Llama Swap Card

Today's card is one that Jackie Susnik designed.  I love our new Elegant Butterfly Punch.  And, the From My Heart Stamp Set is another that is on my wishlist.

Stamp Set(s):  From My Heart; Ink(s):  Primrose Petals; Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Twitterpated Designer Series Paper; Accessories & Tools:  Hearts Collection Framelits, Finishing Touches Edgelits, Fancy Fan Embossing Folder, Elegant Butterfly Punch, Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sponge, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

It's Another Llama Swap Card

Today's card came from Susan Horr.  When I first saw this stamp set, Daydream Medallions, in the new catalog, it went straight to my wish list.  Now that I've seen Susan's card, I moved it into the top five of that list along with the Floral Frames Framelits.  It has so many possibilities.

Stamp Set(s):  Daydream Medallions, Embellished Events; Ink(s):  Primrose Petals, So Saffron Stampin' Write Marker, Primrose Petals Stampin' Write Marker, Raspberry Ripple Stampin' Write Marker, Gumball Green Stampin' Write Marker; Card Stock:  So Saffron, Primrose Petals, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Floral Frames Framelits, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

Llama Swap Card

Over the next few days I'll be sharing with you the lovely swaps cards I've been receiving from my llama sisters.  They will be short posts as there is so much going on in the upcoming days. 

This is a card I received from Buffy Cooper.  She always has such great designs and it is a joy to get one of her cards.

Stamp Set(s):  Postage Due; Ink(s):  Crumb Cake, Raspberry Ripple, Island Indigo, Soft Suede, VersaMark; Card Stock:  Crumb Cake, Raspberry Ripple, Very Vanilla, Island Indigo, Pool Party, Soft Suede; Accessories & Tools:  Clear Embossing Powder, 1/2" Pool Party Seam Binding Ribbon, Vintage Trinkets, Jewelry Tag Punch, Finial Press Embossing Folder (retired), Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, sponge

Grandchildren Are So Special

My Digital Studio affords me the opportunity to work on scrapbook pages whenever I have the time.  Whether it's five minutes or 50 minutes, it is so easy to design an element or page.

When Stampin' Up!® offered the 30-Day Free Trial of My Digital Studio (MDS), I took advantage of it.  It was the perfect opportunity to give it a try.  Once my trial was up, I purchased the software so I could continue to create my scrapbook pages digitally.  It has been such a time saver and I love that you can use pre-designed pages or design your own.  I definitely recommend MDS.

Here is one of the pages I designed today for an album I'm creating of my grandchildren.  As I scan more photos to the computer, I'll keep adding pages.

With the FREE trial, you get:

• Full access to the software at no cost.
• Full design functionality.
• Exclusive artwork that comes with My Digital Studio Express.
• The opportunity to purchase additional downloads.
• Access to Stampin' Up!'s professional print services.

For more information and to start your FREE  30-day trial today, simply click on the coffee pot on the upper right of this page to go to my online store.

How Forgetful Can One Person Be!

Considering I've been posting regularly, you would think that it would never slip my mind.  Sigh... well, today it did.  I don't have anything new to share and I haven't had a chance to be creative today.  My youngest grandson and my youngest granddaughter were here while Mom and Dad were working and I spent all my time playing and giggling with them.  So, here is just a very neat photo I came across that I thought I'd share with you.  Like my head, it's an empty house.  Enjoy!

Circle Bright Mania

Here is another card I designed using up more of the pretty little pieces of card stock.  I stayed with the Melon Mambo theme and added some Brights circles.  Can you tell I was feeling all bright and sparkly today?  You could use this either as a 'get well' card or a 'cheer up' kind of card to brighten someone's day.

Stamp Set(s):  Word Play; Ink(s):  Melon Mambo; Card Stock:  Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Labels Collection Framelits, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Anywhere Glue Stick, Stampin' Dimensionals

Now it's time to start working on my gifts for an upcoming Customer Appreciation Event I'm hosting next month.  If you would like more information, click on the Stamping Cafe Events tab at the top of this page.

My Day of Rest and Worship

But now, O Lord, thou are our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter, and we all are the work of thy hand.

Isaiah 64:8

KJV

Melon Mambo Imagine

Do you ever wonder what to do with all of your little pieces of left over Designer Series Paper?  I started to ask myself that question as I was cleaning up my craft room the other day and came across all these pretty little pieces of paper that just kept piling up as I finished my projects.  So, I dug out the 1" Square Punch and went to town.  Here is the result of my punching madness.

Stamp Set:  Word Play; Ink:  Melon Mambo; Card Stock:  Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Designer Series Paper (retired); Accessories & Tools:  1" Square Punch, Labels Collection Framelits, Fancy Flower Punch, Antique Brad, Stamping Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals, Anywhere Glue Stick, SNAIL Adhesive

It's bright.  It's colorful.  It's cheerful. It definitely fits the sentiment from the Word Play Stamp Set.

Mother & Son

Today I've been working on my July Newsletter so haven't been online much and it has kept me away from the craft table.  So, needing a break from the Newsletter, I opened up My Digital Studio (MDS) and design ed this very simple scrapbook page.  My mother and my oldest brother are both dancing with the angels but they are ever in my heart.

Be sure to take advantage of our FREE 30-day trial of My Digital Studio Express.  Just go to my online store and download the software to access the free trial.  Once your free trial is over, you can purchase the downloadable or disc version of the software to continue using it.  You'll simply open up the trial version you already have on your computer, and will be prompted to enter the product registration key you received after purchasing the software. (You'll receive this key via e-mail if you purchase the downloadable version, and you'll find it along with your shipped software if you purchase the disc version.)

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.  I'm here to help.

I'm a Coffee Junkie!

I confess!  If my day doesn't start with coffee, you might as well lock me in my room and throw away the key.

There is nothing that compares with the smell of fresh brewed coffee.  I always use distilled water when making a pot of coffee.  You get the best tasting coffee without the oil and scum on top of the coffee.  It's also easier on your coffee pot in that you don't have the calcium build-up that clogs it up. 

Fortunately, my day has started out right.  Just as soon as I finish this "no project to share" post, my cup and I will be sitting at the craft table finishing up my cards for another llama swap.  So, I'm out of here to get a refill and get those cards done.  May you all have a beautiful day.

3x3 Thank You Card Box

The other day I shared with you a set of 3x3 thank you cards.  If you'd like to revisit that post, here is the link:  http://www.coffeepotstampingcafe.com/2012/06/3x3-in-color-thank-you.html.

Each card has an envelope I stamped with the small doily from the Delicate Doilies Stamp Set.  The doily matches the color of the stenciled doily of the card.  Now, all I needed was a way to keep the set together.  I have seen many boxes for the 3x3 cards but this one was the perfect size for the 3x3 cards and so easy to make.  I have a set of five in mine but there is room for a few more.

Stamp Set:  Tiny Tags; Inks:  Midnight Muse; Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Gumball Green, Midnight Muse, Primrose Petals, Raspberry Ripple, Summer Starfruit; Accessories & Tools:  Jewelry Tag Punch, Extra-Large Tag Punch, 1/8" Mini Brad, Paper Doily Sizzlits L cutout used as a stencil for the background, Mini Glue Dots, 5/8" Night of Navy Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Simply Scored Scoring Tool

If you would like the instructions for this cute little box, e-mail me and I'll be happy to share it with you.

Morning Cup

As promised, here is the other hop card I made using one of my favorite stamps sets, Morning Cup.  Being a coffee lover, I totally understand the sentiment.  Because it takes three photos to share this card, I'm keeping this post short. 

Stamp Set:  Morning Cup; Inks:  Midnight Muse, Soft Suede, Primrose Petals Stampin' Write Marker; Card Stock:  Midnight Muse, Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Twitterpated Designer Series Paper; Accessories & Tools: Peekaboo Frames Bigz L Die, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Pearl Basic Jewels, 5/8" Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Word Window Punch, Mini Glue Dots

Please feel free to contact me, should you have any questions.

Daring Adventure

This card is one I designed for our Stampin' Llamas Blog Hop this past weekend.  So, if you missed it, here is the Daring Adventure card I made.  The faux stitching was done using my Tim Holtz Design Ruler that has evenly spaced holes along one side for neat and even piercing.  It made it so easy to keep everything all lined up.

  
Stamp Set:  Daring Adventure; Inks:  Raspberry Ripple, VersaMark;  Card Stock:  Crumb Cake; Accessories & Tools:  White Emboss Powder, Heat Tool

For the 'stitching' effect, I used my Raspberry Ripple Stampin' Write Marker and traced along the pierce line.  You could actually use some of our Baker's Twine to add another dimension to the card.

Tomorrow I'll show you the other card I made for the Hop.

My Day of Rest and Worship

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Matthew 18:20

KJV

Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Square

One of the things I like to add to my cards, is this little square.  It's fun, it's easy and it adds a bit of pizzazz to a card.  Here is a card I made using this technique.  Below the card you will find a picture tutorial that shows you how to make the decorative square.

To make the square, you will need a 3x3 inch piece of card stock.  Be sure you punch in the center of each side of the square.  Punch one side then turn the square and do the same on the next side until you have punched all four sides.  A tip is to line up the edge of the card stock on each side of the gray bar with the dots closet to the gray bar you push down when punching.  If you do that, it comes out great every time.

Step One:  Center one side of your 3x3 piece of card stock in the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch.

Step Two:  Turn square, center and punch.

Step Three:  Turn square, center and punch.

 Step Four:  Turn square, center and punch.

 Step Five:  Finished Square.

And, there you have it!  The first one takes the most time but once you get the hang of it, you can make one up in just a minute or two.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

It's Another Llama Hop!

To start hopping through the pasture, click the image below.  What a talented bunch of llama ladies!

3x3 In Color Thank You

When I'm in the mood to create something and have but a wee bit of time, I always choose 3x3 cards to make.  They are fun to make and don't take a lot of time.

Stamp Set:  Tiny Tags; Inks:  Gumball Green, Midnight Muse, Primrose Petals, Raspberry Ripple, Summer Starfruit; Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Gumball Green, Midnight Muse, Primrose Petals, Raspberry Ripple, Summer Starfruit; Accessories & Tools:  Jewelry Tag Punch, Extra-Large Tag Punch, 1/8" Mini Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper Doily Sizzlits L cutout used as a stencil for the background

So, if you have a limited amount of time, don't forget the 3x3 card.  Not only do they make great gift tags, they are the perfect size to put in a lunch box or briefcase to to let someone special know you are thinking of them.

Ready To Party?

Then now is the time to schedule you Stampin' Up!® Workshop.  Invite your friends and family for a time of fun and creativity.  Contact me today to learn how you can earn free products.

Plus, during June and July, enjoy an additional $50 in FREE products when you host a $450 Workshop!

Bluebird Coaster Set

Here is another gift item that will grace the shelf in my display at the Crafters Gift Boutique.  There is just one set of inserts made for the coasters but I'm thinking of doing a Christmas set using a little red bird and Christmas colors, of course.  The coasters have just a hint of very light green and the Midnight Muse really sets it off.

Bluebird Coaster Inserts

Bluebird Coasters

Bluebird Coaster Set

I love all the new In Colors and have used several in this set.  Now I'm out of here to begin work on the Make & Take that we will be making at my Open House later this month.  Have a great day!

Bluebird and Flowers Picture Frame

Okay, so I get on a roll and don't know when to quit!  You've probably already figure out that, yes, it's another picture frame.  What I love most about these frames, is how quick and easy they are to dress up.  This frame was a bit harder to decide what colors to use.  It's sort of red but not red but it came close to matching our Cherry Cobbler.  I think this one is my favorite of all the ones I've done.

Stamp Set:  Language of Friendship; Inks:  Gumball Green, Midnight Muse; Card Stock:  Bashful Blue, Lucky Limeade, Daffodil Delight, Night of Navy; Accessories & Tools:  Boho Blossom Punch, Bird Builder Punch, Pearl Basic Jewels, Mini Glue Dots

Although I do have more frames to embellish, I'll save them for another time.  Tomorrow I'll share some of the new cards I've designed.

If you have any questions about this project, or any of the others you've seen, please don't hesitate to contact me.

My Day of Rest and Worship

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

KJV

Have You Checked Out The Clearance Rack?

Punches, dies, paper, embellishments... You'll find it all on the Clearance Rack but only while supplies last and only online!  Click the image above to start shopping now!

Summer Starfruit & Black Picture Frame

As promised, here is the other picture frame I embellished yesterday.  The frame can be set vertically or horizontally, depending on the pictures you want to display, so I positioned the flowers to allow it to be used either way.  I love the way the Summer Starfruit and Basic Black Card Stock look together.  To make the flowers, I used the Blossom Punch and the Fancy Flower Punch.

The frame seemed a bit off balance so I added some of our Pearl Basic Jewels.  All of the frames are for sale, so if you see one you like e-mail me and I'll give you the details.  Although, the frames I've shared came in the colors you see, I can do a color of your choice.

And, yes, I do have more frames to play with, just in case you were wondering.  Actually, I'm saving them for my next Techniques Thursday class.  You'll learn how to make the flowers for whatever project you have in mind.  Be sure to register soon.  Check out the Stamping Cafe Events page for more details.

Spice Cake Picture Frame

While doing some spring cleaning, I came across several frames that I had purchased a while back.  Nothing like putting something away and not remembering you have it.  I am so becoming like my mother.  One year she hid Christmas gifts for the younger children, then couldn't remember where she put them.  It was years' later, after those little ones were grown and she was moving, that she found them.  We got such a chuckle out that.

So, back to the frames.  This one was nearly mustard in color so I paired it up with a touch of Spice Cake Designer Series Paper, More Mustard and Very Vanilla Card Stock for the flowers.  I added just a bit of color by punching Pool Party, Very Vanilla and Spice Cake Designer Series Paper with the Boho Blossoms Punch.  With a few punches and a little ink, this was a quick and easy way to make a beautiful gift.

Tomorrow I'll show you the other frame I embellished.  Now if I could just get some new cards made... oh, and I have the next Llama Blog Hop coming up next week.  Looks like I'd better get busy.

Become A Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and Start Your Own Business!

Join my team today and have all the fun!  Here are just a few of the reasons to consider becoming a Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator.

Product discount
As a Demonstrator, you'll receive a 20 percent discount on all Stampin' Up!® products, including stamp sets, paper and accessories. It's a great way to support your love of stamping, paper or digital crafting - or whatever your passion may be!

Extra income
You'll earn extra income based on your sales and recruiting - just how much extra income is up to you. Maybe you want enough income to pay the electric bill every month, or maybe your goal is bigger - the monthly payment for your new car. That's the beauty of the demonstrator experience - it's all up to you.

Flexible schedule
It's your business, so you can put as much, or as little, time into your stamping business as you'd like.

For more details, just click the image.

On the Grow Coaster Set

When the On the Grow set (now retired) first came out, I knew it would be perfect to use for water color. it and make up this coaster set I had in my box of projects.  Each coaster is a different color but it has been so long since I worked on them that I don't remember what colors I used.  They are now sitting in my display at the Crafters Gift Boutique just waiting to be useful in a new owner's home.

Over the next few days be sure to check back often.  With the new Annual Catalog and a new Stampin' Up!® year, I have lots of new 'stuff' to share with you.  There just never seems to be enough hours in the day.

Contact me, if you have any questions.  I'm here to help.

Hostess Special from Stampin' Up!

From June 1st through July 31st, 2012, a hostess who holds a minimum $450 workshop will receive an additional $50 in hostess FREE merchandise dollars--that's in addition to the $65 you already receive for a $450 workshop!  Online orders are NOT eligible for this special offer.  For more information, click the image below.

Hostess Special

June 1st - July 31st, 2012

My calendar for June and July is filling up fast, so contact me today to schedule your Workshop.

My Day of Rest and Worship

Know ye that the Lord, he is God; it is he who hath made us and not we ourselves; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

Psalm 100:3

KJV

Here is another of the projects I made for my display at the Crafters Gift Boutique.  I love how you can take a plain looking box and turn it into something with a wee bit of pizzazz.  The one thing I forgot to do was take a picture of the cards that are inside the box.  They are from Simply Sent Everyday Elegance Kit, which is now retired.  The colors are Baja Breeze and Whisper White which is why I used those colors for the flowers on the box lid.  Well, the light colored card stock is actually Very Vanilla because I liked the way it looked with the brown better than the white.

Using the 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, I made the flowers from Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede and Chocolate Chip card stock.  Next week I'll show you how to make the flowers.  It's an easy technique and makes such cute little flowers.

For the finishing touch, I added 1/2" Pool Party Seam Binding Ribbon around the box.  Under the bow I added a Mini Glue Dot to keep it in place.  And that's all there was to it.

Introducing the all new 2012-2013 Annual Catalog

If you don't yet have yours, be sure to contact me.