Cupcake Fun

Good Morning!

We had a weekend full of birthdays and graduations, so I made a few cards to celebrate!  I've been on bed rest for almost a week, so making cards is just about all I can do when I'm not in bed :(  I made today's card for my 10 year old cousin....

This card uses our cupcake punch and corresponding stamp set, Create a Cupcake.  We made a card similar to this at our shoebox swap and I loved it.  The cupcake on the left is embossed with our melon scented embossing powder (although you can't tell or smell in the picture).  I used embossing folders and our paper crimper tool.  I just got it in my last order and I love it!  This item, unfortunately, is on the retired list, so get yours before May 31st at my online store!

Items used in this card:

Stamp Set -- Create a Cupcake (121915 Wood, 121982 Clear)

Card Stock -- Melon Mambo, Shimmery White, Whisper White, Pacific Point, Real Red, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry

Ink --  Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Deight

Ribbon --Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (on retired list)

Accessories -- Polka Dot embossing folder, Big Shot, Lattice embossing folder, paper crimer (on retired list), large oval punch, scallop oval punch, eyelet border punch (on retired list), Stampin Dimensionals

There's lots of news to share with you today:

• Today is the last day to purchase from the Occasions Mini -- check out the link on the right and place your order today!
• It's also the last day to order the Summer Smooches collection.  It will be back on June 1st, but don't wait, stock up now.
• Retired Stamps list -- Get the retired stamp sets before May 31st
• Retired Accessories list -- Get these before they sell out.  Once they're gone, they are gone :(
• A new $99 Starter Kit is coming out tomorrow, May 1st!  Check back tomorrow for more information. 
• The new catalog will be available with your order beginning May 7th!

Thanks for looking!

Wish Big!

Once a year our Stampin'Up! downline group, Ladybug Ink, gets together for a shoebox swap.  Each demonstrator creates a card and cuts the peices for the card for each participant, puts the card in a box, and we pass it around.  This year, we created 12 amazing cards!! Today's post is my shoebox swap card.  

I used the Summer Smooches suite again....The colors are just so bright and fun!  I'm in love with everything about it!  I saw this card on StampinConnection and had to try it.  Sometimes regular sized cards, 5 1/2 by 4 1/4, get boring, so this card changes it up a little, but still fits in a standard size envelope.

In this card:

Stamp Sets -- Word Play, Bright Blossoms

Paper -- Island Indigo, Whisper White, Summer Smooches DSP

Ribbon -- Daffodil Delight seam binding

Ink-- Island Indigo marker, Tangerine Tango marker, Lucky Limeade marker,  Real Red marker, Daffodil Delight marker, Tempting Turquoise marker

Today is the final post from my Tea Party class.  We made these cute little bookmarks using items from the Summer Smooches collection that will be featured in the new catalog.  You can order the Summer Smooches suite now before the catalog comes out at my website.

Source: Uploaded by user via Nichole on Pinterest

Items used in this project:

Stamp Set – Bright Blossoms (125495 Wood, 125497 Clear)

Card Stock – Whisper White, Island Indigo, Summer Smooches DSP

Ink – Tempting Turquoise marker, Real Red Marker

Ribbon –  Daffodil Delight Seam Binding, Old Olive ¼ Grosgrain Ribbon

Accessories – SAB 2011 Buttons

Stampin’Up! Going, Going Gone! View the Retiring Stamps and Accessories

Stampin’Up! Just announced a $99 Starter Kit coming on May 1.

Tea Shoppe Thank You

I made this card for each attendee of my Stampin'Up! Tea Party class.  I really like the way it turned out!  After two years of being a demo, I'm finally starting to be satisfied with the outcome of my projects and cards.  It's taken me awhile to find my niche. Inside the card, it's stamped with the "Cup of Thanks" stamp and the three little stamps.  I attached my business card and a printed thank you note on the inside with a paper clip so that the attendees can re-use it as a thank you card later.  

Items used in this card:

Stamp Sets -- Tea Shoppe (125545 Wood, 125547 Clear)

Card Stock -- Baja Breeze, Island Indigo, Twitterpated DSP, Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz

Ink -- Riding Hood Red

Ribbon -- Riding Hood Red Pleated Satin Ribbon, Linen thread

Accessories -- Stampin' Dimensionals, Basic Pearls, Scallop Trim border punch, Large Oval punch, Scallop oval, Postage Stamp punch, Big Shot, Elegant Bouquet embossing folder

 

Tea for Two

 Yesterday was my Stampin'Up! Tea Party class and it turned out fantastic!  I'll be showing the projects we completed throughout the week.  Attendees completed four projects -- 3 3-D objects and 1 card while we enjoyed tea, cucumber sandwiches, cream puffs and macaroons.  Overall, it was the perfect way to spend my Sunday afternoon :)

The first project we created was this Tea Dispenser.  I saw this idea on Stampin Connection originally and it's part of the reason why I chose to have a Tea Party themed class.  I found the directions on a fellow demonstrators blog here. 

Stampin Connection is a website for Stampin'Up! demonstrators that is full of ideas for projects, pictures and videos from other demos and an area for discussion about everything Stampin'Up! including business, product information, swaps and a lot more.  It's one of the perks of being a demonstrator.

We used products from the Occasions Mini to create this cute box.  The Occasions Mini ends on April 30th, so there's still time to pick up these items but act fast!! 

Items used in this card:

Stamp Sets -- Tea Shoppe (125545 Wood, 125547 Clear)

Card Stock -- Twitterpated DSP (125406), Pear Pizzazz (119795), Whisper White (100730)

Ink -- Baja Breeze (111833)

Ribbon -- Baja Breeze Pleated Satin Ribbon (125571)

Accessories -- Basic Pearls (119247), Stampin Dimensionals (104430), Large Oval Punch (119855), Decorative Label Punch (120907), Sticky Strip (104294)

Get these items today at my online store!

Baby Prints

Happy Friday! 

Today's post is a special Thank You for our friends that gave us a whole new wardrobe for our new baby boy.  We were pregnant together the first time, almost 3 years ago.  They had a boy and we had a girl -- this time (we're pregnant together again!), they are having a girl and we are having a boy so we're swapping baby items..It's perfect! 

I used the Baby Prints stamp set from the Occasions Mini.  The Occasions Mini will come to end on April 30th, so there's still time to get this stamp set!  When I saw it, I had to have it -- being pregnant, I thought of so many events coming up that I can use this for!  On top of the baby feet, I've embossed Thank You from the Thank You Kindly stamp set with white embossing powder.  It's a little hard to tell in the pictures, but I didn't want to use a darker color and distract from the cute little feet.  Thank You Kindly, unfortunately, made the cut and will be retiring with this catalog on May 30th.  This is stamp set that I will probably hang on to for a while.  I use it for everything! (well Thank You cards that is) 

This card also uses the Big Shot Framelits - Label collection that are new in the Occasions Mini as well.  They come in either labels or hearts and have 6 dies that are all different sizes and coordinate with each other and a couple stamp sets also featured in the Occasions Mini.  If you don't have your own catalog, send an email with your address to nicholevg@gmail.com and I'll put one in the mail for you! 

This card is a little too plain for me -- after I put it together I thought of running the Pool Party (lighter blue) card stock through an embossing folder like the polka dots folder.  That would have added a little more wow.   On the inside of the card, I stamped the matching baby hands that comes in the stamp set with Island Indigo. 

Items used in this card:

Stamp Sets -- Baby Prints (125470), Thank You Kindly (111700)

Card Stock -- Pool Party, Island Indigo, Whisper White

Ink -- Island Indigo, VersaMark

Ribbon -- Whisper White Organza

Accessories -- Big Shot, Labels Framelits, White embossing powder, Stampin' Dimensionals

Thank you for looking!

 

Goodbye Butterflies, Hello techniques!

Stampin'Up! just released the retired stamp sets list in preparation of the new catalog coming out on June 1st.  I'm really to sad to see some of my favorite stamp sets on the list.  Today's stamp set is one of my favorites, so I figured I better use it as much as possible until it's time to say goodbye. 

The stamp set is called Flight of the Butterfly.  I love butterflies and I love polka dots, so this is my favorite stamp out of the set.  Since I have to say goodbye to the stamp set, I thought I would try something new with the card.  I saw this technique on Pinterest and I was determined to try it myself.  I used the Framed Tulips embossing folder for the Big Shot to create the border on the pink (Melon Mambo) and Blue (Pacific Point) card stock.  I followed the instructions I found on YouTube to use the folder for the different sizes of card stock.

Here's a closeup look at the embossing folder and another technique.  I used the new Daffodil Delight seam binding from the Summer Smooches collection and our linen thread to create the faux bow!  I always struggle with making the perfect bow especially with the seam binding since it's rather delicate.  The faux bow technique creates a perfect bow every time! 

Stampin'Up! Products in this card:

Stamp Set -- Flight of the Butterfly

Card Stock -- Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Pacific Point

Ink -- Pacific Point, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight

Ribbon -- Daffodil Delight Seam binding

Accessories -- Big Shot, Framed Tulips embossing folder, Stampin' Dimensionals

Get your Flight of the Butterfly stamp set today at my Online Store!

Riding Hood Red Mixed Bunch

Today I have another sneak peek for you from Sunday's Tea Party! We'll be making four projects -- three 3-D gift items and one simple but cute card shown here.  I won't show anymore items from the class until after Sunday so I don't spoil the fun and anticipation!

 I fell in love with the Occasions Mini this year and I wanted to buy the whole catalog -- I guess I almost have.  The stamp set used is called Mixed Bunch and it has a coordinating punch, Blossom punch, that cuts out the blossoms perfectly.  That's what I love about Stampin'Up! products -- everything coordinates!  From colors to punches to Big Shot dies -- everything goes together and makes crafting so much easier.  For example, if you purchase card stock in a certain color, you can buy the same color of buttons, ribbon, brads, ink, etc.  Creating homemade cards is effortless!

In this card, I also used our new Edgelit die and Adorning Accents embossing folder for the Big Shot on the bottom of the card.  It is quick and easy and adds an extra WOW factor to the card.  I can't wait for Sunday's class -- my guests are in for a treat! 

In this card:
Stamp Set -- Mixed Bunch
Card Stock -- Riding Hood Red and Twitterpated DSP
Ink -- Riding Hood Red
Accessories -- Big Shot, Adorning Accents Edgelits and Embossing folder, Blossom punch, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Dimensionals, Candy Cane buttons (retired)

Thank you for looking!  Come back tomorrow :)

Shop online now!

Loving Summer Smooches!

I've been super busy getting ready for the Tea Party this Sunday from 2 - 4.  There's still time to sign up! You won't want to miss it.  Today's project is a sneak peek of what's to come.  We'll enjoy an afternoon filled with fun, Stampin'Up! crafting, prizes, and giveaways.  These very cute purses will be given to each attendee.  The class is $20 and we will make 4 projects: 3-D items that can be given as gifts or taken home for you to enjoy and 1 card.  All items feature products from the Occasions Mini or the Summer Smooches collection.

 

I used the Big Shot to create these purses.  The Big Shot is Stampin'Up!'s Die-Cutting System and can be used for Big Shot dies, embossing, and letterpress.  You can use paper, fabric, chipboard, magnet sheets and more to create your quick and easy projects. 

The new purse die is part of the Summer Smooches Sneak Peek collection.  It will be featured in the new catalog that will debut on June 1st.  I'll have your copy available in May!

"What to buy" list:

125606 Petite Purse Bigz L Die $32.95

125409 Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper $10.95
125589 Summer Smooches Fabric Brads $6.95

Shop now at my Online Store!

Stampin News: Retired Stamp List, New Catalog, & Clearance Rack

Good Morning!

Lots of news today for Stampin’Up!  They just released the Retired Stamps list.  The list is longer than usual this year because SU is preparing for a new catalog that will be available on June 1^st (earlier than in previous years).  

New Catalog Details:

• Will run from June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013.
• Will be reduced from 240 pages to 208 pages (making our retiring stamps list much longer than usual)
• Will be printed on lighter-weight paper making it easier to distribute to a wider audience
• The Occasions, Summer and Holiday minis will be replaced by two seasonal catalogs called the Holiday Catalog and Spring Catalog.

And last bit of news for today, more items have been added to the Clearance Rack!  Save up to 60% on punches, Big Shot dies, Albums, Paper, Fabric and more!

 Tomorrow, I'll have a sneak peak for my upcoming Tea Party class!  There's still time to join us this Sunday from 2 - 4.  We'll be creating 4 projects with products from the Occasions Mini and the new Summer Smooches collection.

Graduations are coming up

Greetings! Graduation season is right away the corner. Today, I'm showing a quick, easy and fun graduation card. I apologize for the picture quality (I took them before I thought about showcasing my creations on a blog).

In this card: Paper - Night of Navy card stock, Real Red DSP from the patterns stack, Whisper White card stock Stamp Sets - Word Play, Occasional Quotes (retired)

Week 2!

Good Morning! I've made it to the second week of the blog and am excited for the next few weeks to come. I recieved my Stampin'Up! order today for my upcoming Tea Party on April 22nd, so I've been busy playing and preparing for the big day. I don't want to spoil the surprise, so I won't be posting my new projects just yet. It's not too late to sign up for the Tea Party. Today's post features the project that started it all -- my obsession and love for paper crafting! I joined Stampin'Up! almost 2 years ago for the sole purpose of creating my Wedding invitations. I really didn't think that I would last as a demonstrator for this long, but once I started attending our monthly team meetings with my upline and fellow demos, used the resources on the Stampin'Up! Demo website, and started reading our Stampin' Success magazine each month, I found so many ideas and projects that I wanted to create and couldn't help but buy everything in the catalog (not quite but almost). So, onto my first project:

Our colors were navy blue (Night of Navy), red (Cherry Cobbler), and white (Whisper White). We also used a lot of roses, so I used the Manhattan Flower embossing folder and the corresponding stamp set, Fifth Avenue Floral. Thanks for looking!

Easter Bunnies

Good Morning and Happy Friday! 

I didn't get to post yesterday because all my time went to creating

 today's cute project. 

I made these cute little bunnies for my daughter's classmates and teachers.  Easter came so quick this year! I used the Big Shot and punches for everything.

Supplies: 
Big Shot
Top Note Die
1/2" circle punch
1" circle punch

small heart punch

large oval punch

scallop oval punch

Whisper White card stock

Black card stock

Blushing Bride card stock

Melon Mambo scallop dots ribbon

Soft Suede ink pad

They came out really cute and her teachers and classmates loved them!  I'm going to make a few more for Sunday, but I'm going to make them into cute baskets and put goodies inside. 

Happy Easter and thank you for looking!

Day 4!

Good Morning and Happy Wednesday!

Today's post features the 2nd batch of cards swaps from our monthly team meeting.  The first card is Carmelita's.  She cut out the butterflies using the Big Shot die and DSP and ran it through the lattice embossing folder.  It's very cute and I love the colors!

The next card is Amber's.  She used all of our new projects featured in the Occasions Mini.  The new pleated ribbon is my current favorite accessory.

This card is Ruth's.  She used the lattice embossing folder also and made a masculine card.  I always struggle with masculine cards, so I'll probably use this idea in the future.

This next card is one of my favorites from this month's meeting.  Kim Madrid created this and I love it.  She used quite a few of our Big Shot products including the embossing folders, framelits, and embosslits.

The last card for today is by LaRee.  She used the embossing folder and the new edgelits in the Occasions Mini.  The picture didn't come out that great, but 'Thank You' is heat embossed. 

Tomorrow's post will feature the remaining cards from this month's meeting. 

Also, check out the link to my upcoming class on April 22nd!  It's a Tea Party!  Join us for an afternoon of tea and crafts.  I'll be posting more information in the coming weeks, so stay tuned :)

Day 3

Good Morning!  It's Day 3!  I have so many ideas for this blog that I want to share, but I can't post them all in one day or that would spoil the fun.  Today's post features cards from last week's demo meeting.  As I Stampin'Up! Demonstrator, I attend a monthly meeting with my upline and fellow team members.  We share our creative ideas, inspire each other, and help each other develop the business that's right for us.  There are many great benefits to being a demo and the monthly meeting is just one of them! 

Each month, we have a card swap with a different theme.  This month's theme was embossing (dry or heat).  Our group, called Ladybug Ink, is growing rapidly, so this month's swap produced 16 cards -- I'll split them out over the week.

This first card is my swap.  I used the Gnome Sweet Gnome Stamp Set in the Occasions Mini Catalog and the Lattice embossing folder.  I colored in the girl using my Stampin'Up! markers. It's a cute simple card.

The card below is Angela's card.  She embossed the darker blue section with an embossing folder and heat embossed the image.  I believe she brayered over the top of the embossed image afterwards.

This next one is Corrina's card. She used the polka dots embossing folder on the melon mambo (pink) card stock and heat embossed the watermelon with our new Scented Embossing Powder!!! It's really cute and smells like melon!  You can purchase the new powder in the Occasions Mini catalog.

The next card is Miquelita's.  She has two this month since she just recruited a new member of her team!  It's very cute and masculine.  The circles are embossed using the lattice embossing folder and the top layer is scored using the new Simply Scored Scoring Tool.

This is Miquelita's 2nd card. It's so simple but so cute!  The stamp is embossed using our colored embossing powder in Wild Wasabi.  The flower is really simple and uses our oval punch.  I would have never thought of using it to create a flower.  Miquelita is my direct upline and I'm so thankful to have her -- she provides inspiration and lots of support!

Hope you enjoyed today's blog...stay tuned for more from this month's meeting.

I'm following suit and must give credit to Ruth Norton who has inpired me to create a daily blog.  Check out her blog here.