Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Fun New Catalog Premiere!

Rhonda and I attended the Stampin' Up!
new catalog premiere event at a
Columbus movie theater. 
A selfie we snapped while waiting in line to get into the event
It was fun and exciting to be there. 
I even won some card stock and
Designer Series Paper. 
No matter what I try, I cannot get this picture larger today ~~ oh, well.  It's a terrific catalog.
We came home with a new stamp set,
the catalog, and oodles of ideas!!!
Here is the cutest little present - ever - that Rhonda gave to me.  I just love it!
I even got a present for taking
a picture of some fellow demos. 
They were a big group and wanted
several shots together. 
You know how it is ... no problem to help out! 
What a surprise when they gifted
me with a swap as a thank you.  So sweet!

Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Monday, April 28, 2014

File Folder Gift Card Holder

Are you celebrating anything soon?  
Maybe a graduation, birthday - 
or even an anniversary like I am?
My husband and I are celebrating 22 years 
of marriage this upcoming weekend, 
and I've got a chair massage gift 
card for him to enjoy.  
To celebrate our anniversary, 
we're also going to enjoy a little get-away 
time at a local State Park.
I made this great holder - disguising it to 
look like a file folder using the 
Envelope Punch Board.  
Yep -- I made him a File Folder Gift Card Holder.  
And that's your tongue twister for today!
(Ha!)
I think he's gonna love it.
What was used: 
Super fun to make and really easy.  
Cannot wait to give it to him!!
Thanks so much for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Friday, April 25, 2014

Color Trends - It's a Science!

You’ve seen the hottest color trends in 
your favorite clothing stores, 
but did you know there's a science to color trends? 
It’s true! 
When I've gone to Stampin’ Up! conventions, 
they talk to us about how they do extensive research, 
trend analysis, and interviews with 
demonstrators and other people to create 
“In Color Mood Boards”. 
These Mood Boards serve as a visual 
introduction of the color so even more 
research can be done. 
And I'm sure that other companies 
do this kind of activity in a similar way.  
Once the colors are selected, 
the development team takes the Mood 
Boards to the paper mill so the color card stock, 
and eventually lots of other coordinating products 
that we all love, can be made. 
That’s a lot of work behind something 
that appears as simple as a marker, ink or paper! 
So many people get thrilled when new 
colors are introduced each year. They like 
having fresh, new colors to work with. 
Other folks like their tried and true favorites. 
If you want to dip your toes into new trends, 
Stampin’ Write Markers are great way to start 
using colors without a huge investment. 
The new catalog will be coming out soon 
and each year, a new set of five In Colors 
are introduced and those colors stay around for 
two years. Additionally, other great colors 
stay around for years, so that you’ll 
be able to get coordinating card stock, 
ribbon, and more for a long time. 
That makes taking a dip on the trendy side 
an easy choice. Stampin’ Write Markers are 
great for coloring images, coloring directly 
onto stamps, journaling, and more! Over 50 
different ways of "more", in fact! With so 
many marker techniques, you’ll have plenty 
of ways to use your new markers, so order 
your markers today!
Tip:
When coloring stamps with Stampin’ Write Markers, work from the lightest color to the darkest color.
Orders can be placed by using the icons in the right-hand sidebar.  Just search "markers" to see the great selection there . . . or check them out here with these just-for-you links: Regal Markers, Subtles Markers, Brights Markers, and Neutrals Markers.
Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Thursday, April 24, 2014

April Paper Pumpkin - Cute Kit

It's time for the April Paper Pumpkin!

So cute.



Would you like to sign up?  
Just click the icon at the right side bar or right here.



Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Paper Players and Washi Tape

Using Washi Tape, a fun stamp set,
along with some colorful ink,
I got to play along with the
Paper Players Challenge this week. 

I'm glad it was about using Washi Tape this
week - 'cause that's one of my favorite toys! 
It comes in so many styles and sizes these days.
Even decorating the inside of the card was a snap
with this maneuverable stuff.
When I showed my older son the cards I'd made,
he kept running his fingers over the Washi Tape
- it creates a cool texture on your card or project. 
He couldn't figure it out and wanted to see what a
roll of the tape looked like. 
We each tore some Washi Tape off the roll
and played with it a little bit. 
Now I have a couple cards to send to
two of my friends with birthdays this week. 

What was used:
Washi Tape - (Gingham Garden - #129314)

Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Monday, April 21, 2014

Open Sea Dynamic Duos Challenge

What a fantastic day!  Weather is great, 
fingers are inky . . . 
doesn't get much better than that.  
I wanted to get in on this Dynamic Duos 
Challenge today because I just Love, Love, 
Love this color combination!  
What a beauty it is!!  
The Open Seas stamp set was perfect 
for this layout and I need thank you 
notes to give my bosses for this week 
since it's Administrative Assistants week.  
They take me out to eat and give me 
lots of goodies.  I work for some 
of the best folks around!!
I've been doing lots of Clean and 
Simple cards lately, 
so I was truly in the mood for a bit of layering.  
I think I still kept it clean and simple, though.
Tip - When stamping in Whisper White card stock with a black ink, use Jet Black StazOn instead of the Basic Black.  The Whisper White card stock is such a tightly woven fiber that the Basic Black will not be completely absorbed.  There's something about that formulation, and the two don't mix super well.  StazOn, though, works very, very well.
This card has the "Guy Card Seal of Approval" 
from the men in my family.  
That's important, you know!  
I always run my cards by the fellas living here 
when I've got a card I want to give to a guy - 
just to be on the safe side that it's ok.

What was used:
Card Stock - Rich Razzleberry, 
Whisper White, and Basic Black
Inks - Basic Black, StazOn Jet Black
Stamp Sets - Open Sea (#123030) and 
Lots of Thanks (#129690)

Simple, eh?  
Say - just let me know if you'd like the dimensions 
for this layout.  I'd be happy to 
share and e-mail it to you.  I have it on a PDF.  

Thanks so much for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Friday, April 18, 2014

Living Last Supper - Easy Steps for Easter Basket

Some of the men of our church put 
on a Living Last Supper this evening.
The last time we did this, I was in charge of directing it.  
This year, I didn't have to do anything but attend.  
Yay!  It was very nice.

The fellows all held the "DaVinci pose" 
for a while so folks could take some pictures - 
myself included.  
My hubby was playing the part of Judas 
(on the left, sitting down - light blue outfit).
DaVinci's Last Supper
From this site right here, I found these interesting items -
10 Facts about DaVinci’s Last Supper:
  1. Why did DaVinci choose this subject matter for his painting?
  2. How big is it?
  3. Where is the painting located?
  4. How long did it take and when was it finished?
  5. Who is Jesus sharing a meal with in this picture?
  6. Can you name those seated at the table from left to right?
  7. Why is the painting in such poor condition?
  8. Why can we not see Jesus’s feet?
  9. What year was the painting’s major restoration completed?
  10. What is DaVinci’s most famous painting?
Answers:
  1. The work was commissioned by the Duke of Milan (Lodovico Sforza), and the subject matter was chosen for DaVinci.
  2. 15 feet tall by 29 feet wide.
  3. The original mural is on a wall of the refectory (dining hall) in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy.
  4. It took DaVinci (a noted procrastinator with a history of leaving works unfinished), about three years to complete the mural from 1495 to 1498.
  5. They are the 12 disciples.
  6. Bartholomew, James, Andrew, Judas, Peter, John, Jesus, Thomas, James (brother of John), Phillip, Matthew, Thaddeus, and Simon.
  7. The painting is in such poor condition because instead of painting in wet plaster, DaVinci chose to paint this on dry plaster. The immediate result was a much more stunning piece. The long term disaster was that it was not at all durable. It was not unlike painting on a cement wall with Tempura paint.
  8. Jesus did originally have feet, but in 1650 another door was added to the refectory and so the portion of the painting beneath Jesus (nobody knew how famous it would eventually be), was literally demolished. What you see there is an old doorway.
  9. 1999.
  10. Mona Lisa.
On to our Easter basket pictorial . . . 
Cut some patterned paper to 9-3/4" x 6"

Placing the paper in "landscape" position, score at 3-3/4".  Turn 180 degrees and score again at 3-3/4"  Turn the paper into a "portrait" position, and score at 1-1/2", turn 180 degrees and score again at 1-1/2"

Fold the paper on the score lines.  Using the 1-1/2" scores, fold into the basket and then onto itself as shown..

Do that on both sides until you have long sides and a short inner "basket" part.

Another view.  The great thing is - no adhesive is used for this basket!!

What the side view looks like

Punch a hole in the top

Thread some ribbon through - I used about 10" here

Tie off with a bit of twine

Another side view with the ribbon on
Decorate the front of your basket and fill with treats.
So easy!
  CASEd from Angie Juda.

Thanks for joining me ~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!


Thursday, April 17, 2014

Lovely Easter Baskets

It's time for spring!  Are you ready?  
When Easter-time/Passover is here, 
I'm thinking candy and spring.  
Seriously, I'm more than ready for all 
this snow to go away!!
Since I celebrate Easter, 
I made a few paper Easter baskets.
What's great about these?  No adhesive at all!  
No sirree!  Not a single bit of adhesive.  
That's a good thing.  
I filled little clear bags with candy 
(both dark and milk chocolate), 
but you could use whatever you like - 
even stickers or those little tattoos for kids 
(or grownups) 
if you want things that won't 
cause cavities or calories!
I was making these for boys and girls, 
so I stayed away from flowery 
images and cutesy stuff.  
Hope you like them.  
I'll show a step-by-step tutorial tomorrow.
Stamp Sets - Four Frames, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink - Island Indigo, Gumball Green
Ribbon - Daffodil Delight Chevron, White Baker's Twine
Punches - Large Scallop Circle, Label

Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Partnering With Project Life - Video

Today was a huge announcement with Stampin' Up! 
and I want to share that with you!  
A partnership with Project Life has begun.  
Here's more info:
              
So if you're a scrapbooker - like I am - 
good times are in our future!!  
I love stamping and taking it to that 
next level with my archiving of family
 events, holidays, vacations, 
and just generally keeping our memories.

Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Love Creating With Friends

Something I've really enjoyed over the years 
of stamping and teaching stamping classes 
has been the friendships.  
It's so relaxing to stamp and create 
with friends and family.  We talk, laugh, 
gossip a bit, and just generally have a 
wonderful time - all the while, producing something worthwhile that we can "pay forward" 
by giving away and blessing someone else.
This is the card I will put on the bags for this 
last Stamper's Club order.  
These ladies have been so great and 
tremendous fun!  I miss them so much when we've completed another round of Stamper's Club.  
We listen to, and encourage one 
another as only women can do.
The detail on the butterfly is 
something that makes me smile.  

Be sure to get together with some friends/family 
today (or at least soon) and create something fun 
yourself!  And - hey - if you want me to help, just say so.  

What was used:
Card Stock - Whisper White
Inks - Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Rich Razzleberry
Stamp Sets - Papillon Potpourri, Four Frames, and Sweet Essentials
Large Butterfly Punch, Basic Pearls, and Stampin' Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by ~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Monday, April 14, 2014

Father's Day - Teeny Tiny Wishes

I've got a great Father's Day card today!  You'll love it!!
Guess what I used to make it . . . .
the Envelope Punch Board!
After all, construction workers and do-it-yourselfers
aren’t the only ones who need tools.
Stampers and papercrafters love tools, too!
The new Envelope Punch Board is a must-have tool
to have in your toolbox.
It makes fast and fabulous envelopes, 
and it also does so much more!
You’ll turn to this tool over and over again
 to create envelopes, card boxes, treat boxes,
file folder tabs, bows --
well, the list of possibilities goes on and on!

Your new Envelope Punch Board will help you
create custom envelopes in just moments
without making you have to figure out
or remember complicated measurements
and cutting templates.
It’s as easy to use as a bone folder.
With this tool, you can say “buh-bye”
to plain white envelopes and say, “hello pizzazz!”. 
Tip:  Remember - the notch and corner rounder
punches that are built into the Envelope
Punch Board can be used to punch
any of your card, scrapbook, and décor projects
even if they don’t involve an envelope or box!
 
Supplies
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler & Jet Black StazOn or Basic Black
Card stock - Very Vanilla and Cherry Cobbler
Other:
1/8” Mini Brads (2)
Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon
Paper-Piercing Tool & Stampin’ Pierce Mat
Big Shot
Chevron Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
Envelope Punch Board
Stamping Sponge
Adhesives:  SNAIL, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Glue Dots & Sticky Strip

Thanks so much for stopping by - Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Friday, April 11, 2014

For The Birds

Ever have a day that was just for the birds? 
 If you do, now there's a stamp set for it, too!!  
(Ha, ha!!)
So anyway, I was watching TV and 
wanted to be productive at the same time, 
and I came up with these cards.  
I just love how they turned out.  
That's how I get away with watching TV 
sometimes . . . "See all the great 
cards I got done this evening, honey?"
(my hubby is not a fan of TV - so I 
have to come up with reasons to watch sometimes)
I got crazy and cut everything out first and then
 began to put it all together, so no matter 
what image I decided to use, 
it had to fit into that size of rectangle 
I had already cut out.  Don't ask why.  
I don't know why I did that. 
I was probably enjoying my TV show.
Guess what?  I'm still on my watercoloring kick; 
I used the blender pens to color in these cute images.
I'm just crazy about how the Tasteful 
Trim was used for the bottom of the cards.  
I just cut out lots of different patterns, 
then held them up to each other 
until I thought it looked cool and then laid it on the card.  
I trimmed them down to size once 
adhered - and there you go!!
The embossing folder that was used 
for the cloudy sky?  
I have no idea what it was called.  I believe it's retired now.  
Looks cool, though, doesn't it?  
I kept it because I thought it was a great folder.  
I don't very often keep things once they retire.  
This was a keeper, though.
What was used: 
Card stock - Garden Green (#102584);
Accessories - Big Shot (#113439);
save time and money at my online store.  I'm here to help.
Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!