so email or call me today :)

Here are some of the tags that we'll be making, including one of the "special" tags made with the Ornament punch! Tomorrow, I'll show you a cute Reindeer Tag!



Don't forget, Online Extravanganza ends tomorrow!

Have a great Sunday!




Thursday, November 26, 2009

Simple Dasher Card with Matching Envelope!

Today I want to start off by wishing all of you American readers out there a very Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you all get to enjoy some down time with your family and friends!

Now I thought I would share another card that we made at my Christmas card class last week.  It is another card using the Dasher stamp (# 116816).  I used a layout from a SCS challenge from a couple of weeks ago.

I started with two 2 1/2" squares of designer paper from the Christmas Cocoa Specialty paper and then layered them on top of two 2 5/8"  squares of Real Red cardstock to create a frame.  The base of the card is my favorite,  Kraft cardstock,  which I sponged the edges in Close to Cocoa.  I stamped the Dasher at the top of a piece of Whisper White measuring 2 1/8" x 4" . Then I inked the greeting from the Christmas Punch Set (Hostess level 2) with my Real Red marker.  I distressed the edges before I sponged them with Close to Cocoa classic ink.  Then some glitter was added to Dasher...Gotta have GLITTER!!!  Did you know that Stampin' Up's 2 way glue pen (#100425) and Dazzling Diamonds glitter (#102023) costs under $10 for both!? What an easy, pretty and inexpensive way to add some bling to your cards :)

For the envelope, I cut a piece of 5 3/4" x 2" of the designer paper, glued it to the flap, and trimmed it.  I just love when everything matches!

Hope everyone had a great day! Good night!





Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Beautiful and Easy Christmas Cards!

Today I am posting 2 cards we made at my Christmas card class last Thursday.  I had a great group of ladies and we had so much fun, and made beautiful cards!

The first is an ornament card using the Season of Joy stamp set (#110384).  I love this set because it has so many images.  It allows you to make a variety of Christmas cards using the one set.  A very good buy!!!


Here the rectangular shaped stamp  with all the Christmas greetings was used.  I inked in Old Olive classic ink, cleaned off the "Tis the Season" and then colored it with my Real Red marker.  I stamped it on a piece of Very Vanilla and then punched it out using my 1 3/4" circle punch, then sponged the edges. Adhered it with some dimensionals to another piece of Very Vanilla, added a bow and drew a string with a Chocolate Chip marker.  The Designer paper used on this card is the Merry Moments DSP.  I also used the Scallop Edge punch (#112091) to add some detail.  This punch is on SALE until November 30th!!!

On the second card, we used the Serene Snowflakes stamp set (# 115438 in the Holiday Mini).


I love using stamps on a background to make my own designer paper.  The snowflakes were stamped in Versamark, Whisper White Craft ink and Night of Navy classic ink on a piece of Brilliant Blue cardstock.  Then the edges were sponges (my favorite thing to do to add depth!) in Night of Navy.  On this card, I used the gorgeous White Organza ribbon (# 114319) and the Greeting from All Holidays (#114916).






Just click on SHOP NOW at the top right corner!






Monday, November 23, 2009

Stampin' Up! Online Extravanganza Sale!



TODAY starts a huge sale from Stampin' Up!
You'll be able to order products at up to 50% discount!!!

Remember to order early to avoid shipping delay's as popular items may get back-ordered!
It's a great time to stock up for Christmas gifts!

You can also forward your wish list to a loved one and have them order you some gifts you'll LOVE! Print one HERE

Fabulous bundles, punches, Decor Elements and More!
You don't want to miss this one!
But hurry, the Online Extravaganza ends November 30th!

The last recommended day to order for Christmas delivery is Dec. 6th.


To see all the products on sale go to Shop NOW on my website, and click Online Extravaganza on the left.
Orders can be placed online.  Or Email me or call and I can place your order for you!

And don't forget!  If you spend over $200 net, you also qualify for Hostess Benefits so, it's a great time to contact your friends to see if they need anything too!


Saturday, November 21, 2009

Kind and Caring Thoughts Thank You Card

Good Saturday morning!

Well, I first have to start by apologizing to my loyal readers for not posting regularly lately.  I unfortunately got a pretty bad cold and didn't quite have the energy to create and post :(
BUT I am feeling much better and the whole family is now healthy so I am slowly getting back on track. 

I will have some great cards to show you in the next couple of weeks.  Some details on the upcoming Sale-a-bration and also great new classes that will be added to my schedule soon! So stay tuned!!!

Today I am taking a break from Christmas cards and showing you a Thank you card that I made for some co-hostesses, Marina and Allison.


Every week Split Coast Stampers posts a tutorial for a new technique.  I love this brick wall idea so decided to try it out. 
I ABSOLUTELY love this technique!

The flower image was inked with Craft Basic Black stamp on Basic Gray Designer series paper, then heat embossed with clear powder.  I used a ruler and pencil to draw horizontal lines every 1/2".  Then I drew vertical lines every 1" between the horizontal lines, offsetting them 1/2" every other line to create your bricks. Cut horizontal strips, placing them in order.  Begin from the bottom and cut the first strip of paper along the vertical line.  Adhere the bricks one by one, placing them on the cardstock with small spaces between to build a wall of bricks.Adhere, layer, add some ribbon and greeting and voila!

Supplies
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Kind and Caring Thoughts (Hostess level 3 )
Ink: Craft Basic Black, Basic Gray
Cardstock: Basic Gray, Whisper White, Basic Black
Paper: Basic Gray Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Black Gingham ribbon, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Pucnch, Dimensionals, Ticket Punch, Heat Tool, Clear Embossing Powder, pencil, ruler, Paper snips


For supplies to make this card or to order any other Stampin' up products,

Tomorrow's post... More Christmas cards and an exciting NEW card class!
Have a great weekend everyone!




Monday, November 9, 2009

Monochromatic Dasher

Happy Monday to all!

The family is feeling a little under the weather.  It's really too bad because it is abolutely beautiful in Ottawa today.  We should really be playing outside!  Who would have thought that we would have 17 degree weather on November 9th!?!
I wonder if we will have a green Christmas this year.  As long as I have snow on Christmas day, I'm all good! :o)

Speaking of Christmas, here is a card featuring the very popular Dasher stamp.  I decided to do a monochromtaic card.  I am really into browns, reds and greens this year.  I think it's because of Stampin' up's beautiful Merry Moments Designer Series Paper.

Have a look...



Supplies
Stamp: Dasher (116816), Teeny Tiny Wishes(115370)
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Close to Cocoa
Ink: Chocolate Chip (classic & craft), Close to Cocoa (craft)
Paper: Merry Moments DSP (115672)
Accessories: Finial Press embossing folder (115963), Heat tool (100005), Clear Embossing Powder(109130), Top Note die (113463), Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), stamping sponges (101610),    1 1/4" Striped Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon (115617), Modern Punch (116630), Word Window Punch (105090), Glue dots (103683)

To order these supplies top make this card or any other Stampin' up products, visit my website!
You can order online 24/7!!!





Holiday Gift Giving Guide and FREE Decor Element!


November 1, 2009-January 4, 2010

You'll love the convenience of our Holiday Gift-Giving Guide! With gift ideas for kids, teens, neighbors, and more, it's your one-stop shop for all your holiday needs.

When you spend $65 on products in the guide,
you'll get a Décor Elements for FREE (up to a $22.95 value)!

Download Holiday Gift Giving Guide HERE

Things to Remember:

• There is no limit to the number of free Décor Elements you can earn. For every $65 purchased from the Gift-Giving Guide, you will receive a free Décor Element valued at $22.95 or less.

• Upon spending $65 in qualifying merchandise, you may enter the Décor Element of your choice. If you forget to enter the free Décor Element, Online Ordering will prompt you to add your free item.

FAQs

Q: Can a customer earn more than one FREE Décor Element?

A: Yes! For every $65 a customer spends on products in the Gift-Giving Guide, she can choose a Décor Element valued up to $22.95.

Q: Does a customer have to spend $65 on products in the Gift-Giving Guide to qualify or can she spend $65 on any Stampin' Up! products?

A: In order to qualify for the free Décor Element, a customer must purchase $65 worth of products from the Gift-Giving Guide.

Q: If a product is shown in the Gift-Giving Guide, but is not listed, does that product qualify for the promotion?

A: No. Only products listed in the Gift-Giving Guide qualify for the promotion.

Click here to see the Decor Elements you can earn for FREE:
 



Sunday, November 8, 2009

Sparkly Medallion Christmas Card

So with Halloween come and gone, I am back at making some Christmas cards.  My stamp clubs are making 2 different ones this week and I have a Christmas Card class tomorrow night.  Want to join us!? I still have one spot.  Click here for the details!


This is definitely one of my favorites!  I absolutely LOVE the medallion stamp.  Did you know that it's the #1 seller in the 2009-2010 catalogue?  I love how it is so versatile. 

In this card, I stamped it with Whisper White Craft ink and then heat embossed it with iridescent ice embossing powder.  Absolutely divine!!!

The colors are definitely not traditional ones.  I used 2 of the new SU! In Colors; Bermuda Bay and Melon Mambo.


Have a closer look....

This week I will be posting a new Christmas card every day so make sure you check back in for some ideas.

Want to sign up for a class!?  Have a look at my Class schedule HERE!








Hope you have all had a great weekend!


Saturday, November 7, 2009

New Blog design

If you've ever visited my blog, you can see that it looks totally different today.  I have been wanting to change the look of it for a while and had  a few ideas for the banner... especially since I got my new Digital Studio from Stampin' up!  Well guess what!?! I designed the banner, found this great new layout for my blog and CAN'T figure out how to add my banner! Bummer!!!

So for now, I thought I would simply post a picture of it and hope that I figure it all out soon. LOL!!!



The My Digital Studio or MDS as we call it, is so fun and easy to use for cards and scrapbooking but it's also great for making your own calendars, flyers, newsletters & postcards, stationnary, and even a blog banner! Next on my list...a new signature to match my banner :)

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think! 

Bye for now,