Sketchy Sunday #104

I have a card sketch to inspire you this week... it's also a past Card Sketch Challenge on Stampin' Connection (#51) for any demonstrators who want to play along...

I need to get some Valentines made, so I adapted the sketch a bit to work with hearts (from I {Heart} Hearts and Valentine Defined - new in the Occasions Mini). I also used some of the amazing Glimmer Paper... I've got my fingers crossed that this will be coming out in new colours in the big catalogue this summer.

If you play along, I'd love to see... link me up in the comments (or in the message board thread at Stampin' Connection).

Stamps: Valentine Defined, I {Heart} Hearts

Inks: Cherry Cobbler

Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Naturals White

Punches: Heart to Heart, Lg Heart, Owl Punch (small hearts on focal image), Pinking Hearts Border

Other: Red Glimmer Paper, Neutrals Patterns DSP (Basic Grey)

Sale-a-Bration Birthday Cupcakes

This is one of the projects we made last weekend at my Sale-a-Bration Kick-off. I love the colours and patterns in the Ice Cream Parlor papers and accents. The are so bright and happy and perfect for a birthday card. Shelli's Creative Challenge this month was to use or try something new... which is really no challenge to me. I love playing with my new 'toys' and I had to cut into the papers and break in the new Build a Cupcake punch as soon as possible!

This card is 3x3, and I also used the Create A Cupcake stamp set and Build a Cupcake Punch.

Stamps: Create a Cupcake
Inks: Crumb Cake, Basic Grey
Cardstock: Old Olive, Daffodil Delight (textured), Naturals White
Punches: Build a Cupcake, Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle,
Other: Ice Cream Parlor DSP

Sale-a-Bration starts today!!!

My favourite time of the Stampin' Up! year is here! From now until March 31st, you can get free products with your orders! This card uses my favourite set out of all the free products we can choose from. It's called Bliss, and we made this card at my team meeting at the end of December.

During Sale-a-Bration, you can choose from over 70 stamp sets and products (papers, embellishments, chalkboard element, digital content CD) to get free with every $60.00 you spend. You can shop online HERE and have it shipped right to your house, or I can place the order for you if you phone or e-mail me.

If you would like to host a stamping party with your friends and family, you can get an additional Sale-a-Bration item with a $395 party.

If you would like to join my team of stampers and get a discount on your purchases, make a little (or more) spending money, this is the perfect time to join Stampin' Up! The Starter Kit (over $350 in product value) is 15% off ($182.50 - no tax or shipping) and you get an extra product bundle for free! It includes a Simply Sent card kit and stamp set, a punch and a Colour Coach. Please let me know if you have any questions, or would like to join my team.

My card is a CASE of this beautiful card made by Kelly. I stamped some of the images on Cardstock Vellum, and some are underneath on the Naturals White card base. The vellum is embossed with the Elegant Bouquet Textured Impressions Folder. Some Rich Razzleberry Satin ribbon hides the adhesive under the vellum.

Stamps: Bliss, Fabulous Phrases (I'm having fun finding different combinations to use with the Bliss sentiment)

Inks: Rich Razzleberry

Cardstock: Naturals White, Cardstock Vellum

Other: Elegant Bouquet TIF, Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Write marker, Rich Razzleberry Satin Ribbon

Game prizes... chocolate and tea!

I had a lot of fun yesterday with my Sale-a-Bration Kick-Off Party (part 2 is tonight at 7 - I have two more packets prepped if anyone wants in on the fun). I thought I'd share the prizes I made for the games we played... they were fun little gifts that were quick and easy to make. This was my first time making these projects, so hopefully they qualify for Shelli's Creative Challenge this month (Try or use something new).

These tea bag holders are made with the Lattice Big Shot Die. I folded a piece of cardstock (7"x3" if I'm remembering correctly - folded at the 3 1/2" mark). I placed it on the Lattice Die with the folded edge away from the cutting edge (so it will stay connected). I tied the top (open) corners with some 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, and slipped a teabag insde. The stamps are from the Morning Cup stamp set.

This box was created with the Box #2 die. I used the Tasteful Trim die to cut accent strips from the Ice Cream Parlor papers (you can get these free during Sale-a-Bration). The stamp is from the Eat Chocolate stamp set, and the box had some chocolates in it (of course).

Bliss Joy Fold - You're Invited!

This weekend is my Sale-a-Bration Kick-Off Party, and you're invited! We're making two projects featuring new Sale-a-Bration and Occasions Mini Catalogue products. This is one of the cards we're making. It's a Joy Fold card, so it's a little fancier than a regular 5 1/2"x 4 1/4" card, but it it's easy to make, and still fits in a regular envelope. I used new goodies on this one (Tulip Border Textured Impressions Folder, Bliss stamp set and Botanical Gazette DSP) to participate in Shelli's Creative Challenge this month...

I'm giving away four stamp sets this weekend, and $20.00 in product of your choice! If you can't make it, but still want in on the grand prize draws (a Level 1 hostess set, a Sale-a-Bration set or $20.00 in product) you can get a ballot for every $25.00 in product you order (please phone or e-mail me with your order by Monday, Jan. 24th @ 9:00pm). The order will be going in on the 25th, so if you order $60.00 in product, you'll get a free Sale-a-Bration set of your choice!

My Sale-a-Bration Kick-Off party is a free event, and I have games, prizes, snacks and stamping planned. New and experienced stampers are welcome. Bring a new friend, and you'll both get a gift from me! RSVP by Friday, January 21st. Two dates for your convenience: Sunday, January 23rd @ 1:00pm and Monday, January 24th @ 7:00pm.

(inside Joy Fold card)

***edited to add cutting measurements for this card***
Card base - Naturals White: 4 1/4" x 8 1/4" - score @ 5 1/2"
Stamped panel - Naturals White 4" x 2 3/4" (I used the piece I cut off the card base)
Folded message section - So Saffron: 3" x 8 1/2" - score @ 4 1/4"
Patterned Paper: 4" x 2 1/2"

Stamps: Bliss (Sale-a-Bration), Fabulous Phrases

Inks: Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Soft Suede

Cardstock: Naturals White, So Saffron

Other: Tulip Border Textured Impressions Folder (Occasions Mini), Botanical Gazette DSP (Occasions Mini), Stampin' Sponge

Inlaid Embossing #2 - Circles

Shelli's Creative Challenge this month was to try something new... when I saw samples of this technique, I knew I had to try it!

Another easy card from my technique class this weekend. It's a little more time consuming with all the punching and gluing of circles, but I love the way it turned out. It doesn't look like much until you run it through the embossing folder (Square Lattice). Then it's definitely a 'wow'. You could also use other shapes (flowers, hearts, stars come to my mind right away). This card was a CASE of this card by Lyssa.

I used the Button Embosslit and Button, Button stamp set from the Occasions Mini. I love that they co-ordinate with each other so perfectly!

Stamps: Button, Button, On Your Birthday
Inks: Concord Crush, Pear Pizazz
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Pear Pizazz, Daffodil Delight, Concord Crush
Punches: Circles (1/2", 3/4", 1", 1 1/4", 1 3/8", 1 3/4"), Decorative Label
Other: Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder, Button Embosslit

Fast & Fun Friday - Inlaid Embossing

On Fridays, I share something quick & easy to make (under 15 minutes).

This card is one that we're making at my Technique Class this weekend. It also qualifies as quick and easy with the help of the Big Shot. This card is a CASE of a beautiful card I found created by Lyssa. I also tried a new technique (Inlaid Embossing) and used some of my new favourite products (Pear Pizazz Seam Binding & Nature Walk stamp set)... so it qualifies for Shelli's Creative Challenge this month.

I still have some openings available in my Sunday Classes... let me know if you want to come and make this card!

I used the Nature Walk stamp set and the Pear Pizazz Seam Binding from the Occasions Mini Catalogue. This technique is something new I tried (I have a few more to show you over the next little bit) and it's so easy! Just cut or punch cardstock pieces, stick them onto more cardstock, and run it through an embossing folder. This example is right on the card front (I ran the whole card front through), but you can also do smaller pieces and adhere them onto your card after.

Stamps: Nature Walk, Because I Care

Inks: Perfect Plum

Cardstock: Perfect Plum, Naturals White

Other: Top Note Big Shot die, Elegant Bouquet embossing folder, Pear Pizazz Seam Binding, Stampin' Sponge, Perfect Plum Stampin' Write Marker

Birthday Cupcakes

No theme for today's post, but I wanted to share this super cute card (IMHO) that uses the Create a Cupcake stamp set and the Build a Cupcake punch from the Occasions Mini. The design of this card is based on a card sketch by Susie Nelson on the Stampin' Connection (a website for demonstrators). I also used the Confetti stamp set from the main catalogue for the stamping on the white blocks.

Stamps: Confetti, Create a Cupcake
Inks: Daffodil Delight, Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo, Soft Suede
Cardstock: Naturals White, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight
Other: 1 1/4" Square punch, Build a Cupcake punch, Big Shot Scallop Square die, Brights Patterns DSP

Mini Monday - Nature Walk for You

In my Mini Monday posts, I feature a stamp set (or two) and products from the current Mini Catalogue.

This is a card we made at my Downline Meeting & Info night in January. I was showcasing products from the Occasions Mini and Sale-a-Bration flyer, so this card features four items from the Occasions Mini. I also show a Technique Rewind, where I go back to a past technique from one of my classes and we make a card using the technique. I showed Poppin' Pastels on this card.

I stamped the centre panel with VersaMark using some of the stamps from Nature Walk. Using a Sponge Dauber, I dabbed different coloured Stampin' Pastels over the VersaMark images. This gives a soft, more subtle effect. I also used the Tulip Border Textured Impressions folder from the Occasions Mini to emboss the edge of my card base. I applied a little Frost White Shimmer Paint to the embossed area with my sponge dauber. The sentiment is stamped with a stamp from Say it Simply (also in the Occasions Mini). I love the look of vintage book paper on cards, but haven't ripped apart any books to get my own yet. Now I don't have to, because Stampin' Up! has First Edition DSP which is a thinner than their regular designer papers, and looks like vintage book paper or newspaper. I love it! For this card, I ran a strip through my Tasteful Trims Big Shot die (from the Holiday Mini but still available to purchase). The Decorative Label punch was introduced in the Holiday Mini, and I'm very happy that it's in the Occasions Mini as well... it has become a favourite.

Stamps: Nature Walk, Say it Simply
Inks: VersaMark, Soft Suede, Frost White Shimmer paint
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Naturals White, Rose Red, So Saffron
Big Shot: Tulip Border TIF, Tasteful Trims die
Punches: Decorative Label, Wide Oval
Other: Stampin' Pastels, Sponge Daubers

Sketchy Sunday - # 103

I have a 12x12 scrapbook sketch for you this week...

This is the layout we're making today at my Scrapbook Class.

I used the Wonderfully Worn background stamp, Fifth Avenue Floral, and some Big Shot dies for the title and accent. I also used papers from the Bright Patterns DSP pack. There is a lot of paper tearing on this layout, and looking at the layout after it's made, I got the idea to create a mask from torn notepaper to use when stamping the background with the Wonderfully Worn stamp. I'm hoping someone at the class will try that today... I used the Notes & Details stamp set from the Occasions Mini to stamp the journaling card and the bracket as well as the "the good stuff" stamped subtly by each of the photos (you might be able to see it if you click the layout to enlarge it). As soon as I saw that set, I knew it would be perfect for scrapbooking.

Stamps: Wonderfully Worn, Notes & Details, Fifth Avenue Floral
Inks: Old Olive, Early Expresso
Cardstock: Old Olive (textured), Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Brilliant Blue (textured)
Big Shot: Timeless Type sizzlets, Scallop Rectangle Clearlit, Square Lattice TIF
Other: Small Heart Punch, Brights Patterns DSP pack

Step it up Saturday - Medallion Medley

The Medallion Medley Simply Sent Kit, and Say It Simply stamp set in the Occasions Mini make it so quick and easy to create a pretty card. All I added to the first card was Rich Razzleberry ink to stamp the sentiment. There are extra labels, in case you don't always stamp perfectly the first time (I hope I'm not the only one with that problem)! The cards are pre-printed, and the green medallion is also dry embossed.

I stepped up the second card with Rich Razzleberry Satin Ribbon, a Neutral button and some Linen Thread. This is still a very quick and easy card (under 5 minutes), but it's a step above the first one.

Stamps: Say it Simply
Inks: Rich Razzleberry
Other: Medallion Medly Simply Sent Kit, Neutral Button, Linen Thread, Rich Razzleberry Satin Ribbon

Fast & Fun Friday

This card is one of the thank you cards I'll be sending out with my January orders... this card is so quick that I made four in less than ten minutes!

1. Cut your background cardstock (Crumb Cake) to 3"x6". Fold into a 3x3 card.
2. Cut First Edition DSP into 2 1/2"x2 1/2" squares. Crumple up into a ball, and then open up again (don't make it too flat).
3. Cut Very Vanilla cardstock into 2"x2" pieces. Stamp an image and sentiment onto the cardstock (I used Rich Razzleberry ink and my Clearly for You stamp set).
4. Glue your crumpled First Edition DSP onto your card base (don't glue the edges down).
5. Adhere your stamped cardstock with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Try it Thursday - Stamp on Patterned Paper

Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed some time with family and friends over the past few weeks. It was busy around here, and I'm happy to be back to normal. I didn't do much stamping, but I do have a few things to share. The Occasions Mini Catalogue started on Tuesday, and I have some new favourites. This card shows one of the: Clearly for You. I really like the vintage-style images, and I'm looking forward to making some inserts for my Simply Adorned necklace with it soon.

I used several of the images to create this Z-Fold card (the card I swapped at my downline meeting last month), and I stamped the butterfly onto another new favourite, the First Edition DSP (also in the Occasions Mini). This adds some interest and colour to a neutral paper.

Stamps: Clearly for You
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Punches: Scallop Oval, Large Oval
Inks: Rich Razzleberry, Pretty in  Pink, Chocolate Chip
Other: First Edition DSP