Coordinated Christmas

OMG. Has it really been more than a month since my last post? Oops. I could go on and on with a list of excuses (H1N1, b-day, vacation, Thanksgiving, etc). But really, I didn't have any cards I was proud of. Until now!

Yesterday I wound down from a busy Thanksgiving weekend by making my Christmas card prototypes. I was drawn to Soft Suede, Real Red, and Whisper White this year - and for the first time ever all my cards coordinate! I know my favorite - post a comment to let me know which one is yours! :)

Flocked Christmas

(Inspired by Lisa Brown)




Medallion Holidays
(Inspired by Jennifer Jackson)



Happy Christmas
(Inspired by Heather Summers)




Merry Dasher
(Inspired by Sheryl Dickinson)



Christmas Ornaments
(Inspired by Lori)

As you can see, I've used many different inspirations for my cards (meaning, I practically copied them exactly as I found them online). But I've said it once; I'll say it again - I love stamping because all you have to do is follow a pattern. If someone else came up with a really great pattern/design, why not use it! I've let these talented ladies know I copied their cards - Thanks again, ladies!!

Hostess Club October

Thursday my wonderful Hostess Club ladies are coming over for our monthly meeting. We're learning Masking, a technique in stamping that allows you to cover up part of your image to stamp around it cleanly. Here are the two cards we'll be making

Birthday Balloons
Stamp Sets: Pumpkin Patch, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White
Designer Series Paper: Razzleberry Lemonade
Stampin' Pads (Classic): Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry
Accessories/Tools: Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Post-It notes

Thanksgiving Wreath
Stamp Sets: Falling Leaves
Cardstock: Really Rust, More Mustard, Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Stampin' Pads (Classic): More Mustard, Really Rust, Chocolate Chip
Accessories/Tools: Paper Crimper, Linen Thread, Masterpiece Ribbon Originals

I've really come to enjoy my monthly Hostess Club meetings. The group is so fun and we always have so much to say to each other! Sometimes it's a stretch getting 2 cards done in one meeting. :) I'm looking to start a second club soon - if you're interested in learning more about stamping, slowly adding to your stamping/scrapbooking supply closet, and love girlfriend chit-chat, let me know!!!

World Card Making Day = success!

Because I ran the 10-Mile race on the actual World Card Making Day, I conducted my own celebration this past weekend. The event was free (best kind!) for guests. We made some Christmas cards, listened to Christmas music, ate Christmas treats, and had a jolly good time! Yes, it is early for Christmas, but - it snowed in Minnesota this weekend. It set the tone for our kick-off to the holidays!

I set the event up so guests would make 4 cards, all using slightly different techniques, colors, layouts, etc. But, I asked each of them to donate at least 2 of the cards they made to the Ronald McDonald House in the Twin Cities. We came up with 15 cards to donate! That means 15 people in need this season will have a beautiful hand-made card to send to someone they love.

Here are the cards. I love them all, but I will tell you my favorite at the end of this post. Please leave a comment with your favorite of these holiday cards!

Polka Dot Snowman

Stamp Sets: Snow Buddies, Chic Boutique
Cardstock: Real Red, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Whisper White, Watercolor
Stamp Pads (Classic): Stazon, So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red
Accessories/Tools: Blender Pen, Polka Dot Real Red ribbon, various circle punches, Circle Scissors Plus

Snowy Pine
Stamp Sets: Patterned Pines, Four the Holidays
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, real Red, Very Vanilla, Old Olive
Designer Series Paper: Merry Moments
Stamp Pads (Classic): Old Olive, Summer Sun, Chocolate Chip
Accessories/Tools: 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Circle Scissors Plus, Playground buttons, Mistletoe Ribbon Originals


Razzle-Man
Stamp Sets: Snow Buddies, The More the Merrier
Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Whisper White
Designer Series Paper: Rich Razzleberry patterns
Stamp Pads (Classic): Stazon, Rich Razzleberry
Stampin' Write Markers: Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Dusty Durango
Accessories/Tools: Scallop edge punch, dimensionals

Three Pines
Stamp Sets: Patterned Pines, Christmas Greetings
Cardstock: Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Stamp Pads (Classic): Garden Green, Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip
Accessories/Tools: Scallop edge punch, 1/4" Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon

Naturally, I didn't spend a lot of time designing these cards. Some are old sketch challenge layouts I found in my stampin' space. Some are reconfigured cards from the catalog. Polka Dot Snowman is an exact copy (with change of colors) of a card I saw in Stampin' Success, the monthly magazine demonstrators get. But, I love the cards nonetheless! Who cares if I made the design or not? :)

My fave? I love Three Pines. It's just so classy and clean to me. I also love the not-quite-traditional colors in it.

What's your favorite?

Twin Cities 10-Mile

I did it!! On Sunday, Oct. 4 I ran the Twin Cities 10-Mile Race! What a life accomplishment for me. I felt great the whole race, walked only through 2 or 3 of the water stops, and even picked up the pace a bit at the end. I finished in 1:43:15 (yes, on HOUR, 43 minutes of running!) I really wanted to finish in 1:40:00, but I had to drink some water along the way - so I guess my time if fine. My next one will be better!!

My family from all across the country came to cheer me on - Aunt Dee from South Dakota, Aunt Jean from Pittsburgh, and Aunt Donna from Atlanta all crashed on couches and spare bedrooms at the house to be part of the event. I can't thank them enough!! And of course, my husband Aaron. What a guy! The best parts of the race for me where running by and seeing him waving to me from the sidewalk. He's the best!!!!

I learned some things from running a distance race. Such as:

1. I can set a goal, and make it!
2. Having a group to support you makes all the difference.
3. Training pays off!
4. Running with a friend is the key to not getting bored.

And most important..... 5. I like running! And I'm actually good at it (for me, anyway!)

Between my husband and my aunts, I have a ton of great photos of the day to remember it by. I recently received my copy of My Digital Studio and had to use it to create a fun scrapbook page to remember my big day. Here's what I came up with:


It uses Enjoy Every Moment and Define Your Life ("Journey"). I think both these sentiments are fitting for the day! I love the simple Rich Razzleberry background and Old Olive accents. I only made one page, but maybe I'll continue and make an entire book of the event.

Thanks to everyone who supported me in training (especially Aaron!) and for those non-runners for putting up with running posts here. :)

Now - to think of a new goal. Maybe a 1/2 Marathon....? :)

Simply Scrappin' Birthday

In an un-like-me event, I've planned ahead for classes in mid-NOVEMBER. I am usually so far behind on planning that few people ever come to my classes because I haven't had time to promote them. Well, not this time! I want this class to be a success - because I need a successful class, because mid-November's a good time to stay in and stamp, and because this SSK is just so darn cute!

Participants will pay $25 to me. They will get the Happy B-Day Simply Scrappin' Kit, cut ready to make 20 cards. I'll also provide envelopes, white cardstock, ribbons, and some embellishments to "fancy up" the cards. And of course, they'll get to keep the leftovers from the SSK! I hope this is a big hit - and maybe can become a regular class on the rotation (but with different themes).

Here's just one sample. The other samples I've made are just as cute - but I don't have photos of them. :-(

Happy B-Day

Simply Scrappin' Kit: Happy B-Day
Cardstock: Crushed Curry, Ruby Red, Brocade Blue
Designer Series Paper: unnamed, included in SSK
Accessories/Tools: Elementary Ribbon Originals

And now for a bit of random chatter.... tomorrow is my big 10-Mile race! I'm so excited, but also starting to get nervous. The weather here in the Twin Cities has been rainy for 3 or 4 days - but forecasts say it will be clear and cool tomorrow morning. I sure hope so! I'll post results & photos on Monday. (Which is coincidentally a day off work for me. Didn't that work out nice?)

And, so far the highlight of my weekend has been going to my final Twins game at the Metrodome! A baseball fan since I was born, the Dome has always been special to me - especially as an adult. When I first moved to the Cities 7 1/2 years ago, I worked as an usher at the Dome. I was there from 2002-2006 seasons and loved it. Since not working there, I've loved the Dome even more as a fan! And now the Twins will move to Target Field next season. It will be awesome and fun, but not the same. My family & I did get the PERFECT farewell from the Dome, though - we made it on the Jumbotron TWICE! Awesome! Once was with my friend Andrea. We took a photo on my phone and sent it in. They put it on the big screen. Yay! Here's the famous shot:


Good-bye Dome!!

Fall in St Paul

Out of nowhere Fall arrived. A week, 2 weeks ago, we had highs in the mid- to high-70s, unusually warm for this time of year. I remember saying while running "I wish it would cool down!" And cool down it sure did! This week has posted highs barely in the 50s and gusty winds to boot. It definitely feels cold - I even turned my furnace on! Next thing you know, I'll get digging out the old flannel p.j.s.

To celebrate Fall in St Paul, I dug out an old favorite of mine, Season of Friendship. I love how versatile this set it. It easily makes fall, winter, spring, summer, (yeah, all the SEASONS, like the name of the set says....) but you can also use the branch as a background, add some other tidbits to the trees, use the leaves, snowflakes, bird in other ways, and so on. Totally worth the investment! And, in my quest to utilize others' great design ideas, this card uses Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 37.

The tree looks like the big old maple in my front yard. I'm anticipating the dropping of leaves coming soon. Last year I filled 15 lawn bags with leaves while raking. Guess that's what you get when you live in a 60-year old house.

Fall Friendship
Stamp Sets: Season of Friendship, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Very Vanilla
Stamp Pads (Classic): Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Old Olive, More Mustard
Accessories/Tools: Paper Crimper, Sleigh Bells ribbon

Thanks for looking! And happy fall!!!

World Card Making Day sample

World Card Making Day is coming up! Typically, WCMD is Oct. 3, but, due to my 10-Mile race that weekend, I'm postponing my celebration until the next weekend, Oct. 10. I'm inviting all crafters, customers, friends, and relatives to come over for a free stamping event. We'll make 4 cards total - 2 for guests to take home, and 2 for guests to give to the local Ronald McDonald House so families in the Twin Cities have a bit of cheer to send to their loved ones this holiday season. I hope this "give-and-get" idea really gets people interested and they come to the event!

This is the first sample I've come up with. I just LOVE the new Patterned Pines Hostess Set from the Holiday Mini Catalog! Customers can earn it FREE when they hostess a Stampin' Up! workshop of $150 or more (or place an individual order, like I did!) :)

WCMD Patterned Pines
Stamp Sets: Patterned Pines, Four the Holidays
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Real Read, Very Vanilla, Old Olive
Designer Series Paper: Merry Moments
Stamp Pads (Classic): Old Olive, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Crushed Curry
Accessories/Tools: 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Circle Scissors Plus, Playground Button, Sleighbells Ribbon Originals, Dimensionals

This card uses Weekend Sketch Challenge 99 found on Beate's blog here. The Weekend Sketch Challenges are great! They are usually easy sketches that allow you to add to pizazz where you see fit. :)

If you're in the Twin Cities area, I'd love for you to come to my WCMD event and make this card! Please let me know if you are interested. :)

Thank You Challenge

One of the things I love best about stamping is the fact that you don't need to really be all that artisitic to be good at it. Lord knows I can't draw, paint, sculpt, or do anything else that's considered traditional "art." That's why I love stamping. It's like following a pattern - which is especially easy when there are so many great challenges out there for you to work with! Today I made a Thank You card using a sketch challenge from Pal Paper Arts, a relatively new challenge Web site. I love the challenges on this site because they vary every week: sometimes there will be a sketch, sometimes color challenge, sometimes "anything but a card" challenge!

Here's what I came up with. I used a Simply Scrappin' Kit for most of it.

PPA 7 - Thank You

Stamp Set: Trendy Trees
Simply Scrappin' Kit: Petal Party
Cardstock: Pixie Pink, So Saffron, Old Olive
Designer Series Paper: unnamed, included in SSK
Stamp Pads (Classic): Pumpkin Pie
Accessories/Tools: 5/8" So Saffron Ribbon (2009 SAB), Modern Label Punch, 1-3/8" Circle punch

I love how it turned out - a simple Thank You for a recent customer order. And I got to use up some old stuff that was laying around. Don'tcha just love that?!

Mojo 103 Jade's B-day

Tonight I'm heading to Iowa ---- wait! I mean Apple Valley (one of the most-Southern of the Twin Cities' suburbs.... so far south it seems like you're driving to Iowa!). It's my friend Jade's B-Day BBQ. I made this card for her, using Mojo Monday's sketch 103. I have been looking at Mojo 103 for days now, unable to think of how I could use that sketch for a card. Then today I dusted off my old Party Hearty set, and Voila! Perfect b-day card!

Mojo Birthday
Stamp Sets: Party Hearty, On Your Birthday
Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Whisper White
Designer Series Paper: Razzleberry Lemonade
Stamp Pads (Classic): Rich Razzleberry
Stampin' Write Markers: Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay, Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry
Accessories/Tools: Paper Crimper, Dimensionals

I love how this card uses all new In-Colors. At first, I was completely wary of these jewel-toned hues, but the more I use them, the more I love them. I especially like these 4 together! Now if only Dusty Durango and Soft Suede would grow on me..... I hardly ever use those!

Off to party -- but not too late! I have a LOOOONG run tomorrow morning! It's my first attempt at 10 miles. Eep!

Life's Big Moments

This week I found myself needing to make cards for people I work with (and school just started!) because they are experiencing major life moments. One gal is having a baby in a few weeks and a shower is being thrown at work, so I made a baby card. The other lady's father-in-law died on Labor Day, so I needed to make a Sympathy card (the first I have ever made). It was a weird juxtaposition to come home from the first day of school and make two very different cards. But I love how they turned out and I hope they give support and joy to the recipients.

Baby Shower Card
Stamp Set: Lovely Letters
Cardstock: Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Designer Series Paper: none
Stamp Pads (Classic): Regal Rose
Accessories/Tools: Big Shot, Perfect Details Texturz Plates, 5/8" Regal Rose Grosgrain ribbon, 1/4" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain ribbon, Two-way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds

Sympathy Card
Stamp Set: Thoughts and Prayers
Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Old Olive, More Mustard, Whisper White
Designer Series Paper: Thoroughly Modern
Stamp Pads (Classic): More Mustard
Stampin' Write Markers: Sahara Sand, Old Olive, More Mustard, Ruby Red
Accessories/Tools: Scallop Oval Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Elementary Ribbon Originals

Now I best be hitting the road so I can get to school and deliver these cards!

Three Thank Yous

My 2-4-6-8 Christmas Cards class got off to a fun start last weekend! I had 3 ladies come over and make the Seasons of Friendship card (tree with snowflakes). I modified the design, though, so that it was a Basic Gray tree stamped on Very Vanilla cardstock with Not Quite Navy snowflakes and on Rich Razzleberry cardstock. It was so much prettier than the original! Two of the ladies who came for the class are coming to another one - so I think my "progressive" class idea worked! -- even if it was a little confusing to begin with. Anyway, I made some thank you cards for the ladies using the Diva Coffee Break Designs challenge #143 design. I like the sketch challenges at this blog because the head "Divas" are all Stampin' Up! demonstrators, so the samples they put out there are all Stampin' Up! cards. I really like when I see cards made with the products I love!!

Anyway, to the cards... (which are about a week late, as usual. Remember, I can never create or mail anything on time!) :)

Gray Razzleberry
Stamp Sets: Circle Circus, Flight of the Butterfly
Cardstock: Basic Gray, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White
Designer Series Paper: Cottage Wall
Stamp Pads (Classic): Rich Razzleberry, Orchid Opulence, Old Olive
Accessories/Tools: 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Punch

Sahara Rose
Stamp Sets: Circle Circus, Flight of the Butterfly
Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Rose Red, Whisper White
Designer Series Paper: Thoroughly Modern
Stamp Pads (Classic): Rose Red, Certainly Celery, Soft Suede
Accessories/Tools: 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Punch

Passion Pumpkin
Stamp Sets: Circle Circus, Flight of the Butterfly
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Pink Passion Whisper White
Designer Series Paper: Kaleidoscope
Stamp Pads (Classic): Pink Passion, Pretty in Pink, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories/Tools: 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Punch

My favorite is the last one, Passion Pumpkin. I love how the colors came together on it! Which one is your favorite?

Two Chic Boutique

When I got the new Stampin' Up! catalog back in June there was only 1 stamp set on my "MUST HAVE" list: Chic Boutique. I just love the fun line drawings, sweet sentiments, and cute birdcage! It's such a great versatile set to make some fun "anytime" cards. And I love watercoloring the images!!

Last week, I made two samples using Chic Boutique. Somehow, the layouts are similar, though not intentionally....

Chic Boutique Un
Stamp Sets: Chic Boutique, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Medallion
Cardstock: Sage Shadow, Ruby Red, Pretty in Pink, Watercolor
Designer Series Paper: none
Stamp Pads (Classic): Jet Black Stazon, Ruby Red, Sage Shadow, Pretty in Pink (for watercoloring)
Accessories/Tools: Scallop Edge Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Paper Piercing Tool, Dimensionals

I love the colors of this card, and I wish I could remember if I came up with them on my own, or if I used my handy-dandy Color Coach.... (guess would be Color Coach!) I also think Medallion gives just the right touch to the background... don't you?

Chic Boutique Deux
Stamp Sets: Chic Boutique,
Cardstock: Close to Cocoa, Regal Rose, Very Vanilla, Watercolor
Designer Series Paper: Bella Bleu
Stamp Pads (Classic): Close to Cocoa, Sage Shadow, Regal Rose, So Saffron (for watercoloring)
Accessories/Tools:Wide Oval Punch, Masterpiece Ribbon Originals

This is my favorite card I've made in a long time. I will probably never give it away, as I do tend to hoard my faves..... :) I just think the design is great - it's actually a sketch challenge called Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge. It's definitely one of those sketches to check out from time to time!

Orange-Razzleberry Birthday Mania

It seems that when I get on a kick of projects, I really get on a kick. For example, yesterday after work I decided to stamp and I sure went to town. I didn't really have anything to stamp "for", so I was just making cards for fun and being inspired by sketch challenges & my stamping mess. It surprised me that I made two birthday cards (no birthdays on my horizon) and both have the same color scheme! (I must have really felt the Pumpkin Pie-Rich Razzleberry connection yesterday. Here are my cards.

Pocket Silhouette
Stamp Sets: Pocket Silhouettes, On Your Birthday
Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White
Designer Series Paper: Razzleberry Lemonade
Stamp Pads (Classic): Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories/Tools: 1/4" Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon

I love the simple design of this card! I can see myself using this layout again, and again. It comes from the Clean & Simple Stamping blog (a great place to find simple, striking layouts). I think the white space makes the loud colors seem more subdued and the card seem classy.

Party Hearty
Stamp Set: Party Hearty
Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White
Designer Series Paper: Razzleberry Lemonade
Stamp Pads (Classic): Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories/Tools: 1/4" Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon, Pumpkin Pie corduroy ribbon, paper piercer, dimensionals

This layout is from Stamping 411 blog, a great resource for new stampers to learn the ins and outs of stamping -- but also somewhere for seasoned stampers to get some fresh ideas and great layouts!

5K blog winner announced!

A great big THANK YOU goes out to everyone who visited my blog during my 5K Blog Candy extravaganza! I had 15 people leave comments (though, seemingly more people visited - nearly 700 hits have been added to the counter! Too bad for the people who didn't leave comments!)

I used Random.org to choose a winner. I numbered the comments from 1 - 15, and Random.org generated a totally RANDOM (see a pattern here??) number that corresponds to a comment which gives me the winner.

And now for the winner. Congratulations to........

# 11 Lauren
Lauren said:
"I have never posted a comment on ANY blog before, so I guess I am inspired! My favorite is the snowflake card for it's simplicity. It would be WONDERFUL for a demo or stamp-a-stack. It also reminds me to use negative space--every inch does not have to be filled with clutter!!! thanks for the inspiration!"

Thanks for the kind words, Lauren! Please contact me ASAP so I can send your goody packet off in the mail. :)

Thank you again to everyone for reading and for your support!!! Keep checking back for ideas and more blog candy (come 10K hits, that is). :)

Mojo 101

Today was my first day of work! That's right folks, I have found a job for the 2009-2010 school year. I will be working as a Kindergarten Teacher Assistant in Roseville, MN. It's the same school I worked for last year, and the same school I did my student teaching at 3 years ago . Today I had some orientation things to do. It was sad for me to lose my free time during the day, but it felt good to be back in the working world!

When I got home this afternoon I had a hankerin' for stamping. BUT, I was totally at a loss of what to stamp. So I turned to my old friend, Mojo Monday. Each Monday, the folks over at Mojo Monday blog post a sketch for stampers to use to inspire the creative juices. I often turn to sketches when I can't think of a design. Today's was especially fun, because I got to use a new stamp, and make a square card, which I LOVE!

Mojo 101

Stamp Sets: Gobble Gobble, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: More Mustard, Ruby Red, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla
Designer Series Paper: Thoroughly Modern
Stamp Pads (Classic): Soft Suede, plus Soft Suede, Ruby Red, More Mustard, & Dusty Durango Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories/Tools: 1-3/4" punch, Circle Scissors Plus, Paper Piercer

I think this little Turkey guy is SO cute! And guess what? He's less than $10! He's just one of 4 Under $10 stamps in the Holiday Mini Catalog, available on Sept. 1. Contact me if you need a copy of the catalog!

Thanks to everyone who has posted a comment or visited in regards to the 5K blog candy! You still have ONE MORE DAY to post your comments and win the fabulous prizes. Please know, regardless if you leave a comment or not, I appreciate all your visits! Come again soon. :)

5K hits BLOG CANDY!

Thanks to my loyal readers (and probably myself 1/2 the time checking to see if everything looks right....) I've got 5,000 (or in running terms, 5K) hits! For a little ol' blogger like me, I'm ecstatic at this milestone! That means people are reading my blog, and probably coming back time and time again. If you are one of those people, THANK YOU. Seriously.

In celebration of my 5K hits, I'm giving away some blog candy. To win this blog candy, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post. The message should answer at least one of these questions:

1. What is your favorite card(s) I've posted on this blog? (feel free to browse again!)
2. What classes posted here are most appealing to you?
3. Why do you visit & come back?
4. What would you like to see on this blog?
   

What will you win, you wonder? Well... here goes:

Blog Candy

Stampin' Tracy's Stampin' Up! Mini Card Kit, Includes:
- about 40 6x6 Designer series paper sheets, assorted designs
- 4 each of 6 retired 2008-2009 In-Colors pieces of cardstock (cut to 4-1/4" by 5-1/2")
- 5 Kiwi Kiss gift card holders + envelopes
- 1 unopened, unused roll of Kiwi Kiss striped ribbon
- 1 opened, only slightly used (less than 1/4 gone) roll of Baja Breeze striped ribbon
- 1 new, unmounted Birthday Wish stamp set

Remember, just answer at least one of these questions in a comment on this post. On Aug. 25, I will randomly draw a winner from this group of comments and let you know if you won!

Thanks for reading! And good luck. :)

2-4-6-8 Christmas Cards

I'm planning my Christmas Class already! I'm calling it 2-4-6-8 Progressive Christmas cards. Participants get TWO stamp sets, will make FOUR different designs, will make a total of SIX-ty cards, and get EIGHT great hours of stamping! (Prices range from $30 to $75, depending on how many of the 4 sessions you sign up to come).

Here's the cards we'll make.

Delightful Decorations
Stamp Sets: Delightful Designs, Four Christmas
Cardstock: Old Olive, Ruby Red, Crushed Curry, Whisper White
Designer Series Paper: Cottage Wall
Stamp Pads (Classic): Ruby Red, Crushed Curry, Old Olive
Accessories/Tools: Scallop Edge punch, Ornament Punch, Crushed Curry Ribbon, Linen Thread, dimensionals


Dasher
Stamp Sets: Dasher, Grateful Greetings
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Old Olive, Whisper White
Stamp Pads (Classic): Chocolate Chip
Accessories/Tools: Paper Piercer, Linen Thread, Sleigh Bells Ribbon, dimensionals

SnowflakeStamp Sets: Simple Snowflake, Christmas Greetings
Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Kraft, Real Red, Whisper White
Stamp Pads (Classic): Real Red
Accessories/Tools: Big Shot, Perfect Details Texturz Plate, Snowflake Punch, Real Red Striped ribbon, Playground Button

Season of Friendship

Stamp Sets: Season of Friendship, Grateful Greetings
Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive
Designer Series Paper: Cottage Wall
Stamp Pads (Classic): Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive
Accessories/Tools: Big Shot, Top Note Die, Mistletoe Ribbon Originals, Horizontal Slot Punch, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Two-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds

I love making Christmas cards -- it's how I first got into stamping to begin with -- and the Christmas cards in the Holiday Mini this year are just TOO CUTE. I think this class will be a hit - can't wait to find out the response!

Card Buffet

A new class is on the horizon! I read several threads on Splitcoast Stampers (the best resource for stamping & building your SU! business, IMO) about offering card buffet classes. These classes are pretty straight forward & simple: people reserve a spot, then come and can make as many or as few cards as they want, and pay a la carte. I thought it was a great idea, so I'm going to give a whirl. I plan to hold my Card Buffet class on Aug. 30. I have 5 different cards people can choose from. I hope I get a good turnout! :)

Circle Circus Buffet
Stamp Set: Circle Circus, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Basic Gray, Orchid Opulence, Old Olive, Whisper WHite
Stamp Pads (Classic): Orchid Opulence, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Basic Gray
Accessories/Tools: Rich Razzleberry ribbon, various circle punches, dimensionals

Upsy Daisy BuffetStamp Set: Upsy Daisy
Cardstock: Summer Sun, Ruby Red, Whisper White
Stamp Pads (Classic): Summer Sun, Ruby Red, Old Olive & Ruby Red Stampin' Write markers
Accessories/Tools: So Saffron 5/8" ribbon (SAB), Paper Piercer, dimensionals

Birthday Buffet
Stamp Sets: Party Hearty, Full of Life
Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise, Gable Green, Whisper White
DSP: Kaleidoscope
Stamp Pads (Classic): Tempting Turquoise, Gable Green, So Saffron
Accessories/Tools: Big Shot, Top Note Die, Tempting Turquoise 1/4" ribbon

Flower Buffet
Stamp Set: Chic Boutique
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Kraft, Real Red
Stamp Pads (Classic): Real Red
Accessories/Tools: Big Shot, Daisies #2 Die, 3/4" inch punch, So Saffron corduroy button, Real Red 1" stitched ribbon

Medallion Buffet
Stamp Sets: Medallion, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Whisper White
DSP: Razzleberry Lemonade
Stamp Pads (Classic): Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo
Stampin' Write Markers: Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry
Accessories/Tools: Modern Label punch, black brads, Melon Mambo ribbon

Like many cards I made, I took inspiration from others. Let me give credit where credit is due now!

• Upsy Daisy card is inspired by this card I found on www.splitcoaststampers.com.
• Birthday Buffet is the layout from Clean and Simple Stamping FTL51.
• Flower Buffet is another card inspired by Splitcoast Stampers. The original is here.
• The Medallion card is a near-exact copy of Robin's card at Trinity Designs.

I hope this class goes well. I'd love to make it a bi-monthly or quarterly event! Hope to see you there. :)

First Hostess Club Projects

A Hostess Club is a great way to build your business, get consistent orders, and share the love of stamping with some friends! All clubs are run slightly differently, but here's my take on it: I have 9 ladies signed up (I am also participating, so we have 10 "hostesses"). Each month we'll choose a new "hostess." That person doesn't have to do anything except show up and bring a snack. BUT, that person will get hostess benefits!! To earn hostess benefits, the workshop must total $150 or more. That means each of us needs to order a minimum of $15 toward the workshop total. That way the hostess gets a free hostess set and some free merchandise from the catalog. NICE!

Anyway, we had our first meeting last night and 6 of the 9 ladies came over to stamp. I taught them watercoloring using Stampin' Pastels, Classic Stampin' Pads, Watercolor Wonder Crayons and Stampin' Write markers. Here are the projects we made!

Classic Stampin' Pad Blue Birds
Stamp Set: The More the Merrier (hostess), Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Kraft, Melon Mambo, Watercolor
Stamp Pads (Classic): Brocade Blue, Melon Mambo, Stazon
Accessories/Tools: Blender Pens, Modern Label Punch, Black Brads, Melon Mambo ribbon


Stampin' Write Cupcakes
Stamp Set: The More the Merrier (hostess),
Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Watercolor
Stamp Pads (Classic): Elegant Eggplant, Stazon
Stampin' Write markers: Elegant Eggplant, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive, Sahara Sand
Accessories/Tools: Blender Pens, Scallop Edge Punch, Linen Twine


Watercolor Wonder Crayon Pumpkins

Stamp Set: The More the Merrier (hostess), Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Watercolor
Stamp Pads (Classic): Stazon
Watercolor Wonder Crayons: Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun (Earth Elements)
Accessories/Tools: Blender Pens, Paper Crimper, Button Bouquet, Linen Twine

Pastel Snowmen
Stamp Set: The More the Merrier (hostess), Simple Snowflake (under $10!)
Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise, Camoe Coral, Summer Sun, Watercolor
Stamp Pads (Classic): Stazon
Stampin' Pastels:Tempting Turquoise, Cameo Coral, Summer Sun, Only Orange, Basic Gray, Basic Black, Whisper White
Accessories/Tools: Word Window Punch, Snowflake Punch, Tempting Turquoise 1/4" ribbon

So, that was our first night of club stampin'. I had a lot of fun, and I hope the ladies did, too! I haven't decided what technique we'll learn next month, but I'm leaning toward embossing. If you'd like more info about hostess clubs or would like to join, please contact me!

I have instructions on HOW to watercolor typed up. I can't figure out how to attach a document to blogger, so let me know if you want this tutorial/instruction sheet & I'll email it to you. :)

Meee-ow!

My Aunt Dee is one of my favorite people in the world! She's so friendly and helpful and caring. She definitely always makes you feel like the absolute most important person in the room. (Which can be tough in my family, with my dad and his 4 brothers and sisters, their spouses and children, plus me, my husband, my brother & his family.... there's a lot of people to contend with!) She's the best! I don't get to see her as often as I'd like, but she loves cats, and has an orange one. So, I made her a cute kitty card using a new set from the 2009-2010 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog.

Cat Card for Dee
Stamp Set: C is for Cat
Cardstock: Old Olive, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White
DSP: Cottage Wall
Stamp Pads (Classic): More Mustard, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive
Accessories/Tools: Circle Scissors Plus, Wide Oval Punch, Corner Rounder, 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain

I love it! I am also proud to say I picked out the colors all on my own! (I can tend to be tied to my Stampin' Color Coach Wheel most of the time). The Circle Scissors Plus is not working 100% accurately for me. I always end up with a little tail, much like on this card. Though, I'm sure it's not the actual Circle Scissors.... it's probably more user error than anything. If anyone has suggestions, I'd love to hear them! :)

Total CASE from Stampin' Success

As a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, I get a free subscription to Stampin' Success, a magazine full of business ideas, card ideas, and other good Stampin' Up! information. Usually I admire the cards in the magazine, then put it in my magazine rack and forget about it. Well, this month I saw a card I just HAD to make. In the magazine, this layout was used to feature a mosaic design tutorial. I don't care so much about doing a mosaic on my card, but I thought the large flower was so cute! I just had to CASE (Copy And Share Everything) it!

Big Flower Thank You

Stamp Set: Trendy Trees

Cardstock: Crushed Curry, Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive
DSP: Thoroughly Modern
Stamp Pads (Classic): Crushed Curry, Soft Suede
Accessories/Tools: Circle Scissors Plus, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Crushed Curry ribbon

I love how it turned out! Maybe this is a technique I can teach in my new Hostess Club - circles or punches or something like that. At any rate, it made a super cute thank you card, one I desperately needed to send to a customer for an order. :)

Old Meets Noveau

My friend Andrea and I cleaned and organized my stamping area last week. She couldn't stand the mess! (It really didn't bother me all that much). Anyway, the result was nicely organized-by-color scraps in Ziploc baggies. It is actually quite handy! Thanks Andrea!

While we were cleaning out my big pile o' paper, I found a 1/2 made card that I never finished. It was the card below. I had the base, the scalloped layer and the DSP layer all done, but I never finished it! I whipped up this cute card using a new stamp set called Chic Boutique.

Old Meets Noveau

Stamp Set: Chic Boutique
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose, Whisper White
DSP: Sweet Always (and how I miss you so!)
Stamp Pads (Classic): Stazon Black, Regal Rose, Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip (mostly for blender-penning)
Accessories/Tools: Crushed Curry Stampin' Write marker, Scallop Edge punch, Scallop Oval punch, Large Oval punch, Masterpiece ribbon originals

This card is cute, and serves its purpose as - yet another! - thank you card. BUT, it makes me desperately miss the Sweet Always paper. I only have but scraps left (which are now organized, thanks to Andrea!), but it was definitely one of my faves from the old catalog. I don't think I like any of the new paper as much ....... YET! :)

Keep your eyes peeled for 5K blog candy coming soon!

Trendy Trees in In-Colors

I just can't seem to get in a rhythm with stamping and blogging, which seems weird because I'm on summer break and don't have a lot of other pressing issues! I guess the running, the painting of the whole house (my wish) from top to bottom, going on vacation, having visitors, cleaning the house, and just plain sitting around gets in the way.

I did have a few uninterrupted, solid hours of stamping last night. I made many thank you cards (after all, they are what I use the most). I have pictures of them all taken. I shall post every day for the rest of this week! (I hope...) Here's my first:

Trendy Trees
Stamp Set: Trendy Trees
Cardstock: Rich Razzlberry, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
DSP: Cottage Wall
Stamp Pads (Classic): Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede
Accessories/Tools: Soft Suede Stampin' Write marker, Word Window punch, Rich Razzleberry grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals

I love this card. I think it's cute, it's fresh, it is getting me used to the new In Colors. But mostly, I love this card because I finally figured out a way to use Trendy Trees and not get upset that the leaves weren't lining up with the trunks! (I don't have a Stamp-a-Ma-Jig.... they scare me!) So, for this card, I stamped the trunks on the base Whisper White. Then on scrap Whisper White, I stamped the leaves, cut them out, colored in the trunk area with the Soft Suede Marker, then popped them up on the card using dimensionals. This is totally how I am going to use this set from now on. Frustrations be gone!

I'm working on ideas for a Christmas card class coming up. I want to call it "2-4-6-8 Christmas Cards" and I hope to meet for 4 months - Aug through Nov - to make a few at a time and get our cards done! The details are still being worked out - as are the samples (many of which I plan to make using the cute stamps from the Holiday Mini, which I don't have yet) - but once I get the details and the samples done, I'll post here for a sneak peek! I'm excited about Christmas in July, even though I'm thoroughly bummed at how fast the summer is going. :-(

Mid-July ALREADY?!

What happened to the summer? It seems like it is flying by, waaaay too fast, which is evident by my lack of posting. Jeepers. Vacations, painting the living room, workshops, open house -- things just got in the way!

Here's an oldie but goodie. I made this at a workshop last month to show the versatility of the Simply Scrappin' kit. I love how this kit coordinates with Best Wishes & More (which I got free at the Mpls Regional this year).

Simply Scrappin Card
Stamp Set: Best Wishes and More
Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White
DSP: None
Simply Scrappin Kit: Petal Party
Stamp Pads (Classic): Pumpkin Pie, Pink Passion
Accessories/Tools: 1/4" Pumpkin pie Grosgrain ribbon

Simple and pretty. I ended up sending this one to my mom. She loved it - so much so that she said she's ordering a variety pack of cards from me! I'll probably just make them and give them to her for Christmas or something. Or maybe start a side business. She knows lots of people, she could be my marketing executive! :)

In Color Thank You

I had a workshop over a week ago, and just now I made the Thank Yous (of course, I mean, it would be unlike me to have some ready to go! I am always running behind!!) Anyway, the workshop was with some really loyal customers, so I wanted to send them a Thank You card using new catalog items. I don't have much yet, but I do have Teeny Tiny Wishes and the cardstock. (I ordered Circle Circus, but it is STILL on backorder!) Here are two I came up with!

In Color #1
Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Kraft, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper WHite
DSP: None
Stamp Pads (Classic): Basic Gray
Accessories/Tools: 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, polka dot Rich Razzleberry ribbon

In Color #2
Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Kraft, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo, Whisper WHite
DSP: None
Stamp Pads (Classic): Basic Gray
Accessories/Tools: 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, polka dot Crushed Curry ribbon

Obviously, these are very similar cards, but I like how just swapping one color makes a total difference in how they look! I also made one that is Razzleberry, Curry, and Dusty Durango - very fall-like and earthy! (sorry, no photo of that one).

I am also going to use these cards as Make-N-Takes at my upcoming catalog kick off. I think it's a great way to get guests to use and see all the In Color cardstocks and play around with matching them up!