Stampin Queen

PreCamporee

2009-10-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

Here is my little camper, loaded up for his first overnighter without dad.
For this page, I took a couple of sheets of scouting paper and used Old Olive and Certainly Celery cardstock to mat photos. I also used the marker to journal on the tent.

Color combos

2009-09-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

There are colors that I would never think to put together. That is why I rely on my Color Coach so much. But, I noticed that my Dusty Durango, Rich Razzleberry and Melon Mambo looks just like the color combos from Cirque de Soleil's Kooza.
I will need to take more time and look for more color combos that are out there for inspiration.

Melon Mambo cards

2009-09-13T19:56:00.000-07:00

When it comes to papercrafting, I am not really a "Pink" person.
Scrapping mostly boys, scouting, and camping trips, there isn't much call for pink. But if I did play with pink, I think I'd play with Melon Mambo.
This color seems so fun!

I used the Movers and Shapers to punch out the heart. I stamped with Circle Circus and used a marker to shade a flower from the Pretties Kit.
The Eyelet Punch makes a frilly border and I colored white Grosgrain ribbon with a Melon Marker to create a new accessory.

Where does the time go?

2009-08-24T22:24:00.000-07:00

Whoa! Its been a month! What happened?
I remember starting to prep for my class, scrambling to be ready, the kids showing up... Somewhere I lost a bunch of time. But I have been making some projects along the way, I just forget to publish them. So...

Let's start with some Circle Circus cards.

I love the new In Colors (like I always do) The picture doesn't do the Bermuda Bay justice. I double stamped the background with Circle stamps. In double stamping, you ink the stamp and stamp it multiple times. Each time, the image becomes lighter. I like double stamping for a background since it gives it more interest than if all the images were stamped in full ink. The eyelet punch was used to make a border and the Polka dot ribbon added an accent. A pearl from the Pretties finishes it off in the medallion center.

The Razzleberry card is very similar. The ribbon is different since I used White grosgrain. It doesn't look white because I used a marker to turn the ribbon into Razzleberry ribbon. Gotta love those markers!

Zoo

2009-07-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

The new Tall Tales DSP seemed a good choice for doing my pictures of our over night stay at the zoo.

Although Tall Tales uses the 48 colors, I added some of the In Colors that are similar, which worked fine. I used Crushed Curry, which layers very well with So Saffron as you can see in the bottom spread. I journaled on vellum, and layered that on the Curry. I also added Designer Brads to hold the vellum without showing a bunch of adhesive. I stamped the animals on textured white cardstock. I like the "textured" look it gives them, without the hassle of the kissing technique.

On the layout, I wanted to have a bunch of the critter pictures from the day without making a whole book. So, I printed the pictures smaller and made a squared pattern of 3 x 3 pictures. This also helps balance against the large picture of the whole pack. Being our last event with Pack 224, I definitely wanted a group shot.

State Fair

2009-07-16T19:54:00.001-07:00

I love the new In Colors! When I first saw them, I knew that there bright, but earthy tones would be perfect for the my State Fair spread.

For my first pair of pages, I used Crushed Curry for my main color.

For the first page, I added a touch of Rich Razzleberry and Melon Mambo. To add a touch of texture, I colored plain Grosgrain Ribbon with a marker.

For the second page, I used Dusty Durango and Soft Suede highlights. I used the Arrow Punch for my journaling points.

Although the third set of pages was also at the State Fair, the focus on the concert and I used colors that matched the colors from Smash Mouth's autograph sheet. The main color is Bermuda Bay with Crushed Curry and Melon Mambo highlights.

For each of the pages, I was able to journal in the same color as the pages. I love having In Color markers!

Robots

2009-07-09T15:39:00.001-07:00

A new Stampin year means new stamp sets. Yeah!
One of the fun new sets is Lots of Bots.

My son was invited to a friends birthday party and he asked me to make a card (How sweet! He appreciates me!) He wanted me to make a stand up card like the ones I made for his birthday invitations. Well, I had to try my new stamps!

The base of the card is made with Brilliant Blue and the tag is made with Brushed Silver. The base is stamped all over with nuts and bolts in Brilliant Blue ink. I water colored the image with Going Grey and Brilliant Blue.

Daniel loves the interaction of the card. He likes how it is opened in a different way and it stands itself. I think this is quickly becoming one of my favorite designs.

Independence Day

2009-07-04T09:41:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

Before I share all the new projects from new goodies, I want to showcase one more old set, just for today. I made these cards as thank you to some of my fellow Navy moms using the Free and the Brave set. I used Brilliant Blue, Real Red, and Brushed Gold papers. I watercolored the image on Whisper White.

Today is a day not just for celebrating and shooting fireworks, but also to remember what it took to get here and the cost of having this celebration. Too often, people forget that "Freedom isn't Free". We have our freedoms because of those that have been willing to fight for it. And its a battle that we must continue to stand up for. Everyday, I think about our military and the sacrifices they make. I hope everyone at least thinks about them today.

In the meantime, I'll just keep waiting for my new military stamps set from the new catalog!

The new catalog is here

2009-07-01T23:13:00.000-07:00

Yipee! Its time for a new catalog!
Watch for projects with the new In Colors and stamp sets all this week.

Hunting

2009-06-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

For this spread, I used a standard scrapbook paper and SU'd it with ink. I sponged the paper to make it look more earthy, as well as sponging the letters. It does appear dark in the photo, but it is much easier to see in person.
Being outdoor photos, I had to include the bear for Under the Stars, one of my favorite sets of late.

State Capitol

2009-06-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

Since I discovered that Western style, like in Round Up, work great for historical trips, I used some more stuff for our trip to the State Capitol. Again I sponged the paper to give it that grungy, aged look. I also sponged all the die cuts.
And I still have tons of stickers and paper. Guess I better go look for some other photos... or maybe we need to take a trip. Its been a long time since I have been to Bodie....

Humboldt Redwoods 2

2009-06-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

For the pages for our adventures on the trail, I wanted to create some consistency, so I made all the trail pictures in Rust.

Again, I used the Out and About Simply Scrappin Kit and the Under the Stars stamp set to create this set of pages. On the first page, I have the types of things we encountered on the trail... plants, animals, bridges, tunnels... I didn't want to overwhelm the page with critters, but wanted so show several examples, so I made the smaller prints for along the bottom. Each is raised with a dimensional and are connected with hemp twine.

The second page shows use exploring the forest. From the analysis of tree rings, photographing the trees, or just playing around, its all about us in the forest. Besides the supplies in the kit, I used the Photo Corner Punch to make the layered corners for the large photo. If a kit has small stickers, I like to use those on the corners of of the corners (if that makes sense). That is on the page below.

The third page tries to capture the majesty of the trees. It is hard to convey the size of redwoods to those that have never encountered them. The view looking up the Founders Tree, where you can see the twist to the growth helps give a more personal view, where the picture of us in front of the tree gives some size and scope to the size of the tree. Rather than journalling, I used the signs from the trees. I took pictures of the signs with the boys beyond to give interest to the photo at both levels of depth.

Humboldt Redwoods 1

2009-06-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

Pulling out old Simply Scrappin Kits, I also found Out and About which I had purchased for our camping trips.

I pulled out our photos from our Humboldt Redwoods camping trip for these photos. One of the nice things about SS Kits, the stickers and papers are all coordinated. Although this is true for all SU stuff, where everything matches and goes together, there are color combos I would never think to use, even with my color wheel. Some colors just don't seem to get my attention. Pulling out these kits drew my attention to a forgotten color - Sage Shadow.

Now, Sage Shadow is not new, but it is one I never seem to use. But I discovered it looks so nice with Navy and the Chocolate. I will definitely need to use it more. I also added some touches to my pages with the Under the Stars set. I love this bear! Plus it has S'mores!
On a side note... When scrapbooking, its sometimes hard to journal. I know many of my friends will avoid journalling, but that is an important part of the story unless the pictures tell the story in and of themselves. The bottom page doesn't need anything... the pictures say it all. I really like the photos, since I felt it captured that special relationship... and I planned the photos so the pictures would be climbing up as well.

Coloma

2009-06-25T23:27:00.000-07:00

Well, one of the lessons I have learned is "get it while you can". Fads come and go, stock changes frequently, especially in scrapbooking. I don't need to use it today. Afterall, if its archival safe, it won't go bad... I can use it later. I practiced this with a couple of the cutest Simply Scrappin Kits that retired last year. Round Up was an earth tones, western set. I thought "what would I use it for... we don't do too much western stuff". But I knew I would find a use later.
And I did! I was sitting with a friend at a local scrapbook store looking at my son's field trip pictures to historical sites wondering what I should do. She said "old west stuff would work". I searched the store and they had nothing! Its no longer vogue. But, I knew I had this at home, so I set it aside to come home to work on and.... here is the first one!

To make it have an older look, I sponged the paper irregularly with Chocolate Chip ink. I also tore the edges of the papers to help the worn look. Since I was digging out old stuff, I found one of my favorite stamp sets Frames and Flourishes (I think). I loved the old frame sets and collected all of them. To add to the frame, I lightly watercolored with the ink as well.
And its not the only field trip... more to come soon!

Rockabilly Pirates

2009-06-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

Oh, I so hate saying goodbye to papers. The Rockabilly paper is going away and I love those skulls and crossbones. It is great "pirate" paper which I used for these pages of summer camp which had the theme "Pirate of Lassen". But, it has to go because it has the Kiwi Kiss, which is the color I used to cut out the swords and the skull and crossbones.

I used a computer image of the scroll and printed it on vellum card stock. I filled in the info by hand with a calligraphy pen for my journalling.

Of course, I guess I can accept the loss of the Rockabilly, having seen the sneak peek of the new pirate sets in the catalog. I may need to change some of my embellishments to add the new pirate sets images. My hand cut skull and crossbones has nothing on the new stamp sets!

Pacific Point Pages

2009-06-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

One of the difficulties of June is saying goodbye to In Colors. I will truly miss Pacific Point. This color is just gorgeous and seemed so appropriate for my pictures of Twilight Camp, themed Cub Scouts in the Pacific.

For these pages, I used the Just Beachy set. The fish were stamped on Whisper White and colored with reinkers using a watercolor brush, in Summer Sun and Tango Tangerine.

For journaling, I used old retired stamp sets. Big tip... when you like a set, get it! These stamps do not expire, but they do retire. I am so glad I picked up these journaling sets years ago. I have never seen anything like them since!

To make the waves, I used the scallop punch in thin layers to make waves and also sponged the look of waves along a scallop punched mask edge in Pacific Point ink. I also used the ink on large white grommets. I wiped off the excess and added clear embossing powder to hold the ink on.
This was really a fun set of pages to make. Unfortunately, they aren't quite done. My son made a little fish at camp that I saved for this page. But, I can't find it now. So, I left a spare space, hoping that I find the fish soon.

Faux Leather Wallet

2009-06-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

One of the coolest projects we learned at the Luv2Stamp meeting was how to make Faux Leather Wallets.

The outside of the wallet has a faux leather finish. This is achieved through heat embossing clear embossing powder after drawing lines in the embossing powder.

The wallet has pockets on the left for gift cards and a clear window (like a drivers license window) on the right. The wallet doesn't hold much, but is perfect for gift cards.
I made mine for my Secret Pal for his end of the year gift. I think it worked out quite well.

To learn how to do this, come to my workshop or you can purchase the pattern at Patty's website. The pattern includes an 18 page tutorial with over 70 photos and step by step instructions for only $10 !!
http://pattystamps.com/pattys_stamping_spot/2009/05/fabulous-wallets-tutorial-available.html

Brayered Manhattan Rose

2009-06-13T08:57:00.000-07:00

We also brayered these roses. These are so gorgeous and easy.
Start by embossing the Manhattan Flower on Shimmery White paper. Using the lightest color first, brayer irregularly on the non-raised side of the paper. Remember to move lightly and shift directions/angles as you move the brayer to prevent lines. Change to a slightly darker color and continue with irregular layers.
After brayering layers of color, cut out the brayered image and mount.
So easy, so cool!

Brayered projects

2009-06-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

Also at our Luv2Stamp meeting, we worked on brayered cards. These are my cards.
To create these cards, first stamp the image. Mask off the area that is not going to be brayered. (the snow, the water/sky). Brayer in layers, starting from the lightest color and working towards darker colors. Keep a light touch and move in a curved, irregular pattern. If you go back and forth, ridges tend to appear. Irregular, curved movements create a blended, even appearance.
The mountains were created by using a mask and sponged.

After all the brayering is done to create the blended backgrounds, white gel pen was used to add the highlights in the water and the snow.
It was amazingly easy to make such beautiful cards.
Patty is the best!

My Swap

2009-06-03T18:09:00.000-07:00

For our last Luv2Stamp meeting, I decided to try out the Butterfly Die for the Big Shot. I used Textured Neutral cardstock - Going Grey and Basic Grey. I also used the Walk in the Park DSP and ribbon.

To make the butterfly, I first cut the butterfly out of Vellum Cardstock. I then ran it through again to emboss it. The middle of the butterfly still needed something, so I ran a line of Crystal Effects and sprinkled Dazzling Diamonds glitter. I was still stuck for antenna, so I cut a strip of vellum, folded it in half and curled it. I then used a silver brad to make the head of the butterfly.

One warning, the antenna can get twisted when curled, so I do not recommend having much of a curl and expecting it to travel well in the mail. This does much better hand delivered.

2009-05-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been away for awhile. I was very busy with all that end of the school year stuff. We are almost done, but I have it all under control.
One of the things that I wanted to share was all the great projects from my Luv2Stamp meeting with Patty Bennett. Check these out!

This card is made with the fabulous DSP, Pretties and buttons. It is amazingly easy. There is a square of DSP on the front of the card with strips of complimentary DSP across it. Ribbon is tied across the front and a the flowers are sponged in coordinating ink. So bright and such fun!

This card was also made from our DSP with the use of punches. The eyelet scallop punch and the scalloped oval punch go so well with the classy Bella papers.

Both cards are so simple, but convey very different looks.

Grease

2009-05-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

Some events are harder to scrap than others.

We had our first big "Renaissance Rally" to reward students at our school. Our theme was "Grease". Not an easy topic. I have no stamp sets that really work. Big Shot dies... no. I fell back on stickers, a media I seldom use. But even with stickers, the pink paper still needed something. To give it a bit of a retro look, I pulled out my circles and squares stamps and used VersaMark to create a randomized retro background in the pink. The VersaMark keeps it subtle as a watermark but still adds a little something to break up the flat tone.

Scouting pages

2009-05-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

And I am still wading through more scouting photos.

These use some of the scouting specialty paper and my favorite Cub Scout colors:
Night of Navy with So Saffron and Not quite Navy with More Mustard.
For the Cub Scouts in the Future page, I had the one sheet of specialty paper cut in the diagonal. Its a busy pattern, so I hoped a large photo block would work - not showing bit of pattern here and there.

I also used a photo block layout for the Space Derby. Since the paper is quarter blocked, this was a natural fit. I even left space on the block for the ribbon. Always put realia when possible.

Retired DSP for Orlando

2009-04-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

With each catalog, Designer papers come and go. Unfortunately, I can't let go.

I always keep a stock of papers so I can finish projects because styles and colors change faster than I can complete projects. In this case, I started but didn't finish my Orlando pictures. I have had this Polka Dot and Paisley paper set aside for these pages for some time, but finally caught up on these.

On the first page, the cover page for the albun, I went with the Tempting Turquoise/Cool Caribbean look. I used the Arrow Punch to punch out turquoise arrows for the main stops featured in the album. I wrote the name of each place I scrapped on the trip using the white gel pen.

For my intro to Epcot pictures, I picked up a Mickey punch to use with my SU cardstock. I also cut out my titles using my Big Shot and one of my alphabets.

Like with all my scrapbooks, I tried to include some memorabilia. I included my badge and ticket to the layout. I also printed out a map that could fit on the page. It all comes together to as part of telling the story.

Blast from the past

2009-04-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

OK, its hard to find a good stamp set for boys. It can't be too cutesy. It should be related to what they do. Its tough.

Well, for my son's birthday, I tried to think of something that wouldn't offend him, be interesting, and connect thematically to his party. Yeah, right....

Well, since his party is a Golfland Sunsplash, the big castle, I thought to use my "Dreams and Dragons" set. Now, this set is my reminder to myself and everyone else... If you like a set BUY IT! Don't worry about it being retired and you aren't sure if you would use it enough or whatever excuse you give yourself to pass on it. Just buy it. Or five years later you find yourself paying three times (or more) than it is worth on EBay. Like I did with this set.

Anyway, I used the trophy card/stand up card design for this. I wasn't too sure I wanted to go through all the effort to make these cards, but once I was started, I found it was really quite easy.

The real test was showing the invitation to my son. He looked at and seemed mildly interested (now that is a really good sign!) We took the invitation to his patrol meeting and the boys were also mildly interested. They liked being able to pull on it and peeked through the stand. Hey, they didn't laugh or get indignant! Yeah!

I will post all the directions on how to do these in the next few days. If you just can't wait, there is an excellent tutorial on Split Coast Stampers.

Nature with a Top Note

2009-04-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

I wanted to try the new "Walk in the Park" DSP.

Since I am in a monochromatic trend, I decided to try out my Textured Kiwi Kiss paper with the matching DSP. I tore the DSP with a curve to soften the lines. I tried to create balance by using symmetry in the DSP creating the valley between the two hills.

I used Whisper White and Kiwi Kiss with the Big Shot and the Top Note Die. I also used the top note on two pictures that I wanted to showcase. I trimmed the pictures down so they could fit in the die as a frame. I took a die "left-over" to frame the boys, another picture I wanted to showcase.
As accents, I used the White/Kiwi ribbon along the bottom and on the top corners with the bow. I am pretty bow impaired, so tying it with the white on the outside and the green know was quite the challenge, but fully planned.

I also tried out the new large grommets.
And of course lets not forget those little Forest Friends in Close to Cocoa.
The trick with the trees, since I do not have a Kiwi Kiss marker: I inked the pad with Kiwi Kiss, used a blender pen to remove the Kiwi ink that didn't belong on the trunk and then colored with a Close to Cocoa marker.

More Tailor Made

2009-04-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

Using the Tailor Made Simply Scrappin Kit, I also scrapbooked my husband's woodworking photos.

For these pictures, I went with the Chocolate Chip as the main color, since I was using wood based photos. Since he likes darker oak finishes, the darker Chocolate Chip seemed better than Close to Cocoa too. Again I used the textured cardstock.

Using Sahara Sand kept it Monochromatic (I am partial to monochromatic pages) and I kept to the earth tones. There is also a hint of Always Artichoke in some of the embellishments.
Tailor Made has nature and classic look and feel. Lots of leaves, realistic art styles, dark earthy colors. I like it!

Tailor Made

2009-04-08T12:23:00.001-07:00

Ok, I bought this Simply Scrappin Kit because I thought it would be good for some more masculine pages. So, I looked for some of my husband's photos to work with.

I started with his 25 year High School Reunion. I hate working with photos of events that I was not at or I don't know all the people (this case is the latter). So, I kept journaling to a minimum hoping that the pictures will tell enough of the story.

I love textured paper. I was slow to warm up to the idea, being so much in love with the smooth card stock. Now I wish the new catalog carries more options for textured cardstock. At least all the SS kits have textured cardstock.

The Tailor Made colors I focused on were Not Quite Navy and Sahara Sand. I pulled in just a hint of the Always Artichoke and Chocolate Chip in some accents. I also used the Vanilla Hodge Podge, since there was a die cut stickers that fit that shape. SInce I had one piece of Hodge Podge, why not throw in a second. I also used some of the fancy brads from the set.

Thank You cards

2009-04-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

Our class received a grant to continue our field study programs. Although the district has been able to support field experiences in the past, our tight financial times are quite limiting.

To say "Thanks" to the support we received, I made some cards for the kids to record their thoughts and thanks.
Parents came along to chaperone our trip, so we had a card for each parent signed by the kids they worked with. The were really excited by these cards (made me feel pretty good to see they appreciated my time and didin't think they were hokey)

I made larger 6x6 cards with a picture of the kids on the trip for the foundation that made the generous donation that paid for our transportation. Each of the kids signed the card with a few words of thanks. They were really great!

Although I do like my cards, I think I am in a rut. I seem to be going through lots of Certainly Celery and So Saffron. Maybe because they go with the Delicate Dots DSP from SAB I have been collecting (I am sad to see it go) I also am using the SAB ribbon bundle. Hmm... same colors, no surprise with that. I also seem to find that everything suddenly needs eyelet trim. And I just living off of those embosslits. I just can't stop playing with that little Cherry Blossom!

But I did slip in some old Hodge Podge (antique Brass)
Yep. I am definitely in a rut. I need to pull out some new colors and sets (even if I am having fun!)

A Day in the Park

2009-04-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

A little Sunshine Garden seemed perfect for scrapping a day in the park.
For Daniel's birthday, we went out to McKinley Park, not a common stop for us, but this park is special historically and socially. It has not only a very large play ground, but also other facilities like the duck pond. The boys had a great time playing here that day.

Although I rarely use flowery stuff (of course, I live in a house full of boys) the Sunshine Garden was perfect for these pages. The die cut flowers on the Saffron are not too "girly" and go well with the park theme.
The more rounded flowers reminded me of the scallop circles. So, I used the Scallop Circle die to frame all the duck pictures to create the same style.

Both pages were made from one sheet of Double Sided paper and one sheet of Self-Adhsive die cuts and Certainly Celery and So Saffron cardstock. And I still had stuff left over.

BIA book

2009-03-28T21:04:00.000-07:00

Playing with my Bind It All and coasters, I had to try some other projects. Whenever you get a new toy, you have to see how it works and how far it can go.

In this case, I thought I would start by playing with some of the Pattern Prints hostess papers. I love the designs, but because they are 6 x 6, they are somewhat limited. I have not worked much with that size, and this seemed a good project to try some out. I also used my Color Coach to find a good warm monochromatic scale. The Pumpkin Pie and So Saffron combo seemed good. I also dropped in some Marigold Morning.

With the flowers on the designer paper, it just cried out for some "pretties". I used some Saffron Craft ink on the pretties for the covers. I also used some of the new Satin Ribbon (that is so soft and pretty)

On the inside, each page is a pocket. I made cards with tabs to drop in each pocket. I also added a bit of Patterned Paper to each "spread". These pages were made differently from the other books, each being an individual page that also had a pocket. Using full card stock, the book is much fuller.

For any of these books, it seems the best option is to consider the necessary durabilty, weight and usage to determine the best design. There are so many ways to create them.
Its so much fun, I'll need to try some more!

Matchbox

2009-03-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

The new matchbox die is so cute!

I made several of these little matchboxes out of the Delicate Dots DSP. It took no time at all. And no glue. That is sure nice.

The box base just folds in and holds in place. The only adhesive is needed for the "wrap". The boxes are pretty small, holding about 4 nuggets. But I found they are also good for storing punched embosslits!. Those embosslits make great embellishments, but can get lost if you make too many. I stored all my extras in one of these.

Hmmm... might make a fun goodie for a scrapbooker. A little box of embellishments!

Embosslits

2009-03-21T21:03:00.000-07:00

The new Embosslits for the Big Shot are fun and easy.
All you need is the pop a piece of card stock into the Embosslit, close the Embosslit Folder, and run through the Big Shot.

Even better... sponge the embosslit with compatible colors. It adds texture and depth. Way Cool! For these flowers, I used the Cherry Blossom embosslit in So Saffron card stock and sponged with More Mustard. Goes great with the Delicate Dots DSP for this matchbox.

Adding a brad just snazzes it up a tad more. It also makes it even easier to attach the die cut to the basket with the brad.

Pretty cute, if I do say so myself.

Dots Books

2009-03-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in getting free SAB stuff, don't miss out. SAB is only available until the end of the month. You can get a free product with each $50 order. You can order online at my Stampin Up website

Here are my SAB books. Both are made from the same sets and supplies and bound with a Bind It All.
For each book, I covered a coaster with the Delicate Dots Designer Paper. I also decorated the cover with ribbon from the SAB Ribbon Bundle. The Ribbon Bundle comes with both So Saffron and Certainly Celery ribbon.

The large heart is stamped from the free SAB Polka Dot Punches stamp set and punched with the Full Heart punch. The little hearts were stamped from the Love You Much stamp set and the Heart to Heart punch.

I also used the Eyelet punch with Celery cardstock to create the green border on the cover. One other touch you can't see is that the hearts are raised with Stampin' Dimensionals.

The inside front cover of the book matches the cover page paper. I made the front page with a little pocket to add a paper with notes for additional journaling. (See the lettle blue pocket or the striped pocket on the right)

I have also included a few of the inside pages. Each interior page is made by folding the paper in half to make a "spread". The adjacent spreads were then attached to each other back-to-back. After several spreads were attached, they were run through the Bind It All for punching. After several sets were made, they were finally attached and bound.

Each spread was finished with embellishments. Some have borders using the Scallop or Eyelet punches. Some have ribbons from the Ribbon Bundle. Some have punched images stamped from the Polka Dot Punches set and punched with the Scallop Circle Punch, Full Heart or other punches.

If you would like to make a book, let me know and we'll plan a get together!

Baskets

2009-03-17T21:10:00.000-07:00

I used more of the Delicate Dots Designers Paper in the Basket die for the Big Shot. I also used the embosslits and SAB ribbon for the embellishment for the ribbon on the left. The right is embellished with the flowers made with the die. Not bad from one sheet of paper!

SAB goodies

2009-03-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

I love Sale-A-Bration! Free is always good, but these freebies ROCK!

I love the whole Polka Dot collection. Designer paper and stamps that go together are cool in general. But this set is so cute.
This week, I will share a few of my SAB creations. I wish I had more time to play. SAB only lasts a couple more weeks!

I had a panic attack last week when I realized I had two birthdays and needed a card in 20 minutes. While I cooked dinner, I ran over and made this card inspired by one of Patty's cards. Although it is a much simpler design, I can't complain since I made it between stirring dinner. And I didn't burn a thing! Talk about a fast design and still cute.

This card uses the SAB Delicate Dots Designer Paper and Polka Dot Punches stamp set (which coordinates with our punches!) all on So Saffron and stamped with More Mustard. And it has the SAB ribbon as well. Note the Eyelet Punch edge (This is my new favorite!).

Camporee

2009-03-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

As year 2 Webelos, the boys were able to attend Camporee with the Boy Scouts. What fun! The boys had all kinds of fun outdoor activities, from slingshots and hatchet throwing to the traditional "Lizzie Gator" pole rafting exercise.

For these pages, I used Night of Navy with a sheet of scouting paper and accents with More Mustard. I split the decorative paper on the thirds for balance. The accents were primarily from the Big Shot. The Fleur-de-Lis (a symbol for the brotherhood of scouting) is a great die for the BS that every scouting scrapbooker must get.

Pinewood Derby

2009-03-07T08:56:00.000-08:00

A staple of scouting, I had to get Pinewood Derby scrapped. I found some of his old pictures from his derby as a wolf. I am using up some of the many scouting papers I have laying around. I took Basic Black to make the top border and cut the small images to alternate like a strip of checkered flag. I also used a circle Nestability with So Saffron to make the highlight of Daniel.

Every Pinewood Derby, I get pictures of the boy with his car, any awards, and all the cars. I think it so much fun to look at all the boys cars and see their fun ideas too.

Whenever possible, I try to include any memorabilia on the pages. In this case, there is his "driver's license". Every scout pre-registers his car several days before the derby. Each receives a license that they were during the derby. What a fun tradition!

All the boys also received ribbons, another momento to scrap along with a picture of their car with its special recognition! Daniel's car "the Republic Starfighter" won best space vehicle.
"Sigh" its our last derby.

Raingutter Regatta

2009-03-04T11:52:00.000-08:00

I wish there was more stuff related to Scouting, but I work with what I find. Since K & Co contracted with BSA for the scouting pack, I find its the only directly scouting material out there. But plenty of other things coordinate. Not Quite Navy worked well with this BSA striped paper and the Sail Boat die from my Big Shot makes a great embellishment.

I also have the Fleur-de-Lis die for my Big shot. Its great, since it is the symbol for the Brotherhood of Scouting. I used some BSA paper, added Night of Navy for the back ground and More Mustard for all the accents.
Night of Navy and More Mustard are great matches to Cub Scouts colors.

Finishing up Cub Scouts

2009-03-01T11:54:00.001-08:00

My youngest has just bridged from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. But I have tons of Cub Scouts photos still. What is a Scrapbooker to do?
I am making a big push to get all of Daniel's Cub Scout events scrapped this year, so I can focus on Boy Scouts. I will still need to find all of Patrick's older photos and catch up there. But at least I can get Daniel done!
Here is one of the many Blue and Gold events. I used my die cutters to produce the palm trees and letters and some scouting paper from K & Co on Night of Navy.
I am going through tons of Night of Navy right now since it is perfect for Cub Scouts.

Punch Pals

2009-02-24T20:07:00.000-08:00

So many projects... so little brain cells.
I made these Punch Pals (and a few others a while ago and captured them to share) But after searching through my blog, I couldn't find them. Makes me wonder how much else I thought I had posted and didn't.

So, I saw these great punch pal projects on SCS months ago. The Scallop Punch is a great way to make all kinds of characters, from Oscar to Elmo. Anything that has that fluffy circle works great.

On the other hand, smoother critters work better with the Circle and Oval punches. The masks are made with the Word Window punch. One for the mask and a second for the ties.Depending on the effect you want, there are different options for eyes. The 1/4 circle punch makes fun eyes without the dimension of the googly eyes (which I love)

Patrick was a big TMNT fan as a kid and making all the turtles was a must. I made these for our Smithsonian Scrapbook where I have Patrick with an original TMNT.

My Swaps

2009-02-20T19:31:00.000-08:00

When I saw the new Ocean Commotion, I knew it was my first "Must Have"

For this card, I used the Curly Label Movers and Shapers on Whisper White. I stamped the Swirly Kelp in Baja Breeze first. I then used the Swirly SU Texturz to emboss just the front. I used Pacific Point to stamp the animals to make them stand out. The Seahorse stands out even more with a couple dimensionals. With a final touch of Pacific Point ribbon, it all comes together.

A tip for embossing just the front:
The Silicon pad has a tendency to slide while running through the Big Shot. Run the back of the card through first so that if the pad slides, it does not emboss any other paper. I found the easiest way was to use the seam line to line everything up: the fold of the card, the edge of the silicon pad, and of course the textured pattern.

How to emboss card fronts

2009-02-15T16:38:00.000-08:00

There has been some discussion on SCS about how to emboss just the fronts.
So here is how I made my cards and projects.

First off, I used the Movers and Shapers Curly Label die to make my cards. These dies are so cool. I sure hope SU and Sizzix come out with many more. You can put the put anywhere you want and it is held in place magnetically. It doesn't more so you can make many cuts all consistently. The Curly Label punch also coordinates with this die.

In this case, I ran a 12 x 5 piece of Real Red through the Big Shot on the Movers and Shapers die.

To emboss the front:
Line up the score line on the card (made by the Movers and Shapers) with the edge of the Texture embossing plate. Because the Silicon pad has a tendency to slide, always run the back side (or whatever is not being embossed at this time) through first. As you can see, it is already in the Big Shot. Remember which side is the front of your card. The front of the card needs to be down to raise the image.

To be sure that everything is correctly embossed, use the edge of the Embossing plate to line up the Silicone pad. By lining up everything on the edge line, it is quick, easy, and accurate.

The front is now embossed. This can be used for a card. Or, the back can also be run through to create a gift bag like the Valentine treat below.

Valentine's treats

2009-02-08T08:13:00.000-08:00

I love my new Big Shot toys!
I tried something new with the Movers and Shapers die. After cutting it out,I ran both sides through with the Texture Plates. One is with the Damask and the other with Paisley. Line up the edge of the silicon pad with the score line, so there isn't any card missed on embossing or doubling of embossing.
Instead of just folding in half to make a card, I folded the score and also folded again 1 in forward (on the front side- so don't cut the window too close to the score line)

I then folded over 1 inch of the back of the card, so it would overlap to the front of the card.
Then, I took the Scallop Punch and trimmed along the fold over edge.
Inside, I placed a medium sized Cello Bag full of goodies (Dark Dove-YUM!) and then sealed the top shut.
All it needs is to add a little accent, like a stamped image from the Love You Much set. And done.
Although, I am wondering if a touch of taffeta ribbon might look nice? Time to go try!

Embossing vellum

2009-02-05T16:43:00.000-08:00

I love embossing on the Big Shot. It is so fast and easy.
Embossing on vellum can be a bit of a challenge though. Vellum is thin and delicate. Do not add any extra shims, or you may cut right through. I used some of these vellum bits on some of my cards (below)

New Big Shot toys ROCK!

2009-02-04T19:29:00.000-08:00

With the new catalog came some new products I was not too sure of. The Movers and Shapers were interesting, but I wasn't sure of the value at first. I read some mixed reviews on the Sizzix Texturz plates. Some people loved them, but others thought they didn't emboss deep enough. I decided to buy them and make my own decision.
And the vote is in!

I have been merrily experimenting with embossing. I think it gives a great effect on card stock. Although some recommend misting it to get a greater depth of impression, I am happy with the results without. I did add a paper shim with the thicker card stock (never add a shim with the vellum paper, or you'll cut right through).
These first two cards are Riding Hood Red with Vellum Paper textured. I love the little Polka Dots! And the Paisley seems to go so well with the Love You Much heart.

The second pair of cards use the SU Curly Label Movers and Shapers. I ran the Real Red card stock through the Big Shot with the die to cut out the card. I then embossed just the front of the card with the Swirls texture plate. Stamping and punching the Curly Label sets fit just right inside the window.
On the bird card, I embossed the Vellum.
And don't forget a touch of ribbon and Silver Hodge Podge!

Love you Much Valentines

2009-01-31T08:47:00.000-08:00

Although I wasn't too sure about the Love You Much bundle at first, I am finding that I absolutely love it! The Candy Lane paper, the hearts punch, the stamps are just too cute. Here is my first set of Valentines I was trying out.

Paperwise, these cards used Close to Cocoa, Pirouette Pink, Riding Hood Red, and Very Vanilla card stock. I also used the Candy Lane DSP which coordinates with those colors.
When stamping on colored cardstock and then coloring, I found that the Close to Cocoa wasn't always dark enough. I also used Chocolate Chip ink for stamping.

I also used the Vanilla taffeta ribbon and Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon. The Vanilla hodgepodge also coordinates with Candy Lane. And the birds fit pretty well inside the Designer Label punch. They also fit in the oval punch. In each case, the little heart gets cut out, but the small heart from the heart stamp and punch is a perfect replacement.
Too bad I don't have many people to send Valentines to. Just my boys (and they aren't really too interested. They consider it abit girly)

Valentines pages

2009-01-28T08:44:00.000-08:00

I decided to make some Valentines pages. This first page I managed to get the main part planned. Now, I need to scan in some pictures of us through the years. I am going to overlap pictures of us together from our first dates, to marriage, to us now (20 years later). Finding the pictures is the challenge. Usually, one of us is behind the camera or we have the kids with us. I used Close to Cocoa paper for my background and some Riding Hood Red for the scallops (from the scallop punch) Once I find all the pictures, I think this Candy Lane paper makes a great Valentine page. I especially love these birds (no pun intended) We are bird watchers, so it fits in with our lifestyles 100%!

I also thought the Candy Lane, Love You Much and scallops would be great for gathering up my Valentines. Each year, the boys made cards for me at school. Time to round them up and scrapbook them! I made a pocket for each page with Vellum. The vellum makes it possible to see the valentines and still contain them. I used the Love You Much stamps with Chocolate Chip and colored with Riding Hood Red and the punches to create lots of "card candy" for the page. I also colored a Pretties flower with Pirouette Pink and a Vanilla pearl to accentuate the page.

The last touch is to add the Valentines. I found some of the boys old projects. They are precious but not quite archival. Construction paper, hand prints, tissue flowers, poster paints and crayons. Gotta love it and glad I can share it!

Christmas Pages

2009-01-24T11:23:00.000-08:00

After gathering up our photos from the holidays, I created these three spreads. I broke each part of the holidays into a unique page but they are connected by the Snowflake theme throughout.

The first spread is Christmas eve at home. This is our first holiday without our oldest (He didn't have leave to come home). Using Baja Breeze and Whisper White, Big Shot snowflakes were layered. The large snowflakes have "ice" rhinestone brads in the center. The corners have Baja Breeze patterned paper from the Country Living Holiday kit. The star layers were cut with Nestabilities. I love that the Big Shot can use so many different products.

Although I used Sizix letters on the Christmas Eve spread, the next two page titles have stamped letters on layered tags from the two tag punches. More personal notations were written with the signo white pen on colored tags. Baja Breeze coordinates so well with Night of Navy, the colored background strip.

For the last spread, I had to change to Pacific Point. The Baja Breeze that captured the light snow in the first pictures just didn't match the blueness of the snow in the pictures of the kids sledding. My husband is such a great photographer, capturing their play's excitement and rosy cheeks. This spread also used the textured Whisper White. I also tried the shimmery white for the snowflakes, which are kept apart from the pictures with the Pacific Point.

Rock a Bye Boy Albums

2009-01-11T17:21:00.001-08:00

Besides making an album for my niece, I had some friends who were also in need. Having babies a month apart, it was easier to follow a scrapmap and make them simultaneously.

The album cover, for Brandon, is done in Bashful Blue and Pool Party DSP. I used the Cosmo Fine glitter on some chipboard pieces. What a cutie!

I used the Rock-A-Bye Boy Simply Scrappin Kit and the same layouts as the Rock-A-Bye Girl book for both the boys.

Here's the other cutie, Spencer!

Spencer's album is covered in Certainly Celery. I thought it would go well with all his rainforest decor. Since I had new baby pictures of the boys, I was able to add pictures to the cover and a couple of the pages.

When I first saw the Rock-A-Bye colors last fall, I was a bit so-so. It has high contrast, which takes more courage than I usually have for scrapbooking. It also uses Tango Tangerine.

I am not much of an orange person, leaving it as an exclusively Fall/Halloween thing. But, I have found myself warming up to it unlike all the other orange variations. It also pulled on some blues and greens which I like. Old Olive and Kiwi Kiss went along with it quite well.

I also pulled in a few other colors, like the Brilliant Blue page. It does not pull much from the Rock-A-Bye kit much and uses my old favorite Pool Party again. This is why I stock up on those retiring DSPs. You never know when a project will just call for those old papers, like this project did for me.

To make the Brag Book useful for the moms, I made a spot for monthly development and special events.

To make it easy, I labeled the picture sizes so mom could know the size of pictures to add when appropriate.

I also included a place for pictures with the people. Since I had pictures from the delivery of mom and dad, I had to include those. All they need now is pictures with grandparents, cousins and so forth. So, like the other kit, I included all the parts to finish the page.

The kits have so many frames, and stickers! I was able to get through all the paper (as well as needing more since there were two albums) But there were more than enough stickers to split between the two albums and still have some laying around.

I did also add a few other things, like corners punched for adding to the pictures. I also used lots of buttons- Soft Subtle, Neutral, and Fresh Favorite buttons here and there.

I hope these albums help the girls share images of their new bundles of love with all their friends. We all want to see how they grow.

Presents-Album

2009-01-08T20:04:00.000-08:00

Since so many of my friends and family have been reproducing, I decided to make albums for them- Baby Brag books. I remember how little time their is to scrapbook or work on other projects with a little one in the house. And everyone wants to see pictures. So, I thought these would make some fun and useful presents.

I started with the standard 8 1/2 chipboard album. I took the chipboard album and colored it with craft ink. I added some designer paper and Modge Podged it. As some of you may have noticed, I Modge Podge any three dimensional project. I guess I feel it protects it.

Anywho,I took some chipboard and covered it with glitter. To do this, I first checked with SCS to find the best way to adhere glitter. The final decision was to color the chipboard to match the glitter with ink. Then, using the multipurpose glue, sprinkle the glitter liberally. Shake of the excess and it should be set. This is the Fine Cosmo glitter on Ginormous pieces and letters. Of course that needed to be Modge Podged too. All I need now is a picture to fill that flower.

For the album, I started with the Simply Scrappin Kit Rock-a-Bye Baby. The kits come with so many stickers, I split the kit to make two albums and pulled in some extra paper.

For each page, I placed the mat for photos and labeled the photo size. This makes it easy for mom to print out pictures and glue them in. I was trying to make it as user friendly as possible.

The page layouts are loosely based on the album Jaron Winder featured at convention. Although I didn't get to go to convention, another from my group created her album based on his. It was so great I thought I would try it out. Luckily, my upline Patty had the pdf and sent it to me so I could create my own. Its great to have such a wonderful stampin group!

I didn't follow Jaron's layout exactly. I wanted to have the consistency of having pages to feature each month. To do this, I repeated one spread three times, so four months were on each spread. (Notice the months listed on the bottom)

Some pages were also very difficult, since I do not have any of the pictures. Without the pictures, its hard to journal. For pages that are "some assembly required" I included the missing pieces. For example, I including terms and people who might appear with the new baby. All mom has to do is pick out photos and the captions that would match to put it all together.

Although it is a generic pre-made album in a way, it is also customized. I tried to include the babies name, initials, and such through out. All mom needs to add is pictures and its all about her baby.

One thing that is probably very obvious in this album, this is for a girl.

A is for Ashley, my niece's little baby. Hopefully, I can get a big picture to finish the cover and then I can deliver it to her.

Remember our military

2009-01-03T22:59:00.000-08:00

One of the Navy Moms on my forums mentioned that a sailor over seas did not receive any cards for Christmas. In fact, her son has not seen any mail for him since he arrived. Sadly, many of our dedicated service people do not have support or contact from those back home. If possible, always send out a care package or a note.

Its late, but I sent out this Christmas card and New Years card to this sailor. I will also look at getting a care package out his way.

If you don't recognize it, the Christmas card is from Deer Friends. It is similar to my earlier card.
The New Year card uses the Under the Stars set and Muirfield DSP with Baja Breeze and Chocolate Chip.

Please remember, whether you support the war or not, make sure to support our troops. Send a card, a package, or at least your warm thoughts!

Retiring the Fall/Winter catalog

2009-01-03T14:36:00.000-08:00

With a new catalog coming, it will soon be time to say goodbye to some supplies. The retiring accessories list comes out on Monday. I am eager but also dread what may be leaving us. I just got started using some of the DSP and it will go away! I made this clipboard with the Bella Rose paper. I love this DSP and hate to see it go! But, I am sure I will love the new stuff too. I always do.

At least the colors will still be around. I used the Pacific Point pad directly on this wood frame. Both projects also used the Pretties Kit. Boy, they better not change that! With a house full of boys, I thought I would never use it much. But I am almost out of my second batch of Pretties flowers. You never really know til you start playing with stuff what you are really going to use.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T23:23:00.000-08:00

Well, as I wait here for Santa to arrive, I thought I should take a few minutes to download those pictures of some of my ornaments I made with the Country Living kit. Almost everything I needed was in the kit! How cool is that, no need to look for glue, glitter, anything. Although, I did add a couple of bobbles from the Pretties Kit to add to the ornaments. Enjoy!
The white frames were stamped with craft Whisper White ink and sprinkled with Dazzling Diamonds. When dry, I sealed it with Modge Podge because I worry about the glitter wearing off over time. I also Modge Podged the paper to protect it.

For the bottom ornaments, I ran the hat pin through the chipboard and ran the beads along the pin. The top of the pin is perfect for attaching an ornament hanger.

A word of warning... its easy to punch chipboard out, but its hard to put it back in place. Make sure it is lined up the same way. They do not have perfect radial symmetry. Also, glue and Modge Podge may coat the sides adding bulk. Be patient and it can be worked back in.

My Christmas Cards

2008-12-20T17:17:00.000-08:00

Although I originally had an elaborate design for my Christmas cards, I decided to keep it simple and cute this year. I was amazed with the cards made by several other crafters using the Top Note die to make the folded cards and had to give it a try. It was so easy, and different. And they stand really well.

I love the Deer Friends hostess set and took advantage of it to make my cards. I couldn't resist coloring the deer's nose red and gave it a touch of crystal effects to help it "glow". And I had to use my new stamp set from the Country Living special to perk up background too.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-18T21:52:00.000-08:00

I have been busy making some holiday projects (in between class and grading papers)
Here are a few of my latest Holiday Projects.

First off, I picked up some new glitter. I usually only play with Dazzling Diamonds, but this time I tried the Fine Cosmo Glitter set. I picked up some glass ornaments, put a couple drops of reinker in. Then, I swirled the ink around to get a fine coat of ink throughout the inside of the ornament. I drained the excess ink out and poured copious amounts of glitter in. I swirled the glitter around to make sure every spot was coated with glitter and shook most of it out. Although I poured nearly the whole container of glitter in, almost all of it came back out. I used rub-ons, like the Old Saint Nick set, to decorate the ornaments.
A couple of tips: Use smaller images, due to the curve of the ornaments. Add the rub-ons in small sections. The white rub-ons show up best. If you make a mistake (and I did) its easy to remove the rub-on and try a new one.

I picked up the Country Living Holiday kit. What a great bargain that is! It had everything I needed. I was thinking about adding glitter to one project and wondered where mine was... no need, it was in the kit!
I made several items. This is the scrapbook page I designed for my Stampin Club. Using the Coluzzle to get the circle, the Designer punch for the tabs, and several circle punches, I came up with the this fun design. I cased a variation of this off of SCS (thanks Doris) because I thought the idea of the ornament design to frame the photos was so creative.

Luv

2008-11-26T21:43:00.001-08:00

OK, so there were tons of projects that I did and never got around to posting.
Time to make up for that!

First off, here are a couple of things from our last Luv 2 Stamp meeting (I know that was back in September) but here is the swap that I shared. Its all using Riding Hood Red and Confetti White. Very simple Christmas card, but cute.

We also had a 6x6 page swap. Since the Big Shot is the newest toy, we were trying to use it on our pages. It wasn't until I was done that I realized that I used tons of Big Shot materials and not a single stamp set. I love that Big Shot. I also used the new Tango Tangerine. Normally I don't like orange, but I think the Tangerine is starting to work on me.

Also, we made some great projects. This is one of my favorite cards. I love everything about it! The Kiwi ribbon, the Filigree brads, what a great design! I wish I could remember who came up with this fabulous design. I really need to post right away so I don't forget these things.
Kudos to our great Luv 2 Stampers!

What a month!! (or two)

2008-11-25T09:33:00.001-08:00

OK, my attempt to keep up on the blog fell with my attempt to keep up with life!
The last month and a half were a bit more than I planned. My simple, "oh, its just school, master's class, and normal family" was kicked up a notch with two presentations at different conferences (both on different subjects). I figured I could handle the extra load, but jury duty threw me over the edge.
My master's class is all caught up!
I am almost caught up on grading.
The house is... well... I can see the floor in most rooms again.

And I started working on projects again!

More Scrapbook pages

2008-09-14T22:32:00.000-07:00

OK, while on my working trip to Orlando, I also stopped by Epcot (actually, the conference took us there!)
So, I needed to scrap all those too.

I used post cards I picked up at Epcot and shopped around FOREVER to find paper for each country in Epcot. Took awhile, but my planned worked out ok.

The best part of scrapbooking Epcot, was when my son came to watch and noticed the pictures.

"Mom, where are you in this picture?"

"China"

"China! When did you go to China?"

"Right after I left Japan"

"WHAT! You went to Japan too? When?"

"The same time I went be Italy"

"Italy? Why didn't you take me to all those places!"

He still doesn't quite get it that I was at Epcot.
I guess we'll just need to get a family trip out there.

Scrapbook pages

2008-09-07T19:13:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been busy getting back to school. But I did manage to get some scrapbooking in between teaching, writing lessons, grading papers, and doing my own homework for my masters program.

Being these were Sea World pictures, I thought I would lean towards some aquatic colors.

The new Pacific Point was perfect! And it goes with so many scrapbook papers. I found that it worked great with my official Sea World paper. Plus, its just a great color.

Besides using lots of Pacific Point, I made good use of my dimensional supply. Stampin Dimensionals just make any accept "jump out".

Take a great sticker and stick it on the page and its good. Put it on card stock, cut it out and put a dimensional, its great! It may not be easy to see in the photos, but almost every accent is raised.

And the new ribbons and designer brads! I love them. The Pacific Point grosgrain ribbon is wide and mostly colored. Looks great! And check out the circle designer brads.

If you look close, the background paper that goes so well with the Pacific Point is sometimes the Sea World paper and in some cases is the new Designer Paper. It really all goes so well together!

But, I like to play with lots of colors. I had to bring in some Tempting Turquoise, and its related colors, as well.

A little Tempting Turquoise Designer Paper with some Cool Caribbean and Taken with Teal seemed to bring it all together. I used the new Scallop Punch to make a scalloped border. Although far from perfect, it made a good border. A little brad in the corner just gives a little finishing bling.
Not too bad, if I do say so myself.

Now, I just need to finish sprapbooking the rest of my Orlando trip!

Decor Elements

2008-08-17T20:05:00.000-07:00

Since I don't have any smooth walls for decor elements, I also tried putting this one on my lap top. Its been on there are hauled around in and out of the bag for a couple of weeks. And its still there. Guess they are pretty durable.

Decor Elements

2008-07-27T08:13:00.000-07:00

The new Decor Elements are really neat. I searched my house for the perfect spot, but there isn't a smooth wall in the entire place. Where to put my DE?
Who says it has to go in the house? Why not the car? I read about other who have used decorative vinyl products on vehicles quite successfully. So I tried putting in on my car windows. How cool is that!

Rub-Ons

2008-07-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

Now, I remember trying to use rub-ons for fun as a little kid, but they weren't much fun. I remember stuff sticking to the wrong places and letters getting ripped...
I finally had the courage to try out rub-ons on a transparent plastic bucket I picked up somewhere. Not too bad. It was easy, clean. I guess rub-on technology has come along way!
Now, we'll have to see if I can muster the courage to put them on pictures for scrapbook pages!

SU website

2008-07-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

OK, I have gone and done it. I have a Stampin' Up Website now! Feel free to check it out and let me know what you think. Its at: http://ksmiley.stampinup.net
Ah, just one more site to play with!

Porcelain Prints Box

2008-07-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

OK, I have been working on this project for too long, but I am finally mostly done. I picked up a set of stacking wooden boxes some time ago. When I first saw the Porcelain Prints, I knew they were perfect for covering the boxes.

I covered the boxes and sealed with Modge Podge. Be careful. My delay was the time to dry, since I put on too much too fast. So, now that they are no longer sticky, I used the double stitch ribbons in Wilid Wasabi and Bayou Blue and Vanilla Grosgrain to highlight.

I love Porcelain Prints. I am sad to see them go. Hopefully, there will be something just as nice in the new catty!

Scallop Punch

2008-07-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

OK, so some people are wondering about using the new Scallop Punch. This is what I have found that works.

First, notice the scallop markings on each side of the punch. This is the guide you will want to use for punching. The more you punch, the more you want to rely on the punch picture that the plastic edge.

After you punch once, you can see that the silver punch image is visible as you move the paper. You want to place the paper so that none of the silver image is showing.

Once the silver image is hidden, punch and move to the next location. It seems to be easiest to start in the middle and work your way out.

As you punch, the thin strip left along the edge is not stable enough for lining up your punch. That is why it is so important to line up the pictures of the scallops. I do like the look of that strip, so I kept it for my strapbook page.

I can tell... This is going to be one of my new favorites. Now, to try it with the Scallop Stamp set!

New stuff!

2008-07-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

I love being a Stampin’ Up demonstrator!
As soon as the Stampin’ Up calendar starts to end, we start to get sneak peaks to the new materials. Even better… we can order some materials early to play with!

I haven’t had a chance to make much, but here is what I did so far.

There are the new In Colors: Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, Tangerine Tango, Pink Pirouette, Pacific Point, and Kiwi Kiss.

And of course new Designer Paper. This is using Bella Donna.
I used some Bella Donna paper with Pink Pirouette and Basic Black with the new Scallop Punch (So Cool!!!)

Scouting pages

2008-07-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some other scouting pages I have been doing. This one highlights the tag punches. I thought that would offer a fun means for journaling.

The second page uses the old, yet favorite "Scouts at Play" stamp set. The fun thing about stamping is the versatility. You don't always have to just stamp on the background paper. I like cutting and using dimensionals to make the image "pop"

The new Boho look is so fun! Using the western paper and Simply Scrappin Kits captured the western theme for our pack recruitment "Cub Scout Round Up". The thread made a great lasso too!

Scrapbook pages

2008-07-15T15:47:00.001-07:00

With one sheet of Cub Scout quotes paper and a couple sheets of Designer Paper, I made this set of pages to showcase my son's graduation to Webelos 2.

Brilliant Blue card stock with Summer Sun and More Mustard mats go well with the colors from the Cub Scout paper.

I used the Designer Paper (Brilliant Blue and So Saffron) to break up the solids and add interest. I also used dimensionals to make the badges "pop".

I also used my Coluzzle and Word Window punch to make this "Arrow of Light". That is my little one's next big goal!

Random Scrappin'

2008-07-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

I have been busily scrapbooking: going through and organizing pictures, remembering events to journal, laying it all out and crafting it together. Wow, is very time consuming but rewarding.

I have so many pictures I am scrapping them as I get inspired and will get them organized in albums when I get enough together to see what all I have.

So here is some of my random scrappin'. Here are my pages from Teacher of the Year. The Mellow Moss sets are from the district and the Blush Blossom are from the County. I used one of the old Simply Scrappin' sets: Today and Always. The new pretties kit goes so well with it, especially when I sponged the flowers with Mellow Moss.

I always stock up on Simply Scrappin' kits because you never know when you will want it.

More Carousel Notes

2008-06-23T14:19:00.000-07:00

I love these notes!
I saw this great project on another site (thanks JanTink - Stamps, Paper, Scissors) and thought what a great present for Grandparents. I originally planned on trying to have it done for Mother's Day, but I thought a DVD would fit in the pocket as well. Since I am adding a set of videos of all our photos of the boys, the whole project took longer than planned. The videos are still in the works, but here are the cool purses I made for each Grandmother (and of course an extra for myself!)

Supplies: 3 Carousel

Notes and envelopes, Designer Paper (I used Afternoon Tea), Pretties kit, Ribbon, Classy Brass Pick a Petal, Crafters Tool kit, Jumbo Eyelets, and a pair of sticky magnets.

First make the structure of the purse with the three envelopes.

-For the center envelope, fold the cover flap in. -Fold the center envelope with the opening side outward. (This will make the raised center of our W)
-Take each of the other envelopes and attach them to the outside of the center envelope with the openings on the inside towards the center envelope. (These make the sides of our W) All envelope openings should be on the topside of the envelope.

- Cover the outside of the envelopes with designer paper. Feel free to add embellishments like layers of colors, ribbon or whatever. Remember, the ends will be covered by the Carousel Note, so keep it towards the base of the W.

-Start with one Carousel Note that will be the cover.
-Decorate the Carousel Note with Designer Paper. I used a Coluzzle to cut out the circle. Using the Pick-a-petal Classy Brass, the edge of the Carousel Note can get a nice touch by embossing a pip on each scallop and by piercing a ring around the circle of designer paper.

Next, make the top of the purse.

-Fold the Carousel Note in half and sticky strip the backside onto the outside of one side of the W.

-Punch holes in the top (on the back side that is attached). Be sure to stay towards the sides of the envelope, not the center, since that would interfere with putting the Carousel Note in. Add Jumbo Eyelets.

-Run ribbon of choice through the eyelets (I used satin ribbon but double-stitched would look good too).
-Sticky strip the ribbon in place on the inside of the purse on one of the envelopes. We will cover this up with decorative paper. Try to keep it fairly flat to prevent unsightly bumps.

-Add a magnet to the inside front cover of the Carousel Note and the purse. Its best to place one first with the other half attach then see where the second one needs to be placed when it is closed.

Time to decorate the inside!

-Cover the inside with Designer Paper. Be sure to glue carefully. Leave the center envelope opening available as a secret pocket for pictures or notes.

-Add pictures, stamps, journaling or whatever!

-Besides the inside of all three envelopes, take the two remaining Carousel Notes. These can be decorated and tucked into the envelopes.

-You can also add tabs to the Carousel Notes to make them easier to remove. I also dressed up the tabs with the Totally Tab stamps.

-Way easy to make a cool personal gift.

I have been busy!

2008-06-22T21:28:00.000-07:00

I have been busy on all kinds of projects. I just need to get the pictures all downloaded and posted online.
So, lets start with the ultra-cool Carousel Notes tote. The first time I saw a post on these, I thought "Whoa, that looks way too hard." But, after looking more closely, I saw how easy it was.

It starts by making a bag-a-lope from the envelope that comes with the carousel notes.
-Seal the envelope
-On three sides, score the envelope one inch from the end.
-On the fourth side, cut off the end (at 4.5 inches)

-At the score lines, fold the envelope into a bag. Fold each score line outward.
-There will be the extra tabs at the base. Move these to the outside and fold under to the bottom of the bag. Sticky strip the tabs in place. Your bag-a-lope is complete.

-Next I added the straps. I chose to sticky strip my straps in place. Once I have those secured, its time to add the Carousel Notes.

-Decorate your carousel note. I used Afternoon Tea designer paper. I also used the Classy Brass to punch holes and emboss the border. In color ribbons go great with the carousel notes as well. I added the Pretties flowers. Some of the flowers are decorated or colored. You can color the flowers by sponging them. I also covered one in Crystal Effects and added Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

I love these Carousel Notes. I hope that Stampin' Up keeps them in the next catalog!

Simply Scrappin'

2008-04-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love
Simply Scrappin' kits because they don't require much thought. I know most people only buy a kit when they have a set of picture that they see a kit will work for. But me, I just get them all. Some sit around for awhile, and they I discover a picture that just say "That kit would work great here" And it does!

So here are a few different kits. Recognize any of these?

Invitation

2008-04-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

Daniel is about to turn 10.

Here is Daniel's party invitation
I used Ahoy, Matey and Matey's Map.
The main card is on Blue Bayou (which always makes me think about pirates)
The Matey's Map is on parchment, wrinkled and and sponged with Chocolate Chip.
The Pirate is on Vanilla and sponged to give it an aged look.

It was a fun card to make and the kids liked it!

Navy Album

2008-04-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hey, all! The main thing I have been working on is Patrick's Navy album.

Now, most of the album is not using Stampin' Up, but any and every other source of Navy scrapbooking materials I could get a hold of.
I started with his "Swearing In" before he left for Boot Camp. I used Pledge of Allegiance style papers and dog tags to highlight the event.

Just after swearing in, he left for Great Lakes Recruiting Center. We wouldn't see him for another eight weeks.

This page will have a personal reflection on his absence at Bootcamp. I will print the reflections on vellum and attach it over the postal montage. The side pocekts are perfect for storing all the letters during bootcamp.

After Boot Camp was completed, we were able to see his graduation at the Pass in Review. One of the most emotional moments of PIR is when the recruits entered the hall. Over 800 young men and women marching in to long absent excited families!

The Parade Hall is enormous. It needs to be to accommodate all those divisions and their families.
Don't they look fabulous standing at attention.
I loved when they all sang "Anchors Aweigh"

Once the PIR was completed, the announced "Liberty Call" Talk about a place going nuts!
It was a challenge for families to find their recruits in the crowd, but once we did, we also made a point of finding Patrick's division flag. He designed the "Mom & Pop" side.

Of course the album wouldn't be complete without the official division photo and yearbook picture of my sailor!

So on Liberty, Patrick finally had the chance to visit with family. But, part of his priority was also to eat what he wanted and play with electronics. During most of the visit, I only saw the top of his head. His face was buried in the DS! We did get plenty of smiles in filling his ice cream cravings, here at the Rainforest Cafe!

Of course just about everyone makes the track to Navy Pier. It was about the only site we saw in Chicago on our stay.
Even then, we didn't see all the activities there. We spent most of the time at the IMAX.
sigh!

We saw him off at the airport so he could take his cell phone and DS with him to Groton for sub school. We hung out at the USO office. He was visiting with some of his BC friends.
And off on his next leg of the journey. I just wish he would send me more pictures to scrap.

Where did she go?

2008-03-25T16:20:00.000-07:00

Alright, it has been a looong time since I posted anything. But I have been busy. Besides working full time as a teacher, attending graduate school full time working on my masters, I have been merrily scrapbooking away.

I have just been very negligent in taking pictures and posting them.
Time to start catching up!

Now, I won't be able to get everything, but I'll start to share a handful of projects.
Let's start with the projects for my next Stampin' Club.

OK, this is a 12x12 spread to allow the group to try out some different techniques.
I used the Color Coach to come up with the combo, because I honestly would never have thought to put these colors together. When I looked at the coach, I was suspicious, but when I put it together, I loved the combo! I used the Almost Amethyst paper, Always Artichoke and Pumpkin Pie. I was using the Pumpkin Pie Die-Cut Flowers with the new Rub-Ons. Fun combination! I also included the new hodgepodege ribbon roses over the scallop punched rub-on. I love how so many things line up and are compatible.

I went to a Regional workshop where they demonstrated watercoloring on designer paper. I thought "How cool is that!" So, I thought we would try that out. I don't have very many flower stamps appropriate for watercoloring and dug out this old set. I also tried the faux embossing with the Crop-a-dile on the Photo Corners I punched. Its the same design, one pink and one blue. So, people can chose what they want to do.

To help demonstrate the principle, I dug out a whole bunch of old Designer Papers and punches and went to town!

Since we are going on a trip to Monterey, I expect us to spend a little time on the beach, around the tidepools, and critter watching along the slough. So, to prepare for some pictures, I prepped with the old sea shells stamp set and the old wonderful wings using this new technique. It certainly jazzes up the designer papers that weren't as exciting in the package.
Gotta love it!

Journals

2007-11-16T20:27:00.000-08:00

I found some cheap canvas journals that I decided to decorate.

I inked the canvas, in this case with Night of Navy. I used On Board Ginormous Pieces chipboard which I inked with Craft White, Craft Rose Red, and Classic Night of Navy.

I Modge Podged to seal it all, and have a patriotic journal!

I was inspired by some scrapbook pages I was working on for my Navy son.

Autumn boxes

2007-11-04T21:20:00.001-08:00

One of the projects we have been working on are Gift Boxes.
I stamped these boxes using a Spectrum Pad with my favorite Earth Element colors. I also used some old leaf stamp sets. The left box was stamped with the spectrum pad. The right was brayered and stamped and embossed with Winter White.
I used cello bags to make a window to view the goodies we will put inside. Its hard to see, but the StazOn white makes a neat touch on the window.
I hope my son's teacher likes it!

Fixing scrapbook pages

2007-11-04T20:53:00.000-08:00

OK, you probably wonder what's up now.
Well, I am working on several projects that are taking some time. I like to give my Modge Podge
a chance to dry before I put on the next coat. So, I will be sharing those shortly.
One other thing I have been doing was going through some incomplete scrapbook pages to complete them. I found that several of the pages needed a letter or two. In many cases, I had used die-cuts to make letters, but between cutting them out and adhering them on, some get lost.
I was able to fix a few pages, but I had a big problem with one. I used die-cuts from a local scrapbook store, which closed their workroom. Yikes! What was I to do?
Well, I tried to take off the letters that were on, and messed up the entire bottom layer of paper.
Now, its worse!
Luckily, this was done with SU cardstock. I decided to just cover the whole bottom with same brown paper I used a year or so ago when I started the page. I just grabbed a new sheet and it matched perfectly!
Although I love all the variety of patterned papers in the stores, I am frequently frustrated by the constant changing of products. I find I can never go back and get more, and if I do, the color doesn't always match. Several years of SU paper, and the color lot is still the same. Ya ho!

Too much "Coffee" & too much stuff

2007-09-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

Well, I did manage to get a couple of things done around the bird. I covered a couple of more of my scrappin' tins.
I love those International Coffees (especially now that they are sugar-free) I love the taste and I love the tins. Those tins are great for storing just about anything. In the past, I have stored memerobilia and small glass objects in them. Now, I store all my little scrapping materials. I did a workshop on shakerboxes. I put all the demo shaker boxes in a tin. When I cut or stamp letters, I always make extras and I store those in a tin. Same when I dye ribbon, flowers or make other accessories like polyshrink or polymer clays. I make extra and place it all in the tins. This provides me with some instant customized accessories and examples to share.
Part of the great thing about the tins is how well they stack! And by making them different with Stampin' Up Designer papers, I can tell which tin I want. Sometimes, I add stickers from our accessories kits to label the tins.
Of course, there are other tins laying around as well. This tin was part of a present from my secret pal. After all the goodies were gone, I thought about throwing it away. But it was such a cute size for little gifts. The outside was a bit unsightly though. So I used our new Porcelain Print paper (Its like the old Recollections but in blues) Pretty!

I am also using the Porcelain Prints to cover some boxes for a friend. I'll be able to finish the decoupage when the source of feathers are out of the area.

Guest Slowing me down

2007-09-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

Well, you would think that having my Craft Room back, I would have lots to show for it.

Not quite. We have a "guest" staying in that room. He has been here for a couple of weeks while his family is in Italy. Its hard to work with him around because he makes such a mess at times and he is a bit odoriferous. Plus, its a bit unnerving to be continually watched, especially when his head is upside down.

It also doesn't help that we have gone back to work and I spend much of my weekend grading papers and writing lessons.

My Craft Room!

2007-09-02T16:59:00.000-07:00

Oh Yeah!!
I have a place to work again. After my Number 1 son left for bootcamp, we started the household shuffle. Number 2 son went into his old room and all my craft stuff was moved into Number 2 son's room. That room was originally my craft room before he was born. Unfortunately, our house is not big enough for both boys and my hobbies. Most my stuff is finally returned to its proper location, to my husband's relief. We did leave a bed set up in there, so it is a tight work area. But its bigger than what I had before.
Now its time to get some projects done!

Scrappin' Circle

2007-08-12T08:22:00.001-07:00

Well, one of the things that I started before the chaos is our Scrappin' Circle Journal.

I decorated a 5x5 chipboard journal with Almost Amethyst Prints Designer Paper and some On Board Chipboard (colored with gold, saffron and amethyst inks)

Inside, each of us signs in and creates two pages: Love Me, Love My Stampin'. The first spread is about "me". Each tells a little about themselves. The second spread is about "my stampin'". Each person tells about their favorite techniques and products.
So here is me. I just need to wait as each person takes it over a different month to tell about themselves.

So where have I been?

2007-08-12T08:07:00.000-07:00

You might be are wondering why it has been so quiet here. Well, that's because it hasn't been quiet around our house.
We have been preparing for the departure of number 1 son for Navy bootcamp. Part of preparing for him to leave was packing up and organizing his stuff. So, his boxes of stuff are everywhere. Of course, now that he is packed, we are moving stuff around, including getting the stamping stuff out of my bedroom. There is still quite a bit of cleaning and moving to do, but my productivity will increase when I have some space to work.

I lost my craft room 10 years ago when his little brother was born. So, even though I miss my son, I am gaining a stamp room!

Triangle Trifold Card

2007-07-30T17:42:00.001-07:00

This is another fabulous project that some of the other Stampin' Up group members came up with.
This Triangle Trifold card uses the new tapestry theme line: the new Baroque Designer Paper and Baroque Motifs stamp set.
This card is very versatile. You can opt to attach the ribbon in a variety of ways. It can be attached to the front (one triangle) or the back. The key is, don't attach it in too many places, or the card will not open. I like using the Sticky Strip, since it will hold even if you only are attaching a small area.
There is a great tutorial for this on Split Coast Stampers at:
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/triangletrifold.php

Luv2Stamp Cards

2007-07-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about being a Stampin' Up demonstrator is the access to workshops and trainings. Here are some of the great cards my fellow demonstrators designed and helped up to make.
1st card- This card uses the Pick a Petal stamp set. The green leaf was stamped separately and cut out, as was the yellow center. The big trick in stamping the petals is starting with 12 and 6 o'clock. Then put in the 3. The last two can fill in the spaces. A great way to balance out your petals. The slit punch makes a closure to the card.
2nd card- This card uses the Flowers and Flourishes set. Although difficult to see in the photo, the white is a folded envelope that opens with a pocket. The tab showing out of the top is from a tag in the envelope pocket. The envelope is held closed by a ribbon through a slit that is tied. A very clever card!
3rd card- This card uses the Double-Line Doodles set. Markers are used to color the images. Use different shades, like on the green leaves, to add interest. Highlighting a word in the text draws the eye to important terms, like the red "love". And notice the great brads! The new Circle Rhinestone Brads add a sparkle for the center and the Bold Bright Brads add a coordinating color to the tag. Tip: The Rhinestone Brads tend to raise up. To have them lay flat, use the pad of the Crafters Tool Kit to protect the rhinestone, gently hammer on the brad.

My Swap

2007-07-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

At my last Stampin' Up meeting, we had a card swap for cards using the new catalog.

One of my favorite new sets is the Baroque Motifs. I used Old Olive cardstock and sponged it with Old Olive ink to "age" it. I used gold embossing powder with versamark to emboss the background image on the Old Olive and the medallion on Basic Black.

I highlighted it with Black grosgrain ribbon and raised the medallion with Stampin' Dimensionals.
This is all mounted on Basic Black cardstock.

Notebooks

2007-07-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

I love the chipboard books. What a great way to customize a journal.

I made this one by covering the chipboard with Designer Paper and using Modge Podge to seal it and protect it from wear and tear.
Since I made this before the spiral punch came out, I had to punch out the holes for the spiral binding very carefully with the awl from the Crafters Tool Kit. I wrapped the coordinating organdy ribbon and gold cord aroung the front cover. The Hodge Podge Hardware holds "Mon Ami" covered with the Cracked Glass technique to give it that vintage look. (Glassy Glaze is embossed several times, cooled and cracked)

Lunch boxes

2007-07-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite projects is decorating Lunch Tins.

I love using these tins for all kinds of things. They make great recipe tins. I have one for holding my sewing supplies (Hence, the heirlooms paper with sewing supplies) They are the perfect size for holding card swaps or organizing your cards. And they make fun gifts, especially when filled with goodies like chocolate!

Some people use sticky strip to hold the paper and accessories down.
I like to add a protective layer to the paper by applying Modge Podge. By using a decoupage medium, the decorative paper is protected from water or other minor damaging factors. I feel this is especially important for tins that are used a recipe boxes. I have had SO many paper products damaged in the kitchen!

Sticky strip is very strong so it makes a great way to adhere ribbon and embellishments. I add sticky strip to the entire length of the ribbon. This ensures that the ribbon will stay in place, even after a large amount of use.

Hodge Podge hardware is used to hold personalized quotes. Glassy Glaze is embossed in several layers, cooled and cracked to create the "Cracked Glass" style of covering. This gives it that vintage look.

Paper-wise, the Designer Papers are fabulous! They color coordinate with the ribbons and stamps. They are light enough to be flexible but the double-sided papers are thick enough to have some strength and accidental reduce tearing.

There are a variety of fun ribbons you can use to decorate. I like to coordinate a couple of different colors of grosgrain and gingham ribbons. I like ribbon on the edges and I just put a few on each side of the handle. I personally like to be able to use the handle without ribbons in the way. Many people like to make it more decorative and add even more. The choice is yours!

I can't wait to make some new ones with our new designer papers!

Welcome!

2007-07-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Well, its a new Stampin' year and my resolution is to improve my online sharing!

In the past, I have had the chance to share ideas at workshops and I have been sharing at our monthly scrapbook club. Its fun, but I wish I could interact creatively more often.

I have access to so many great resources, I just love to share! I attend my Stampin' Up group meetings where other Stampin' Up demonstrators share great ideas and techniques. I read a variety of Stampin' magazines and websites that provide directions for some fun projects. I now I can share my take on them!

With each project I do, I'll be sure to share what supplies I use and the techniques.
Feel free to email me with any questions and let me know if there is anything I was not clear on. I hope you find this useful, but I am always open to more one-on-one sharing. If you are local, you can join our Stampin' circle, or even start your own!
toodles