Upcoming National Card Making Day

October 5!  That's the day of National Card Making.  Hope you're gonna be ready!

I'm kicking off the day with friends (I always consider my customers my friends) at our church.  We're going to make four different cards and the money raised, along with any cards people want to donate will go to our local Ronald McDonald House.

To cover the cost of supplies, I'm charging $2.00 for each card made - so reasonable!

Here are the cards we're gonna make:

        with a matching envelope.

        Here's the second:

         We want to have variety.

         Here's the third:

        So pretty!

        And then our fourth choice of card:

       And this card has an envelope that we will create.

        So, you see, there's something for everyone.  The event will be from 10 until noon with fantastic door prizes every 15 minutes.  

        I'm asking participants to provide adhesive and their own snacks.  I will provide the rest.

        It's a great event and a wonderful cause.

See you there!

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Thanks a Bunch

Thanks a Bunch!  Thanks a whole, whole bunch!!

Ha, ha!!

Love this card a whole bunch . . .

         I created it beccause of this fun sketch from 
          Freshly Made Sketches. 
        
         And I especially liked it because now I can create the
         envelope I want to go with any size card thanks to the
         new envelope punch board.  So I did . . .

         Such fun to play along with these challenges.  Please
         be sure to take a look and leave some comments. 
         Bloggers LOVE comments. 

 

There's Baked Brown Sugar, Night of Navy, Old Olive and Very Vanilla card stocks being used.  The DSP is Etcetera and the Stamp Set is Friendship Preserves.  The ink color is Night of Navy.

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National Card Making Day

October 5 is National Card Making Day.  

         I found these on the Stampin' Up! blog.  What fantastic
         ideas.  I love it!

                I'm having a card making event that day.  For details,
          check out my events.

                The cards we're going to make for donations will be    
          for the local Ronald McDonald House in Akron.

Hope you can join me.  If not physically, at least in spirit.

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Two Stepping with Too Kind

Is it possible to be Too Kind?  I don't think so.  In fact, the world could probably use a bit more kindness these days.  

And how about Two Stepping?  I don't mean dancing, but the stamping technique.  It's so easy to do and makes some great-looking cards and projects.  There will be a larger image and then a second, smaller "highlighting" image used when you use two-step stamps.

So -- I've got a two-stepping Too Kind card that I entered into the Mojo Monday Challenge to share today.  We're covering all the bases!

         Great sketch this week.

        Two-Step Tip:  Always start your stamping with the lighter
       color first and do the darker color second.

Supplies:
Stamp set - Too Kind (#130447 - wood; #130450 - clear)
Card stock - Stawberry Slush (#131295); Island Indigo (#122923), Pool Party (#122924), and Whisper White (#100730)
Designer Series Paper - Quatrefancy Specialty (#130141)
Inks - Pool Party (#126982), Island Indigo (#126986), Wild Wasabi (#126959), and Strawberry Slush (#131178)
Adhesives - SNAIL (#104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)
Punch - 1" Square (#124094)
Other Awesome Stuff - Big Shot (#113439), Ovals Collection Framelits (#129381), Rhinestone Basic Jewels (#119246), Paper-Piercing Tool (#126189), Stamping Sponges (101610).

Rhinestone Jewels Tip - Use the Paper-Piercing Tool to put these little cuties on your project.  You won't believe how easy it is to get the adhesive backing up and place things using this handy little tool.

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Taking Time to Relax

Well, even though there were a million things I could have been doing (aren't there always for everyone?), my hubby and I took time on Sunday to go for an hour-long walk on Sunday. 

It was beautiful out, and the air smelled faintly of fall.  The leaves haven't begun to completely change colors yet - just a few here and there, so lots of green to see. 

We stopped to take a few pictures:

Such a relaxing time together. 

Sometimes that's just what you need.

 

 
We're lucky to live near so many parks.  And - of course - the picture doesn't do the beautiful scene justice.

Hope you take time to relax today!

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5 Cool Ways - Season of Gratitude

Fall is the season of gratitude, and I'm fortunate to have so much to be thankful for. Isn't it wonderful to have a season that focuses on that gratitude and sharing it with those around us? I think so!

When I saw the Thanksgiving Tablescape Simply Created Kit (#133463) displayed on page 3 of the Holiday Catalog, I purchased it right away for the Thanksgiving table.

And then when I took another look, I realized how many really cool things are in the kit and knew I'd find many more ways to use it. Here are a few that you'll want to try when you get your Thanksgiving Tablescapes kit.

       5 Different Ways to use the Thanksgiving
           Tablescapes  Simply Created Kit:

1. Punch the top of the cardstock Napkin Holder pocket with 1-3/4" Circle Punch. Cut diagonal slit from the top edge to the circle to create a doorknob hanging pocket. Surprise your neighbors or co-workers with a thoughtful note, invitation, or small treat tucked into the pocket and hang it on their front door or office door.
2. Punch the top of the cardstock Napkin Holder pockets. Create a gratitude journal or album by stacking the pockets and binding them with ring clips. Fill the pockets with photos or journaling about things you are grateful for. Or put it out at your Thanksgiving celebration and have the guests write what they are grateful for.
3. Add the Birch Paper Ribbon, Table Tents, and Napkin Pockets can make great accents and layers for fall and Thanksgiving themed scrapbook pages.
4. Wrap a large clear glass vase with the Birch and Chocolate Chip Paper Ribbons. Fill it with colorful leaves, pinecones or other fall items to create a beautiful and easy centerpiece. Use a Table Tent or Chalkboard Label with die-cut Printed Leaves, and Linen Thread to add a tag that says "Thankful", "Welcome", or "Bon Appetit".
5. Wrap 3" pillar candles with the Birch and Chocolate Chip Paper Ribbons and Linen Thread. Tie on a die-cut Printed Leaf or two and add a Chalkboard Label. Write "Thankful" or a teacher or co-worker's name on the Chalkboard Label and you have a quick and thoughtful gift anyone will enjoy.

Items in the Thanksgiving Tablescapes Kit:
The kit includes enough pieces for centerpieces and 10 place settings

     Napkin Holders
     10 Printed cardstock Napkin and Flatware Holders (finished size: 5-1/4" x 9-1/4")
     10 Strips of printed Designer Series Paper for Belly Bands (12" x 2-3/4")
     12 Chalkboard die-cut printed Name Banners (5" x 2-1/4")
     10 Journaling Cards (8-1/4" x 5")
     10 Table Tents
     10 pieces of Designer Series Paper (4" x 6")
     10 chalkboard die-cut printed labels (3-1/2" x 2-1/2")

     Centerpiece Wraps
     Birch Paper Ribbon (5" wide, 3 yards long)
     Chocolate Chip Paper Ribbon (2" wide, 3 yards)

     Accents
     10 pieces of Linen Thread, cut in 30" lengths
     20 die-cut Printed Leaves, 10 each of 2 designs (3-1/2" x 3-1/2")
     1 White Stampin' Chalk Marker

So . . . what will you create with all these great items? I can't wait to see and hear about your ideas!

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Love Thank Yous

Well, it's Another Thank you.  Yep, another thank you card - with a bonus!  It's made with the "Another Thank You" stamp set (#133454)!!

I had a few "card guts" left from a fabulous card-making event over the weekend, so I used those guts to work on a Retrosketches challenge.  It was great because I didn't have to cut a thing except the sentiment banner (and that was just a trim).  How fun . . . love using those card guts.

The Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper (#132184) was used, as well as the 716" Trim ribbon (#129287).

So here's the sketch:

Sure hope I do well.  Be sure to check out the other great cards there.  I love looking at them.  You can get really good ideas for cards/projects with challenges.

Other details on the card:
card stock - Tangerine Tango (# 111349), Early Espresso (#119686), Very Vanilla (#101650)
Ink - Early Espresso (#126974)
Champagne Glimmer Paper (#127885)
Punches - 1" Square Punch (#124094) and Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (#118309)
Designer Buttons Neutrals  (#130031)
Adhesives - Snail (#104332), Glue Dots (#103683), and Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

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Something Worth Celebrating

People are worth celebrating.  Events are definately worth celebrating. 

Using the Remembering Your Birthday stamp set, I created this card to celebrate a Korean intern at work who has been with us for about six weeks.  He's returning to Korea at the end of the month, and this is his last week with our law firm.

As usual, it was just as easy to make two cards as it was one, so I've got an extra to send out to someone, sell, or show my friends at stamping events.

I CASEd (Copy and Share Everything) this card from the Stampin' Up! catalog.  The version I CASEd had "girly" colors of pink-ish, a butterfly, and a bit of bling.  I tried to "guy" this card or at least make it neutral.

My sons said I hit the neutral mark, but most decidedly did not make it a guy card.  Oh, well.  Everyone at work likes it, and that's the important thing.  We're all signing it and giving it to our associate on Friday at a big lunch the lawyers are having.

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Love Notes

Ah . . . love notes.  Anyone ever give you any?  Did you ever write one (or many) to someone else?

My lovely co-worker has a surprise up her sleeve for her sweetie and I helped her!  I made 6 little cuties for her to hide for her husband.

So the first one is just like the one I made for my sweetie, except for using Whisper White card stock instead of the Naturals White.  So cute.

This one is my personal favorite.  I think it adorable.  The black, Real Red, tiny hearts and a tiny bit of sparkle are such fun!

My co-worker really smiled when she saw this one.  I was trying to keep them from being too "girly".  After all, she's giving them to her husband.  This one has So Saffron, Basic Gray and Daffodil Delight colors with a touch of Real Red with the heart punched from the Owl Punch.

This was the first one I made for my co-worker.  I wanted some different colors and pulled out the Old Olive, Night of Navy, along with the Daffodil Delight (and of course the Real Red heart).

Okay.  Now, this one called for lots of yellow - of course!!  The other colors are Early Espresso for a base of the card and Cherry Cobbler for the red in this one.

Oh, my.  Love it.  Basic Black and Real Red - although in this picture, it looks a bit pinkish - but it's all red, believe me!!  

The Crazy, Mixed-Up Love stamp set is so easy to use.  And it was great to create matching envelopes with the new envelope punch board.  

Which one is your favorite?

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Hung Up On You

I'm So Hung Up On You!!

Wouldn't you love someone to say that to you?

I made this little card and hid it for my hubby to find this morning. 

The stamp set I used is the Crazy, Mixed-Up Love (#131068 - wood, #131071 - clear) from Stampin' Up!.  So cute.

And it couldn't have been easier to make. 

What I used: 
card stock - Naturals White (#102316), Daffodil Delight (#119683), Real Red - for the heart (#102482) and the Polka Dot Parade (#126902) in Real Red.
Stamp set - Crazy, Mixed-Up Love
Ink - Basic Black (#126980)
Punch - Owl Builder (#118074) - for the heart - yay!  the perfect size!!!
Other Super Stuff - Glue Dots (#103683), SNAIL adhesive (#104332), Rhinestone Basic Jewels (#119246), and the Envelope Punch Board (#113774)

Love being able to make a completely matching envelope these days!  Cool stuff.

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Freshly Made and Quickly, Too

Freshly Made Sketches is a great place to go for ideas.

I only had a short time available to put a papercraft together this evening, so this is what I got!

Super clean and simple, using the Serene Sillouhettes and Blessings From Heaven stamp sets.

My team mate at work is going to be going through a surgery-type challenge with her family; I wanted to show her my support and made this card for her. 

After seeing such a pretty sketch, I went to choose the paper and inks.  Eastern Elegance said, "Use me, use me!" And that meant Crushed Curry, Coastal Cabana and Smoky Slate were also going to get to play.

The Naturals White and Neutrals buttons finish off this CAS card with a bit of sponging to add interest and texture.

The 1' Circle Punch created the rounded edges.

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Sweater Weather

Soon it will be Sweater Weather!  

Do you love fall? – The rich colors, yummy seasonal foods, and cooler days that make you want to snuggle up in your favorite sweater with a cup of cocoa. 

Well, Stampin’ Up! put that feeling into Designer Series Paper!  The Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper (#132184) that is!

With rich warm colors and traditional patterns, you’ll love this paper for fall projects. And I bet you’ll find yourself reaching for it all year long! It’s ideal for traditional-style and masculine cards!

Tip: Pair with neutrals for masculine cards. Pair with Glimmer Paper for an elegant combination.

Goodies Used:
Stamps
• Magnificent Maple Single Stamp (#131868 wood only)
• Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set 
      (#128748 wood, #127802 clear)
Paper
•   Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper (#132184)
•   Very Vanilla 8-1/2” x 11” Cardstock (#101650)
•   Chocolate Chip 8-1/2” x 11” Cardstock (#102128)
•   Tangerine Tango 8-1/2” x 11” Cardstock (#111349)
•   Champagne Glimmer Paper 12” x 12” (#127885)
Ink
•   Jet Black StazOn (#101406)
•   Crushed Curry (#131173); Tangerine Tango (#126946); Chocolate Chip (#126979) 
Accessories
•   7/16” Natural Trim (#129287)
• Adhesives: SNAIL Refill (#104331), Mini Glue Dots (#103683), Stampin’ Dimensionals (#104430)
Tools
•   Paper Snips (#103579)
•   Paper Trimmer (#126889)
•   Stamping Sponges (#101610)
•   Sponge Daubers (#102892)
•   Punches: 2-1/2” Circle (#120906), Word Window Punch (#125599)

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Love Classy Black and White

So . . everyone loves black and white.  It's easy when you want a quick outfit.  But what about Black and Vanilla?

That's good, too.  And, in fact, what I'll pull out of my closet way before black and white.  (The black and white combo wipes out my complexion - but there's something about that vanilla that doesn't. - I don't question it.  I just wear it.)

Same with this great card created with the Modern Medley Designer Series Paper (#126926).  For a pop of color, the Island Indigo card stock (#122923) does a bit of framing here and there.  Other than that, the only card stock is Very Vanilla (#101650).

I love how this little button turned out, framed in the Island Indigo and a layer of Very Vanilla.

I was using the RetroSketches for this fun card layout.

Such a cute layout. And I decided to use this stamp set because I wanted to leave my hubby a little love note!  I finished the card, made the envelope and taped it onto his steering wheel!! Won't he be surprised!

Other fun stuff that was used:
Stamp Set - Seasonal Sayings (#131937 - wood; #128009 - clear)

1/8" Basic Black Taffeta ribbon (#119261); Candy Dots in Neutral (#130934);

Buttons in Neutral (#130031); 

1" Circle Punch (#119868)

7/8" Scallop Punch (#129404)

SNAIL adhesive (#104332) and Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430).

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Two-Step Stamping - Gently Falling

Two-Step Stamping is something I tend to forget is around - and it's such a cool-looking technique . . . so note to self "remember that two-step stamping".

I think this mix of leaves looks like a pile that has just fallen from a tree, don't you?  Created with the latest sketch from Freshly Made Sketches in mind.  

Tip - When you use a Framelit and want to "frame" it with another one, but the next size up is just too big, simply trace around the framelit you used onto the card stock you want to use and cut it out. 

 

I didn't put any sentiment on the card since I'm not positive what I'll use it for yet . . . I'm thinking birthday, though, since we've got scads of those in our family this month!

 

What I used:

Card stock - Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Brushed Gold and Early Espresso;

Inks - Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Summer Starfruit, Pumpkin Pie, and Early Espresso;

Stamp Set - Gently Falling;

Accessories - Big Shot, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Stamping Sponge, Corner Rounder, Window Frame Framelits, Paper Snips, Candy Dots in Neutrals, SNAIL adhesive, and Stampin' Dimensionals.

 

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Back to School ... Cool

It's Back to School - new notebooks, sharpened pencils, yellow school buses ... ah, yes!  It’s truly time for back to school! While you may be busy with the preparations, remember that as a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I can help!

1.  Check out the adhesives for Glue Sticks (#104045) and Multipurpose Liquid Glue (#110755) to check some items off of your school supply list.  These are really good adhesives.  My boys like the SNAIL (#104332) best. They call it "fast tape".

2.  Purchase one-line personalized stamps (#131127, #131134, #131143, #131139, and #131129) for each of your kids to use to stamp papers, schedules, etc. to avoid any mix-ups and have fun.

3.  Let your kids personalize their notebooks and covered school books with some Designer Series Paper and the Big Shot. The Epic Day This and That Designer Series Paper (#130814) has a great colorful theme, and the Typeset Alphabet Bigz for the Big Shot (#127553) will allow your kids to personalize their books and notebooks in all of their favorite colors and patterns.

4.  Use the This and That journal (#131268) to create a fun Family Organizer.  It's a great place to keep all of the school schedules, a calendar, lists of important phone numbers and information, etc.

           Add your own personality to it by embellishing it, adding card stock or Designer Series Paper to the pages, and including photographs from school functions or other events.

           At the end of the school year, you can transfer the memorabilia to an actual scrapbook for future enjoyment and safekeeping or keep it in the This and That album if that's your style!

So let me help make your school year easier, more fun, and more stylish than ever without breaking the bank.

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Contact me today to order your supplies for back to school.
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