clean up time!

I have lots of projects to share with you (finally got them off my camera and onto my computer), but I thought I'd share something fun with you first. I'm a spreader when I create and my table gets more than a little out of control. I decided I needed to start fresh this week, and I took some pictures to show you the before & after. I hope I'm not alone!

This is the before shot... after prepping for classes all month, making Thank You notes for orders, and mounting all my new stamp sets.

 I've cleared almost everything off... I didn't go through my paper/tool holders this time. My light is also essential so I kept it on there too.

Here's the after (after some prepping for Ila's workshop last week). I'm happy to report that it looks about the same as this right now, although that might change as I make some more thank you notes, cards my MIL ordered and prep for next month's classes. It sure feels better right now to have some breathing space though!

Simple Cards Class - Wisteria Love & Care

This is the third card from my July Simple Cards class. It features some new In Colours (Lucky Limade & Wisteria Wonder) as well as a hostess set from the Summer Mini catalogue, Love & Care. This set is so pretty... I used it to stamp the torn background layer as well as the focal image for the card. The sentiment is from Upsy Daisy, layered on a frame from the Four Frames stamp set.

Simple Cards Class - French Foliage

This card was one we made in this month's Simple Cards class... it was so quick & easy, and I love it! French Foliage was one of my favourite stamps in last year's Holiday Mini catalogue, and I was so happy to see it again in the 2011/12 IBC!

I started with the Medium Note cards (come pre-cut and scored, with envelopes) and sponged lightly with Sahara Sand, So Saffron and Pear Pizzazz inks. Then I stamped all over with the images from French Foliage and the same inks. I also added Always Artichoke for the larger leaf. I tore a strip of First Edition DSP (LOVE this, and so glad it made it into the IBC from the Occasions Mini) and folded one side down. I glued a strip of Pear Pizzazz card stock under the fold so it peeks out. Then I stamped the sentiment (from Curly Cute) with Basic Grey ink.

Stepped Up Cards - Scallop Circle Easel

This card is pretty quick & easy to put together (with help from the Big Shot) but looks pretty special because of the shape and easel style. We'll be making it in my Stepped Up Card Class this weekend. I still have some spots available on Sunday, so let me know asap if you'd like to come. You can take the Stepped Up Cards class (techniques, embellishments & fancy folds), the Big Shot Class or both!

Stamps: Four Frames, En Francais, Fabulous Phrases
Inks: Marina Mist, Cherry Cobbler
Card stock: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Marina Mist,
Big Shot dies: Scallop Circle, Clear Circle
Other: Decorative Label punch, Paisley Petals DSP, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Brads

Big Shot Class Petal Cone Takeout Box

I saw instructions for this super cute (and amazingly easy) Takeout Box made from the Petal Cone die on Dawn O's blog and knew I had to share it at my first Big Shot Class this weekend! We make three projects in this class, and learn how to use the different types of dies and embossing tools. I stamped the box (before assembly) with the Fabulous Florets stamp set and added a super cute tag with the Tiny Tags stamp set and Tag Punch. There are still spots available in my Sunday Sessions if you'd like to make this project.

I run my Big Shot Class at the same time as my Stepped Up Card Class, and you can come to one class or both during one session (I know how valuable your time is, and how hard it can be to get out for even one night a month). I'll be posting one of the cards we'll be making in the Stepped Up Card class here tomorrow.

Simple Cards Class (card #1)

This is a new class for me starting this month. This class is perfect for new stampers or for time limited crafters. We'll create eight quick & easy cards (two each of four designs - variety of themes and styles) that you can copy easily at home and customize with the sentiment of your choice. This class is offered during the same session as the Scrapbook Class, so you can take one or both classes during one time slot! There is still time to register for this class... click here for the info.

Since I'm waiting impatiently for my boxes of new goodies to arrive, I thought I'd use some of my old favourites for this class. This card features Pocket Silhouettes, the Beautiful Wings Embosslit and some First Edition DSP. I did sneak some new Chocolate Chip Scalloped Polka Dot ribbon though... I couldn't resist!

July Scrapbook Class - layout # 1

I've changed my class format with the new Stampin' Up! year (and celebrating my 3rd anniversary as a SU! demo) and we are now creating more projects in my classes. In my scrapbook classes, we'll create three 12x12 pages. This two page layout is one that we'll be creating this weekend at my Scrapbook Class (still time to register). The classes are now $15.00 or a $20.00 order (club members can get the class for free, and downline for 1/2 price or a $15.00 order).

This layout has a very natural colour scheme (browns, greens and blues with a touch of coral) so it's perfect for outdoor pictures. I used the Paisley Petals papers, embossed the title letters with the Square Lattice Textured Impressions folder, and added a little stamping (Confetti and Noteably Ornate).

Happy New (Stampin' Up!) Year!

Wowza! I can't believe it's already July 6th... these last couple weeks have been a whirlwind, and I haven't had a chance to update here. The new Idea Book & Catalogue is here (Click Here if you want to view it online), and there is an amazing special during July if you'd like to join my team (Click Here to learn more).

My BOGO Kick-Off had me very busy and was a huge success! We made this card using three of the new In Colours (Pool Party, Island Indigo and Lucky Limeade), the new stamp set "My Friend" and the new Lace Border punch (love it!). The Rock 'n Roll technique might be an oldie, but I love the way it looks with this stamp!

In addition to my Door Prize winners, I drew three $20.00 Hostess Dollar prizes from everyone who attended by BOGO over the two days. Congratulations to Pat, Ila and Karen!!! They were able to choose from exclusive hostess products or regular merchandise to spend their prize. I pity the UPS man when he has to deliver the boxes next week... ;)