Mailable Monday - Not my best work

Hi stampers!  Where did the weekend go?  I think I say that every Monday, ha!  I really think we need a do-over because it was so gloomy here.  The sun peeked out for a few minutes but other than that it was so blah!  I felt very blah yesterday and I think the weather was part of it.  Of course today when I have to go to work it's nice and sunny out and supposed to be almost 80 today...figures, right?

Even stamping didn't seem to cheer me up yesterday!  I did manage to get a few cards done AND to finish up my final scrapbook page for the Artisan contest!  I've still got my BIG 3-D project to finish (but I should have lots of time this weekend visiting my mom) and to even start the second one but I think I'm doing ok.

So, how about a mailable card?  I have to say I'm not thrilled about this one....it was the last one I made before work the day my pre-order came and I was in a rush and didn't have those in color ink pads.  I'm not real happy how the background looks with versamark instead of the actual coastal cabana ink.  But it will have to do for today :-)  I'll be giving this card to my cousin this weekend as we are going to visit my mom and I'll finally get to meet my cousin's little boy.  Although, being an 8 pounder when he was born in February he may not be so little now :-)

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps:  Label love, distressed dots
Paper:  Whisper white, soft sky, costal cabana, subtles DSP stack
Ink:  Soft sky, so saffron, versamark
Accessories:  Scallop circle punches, circle punch, artisan label punch

You may need to click on the picture to enlarge it to see the greeting.  The soft sky ink didn't seem to want to show up in the photo very well.  It says "cutest baby ever".  And I've seen a few pictures of Karsen and he is pretty cute.  He looks a lot like my cousin when he was a baby.  Not having any brothers or sisters I was very excited when Dustin came along just before my 12th birthday...the new baby at my party...not so much, lol!  But it was fun to have a baby in my immediate family and he's as close to a brother as I ever had.  I still can't believe he's old enough to have a baby and it makes me feel old, lol!

One other tip for this card is the little scallop.  Our smallest scallop punch fits the sentiment perfect on this one!  And don't forget that distressed dots is on the retiring list :(  I'm very sad about that one!  It's a great background stamp and so versatile!  It can add just what a card needs sometimes. So, don't forget to get it while you still can.  I know I won't be parting with mine anytime soon;-)

Happy stamping!

Hey there stamp-a-majig

Hi stampers!  I've been getting friendly with my stamp-a-majig again today after getting the mosaic madness set.  Believe it or not this card went together pretty quick and I kind of love it!!!!  And I kind of love this color combo too!

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps: Mosaic madness, my paper pumpkin welcome kit
Paper: Whisper white, coastal cabana
Ink:  Calypso coral, coastal cabana, crisp cantaloupe
Accessories:  Mosaic punch, basic rhinestones

Too bad my poor stamps will be lonely today since I'm getting my hair done (since I had to put that off on Thursday because my pre-order box was coming, ha...priorities people...priorities) and then working late.  Maybe we can play tomorrow night!

Happy stamping!

Sneak peek....Soho Subway

Hi stampers!  I hope you're all having a good weekend!  I'm glad I got a few things made up on Thursday so I have stuff to share because I sure couldn't get into stamping last night after work.  Of course the shift I had to cover for my co worker was the one where it was cold and rained and his was nice and sunny and warm.  Yep, I'm still bitter, lol!  That's how it always seems to go, right?  :-)  Anyway, instead of stamping after work last night I was huddled under a blanket on the couch trying to get warm which never really happened!  Hopefully in between groceries and laundry and working out I can play with my new toys today!  Who needs clean clothes right?  And stamping might be a good diet...on Thursday I almost forgot to eat lunch I was so excited and that NEVER happens, lol!  And I couldn't let a little thing like making lunch get in the way of creating so I had some Jimmy Johns delivered, lol!!!!  I could get used to that, hahaha!

Anyway, here is another peek from the new catalog using a suite of products called Soho Subway.  I really like this suite.  The DSP is gorgeous and I love the colors and the "grungy" look!  The paper I used on this card is probably my favorite.  I love the  woodgrain and the colors are so pretty!  The new label love stamp set is cute to as well as the matching punch.  It's a really fun and modern shape!  There will be lots of uses for it!  There are some cute new buttons too!

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps:  Label love, my paper pumpkin welcome kit
Paper: Very vanilla, crisp cantaloupe, baked brown sugar, soho subway DSP
Ink:  Summer starfruit, versamark
Accessories:  Summer starfruit satin stitched ribbon, linen thread, doilies, artisan label punch, large scallop edgelit, paper peircing pack, very vintage designer buttons

I also used a new in color here.  The scallop edge is the new cantaloupe color.  I have to say I really hate cantaloupe...the smell...the taste....everything, but I love the new color :-)  My mom and granny loved it and I had to leave the room when they would eat it, lol!  I don't like any melons...so much so that I can't even eat mixed fruit that's been TOUCHING it.  I have issues, I tell ya! ;-)  Oh, and the card base is the new baked brown sugar color too, isn't it yummy?

And something that I kind of forget about sometimes....don't fret if you don't have a particular ink color and you want to do something tone on tone because you can pull out your versamark pad and use it to do the same thing. It won't be quite as dark as the actual ink color but it works!  That's how I made the splatters here since I forgot the ink pads.

The catalog has some cute little tips and tricks sprinkled throughout it and one of them was this little doily trick.  I just scrunched it up to make it kind of pleated  and smaller.  If you need a copy please let me know!  They should be here on Monday so I can start getting them delivered!

Happy stamping!

Baby...fail

Hi stampers!!!!  I've got another sneak peek for you today with a different set from the upcoming catalog!  And now I'm not talking about real babies....which there is still none of that happening over here....but anyway I did a STOOPID thing by somehow forgetting the in color ink pads on my pre order.  Which, are all I really wanted!  Those colors are sooo pretty.  So I remedied that yesterday but I wanted to stamp Thursday, know what I mean?????

So, I had a terrific idea!  I'd use my reinkers (which I did manage to buy) and make my own inkpads using the baby wipe technique.  Great idea right?  Not so much....it didn't work out too well.  I managed to get ONE decent image for the greeting for this card and even it's not all that great.  Don't you just hate when an idea doesn't work out so well!?!?!  So, bear with me...I promise to have some better work to show tomorrow, ok? :-)

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps:  Modern mosaic, really good greetings
Paper:  Whisper white, blushing bride, pistachio pudding, costal cabana
Ink:  Blushing bride, bermuda bay, costal cabana
Accessories:  Modern mosaic embossing folder, ovals and label collection framelits

I kept most of the cards I made on Thursday pretty simple because I wanted to stamp fast so I could play with as many goodies as possible.  This is the first one I made and I love it!  I was so excited to see some mosaic/quatrefoil designs in the catalog!  They are SO in right now.  Have you seen the pillows at Pier One???  If only they weren't so spendy!!!  Says the girl who just next day aired TWO orders, lol!  Priorities, I tell ya!!!!

Anyway, this set is really make for the stamp a majig!!!!  Are you familiar with that doo-hickey?  If not I'll try to shoot a quick vid some time soon!  Anyway, do you see the new embossing folder?  I love it and do you see my new favorite color EV-AH?  That would be costal cabana (the greeting and card base) and I want to marry it!!!!  You're going to see it a lot around here!  These are my favorite in colors ever I think too!

Ok, hope you enjoyed this sneak peek!  Remember, if you want to get your hands on these items early like me you can always sign up with me and since the kit is totally customizable you get whatever you want...including all this new stuff.  Oh and it's a great time right now because you get $30 extra for FREEEEEEE!  It's really a great deal!

Happy stamping!

Fab Friday 17

Hi stampers!  Happy Friday!  It's time for a new challenge at Fab Friday and I have to be honest...I didn't think I was going to play along this week.  It's been rough around here and today was busy BUT I got a box of pre-order goodies so I was able to whip something up ;-)  Granted, I TOTALLY spaced out and didn't order the new in color ink pads...which are what I wanted the MOSTEST!!!  Guess that's what happens when you order at 1am.  You can be that they will be here today though ;-)

Anyway, this week is a sketch and we'd love for you to play along!

Here's my card with some sneaky peeks:

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps:  Really good greetings
Paper:  Whisper white, daffodil delight, strawberry slush, quatrefancy DSP
Ink:  Daffodil delight, Bermuda bay
Accessories:  Circle punch, hexagon embossing folder, large basic rhinestones, daffodil stitched grosgrain ribbon

Can I just say that I have not studied the new stuff near enough...I had to look way to many things up doing the supplies, lol!  We need some major alone time!!!!!  The new catalog is FABULOUS!  Contact me today if you need your copy because they are on the way!  The new in colors are so yummy too!  I'll try to share some more soon...as soon as I get my ink, ha!

Now head on over to see what everyone else did...and maybe spy some more new stuff.  A few of them actually remembered to order the new in colors ;-)  And make sure to play along!

Happy stamping!

Happy retirement...2013

Hi stampers!  Sorry I'm not very on the ball on the retirement stuff.  (And I'm finishing this the day after I meant to publish it...since I fell asleep before I did it yesterday...sigh.)  Normally I take the two days after the pre order off from work and have plenty of time to study the lists and get my ducks in a row and let it all sink in as well as get plenty of sleep.  Well neither one of those things really happened today/last night.  I slept on the couch until just before 1am then signed on to see the info.  I made my order and then sat around waiting for the catalog to post (which is amazing....but I can't share details just yet) because it was late.  I tried looking at the retirement lists but I was cross eyed, lol!  So, finally I headed to bed around 2 and could I fall asleep? Nope!  Figures, huh!  So I had to get up and go to work all the while thinking of all the fun SU stuff going on :-)

So.....make sure you check out MY STORE for the retiring stamps and accessories and get em while you can!  Remember that since SU makes their own stamps they control the inventory so they will all be available until May 31....accessories are a different story and only available while supplies last!  And some of them are discounted up to 60%, holla!!!!

I'm also kind of bummed because I had the weekend off so I could play with my goodies that should show up before 10am today (yay) but now I have to cover for someone :(  Oh well, story of my life.  Again, our jobs really get in the way of stamping, right? :-)

Ok, so here's a pretty picture.  I'll TRY to come back with some sneaky peeks later if I get to play.  I planned on stamping today but I'll have to cut that short NOW because we found out late last night that someone else wants to see the house...which is good I know, but it's getting frustrating to be inconvenienced all the time and not get a single offer!  Send us some good vibes, ok?

I'm really happy to see Bermuda bay back!  It's so pretty and looks great with so many of our colors!

I'll try to add the supplies later...I gotta get to the gym to teach and then try to make myself stay to lift...I'll want to leave since my box will be here before 10:30, lol!  I should have asked for a sub!  LOL!

Happy stamping!

HSS 158

Hi stampers!  It's Tuesday!  And the day before the demo pre-order and catalog reveal...which means I'm in for a late (or early) night tomorrow night and I SHOULD be in bed as I'm writing this post but I stayed up reading and then catching up on tv shows!  So it's another quick one!

It's time for a new challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments!  It's a great sketch this week!

And here's my card using something I've had sitting on my desk for a long time!

I'm kind of obsessed with the brushed gold card stock as of late...it's always something :-)

Make sure to check out the other cards and play along!  I gotta get to bed!  Geesh!

Happy stamping!

Mailable Monday - Washi Style

Hi stampers!  Super quick post today to go with a super fast card!

I used the new washi tape and clear alphabet set to make a quick birthday card.  I got the design idea from a card I saw on Pinterest that used some other products...and of course, I thought "I can do that with SU"!

Stamps:  Designer typeset
Paper:  Confetti white, daffodil delight
Ink:  Basic gray
Accessories:  Washi tape, calypso coral baker's twine

I hand cut the flame and easy peasy it was done!

I gotta skee-daddle!

Happy stamping!

A little lost

Hi stampers!  Sorry I haven't blogged much lately...I just haven't gotten around to it.  Shame on me!  It's like I'm a little lost in my own life right now, lol!  I just kind of forget :-)

My stamping has been very sporadic and I think it may have something to do with the Artisan contest as I'm kind of at a loss on what to enter as far as cards go.  I have lots of options but I'm having a hard time coming up with new ideas and also a hard time picking from what I have saved as contenders.  I guess that's not a BAD problem to have, lol!  BUT, I second guess myself :-)  I feel added pressure this year since I made the finals last year...I of course better at least make them this year, lol!  What?  Like I'm competitive????  :-)

Anyway, I have been stamping some today and I'm trying to try new things and branch out a little into styles that are slightly different than my usual "thing".  I'm also impatiently waiting the arrival of the sneak peek and the new catalog.  Day dreaming of all the new stuff is always a mojo killer, lol!  If you don't hear from me on Wednesday it's because I'm asleep after waking up at 1am to look at the new catalog online and place my pre-order...LIKE I'll be able to go back to sleep after that!  LOL!  I CANNOT WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON THE NEW IN COLORS!  Ok, sorry about the shouty but SQUEEEE!  I neeeeed them!

So, here's something I made and never got around to sharing:

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps:  Make a wish
Paper:  Whisper white, baja breeze, midnight muse, patio party DSP
Ink:  Midnight muse, primrose petals, summer starfruit (markers)
Accessories:  Primrose petals satin stitched ribbon, baja breeze seam binding, silver basic designer  buttons

I'm going to CRY!  Like throw a fit and bawl when patio party retires!  I love that DSP.  It's fun and cheery!  And look at me!  Using the  free set I got at Regionals TWICE (or more...one may be a secret) already!  I may have a fever!  LOL!  For a set I didn't think I "needed" I kinda like it;-)

Ok, I'm off to try to stamp more...it will probably be half stamping and half dreaming about the new catalog, lol! ;-)


Happy stamping!

Need a little sunshine

Hi stampers!  Obviously we could all use a little sunshine with the events of Monday but we physically need some here in the Mid West too!  It's rained/stormed so much since Monday night!  Yeesh!  So much for the ball games I was supposed to cover at work...and it looks like rain until Friday!  Yikes!  I guess I did get a little sun on my run yesterday...which went ok...I only ended up a sweaty mess not a sobbing mess.  I actually ran pretty fast...I guess anger is a good motivator....and storm clouds, ha!  I only made it back about 20 minutes before it started storming!

Anyway, in other good news I'm all registered for convention in SLC this July!  I can't wait to see all my friends that live in my computer....you know....I could meet YOU if you sign up with the current special (and get a bunch more stuff free) and then come to convention!  I have to say that you get so much more out of it that just some business training!  It's inspiring in all aspects of your life and just plain fun!  Let me know if you have any questions and you can check out more info HERE.  I'd LOVE to see you in SLC!

So here's a simple card I made with the sunshine single stamp.  I used the poetry prints DSP stack which I got free at regionals...oh yeah...there's another great reason to go to convention!  FREEBIES!!!!  :-)

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps: sunshine
Paper:  Very vanilla, crumb cake, midnight muse, poetry prints DSP stack
Ink:  Midnight muse, summer starfruit
Accessories:  In color dahlias, summer starfruit satin stitched ribbon, linen thread

I'm off to think about what fun goodies will show up in my display stamper stuff!  And what the pre-order will be!  Eek!  That's just a week away now!

Oh and one other note if you're a fan of the Fab Friday site.  The system we use for linking your projects up has been having some issues.  I'm not really sure what the problem is but I'm hoping it's fixed soon.  If you are having trouble linking up, I'm sorry!  BUT it appears to be working so if you have trouble either switch browsers or wait a while and try again.  Sorry I don't have better advice! And keep the entries coming!!!

Happy stamping!

Beautiful things in an ugly world

Hi stampers.  This post may get rather long so if you don't want all the blah, blah, blah just skip on down to the pretty pictures.  While the events of yesterday may not be on the scale as other "attacks" we've had this one hit me hard I guess because I'm a runner.  I'm just so sad that people can be so evil and ugly.  I saw a guy on the news today that had lost both legs yesterday and as a person who runs and does so much with my two legs (turbo kick anyone) on a daily basis I cannot imagine what that would be like.  I'm so sad for the people who may never get to do something they love again.  I would be devastated if I couldn't do any of those things again or if I couldn't stamp again.   I just don't understand it, at all.   I'm also having a hard time thinking of bringing a baby into a world like this.  It just doesn't seem fair and I worry about our children's future.  I probably would have felt like this on 9/11 if I wasn't in college though so I guess it's probably normal.

But, I'm trying to see the good and the beauty in the world in spite of all the crap, for loss of a better word.  I got some good and exciting news yesterday in the midst of it all.  I got an email notifying me that I was one of the lucky winners picked to be a display stamper by SU!  I felt a little bad about being so happy about something on a sad day but you know what?  That's what those evil people want.  To take our joy away and we shouldn't let them!  And I WILL make beautiful things to brighten the days of the people around me.  You will not win evil!  That's what we stampers do.  We bring beauty and cheer to the world and I'm proud of that fact!  As much as I want a baby this just makes me so sad!

So here's a pretty little card I made the other day.  I hope it brings some beauty and cheer to your day!

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps:  Paper pumpkin welcome kit, Oh hello
Paper:  Confetti white
Ink:  Crumb cake, pool party, island indigo, calypso coral, tea for two DSP
Accessories:  circle and scallop circle punch, pool party ruffled ribbon, needlepoint border embossing folders

And I'm excited to register for convention this morning!  I got my times all mixed up and thought it was at 9 my time so I took off from my turbo class...it's at 11 my time, whoops!  So I better get my workout in.  I'm thinking about running but I'm not sure I can do it today without being a blubbery mess....so if you're local and you see a runner going down the sidewalk crying....that's me :-/  Maybe a bike ride would be best....

Happy stamping!

Mailable Monday - Special Delivery

Hi stampers!  Here we are back at Monday...how did we get here????  Oh wait....I worked on Saturday so that's where my weekend went! ;-)  And unfortunately I'm starting a work week of 7 days...gotta work a bunch on Saturday and Sunday this week.  That's no good at all.  Don't they know I NEED to stamp????? :-)

I'm using the sent with love bundle again.  This set lends itself really well to CAS and mailable (flat) cards!  It also combines with the designer typeset set too! And speaking of our photopoly sets we have a new one released just last week!  It's kind of sassy and it's called bombs away.

Ok and if that wasn't good enough....there are a couple of other exciting things starting today through May 30th!  First off if you sign up with me (and remember you can choose the items you want...want Bombs Away and a bunch of other stuff???  Sign up!!!!!!) you can get an extra $30 FREE!  That's right, get $155 worth of stampy goodness for $99.  Holla!!!!!  It's a great time to sign up because not only will you get all the perks of being a demo it's also a great time since you'll have access to the new catalog pre-order over a month earlier than regular customers!  Get your hands on all the new stuff AND get an extra 10% discount on your first order over $150!!!!  And I'd be more than happy to be your upline!  No need to be local!  We can have just as much fun online as in person;-)

And then there is a new hostess special as well.  If you host a party (I can do online parties if you aren't local and ANY of your friends can order anywhere from the US and you'll get credit) or place an order with me either directly or through my online store you can get an EXTRA $30 of hostess credit so THIRTY dollars more FREE stuff!!!!  Contact me if you have questions about either one!

So this card is based off of one I had pinned using another companies stamps.  I thought, "hey, that would work perfect with our stuff!"  I really like browsing the "competition" (hehe) to get inspiration!  I'm really pleased with how it turned out...except for the silly little ink smudge I got on it.  Grrrrr!  I hate when that happens and it's happened a lot lately...I think I need to clean my scrubber....

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps:  Sent with love, designer typeset
Paper:  Whisper white, pool party
Ink:  Pool party, island indigo, calypso coral
Accessories:  Postage stamp punch

I really hope the sent with love stamp is in the new catalog but who knows....it's just so cute!

Happy stamping!

An epic card

Hi stampers!  Sorry I haven't blogged much lately!  Time just gets away sometimes, ya know?  There's that and the fact that I just plain haven't felt very creative lately...it comes and it goes.  And I REALLY need to get crackin' on my Artisan projects, eek!  Maybe it's that I'm all hyped up for the sneak peek and pre-order next week too!  So many exciting things right now!  I need to get my hands on those new in colors like yesterday!!!!!!  Gah!

Speaking of exciting things, I've been working with the Epic Day line from the This & That journals.  The great thing about this line of products is that it's not just for smash books...you can make awesome cards just like this one:

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps:  My paper pumpkin welcome kit
Paper:  Very vanilla, crumb cake, pool party, epic day DSP, first edition DSP
Ink:  Crumb cake, so saffron, calypso coral, versamark
Accessories:  Pop-up posies kit, ovals framelits, scalloped circle punch, in color printed polka dot brads, gumball green satin stitched ribbon, pool party embossing powder, hung up cute clips, distressing tool

The sentiment is hard to see in the photo (and sorry it's at a wonky angle) but it's embossed in pool party and it's (again) the greeting from the MPP welcome kit!  I haven't really used the cute little paper clips from the spring catalog much but they work great with this line!  There's a lot of sponging on this card since the DSP is kind of grungy I wanted the rest to match.  And I just love those die cuts in the posies kit.  We NEED more of those in the new catalog or a die or something!!!!!

I'll hopefully have some sneak peeks for you in a little over a week and a half!  They changed the timing and I wasn't able to get the normal couple of days off I usually do so hopefully work will be light and I'll still be able to get some things made! I WON'T be staying up all night like usual though...if I gotta go to work I gotta get my 8...or more like 10 hours, hehe!

Happy stamping!

Fab Friday 16

Hi stampers!  Happy Friday and happy birthday to my dad!  :-)  And it's time for a new challenge at Fab Friday!  So many people played along last time!  We can't wait to see what you make this week!  This week is another color challenge....and it uses the much loved or hated starfruit!

And here is my take:

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps:  Sent with love
Paper:  Whisper white, crumb cake, pool party, pool party coordinations, patio party DSP, epic day DSP
Ink:  Crumb cake, versa mark
Accessories: Soda pop tops, pool party embossing powder, circle punch, scalloped circle punch, hexagon embossing folder, apothecary accents framelits

I used the coordinations paper on the cutout because it's textured.  It's great that you can use it with embossing folders and without!  The sentiment really looks cool too since it's all glossy with the embossing powder.

Now hop on over the the Fab Fri site and see what else the DT has for you!  And don't forget to play along!

HSS 157

Hi stampers and happy Tuesday!  I'm glad to see some of you took advantage of the free shipping deal over the weekend;-)  Have fun playing with your new stuff!  Maybe you can use some of it for the next challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments!  

This week it's a bright and fun and summery color challenge!

Don't forget about the little color refresh we are going to have as well.  I'm happy to see island indigo stick around for a while longer!

My card is pretty simple but with those bright colors simple works :-)

Stampin' Supplies:

Stamps:  Oh hello, clockworks, MPP welcome kit

Paper:  Whisper white, island indigo

Ink:  Daffodil delight, island indigo, lucky limeade

Accessories:  None

After attending the St. Louis regional event a few weeks ago I had to get the clockworks set.  I'm easy...I know:-)  But we used it for our make and takes I really like the two little design/flourish stamps in it.  They kind of remind me of extreme elements which was one of my favorites!  Most of the stamping here is stamped off...everything but the sentiment.  I used a sponge to ink up the chevron stamp so it would have a soft look.  And I kind of went a little crazy with the splatter stamp...but once I started I couldn't stop, lol!

Bottle caps & Butterflies

Hi stampers!  Time to start another week!  Again, where DID the weekend go???  :-)  I am sad to report that we had another open house yesterday with dismal results.  Only two people came to look at our house.  I was hoping we would have a really good turn out like the one we went to that was packed!  Oh well...if you wouldn't mind please send us good vibes!  I'm so afraid we are going to miss out on the house we want if we can't sell ours!  Anyway....

Speaking of spending money (lol) don't forget that today is the last day for free shipping!  And some of the retiring color stuff is selling out already (I believe it's a few re-inkers:  celery, baja, and rose maybe) so if you want to stock up you better do it NOW!!!!!  :-)

Remember, you can shop my online store over there to the right any time!

And here's a card today that I've had sitting around for a while.  Between work and the open house I didn't get many "new"projects done this weekend.  Well there's that and now my new addiction to the Hoggers show and Duck Dynasty...I may have come home and sat on the couch mesmerized by the interesting cast of characters on those shows, lol!

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps:  Made for you, hearts a flutter
Paper:  Whisper white, baja breeze, summer starfruit, patio party DSP
Ink:  Baja breeze, summer starfruit, primrose petals, midnight muse
Accessories:  Small butterfly punch, soda pop tops, circle punch, basic pearls, dotted scallop border punch, hearts a flutter framelits

Ok, so it's not super mailable with the bottle cap but I think it might go through with a extra piece of CS in the envelope.  And it does use a retired SAB set but I wanted to use those butterflies with the patio party paper.  And the bottle cap butterfly is from the cute itty bitties set!  I also really love that the hearts a flutter set and framelits are totally useable for many other occasions than Valentine's day!  That banner can work for anything!!!!  Something else fun you can do with it and I've done it in a few projects is to stamp it and then punch parts of it out just for the pattern and not the actual banner shape!

The sketch is actually an old challenge from Retro Sketches.  I get quite a few questions on where I get my ideas and inspirations and a great tip is to use old challenges.  Sometimes we get stuck in the notion that we have to use current ones but you don't!  Most challenge sites have an archive where you can look at their old challenges to find inspiration!  I've been getting a lot of questions lately so maybe I'll put together a FAQ.

Ok, time to go to work.  Don't forget to place your order TODAY for free shipping!

Happy stamping!

Fridays are for the birds?

Yep, Fridays when I have to work when I get a box of new SU goodies are for the birds!!!  I meant to post this last night but fell asleep on the couch after work :-)  Ok, hi stampers!!!

Quick post today!  First off don't forget that FREE shipping starts today and runs through Monday!  You can order through my store by clicking the shop 24/7 button to the right or you can email me and I can order for you!  Give me a shout if you have any questions.  And don't forget to stock up on any of the colors you may need that are retiring!  Not sure what that's about?  Make sure to check my post from Thursday...SU is having a small color refresh and updating the colors by retiring some and bringing back some old in colors!  It's a great time to stock up!

And I have a pretty picture but this will be quick as I've got to get to work!  My run took longer than I expected this morning since I had to run home into the wind....ick!  No fun and it slowed me down, lol!  The fun never ends around here...especially when there is a box of new goodies STILL waiting ;-)  Oh and it's got the This & That stuff in it so I'll try to whip something up to show you soon!

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps:  For the birds
Paper:  Pool party, watercolor paper, 2012-2014 in colors DSP stack
Ink:  staz on, various for water coloring
Accessories:  Doily sizzlit, midnight muse, apothecary accents framelits, in color polka dot brads

Saturdays when you have to work are for the birds too! ;-)

Happy stamping!

Crazy announcements!

Hi stampers!!!  I'm doing the happy dance over here...good thing you can't see me, lol!  BUT there are two BIG announcements today!

First, starting Saturday for three days and three days only you can get FREE shipping on any order (excluding expedited)!  No minimums and no limits!!!!!  So, if there's anything you've been wanting NOW (well Saturday, ha) is the time to get it!!!!!!!  Remember it's only three days!

And what to order?  Well you could stock up on the colors that are retiring!  WHAT???  Yep, that's right, we are doing a little color refresh of our line-up and I have to say I like it!  But the colors that are retiring are on a while supplies last basis so if there's something you want to stock up on I'd do it quickly!

Wanna see the changes?  I know you do!  We are getting one new color and nine old in-colors are returning!  They've also moved a few around a bit.  Here's the list:

I know it's small.  You can click on it to make it bigger!  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!  And this is one time I'm happy I'm such a....hoarder.....I mean keeper :-)  I think I have some of each of these returning colors!  Now, if you're sad about any of the out going colors I'm sorry (I'm really going to miss more mustard) I'm truly sorry but SU will be changing things every 3-5 years in order to stay fresh, trendy and current as color trends change.  So try not to take it personally if they retire your most favorite color :-)

Ok, I don't have a pretty picture ready for you today...shame on me!  But I think this is enough excitement for now!  I'll try to come back with a card to share at some point today.  I have to confess I haven't stamped all week!  Oops!  And now I have to teach class and have a meeting and work late tonight....but I'll try to come back with a pretty picture.

Now, go make your list of what to order on Saturday for the free shipping;-)

Happy stamping!

Mailable Monday - Colored eggs and clear stamps

Hi stampers!  Another weekend has come and gone!  Hope everyone had a good Easter!  We did!  I ate way too much food of course but at least I went for a run before church...and I got lots of puppy cuddles from my new puppy-in-law...although I did have to share her with my hubby :-)

And we need to talk about something....Pinterest.  Ok, so you all know I love it BUT there are some serious downsides (besides the time sucking and the money it costs me when I find things I HAVE to have, lol)!  For one, I wanted to make lemon cookies that I had seen for Easter....and so did everyone else on the site because Wal Mart was OUT of lemon cake mixes, lol!  And what's even worse the "colored deviled eggs" kept showing up on FB pictures (just looking at them freaks me out) and worse yet my in-laws are on Pinterest (and so is hubby now....eek) and THEY made the cursed colored deviled eggs!!!!  Why you ask is this a problem as I LOVE my FIL's eggs?  Well because I have a phobia about eating things that are abnormal colors!!!!  Remember when they had that green and purple ketchup?  I never even got near it but just seeing the commercials was enough to make me need therapy!!!!!  At least I found this out at church and had some time to come to grips with my fears....and I DID eat the colored eggs because they are so good but I totally closed my eyes!!!  :-)  Anyone else with me in my phobia of not-normal-colored-foods?????

Ok speaking of colors I do love the colors in the sent with love DSP AND I love the new clear or photopolymer stamp set!  I was totally skeptical about these but I love them!  They are super high quality.  I thought they'd be all squishy but they are very firm and stamp really well with our firm foam ink pads.  They are super sticky to the blocks too!

So, here is one of my first attempts with the new set!  Why did I wait so long to get it???

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps:  Designer typeset
Paper:  Whisper white, island indigo, sent with love DSP
Ink:  Calypso coral, pool party, island indigo
Accessories:  None...other than a colored staple I happened to have

Isn't it cute?  I love that little speech bubble and it's super easy to stamp words since you can see the letters through the stamps!

Happy stamping!