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. :)