Friends

I had a little open house on Friday night. I had a great time stamping with "old" and new friends!!!! (Even if you girls couldn't share and didn't listen to directions!!! lol)

This is one of the cards that they made....

I made a similar card a few weeks ago. This card is super simple. The clouds were sponged using a punched scallop circle as a mask. The stamp set is Season of Friendship (which is going down as one of my all time favorite sets!). And you have to love the little pearl for the bird's eye. The colors are Not Quite Navy, Pear Pizzazz, and Chocolate Chip.

I am sorry that I can't post daily. With my school work, volunteering at the kids school and starting a new job soon- my time is maxed out!!! I will do my best to steal some stamping time a few times a week. I have some new stamps on the way and I can't wait!!!!

Don't forget about my scrapbook class and class by mail kit!!!

Happy stamping my friends!

First Day of 1st Grade

I finally found 15 minutes in my crazy schedule to make a scrapbook layout! I am about 6 weeks behind in my scrapbooking. And that stresses me out! I know it is crazy since most scrapbookers are years behind!!! I like to scrap current pictures because then I can remember the stories and details behind the pics. I often tell people who are stressing about being behind to just start scrapping current pics. Maybe one day you will go back and catch up- but if not- at least you will have the stories and pictures from current events in the albums! Something is always better than nothing!

My son started 1st grade last month in a brand new school. I wanted to do a simple page with lots of room for journaling and this is what I came up with.....

Paper scrappers- This would be easy enough to create with SU! supplies!!!!! I think I would use the celebrations or Playdate DSPand the spiral border punch. Use strips of the pattern papers instead of the ruler and pencil and then add photo mat and paperclip a tag. The title can be printed from your computer or stamped with one of the alphabet set. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy!!!

Now don't forget to check out THIS post to learn more about my upcoming scrapbook class and class by mail kit!

Happy scrapping!

Mini Backpack Scrabook Album Class!!!

I am just so darn excited about the first class I will be offering since rejoining the Stampin' Up! family!!!! You won't want to miss this one! Check out the cute mini album we will be making.....

This cute mini backpack scrapbook album is designed to help you preserve a snapshot of your child's life. This 6x8 album holds 18 different page layouts featuring a variety of different themes including family, friends, school, hobbies, and other interests. With a uniquely designed "binder" interior and fun kid-like page elements, this scrapbbook album is a one-of-a-kind keepsake!

You will also get to pick if you want to make a Boy Album (made withe Play Date Designer Series Papaer) or a Girl Album (made with the Lap of Luxery Designer Series Paper)!

Class Info:

Date: Friday, September 24th

Time: 7-10pm

Cost: $25 if you pay by September 7th. $30 if you pay after the 7th.

Last date to pay and register: September 14th. Class size is limited and may fill before this date.

What is included: Instructions and ALL supplies needed to make the album and 18 scrapbook layouts! You will also be given access to a video tutorial so you can recreate the project at home if you wish!

What you need to bring: Everyone must bring their own snail adhesive!!! If you do not have snail, please let me know when you are registering and we can add it to your class fee. I will order it and have it at class for you.

 

 

Live out of town? Can't make it to class on that date? No worries! I am offering the class as a Class By Mail kit!!!!

Cost: $25 plus $5 for shipping

Last Date to Purchase: September 14th at 9pm MST

Shipping Time: Orders will begin shipping on September 24th

What is included: PDF file with complete instructions, including pictures and diagrams, for assembing the album and the 18 layouts. The PDF will be emailed to you. You will also receive a link to a video tutorial! In the mail you will receive all the consumable products necessary to complete your album and layouts.

What you will need to provide: adhesive (snail, sticky strip, demensionals, and glue dots), a paper cutter with scoring blade, and crop-a-dile.

If you are a demonstrator and interested in this class, please email me at sears1130@gmail.com.

 

So are you as excited as I am?!!!!

WARNING: This stamp may cause weight gain!

So the other night I was using the Sweet Scoops stamp set and made several cards as possible make-and-takes for my Open House tomorrow night. After stamping so much ice cream, the next day I HAD to take the kids to the brand new Baskin Robbins in our area. YUM!!!!! We used to live down the street from a Cold Stone. But when we moved here, we were so sad to discover they didn't have any ice cream shops! So of course I was doing a happy dance when the Baskin Robbins opened this week! I already got my frequent visitor card. ;)

I used a texture plate agin on that white layer. And I just couldn't help but use more of the Island Oasis DSP. Do you have this DSP and the Sweet Scoops stamp set yet? Well you are running out of time!!!! The Summer Mini ends at the end of this month. So email me or just click on the Shop Now link.

So excited for my Open House tomorrow night!!! (And I am serving ice cream!!!)

Cute Christmas

I had a pretty crummy day today. But stamping and Glee at the end, make it seem a little more bearable!

Here is another sneak peak of some new DSP and stamps that will be available starting September 1st in the Holiday Mini catalog!

I tried to color the mittens with ink and a blender pen. But I am not exactly good with the coloring! I should probably just claim that the kids did the coloring! ;)

Happy stamping!

Not your average milk carton!

I love making cute little treat containers for friends, teacher and the kids' classes! So when I saw the milk carton Big Shot die, it was love at first sight!!!! I made this first one for the hostess of my workshop last Friday.

I couldn't help myself....I had to make another one of those paper flowers with circle punches! (I also HAD to taste test the M&Ms I put inside. I am all about quality control!)

This carton really matches the card I posted a few days ago....

Now who wouldn't want to get this fun little ensemble?!

So I am a little nervous! I am working on my last 2 classes to get my Secondary teaching certification. Tomorrow I am starting a new practicum and it is in an Economics class. Me? Teaching high school Economics? I know about as much about Economics as my husband knows about stamping!!!! Crazy!!!!  So keep your fingers crossed for those poor students! (Unless you can't stamp with your fingers crossed. In that case- maybe cross your toes!)

 

Ask and you shall receive! It's an SU! scrapbook layout!

So I have received numerous emails and comments asking for a Stampin' Up! scrapbook layout. As you know, I have gone to digital scrapbooking (SU! has awesome software!), but it was fun to actually play with paper again. This layout was the make-and-take at my workshop last night. Hi Stephanie!

The layout is 6x6. I love small layouts as they are easy and fast! All my albums are 6x6 now and I love how they fir nicely on the bookshelf and are small enough for the kids to flip through. The layout uses the Island Oassi DSP and Sweet Scoops stamp set that can be found in the summer mini catalog. Have you ordered your's yet? You are running out of time as the summer mini ends on August 31st! So click on the Buy Now buttong on the left side and order today!

The colors on this layout are Sahara San, Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, and So Saffron. The DSP made it easy to pick colors! I also used a couple of punches- the tab and the designer label. How does one live without punches?!!! I had the girls cut out their ice cream scoops and pop them up with demensionals. Cutting was not a fan favorite! Sorry girls! Next time, ALL punches!

Hope you have a super weekend! I am excited to go watch all three of my girls dance at the Diamonbacks baseball game!

So easy, a 4 year old can do it!

At my workshops I am always telling my customers just how EASY stamping is. Well today my 4 year old prooved me right! She made this card BY HERSELF!

Sorry the picture is blurry. But seriously, isn't my Laynee going to be an amazing SU! demonstrator one day?! I loved watching her use the Big Shot. When it got to the part where it was actually cutting the paper, she would always say "Hard part!" and then use both hands and puch it thru.

Well she was doing so well, that I let her help me finish some swap cards!!! She did the glitter!

And once again, this is the same layout that I have used the past two days.

I used a polka dot texture plate on the white layer. I was asked how I make the impressions so deep. I wanted to share my answer in case anyone else is wondering. All I do is add 2 pieces of scrap cardstock (excellent way to use that leftover Yo Yo Yellow!) to the sandwich. It makes it a little tougher to roll through the Big Shot, but it makes such a nice deep impression!

So do you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that DSP and cute snowman?!!! Can you see that the DSP has glitter on it?! It is AWESOME!!!Well I am teasing you a bit because these products won't be available until September 1st. The stamp set is called Cute Christmas and the DSP is Candy Lane. Put it on your must have list!

And didn't Laynee do a good job on the glitter?! She did it for 21 cards! I now have an assitant!!! Wooo hooo!

Thanks for stopping by!

Same Layout, New Card

I loved the layout I used on yesterday's card so I decided to just keeping using it! No reason to start from scratch every time!

The colors are Not Quite Navy, Pacific Point, Sahara Sand, and Very Vanilla. I used brand new DSP (can't remember the name!), Curly Verses stamp set, and a bunch of punches for the flower. I also used a texture plate on the Vanilla layer.

If you aren't totally sick of it, I have another card to show you tomorrow with the same layout! What can I say? I was on a roll!

Stamping for my Sanity

A lot of my friends told me that when the kids were all in school, I would have so much "me" time. Well they lied! Ha ha ha! My days are so full with car pools, dance, piano, gymnastics, school volunteer hours, kid homework, my homework, classroom observations, orthodontist appointments, speech therapy, etc, etc, etc! Yikes! I have never been busier!!! Some days I love it. Other days, like yesterday, I just want to cry if I have to drive another mile!!!

So today I allowed myself to stamp BEFORE doing my homework! It is a benefit of being an adult! ha ha ha! But I needed some stamping time to find my sanity! And it worked!! And I ended up with another adult beverage card. Hmmmm....wonder what's on my mind......he he he.

I used my Big Shot and a texture plate on the white layer. The stamp set is Cheers to You and the DSP is Island Oasis.

Super simple!

Now back to my newest obsession (and waste of my 'me' time)....Glee!

Happy Stamping!

Cheers!

Now that all my kids are in school and my weeks are filled with carpools, homework, classroom volunteering, dance, gymnastics, and piano- I live for the weekends!!!! Family time! Sleeping in! And a LITTLE less busieness! So this card is perfect for a Friday evening!

This stamp set, Cheers to You, is not a new set. But when I got the new Island Oasis DSP from the summer mini, the umbrellas reminded me of this stamp! Try to ignore my terrible coloring. It is just not one of my talents. But I did want to try and show you the Crystal Effects that I put on the drink to make it look more real.

I am off to enjoy my family. Have a happy weekend!

We all scream....

...for ice cream!!!! Seriously, for dinner tonight I had French Fries, Coke, and Chocolate Peanutbutter Cup ice cream! It is called the "Busy Mommy Diet"! Now don't these ice cream scoops make you crave some ice cream?

It is a super simple card using the Sweet Scoops stamp set and the Island Oasis Designer Series paper from the Summer Mini. The colors are Sahara Sand, Old Olive, Rose Red, Tempting Turquoise, and Pumpkin Pie. The combo just screams "HAPPY" to me!!!

Time for this busy mommy to get some sleep! Happy Stamping!

Button Love!

As I have mentioned before, I love the pretty buttons in the new catalog. So when I saw this card by the very, very talented Kimberly Van Diepen, I knew I had to CASE it! I usually change more on a CASE, but the card was so darn perfect to start with that I only changed a few things. I did one last flower blossom and button. I also used slightly different buttons and different thread.

It is a simple card to make. I sponged the Kraft cardstock with Chocolate Chip ink. Then I stamped the blossoms from the hostess set Apple Blossoms in Whisper White ink. Finally I punched out the sentiment and added the buttons with linen thread. Done! And who wouldn't want to get a pretty card like this?!!!

Paper Rose

I love making paper flowers! So when I saw this tutorial for paper roses, I knew I had to try it. And I have a feeling you will be seeing more of these flowers as it was very easy! Plus, I need practice to make mine as good as the sample!

After I rolled my paper flower, I put some 2 way glue on the tips and added Dazzling Diamonds for a little sparkle.

And of course I HAD to use some of those AMAZING new pearls!!! I LOVE them!

The stem and the sentiment come from a hostess set called Apple Blossom. And the colors are Peach Parfait and Old Olive.

Ever since getting my stamping order, I have been on a stamping roll! I have tons of cards just waiting to show you! So come back!

A Season of Friendship

I have always had a love for this stamp set. But, can you believe that I never owned it?! Now it is all MINE!!!! (Although, if you want one, you can totally order one!)

So here is my newest tree creation....

I used some new buttons, new pearls, new DSP for the bird, and a new color- Pear Pizzazz.

The colors on the card are Pear Pizzazz, Pretty in Pink, Not Quite Navy and Chocolate Chip. And the card came together so easily with the fun bird punch!

I had such a wonderful weekend with my family. I even got to stamp every day! But Monday is on its way! That means carpools, classroom volunteering, dance, piano, gymnastic, curriculm night and so on! I am actually really loving this crazy season of my life!!!!

 

Sweet Celebration

Playing with all my new goodies has been super fun! My favorite new stamp set is Sweet Scoops from the Summer Mini! It is so yummy!

The DSP, Island Oasis, is also from the mni and I LOVE the colors! They are so bright and happy! The colors I used are Crumb Cake, Rose Red, Tempting Turquoise and Pumpkin Pie. I cut each of the scoops of ice cream out and adhered them to the card with demensionals.

We will be using these same products on the make-and-take at my Open House on August 27th. And we will be having an ice cream bar!!! Stamping and sweets!!! Does it get any better?!

I think I need to go get some ice cream now....

New Goodies in the House!!!!

So I waited, rather impatiently, for the UPS truck to show up with my first Stampin' Up! order since rejoining as a demonstrator. It finally showed up around 6!!! I did make a card with some new stamps, but by that time it was way too dark to photograph it and share with you tonight. You will have to wait until tomorrow!

As I was unpacking my new goodies, I got to thinking that there are a lot of neat things that have changed with SU! products since I quit 16 months ago! So here is my Top 5 Favorite New Things about SU!

1. THE CLEAR STAMPS!!!!! I love that they are still rubber- so they have the same awesome image quality that I love about the wood block stamps. But it also has the convenience of clear stamps- it is much easier to place where you want it and they they are easier to store. AND- they are more affordable!!!!

2. The new colors!!!! I used to NEVER use any of the Bold Brights and now that Stampin' Up! has redone their colors, I am IN LOVE with the Brights!!! Honestly, there aren't any colors now that I wouldn't use!

3. The buttons!!! I love the new style of buttons!!! They are so much prettier than the old buttons! I love the flower shape ones. So cute!

4. The pearls!!! I love that SU! now sells packages of the flat back pearls. I LOVE them! I used to have to buy a whole Pretties kit just to get more pearls (because I use them A LOT). An added bonus, the peals have adhesive backs! SWEET!!!

5. In color markers!!!! Last time I was a demonstrator, I remember how frusterating it was to not have markers for the In Colors. Stampin' Up! listened!!! (Sadly, my markers are on backorder. But they are coming and that makes me real happy!)

 

I spent time today going through my cardstock, markers, and ink to remove the retired colors. My stamping studio is close to being finished!!!! I promise to post pictures soon!

Happy Stamping!!!

Inspiration in a Box

So the last couple of days while, while the kids have been in school, I have been working to decorate and organize my stamping studio. I have such a nice space in this house and I am having fun making it MINE. So I was having trouble deciding on a color combo for my room. That is, until I saw this......

I found this box at Bed, Bath and Beyond and I instantly was in LOVE!!!! So I am now using this box as the inspiration for my stamping studio. And the colors are Baja Breeze and Chocolate Chip! So YUMMY!!!!

And since I loved the box so much, I decided to use it as inspiration for a card too.....

I know it is super simple, but for some reson I am in love with this card!

The card is 5 1/4x 5 1/4 again. I stamped the Medalion stamp twice- once in Chocolate Chip and once in Baja Breeze. Then I just cut the center circle out of the Baja Breeze one and put it on dementionals. I added a Chocolate Chip button and linen thread. The banner was made by cutting a thin strip of Baja Breeze and using my photo corner punch on each end. Then I added a bunch of demensions (some two high). To finish it all off I did some sponging with Chocolate Chip ink.

Now I think I NEED the Medalion Decor Element for my stamping studio!!! Pictures will be coming soon! Progress is slow is since the kids only go to school for a few hours a day. Not much ME time yet!

 

A really big card and a really big girl!!!

This card is 5 1/4 x 5 1/4 with a really big paper pieced kite!

I am still trying to decide if I like this card. It really isn't my style, but it is fun to try new things and take a risk!

So I made the kite by tracing and cutting out pieced of the Slumber Party DSP (retired). I made a sky background by punching a circle scallop out of scrap paper and using it as a stencil to sponge on Baja Breeze ink. The string of the kit is some rope that was in a mini ages ago with Riding Hood Red bows. Here is a closer look....

So today was another big birthday at our house. My youngest, Laynee, turned 4 today. Seriously, the first day of school and 3 birthdays all within a weeks time has made me an emotional wreck! We have had lots of fun celebrating! Although I won't lie, I am relieved to have a month off of birthdays!!! lol

So here is my Laynee when she was just a few days old...

and today at age 4....

Ok I am off to bed. I have to go have an argument with the kids' principal in the morning :(

Simple Flower Barrettes

I made these cute little flower barrettes several months ago and I came across them last night and I thought I might show them to you. (Because I still haven't stamped.)

Stampin' Up! used to sell these flowers in this pink and white combo. Now they just sell them in white, but you can use reinkers to dye them any color you like! Then I justed added one of those yummy chocolate chip brads that were in a mini a few months back. I hot glued the whole flower on to a plain barrette purchased at Wal Mart.

So I am very anxiously waiting for my first Stampin' Up! order to arrive. And it's a BIG one so I am super excited!!! And since I have a lot of new things on the way, I have been working little by little to get my stamping studio organized so I can spend more time stamping and less time looking for stuff! I want to hang some things on the wall and then I will take some pics and show you.

Family has been keeping me busy.....over the weekend we had a gymnastics themed birthday party for all three of my girls....it was so FUN!!!

And then tonight the girls all started their dance classes....

And then tomorrow is my BABY'S 4th birthday!!!

There is always so much fun going on in this house!!!!