A Cup Of Thanks

 If you have been to my blog before, you might notice a new look.  I've been playing around with the design tab, so stay tuned...

It is so much fun to have new stampin' stuff to play with!  The new Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Catalog is almost here!  The sales period begins on January 4th, but I am here to give you a little sneak peak of the adorable new Tea Shoppe stamp set, and some fresh new designer paper too, but I am most excited about the new Framelits Dies in graduated sizes.

I made this card fresh and clean, but then wondered what it would look like with a more vintage feel, so here is my second one:

Both are just too cute!  Whether your style tends to be more clean, or if you can't resist the vintage look, this stamp set is sure to be a favorite.  I can see birthday, Mother's Day, Easter, friend, get well... it seems like a pretty versatile set.  Aren't those the best kind to add to your stash?

Stamps:  Tea Shoppe (Occasions Mini 125545 [W]; 125547 [C])
Ink:  Blushing Bride, Riding Hood Red, Crumb Cake
Paper:  Blushing Bride, Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Twitterpated DSP (125406)
Accessories:  Basic Pearls (119247)
Tools:  Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (117335), Framelits Dies Label Collection (125598), Scallop Edge Border Punch (119882), Word Window Punch (119857), Modern Label Punch (119849), Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118309), Sponge Dauber (102892), Big Shot

Shop my Stampin' Up! store HERE 24/7.

Take time for yourself today and CREATE SOMETHING FUN!

Renae

Thank You Note Cards

A couple weeks ago I taught a class for seven 9-11 year old girls to make sets of cards for Christmas presents.  This is one of the sets we made.  The girls did a great job on their gifts and we packaged them up in gift bags that they stamped with white snowflakes and made a tag for it as well.

This was a simple card set so that the girls could get them done in a timely manner.  The embossing gives it an easy elegance.

Stamps:  Four Frames (123440 [W]; 123442 [C] ), Silhouette Sentiments (Retired Hostess Set)
Ink:  Chocolate Chip
Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Pool Party, Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride
Accessories:  5/8" Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon (124327), Dimensionals (104430)
Tools:  Big Shot, Flower Garden Embossing Folder (123113), Decorative Label Punch (120907)

Shop Stampin' Up! in my on-line store HERE

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Take time for yourself and Create Something Fun!

Renae

Embossed Christmas Poinsettia

There are so many fun projects to make at Christmas time!  This is an idea I saw and LOVED last year, and I just had to try it.

I don't know who came up with it first, but the one I saw was by Gretchen Barron.  I have updated the tag to a current stamp, and used a different color combo, but other than that, I didn't change anything.  Why mess with perfection?

To make this gorgeous poinsettia, I used the small leaf from French Foliage.  I stamped with Cherry Cobbler Ink on Riding Hood Red card stock 13 times and cut out each leaf.  I punched a 1-1/4" circle and arranged seven of the leaves around it.  Then a face down inking in VersaMark followed by a dusting of Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, (along with some help from my heat gun), and the bottom layer was finished.  The remaining 6 leaves were individually embossed, then arrange over the base, each attached with a dimensional.  The Very Vanilla card stock was run through the Big Shot with the Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder to compliment the big poinsettia.  Always Artichoke 1/2" Seam Binding makes it into an elegant "present".

Stamps:   French Foliage (120845 [W]; 121166 [C] ), Bells & Boughs (120831 [W]; 121142 [C] )
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, VersaMark
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla
Accessories:  Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder (101930), Basic Pearls (119247), Always Artichoke 1/2" Seam Binding (121000), Dimensionals (104430)
Tools:  Heat Tool (100005), Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder (116824), Big Shot

Take time to enjoy the holiday season and create something fun.

Shop Stampin' Up! from my online store 24/7 HERE.

Renae

Snowflake Rosette Tag

This lacy rosette idea was pictured in the December  Stampin' Success, a free Magazine sent to Stampin' Up! Demonstrators.  I immediately thought of putting this cute little frilly on a Christmas Tag.

To make the lacy snowflake rosette, I cut a 1-1/4" x 8-1/2" strip of Whisper White card stock, scored it first, then punched it using the Lace Ribbon Border Punch.  I also cut an extra "flower" out of a scrap so that I could cut out the center flower for the center of the rosette.  I topped it off with a tiny tag and a rhinestone.


Tip:  I have tried many ways of gluing down a rosette, and have found that hot glue and a small circle to hold it together work best.


Stamps:  Serene Snowflakes (115438), Pennant Parade (for the sentiment - 122740 [W]; 122742 [C])
Ink:  Whisper White Craft, Baja Breeze
Paper:  Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Baja Breeze
Accessories:  Basic Rhinestones (119246)
Tools:  Lace Ribbon Border Punch (122368), Jewelry Tag Punch (117190), 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch (118874), 1/2" Circle Punch (119869), Crop-A-Dile (108362), Simply Scored (122334)

If you would like more information about becoming a demonstrator, click here and contact me.

Shop my on-line store HERE.

Take time for yourself today and create something fun.


Renae

Simply Soft Birthday - Mojo Monday 217

Well, it has been a week full of many things to do, including putting away the fall/Thanksgiving decorations and working on getting the house decorated for Christmas, but I did manage to squeeze in some Mojo.

The frame around the flowers is made with a mini embossing folder.  I ran it through the Big Shot and then cut out the impression.  Need a button, but don't have the right color?  My button is made from card stock!  Stampin' Up! has so many great little tools.  This button is made with the Sweet Buttons Embosslits Die (121813) then I put some Crystal Effects on it to make it shine like a real button.  Then all I needed to do was thread a big needle with the linen thread and poke the button holes as I threaded it through.

Stamps:  Simply Soft (Hostess Set), En Francais (109521), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)
Ink:   Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry, Lucky Limeade, Crumb Cake
Paper:  Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White
Accessories:  Crochet Trim Chantilly Lace (118480), Linen Thread (104199), Basic Pearls (119247), Dimensionals (104430)
Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049), Designer Frames Embossing Folders Set (123130), Beautiful Wings Embosslits (118138), Sweet Buttons Embosslits (121813), Word Window Punch (119857), Big Shot

Shop my on-line store HERE for Stampin' Up! products.

Take time today to create something fun!

Renae

Jolly Bingo Bits Merry Christmas

I recently made some tags with these Jolly Bingo Bits, and now a Jolly card.  These are some great little stamps!

Do I dare admit that I have never been a real Red Christmas person?  My tree has never seen a red ornament.  Maybe it's because I don't look good in red.  I do, however, like the crisp red accent in this card, and the red ribbon is so sweet.

Stamps:  Jolly Bingo Bits (120857 [W]; 121187 [C]), Many Merry Messages (116586)
Ink:  Island Indigo, Garden Green, Real Red, Soft Suede
Paper:  Island Indigo, Pool Party, Whisper White
Accessories:  1/8" Real Red Taffeta Ribbon (119251), Dimensionals (104430)
Tools:  Snow Burst Embossing Folder (124096), 1" Square Punch (124094), Square Scallop Punch (119884), Scallop Edge Border Punch (119882)

Have you made your list and checked it twice?  Shopping for Stampin' Up! products is easy in my on-line store.  Click HERE for more great ideas and to shop 24/7.

With all the holiday rush, don't forget to take time for yourself and create something fun today.

Renae

Northern Flurry Christmas - PP73

The rain is really coming down today, so I am more than content to stay in my cozy office and get creative while nature is doing its thing.

This week's challenge at The Paper Players is a Clean & Simple color challenge.

I think I really succeeded this time in creating a "clean & simple" card.  Usually I just can't resist adding layers, and ribbon or brads or pearls and such, but with this card, the simplicity is what makes it beautiful.

First I ran Whisper White through the Big Shot in the Northern Flurry Embossing Folder.  Then I used a dauber to daub Platinum Shimmer Paint on the embossed snowflakes.  After stamping the sentiment in Night of Navy, I added a frosty glow with Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz. Rhinestones add the finishing touch.

Stamps:  The Sounding Joy (121967 [W]; 121979 [C])
Ink:  Night of Navy, Platinum Shimmer Paint (116807)
Paper:  Night of Navy, Whisper White
Accessories:  Basic Rhinestones, Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772)
Tools:  Big Shot, Northern Flurry Embossing Folder (120902), Sponge Dauber (102892)

I hope you enjoyed visiting my blog.  I love reading your comments; it is fun to get feedback on what you think.

Shop my on-line store HERE, and be sure to check out the on-line extravaganza this week for special deals!  Stampin' Up! products make wonderful Christmas gifts.

Take time for yourself today and create something fun!

Renae

Welcome Baby Booties

Aren't these the sweetest 'lil booties?  I made this card for a special mother-to-be to celebrate her first baby.

I just love a stamp set that can go the distance!  From Christmas stockings, to baby booties, and I know there are more fun ideas out there too.  The booties were first stamped in Pink Pirouette using a stocking from the Stitched Stocking stamp set, then punched with the coordinating Stocking Builder Punch (Both from the Holiday Mini).  I just needed to cut the stocking to make it shorter, and then I cut around the scallops on the cuff and reattached it.

Stamps:  Stitched Stockings (123782 [W]; 123784 [C]), Something to Celebrate (retired Hostess set Occasions Mini 2011)
Ink:  Pink Pirouette, Sahara Sand
Paper:  Pink Pirouette, Sahara Sand, Whisper White
Accessories:  White Baker's Twine (124262), Basic Pearls (119247), Dimensionals (104430)
Tools:  Scallop Edge Border Punch (119882), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (117335), 3" Circle Die (122125), Scallop Circle #2 Die (113469), Stocking Builder Punch (124095), Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118309)

Shop my Stampin' Up! on-line store HERE.

Get it touch with your creative side and create something fun today!

Renae

Peekaboo Christmas Tags

More Christmas tags! These tags were so fun to make using the new Peekaboo Frames Die for the Big Shot.  It is available in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog (124587).

Any image from the Jolly Bingo Bits stamp set coordinate with the 1" square punch, and together they are the perfect size for the peekaboo frames.

Stamps:  Jolly Bingo Bits (120857 [W]; 121187 [C]), Word Play (120308 [W]; 120651 [C])
Ink:  Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Soft Suede, Bashful Blue
Paper:  Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Soft Suede, Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Accessories:  White Baker's Twine (124262), Dimensionals (104430)
Tools:  Peekaboo Frames Die (124587), 1" Square Punch (124094), Scallop Square Punch (119884), 1-3/4" Circle Punch (119850), 1/2" Circle Punch (119873), Corner Punch (119871), Curly Label Punch (119851)

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Take time for yourself today and create something fun!

Renae

Pines & Poinsettias Christmas Tag

I've been making my Christmas tags for several years.  Even before I started stamping, I made Christmas tags.  I love making each present look special with a big ribbon bow and coordinating wrapping paper with a matching tag.

The idea for my tag came from the top of a Christmas Box designed by Stampin' Up!  The lollies are fun to make using Stampin' Up!'s new Simply Scoring Tool.  For this size, I cut a 1-1/4" strip and scored every 1/4".  I punched a 1-1/4" circle as the anchor and used a glue gun to secure the lollie.

Stamps:  Pines & Poinsettias (123762 [W]; 123764 [C])
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi Marker, Real Red Marker, Chocolate Chip Marker
Paper:  Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Very Vanilla, Holly Berry Bouquet DSP, First Edition DSP
Accessories:  Glass Stampin' Glitter Champagne (120997), 2-Way Glue Pen (100425), Very Vanilla 1/2" Seam Binding (120999), Linen Thread (104199), Dimensionals (104430)
Tools:  Top Note (113463), Big Shot (113439), Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122334), Corner Punch (119871), Decorative Label Punch (120907), Crop-a-Dial (108362)

Shop Stampin' Up! 24/7 HERE!

Create something fun today!

Renae

Taffeta Hydrangea Pin

Don't you just love the colors in this hydrangea pin?  To me, it looks like a blue bloom that has been left on the bush and starting to dry.  I have been making flowers for my neighbor friend as accessories for the beautiful scarfs she makes.  She was involved in a craft boutique this weekend, so I have been making quite a few flowers.

To make this, I used several of the 5 petal flowers from the Island Floral Die (118871).  I melted the edges, folded them in fourths, and sewed the florets in place on one flat flower as the base.  On the back I tacked on a circle of taffeta cut from the second smallest circle on the Circles #2 Die (114526) before stitching on a pin.

This is another style that I have been making for awhile.  The Antique Brads make a quick and easy center, but I sometimes use tiny beads instead.  Some are pins and some are clips.  The circles are cut out using the Circles #2 Die, and all four sizes are used in each flower.

Shop Stampin' Up! HERE

Take time for yourself today and create something fun!

Renae

A Stitched Stocking Christmas - Mojo 213

I immediately knew what I wanted to do when I saw this Mojo Monday sketch.   My Stitched Stockings stamp set has been calling to me to break it in.  Sweet set!

Lots of fun things going on with this card.  First, it is 4-1/4" square, not my usual shape, and then there is the sparkle from the Silver Glimmer Paper (found in the Holiday Mini Catalog).  So easy to put the stocking  together with the help of the new Stocking Builder Punch.  Let's not forget the Mini Jingle Bell attached to the stocking with a bit of Baker's Twine, and the whole card is layered on a background of white snow flurry thanks to my favorite new embossing folder Snow Burst.  Can you tell how much I love it?  I have used it on several projects now.

Stamps:  Stitched Stockings (123782 [W]; 123784 [C]), Season of Joy (110384)
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer (Holiday Mini 124005)
Accessories:  Mini Jingle Bells (Holiday Mini 124116), Cherry Cobbler/White Baker's Twine (123125), Dimensionals (104430)
Tools:  Stocking Builder Punch (124095), Ex-Large Oval Punch (119859), Snow Burst Embossing Folder (124096), 3-1/2" Circle Die, Northern Frost Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die (120901), Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439)

Good news!  Stampin' Up! has extended the sign up special through November 11th.  Join up to be a demonstrator and get a free Big Shot! (Or $100 in free merchandise).  Contact me today!

Shop Stampin' Up! HERE 24/7

Host a workshop totaling $350 and receive an extra $35 in hostess benefits through Dec. 15th!  So get a few friends together and start shopping!  **Excludes on-line orders.  Contact me to place your order.

Take time to create something fun today!

Renae

Snow Much Fun - Mojo212

The week has gotten away from me, but I did manage to get my Mojo going and create this fun snowy card for Mojo Monday.  

If you look closely, you might be able to see the sparkle on the tree ornaments, snow drifts, tag and even on the three little snowflakes in a row.  I simply dabbed on a little Dazzling Details (Holiday Mini 124117) to finish it off.


Stamps:  Snow Much Fun (122560 [W]; 122562 [C]), Pennant Parade (122740 [W]; 122742 [C] )
Ink:  Garden Green, Pool Party, Island Indigo, Real Red Marker
Paper:  Pool Party, Garden Green, Island Indigo, Whisper White
Accessories:  Dazzling Details (124117), Cherry Cobbler/White Baker's Twine (123125), Dimensionals (104430)
Tools:  Snow Burst Embossing Folder (124096), Big Shot (113439), Scallop Edge Border Punch (119882), Large Tag Punch (119876), Extra Large Tag Punch (119866), Crop-a-Dile (108362), Itty Bitty Punch Pack (118309), 1/2" Circle Punch (119869), Blender Pens (102845)


Shop Stampin' Up! 24/7 HERE!        


Take time for yourself today and create something fun!


Renae

Creative Elements Friend - PP69

If you need inspiration for a new card, it is often helpful to play along with a challenge to get the creative juices going.

Here is this week's sketch challenge at The Paper Players.

Here is the basic design:

This was a quick and easy card to make.  The cutting out took the most patience, but it went pretty quick too.

Stamps:  Creative Elements (122645 [W]; 122647 [C]), You're a Gem (122268 [W]; 122270 [C])
Ink:  Baja Breeze, Peach Parfait
Paper:  Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, Peach Parfait, Whisper White
Accessories:  Basic Pearls (119247), Dimensionals (104430)
Tools:  Mat Pack (105826), Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (119275), Small Oval Punch (Retired)

Shop Stampin' Up! 24/7 HERE!

Take time today to create something fun!

Renae

Pines & Poinsettias Christmas - PP68

Red & Green.  Clean & Simple.  I have been mulling over the Paper Players challenge for a few days in between teaching a couple stamping classes (which I loved) and dealing with the flood coming from inside my pantry wall at 3 a.m. (which I didn't love.  Yes, it has been quite a week!).  I can do red & green, but what is Clean & Simple really?  I tried to think "Clean & Simple" as I was arranging and rearranging pieces, but my card was crying out for more.  I like layers.  I like details.  I like the little extras.

So, here is my Red and Green card, which depending on your definition may or may not be Clean & Simple.

The picture I took here is not the greatest.  I didn't realize until I uploaded it that you can't really see the 3 tiny pearls in the middle of the poinsettia, and because I used markers to color the stamp, it is not as brilliant of an image as usual.  I just adore the buttons from the Holly Berry Bouquet Buttons in the Holiday Mini Catalog.

Stamps:  Pines & Poinsettias (Holiday Mini 123762 [C]; 123764 [W]), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)
Ink:  Real Red & Wild Wasabi Markers, Wild Wasabi pad
Paper:  Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Very Vanilla, Holly Berry Bouquet DSP (Holiday Mini 124004)
Accessories:  Holly Berry Bouquet Buttons (Holiday Mini 125636), White Bakers Twine (124262), Basic Pearls (119247), Dimensionals (104430), Mini Glue Dots (103683)
Tools:  Big Shot, Scallop Circle #2 Die (113469), 3" Circle Die (122125), 2-1/2" Circle Punch (120906), Modern Label Punch (119849), Word Window Punch (119857), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402)

Don't forget to take advantage of the opportunity to get a Big Shot FREE during October when you sign up to be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Shop Stampin' Up! 24/7 HERE.

Take time for yourself today to create something fun!  I know it saved my sanity this week!

Thanks for stopping by,

Renae

Give Thanks Foliage - PPA115

Fall is in the air!  This week's challenge at Pals Paper Arts is to use Fall or Thanksgiving as the theme for a card.

French Foliage is one of my favorite stamp sets, so I just had to make my fall card with it.  And the button? It's made out of card stock.  Whenever you need a button to coordinate with a project, you can easily make one with circle punches.  I punched a 1/2" circle out of a small piece of Early Espresso card stock, then over/around that 1/2" hole, I punched a bigger circle with a 3/4" punch.  I was left with a doughnut, which became the top edge of the button.  I then punched 3 more 3/4" circles and glued them all together with the doughnut on top.  On the back, I traced the holes of a real button and used the 1/8" hole punch on the crop-a-dile to make my button holes.  If you want your button to have a glossy look, you can use Crystal Effects.

The leaves were stamped in the base color, then I used the "rock and roll" technique, where the darker color is added to the edges after the whole stamp is inked in the lighter color.  By "rolling" the stamp edges, one side at a time, on the darker ink pad without putting the stamp flat on the ink pad. The rounder leaf is inked first in Pear Pizzaz, then rolled in More Mustard; the large leaf inked in Daffodil Delight then Cajun Craze; the small leaf in More Mustard then rolled in Cajun Craze.

Stamps:  French Foliage (120845 [W]; 121166 [C] ), Hand-Penned Holidays (from the Holiday Mini: 124310 [W]; 124312 [C] )
Ink:  Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzaz, More Mustard, Daffodil Delight, Cajun Craze
Paper:  Pear Pizzaz, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla
Accessories:  Chantilly 1/2" Crochet Trim (118480), Linen Thread (104199), Dimensionals (104430)
Tools:  1/2" Circle Punch (119869), 3/4" Circle Punch (119873), Crop-a-Dile (108362), Scallop Edge Border Punch (119882)

To shop Stampin' Up! 24/7 click HERE!

Take time for yourself today and create something fun!

Renae

Thoughts and Prayers

Sympathy cards.  Something you need, but not something you want to need.  Although I made this a sympathy card, the sentiment could easily be changed to "Thinking of you".  I wanted it to be subtle, but comforting.

The Lace Ribbon Border Punch is quite a punch!  More than an inch wide, it is versatile as a background strip or as a focal point.

Stamps:  Thoughts and Prayers (113252)

Ink:  River Rock, Night of Navy

Paper:  Night of Navy, River Rock, Marina Mist, Whisper White

Accessories:  Metallic Brads (119741)

Tools:  Lace Ribbon Border Punch (122362), Boho Blossoms Punch (119858), Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118109), Paper-Piercing Tool (116631), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976), Big Shot

TIP:  When using the tightly patterned embossing folders, such as above, cut the card stock 1/16" longer on the length to allow for shrinkage.   

Want a FREE Big Shot?  Join my team and sign up to be a Stampin' Up Demonstrator during October and get a free Big Shot!  

Shop Stampin' Up! 24/7 HERE.

Create something fun today!

Renae

Joy at Christmas - Mojo209

Once there was a Snowman...and here he is showing off my Mojo Monday sketch.

Once again I'm using the new Snow Burst Embossing Folder.  This makes a great background for a variety of styles.  A fabulous addition to anyone's stamping and paper crafting supplies.

Stamps:  Snow Much Fun (122560 [W]; 122562 [C] ), Perfect Punches (117022 [W]; 120516 [C] )
Ink:  Basic Black, Real Red, Garden Green, Pool Party; Markers:  Real Red, Garden Green, Pool Party
Paper:  Garden Green, Whisper White, Pool Party, Real Red
Accessories:  1/4" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals
Tools:  Snow Burst Embossing Folder (124096), Blender Pens (102845), 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch (119854), 1-3/8" Circle Punch (119860), 1-1/4" Circle Punch (119861), Scallop Edge Border Punch (119882)

Shop Stampin' Up! 24/7 HERE.

Take time for yourself today to create something fun!

Renae

Joy to the World

Don't you just love a good challenge?  The Paper Players have a Musical Theme Challenge going on that sounded like fun.  My many years of voice lessons, piano lessons, and even a little clarinet have instilled in me a love for music.  This theme actually was the push I needed to create a card I already had dancing around in my head.  I ended up making two cards, one vintage, and one clean and simple.

The man in brown brought me some new goodies last week. The new embossing folder, Snow Burst, and the 3/8" Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin Ribbon were among them.  These can both be found in the Holiday Mini Catalog, along with this stamp set.  See the shimmer that glistens all over the card from the Smooch Spritz I used?  Ooh yaah!

Stamps:  The Sounding Joy (121967 [W]; 121979 [C] ), Music Notes Wheel (120327)

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Sahara Sand, Early Espresso, Soft Suede

Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla

Accessories:  3/8" Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin Ribbon (124105), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772), Basic Pearls (119247), Sponge Dauber (102892)

Tools: Snow Burst Embossing Folder (124096), Big Shot 

Shop Stampin' Up! HERE

Make it a great day and create something fun!

Renae

Flower Fest - PPA113

The challenge at Pals Paper Arts this week is to make a project using heat embossing as the technique.  Coincidently, I used heat embossing on my project last week which you can see HERE, but since I love the look, I was happy to make a new, totally different card:

Melon Mambo and Wild Wasabi embossing powder outlines the flowers and leaves, and to get the soft color inside, I daubed with Stampin' Pastels.  The sentiment is also embossed in keeping with the theme.

I love how this card turned out, and can't wait to send it to my friend.  I know she is going to love it!

Stamps:  Flower Fest (122278 [W]; 122280 [C] ), Friendly Phrases (126149 [W]; 126151 [C] )
Ink:  VersaMark
Paper:  Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi, Pretty In Pink, Whisper White
Accessories:  Melon Mambo & Wild Wasabi Embossing Powder (123223 & 123224), Dimensionals (104430), Basic Pearls (119247)
Tools:  Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402), Heat Tool (100005), Powder Pals (102197)

October is shaping up to be full of exciting offers.  Can you imagine yourself owning your own business or just getting great discounts as a demonstrator?  Well, here's an offer for you --

Email me or click HERE for more information about becoming part of my team.


Another great offer from Stampin' Up!



Simply Sent kits are a great way to try stamping if it is new to you, and for anyone who sometimes needs a fast and easy card.  The kit also makes a great gift.

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Take time for yourself and create something fun!

Renae

Vintage Amour

One of the great things about being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is receiving the Stampin' Success Magazine mailed monthly to all demonstrators for free.  It has articles and beautiful photos of ideas as well as tips on running your business.  This is my version of a card seen in the August 2011 issue.

I love the vintage look.  This card really appealed to me because of the Eiffel Tower from one of my favorite sets, and the Vintage Trinkets, which I had never used before (those tiny buttons are really brads!)  I also liked the use of the First Edition DSP, which is so popular right now.

To get the halo around the Eiffel Tower, I stamped the image on a scrap piece of paper and cut it out, leaving a border, to cover the one stamped on the Rose Red.  I then stamped the En Francais stamp over the "mask" in Rose Red ink.  The polka dot strip was sanded on the edges to give it a worn look and then daubed in spots along the edges.

Stamps:  Artistic Etchings (118517 [W]; 120573 [C] ), En Francais (109521)
Ink:  Rose Red, Early Espresso, More Mustard, Old Olive
Paper:  Early Espresso, Rose Red, Very Vanilla, Subtles Patterns DSP Stack (117152), First Edition Specialty DSP (121878)
Accessories:  Rose Red 1/2" Seam Binding (121884), Vintage Trinkets (118764), Dimensionals (104430)
Tools:  2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch (118874), 1-3/4" Circle Punch (119850), Designer Sanding Blocks (124304), Sponge Dauber (102892)

For more information about becoming a demonstrator and joining my team click HERE.

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Take some time today to create something fun!

Renae

It's The Little Things - Mojo208

For this week's Mojo Monday, I decided to do a little 3 x 3 "love note" card - perfect to add to a gift, or to tuck in a spot to be found later by it's recipient.

This sentiment says it perfectly, "it's the little things" that give us joy.  My daughter came home from school and saw this card sitting out.  She exclaimed, "Oh, this is cute!" Now, that just made my day!  She is a sweetheart.

Stamps:  You're a Gem (122268 [W]; 122270 [C] )
Ink:  Concord Crush
Paper:  Concord Crush, Bashful Blue, Lucky Limeade, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Cheerful Treat DSP (hostess item)
Accessories:  Basic Rhinestones (119246), Dimensionals (104430)
Tools:  Floral Fusion Sizzlits Die (115969), 1" Square Punch (124094), 1-3/8" Square Punch (119877), Bird Builder Punch (117191)

Shop Stampin' Up! 24/7 HERE!

Take time to create something fun!

Renae

Sounding Joy Ornaments - PPA112

The latest challenge at PPA is all about elements of style.  The challenge was to include lace, any kind of lace, with your project.

I have been wanting to try the glossy white card stock from Stampin' Up!  See how the ornaments shine when they catch the light just right?

I stamped with Versamark on 2 circles punched out of the glossy card stock, then sprinkled gold embossing powder, and watched the magic happen as I put the heat tool to it.  After that, the brayer inked up in Blushing Bride was rolled across each ornament to give it a little color.  I used Stampin' Write Markers to color in the bell ornament.  The background is stamped using Versamark once again.  Versamark makes a wonderful background especially on darker colors of card stock.  The top of each ornament has a 3/4" circle folded in half and a 1/8" hole punched out using my handy dandy Crop-A-Dile.

Stamps:  Bells & Boughs (120821 [W]; 121142 [C] ), The Sounding Joy (Holiday Mini Catalog 121967 [W]; 121979 [C] )
Ink:  Versamark (102283), Blushing Bride, Always Artichoke Marker, Cherry Cobbler Marker, Daffodil Delight Marker
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Glossy White card stock (102599)
Accessories:  Gold Embossing Powder (109129), Chantilly 1/2" Crochet Trim (118480), Dimensionals (104430)
Tools:  2-1/2" Circle Punch (120906), 3/4" Circle Punch (119873), Crop-A-Dile (108362), Heat Tool (100005), Brayer (102395)

To shop Stampin' Up! click HERE!

Make today your day to create something fun!

Thanks for stopping by,

Renae

Happy Birthday - Mojo107

Mojo Monday is back with another sketch challenge...

Well, this was a bit of a challenge.  I went with a masculine birthday card with layers.  This DSP (Designer Series Paper) has been on my shelf since June, and it was time to break it out.

Stamps:  Perfect Punches (107022 [W]; 120516 [C] ), Party This Way (118744 [W]; 120609 [C] )
Ink:  Poppy Parade, Wild Wasabi
Paper:  Poppy Parade, Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Just Add Cake DSP
Accessories:  White Baker's Twine (124262), Dimensionals (104430), Staple
Tools:  Designer Frames Embossing Folders Set (123130), Big Shot

Shop Stampin' Up! 24/7 HERE!

Take time today to create something fun!  You will be glad you did.

Renae

Baby chicks!

It's been almost two weeks now since our baby chicks hatched!  Meet Lady Ambrosia and Penelope.  It is so incredible to see a chick wriggle out of it's shell.  Believe me, it looks like hard work.  My daughter's New Hampshire Red bantam went all "broody" on us, so we got 2 surrogate eggs from the 4-H leader for her to sit on; one a Buttercup and the other a Black Sumatra.  This picture was taken at 6 days old.  What a fun experience to see mama hen take care of her chicks and show them what's what.  I feel like I live on a farm! (Part of me wishes I did.)

Take time to enjoy something fun today!

Renae

Halloween Witch - PPA111

It felt great to be back at my desk creating something new.  This sweet little witch is ready for Halloween!

I used this week's sketch challenge at Pals Paper Arts for the layout.

Stamps:  Greeting Card Kids (119887 [W]; 120633 [C] ), Tiny Tags (118091 [W]; 118592 [C] )
Ink:  Stazon Black, Concord Crush, Garden Green, Pumpkin Pie, Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight
Paper:  Garden Green, Concord Crush, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White
Accessories:  1/4" Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon (109030), Linen Thread (104199)
Tools:  Blender Pens (102845), Lace Ribbon Border Punch (122362), Jewelry Tag Punch (117190), 1/16 Circle Punch (101227), Texturz Plates Backgrounds 1 (114512), Big Shot

To purchase Stampin' Up! merchandise, Click HERE!

Take time for yourself today and create something fun!

Renae

Butterfly Easel Love Note

These butterfly easel cards have been floating around the internet.  A stamping friend saw one and requested it as a project for a class.  I think it turned out darling, and they were a hit with everyone who attended my class!

It may look a bit tricky to put together, but basically the back & bottom butterflies are a made from a piece of card stock, folded and run through the big shot, except the fold sits just below the top edge of the wing tips, so that the two butterflies remain attached.  Another full butterfly of the same size is attached to the front at the base (lower wings folded under) so that the front one is free to sit up.  A smaller butterfly is layered on top after embossing both front butterflies with the Finial Press embossing folder.

Stamps:  Tiny Tags (118091 [W]; 118592 [C] )
Ink:  Concord Crush, Wisteria Wonder
Paper:  Concord Crush, Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White
Accessories:  Baker's Twine
Tools:  Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die (114507), Finial Press Embossing Folder (115963), Jewelry Tag (117190), 1/16" Circle Punch (101227)

Shop Stampin' Up! 24/7 HERE!

Take time for yourself and create something fun today!

Renae

Wicked Cool Matchbox - PPA110

I have been glued to the TV watching the U.S. Open (tennis, of course!) whenever I can these past couple weeks, so my stamping room has been rather lonely without me, but I did manage to squeeze in a Halloween project.  (Pals Paper Arts is having a Halloween challenge this week.)

Halloween means treats!  So, here are my matchboxes waiting to be filled with something good to eat.

If you look closely, you will hopefully be able to see the sparkle on her bewitching socks.  One of Stampin' Up!'s new products in the Holiday Mini Catalog is Dazzling Details (124117; $2.50).  Making a matchbox is a snap when you run the Matchbox Die thru the Big Shot.

Stamps:  Wicked Cool (118738 $19.95 [W]; 120600 $14.95 [C])
Ink:  Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry, Wild Wasabi marker
Paper:  Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry, Very Vanilla
Accessories:  Basic Black 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (115615), Dazzling Details (124117), Dimensionals (104430)
Tools:  Matchbox Die (114890), Big Shot (113439), 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch (118874), 1-3/4" Circle Punch (119850), Sponge Dauber (102892), Bone Folder (102300)

Shop Stampin' Up! 24/7 HERE!

Take time for yourself and create something fun!

Renae

The New Holiday Mini Catalog is here!

There are so many new, exciting goodies in the Holiday Mini.

Click HERE to download your PDF version or shop for Stampin' Up! products.

My favorite new tool is the Simply Scored Scoring Tool.  It makes scoring anything from cards, boxes or even an assortment of paper lollies a cinch!  It comes with a stylus and place markers to make scoring your projects easier.  $29.95 (122334)

With all the project ideas in the Holiday Mini, it's easy to get inspired to start your projects and cards for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas or however you celebrate!

Take time for yourself today and create something fun!

Renae