Stampin Solutions

Buttons & Bows Nature Style

2011-03-12T10:47:00.000-08:00

I got some great swaps from my Demonstrator friends for the current mini, especially a couple of cards from Mary C. Here are two of her ideas using the "Nature Walk" stamp set.

First for the buttons: On this one she used a Not Quite Navy card base and layers of Early Espresso, Botanical Gazette DSP, and Naturals White card stock. I love the distressed edges and the use of the Sweet Buttons Embosslit (Pg 36 of mini) to create the Cherry Cobbler buttons, that were attached with dimensionals. She used Not Quite Navy and Early Espresso ink (markers and Color Spritzer Tool used for back ground), then added some Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon and a Mini Vintage Tag to finish this one.

Second for the Bows: On this card she uses a great "In Color" color scheme with the Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait and Concord Crush card stock. She repeats the colors by stamping the butterfly image in the same color inks on Very Vanilla card stock and selects a matching Pear Pizzazz 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon. The Big Shot was used for the "B" (Naturally Serif Sizzlit Decorative Strip die) and the flower (Birds & Blooms Sizzlit 4-pack) and one of the new Rosettes used in the center. "Teeny Tiny Wishes" was used for the greeting.

Spring Blossoms Everywhere

2011-03-09T18:08:00.000-08:00

All of the trees in my neighborhood have been blossoming and look beautiful, although those who have allergy issues probably don't think so right now. I love to see signs of Spring coming even if we still have to endure a little rain now and then. In case it doesn't look so much like Spring in your neck of the woods I have a couple of swaps to share today from Nancy, using the new "Build a Blossom" stamp set and Blossom Petals punch from the mini. These two items coordinate so nicely and I love what Nancy did with them.

Additional Supplies: DSP, Soft Suede, Early Espresso and Very Vanilla card stock; More Mustard, Early Espresso and Always Artichoke ink; Naturals buttons, Crumb Cake 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, Small Heart and Ticket Corner punches, and mini glue dots.

Additional Supplies: DSP, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Basic Black, Old Olive and Very Vanilla card stock; Not Quite Navy and Baja Breeze ink; Baja Breeze Glass Glitter, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch, 3/4" Circle punch, 3/4" x 15/16" Oval punch, Baja Breeze 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Mini Glue Dots and Dimensionals.

Springtime Showers & Flowers

2011-03-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

Today it is raining and ugly here, so it's a great day to stay inside and stamp, but at least the rain will bring some great springtime flowers soon. Here are a couple of ideas from my friend Kaylene that are just what I was looking for to send spring greetings. For both of these cards Kaylene used the "Baby Blossoms" set and Springtime Vintage DSP from the mini.

Additional Supplies: Rich Razzleberry, River Rock, Always Artichoke and Very Vanilla card stock; Rich Razzleberry and Always Artichoke ink; "Thank You Kindly" stamp set, Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle punch and dimensionals. Very cute!

Additional Supplies: River Rock, Pear Pizazz and Very Vanilla card stock; Rich Razzleberry and Pear Pizzazz ink; "Short & Sweet" stamp set, Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon, Rosettes and dimensionals. Thanks Kaylene!

Easter Blossoms to Cheer

2011-02-28T09:02:00.000-08:00

Is it too early for Easter? I know that Easter is a little ways off but I wanted to share a quick Easter card that might be something you will want to try. This card uses the "Easter Blossoms" set and the new Springtime Vintage Designer Fabric, among other things, from the Occasions Mini.

I started with Baja Breeze card stock and used the Framed Tulip embossing folder on the front of the card. I used Melon Mambo, Baja Breeze and Not Quite Navy ink to stamp the egg images (using the masking technique) and for the greeting on Very Vanilla Card Stock. On the left side I layered a Very Vanilla piece, punched out with the Decorative Label punch, on to a piece of Baja Breeze that I distressed the edges and then added the Springtime Vintage Designer Fabric (created using the scallop portion of the Petal Cone Bigz L Die) that was folded and adhered with a glue stick. I finished it off with a piece of Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon and a Vintage Flower Adornment.

Punch Bunch SAB Fun

2011-02-24T16:50:00.000-08:00

I have a few more quick ideas using the "Punch Bunch" stamp set and Ice Cream Parlor DSP & Quick Accents Pack from the SAB catalog to share today. Don't forget Sale-A-Bration (SAB) continues through March so you still have time to take advantage of getting both of these great items FREE. Check out the details by clicking on the catalog image to the right to visit my website and get all of the details.

I just love the colors used in this DSP & Quick Accents Pack . . . they are so much fun and great for birthdays, and they will be great for those summer scrapbook pages too. By the way, these cards are all 3" x 3" which are great for putting on birthday gifts.

Additional Supplies: Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive and Whisper White card stock; Melon Mambo, Pacific Point and Old Olive ink; Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point and Old Olive markers; Daffodil Delight 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle punch, Scallop Square punch, and Dimensionals.

More Springtime Fun

2011-02-22T17:08:00.000-08:00

Well, the sun is out and is teasing us with more springtime weather today. I thought I would share another springtime treat that I made using the same "Easter Blossoms" set and Springtime Vintage DSP.

This one is pretty quick and easy so I'm not going to give you a blow by blow of how to make it but just give you a list of the supplies used. If you have any questions feel free to contact me and I will be happy to offer more detail on how you can duplicate this one.

Additional Supplies: Pear Pizzazz, Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke and Very Vanilla card stock; Always Artichoke and Pear Pizzazz ink; Spiral Border, Decorative Label, 2" x 1 3/8" Oval and Scallop Oval punches; Pear Pizzazz 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, Vintage Flower (Vanilla) Adornments, Linen Thread and Dimensionals.

Looking for Springtime

2011-02-21T13:58:00.000-08:00

Last week we had a lot of rain here and yesterday the sun finally came out, and decided to make another appearance today, which totally lifted my spirits. I am so looking forward to spring and with that I was reminded that the "Easter Blossoms" set has a spring greeting in it and I had a good swap to share. This is one that I made with this set and the fun Springtime Vintage DSP from the mini.

I started with a Rose Red card base and punched the edge with the Eyelet Border punch, then layered some of the Springtime Vintage DSP, added a piece of Crumb Cake card stock that I ran through the Big Shot with the Top Note die (still love that die now as much as when I first got it!!), and tied a piece of Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon around the card. I stamped the little girl image with Crumb Cake ink and the springtime greeting with Rose Red ink, on Very Vanilla card stock, punched it out with the 1 3/4" x 7/8" Oval punch and affixed with dimensionals. I used the Boho Blossoms punch and Pear Pizzazz card stock to create the leaf behind the flower (Rose Red) button from the Subtles Designer Buttons and affixed that with another dimensional. The finishing touch was a Mini Library Clip and a little Linen Thread.

Super Sew Suite Ideas

2011-02-18T17:09:00.000-08:00

I have a few really cute swaps to share from Tami W. today. I love the colors used in the "oh sew Suite" group of products and was thrilled to see those Fabric Designer Brads when I first viewed the mini.

Here is one of those fabulous Fabric Designer Brads . . . don't you just love it?!!!

Supplies: Sweet Stitches DSP, Chocolate Chip, Melon Mambo and Very Vanilla card stock; Melon Mambo and Chocolate Chip ink; Button, Button and You're a Gem stamp sets; Fabric Designer Brads, Designer Big Buttons, Rosettes, Framed Tulip Embossing Folder, Modern Label punch and Pretty in Pink 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon.

Have you seen the new Beveled Windowpanes in person? These are awesome and the picture just doesn't do this one justice. Very cool!!

Additional Supplies: Sweet Stitches DSP, Daffodil Delight and Melon Mambo card stock; Sweet Stitches Designer Fabric, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Fabric Designer Brads, Vanilla 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon and Tangerine Tango Pompom Trim.

The texture on this one is really cool. She used the Sweet Buttons Embosslits with Tangerine Tango card stock to make the cute buttons tucked in to the middle of this card.

Additional Supplies: Sweet Stitches DSP, Tangerine Tango, Chocolate Chip card stock and Whisper White; Chocolate Chip ink; Sew Suite and You're a Gem stamp sets; Fabric Designer Brads and Daffodil Delight Pompom Trim.

"Baby Blossoms" for Kaylene

2011-02-15T09:03:00.000-08:00

I want to send out a big "congratulations" for a stamping friend of mine, Kaylene M. She just celebrated the birth of another grandson, Andrew, a couple of days ago. I am so thrilled for her and pray for many blessings for baby Andrew and their entire family. It seems a bit ironic that in our last swap Kaylene used the new "Baby Blossoms" set so I have an adorable card from her to share today.

For this one she starts with a Crumb Cake card base and added a piece of Baja Breeze that was run through the Big Shot in the Top Note die, then added a strip of Springtime Vintage DSP, a little Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding, and stamped images from the Baby Blossoms and FYI sets (Crumb Cake pad and Early Espresso, Baja Breeze and Pear Pizzazz markers used on stamped images).

Feel the Love

2011-02-14T10:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone. I wanted to share some cute swaps that I got from my friend Dena R. using the "Valentine Defined" set. She uses several of the new products from the mini that I know you are going to love.

The card base on this card is Crumb Cake but she uses a lot of the fun colors from the Sweet Stitches DSP too like Temping Turquoise, Tangerine Tango, Melon Mambo and Old Olive. I just love the PomPom Trim from the mini (Daffodil Delight used here) and the Sweet Stitches Designer Big Buttons too.

Here the Melon Mambo and Tangerine Tango colors were continued in card stock and markers, along with an Old Olive marker.

For this one she starts with a Whisper White Card base and brings in the other colors (Real Red, Basic Gray and Pink Pirouette) from the Love Impressions Specialty DSP that she uses. I also love the Silver Glass Glitter that was carried over and is still available in the current mini.

This last one starts out with Crumb Cake again but then pops with the striking Cherry Cobbler flower, created by using the new Fun Flowers Bigz L Die from Pg 39 of the mini.

Thanks for all of the great ideas Dena!

Wild for Sew Suite

2011-02-10T18:38:00.000-08:00

I have a cute swap from Tami W. to share today. This one uses the "Sew Suite" and "Notes & Details" sets from the mini.

She used some of the First Edition DSP along the left side of the card and some of the Sweet Stiches DSP backing the form stamped image. I love the Daffodil Delight 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain ribbon that she gathered along the left side and the brad and button are too cute!! The top brad is one of the new Sweet Stitches Fabric Designer Brads and they are awesome. I love her attention to detail on this card . . . no pun intended.

Additional supplies: Wild Wasabi, Early Espresso and Very Vanilla card stock; Early Espresso ink; Scallop Squares Duo Bigz Die (still available from the Holiday Mini), Linen Thread, Vintage Trinkets, and Jewelry Tag punch.

If You Build It . . .

2011-02-08T18:06:00.000-08:00

If you build it they will love it!!! The new "Build a Blossom" set and coordinating Blossom Petals Punch in the mini are too much fun and building a card has never been easier or more exciting. Here is a great example of what you can put together with just a few tools. This one comes from Nancy F. in our last swap.

This card starts with an Always Artichoke card base, then a layer of Whisper White that was run through the Big Shot in the Framed Tulips embossing folder, with some Baja Breeze seam binding tied around. Always Artichoke ink was used to stamp the leaf images on the same color card stock and punched out, along with punched petals for the flowers that were sponged around the upper edges (top of flower area), and then all assembled. The greeting comes from the "You're a Gem" set and I love the freyed ribbon in the center of the flowers too. Thanks for a great idea Nancy.

Thanks for Caring!

2011-02-06T14:56:00.000-08:00

I want to say "thank you" again to all of you who continue to show your support to me with your cards, emails and prayers. Losing my husband, Ron, last month was very difficult and the days since have been full of a lot of ups and downs but you all seem to know when I am having a bad day because I end up receiving a wonderful uplifting card or call from one of you. You just don't know how much your kind words mean to me during this time! Thank you all again for your love and support.

It took me a while but I finally was able to get some thank you cards sent out and this was one of the few that I created recently. I'm still missing my stamping mojo so please forgive the many posts of swap cards lately, but my focus has been elsewhere and I'm sure you all understand. This card was very simple and easy but I liked it, and it held a special message for the recipient.

I started with Naturals White card stock, that I ran through the Big Shot in the new Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, added a stamped image from the "Thanks for Caring" set and tied one of the new Trinket Keys on for extra measure.

Additional Supplies: Old Olive card stock, Old Olive and Rose Red markers, Rose Red Seam Binding, Linen Thread and Dimensionals.

Another Gem from Liz

2011-02-04T17:08:00.000-08:00

Here is another great swap from Liz P. using the "You're a Gem" stamp set and the First Edition Specialty DSP from the mini. She also used the "Nature Walk" set from the mini on this one too.

I love the way that she used textured card stock (Crumb Cake, Pacific Point and Very Vanilla) on this 3" x 6" card, and the Vanilla Seam Binding and Basic Pearls really set this one apart. I'm not a fan of this size card to mail, however this could easily be converted to a regular (4 1/2" x 5 1/4") size . . . but I'm still lovin' it!!!

Valentine Gem

2011-02-02T18:03:00.000-08:00

Here is a cute swap that I received from Liz P. using the new "You're a Gem" stamp set, Red Glimmer Paper and First Edition DSP from the mini.

Additional Supplies: Pink Pirouette, Basic Black and Naturals Ivory card stock; Real Red and Basic Black markers; Basic Rhinestones; Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon; Scallop Edge Border, 1" and 1 1/4" Circle punches; Scallop Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die (w/Big Shot). Don't you just love it!!

More Punch Bunch

2011-01-31T17:34:00.000-08:00

As promised, here are three more 3" x 3" cards that I created using the SAB set "Punch Bunch", and the coordinating Designer Series Paper & Quick Accents Pack.

Additional Supplies: Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Old Olive and Whisper White card stock; Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Old Olive and Pacific Point markers; buttons from SAB "Ribbon & Button Pack; 3/8" Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, mini glue dots and dimensionals.

Punchin' Fun with "Punch Bunch"

2011-01-29T11:55:00.000-08:00

I pretty much love all of the SAB selections this year but the one that I am using quite a bit lately is the "Punch Bunch" set. I love the SU punches and this set coordinates with five different punches that include some of my favorites that I use all of the time.

Here are three little 3" x 3" cards that I made with the "Punch Bunch" set and the Designer Series Paper & Quick Accents Pack. I was thrilled to see the combination of the DSP and accents pack to be able to create so many different combinations of cards, etc. I came up with a ton of these little cards to use on gifts and created a little gift box, with several of these cards inside, as well. I will share more photos of some of the others later but today here are three that I made using just one of the stamps in the set.

Additional Supplies: Melon Mambo, Peach Parfait, Old Olive, and Whisper White card stock; Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive and Pacific Point markers; 1 3/4" & 2 3/8" Scallop Circle punches; Daffodil Delight 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon.

Spring Fever

2011-01-27T16:57:00.000-08:00

I know it's only January but I am already getting spring fever! We have had some really nice days lately and I already long for the warmer sunny days of spring. I have to admit that something else might have brought on this feeling and that would be creating my swap cards using the "Easter Blossoms" set in the mini (Pg 6). I stepped out of the box a little on this pick but loved the images and greetings that it contains. I know it's a little bit early for Easter but I wanted to share a quick and simple card that can easily be changed in to a card for any occasion.

I started this one with a Not Quite Navy card base and layered some of the new Springtime Vintage DSP, then added a piece of Sticky Strip and gathered a strip of Very Vanilla 5/8" Satin Ribbon over it. I used Not Quite Navy ink to stamp the foliage image on the top of the card base and for the Easter greeting on Very Vanilla card stock. The greeting is punched out with the Decorative Label Punch (gotta love it) and then ran through the Big Shot with the bottom edge of the punched piece on the edge of the new Framed Tulips Embossing Folder. This was a really quick and fun card to make . . . give it a try.

Ready for Something Sweet?

2011-01-26T17:32:00.000-08:00

I love punches and one of the most fun to use is the new "Build a Cupcake" punch in the Occasions Mini. This punch is really cool and of course coordinates with a great stamp set, "Create a Cupcake", which you can find on Pg 22 of the mini just above the punch. In our last swap I received some cards from my friend Julie B. using these new products. Here is a really sweet birthday card that she created with them.

I love the fact that this stamp set comes with phrases and greetings, which makes it pretty useful in my book. I also love the new Crumb Cake 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon and Melon Mambo PomPom Trim that she used . . . both are new in the mini. Great job Julie!

Sale-A-Brate!!

2011-01-24T18:10:00.000-08:00

The much anticipated Sale-A-Bration event starts tomorrow, January 25th, and runs through March 31st. During this time you can select any one of the FREE products shown in the SAB catalog when you purchase $50 in product or host a $300 workshop. It's that simple and oh my goodness just look at the super selections of free products this year . . . everything from great stamp sets to ribbon, paper, buttons, decor elements and even a digital CD! The selections are awesome this year but you also have a selection of stamps from our regular IB&C to choose from (pg 11 of the SAB catalog).

Feel free to go directly to my website http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/charibrooks/and click the "Shop Now" button to place your online order or contact me directly and I will be happy to take care of things for you. Either way, you won't have to wait much longer to place your orders.

SAB Coming Soon

2011-01-23T17:58:00.000-08:00

There is only one more day to take advantage of the "Filled with Love" special and only one more day to wait for the start of Sale-A-Bration!!

I have to say that I was so tickled when I saw the Sale-A-Bration (SAB) selections this year . . . I just love the colors and when I saw the Digital Content CD being offered this year I nearly fell off my chair. I can't wait to place my order on Tuesday and earn a lot of FREE items from the SAB catalog. If you haven't seen one of the SAB catalogs yet you can contact me and I will be happy to send one to you, or you can of course wait until Tuesday and check it out on line. Until then, here is a card I made using the some of the new SAB items that I was able to get in advance . . . being a demonstrator has a lot of advantages!

The colors on this one came from the "Ice Cream Parlor DSP & Quick Accents Pack" that is one of the free SAB selections and the stamp set I used is one of my favorite SAB selections, "Punch Bunch".

Additional supplies: Melon Mambo, Old Olive and Whisper White card stock; Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight and Pacific Point markers; Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder (w/Big Shot); Old Olive Satin Ribbon; 1 3/4" Scallop Circle punch.

A Gem is a Gem

2011-01-20T17:41:00.000-08:00

I have a few favorite sets from the Occasions Mini and "You're a Gem" is one of them. I love this set and received a few swaps from my upline Liz using this set. Here is just one of her great ideas using this great set along with the "First Edition" Specialty DSP from the mini.

This is a classic look using Very Vanilla, Basic Black, and Brushed Gold card stock and inks. She uses several punches (scallop circle and 1 1/4" circle) to create the flower using the First Edition DSP. A piece of linen thread, black 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Gold Glimmer Brad and a couple more punches were also used to create this special card. I just love this card!

Thank You

2011-01-18T17:48:00.000-08:00

Many of you are already aware that I haven't been posting anything lately because my husband was very ill and passed away last week. It has been a very difficult time for our family but we appreciate all of your wonderful cards and prayers. We have felt the love and support from all of you. Please be patient with me over the next few days while I try to get back in to the swing of things and start posting again. I'd like to share a card that I received from Cherie M. in our last swap . . . appropriate because it represents the "hugs and kisses" sent to all of you for your recent support.

She used Love Impressions Specialty DSP, Real Red, Basic Gray and Very Vanilla card stock, Victoria Crochet Trim, Sticky Strip tape, 1 1/4" Circle punch, Decorative Label punch, Scallop Edge Border punch, Heart Pressed Letterpress Plate (on strip of Basic Gray card stock), Real Red and Soft Suede ink (soft suede was sponged over the DSP and punched pieces) and the "XOXO" stamp set.

Love Impressions DSP Cutie

2011-01-07T14:05:00.000-08:00

I have another great card idea from Cherie M. to share today. This is another idea using the new "XOXO" stamp set and Love Impressions DSP from the mini.

This one starts with a Basic Gray card base and layers of Real Red card stock and then the Love Impressions DSP on top of that. Additional supplies include Whisper White and Pink Pirouette card stock, Real Red ink, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle punch, 1 1/4" Circle punch, Heart to Heart punch, Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon and dimensionals.

XOXO

2011-01-06T11:23:00.000-08:00

Love is in the air with the new "XOXO" set and Love Impressions DSP in the Occasions mini. Here are a couple of great swaps that I got from Cherie M. using these new products. I love this new DSP because it has texture on some of the sheets where it feels embossed (raised) . . . very cool in person.

This card starts with a Whisper White card base and a layer of Love Impressions DSP created with the Top Note die in the Big Shot. A layer of Real Red card stock that was punched with the Scallop Trim Border punch and a greeting from the "A Word for You" set in the regular catalog add to the charm on this one.

This card also starts with a Whisper White card base and layers of the Love Impressions DSP. This one uses the Scallop Edge Border punch on Whisper White and the focal point greeting comes from the new "XOXO" set. A little linen thread ties the "love" to a piece of White 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon to complete the card.

It's Here - the Occasions Mini Catalog

2011-01-04T17:17:00.000-08:00

The Occasions Mini Catalog is now available and you are going to absolutely love some of the awesome sets and products in this catalog. I was so tickled when I first saw it and had to control the length of my wish list . . . it was very, very long but I'm trying to pace myself. This mini takes us from Valentine's through Mother's Day and you are in for some real treats. Check out the "Build a Blossom" set and "Blossom Petals Punch" on Pg 12 . . . OMG!! I also just loved everything in the Springtime Vintage Suite, starting on Pg 18, and the trinkets on Pg 24, all of the Botanical Gazette Suite items, starting on Pg 26, and can you believe it . . . Fabric Designer Brads on Pg 36, and so much more. I just fell in love with everything, including two more Fabric selections. Whoo hoo! You can view a pdf version of the catalog by clicking on the catalog image on the right side of my blog or feel free to contact me if you would prefer a hard copy, and aren't already on my mailing list, so I can make sure to get it to you right away.

Keep checking back each day for some great card ideas using all of the new sets and accessories you'll see in this mini. I swap card ideas with some very talented ladies for each new mini and they all really knocked my socks off.

Only One Day Left

2011-01-02T16:21:00.000-08:00

There is only one day left to order from the Holiday Mini Catalog . . . and two more days before all of the exciting new products in the Occasions Mini will be available, so get your lists made and your orders placed accordingly.

I have another one of my swap cards to share with you using the "Filled with Love" stamp set. Even though this set is offered in the Holiday Mini Catalog it will continue to be offered through January 24th for the current promotion. If you want to see more details on the special offer involving this set just click on the "love" in the upper right corner of this sight for more details.

This card actually measures 5 1/4" x 5 1/4", and fits great inside our 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" envelopes. It starts with an Old Olive card base and is topped with several scalloped squares. The smallest square is in Whisper White and layered on to a Rich Razzleberry square, both of which were created using the Scallop Square Duo Die in the mini, then those were layered on to the largest square that was created with Tempting Turquoise card stock, the Scallop Square Bigz clear die (pg 207 of the IB&C) and the Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder. Additional supplies: Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise and Rich Razzleberry markers, Brights Brads and Designer Buttons, Small Heart punch, 3/4" and 1" Circle punches, Linen Thread and dimensionals.

Final Post of 2010

2010-12-31T10:59:00.000-08:00

For my last post this year I wanted to share a couple of gift ideas that I made for Valentine's Day, and still staying with the same color scheme, "Filled with Love" stamp set, and basic supplies used on all of the cards posted this week.

I started with the Box #2 die and Very Vanilla card stock, used Riding Hood Red and Basic Black markers to the stamp image seen on the top of the box, wrapped the box with a couple of strips of Love Letter DSP and a piece of 1/8" Black Taffeta Ribbon. I then used the same markers on the greeting that I stamped on a tag made with Very Vanilla card stock and one of the tags from the "Lots of Tags" sizzlit 4-Pack dies, then backed it with a piece of Riding Hood Red punched with the new Decorative Label punch, and added a little more interest with the paper piercing tool around the edges. Finally, I punched a couple of hearts with the small hearts punch, added Basic Rhinestones and an Antique Brad.

This one starts with a thick Window Sheet that was run through the Big Shot with the Pillow Box die, then again inside of the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (look closely for dot impressions). I used the Movers & Shapers die with the "Punch Windows" set of images (large heart) with the Love Letter DSP and a piece of chipboard. You can't see the dimension of the chipboard in this photo but the strength of the chipboard was necessary to stabalize and hold the focal point on the curved surface of the Pillow Box. I then ran a piece of Riding Hood Red card stock, that was punched using the Large Heart punch, through the Big Shot in the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, attached the greeting (punched with the new 3/4" x 15/16" Oval punch) to it with a black Mini Library Clip, and adhered it to the larger DSP covered chipboard piece with dimensionals. I added a small heart punched from black card stock and a Basic Pearl. To finish it all up I did a basic basting (loose) stitch down the center of a piece of Black 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, gathered it by pulling on the thread then tied it around the Pillow Box and adhered the heart focal point with dimensionals. The candy used to fill this box was from the Dark Chocolate M&M pieces, which surprisingly matched the colors pretty closely.

I wish all of you a healthy and prosperous New Year!!

And, More Love

2010-12-30T08:30:00.000-08:00

Here are yet two more card ideas using the "Filled with Love" set and the same basic color scheme and supplies.

Here I started with a Basic Black card base, added a layer of the Love Letter DSP, wrapped it with some 5/8" Black Satin Ribbon (hard to see in this photo) and attached with a Antique Brad. I used Basic Black and Riding Hood Red markers on the greeting and focal point (stamped on Very Vanilla card stock), punched it out with the Decorative Label punch and added a few Basic Peals.

I used the same card stock and markers on this one but also used one of the stamps from the Northern Hearts hostess set, from the mini, 1 1/4" Black Striped Grosgrain Ribbon and a couple of extra punches.

Filled with Love continued

2010-12-29T07:30:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple more ideas using the "Filled with Love" set that I hope you enjoy. These were also samples that I came up with for our last Expo display. Both of these cards continue to use the same color scheme, DSP and basic supplies as those posted over the last couple of days but they take on an entirely different look when the card base color changes to Very Vanilla. Just goes to show that you can come up with so many different looks while using the same basic supplies.

Supplies: Filled with Love set; Riding Hood Red and Basic Black markers; Love Letter DSP, Very Vanilla, Basic Black and Riding Hood Red card stock; Full Heart and Heart to Heart punches; 5/8" Black Satin Ribbon and Antique Brads.

Supplies: Filled with Love and Northern Hearts (Holiday Mini - hostess) stamp sets; Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red and Basic Black card stock; Riding Hood Red and Basic Black markers; 3/4" and 1" Circle punches; 5/8" Black Satin Ribbon, Naturals (Black) Brads and dimensionals.

More Love

2010-12-28T15:16:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple more card ideas using the "Filled with Love" stamp set, and continuing with the color scheme from yesterday.

I used Riding Hood Red, Basic Black and Very Vanilla card stock and inks, the Scallop Edge Border punch, Full Heart punch, Black 1 1/4" Striped Grosgran Ribbon, Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Brights Designer Buttons, Basic Rhinestones and dimensionals to create this one.

Here I used the same card stock and ink but I also used the same color markers for the "Feb 14" stamp. I also used the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing folder on the card front and punched the small heart, that was stamped in Riding Hood Red on to the same color card stock, popped it up on a dimensional and added a Basic Pearl. The Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon bow was affixed with a mini glue dot.

It's all about the Love

2010-12-27T10:07:00.000-08:00

With the current special offered on the "Filled with Love" set, I thought I would share some of the fun cards and ideas that I made for our last expo display. Keep checking back all week for more.

This one uses the "Love Letter" DSP, Riding Hood Red, Basic Black and Very Vanilla card stock. I also used the Decorative Label, Full Heart and 1 3/4" x 7/8" Oval punches, Victoria Crochet Tim, Sticky Strip tape and one of the Antique Brads.

This one continues to use the Riding Hood Red card stock, Black ink and the Full Heart punch. I added some texture to the bottom of the card by running it through the Big Shot in the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing folder. I stamped the small heart image in Riding Hood Red, punched it out using the Small Heart punch and added a little bling with a Basic Rhinestone.

Don't forget . . . we only have one more week to order from the Holiday Mini so make sure to take another look through the catalog to double check any last minute items you need to order.

Ultimate Ornament

2010-12-23T14:37:00.000-08:00

I have one last ornament to share with you this year and that is one that I cased from Liz's Christmas Wreath idea. I did a wreath in miniature, using the smallest square scallop on the Scallop Squares Duo die from the mini and some "Deck the Halls" DSP. I added a couple of stamps from the "Bells and Boughs" stamp set, Deck the Halls Designer Button, Naturals Button, Linen Thread, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle and Decorative Label punches, and tied it all up with the Always Artichoke Seam Binding.

Mini Glue Dots were used to hold the cone scallop square cones closed and the buttons on while Multipurpose Liquid Glue did the trick for the rest (I used a Scallop Circle Bigs die, #113468, to attach and layer the cones on - in Cherry Cobbler card stock, but no picture of the back).

A "hoot" of a Penguin

2010-12-22T15:50:00.000-08:00

Here is a cute penguin card that was made using the new Two-Step Owl punch. This card was displayed in our last Expo booth, and honestly I'm not sure if Julie or Liz created it, but I love the use of this versatile punch. I have seen so many different images created with this punch and love this idea a lot.

Candy Cane Christmas DSP and colors were used on this one along with the the Scallop Square Duo die from the mini catalog. The greeting on this comes from the "Curly Cute" set on Pg 149 in the IB&C.

Favorite Christmas Card

2010-12-21T11:05:00.000-08:00

I sent out more than one design of Christmas card this year but my favorite was this one. I had some of the Deck the Halls fabric left over from other projects and wanted to use it up when I came up with this card. I love the "Bells and Boughs" set from the mini and loved using it on several cards and projects this year.

I started with a Cherry Cobbler card base and ran a portion of the card front through the Big Shot in the "Petals-a-Plenty" Embossing folder, then stamped one of the images from the stamp set with Cherry Cobbler ink in the upper right corner, wrapped the fabric around the card front and gathered it with some linen thread. Then I stamped the greeting in Cherry Cobbler on Very Vanilla card stock, punched it out with the Oval Scallop punch, adhered that to a piece of Sahara Sand that was punched out with the Decorative Label punch from the mini. The Sahara Sand piece was crumpled for extra texture, a thin strip of Cherry Cobbler card stock and a few Basic Pearls were added to the bottom, then the focal point was attached to the card with dimensionals.

In case you were wondering, I created the scallop edge on the fabric strip by running it through the Big Shot on the smallest scallop square of the Scallop Squares Duo Die in the mini (see photos and details below).

start with 2 1/4" wide strip - long enough to go around project

place fabric over left, top and bottom scallop edges then fold layers back and forth within right and left edges of scallop die

see several folds here - inside the right scallop edge

then let the last folded layer extend out to the exterior edge of the right scallop edge - you now have one edge on both right and left and several folds inside (the bottom edge of fabric shown here so that you can see the multiple layers but it would actually be laid so that the bottom edge is outside of the scallop edge before running through the Big Shot so that it will be cut with the scallop edge).

make your normal "sandwich" and run through the Big Shot

once it is run through the Big Shot you should have one continuous scallop edged piece of fabric.

here is the final strip with scalloped edges all of the way around.

Feel the "Love"

2010-12-20T11:46:00.000-08:00

I had a lot of fun using the "Filled with Love" set for our last swap and especially love this next card. Make sure to check out the SU special on this stamp set . . . give yourself a little Christmas cheer and order yours today.

I started with a Crumb Cake card base, added a strip of Sticky Strip tape, gathered a bit of Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding along it and topped that off with a row of hearts (punched with the small Heart punch and sponged edges of each heart with Crumb Cake ink). I added a stamped heart image (in Crumb Cake ink), that was punched out using the large Heart punch, a piece of "Deck the Halls" fabric that was created with the smallest scallop square on the Scallop Square Duo Bigs Die (Pg 17 of the mini) and gathered and attached to the heart with a Vintage Trinkets Brad. A couple more stamps and a button from the Deck the Halls Big Designer Buttons and voila. Lots of love for Valentine's Day comes in this cutie and I love the Crumb Cake and Cherry Cobbler color combo on this one.

"Filled with Love" Bundle Specials

2010-12-17T11:10:00.000-08:00

Today through January 24, 2011, get a FREE package of Bitty Buttons--a $4.95 value--when you purchase an exclusive Filled with Love Bundle. See details below.

Filled with Love Bundle includes:
the Filled with Love Set (Pg 43 of Holiday Mini catalog) and Love Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack
Item #124380 (wood mount) $32.90 or Item #124381 (clear mount) $26.90

The Love Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack can also be purchased separately, and includes:
12 sheets total: three 12" x 12" sheets of two double-sided designs in Real Red and Pretty in Pink
Item #124156 $9.95

Click on the "Filled with Love" image on the right side of this page to view the promotion flyer for full details and then place your online order, by clicking the "shop now" button, view additional promotions, or you can always contact me directly and I will be happy to personally assist you with any questions or in placing your order.

Here are a couple of card ideas I came up with for my swap using this set:

Cherry Cobbler, Sahara Sand and Basic Black card stock; Black StazOn, Cherry Cobbler and Basic Black ink; Scallop Squares Duo die, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Basic Pearls, Small Heart punch, window sheets, Naturals Designer Buttons, 1/8" Black Taffeta Ribbon and mini glue dots.

Blushing Bride, Basic Black and Shimmer card stock; Basic Black ink; Lots of Tags sizzlits die, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Scallop Edge Border punch, Scallop Trim Border punch, Decorative Label punch, Small Heart punch, Bitty Buttons, 1/2" Blushing Bride Stitched-Poly ribbon, 1/8" Black Taffeta ribbon and 1/2" Lace Trim.

Julie's Gems

2010-12-16T16:25:00.000-08:00

I have some terrific Christmas card ideas to share that came from my friend Julie B. in our last swap. All of these cards are made with the "Tags Til Christmas" set from the mini catalog . . . check them out!

I love the Basic Pearls that she used on this one as well as the Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz that she used on the embossed background (hard to see the shimmer in this photo but it's there).

My kind of card . . . quick and easy and the "Jolly Holiday" DSP she used for this one is one of my favorites.

Check out the Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding that is gathered on a strip of Sticky Strip on the Deck the Halls DSP here . . . very cool.

It looks like she used some "Celebrations" DSP on this one to set the color scheme for this cute snow man. As you can see this set is not just for making tags. I love the versatility of this set and all of the great samples that Julie came up with. Thanks for sharing Julie.

Another Ornament

2010-12-15T18:31:00.000-08:00

I have another ornament idea to share with you that is pretty easy but takes just a few extra minutes of cutting . . . and the payoff I think was well worth the time. I cased the idea of layering the petals from this particular stamped image from something I saw my upline do on a card. Thanks for the great idea Liz.

For this little gem I started with a chipboard circle (largest circle in the Circle #2 die - Pg 213 of the IB&C) and stamped the image from the "Bells and Boughs" stamp set in Early Espresso ink, then used an Always Artichoke marker (writing tip) to add some color to the branches. I then stamped the largest flower image three times, with Early Espresso ink, on to Brushed Gold card stock (used heat tool to make sure image was set and dry) before cutting out three layers of the image - one of the entire flower image, then one with what appeared to me to be a second layer of petals on the flower, and the last being the smallest layer of petals. I layed the three layers, one on top of the other adhering with mini glue dots, and applied a little Gold Glass Glitter to the center with a dab of the Multipurpose Liquid Glue before attaching to the project with a dimensional. I also stamped two of the smallest flower images from the stamp, with Early Espresso ink, on to Shimmery White card stock, cut those out and adhered them using mini glue dots. I used the Crop-A-Dile to punch a hole in the top, trimmed the edge with Sticky Strip and used the Gold Glass Glitter to cover the edge all the way around (the Sticky Strip will fold over the front and back edges of the circle and holds the glitter very nicely). I then stamped the greeting from this set on Crumb Cake card stock, with Always Artichoke ink, distressed and crumpled the tag and added it along with the Always Artichoke Seam Binding tie to finish it. Take a look a couple more pictures of the finished ornament below.

"Bells and Boughs"

2010-12-14T14:49:00.000-08:00

If you are still working on those Christmas cards let me share a few ideas using the "Bells and Boughs" stamp set from the Holiday Mini catalog. These were some fun ideas that Tami came up with for our last swap. I think she did a great job and love this set as well as the "Deck the Halls" color scheme, fabric and DSP used.

Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, and Very Vanilla card stock and ink, along with some Deck the Halls DSP, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding and button were used for this card. You may also notice that the Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder, Scallop Rectangle clearlits die, Pearl basics and a couple of punches were also used to create this charmer.

Here she started with a Cherry Cobbler card base and added a couple of stamped images and added interest with a little embossing, using a strip cut out of the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder. Then you will see a flower created with a couple of layers of the Deck the Halls fabric and the Flower die, then Deck the Halls DSP punched with the 1 3/4" Scallop Circle punch, a Cherry Cobbler cirle and a Deck the Halls button and Glimmer Brad finish off the center of the flower. The greeting was stamped in Vanilla Craft ink and punched out using the new XL Decorative Label punch. Some Gold Glass Glitter and Vanilla Seam Binding add the final touches.

For this one she used Deck the Halls DSP, Crumb Cake and Early Espresso card stock, a couple more punches and another button. Gold Glass Glitter was also used with another Basic Pearl and a little hint of the Early Espresso Waffle Paper peaks out of the bottom center. Very nice ideas Tami.

Extraordinary Christmas Wreath

2010-12-13T11:32:00.000-08:00

Did I mention lately that I have an awesome upline? Well, I do . . . and she is so very talented!! I am still recovering from my surgery, and didn't have a chance to take more pictures of some of my own creations, so I thought I would share one of my very favorite samples that Liz came up with for our booth at the last Scrapbook Expo. This is an awesome wreath that she created and everyone just loved it. My picture really doesn't do it justice.

Liz used the Scallop Square Bigz Die (Pg 207 of the IB&C) and a couple packages of the Deck the Halls DSP to create all of the 90+ cones that make up the wreath. I believe the banner was made from the brushed gold card stock that she distressed. If you are interested in getting step by step instructions to make your own wreath you can check out her website (http://www.seeinginkspots.blogspot.com/) for details.

By the way, my knee surgery went well and I am finally up to coming out to my office, checking email, and moving around a little bit. I hope to be posting more over the next few days and thank you to everyone for their prayers and well wishes.

Christmas Chocolates

2010-12-07T18:40:00.000-08:00

I have to share a way that I found for being a little more frugal this year. I discovered, or maybe just finally realized, that the 1 lb boxes of See's candy are partitioned in to two sections. While I love giving this candy to my friends and family, I find that being able to split the 1 lb box in to two gifts makes it even more enjoyable. Let me show you.

Here is my finished gift but let me show you a few of the pieces and how I brought it together.

I had to have a template so this is one of the two dividers that hold the candy in place inside the 1 lb box. Of course I had to move the chocolate aside so that I had a template to use, and I needed a little sugar to get me through the creative session of this project too. LOL

Once I had the divider out of the box I just measured it and created my own box bottom out of Cherry Cobbler card stock.

I also created the bottom of the box with a layer of Deck the Halls DSP on the bottom of the Cherry Cobbler card stock . . . this strengthens the box bottom as well as adds to the gift.

Then I just lifted the section, with chocolates, in to my hand crafted box . . .

created a box top with a Window Sheet, embellished a belly band and voila.

I used more DSP for the belly band, the "Bells and Boughs" stamp set, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla card stock, 2 1/2" Circle punch, Scallop punch, Cherry Cobbler and Always Artichoke markers to create the tag and reinforced the box top corners with pieces punched with the Modern Label punch and some gold brads.

This gift was for one of my co-workers who helps me out quite a bit, and never complains.

I gave this to her today and by the end of the day I think it was all gone.

The chocolate worked wonders for her stress level!

Seeing Stars?

2010-12-06T18:41:00.000-08:00

I love the Stars #2 die so I have a little star theme going on the tree this year. My Big Shot has been sitting out and ornaments just keep being created . . . but I haven't spotted one elf yet. Here is another one of the ornaments that adorn our tree this year.

I had a package of clear plastic ornaments in my cupboard, that were left over from a Christmas project a couple of years ago, so I put them to good use. I used the Stars #2 die to create the stars in Cherry Cobbler and Brushed Gold card stock. The belly band was created with the Deck the Halls DSP and the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch. I also added a few strips of Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler and Brushed Gold card stock inside the ornament, after running them through the crimper, and finished with some Basic Pearls and Very Vanilla 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon. Quick and easy . . . my kind of project.

Another view with different color background

Here's the back side . . . a little blurry because I was holding it to take the picture and it kept swinging. LOL

Fabric Ornaments

2010-12-05T19:23:00.000-08:00

I have been having great fun making ornaments for our tree. I have chosen to go with a "Deck the Halls" color scheme using the DSP and awesome fabric. Here is one of the most recent ideas that I came up with.

I used the Scallop Square and Stars #2 dies with the Big Shot and adhered the star to the front of the square by using the Adhesive Roll from the mini catalog. The adhesive roll makes it so easy to adhere fabric to fabric . . . I just ran a piece of the adhesive sheet through the Big Shot with the same Stars #2 die image and followed the directions. It was very easy! I did pull my sewing machine out and stitched a layer of batting between the two Scallop Squares, after sewing one of the Designer Buttons on to the center of the star. A little Always Artichoke Seam Binding and Victoria Crochet Trim were also used to finish this off.

They look great on the tree!

Here is a picture of a couple of them in front of a different background so you can see a little more detail.

Holiday Bundles

2010-12-02T18:46:00.000-08:00

You still have time to take advantage of ordering the Holiday Bundles through December 16th. If you order now you can get them in time for Christmas to make some cool cards, great gifts, or terrific tags. Enough rhyming . . . you get the picture. Click the picture on the right side of my blog to view the flyer and then give me a shout or go on line to place your order directly.

Did you know that you get a better shipping rate if you place your online orders by connecting directly through my website? It's true, so make sure to start at my website: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/charibrooks/

then, click "Shop Now" to get started.

More Ornaments

2010-12-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

I am making all of the ornaments for our tree this year and have been having fun coming up with several ideas. Here are a couple more ornaments that I came up with last month for our tree at the Expo. I'll share some of my recent creations with you in the coming days.

I started with the new "Scallop Squares Duo" Bigz Die in the mini, Deck the Halls DSP and Soft Suede card stock. I also used the "Northern Hearts" hostess set, Very Vanilla Craft Ink, Stars #2 die, chip board, new 2 1/2" Circle punch, Silver Glass Glitter and Silver Tinsel Trim.

Here's a close up, at least a blurry version, of the interior suspended star. I used clear thread to achieve the suspended star by adhering it between the layers of DSP applied to the chipboard star and tied off to an extra piece of Soft Suede card stock inside the two square scallops from the die.

These were a lot quicker and easier . . . "Delightful Decorations" stamp set, Ornament punch, Basic Rhinestones, Cherry Cobbler and Soft Suede card stock and ink, and Silver Tinsel Trim. Stamp and punch three images, fold in half, and adhere together to create the 3-D ornament.

Super Stockings

2010-11-28T17:30:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite new items in the Holiday Mini Catalog is the fabric. I just love this new fabric and have been creating several things with the "Deck the Halls" pack that I ordered. You can use this fabric on cards, any number of craft or sewing projects, and so much more. I especially love the ideas that you get on the project sheet that comes with each package, along with the easy to follow instructions.

Here is a picture of the adorable stockings that Tami made for our Expo booth. This is one of the project ideas that you get with the fabric pack. She made both of these stockings from one package of fabric, and a few accessories (seam binding, buttons, etc.). They came out so adorable . . . my picture really does not do them justice.

I will be sharing more fabric ideas in the coming days so check back often.

We're OPEN 24/7

2010-11-25T09:21:00.000-08:00

There are no lines and no waiting just make your list and place your order. Check out a few of the spectacular savings being offered during the ONLINE SPECTACULAR, including a rare offer on "My Digital Studio" and the new designer fabric:

50% off Products:

Item #118108 Pg 181 My Digital Studio™ Reg. $79.95 SALE $39.98

Item #121715 Pg 16* Candy Cane Christmas Designer Fabric Reg. $9.95 SALE $4.98

Item #121716 Pg 16* Deck the Halls Designer Fabric Reg. $9.95 SALE $4.98

Item #124240 Pg 162 Sweet Shoppe Alphabet Wood-Mount Bundle Reg. $63.90 SALE $31.95

                                      (Includes Sweet Shoppe Alphabet Upper and Lower Wood-Mount Stamp Set)
Item #124241 Pg 162   Sweet Shoppe Alphabet Clear-Mount Bundle Reg. $47.90 SALE $23.95
                                                  (Includes Sweet Shoppe Alphabet Upper and Lower Clear-Mount Stamp Set)

40% off Products:
Item #124242 Pg 63     Simply Said Bundle   Reg. $37.45   SALE $22.47
                                                  (Includes Simply Said Stamp Set and Daisy Dash Jumbo Stampin’ Around® Wheel)
Item #124243 Pg 63     Amitié Bundle   Reg. $37.45   SALE $22.47
                                                  (Includes Amitié Stamp Set and Daisy Dash Jumbo Stampin’ Around Wheel)
Item #124245 Pg 187   Fire and Ice Brad Bundle   Reg. $32.85   SALE $19.71
                                                  (Includes Circle Fire, Circle Ice, and Square Fire Rhinestone Brads)

AND SO MUCH MORE . . . .

*From the 2010 Holiday Mini Catalog **From the 2010-2011 Definitely Decorative brochure

Visit my website to view a complete list of the sale items and "SHOP NOW"!

"Online Spectacular" SALE

2010-11-22T16:42:00.000-08:00

Stampin' Up! is having an awesome sale to celebrate the holiday. Starting today you can save up to 50% OFF on select merchandise when you place an online order. Click this picture on the right side of my page and it will wisk you off to my SU website where you can view the promotions, get all of the details, and place your online order whenever you are ready. You can even get My Digital Studio and the fantastic Fabric from the Holiday Mini Catalog at absolutely amazing prices during this sale (whoo hoo)!!

You only have 9 days to take advantage of this great sale so do your shopping early.

SALE ENDS NOVEMBER 30TH

Holiday Happiness

2010-11-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving in just a few days I am already thinking of the excitement of decorating for Christmas next weekend. With a bad knee I am not able to climb up and down a ladder right now but thank goodness my husband is tall and can reach some of the Christmas decorations for me. It may take a little longer but a tree will go up and some pretty cool ornaments will be on it. Here are a few of the ornaments that I contributed to the "Deck the Halls" trimmed tree at the last Expo booth we did.

I used the "Peaceful Season" Hostess set from the Mini on this one along with the Big Shot and several different dies (Scallop Circle, etc.) to create this ornament. The colors obviously came from the "Deck the Halls" DSP that I used. Have you tried the new Glass Glitter from the mini yet? It's awesome! My favorite is the Champagne Glass Glitter shown here.

For this one I again used the Big Shot, with the "Pillow Box" die ("Christmas Collage" stamp was used on the pillow box), "Deck the Halls" fabric (gathered around the box), Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding and Clear Tinsel Trim. I again used the "Peaceful Season" hostess set for the holly and "Teeny Tiny Wishes" for the "Merry Christmas" greeting. I absolutely love this hostess set, especially since we received it FREE from Staampin' Up! at Convention this year. Whoo hoo!!

This one was totally inspired from the samples on Pg. 21 of the Holiday Mini and one that I saw at the SU office in Riverton when we did the tour while at Convention this year. I again used the "Christmas Collage" stamp as the background, stamped in Crumb Cake on the chipboard tag, as well as stamping a separate section of the large background stamp in Always Artichoke on Vanilla card stock and punched with the new 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch. I think you will recognize the holly again from the "Peaceful Season" set again and the "Joy" actually comes from the "Join in the Cheer" strip die that I ran through the Big Shot. I only put a large enough piece of cardstock on the long die over the section that I wanted and voila, no cutting out letters but big time focal point. A little Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Linen Thread, and Basic Pearls were added to finish it off.

More "Deck the Halls" Ideas

2010-11-18T06:56:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more great samples to share with you that use the "Deck the Halls" DSP and fabric.

This is the tree that we had in our booth at the Scrapbook Expo featuring great ornament ideas. Instead of ribbon or garland on this one you might recognize the gold "Waffle Paper" used instead . . . the idea and design was all Liz P.

Here are a couple of close ups of just a few of the hand made ornaments on the tree.

Deck The Halls Expo Style

2010-11-16T18:02:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun at the Sacramento Scrapbook Expo and I loved all of the samples we came up with but my absolute favorites have to be those that were created with the "Deck the Halls" DSP, fabric and colorations. Here are a few more pics from the Expo to enjoy.

Here's Tami in our booth the second day, making sure that we had everything ready to go. She came up with some really cute samples in the "Deck the Halls" corner section of our booth.

It's hard to tell but these cards are sitting on a piano stool that she decorated with the "Deck the Halls" fabric and Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding. She also used some of the gold Glimmer Brads for tacks . . . very cute! Check out some of the Simply Adorned pieces as well. Darn, I forgot to take close ups of those and they were all really cute!

The card tree seemed to reach to the rafters and the cards were awesome. She used the new fabric on a lot of them with all different Big Shot dies.

Here's a really cute frame and picture board that were tucked away. The picture "Chunky Frame" is from our Definitely Decorative catalog (pg 9) and on both of these projects she used the Deck the Halls DSP and matching fabric. The picture inside the frame was adorable but her 8x8 Christmas Album, that she created with the "My Digital Studio" program was to die for. She truly is the queen of DMS in our group.

This last picture shows the great little hat box that was decorated with DSP on the top, Victoria Crochet Trim around top edge, and rows of seam binding and ribbon all around the body. This is a great holiday decor idea for your home and so easy to create.

SAVE 50% off the Regular Price!!

2010-11-15T17:35:00.000-08:00

Want an absolutely awesome deal? This is the one you have been waiting for . . . starting today Stampin' Up! is offering their Standard or Digital+ Starter Kits at 50% off. So, you can now receive over $310 in crafting and business supplies for only $87.50!! This is an amazing opportunity that you don't want to miss. Click on the picture of the flyer in the right hand column of this page to visit my webpage, click the "Join Now" button and enter the password "Stampables" to follow a few quick and easy steps to be on your way in starting your journey as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. We can't wait to welcome you in to the group!!

This amazing offer expires November 30th.

Colors of "Candy Cane Christmas"

2010-11-12T07:47:00.000-08:00

I have more pictures from the Expo to share today and these ideas use all of the colors from the "Candy Cane Christmas" DSP. If you are ever looking to try a new color combo just check out the colors used in the DSP selections . . . you will always find great color combos there.

This is one of the "Design-a-House" ideas you might try. This adorable house was the creation of Julie B. and there was so much detail to take in that I lost track of time trying to see everything that she did on it. These little houses are easy to assemble and decorate to your own taste, and only $5.95 . . . what a deal!!

Here's a picture of some of the ornaments on the silver tree that we had in the corner. You can see how the "Candy Wrapper" Bigz L Die (Pg 10 of the mini) was used to create some fun ornaments.

This was one of my favorite samples from Liz P. She decorated some nesting boxes and created this fun little Christmas Clown that would be a great table decoration in any home but you can easily create this and offer a special little treat inside each box too. This idea is also easily adaptable for any occasion just by changing the colors and paper used. Is she awesome or what? Great job Liz!!

(here's a close up of the head)

Here is a grouping of ideas from the table that includes one of the Decor Elements frames in the back, holiday cupcakes, and several card ideas. There were so many great ideas to look at and yes, the cupcakes were real (although after being there for three days they were looking a little sad).

More Expo Pics

2010-11-08T18:42:00.000-08:00

I have a few more pictures from our cool booth at the Sacramento Scrapbook Expo. There were four of us that came up with all of the samples displayed in the booth and here are a few from Elizabeth P. and Julie B.

This was a great idea that Elizabeth provided showing what you can do with the "Mistletoe" Decor Elements (Pg 13 of the Definitely Decorative catalog). This one is the large Black & Red version that she applied to a glass frame and then backed it with some of the silver Waffle Paper from the mini catalog, a couple of buttons, a little bling, ribbon and an awesome 5-point star at the top finish this wonderful idea off.

All of these cute cards and ideas used the color scheme found in the "Candy Cane Christmas" Designer Fabric and DSP. They were just too cute!! Great job you guys.

Back from Sac

2010-11-07T12:13:00.000-08:00

I am back from Sacramento and a wonderful event at the Sacramento Scrapbook Expo. Our booth at the Expo was so much fun and enjoyed by all. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to visit and enjoy all of the wonderful samples we had to share. We hope you all enjoyed the great make 'n' takes and congratulate the winner of the $100 Shopping Spree (Bettty W.) as well.

Please make sure to check back often as more pictures of the terrific holiday samples from our booth will be posted over the next couple of weeks, and check out the other websites for Elizabeth, Tami and Julie for pics of their samples as well.

Elizabeth (San Jose) http://www.seeinginkspots.blogspot.com/
Tami (Walnut Creek) http://tamiwaddellcreates.typepad.com/
Julie (Hollister) http://justjulieb30.blogspot.com/

More Grateful Ideas

2010-09-29T14:57:00.000-07:00

Here is another swap that I received from Dena using the new "Day of Gratitude" set from the Holiday Mini. Quick, simple and oh so cute . . . try it, you'll like it!

This card starts with a Cajun Craze card base, stamped with the largest image from the set in the same color ink, then layers of Naturals Ivory and Autumn Spice Specialty DSP (the greeting is stamped in Early Espresso over the top of the Cajun Craze image that has been stamped off before being stamped on the Naturals piece). She added some of the new Chantilly Crochet Trim and a couple of Vintage Trinket brads.

Grateful for Great Swaps!

2010-09-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

I have a really cute swap to share that was made by my friend Dena R. She used the "Day of Gratitude" stamp set and the Autumn Spice Specialty DSP from the Holiday Mini. I just love this card, particularly the texture and layering of it.

The colors on this one are from the DSP used, which are Marina Mist, Early Espresso and Old Olive. She also used several other new products from the mini: 2 1/2" Circle punch, Decorative Label punch, Champagne Glass Glitter and some Very Vanilla 1/2" Seam Binding as well as a few things from the regular catalog (Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder, Modern Label punch and Designer Buttons).

Very nice Dena!!

Dark & "Dreamy"

2010-09-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

I have another awesome swap from Liz to share today. She used the new "Dark & Dreary" stamp set and other new products in the Holiday Mini to creat this one. I hope you can see some of the detail on this card as it is definately not dreary in person.

The card base on this is Old Olive, with a little Nite Owl DSP and Whisper White card stock also being used. The card front was run through the Big Shot in the Spider Web Embossing Folder and then smooched with the Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz. She also used several circle punches, the new 2 3/8" Scallop Circle punch, Basic Black Waffle Paper and a couple of Black Flourish Designer Jewels on the body of the spider. This card is so cool in person!

Something Wicked this way comes!

2010-09-06T16:41:00.000-07:00

Wickedly cool that is. Here is another cool Halloween card from Liz. On this one she used the new "Dark & Dreary" stamp set from the mini.

This card starts with a Basic Black card base and the candlabra image stamped in white craft ink. A piece of Whisper White card stock was run through the Top Note die in the Big Shot and then run through again in the new Spider Web Textured Impressions Embossing Folder from the mini. A couple of layers of Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive punched from the Scallop Oval punch and some Old Olive 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon and new Raven 1/2" Lace Trim were added before affixing the top note piece to the card base. A little Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive and Basic Black ink was used on the focal point, that was distressed. The "31" portion of the same image was stamped in black on Old Olive card stock, punched out with the 1/2" circle punch, then popped up on the image with a dimensional. The final touch was the Rhinestone. Definitely wickedly cool!

Raves over "Midnight Raven"

2010-09-02T07:24:00.000-07:00

I just love getting swaps and here's another one from Liz that I just received. This is a really cool idea for Halloween and uses one of the new individual stamps, "Midnight Raven", in the new mini along with an image from the "Dark & Dreary" set.

This card starts with a Peach Parfait (new In-Color) card base and also incorporates Whisper White, Cajun Craze and the "Wicked Fun" Specialty DSP. This DSP is awesome and has texture (fuzzy feeling) on this paper where the black dots are . . . really cool!!! Peach Parfait and Basic Black ink, Top Note die (w/Big Shot), Antique Brads and the new Always Artichoke 1/2" Seam Binding from the Holiday Mini were also used to create this card.

The HOLIDAY MINI is here!!!

2010-09-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

The much anticipated Holiday Mini is finally here! This new mini offers so many awesome products that you will want to pace yourself with orders over the next few months to be able to get everything you will want. From Halloween through Valentine's Day . . . it has it all!!

Here are a couple of ideas to start you thinking about Halloween. The first is an idea that comes from the Stampin' Up! website and is an idea that you might use to create your own Haunted House. The "Design-a-House" Decor Accents is available on Pg 37 of the new mini and is only $5.95. These are going to be red hot so get yours ordered early.

The supplies and instructions to make this house are on the SU website.

The next ideas comes from my latest swap and is a great card from my upline, Liz. She is so talented and absolutely loves all things Halloween.

She used Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black and Whisper White card stock along with the new Wicked Fun Specialty DSP (Pg 172 of IB&C) and "Spider Web" Embossing folder (Pg 6 of the mini). She distress the DSP over the embossed area to allow the white from the DSP to show through. The new "Dark & Dreary" stamp set, Basic Black ink, 1 3/4" Circle and 2 3/8" Scallop Circle punches, Basic Rhinestones and Rich Razzleberry 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon were also used to create this great card. A great idea . . . try it yourself.

"Because I Care"

2010-08-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

I just love getting the new SU catalog and it seems like it takes a while to truly digest everything in it. SU does a great job at providing awesome stamps and accessories but I also love all of the great samples and project ideas that are also included. SU truly has some talented and creative people coming up with all of these ideas.

Here is my take on an idea that I saw on Page 4 of the IB&C. If you compare the two cards you may not see the connection but that's where my inspiration came from . . . some times you just need to be inspired a little and in the end you have a brand new creation.

For my card I used the "Because I Care" Level 1 Hostess set along with Garden Green, Very Vanilla and Woodland Walk DSP card stock. I created the flower image by using Crumb Cake and Garden Green markers direct to the stamp and Chocolate Chip ink for the greeting. I also used the Scallop Edge Border punch, Very Vanilla 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (sprayed on flower portion only) and Basic Pearls for this one.

Take another look through the catalog and see what else might inspire you!

Loving Crochet Trim

2010-08-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already tried one or both of the new Crochet Trims in the new IB&C you should definitely try them . . . they are awesome! They are so easy to work with and add a really nice touch to any probject.

For this card I started with a 6x6 piece of textured Chocolate Chip cardstock, folded in half and stamped one of the images from "Elements of Style" in Chocolate Chip, then trimmed and punched along the front with the Eyelet Border punch. I used some Woodland Walk DSP behind the front flap and tied some Victoria Crochet Trim around, finishing the knot with one of the new Antique Brads. I stamped a sentiment from "Perfect Punches" with Chocolate Chip ink on to Crumb Cake cardstock and punched it out with the coordinating Modern Label punch, adhered that to the bottom right of the card, and accented with Basic Pearls. I finished off with a Crumb Cake bird punched with the Two Step Bird punch, sponged with Chocolate Chip ink and added the eye with another one of the Basic Pearls. I think the Crochet Trim on this one really makes the card.

Holiday Mini Sneak Peek

2010-08-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

Today I have a card that we made in our Make & Take class at Convention. This one uses the new Stamp set "Paisley Prints" and the "Paisley Party" Stampin' Around wheel that will be available in the Holiday Mini Catalog beginning September 1st. It is so cute and was very fun to make.

The card base is Old Olive with the "Paisley Party" wheel rolled over it using the VersaMark Pad instead of a regular stamp pad or cartridge. We stamped the pumpkin image on the Peach Parfait pad and added touches of Cajun Craze and Old Olive to the stamp with markers, stamped it on Whisper White card stock and trimmed out the pumpkin. Then, touched up the stem of the pumpkin image with the Old Olive marker and stamped the image again on our larger sheet of Whisper White and used dimensionals to adhere the cut out image directly over the top and adhered the white piece to our card base. We added some Pumpkin Pie 5/8" Grosgrain ribbon to hide the seam, and did a fold gather using sticky strip, before putting a button from the Brights Designer Buttons on top (linen thread was used in the center of the button before attaching to ribbon with glue dot). The final touch was stamping the greeting from the "Just Believe" set in Early Espresso. I loved how it turned out . . . very fall.

Convention Cutie

2010-08-19T06:28:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share another one of the make & takes that we made at Convention this year. This card is a little cutie and involved a little masking. The circle mask was created by putting a piece of card stock through the Big Shot with the Circles #2 die.

We started with a 3x6 Whisper White piece of card stock, folded in half to make our 3x3 card and centered the circle masking piece over the center. We then sponged (lightest to darkest) Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait and Pear Pizzazz ink within the circle area, removed the mask and stamped the images from "Just Believe" in Early Espresso. The plant image was stamped off first to make the image lighter than the sentiment which was stamped with full color.

Studio Sketches

2010-08-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a card idea for those who like the new "Studio Sketches" stamp set as much as I do. I have to admit that I tend to use one particular stamp in the set more than the others but I find it to be very versatile for many occasions.

I started with a Crumb Cake card base and ran it through the Big Shot with a portion of the card front in the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing folder, then sponged a little Chocolate Chip ink very lightly over the top of the embossed images in random areas. I used Chocolate Chip and Garden Green markers direct to the stamp image and stamped it on Very Vanilla card stock, tore around the image and used a blender pen to remove some of the green ink from the pears before adhering to the card. I used a greeting from the "Because I Care" hostess set and stamped it in Chocolate Chip ink, then smooched it a little with Gold Glow Smooch Spritz, and added a strip of Garden Green card stock with brads from the new Vintage Trinkets.

Woodland Walk Inspired

2010-08-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a card that I made for one of the displays at the recent Santa Clara Scrapbook Expo. This one uses the Woodland Walk DSP and incorporates a color scheme from the same (Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla).

I started with a Chocolate Chip card base and layered two pieces of Woodland Walk DSP, both of which are from the same sheet but opposite sides, then wrapped a little Very Vanilla 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon around the card. I created the focal point with stamping a flower image from the new "Happiness Shared" stamp set on Very Vanilla card stock and ran it through the Big Shot in the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, then punched it out with the XL Oval punch. This was then layered on a piece of Chocolate Chip created with the Lots of Tags die and the Big Shot. The greeting comes from the "Because I Care" hostess set and is stamped in Chocolate Chip on Crumb Cake card stock, trimmed and a few Basic Pearls added to the edge.

Just Believe

2010-08-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

I have three card ideas to share today using the new Elegant Soiree DSP. I just love the colors in this DSP and couldn't wait to get it when I saw the new catalog. All of these ideas also use the new "Just Believe" stamp set that I got free by attending Convention this year.

This card starts with a Baja Breeze card base and layers of Basic Gray, Soft Suede and Very Vanilla. I used Baja Breeze and Soft Suede markers on the flower image stamp and stamped the greeting with Basic Gray ink. I also used the new Basic Pearls, Scalop Trim and Scallop Edge Border punches.

Here I started with a Baja Breeze card base and ran the bottom front portion of the card through the Big Shot in the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, then layered a piece of the DSP on Basic Gray card stock and attached that to the card. The greeting is stamped in Basic Gray, punched with the Modern Label punch, layered on a piece of Baja Breeze that was created using one of the "Punch Windows" dies (for the Movers & Shapers dies) and the Big Shot. I added a couple of Basic Gray brads, and popped the greeting up on dimensionals when affixing to card front. This is a great quick card to make.

For the last one I again started with a Baja Breeze card base and added layers of Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla card stock. I used Baja Breeze and Crumb Cake markers direct to the flower image stamp, and added a piece of Chantilly Crochet Trim and Basic Pearls to the card. I punched out a piece of Baja Breeze cards tock using the Full Heart punch, ran that through the Big Shot in the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, attached Victoria Crochet Trim around the edge with Sticky Strip and attached to the card using dimensionals. I then stamped the greeting in Baja Breeze, punched it out using the Modern Label punch, destressed the edges and attached that to the heart with dimensionals. Voila.

More Santa Clara Expo Ideas

2010-08-09T07:58:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more card ideas that I came up with for the display boards at the Santa Clara Scrapbook Expo this past weekend. All of these cards were based on the Woodland Walk DSP.

This one starts with a Crumb Cake card base and layers Garden Green and Very Vanilla. I used the "Happiness Shared" stamp set on this and shaded the Chocolate Chip image with a tiny bit of Crumb Cake and Garden Green ink with my Aqua Painter. Basic Pearls, 1/2" Chantilly Crochet Trim and Clips Assortment were also used.

For this card I used the "Elements of Style" and "Because I Care" stamp sets. The colors are again Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Garden Green and Very Vanilla, with the Woodland Walk DSP being used. The flower was created using the Fancy Flower and Boho Blossoms punches with one of the new Antique Brads in the center. It might be hard to see in this photo but I also used Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz on the flower petals as well. Basic Pearls (eye on bird) and 1/2" Chantilly Crochet Trim finishes this one off.

This one starts with a Very Vanilla card base and a layer of Garden Green. The "Happiness Shared" stamp set was used along with Chocolate Chip, Garden Green and Crumb Cake ink. The Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Very Vanilla 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Regals Designer Buttons, Linen Thread and a blender pen were also used.

Woodland Walk DSP Ideas

2010-08-05T20:13:00.000-07:00

I have a couple of cards to share that either use the Woodland Walk DSP or the colors therein for inspiration (Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, Crumb Cake and Vanilla). Both of these cards were ideas that I came up with for the sample boards we are using at the Santa Clara Scrapbook Expo this weekend. The Expo starts tomorrow so please stop by the booth to say hello, see these samples as well as many more hand stamped treasures, and stamp a great make & take project. We hope to see you over the next couple of days.

Here I used the "Studio Sketches" set for the focal point image, first stamping it in Chocolate Chip ink then in Garden Green. I cut out the green pears and adhered them over the top of their Chocolate image. The greeting comes from the "Because I Care" set and I also used the Spiral Border and Curly Label punches, and a little Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon.

For this card I didn't actually use the Woodland Walk DSP but held to the same color scheme and started with a Crumb Cake card base that I ran through the Big Shot in the Square Lattice Impressions Folder. I used Chocolate Chip and Garden Green markers direct to stamp on the flower image from the "Happiness Shared" set and added a touch more color to the leaves and flower by shading with a flender pen, then tamped the greeting, from the same set, in Chocolate Chip. I also used the Small Heart punch, a pearl from the new Basic Pearls, and one of the safety pins from the new Vintage Trinkets. This one really pops in person.

Convention Gifts

2010-08-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

I love Convention for many reasons, especially spending time with some great friends. Every year we bring each other little gifts and here are the special treats that I received from my stamping friends this year. These are all very talented ladies and I love and look forward to their creations each year.

This one was made by my upline, Elizabeth, and had a beautiful little bracelet with my initial on it inside.

This package of treasures came from Julie B. Check out the pictures below to see close ups of everything that was included.

This one was created by my roommate, Dena R.

She included four cards inside (new In-Colors) - see card photo below

This little cutie came from Kaylene, who comes from Qatar each year to attend Convention (see photo of personalized pad inside below).

Convention Swaps

2010-08-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

Finally a few minutes to post some of the great swaps I received at Convention. Last week was very busy but this week things have settled down a little so here are just a few of the swaps I got this year. Enjoy.

Convention Make 'n' Takes

2010-07-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

I have a few of the make 'n' takes to share today from Convention. I actually finished all of them this year . . . yahoo!!

The first one is actually four different projects in one. We used the "So Many Thanks" individual stamp on all of them, along with Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Marina Mist and Real Red Markers. The three cards are 3x3 size and fit in the small open-end white envelope (sealed, turned on it's side, slit on the top with half circles punched on the inside to create a pocket), and finished with a little Brights Patterns DSP and 1/4" Daffodil Delight Grosgrain Ribbon.

This quick card uses Soft Suede, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz and Pretty in Pink card stock. We used the Early Espresso Marker again on the same "So Many Thanks" stamp for the greeting and punched it out with the Jewelry Tag punch, tied a bow in Linen thread and attached to the pink heart, punched from the Full Heart punch, then added a little pink flower punched from the Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack and a tiny pearl from the Pearl basic jewels on the focal point. The little suede hearts are stamped with one of the images from the "Paisley Prints" set.

This one was my favorite. We used images from the "Just Believe" set, which is one of my new favorites from the new IB&C. We used Old Olive, Bashful Blue and Not Quite Navy markers direct to rubber then spritzed the stamp lightly with water and stamped on watercolor paper. After that dried for a sec we went back and stamped the greeting over the top, tore the edges and layered on a piece of Bashful Blue card stock, then tore the blue card stock as shown and wrapped a piece of the 5/8" Certainly Celery Satin ribbon around the bottom and adhered to the Not Quite Navy 3 x 6 card base. The finishing touch was the Old Olive button from the Brights Designer Button pack. I love the color combo and everything about this card.

My Convention Swaps

2010-07-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

Today I wanted to share the two swaps that I made and traded at Convention. These were both keeping with the color combo from last week, based on the Greenhouse Gala DSP colors of Chocolate Chip, Pear Pizzazz and Daffodil Delight (inks and card stock).

On this one I used the "Friends Never Fade" stamp set and added Gold Glow Smooch Spritz on the Chocolate Chip card base and on the top of the focal point (flower). I also used the Boho Blossoms punch, Dimensionals and a Clear Brad for this creation.

My second swap idea actually came out a little differently than this one, although this was my original. I used the Scallop Square, 3/4" Circle and Round Tab punches along with the "Perfect Punches" stamp set for the greeting. You can tell I just love the impressions folders as I used both the Square Lattice (Pear Pizzazz background) and Vintage Wallpaper (3/4" circles - punched, in center of Scallop Squares). Some Dimensionals and a little bling from the new Basic Rhinestones pack and this one was done.

Take a look below at a couple of 3D items that I thought about making but never completed any swaps because I ran out of time. Both of these use Big Shot dies in the current catalog and are the same colors used in the above cards. Everything coordinates so nicely!

Riverton Tour Highlights

2010-07-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

I am finally back from Convention and a little tired to say the least. It is always so much fun! Every night we think we are going to get to bed earlier . . . but we are always having so much fun that it never happens. I came home with some great swaps, ideas, and memories. Here are a few of the pictures that I took on our first (check-in) day when we went to the SU! offices/plant in Riverton. They have some great displays there and these pictures are just a few of the wonderful creations that caught my eye.

The table was set for a great party

It all looked good enough to eat . . .

but none of it was edible! Everything was made with SU! supplies of course.

I guess this is what they mean by "eye candy". LOL

There was some awesome detail in the desk accessories, and the typewriter was sweet.

Side wall decorations . . . with really cool old photos.

Convention Bound

2010-07-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! I leave for Convention tomorrow and can't wait to see all of my stamping friends again. One of the amazing perks of being a Stampin' Up! (R) Demonstrator is that you get to meet so many wonderful people and I have been lucky enough to develop some great friendships over the years. Some of these people I only see once or twice a year so it will be fun catching up with everyone and getting to stamp and learn new techniques, etc.

So, here is my last sample posting until I get back from Convention. This one uses the "Friends Never Fade" stamp set and the colors are again Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz and Chocolate Chip.

On this one you may notice that I used the new Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Folder on a piece of Pear Pizzazz that I punched out using the new 2 3/8" Scallop Circle punch. I also used the 1 3/4" Scallop Circle punch, Clearlits Scallop Rectangle die (new) and a little Early Espresso 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon.

I can't wait to share some great swaps with you all when I get back. Have a great week!!

And, More Elements

2010-07-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

I have one more quick card idea to share using the new "Elements of Style" stamp set. This one is very quick and easy.

Here I started with a piece of Whisper White card stock stamped one of the images from "Elements of Style", that I used Chocolate Chip and Daffodil Delight markers on for ink, punched the edge with the Scallop Trim Border punch and sprayed with Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz. Since it's best not to try to punch through too many layers of card stock, I used the 2" x 1 3/8" Oval punch to punch the hole in the white piece then layered it on a piece of Daffodil Delight card stock and punched through that in the same spot, then adhered those layers to a Chocolate Chip card base. The greeting comes from the "Perfect Punches" set, again using the same markers direct to stamp, that I punched out with the coordinating punch (Scallop Oval) then I used a couple of dimensionals to pop it up over the previously punched area of the card and finished with a little 5/8" White Organza Ribbon. Voila.

More Elements of Style

2010-07-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a cute little 4" x 4" note that is quick and easy. This card uses the "Elements of Style" stamp set and a sentiment from "Teeny Tiny Wishes".

The color scheme is once again Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White (from the Greenhouse Gala DSP). The Eyelet Border and Round Tab punches were used along with some Dazzling Diamonds glitter and one of the new Antique Brads. I just love those new Antique Brads and have been using them a lot on other samples I have come up with so be watching for them in future posts.

Here is a different angle to see the dimension and bling.

Elements of Style in Daffodil

2010-07-14T19:59:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't noticed, over my last few postings you should have guessed what my color assignment was from the Gala Greenhouse DSP . . . Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight and Chocolate Chip. My "assignment" is to create some samples for the Santa Clara Scrapbook Expo next month. I have to admit that these are not colors that I would normally be drawn to but they easily go together and come directly from the DSP.

Here is a really quick card starting with a Daffodil Delight card base, that was stamped with an image from the "Elements of Style" stamp set, then a layer of Chocolate Chip that I tortured and distressed before tearing the bottom edge and then a layer of Whisper White Textured card stock, torn along the bottom edge as well. I tied the new 1/4" Daffodil Delight Grosgrain Ribbon around that and added my focal point. I started the focal point with stamping my sentiment (also from same stamp set) in Chocolate Chip ink on to Whisper White Textured card stock, punched it out with the Designer Label punch, layered that on a piece of Chocolate Chip that was punched with the 2" x 1 3/8" Oval punch, layered that on to a piece of Daffodil punched with the new 2 3/8" Scallop Circle punch and sponged the edges with Daffodil Delight. I then added a Flower Brad and Rhinestone and attached it to the card with dimensionals. I just love those punches!!

Talk About Texture

2010-07-13T19:48:00.000-07:00

I have a card idea to share today that is all about layers of texture. The colors on this one are Pear Pizzazz, Chocolate Chip and Daffodil Delight. I also used the Presto Patterns Specialty paper and sponged Daffodil Delight and Pear Pizzazz over it in streaks, from darker/more color at the top and running to lighter layers of the same colors at the bottom.

I also used some of my favorite punches on this one . . . 2 3/8" Scallop Circle punch (new), Two-Step XL Bird punch, 2" x 1 3/8" XL Oval punch, and Scallop Oval punch. A couple of stamps from the "Because I Care" stamp set, Square Lattice Impressions Folder and 1/8" Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon complete the card.

Get Your Bling On

2010-07-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

I have to share that I am so thrilled to see the new Basic Pearls and Basic Rhinestones in the new catalog. I combined images from the "Friends Never Fade" and "Elements of Style" stamp sets to create this card. I love the layers and depth of this one but also . . . the bling!

I used Greenhouse Gala DSP, Chocolate Chip, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White card stock and inks. I ran the Daffodil piece through the Big Shot in the new "Vintage Wallpaper" Embossing folder and spritzed both the bird and flower with Gold Glow Smooch Spritz and added a little bling. Check out a close up of the spritzing effect below.

Greenhouse Gala Again

2010-07-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

Here's one more idea using the new Greenhouse Gala DSP. This was my version of one of the cards found on the front of the new 2010-2011 IB&C.

I used Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White card stock along with the Top Note Die and Big Shot. The background is stamped with Daffodil Delight ink using one of the images from the "Friends Never Fade" set and the greeting is stamped with Pear Pizzazz on the same color card stock and again, only inking the interior "thanks" portion of the stamp, by using a Chocolate Chip marker and stamping on white card stock. The greeting stamp is from the "Perfect Punches" set . . . I just love the set!! I used the 1 3/8" x 5/8" Oval and Scallop Oval punches on the greeting as well as the Scallop Edge Border punch which I used on the strip of Chocolate Chip, before running it through the crimper and applying it to top note piece with sticky strip tape.

Going Greenhouse Gala

2010-07-07T06:28:00.000-07:00

Here is another idea using the new Greenhouse Gala DSP as promised. This one is quick and easy.

This card starts with Textured White card stock and a layer of the my favorite page from the pack of Greenhouse Gala paper, then wrapped with a piece of the new Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta ribbon. The greeting comes from the new "Perfect Punches" stamp set, trimmed and layered on a piece of Pear Pizzazz punched with the Curly Label punch. I also added a piece of Baja Breeze punched from one of the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, attached it to the greeting piece with an Antique Brad, and popped up the greeting with dimensionals for added depth when attaching to the card. Give this quick and easy card a try.

Greenhouse Gala

2010-07-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

I have been playing around with the one of the new DSP packs (Greenhouse Gala) that you will find in the new 2010-2011 IB&C and will be sharing a few of the cards that I have created with it over the next few days.

On this card I started with one of the new In-Colors, Pear Pizzazz, added a piece of the Greenhouse Gala DSP, a strip of Chocolate Chip, and a strip of Whisper White that I punched with the Eyelet Border punch. I stamped a birthday greeting from the new "Perfect Punches" set in Chocolate Chip ink and used the XL Oval punch to punch it out, then popped it up on dimensionals over layered pieces punched with the 1 3/4" Scallop Circle and new 2 3/8" Scallop Circle punch. A thin strip of Chocolate Chip card stock was used in place of ribbon around the middle of this card to finish it off. Check back tomorrow for more Greenhouse Gala DSP ideas.

IT'S HERE!!

2010-07-01T20:18:00.000-07:00

The new 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog is now available from Stampin' Up! and ready for viewing. I know you are going to love the new catalog as much as I do, especially the tons of new projects and artwork contained in this fabulous publication. I love the new colors and all of the new accessories . . . and the Designer Series Papers, oh my!!!

Would you prefer to have your own personal copy to hold in your hot little hands, dog ear, and page through time and time again no matter where you are? Then you're in luck . . . I am offering a FREE copy of the NEW CATALOG when you place a $75 order, or more, through me between now and Monday, July 5th.** Celebrate our country's birthday by giving yourself a gift of stamping!

I already placed my first order today and can't wait to get my hands on some great new products. If you don't have your own copy of the new catalog you can still view it by clicking the catalog image to the right and it will take you to the website where you can "virtually" thumb through the pages, but don't forget that you can get your copy absolutely FREE by placing the qualifying order. Enjoy!

**This offer is good through chari Brooks only and will not be honored by Stampin' Up! or through any other Demonstrator.

The Countdown Begins!

2010-06-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

There is less than 24 hours to order your favorites from the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog. Make sure to take one last glance through the pages of the current catalog and get your orders in right away. Feel free to contact me or go directly to my website http://www.charibrooks.stampinup.net/ and click the "shop now" button in the upper right hand corner to place your orders on line.

I have a couple more swaps to share today using the "Watercolor Trio" set. These swaps came from my stamping friend Julie. I just love her style and always enjoy her ideas.

The first card uses Old Olive, Basic Gray, Rose Red and Whisper White card stock, with a strip of Old Olive Patterns DSP, Rose Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon and Old Olive, Basic Gray and Rose Red ink/markers. Great job Julie!!

This second idea starts with a Sahara Sand card base and adds layers of Basic Black, Always Artichoke and the Groom Specialty Paper. She used black ink for the sentiment, stamped the images in Sahara Sand and Always Artichoke, and used a White Gel Pen for the dots. Mellow Moss (retiring) Taffeta Ribbon was added and the corner rounder punch used on a couple of the corners to finish the card. Thanks Julie for your great ideas.

Stamping Weekend

2010-06-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

Over the next month I will be creating swaps for Convention as well as samples for the next Scrapbook Expo, this time in Santa Clara. I have not finished my swaps for Convention yet but was thrilled to be able to get several things created this weekend for the Expo in August. The theme is vintage, which is not really a strong suit of mine, so I am relying on all of the wonderful SU products that are going to be available in the new catalog for the vintage flavor. Here was one of my first attempts using the new "Elements of Style" stamp set.

I am using one of the new In-Colors, Pear Pizzazz, for the base card as well as the new Greenhouse Gala DSP. I used the Eyelet Border punch on strips of Whisper White card stock, sprayed them with Gold Glow Smooch Spritz, sponged the edges a little with Chocolate Chip ink, ran them through the crimper and adhered to a 1 3/8 circle by gathering the strips around the circle (starting on the outer edge and wrapping around in to the center) that had sticky strip on it. I love how the Smooch Spritz gave regular white card stock this an antique flavor. I also used the Island Floral Bigz Die, Mini Vintage Tag, Very Vanilla 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (gathered along a strip of sticky strip tape) and a pearl in the center of the flower.

Friday Flowers

2010-06-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

I am looking out the window at a wet morning with the hope of a warm sunny weekend. It's not really raining but I felt a drop here and there when I took my dog, Panda, up to the park for our morning walk. It's a good thing the park isn't that far away or I think I would have come back wet.

Anyway, I wanted to share another swap that I got from Tami. For this card she used the "Bouquet Bunch" and "In a Word" sets from the mini. The color scheme is Soft Suede, Tempting Turquoise and Very Vanilla.

I love her use of the Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder along the left side of the card. She achieved this by actually cutting the folder in to strips, along the design, and the placing that on the card where she wanted the impression before running it through the Big Shot. A very cool idea and effect. She also used Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware, Scallop Circle and Designer Label punches, 1/2" Soft Suede Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (upside down) and 1/4" Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain Ribbon to create this card. You may not be able to see it too well but she also applied some Crystal Effects on the vase to make it pop. Thanks Tami.

Perfectly Plum

2010-06-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share another swap that I got from my friend Julie B. She used the new "Watercolor Trio" stamp set on this one and I love the Perfect Plum and Always Artichoke color combo.

Hopefully you can see from this picture that she also used the "Backgrounds 1" Texturz Plate on the background piece, smooched it with Silver Foil Smooch Spritz, and used Perfect Plum and Always Artichoke markers to create the floral focal point stamped on Very Vanilla card stock. A few Silver Brads, Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, and 1/4" Always Artichoke Grosgrain ribbon finishes this one. Very cute Julie!

Only One Week Left

2010-06-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

There is only one week left to order from the current 2009-2010 IB&C!! Make one more pass through the amazing pages of the current catalogs and get your order in before it's too late on those products that will no longer be available after June 30th. Please check with me if you need any stamp pads, markers, reinkers or card stock on those colors that are leaving the line up, but have already been sold out by SU, as I still have quantities of most for sale.

In addition to this reminder I also have a quick card to share using the new "Perfect Punches" set and Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions folder available in the new catalog.

I used Pretty in Pink, Basic Black and Whisper White card stock. The greeting was created with Pretty in Pink and Basic Black markers direct to the stamp, stamped on white card stock and punched out with the Scallop Oval XL punch, then layered on a black piece of card stock punched with the Oval XL punch. I also smooched a piece of the Pretty in Pink card stock with the Silver Foil Smooch Spritz and punched out the heart shape with the Small Heart punch and added a little Rhinestone for some glitz (punch and stone seen in a prior mini catalog and now part of the regular offering in the new catalog). I finished with Pretty in Pink 5/8" Satin Ribbon and Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon.

Heart shape w/rhinestone close up.

Marina Mist Anyone?

2010-06-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

I have to say that I love the new colors joining the SU line up in the 2010-2011 IB&C. One of the new colors is Marina Mist and quickly becoming one of my favorites. I got a few things in my preorder that I just had to share and this card features a few.

The card stock on this one is Marina Mist, Basic Black and Very Vanilla. I used the "Because I Care" stamp set which is a new Level 1 Hostess set in the new catalog. I used markers to apply color directly to the stamp on this flower starting with Baja Breeze all over the flower itself, then adding Marina Mist around the edges and in various areas of the image, then Wild Wasabi on the stem and leaves. I used an Aqua Painter to blend the colors on the flower and stamped the greeting (also in the same stamp set) in black on the bottom and smooched the flower with Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz. I used the new "Vintage Wallpaper" textured impressions folders in the background and added a couple of black brads and 1/8" Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon (also new) to complete the card.

Here is a close up of the flower so you can hopefully see how the colors blend and the extra touch that the smooch spritz adds.

More Birthdays?

2010-06-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! I have another birthday card to share today but this time it's for our country's birthday. This is a quick card that I came up with using the "Red, White & Blue" Jumbo Wheel from the mini. I just love jumbo wheels and seem to end up with quite a few. They really are very versatile when they contain many phases and images lik this particular wheel.

I used Not Quite Navy, Cherry Cobbler (one of the "new" colors coming July 1st in the new catty) and Whisper White card stock. I rolled the wheel across the bottom of the card front inked with the VersaMark pad then used Not Quite Navy and Cherry Cobbler markers to color the images on the wheel that I wanted, rolled it on white card stock and trimmed the images. The Cherry Cobbler star was punched using the XL Star punch and I finished with some 5/8" Organza White Ribbon. Quick and easy!!

Bouquet Bunch Swap

2010-06-17T08:15:00.000-07:00

I have a really cute swap to share today that I received from Tami in our last swap. She uses the "Bouquet Bunch" and "In a Word" stamp sets to create this card.

The card stock is Bashful Blue, Soft Suede and Whisper White. She peek-a-boo opening in the top/front of the card by punching the 1 3/8" square punch a few times then layered the back with a piece of Soft Suede that had the same thing done using the 1 1/4" square punch, and covered the mechanics of that inside the card with a piece of Whisper White card stock (see inside photo below). The Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder, Bashful Blue 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Bashful Blue brad, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pak (to create So Saffron flower in tree), along with Soft Suede and Old Olive ink with a blender pen were also used to create this card. Thanks for the great idea Tami!

Here are pictures of the inside.

And Another Birthday

2010-06-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

My assembly line of birthday cards continues in order to stay on top of all the June birthdays. This card is one I made for a friend of mine whose birthday is next week . . . have to get this one in the mail today.

I started with a So Saffron card base, added a layer of Whisper White that was run through the Big Shot in the Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder (love those folders!) and a couple strips of Island Oasis DSP. One of the Fleurettes II with a Circle Fire Rhinestone Brad in the center adds a little pop to the bottom right side of the card. To color the Fleurette I just applied a Tempting Turquoise marker to the center and moved the color around with an Aqua Painter . . . to me this was a lot quicker than fully dying the Fleurette in water with drops of ink, and that way it wasn't totally saturated so it dried faster and I could finish the card. I also added some Old Olive 5/8" Satin Ribbon and a fun greeting that comes from a brand new stamp set called "Perfect Punches" that will be available in the new 2010-2011 IB&C. This new set perfectly coordinates with several of our punches, obviously where they got the name, and for this image I used the XL Oval punch. The "i" on the greeting is dotted with one of the smallest Circle Fire Rhinestones that I took out of the brad and applied with a little liquid glue.

Father's Day Treat

2010-06-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

With Father's Day coming up this weekend I thought I would share a great idea for a card that I received from Nancy F. in our last swap.

She starts with a More Mustard card base that was smooched with the Log Cabin Smooch Spritz, added Soft Suede 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (upside down), layers a piece of Soft Suede card stock that has been torn along the bottom and sponged with Soft Suede ink. Then she uses the wavy lines stamp from the "Sweet Scoops" stamp set (stamped in Soft Suede ink four times), punches out the images with the 1 1/4" Square punch and layers them on a piece of Not Quite Navy card stock. The greeting window was punched with the Modern Label punch and the greeting stamped inside is from Teeny Tiny Wishes. A black brad attached to the center of a circle, punched with the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, accents the greeting. Great idea Nancy!

Birthdays Galore

2010-06-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

June is a very busy month for me as we celebrate quite a few birthdays in our family this month. Trying to stay on top of sending out all of the cards and gifts every June can be challenging but so far so good. This week we have Ron's oldest son, Brian, having a birthday in Arizona. I came up with this card for him using the new "Birthday Block" individual stamp available in the current mini.

The card base is Crumb Cake (formerly Kraft) and has layers of Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie and Whisper White card stock along with a strip of Travel Journal DSP from the mini. I stamped the image twice, once in Night of Navy and then in Pumpkin Pie, cut out the Pumpkin Pie "your day" and layered it on top of the Night of Navy image. I got that idea directly from the mini, along with so many others, so don't think that you have to reinvent the wheel every time you need an idea. I also stamped the "Medallion" background stamp in Crumb Cake (one of the new stamp pads available July 1st) on the card base and added a couple of buttons to complete this card.

Another Party Favor Box

2010-06-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

Here's another Island Oasis Party Favor Box to check out. This one comes from my friend Dena and she also used the Island Floral Bigz Die on hers. She used Rose Red, Old Olive and So Saffron card stock, Island Oasis DSP, Scallop Circle punch and a Circle Fire Rhinestone brad to complete the topper. Too cute!

Enjoy your weekend!!

Party On

2010-06-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the new Island Oasis Party Favor Boxes in the mini? They are too stinkin' cute! A great little box for any occasion. I created one as a little thank you gift for a friend and love how quickly they come together . . . check it out.

The boxes come with coordinating bellybands but I added the embellishment on top using the new Island Floral Bigz Die, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, So Saffron brad and a sentiment from the "Watercolor Trio" stamp set. The card stock used was Tempting Turquoise, Rose Red, Old Olive and Island Oasis DSP (Pumpkin Pie flower image cut out of DSP).

All About Texture

2010-06-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

Today it's all about texture. Here is the next "Watercolor Trio" card idea using more of the new products in the mini catalog.

This card uses Rose Red, So Saffron, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, and Whisper White card stock along with the Island Oasis DSP from the mini. The flower was created with the Island Floral Bigz Die and the texture on the flower and card front with the Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. The greeting was stamped in Tempting Turquoise and punched out with the Large Oval punch. The Scallop Oval and Wide Oval punches were also used for the greeting and a So Saffron brad used in the center of the flower.