DIY Paper Creations

My Pals Swap Card

While going to convention was fun, I have to admit that what I enjoyed most about the Stampin' Up! convention was spending time with my fellow Stampin' Pretty Pals.  Not only are they super talented, but they know how to have fun to!  We rocked the house during awards night...it was so excitng and inspiring to see Mary Fish get the recognition and awards that she so richly deserves.  That was Thursday night...Friday evening was the Pals dinner and card swap.  Did you really think that we'd get together and not share just a little card making?  Not this group!  We're even trying to figure out when and where to have a Pals only retreat.  Which is pretty interesting when you factor in all of the Stampin' Up! events that we need to schedule around - like Convention, Leadership, Regionals, Founders Circle and the Fiji trip.  Yes, I said Fiji!  Isn't that a cool trip to earn?  All expenses paid trip for two to Fiji.  Just saying the word is fun...Fiji.  Anyway, here's the card that I made to share with my Pals.  It's a very easy card to make, but has a bit of WOW added to it by brayering Soft Suede onto one side of the Stripes Embossing Folder.  And, isn't that Cherry Cobbler Scallped Dots Ribbon just too darn cute?  I love the stuff!

Some DIY Basics:

• Brayer Soft Suede onto one side of any of the Embossing Folders - I used the new Stripes Embossing Folder and then I ran it through the Big Shot with a piece of Crumb Cake tucked inside.
• The new Language of Friendship stamp set and the Extra Large Two-Step Bird punch were made for each other - instant friendship.
• I colored one of the Stampin' Up! Basic Rhinestones using a Black Sharpie to create an eye for the bird.

Happy Stamping!

 

 

Baja Breeze Bird

It's so nice to see the sun out today!  Everything is in bloom and the birds are singing.  The beautiful Spring weather reminded me of this card that we made at the Kings Drumline 50/50 charity stamp-a-stack event.  Everyone made three each of five different designs.  The focus was on birthday cards, but I had additional sentiments set out at the tables for people to use.  I had a couple of people who put two birds on the card and turned it into an anniversary card - what a cute idea!

To get the pattern on the bird, we first stamped Baja Breeze card stock with Baja Breeze Classic Ink using the For All You Do stamp set.  Than we just popped out the bird using the Two-Step Bird Punch.

Stamp sets:  For All You Do, Create A Cupcake

Ink:  Baja Breeze and Jet Black StazOn

Paper:  Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze and Old Olive

Tools:  Two-Step Bird Punch, Corner Rounding Punch, Word Window Punch, SNAIL and Dimensionals

Bling:  Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding and Small Pearl (Basic Pearl Pack)

Okay, now I'm going to go play in my gardens - this day is just too nice to spend indoors!

It's the little things!

I know I've been away from my blog for quite awhile; I've been trying to get some balance back in my life.  It took me nearly a year, but I'm to the point that I'm ready to get back into blogging with all of you again! 

The first card that I want to share is this adorable baby card that we made at my February Stamp-a-Stack (each person made 3 of them).  We used the Baby Tees jumbo wheel to create the image  and then snipped out the "tee" with the duckies.  Stampin' Write Markers were used to color the "tee" and to color in the three little duckies that are on the inside of the card.

Stamp sets:  Short & Sweet, A Slice of Life, Baby Bundle, You're a Gem and Baby Tees Jumbo Wheel

Ink:  Jet Black StazOn; Stampin' Write markers - Basic Black, Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie and Crumb Cake

Paper:  So Saffron, Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz, Build-A-Bear Workshop Pawsitively Prints Designer Series Paper

Tools:  Jumbo Wheel Handle, Wheel Guide, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Crop-a-dile, 1/8" Circle Punch, Small Oval Punch, SNAIL Dimensionals, Clear Blocks "A" and "C"

Bling:  Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding, Vintage Safety Pin and Silver Eyelet

It feels wonderful to be back!

PPA55 – May all your wishes come true!

Every time I use this color combination I’m reminded of our wonderful vacations to the island of Jamaica and our Caribbean cruise.  In addition to the beautiful color challenge this week, the Pals Paper Arts design team also has some yummy blog candy for you to win!  Remember, it’s “no problem mon” if you don’t have the exact colors that the PPA Design Team used, just use whatever supplies that you have that are similar!  No worries…

Do it yourself tip!

• I really can’t imagine card making without having my paper punches or my Big Shot.  It wasn’t that long ago that I looked at cards that other people made and wondered how they got the corners so perfectly round or how in the world did they ever cut out those cute flowers.  Seeing all the punches in the Stampin’ Up! catalog was a major light bulb moment for me…and a time saver too!  If you haven’t already, invest in a couple of them and see what a difference they can make!

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  Heard from the Heart (wood mount 111644, clear mount 120006)

Paper:  Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo and Daffodil Delight card stock

Ink:  Jet Black StazOn

Gear:  Big Shot (113439), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976), Floral Fusion Sizzlit Die (115969), Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (119275), 3/16” Corner Small Punch (119871), Paper Piercing Tool (116631), Mat Pack (105826)

Bling:  Daffodil Delight 3/8” Taffeta Ribbon (119766), Brights Brads (11974)

 

PPA54 – One for the guys

When it comes to making masculine cards you can include me in the ranks of those who struggle!  Since I started doing challenges and now as a Pals Paper Arts Design Team member I have learned a few tips that take some of the stress out of making cards for the guys in my life.  In no particular order here’s what I’ve learned; most men don’t “do” bows, keep the bling and the gingerbread to a minimum, go for straight lines and use materials that men can relate to.   Speaking materials that guys can relate to, while at my local hardware store I found this lightweight aluminum flashing stuff which I admit that I have no idea what it’s real purpose in life is.  But, I bought some thinking that it might work in my Big Shot for some project in the future.  That future is today!

 

Do it yourself tips!

• Have you tried the new Stampin’ Up! Distressing Essentials kit yet?  The files are awesome for distressing the edges on paper!

• Did you know that you can punch out the Modern Label to any length that you need?  All you do is cut the paper to the correct width and then thread the ends through the punch one end at a time to get the little bump outs on the ends.

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  Totally Tool (113236)

Paper:  Whisper White, Basic Gray and Basic Black card stock

Ink:  Basic Black Classic Ink Pad and Basic Gray Watercolor Wonder Crayon

Gear:  Big Shot (113439), Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plates (114512), Standard Texturz Impressions Pad (114614), Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber (114615), Cogs Extra-Large Double Punch (118873), Modern Label Extra-Large Punch (119849), Distressing Essentials (118762)

Bling:  Basic Black 5/8” Satin Ribbon (117285), 5/16” Silver Jumbo Brads (112534)

 

 

 

PPA53 – The Color Purple

What do you think of when you think about the color “purple”?  I think about the Purple People Bridge that we have in downtown Cincinnati!  The Pals Paper Arts Design Team has a monochromatic theme this week…so break out the Concord Crush, Rich Razzleberry, Elegant Eggplant or any other shade of purple that you may have and join in on the fun!

Do it yourself tips!

• Maybe it’s just me, but I think there is something elegant about monochromatic cards.  If you’ve never tried making one grab your favorite color and give it a try – it’s easy!

• One of the things I love about Stampin’ Up! products is how the colors coordinate…the Rich Razzleberry paper has ribbon and ink that really matches!  The new Color Coach has some fabulous color combos and is a must have in your craft studio. 

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  Upsy Daisy (111710)

Paper:  Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla and Rich Razzleberry card stock

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink Pad

Gear:  Extra-Large Oval (119859), Big Shot (113439), Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plates (114512), Standard Texturz Impressions Pad (114614), Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber (114615), Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die (118138)

Bling:  Rich Razzleberry 3/8” Taffeta Ribbon (119966)

 

PPA52

It's time for the Pals Paper Arts to have another wonderful sketch from Margaret Moody!  I'm in Salt Lake City for the Stampin' Up! convention so I'll keep this short and sweet.  Don't you just love the new lace ribbon and the vintage brads? 
 

PPA51 – Happy I Do Day!

Join the Pals Paper Arts design team as they showcase cards that have a wedding theme for this week’s challenge.   Believe it or not, I don’t own every set that Stampin’ Up! currently has available!  My friends and family aren’t at the “wedding” stage in their lives so I haven’t invested in any wedding stamp sets which limited my options for this challenge.  But the whole point of a challenge is to stretch your creativity right?  The new Stampin’ Up! set called Word Play is a wonderfully versatile 12 stamp set that is ready to help you tackle any challenge.  Add some ribbon, a rhinestone, a couple of paper punches and I had a clean and simple card that I’d be proud to give to any couple on their wedding day!

Do it yourself tips!

• I love diamonds!   So naturally, the new half back rhinestones were a “must have” when I saw them in the new Idea Book and Catalog.  They add some serious sparkle to this card.

• To get the double scallop like the one at the bottom of this card simply layer the paper after it has been punched with the Scallop Edge Border punch.

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  Word Play (wood mount 120308, clear mount 120657) and Confetti (wood mount 116960, clear mount 120465)

Paper:  Whisper White, Blushing Bride and Early Espresso card stock

Ink:  VersaMark; Blushing Bride Classic Ink Pad

Gear:  Curly Label Extra-Large (119851), Scallop Edge Border (119882), Embossing Buddy (103083), Powder Pals (102197), Silver Stampin’ Emboss Powder (109131), Heat Tool (100005)

Bling:  Basic Rhinestones (119246), Early Espresso 3/8” Taffeta Ribbon (119962)

PPA50 – So elegant!

 I have to confess…when I first saw the colors for this week’s Pals Paper Arts challenge I was a wee bit concerned about the combination.  However, I warmed up to it in a flash!  It’s such a sophisticated combo and one I never would have thought of on my own.   Basic Gray, Chocolate Chip and So Saffron together is pure genius!

Do it yourself tips!

• My new supplies haven’t arrived yet so I didn’t have any brads or buttons for this card.  It’s crazy not having any bling!  But, I my Crop-A-DIle came to the rescue and I used it to punch out some really small circles to use as faux brads on the sentiment.

• Even with the heat embossing that I did, this card came together very quickly…my Big Shot and punches really are tremendous time savers

• Did you know that you can emboss with any color of Classic Ink?  Just dip your stamp in a VersaMark ink pad first; then dip it in the color of your choice.  Sprinkle on clear embossing powder, shake off the excess and heat emboss like you normally do.

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  Occasional Quotes (Hostess Level 3 wood mount 117048, clear mount 120142) and Pocket Silhouettes (111672)

Paper:  Vary Vanilla, Basic Gray, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron and Basic Black

Ink:  VersaMark; Basic Gray Classic Ink Pad

Gear:  Big Shot (113439), Texturz Backgrounds Plates (114512), Modern Label Extra-Large Punch (119849), Crop-A-Dile (108362)

Bling:  Basic Gray Taffeta ribbon (retired)

Retired Stamp Set Sale

Here's a list of the retired sets that I currently have for sale.  The shipping (to the U.S. only please) is a flat rate of $10 per order.  I'll accept payment via PayPal.

I also have all of the retired Stampin' Up! ribbon which I'm selling for 50 cents per yard with a 10 yard minimum.  Shipping is $1 but if you combine a ribbon order with stamp sets I won't charge you any shipping for the ribbon.

$5 – All are Wood Mount stamp sets

A Little Birthday Cheer - Used

Bitty Birthday – Used

Celebrate Everything – Sold

Halloween Frights - Used

It’s a Loop Thing - New

Little Flowers - Used

Love Bug - Used

Out of the Box – Used

Sprinkles - Used

Sweet Little Sentiments – Sold

Very Thankful - Used

Whoo’s Your Valenine? - New

You & Moi - Used

 

$10 – All are Wood Mount stamp sets

Bloomin’ Beautiful - Used

Close As a Memory -Sold

Country Morning - Used

Crazy Cool – Used

Eat, Drink & Be Scary – Used

Gifts of the Earth - Used

Just Jawing - Used

Le Jardin Botinique – Used

Made 2 Last - Sold

Of the Earth - Used

Park Avenue Patterns - Used

Perfect Chemistry - Used

Please Come - Used

Putt Putt - Used

Sporting – Used

Spotlight on Christmas – Used

Tasty Sweet - Used

Think Happy Thoughts - New

Very Thankful - New

Warm Words - Sold

Welcome Home – Used

Wings of Friendship - Sold

 

$15 – All are Wood Mount stamp sets

The More the Merrier - Sold

Nursery Necessities - Used

Holiday Blitz - Used

Boho Blooms - New

PPA49 – Happy 4th of July!

Let Freedom Ring!  Independence Day is such a fabulous American holiday…on this day we enjoy all things “American” which in my house means a NASCAR race, patriotic music by Erich Kunzel* & The National Symphony on PBS, my beloved Cincinnati Pops, fireworks and some yummy food to share with family and friends.   Please join me and the rest of the Pals Paper Arts Design Team as we celebrate our wonderful country – The United States of America and the hard earned freedoms that we enjoy.  Speaking of freedom; please feel free to use any craft products that you have around the house for this challenge! 

This 4^th of July I’m going to give away some surprise blog candy!  My loyal readers are just going to have to trust me on this one!  To be eligible to win please leave me a comment telling me why Independence Day is so special to you.  I’ll post the winner on July 6^th at 4:00 pm…you have until then to post a comment, but you will need to have a U.S. shipping address to win!

Good luck and have a safe holiday!

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  July Fourth (wood mount 118523, clear mount 120063 Summer Mini catalog) and Red, White & Blue jumbo wheel (118622 Summer Mini catalog)

Paper:  Vary Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Real Red and Night of Navy

Ink:  VersaMark; Real Red and Night of Navy Classic Ink Pads

Gear:  Extra Large Tag Punch (119866), Large Tag Punch (119876), Stampin’ Around Wheel Guide (104834), Crop-A-Dile (108362)

Bling:  5/8” Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon (109052), Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware (111325)

 

*Erich Kunzel passed away September 1, 2009 so this is going to be the first time in nearly 20 years that I’ve celebrated this holiday without Erich.  Erich Kunzel was the maestro for both the Cincinnati Pops and the National Symphony.  Under his tutelage the Cincinnati Pops represented the U.S. on every continent and the Beijing Olympics in 2008.  Each Memorial and Independence Day Erich thrilled millions of people as he led the National Symphony on The Mall in Washington D.C. during concerts that were televised on PBS.  During each concert Erich delighted in honoring the veterans of our military…having the orchestra play the hymn for each branch while having veterans stand while their hymn was being played.  “He was a remarkable spirit and a tremendous musician,” said Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra music director Paavo Järvi.  I whole heartily agree…and I miss my dear friend.

 

PPA48 - Strength and tea bags

I love this new stamp set called Favorite Thoughts - the sayings are funny and very true!  This is going to be a short post because storms are moving through again and I want to get this posted.  More later, but in the mean time please check out this week’s Pals Paper Arts challenge.  It's a wonderful sketch by Margaret Moody.

 

Bermuda Bay Blog Candy Winner!

Congratulations Tanya P. you are the lucky winner of my Bermuda Bay Blog Candy!  Please email me within 48 hours and provide me with a U.S. address.  I’ll get your package sent off to you ASAP.

Thanks go out to all of you who replied to my question.  I enjoyed reading each reply.  It appears most of us really like the clear mount stamp sets.

There’s going to be more awesome blog candy so remember to check my blog later this week!

PPA47 – Butterflies and another sneak peek

The theme for the Pals Paper Arts challenge this week is summer!  I really wanted to showcase some of the new colors so I chose Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper which has the new In Color Pear Pizzazz as one of its main colors.  I’ve heard Pear Pizzazz described as a lighter shade of Old Olive and that’s pretty accurate.  I used one of new core colors - Daffodil Delight for one of the butterflies and the ribbon.  Combine those two colors with Chocolate Chip and Baja Breeze for a fresh and elegant look!

DO IT YOURSELF TIPS!

 

• Use your heat tool to dry the ink when working with vellum.  Be careful not to overheat the vellum though because it will start to curl if you do overheat it.

• Let your butterfly wings flutter gracefully by using a Glue Dot to adhere the vellum to the card stock

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  Flight of the Butterfly (111564)

Paper:  Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Chocolate Chip and Baja Breeze; Vellum card stock

Ink:  Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight and Chocolate Chip Classic ink

Gear:  Heat Tool (100005), Butterfly Extra Large Punch (119484), Scallop Edge Border Punch (119882), Corner Rounding Punch (119871), Big Shot (113439), Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plates (114512), Chit Chat Rub-ons (111804)

Bling:  Daffodil Delight 1/8” Taffeta ribbon (119254)

 

Bermuda Bay Blog Candy

As promised, I have more blog candy this week! In honor of last week’s Pals Paper Arts card I’m giving away Bermuda Bay.  The winner will receive 24 sheets of 8 ½ X 11 card stock, 6 sheets of Textured 8 ½ X 11 card stock, 20 6 X 6 sheets of Designer Series Paper, 1 new (unopened) Bermuda Bay Classic ink pad, 1 new Stampin’ Write Marker, 1 new re-inker, 1 new spool of ribbon and 27 buttons – 9 Basic Gray Corduroy (3 of each of the 3 sizes), 9 Summer Sun Corduroy (3 of each of the 3 sizes) and 9 clear buttons (3 of each of the 3 sizes).

This is a nice package and all you need to do to be eligible to win is post a message here on my blog that answers this question:

Which do you prefer, wood mount or clear mount?  Why?  What are the advantages of one over the other?

I’ll go first.  I love the clear mount because they take up far less space to store, they are less expensive, they clean up better (no more stained wood blocks) and they perform the same as the wood mount stamps – in some cases even better because I often don’t need to use a stamp-a-ma-jig to see what I’m stamping.

• You have until 12:00 pm EDT on Saturday, June 19 to post your answer.  I will announce the winner on Sunday at 4:00 pm

• The winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours from the time the winner is announced to e-mail me their United States mailing address.

Thank you for stopping by my blog and best of luck to everyone who wants to win this blog candy!

Blog Candy Winner!

Congratulations to Nelia who has won my Farewell Tour Blog Hop candy!  Her post was chosen using a random number generator (random.org).  This was her answer to my question: 

Cute card! I'm about 98% SU too - I love how all the colors coordinate, the high quality of the products, and how the punches work with the stamps etc., but I have some crafting supplies from long ago that I still use (button, twine, lace, etc.)

 

Nelia, please e-mail me your address and I'll get your box of goodies sent out!

 

 

A sneak peek and a fond farewell

The Design Team at Pals Paper Arts has have given us a wonderful trio of colors to work with this week – Crushed Curry, Bermuda Bay and Soft Suede.   I fell in love with Crushed Curry and Soft Suede the moment I saw them – it took some time for me to warm up to Bermuda Bay, but I eventually did.  I’m going to miss both Crushed Curry and Bermuda Bay when they are phased out on July 1, 2010.   The sentiment on this card is from two beautiful new hostess stamp sets; Because I Care (level 1) and Occasional Quotes (level 3).  Both of the sets are an excellent reason to host a workshop this summer. Don’t be shy, come play with the PPA!   Stampin’ Up! supplies are optional; you can use whatever crafting supplies that you have on hand.

If you like my blog and don’t want to miss a post, please subscribe to my blog.  It’s free!  You can subscribe by scrolling down until you see a box on the left hand side of my blog that says “Subscribe”.  Simply enter your e-mail address and you will be sent an e-mail confirming that you which to subscribe to my blog.

DO IT YOURSELF TIPS!

• Shimmer Paint, which was in the Christmas Mini catalog is in the new Catalog and Idea Book!  I used Frost White to make the pearly dot in the middle of the flowers.  Just dip the tip of an embossing stylus into the Shimmer Paint and then touch the tip onto the paper.
• You can heat emboss with any color of Stampin’ Up! Classic Ink by first dipping your stamp in VersaMark Ink and then dipping it in the Classic Ink.  Stamping your image, dust with clear embossing powder, remove the excess embossing powder and then heat emboss!
• It doesn’t get any more exciting than this - For just $99 (plus sales tax) you can indulge your hobby or start your own business with the Mini Starter Kit.  Interested?  Please contact me for more details.  Don’t wait, this offer ends June 30, 2010!

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  Pocket Silhouettes (111672), Because I Care (Level 1 Hostess 118474 wood mount, 120127 clear mount 2010-2011 Catalog and Idea Book), Occasional Quotes (Level 3 Hostess 117048 wood mount, 120142 clear mount 2010-2011 Catalog and Idea Book).
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Crushed Curry and Bermuda Bay card stock
Ink:  VersaMark and Soft Suede Classic Ink
Gear:  Embossing Stylus (100663), Embossing Buddy (103083), Heat Tool (100005), Stamp-a-ma-jig, (101049), Big Shot (113439), Stampin’ Up! Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die (118138 Occasions Mini catalog and carried over to new catalog), Itty Bitty Shapes flower punch (118309, Summer Mini catalog)
Bling:  Frost White Shimmer Paint (116845) and Soft Suede 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain ribbon (115612)
 

Pals Farewell Tour Blog Hop

 

Welcome to the Stampin' Pretty Pals June hop!  This month, we're bidding a "Fond Farewell" to some of our old friends, the 30 retiring colors of Stampin' Up!'s Color Renovation!  

 

I'm the first stop on the PALS HOP and I'm glad you hopped in!  I'll help you "hop along" from blog to blog where you'll find inspirational ideas for papercrafted creations from Mary Fish's Stampin' Pretty Pals!  Should you hop off course, simply click on any of the links in the PALS HOP LINE-UP below and you'll be back on track!

 

 

In honor of the retiring colors, we're offering BLOG CANDY at each stop on the hop!  Visit each of the 17 Stampin' Pretty Pals and leave a comment to their specific posted question and you'll have a not one, but 17 chances to WIN some great Stampin' Up! goodies!

 

 

FOND FAREWELL HOP LINE-UP

1.     Liz Hughes     diypapercreations.typepad.com   

2.     Gina Shaw     www.cardsbyginashaw.com

3.     Barbara Furlong     www.theloveofstamping.com

4.     Nina Dee     deesignsbyninadee.blogspot.com

5.     Debbie Pierce     www.stampinsunshine.com

6.     Ann Schach     www.stampinchic.com

7.     Melanie Collins     www.oopsadaisy.typepad.com

8.     Kim Lampone     www.kjskorner.blogspot.com

9.     Mike Funke     www.stampin-style.typepad.com

10.   Regina Mangum     www.thestampinbean.blogspot.com

11.   Linda Callahan     www.stampinseasons.blogspot.com

12.   Anne Eicher     creativecardsbyanne.blogspot.com

13.   Mary Fish     www.stampinpretty.com

14.   Carla Bazhenow     www.carlas-scraps.com

15.   Joanna Munster     www.inspiredbystampin.com

16.   Margaret Moody     www.margaretmoody.typepad.com 

17.   Martha Stewart     www.SeasonsOfStamping.com

 

 

 

I’ve chosen to give a final farewell to several Stampin’ Up! products.  They include:

 

· Stamp Set:  Welcome Home  (113433)

· Paper:  Close to Cocoa, Sage Shadow & Barely Banana

· Masterpiece Ribbon Originals (116230)

For your chance to win all of the goodies pictured on the right, please leave me a comment and answer the question below that is in red by 3:00 PM CST, Friday, June 11th, at which time I'll choose a random winner. Shipping to US addresses only, please.

 

 

Are your projects "Stampin' Up! Only" or do you use supplies from different brands?   I’m 99% Stampin’ Up! only, but on rare occasions I’ll find something that isn’t “SUO” that I just have to try!

 

 

·   Here's what the winner will receive:

 

Whimsical Words Sale-A-Bration clear mount stamp set, Ribbon Originals Jersey ribbon package  and two sets of brads – Chocolate Chip epoxy and Real Red epoxy

 

 

·  I'll announce the winner of my blog candy package here on my blog on Sunday, June 13th, 2010.  The winner will have 48 hours to contact me after their name is announced.

 

 

More inspiring ideas and another great blog candy package awaits you at Gina Shaw’s blog (www.cardsbyginashaw.com), stop number 2 on the "Fond Farewell" PALS HOP!  Hop over and see Gina Shaw’s wonderfully creative ideas!  Thanks for "hopping" by!

  

PPA45 – A Portion of Thyself

 Pals Paper Arts is carrying the relaxed feeling of this past three-day weekend over into this week’s challenge.  What does this photo inspire in you?  For me, the hammock with the pillows and the colors made me think of my gardens.  The Pals Paper Arts Design Team members use only Stampin’ Up! products for our weekly projects, but anyone can participate in our challenges using any brand of supplies.  Don’t be shy, get inspired and come play with the PPA!

 

DO IT YOURSELF TIPS!

 

• Have you checked out the Stampin’ Up! Last Chance Accessories list yet? The cute little buttons that I used on this card (Button Latte Designer Buttons, 114333) are 25% discounted! But, you better get them while you can because when they are sold out they will be gone forever.
• It doesn’t take a lot of “stuff” to make a card. I used paper, a stamp set, 1 ink pad, 1 punch, some thread, buttons and some adhesives to make my card. However, if you have a Stampin’ Up! wish list then June is the perfect month to sign up as a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator! For just $99 (plus sales tax) you can indulge your hobby or start your own business with the Mini Starter Kit. Interested? Please contact me for more details. Don’t wait, this offer ends June 30, 2010!
Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  Of the Earth (115336, Hostess Level 1)

Paper:  Old Olive, Kraft, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Always Artichoke, Bashful Blue and Basic Gray card stock

Ink:  Basic Black Classic Ink

Gear:  Corner Rounder punch (109047), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)

Bling:  Linen Thread (104199) and Button Latte Designer Buttons (114333)
 

The PPA gets “sketchy” with challenge #44

I really enjoy doing the weekly PPA challenges because they often take me out of my comfort zone.  This week my fellow PPA Design Team member Margaret Moody has given us a wonderful sketch to play with.  Remember, you can use any brand of paper crafting supplies that you have on hand and it’s fun to Play with the PPA! 

 

Today I’m not going to have any DO IT YOURSELF TIPS!  Instead, I’d love to hear from my loyal readers their favorite way to organize and store their stampin’ supplies.  I love seeing and learning about how others organize their space.  My favorite is the spice racks that I use to organize and store my embellishments and embossing powders.  I’ve spent the past couple of days cleaning up my studio and making space for all the fun new items that will be coming in July.  Tomorrow I’m headed for Ikea to buy some towel racks.  After seeing firsthand how Mary Fish is using them to store her paper punches I’ve just been itching to create the same system.  Maybe while my room is organized I’ll take some photos and post them to my blog

 

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Stamp sets:  Pedaling Past (116972 wood mount and 120069 clear mount, Summer Mini catalog) and Sentimental Journey (118513 wood mount and 120075 clear mount, Summer Mini catalog)

Paper:  Kraft, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie and Very Vanilla card stock; Travel Journal Designer Series Paper (117156, Summer Mini catalog)

Ink:  Jet Black StazOn and Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink

Gear:  1” Circle Punch (109048, 1 1/4" Circle Punch (104403), Word Window Punch (105090), Modern Label Punch (116630), Spiral Punch (108341), Mat Pack (105826), Paper Piercing Tool (116631)

Bling:  Twill Tape (105245) and Silver Brads (104336)