Trendy Trees Swap

I've been meaning to post these cards from a swap I was in last month! In an earlier post I shared the card I used for this swap and these are the ones I received back, I think they are all pretty great!

This card is made by Lorraine Toll

This card is by Julie Ramos

This card is by Tonya Allen

This card is made by Barbara Dykhouse

This card is made by Cheryl Schroeder

This card is made by Missi Hackman

This swap is hosted by Jeanna Bohanon. She does several swaps every month for different stamp sets. This month I joined Loads of Love and the Friendly Words swap! I should be receiving those soon, I can't wait! Click her name to check out her blog and wait for the July swap to start!

Happy Stampin'!

Cards for the Contractors in Afghanistan Sent!!

Again, I've waited too long to post! Its been one crazy week for me! I backed my van into our babysitters car and lost the keys to my husbands truck completely...I think our house ate them! Just in case you didn't know like me, its not that easy to get a key made, they have to program the key to your car..haha...so if you have no keys...you must get your car towed to the dealership or sweet talk the guys in charge! So be sure to have some spares! Crazy week!

In the midst of it all and with the help of my sister-in-law I was able to finish off organizing and sealing the cards in the plastic envies. The huge box of cards was sent out to Afghanistan a few days ago! And I mean HUGE...with the help of some wonderful stampers there was over 500 cards and the box was a whopping 27 pounds!!

I want to send out a very special thanks to everyone that helped:

THANK YOU!!

-Karen Reid from Arizona for donating cards

-Judy Jackson from Pennsylvania for donating cards

-Patty Bennett from California for donating cards (Well over 300 came from Patty!! I had never seen so many cards in my life! I'm a pretty new stamper but I can't imagine producing that many even with help, click her name to go to her site and see her wonderful group converting card fronts!)

-Susan Kubira who helps run an amazing organization called From Our Hearts they regularly send thousands of cards to the troops overseas. Her wonderful advice on sending cards overseas was extremely helpful!

For the next shipment of cards I am going to try and concentrate on some of the categories that were short when I sent this box. Please let me know if you would like to help!

Miss You Cards, Anniversary Cards, Congratulations Cards, Religious Cards, Get Well, Sympathy and upcoming Holidays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Of course all other cards are welcomed as well! Even a donation of a box of envelopes or clear envelopes would be great! Eventually I am hoping to send out a similar box to the contractors in Iraq as well!

I'll be posting cards from my last swap in May featuring the Trendy Trees Set tomorrow!

Happy Stampin'!

love love love

This is the card I made today for Sudsol's Chat & Challenge, I must have Scarlet & Grey on the mind! I immediately went to Bravo Burgundy and Basic Grey! I had a wonderful day yesterday at the OSU stadium watching my cousin graduate! Although sitting in the blazing sun for 3 hours wasn't the most comfortable, the commencement speaker was THE John Glenn, it was pretty awesome to here his speech and it was a good one! I have never been to the stadium before so that was neat too! My husband is not such a fan...booo! Anyways on with the card...

I can't think of the name of the movie the love love love comes from but I always say it to my husband because it cracked me up so I used it on here by using my markers to color the love on the love you, I can't think of the movie for the life of me. Anyone know what I'm talking about?

I got a blog award!!!!

My bloggin' sister Marisol gave me this award. This award comes with stipulations that I tell you ten things about myself and pass it on to seven other people.

1. I love the outdoors and hiking and exploring in the woods.

2. I drink an insane amount of tea! Has to be fresh and I love Maté.

3. My 3 babies are all born on October 2nd but different years

4. I love gardening, everything about it. I find that planting a new garden is a lot of work but even more rewarding when you see the finished product.

5. I love cereal and could eat it for my 3 meals of the day.

6. My neighbor and friend introduced me to stampin' up and I've been addicted ever since. I heart Stampin' Up!!!

7. I joined the Army at 17

8. I found out I was pregnant with my 1st when I was deployed in Kuwait a month before we went to war and into Iraq. Before I left country, I was able to travel 2 hours across bumpy desert to the Iraq border to tell my husband, its not like I could give him a call so he was pretty shocked to see me and for the big news!

9. I love to watch my children sleep, after a hard day watching them makes me realize why its all worth it.

10. I take my laptop all around my house with me so that I won't miss an instant message from my husband!

These are all blogs that I love and visit regularly, check em' out! My seven nominees are:

Kate Cecil

Nikki Bond

Peggy Finney

Cindy Beach

Debbie Little

Kim Bolzenthal

Marilyn SanClemente

Thanks Marisol for my 1st blog award! It is quite exciting!

Lots of Bots Preview

Just a quick post tonight! Its late and I'm hungry! I just finished Sudsol's Chat & Challenge and am excited to share the card I came up with! Jen Clendineng made the sketch it was a lot of fun, if you are a member of SUDSOL you should join in!

For this card I used the Lots of Bots stamp set that will be in the new catalog and available to purchase July 1st! I used the retiring Rainbow Sherbet DSP, Tempting Turquoise Ribbon, Fresh Favorites Buttons and a few punches. Isn't he cute?

Good Night!

Now...Relax

Fathers Day is right around the corner and here is what I have made for my dad! I think its pretty manly and sooo him! I'm usually a day before kinda girl or even more likely the day of any occasion I'm rushing about wrapping, crafting and just trying to put something together! I'm so proud of myself for getting this done early!

I kept it easy with this card, Basic Black, Basic Grey and Very Vanilla! I used the Basic Grey DSP from Hostess Patterns Pack II and 4 of the brushed silver brads. I used the tag corner punch to make the tags for the inside and a little linen thread. Roughed up the sides a bit and Water-colored the words! Easy Peasy!

This set is such a great 'man' set! Thanks to my bloggin' star sister Lorita Edwards I was able to see just how fun it is! You see I was telling her how I liked her card and wished I would have got it and she sent me a bunch of stamped images from the set! How nice is that! Check out her card using this set here!

Thank You Lorita!!

In Colors 2009 sneak peek!!

Oh man, I can't believe its been so long! I'm sorry! Especially to my bloggin' stars group for going MIA on them!! I'm finally feeling better and back at it! My kids and I have been sick the past couple weeks and that on top of getting our house up for sale and normal day to day I haven't had much time for anything! Here are some cards I made using the NEW 2009-2010 In Colors, these use Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry and Dusty Durango! What do you think! I will really miss that baja breeze but I am really warming up to these In colors! These cards are going to a few wonderful ladies that have really helped out by donating cards for the Contractors in Afghanistan where my husband is, without them I'd still be at 25 cards! We are now closer to 150!!! (If this is you, close your eyes!)

I am sending cards to the contractors in Afghanistan to support them and give them a great way to keep in touch with there families and friends while they are away! My husband recently sent me an anniversary card for mothers day because it was all they had! So so after hearing from some great stampers in my SUDSOL group and Late Night Stampers group about the Cards for the Troops organization and how successful it was and how much the soldiers loved them, Cards for the Contractors was born!

Check out the DSP isn't it pretty and fun! It is called Razzleberry Lemonade and will be available to order July 1st! I also used the Upsy Daisy stamp, stamped in Melon Mambo and sponged with Rich Razzleberry. The wonderful is from the Warm Words set. This card came from a card I had that I know I cased just used different colors and greeting! I'm sorry but I can't for the life of me remember where or who came up with the layout, if its you let me know!

Happy Stampin'!

Inspired by Sol

I saw this the other day on my bloggin' sister Marisol's blog and just had to try it! So here is my version, you can view the directions from Unique Designs by Lisa. They both made some really cute ones using Cheep Talk! For mine I used Stampin Up's Just Buzzin' by Stamp Set and a retired fathers day greeting. I used To the Nines DSP and used the following colors, Kraft, Yoyo yellow, Chocolate Chip and Summer Sun(flowers).

On a different note, I hope you all are enjoying your Memorial Day and are thinking of our service men and women and all they have done for us. Take a minute to pray for them and remember all of those that never made it home and those that will never be the same.

Scrapbook in a day!

SCRAPBOOK IN A DAY!

When: NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 31st @ 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Where: My house!

Cost is $17

I'm also offering 10% off of the purchase of a 6"x6" scrapbook for those that attend!

Bring a friend and receive $2 off of the class price! Just please RSVP by May 29th by email or phone, seats are limited!

614-302-5247

We will be making 20 6"x6" scrapbook pages! There are enough to fill a 6"x6" scrapbook and make a wonderful gift or keepsake. This class features the Sunshine Garden Simply Scrappin' Kit on page 164 in your catalog. These pages are perect for that vacation you want to remember or those spring photos! I will be providing all materials and will have snacks and refreshments. Invite your friends, everyone is welcome whether or not you've attended a Stampin Up event or have any paper crafting experience.

Masculine Card Challenge!

Hey there fellow stampers!

Here is a card I just submitted for the Late Night Stampers Masculine Card Challenge! I had saw someone somewhere stamp this truck on DSP and I just loved it and had to try it so this is what I came up with, don't you love the 'rope' in back! I used Crystal Effects for the windows, I often draw a blank when it comes to 'man' cards but I finally felt the drive to do one and I'm pretty proud of what I came up with...what'd ya think?

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you all enjoy what's left of the weekend!!

Happy Stampin'!

Welcome to Blog Tour #5 Stop #4!!

I hope you enjoyed the Blog Tour. The links are gone for this tour, so I hope you bookmarked all of your favorites. Our next tour will be July 27 and 28. It will coincide with the launch of our yearly catalog, so be sure to stop back here in July for updates!I

I featured the super fun Stampin’ Up set Party Hearty!! Here is my 1st card girly, fun and simple! Other then stamping all I did was the faux stitching!

My 2nd Card is another fun birthday card using lots of punches and the stamp-a-ma-jig was a must for this one!

This is a post-it holder that I came up with, I think this makes a great gift for just about anyone! You can view the tutorial here.

Of course I needed to include a masculine card! I’m not sure if I like this one too much, I always struggle a bit with ‘man’ cards!

Last but not least a Scrapbook page! These adorable kids are my babies who all share the same October 2nd birthday! I also used the Rainbow Sherbet DSP for this page which by the way Stampin up is offering buy 3 get one free on all Designer Series Papers!!

Thank you so much for stopping by, be sure to subscribe to my blog and come back soon!

Good Friend Paper Bag Scrapbook Class THIS WEEKEND!!!

Good Friend Paper Bag Scrapbook Class!

You are invited to enjoy an evening of stamping at my house

to make this adorable paper bag scrapbook!

Friday, May 15th 8:00 p.m.

or

Saturday, May 16th 8:00 p.m.

Cost is $17 or FREE with a $35 Stampin Up order!

I will be providing all materials and will have snacks and refreshments. Everyone is welcome whether or not you've attended a Stampin Up event or have any paper crafting experience.

I'd LOVE to see you there!

Bring a friend!!

Just please RSVP by May 14th by email or phone

614-302-5247

Aren't my babies adorable!! I'm giving this to my husband, so he can pull us out whenever he needs a little lift and a smile!

This amazing class was created by Candice Anderson and is only available to Stampin' Up Demonstrators! Sound fun? Ask me how you can become a demonstrator and start your own business for only $75!!! Don't wait, this offer is only good until May 31st! I would love to have you join my team!!

Thanks for stopping by

Happy Stampin'!!

Stampin' Fun!

I have been busy the last couple days finishing up my mom's mothers day gift, doing grad cards and working on something for the "MISS" May Swappers Group I am in. I am in the Trendy Trees Swap. Here are 2 cards I made for that, which should I do for my swap?

I think this one is my favorite, I used Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White and Basic Brown. Urban Garden DSP, Eyelet Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch, Square Punches and Photo Corner punch...whew...lots of punches! I just got the gorgeous whisper white organza ribbon, I love it! Including the Trendy Trees Stamp Set I also used the Oval All set.

This is the other card I made as another possible for the swap. Still using Pink Piroette and Whisper White and Riding Hood Red instead of Kiwi Kiss. I used my circle punches, eyelet, scallop, small and wide oval punches. I finished it off with some whisper white 1/4" grosgrain ribbon. I used the trendy trees wheel on this one with the Trendy Trees Set.

I made this desk post-it holder to go with my Moms Mothers Day gift that I showed on my last post. You can see my tutorial for this here.

Last but not least this card is for my husbands cousin that is graduating from the University of North Texas. I cased this card completely from a card I saw on SCS you can see it here, I just changed out the colors. I used Glorious Green, Whisper White and Basic Black and the Great Grads Stamp set.

Thanks for checking out my blog today!

Happy Stampin'!

My Mama's Gift

Mothers Day is quickly approaching! Are you ready?

This is what I have made for my mom for Mothers Day! I bought the desk set tutorial from Becky Roberts you can view and purchase hers here. I added DSP to the back of mine and lined the inside as well. I am going to make one of my post it holders to match too. I am also giving her a bunch of misc. cards that I have so she will be prepared for whatever occasion comes her way! Now if I can just be patient and wait to give it to her!

I used the retired Spring Flowers DSP and Spring Bouquet Punch. Current items include the Chocolate Chip corduroy buttons and the half pearls from stampin' up's pretties kit, scallop oval punch, eyelet punch and oval punch. So Saffron 5/8" grosgrain ribbon and Choclate Chip 1/4" ribbon. Cameo Coral, Mellow Moss & So Saffron Cardstocks.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stampin'!

Bluer then Blue

I needed a larger stash of masculine cards, so this is one I came up with using the Party Hearty Stamp Set and Brocade Blue DSP from the level 1 Hostess paper pack. I also used Brocade Blue & Brilliant Blue Card stock. Brocade Blue Brads and Brilliant Blue Classic Ink.

I love monochromatic cards they are one of my favs! I hope you all are having a wonderful Wednesday. Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!!

What a Great Day!

Its been so beautiful here in Ohio, I love spring!! Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, the smell of freshly cut grass! Hmm...can you tell I am having a good day! I woke up this morning on my own, you see usually either my 2 year old or my 5 year old are standing beside my bed staring at me until I open my eyes. lol! So its a little refreshing when I have a head start on them and a cup of tea before the diaper changes begin! I also have a Stampin' Up order coming in today!!! yay!! I have a feeling today is going to be a great day!

Here is another version of my post it holder using the Friends 24-7 Stamp Set, Bella Birds DSP and Night of Navy 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon.

I am off to enjoy my day taking the kids outside to play and waiting for the UPS man to come!!

Happy Stampin'!!

I'd like to introduce....

Late Night Stampers Bloggin' Stars Group #2
You all may have noticed my new makeover! I have also added some friends on my sidebar I'd like to mention! Click on there names to check out their blogs! They are all very talented and have some amazing ideas and mountains of inspiration!

Peggy Finney

Nicole Anderson

Karen Sullivan

Kate Cecil

Kelly Mayou

Debbie Little

Lorita Edwards

Marilyn SanClemente

Marisol Gutierrez

We are all in Bloggin' Stars Group #2 which was formed through the Late Night Stampers Group! I am so thrilled to be a part of this group, we are all committed to supporting each other in our blogging adventures! I know a few encouraging words sure can do ALOT!!

Take Care and Happy Stampin'

Post it holder Tutorial

I am SO excited to share this tutorial with you! This is my very first tutorial. I will be showing you how to make a post it note holder that would be great for your desk or a wonderful gift for those business savvy fathers, mothers or teachers in your life!!! I do hope that I have made this tutorial simple and to the point! Any feedback would be greatly appreciated and I would LOVE to see what some of you come up with using this tutorial so leave a comment with a link to your creation!! Here I go!
Supplies:

-81/5 x 11 sheet of cardstock (I am using Sahara Sand)
-Your favorite DSP (I used To the Nines) cut at 3 3/8 x 4 3/8 (Front, under Post it holder) & 3 1/5 x 2 1/5 (Pen Holder)
-If you'd like to cover you pen you'll need a piece for that and you'll have to measure it out as pen sizes vary!
-Tombow Glue
-Bone Folder
-Craft Knife and Ruler or paper trimmer
-A Pen and Post-it Notes

Start by scoring the short side of your 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper at 2 1/2" and at 6".

I marked my score lines in black so they would be easy to see!

Turn your paper and Score again at 3 1/4", 7 3/4" and 10"

Glue your 3 3/8 x 4 3/8 sheet of DSP in the middle box, it should fit just inside the score lines.

On the opposite side, you will be cutting a 3 1/8" long line 1" down from the score line.

Make sure your paper is as shown with the 1" score line as the top of your paper!

Using a ruler or a paper trimmer cut your 3 1/8" line. It should be about a 1/4" from each sides score line.

Slip the back of your Post it notes into the cut on the side with the DSP.

Turn your paper over and fold all of the creases using your bone folder.

It should now look like this, now fold the other score lines towards the back of the post it notes.

Slip the long end into the opening on the short end. Turn over and voila post it holder! Now to add the pen holder on the top!

Score your the short side of your 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 piece of DSP every 1/2" or at 1/2", 1", 1 1/2", 2".

Go over creases with your bone folder.

put a little bit of Tombow Glue on one end and adhere to make a square as shown below.

This should be how yours looks, now put a little bit of Tombow Glue on the side with the fold and adhere to the top of the holder.

Hopefully this is how yours looks!

Wrap pen in DSP, embellish a little and your done! Easy, cute and usable!! I hope you liked my tutorial!

Thanks for stopping by and happy stampin!