A Tribute to Robin

Yesterday, I received the sad and unexpected news that a friend, a llama sister and former Stampin' Up! Demonstrator passed away.  She will be missed by all of us who knew her.

I chose to celebrate her talent by sharing a few of the cards I received from her.  She was a talented crafter.

The Earth Laughs in Flowers

Today was spent experimenting with more 'scrap' designs.  As I shared on Friday, I'm cleaning out my scraps of card stock.  This card uses the rest of my Always Artichoke and River Rock.  The River Rock had all ready been stamped so I added the flowers and sentiment.  I do like the way this one turned out.

Stamp Set(s):  Everything Eleanor, Fabulous Florets; Ink(s):  Cajun Craze, So Saffron, Always Artichoke; Card Stock:  Always Artichoke, River Rock, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Blender Pen, Mini Glue Dots

So, what do you think?  I think 'scraps' can be beautiful, too!

My Day of Rest and Worship

For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.  I will abide in thy tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of thy wings.

Psalms 61:3-4

KJV

Reason to Smile

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Hearts and Flowers

Recently, I decided it was time to use up as much of my 'scraps' of card stock as I can.  You can get two card bases from one sheet of 8-1/2" x 11" paper.  So, I have all of these 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" card bases that really need to be used to make room for more.  Is there method to my madness?  I'll have to let you know if, or when, I get all of it used up.

Today's card is one of my 'scrap' cards.  I combined Wisteria Wonder, Cherry Cobbler and the You Are Loved stamp set and I really like the two together.  I have a friend who loves purple and it will be a perfect way to let her know I am thinking of her.

Stamp Set(s): You Are Loved, Love Blossoms Wheel; Ink(s): Cherry Cobbler; Card Stock: Wisteria Wonder, Naturals White; Accessories & Tools: Flower Garden Embossing Folder, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Hearts Collection Framelets, Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Now it's time to get my chores done.  I have a couple of ideas percolating in my head and I want to give them a try this afternoon while my little man is napping.  Aiden loves to sit on my lap and 'help' me make cards.  He is talking at me all the time while sitting on my lap.  Of course, I can't always understand his two year old version of speech but he keeps right on talking nonetheless.  We do have some interesting conversations.

It's Still Christmas in July

Apparently, my thinking Christmas got the weather's attention because the temperature today has been almost decent.  Well, if you can call temps in the 90s decent.  I'm so very grateful for air conditioning.  What's funny about that is as a child we didn't have air conditioning but there was a fan in every room.  When did we become such whimps?  :-)

Here is the other Christmas card I designed.  It's a triple layer card and I really like this technique.  It also features Raspberry Ripple and Gumball Green.

Stamp Set(s):  Lovely As a Tree, Christmas Lodge; Ink(s):  Raspberry Ripple, Gumball Green; Card Stock:  Raspberry Ripple, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Scallop Oval Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Oh my, I just got another idea so I'm off to give it a try.

Christmas in July

With over 100 degree temperatures here in Iowa, I needed something to cool me off.  While it really didn't drop the temperature, designing a couple of Christmas cards did take my mind off the heat.  Yes, I know, I'm sitting in the air conditioning making cards, but it is hot out there.  Every time I have to open the door, I'm so glad I don't have to be out in it.  Monday we broke a record with a temp of 105.

I've already been making my Christmas list of what I want to make for friends and family so I was already in the mood to try some cards.  I love all of the new In Colors so used Gumball Green and Raspberry Ripple for this one.  I think they make a great Christmas combination.

Stamp Set(s):  Christmas Lodge, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Ink(s):  Gumball Green, Raspberry Ripple; Card Stock:  Gumball Green, Twitterpated Designer Series Paper, Naturals White; Accessories & Tools:  Labels Collection Framelits, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Cherry Cobbler/White Baker's Twine, Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Tomorrow's card will feature the same colors but a different design.  See you then...

Everything Eleanor Friends

Here is the other card I designed using the baby wipes technique.  I used more inks for this one and like the way the flowers turned out.  I love doing this so it looks like I need to order more link refills so I have lots of colors to work with.

Stamp Set(s):  Everything Eleanor, Tiny Tags; Ink(s):  Calypso Cora Classic Stampin' Ink Refilll, Wisteria Wonder Classic Stampin' Ink Refill, Lucky Limeade Classic Stampin' Ink Refill, Island Indigo Classic Stampin' Ink Refill, Pool Party Classic Stampin' Ink Refill, Lucky Limeade Classic Stampin' Pad, Island Indigo Classic Stampin' Pad; Card Stock:  Naturals White; Accessories & Tools:  Scallop Circle Punch, Pearls Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals, baby wipes

Tune in tomorrow for the next adventure here at the Stamping Cafe!

Baby Wipes Stamping Technique

This last week found me at the craft table nearly every day.  I've been wanting to try a technique that I've seen and it uses baby wipes.  With caring for my little two year old grandson daily, I have plenty of wipes on hand so there has been no excuse to not give it a try.  This is the first card I made using the technique.

Stamp Set(s):  Everything Eleanor, Loving Thoughts; Ink(s):  Night of Navy Classic Stampin' Ink Refill, Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Ink Refill, Marina Mist Classic Stampin' Ink Refill, Midnight Muse Classic Stampin' Pad; Card Stock:  Naturals White; Accessories & Tool:  Pearls Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals, baby wipes

This is the technique that I'll be teaching in next month's class.  Now I just need to come up with a design for it and I'll be set.  To check out my class schedule click on the Events tab at the top of page.

My Day of Rest and Worship

He hath made every thing beautiful in its time; also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

KJV

Reason to Smile

Click here to get all the details on how you can get this exclusive stamp set.

Mixed Bunch

This card was from a card sketch but I don't know where I found it.  I do a wee bit of searching on the Internet and find lots of great ideas.  I don't always remember or who.  So, if you know who it is, please let me know so I can give the designer the proper credit.

River Rock is another of those 'greens' I like.  It has just the barest hint of green to it and reminds me of moss covered rocks in a clear stream.  It pairs well with Always Artichoke and the So Saffron gives it just the right amount of color.

Stamp(s):  Mixed Bunch, Delightful Dozen; Ink(s):  Always Artichoke, Cajun Craze; Card Stock: river Rock, Always Artichoke, So Saffron; Accessories & Tools:  Blossom Punch, Scallop Border Punch, Bitty Buttons, 1/8" Mini Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals

I love the simplicity of this card.  It would be a good one for a Make & Take at a Workshop or other event where you have a limited amount of time.

Delightful Dozen Birthday

This is the card I made for a sketch challenge offered by Susan Roberts.  It's the first time I've played along with one of her challenges.  The winner of her challenge will receive a new Hoop La La Stamp set that is in the new Stampin' Up!® Annual Catalog.  I love to do counted cross stitch and have had my eye on this stamp since I first saw it.

Stamp Set(s):  Delightful Dozen; Ink(s):  Island Indigo; Card Stock:  Bravo Burgundy, River Rock, Baja Breeze, Twitterpated Designer Series Paper, Naturals White; Accessories & Tools:  Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 5/8" Whisper White Organza Ribbon, 1/8" Mini Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals

It was a fun challenge and come August 1st, we'll know the winner.

Delightful Dozen Congratulations

 Stamp(s):  Everything Eleanor, Delightful Dozen; Ink(s):  Always Artichoke; Card Stock:  Naturals White, Always Artichoke, So Saffron, Cajun Craze, Twitterpated Designer Series Paper; Accessories & Tools:  Antique Brads, 5/8" Whisper White Organza Ribbon (dyed Midnight Muse), Stampin' Dimensionals

Here is the next card that Aiden and I put together.  It's from another card sketch challenge.  It was fun to play with the different colors.  I often times use the Stampin' Up!® Color Coach to figure out different color schemes.  I'm one of those people who likes everything to match and coordinate.  The Color Coach helps get me out of that box and makes it easy to experiment with different color combinations.  This is what I did when thinking of colors for this card.  I've recently discovered Always Artichoke and, while I don't like most greens, this one has made it to my list of likes.

You can find the Color Coach on page 159 in the new Annual Catalog.  It's a handy little tool to have.  If you don't have your copy of the new catalog, just e-mail me with your name and address and I'll get one in the mail to you.

Dare To Dream

Today I was able to get quite a bit of creating done even when I had a two year old sitting on my lap.  Aiden decided he wanted to help me out.  It was so funny.  When I needed to stamp an image, I'd tell him to hold still and he'd put his hands in his lap and sit as still as he could.  You have to understand that this little guy is never still.  He is always busy and in motion.  For him to sit still ever for a few seconds was quite a feat for him.  We had a fun time making flowers and making cards.

Stamp(s):  Reason to Smile, Raining Flowers, Loving Thoughts; Ink(s):  Perfect Plum, Raspberry Ripple; Card Stock:  Crumb Cake, Raspberry Ripple, Perfect Plum, Very Vanilla, Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stacks; Accessories & Tools:  Stripes Folder, Pearls Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

In all, Aiden and I made three cards.  Over the next couple of days, I'll share those with you.

Loving Thoughts Sympathy

Over the past few days I have been seeing a lot of these cards so I thought I'd give the 'triple layered' technique a try and I added a fourth layer with the sentiment.  I kept the card simple without a lot of embellishment.  I used the Reason to Smile stamp set because, although it is a sad time when you lose someone, it is also a time to celebrate their life and let the memories give you a reason to smile.

Stamp Set(s):  Reason to Smile, Loving Thoughts; Ink(s):  Marina Mist, Midnight Muse; Card Stock:  Naturals White, Marina Mist; Accessories & Tools:  5/8" Whisper White Organza Ribbon (dyed Midnight Muse), Stampin' Dimensionals

I love the look of these cards.  My next technique will be making a stair-step card.  We'll see how that one goes.

If you like the exclusive Reason to Smile stamp set, you can get it for only $5 with a $50 order.  It is only available through the month of July so order yours' today.

If you have any questions, just let me know.  Click here to contact me.

My Day of Rest and Worship

"I say unto you that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine righteous person, who need no repentance."

Luke 15:7

KJV

Midnight Muse Flower

Here is the card I designed for last week's Open House.  I wanted to keep it simple due to time constraints so I made all the flowers, cut the butterflies and vases out ahead of time.  I plan to make up an all occasions card set using the remainder of the cutouts but will make the flower just a bit smaller.

Stamp Set:  Fabulous Florets; Ink:  Midnight Muse, Lucky Limeade; Card Stock:  Crumb Cake, Midnight Muse, Naturals White, Bashful Blue, Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler; Accessories & Tools:  Beautiful Wings Embosslits, Ornament Punch, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, shimmer mist

The bottom of the Ornament Punch was trimmed off to make the cute little vase.  I like that our Stampin' Up!® punches can be used in so many ways.

My Digital Studio Family Album

Recently, I've been working on a photo album of my grandchildren.  My Digital Studio (MDS) is making that work so much easier.  The biggest chore is scanning all of my photos to the computer.   Such hard work, right?  Here is the album cover I designed using one of the templates found in MDS.

As I continue to work on other pages, I'll share them with you as they are done.  My Digital Studio is an easy program to learn and once you give it a try, you'll be hooked, too.  The 30-day Free trial is an ongoing offer, so give it a try today.

Everything Eleanor Vase of Flowers

Woo! Hoo!  I finally had a chance to play with some new stamp sets!  I'm so excited!  I know, it doesn't take much to make me happy.

I love the new Everything Eleanor Stamp Set.  When I first saw it, visions of designs started playing in my head.  This is one of them.

Stamp Sets:  Everything Eleanor, Loving Thoughts; Inks:  Gumball Green, Midnight Muse, Primrose Petals, Raspberry Ripple, Summer Starfruit; Card Stock:  Naturals White; Accessories & Tools:  Rhinestone Basic Jewels

I love how this turned out.  I wanted to use all of the new 2012-2014 In Colors because I love them all.  I'm thinking it is one I'll use at my next stamp class.

Just For The Fun of It

I've had no time to create today so there is nothing new to share.  I hope to rectify that tomorrow.  So, for now, I'm just going to share a photo with you that fits my day of running after very active grandchildren.  They are a bunch of red hot chile peppers!

It's Another Journal

This is the other journal I designed to place in my display at the Crafters' Gift Boutique.  Tomorrow I'll show you the card I made for our Make & Take at the Open House.  And, yes, it is all current product.

Stamp Set:  Define Your Life (retired); Ink:  Soft Suede; Card Stock:  Soft Suede, Marina Mist, Spice Cake Designer Series Paper (retired); Accessories & Tools:  Decorative Label Punch, Butterfly Punch (retired), 5-Petal Punch (retired), Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (retired), Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Mini Brads

While my two year old grandson is sacked out on the floor, (he always falls asleep during a movie), I'm going to finish my coffee and relax before my other three grandsons get here.  It's going to be a busy morning.

It's All About Words

Here is a new journal I've designed to put in my display at the Crafters' Gift Boutique.  I love journaling at the end of my day.  It lets me reflect back on my day and clears my mind.  I find I rest better once the words have been committed to paper.

The Spice Cake Designer Series Paper and the Define Your Life Stamp Set are now retired but were perfect for this journal.  I added some flowers and a butterfly along with some Dazzling Details for some sparkle.  The one thing I forgot to do before snapping the photo was to put some Soft Suede card stock on the binding.  Sigh... some days I wonder about me.

Stamp Set:  Define Your Life (retired); Ink:  Soft Suede; Card Stock: Soft Suede, Pool Party, Spice Cake Designer Series Paper (retired); Accessories & Tools:  Boho Blossoms Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Butterfly Punch (retired), Scallop Edge Border Punch (retired), Dazzling Details

Now it's time to finish up before my guests start arriving.  My Open House is this evening.  I have a couple more things to mark off my list, then I can sit down and take a break before the fun begins. 

My Day of Rest and Worship

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.

I Corinthians 1:18

KJV

Flowered Heart Chalkboard

Here is my latest project for my display at the Crafters' Gift Boutique.  I made a bunch of different colored flowers and was playing around with a design but nothing was working for me.  That day I was watching two of my grandchildren so my son, Mike, and wife, Jody, catered in Papa Murphy's pizza.  I was telling Jody about just not finding a good look for the heart.  While I was slicing the pizza, she ambled over to the table, took all the flowers off and came up with the layout you see on the heart.  I was trying to cover the whole heart with flowers which would have made it more difficult to use the chalkboard without crushing the flowers.  Once she simplified the whole thing, it just looked so much better.

Stamp Set: Mixed Bunch; Ink: Raspberry Ripple, Primrose Petals; Card Stock: Gumball Green, Midnight Muse, Raspberry Ripple, Primrose Petals, Summer Starfruit, Twitterpated Designer Series Paper; Accessories & Tools: Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Blossom Punch, Fancy Flower Punch, 1-3/4" Scallop Punch, Bird Builder Punch, Butterfly Punch (retired), Dazzling Details, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Mini Glue Dots
 
Once I can find some chalk and an easel, I'll finish this up and set it in my display.  Now it's time for me to get busy with mundane chores.  I have my Customer Appreciation Open House Monday and need to get ready for it.  So much to do, so little time!

Gift Card Holder Birthday Card

So, we are back to the llama swap cards and today I'm sharing the one I made.  I'm always looking for different ways to give gift cards.  This a layer that is cut 5-1/4" x 4" and will fit on a card that is 5-1/2" x 4-1/4".  This card was really fun to make.  The candles are made using the all new In Colors.  I haven't mounted it yet but you could use any one of the candle colors.

Stamp Set:  Teeny Tiny Wishes; Inks:  Soft Suede, Pumpkin Pie; Card Stock:  Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Gumball Green, Raspberry Ripple, Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse, Primrose Petals, Daffodil Delight; Accessories & Tools:  Adorning Accents Folders, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

I've been getting more swap cards from my llama sisters and will be sharing those with you over the next several day.s
 

Petite Purse Llama Swap Card

Patti Leeke made these cute little purse cards for our llama swap.  I love this Petite Purse Die!  A wonderful friend of mine (Jean Fitch, you know who you are!) gifted me one for my birthday.  I was so thrilled to get it and have made lots of these little cuties.  My grandsons even made them for their teachers for Teacher Appreciation Month.  They are a big hit wherever I take them. 

Stamp Set(s):  Tiny Tags; Ink(s):  Daffodil Delight; Card Stock:  Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper; Accessories & Tools:  Petite Purse Bigz L Die, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, Bitty Banners Framelits, 1/4" Daffodil Delight Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Daffodil Delight Designer Button, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

Independence Day

May you have a safe and happy 4th of July celebrating our nation's independence.

Betsy's Blossoms Llama Swap Card

This is the card that Stephanie Osgood shared with us.  I love the bright, cheerful look of it.  If you'd like to see all of the great new products from Stampin' Up!®, contact me and I'll send you our new Annual Catalog and the new Holiday Catalog.

Stamp Set(s):  Betsy's Blossoms; Ink(s):  Marina Mist, Regal Rose, Tangerine Tango; Card Stock:  Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Floral District Designer Series Paper; Accessories & Tools:  1/4" Daffodil Delight Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Blossom Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Stampin' Dimensionals, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

Need A Reason To Smile?

Here's a good one for you.  When you order $50 of your favorite products from the new Annual Catalog, you can receive the exclusive Reason to Smile Stamp Set for only $5.

Available July 1 - 31, 2012.

My Day of Rest and Worship

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalms 27:1

KJV