Twi-Cards!

I know I know, I'm  a lame-o. I had to do something to distract myself. You see, the retired stamp and accessory list comes out on Tuesday June 1st and this is one of the few things that demonstrators don't get to see ahead of time. I've been through this before, I know I'll be sad to see some things go and others I'll be ready to say goodbye to. I also know that Tuesday will come eventually but...I still HATE WAITING!!! Seriously, I keep asking myself  "Is it closer to Tuesday yet?" Pathetic. People are supposed to enjoy holiday weekends, not count the seconds till they're over.

Anyway, I went to a friends house tonight to watch the DVD of New Moon and giggle every time Jacob Black is shirtless, which is a lot. So, of course I HAD to make a card to commemorate the occasion. We've all heard of Twi-Hards and Twi-Tards (which I think are the same thing) but now we have Twi-Cards. Yay!

To make the cool ruffle with ribbon, I laid two stripes of Sticky Strip across the card where I wanted the ribbon to be and then just folded and pressed down how I liked it. It also looks really nice if you make a uniform ruffle, but I didn't feel very uniform today.

And here's the inside.

I used:

* Vintage Vogue and Fun and Fast Notes stamp sets

* Basic Black and Versamark Ink

* Basic Black, Real Red and Whisper White card stock

* Clear embossing powder

* Lots of Tags Sizzlit dies, Wide Oval Punch

* Basic Black Satin Ribbon

The inspiration for the next card came from this card. I think it looks a lot "Twilight-ier" in black like she has, but I don't actually have any black re-inker. I also wanted to use red satin ribbon but sadly, I don't have any of that either. I may have to place an order and make another Twi-Card just to see how much better it looks with the colors flipped around.

Are you loving the "Together Forever" sentiment? I thought it was just too good to pass up.

I used:

* Fun and Fast Notes stamp set

* Basic Black Ink pad and Real Red re-inker

* Basic Black and Very Very Vanilla card stock

* Bridesmaid Designer Paper

* Lots of Tags Sizzlit dies, Wide Oval Punch

* Basic Black Satin Ribbon

And then for no reason at all , I thought I'd post some pics of my cute kids. We were having a lazy messy morning. Most mornings are that way.

I'll see you again on Tuesday with the retired list!

Is it closer to Tuesday yet?

My Digital Studio Pages

I spent the last 2 days making my first digital scrapbook album. That's right, TWO DAYS! Not two years or two months like usual. And do you know how much mess I made (none!) or how many trips to the craft store? (ZERO!!!)

It has taken me a while to get the hang of the My Digital Studio software. It's not that the software is difficult, but I've never done this without paper and ink. It's an adjustment. But now that I know what it can do and how to use it, my digital projects seem to be getting pretty good. I'll have this album, which has been on my "to-do" list since last April, professionally printed and bound into a book. It's a full 28 pages long and in the 8x8 format. I'm pretty excited to get my hands on it.
Here are a couple of the pages I made:

Because I really wanted to finish the book and also because I'm not that good of a scrapbooker, I used a setting that gives me pre-designed pages. I chose the pages I wanted as I went a long, inserted my photos and then I could either leave it as is and change nothing like the page above;

Or tweak the layout to suit my needs like the page below. It originally only had a spot for one photo and it said "Happy" instead of "Scary" and I added the journaling. Oh, and the title of course.

Hopefully you'll be seeing more stuff coming from My Digital Studio now that I know how to use it. Maybe I'll even try designing some pages on my own...

Winner!!!

The lucky winer of my Birthday Blog Giveway is....LIZ!!! Yay! Congratulations Liz! I hope you lurve your new stuff! Please send me an email with your address to natdecker@hotmail.com so I can get your stuff in the mail.

Thanks to everyone who participated! I had so much fun reading all of your lovely comments and Birthday Wishes. You are wonderful!

If you didn't win, don't worry. I had so much fun giving this stuff away I'm already planning another giveaway for this August. Stay tuned!

Thanks All!

Happy Graduation!!!

This is the 3rd of 3 projects we made at club this month. I don't know why it's taken me sooo long to post it, but I've had it sitting around forever! I've had a real weak spot for the single stamps on the back pages of the last few mini catalogs. At Christmas it was Dasher (sigh) and in the spring, the Chocolate Bunny (swoon) and now this little Happy Grad. Are we all relieved that it's not another fictional holiday character this time for my sake? I don't know what I would have done if they'd made a tooth fairy stamp. Faint probably.
I got inspiration for this from the card on page 31 of the summer mini catalog. It doesn't really look the same but I liked the idea of markers on the stamp to add a little wow factor and I also liked that they used stars. I think the stars in this case are very gender neutral and celebratory, as they should be.

The other thing I love about my card here is the size. It is 6 1/2" x 3 1/4". It fits perfectly into one of Stampin' Up!'s open ended envelopes and it holds a check or cash perfectly inside. And after all, isn't that what every graduate wants?

I used:

* Happy Grad stamp

* Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive and Pumpkin Pie markers

* Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red and Tempting Turquoise Card Stock

* Old Olive Designer Series Paper (or maybe a scrap of old Christmas paper. Sorry)

* Real Red 1/4" grosgrain Ribbon

* Large Star Punch and Spiral Punch

Friend Gift - Wtercolor Trio

This is the set of cards I gave to the ladies who brought a new friend with them to my last class. Actually they came un assembled, each card in stamped envelope and the whole thing tied with a ribbon. Cards make great gifts. Thanks to all of you who brought a friend and I hope you enjoy your little pack of cards.

I used markers to directly on the rubber stamps to get the multicolored image. This technique takes just a couple of minutes but I thik it really adds a lot to your projects. I love that SU! has so many products in matching colors. It makes life so simple and beautiful!

Theses cards use so many of my favorite things. I LOVE the new Watercolor Trio stamp set. I can't stop using it! Every single stamp in the set is perfect and I used all of them on this set.

I also LOVE my  Top Note Die for my Big Shot. Even if this was the only die I ever used, the Big Shot would still be worth the money! Fortunately, there are lots of great dies and textures and all sort of fun things that I also love.

I LOVE the large oval punch paired with the oval scallop punch. This duo works with tons of sentiments and always adds a touch of class...and its quick!

And of course I LOVE all ribbons but the satin ribbon is just so soft and feminine. Love Love.

I used:

* Watercolor Trio stamp set

* Certinly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red Markers

* Certainly Celery and Soft Suede Clsasic Stampin Pads

* Certainly Celery, Soft Suede, Pretty in Pink and Whisper White Card Stock
* Pretty in Pink satin ribbon

* Wide Oval, and Scallop Oval Punches

* Top Note Bigz Die

Happy Birthday to me and BLOG CANDY!!!

Today is my Birthday! Yay!!!

I know I'm way too old to get excited about birthdays still...but here I am. I love them!

One of the things I'd really like for my b-day (along with a surprise trip to Paris) is more blog followers.

 So, I'm offering a bribe/reward.

Do you see all the great products in this picture? They could be yours! All you have to do is become a follower (publicly) and then leave a comment on this post. If you're already a follower, just leave a comment!

Blog Candy Prize includes:

* Wings of Friendship Level 2 hostess stamp set

* 12x12 pack of Baja Breeze Designer Series Paper (that color is retired but is coming back in July)

* Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad

* Champagne Shimmer Paint

* Riding Hood Red 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (also a returning color!)

(everything is brand new and un-opened)

If you'd like to enter (and you have a mailing address in the continental US) just click the "follow" button on the right sidebar and go through the steps. Then leave a comment wishing me a happy birthday. In one week, on May 25th, I'll randomly select a winner and announce it here on my blog. Have friends that would like to win some stamps? Send them over here too!

Thanks all!

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me....

Smooch and Watercolor!

This is the second of three projects we did at club Wednesday night. You may not be able to tell but it is alos covered in the new Vanilla Smooch Spritz which just adds a lovely subtle shimmer to any project.

I colored the stamp with markers and then before stamping it, sprayed it with just a touch of water to help blend the colors. It softens the look just a bit more and is very lovely. The more water, the less defined your image will be. I might do one sometime with a lot of water sprayed on to show what that would look like. You might need to experiment a little with this before you find where it works for you.
The dimensions of this little note card are 3x3 so it fits perfectly in a little envelope and would be lovely on a plate of cookies, on top of a wrapped gift or tucked in gift bag.

Here's the large version of the card. I used all the same products and techniques except the Smooch is only on the white card stock peices. This card design is truly, one of the simplest and most versatile. Make a little tag, attach it to a card, add a greeting and some ribbon. Done.

Did I mention I got the inspiration for this from the quilt on my bed? It even has pink satin ribbon around the edges. Its really lovely. I would include a picture but that would require me to make the bed but my Mother's not in town or anything, so the bed won't be getting made.

I used:

* Watercolor Trio stamp set

* Rose red and Pretty in pink ink pads

* Rose Red, Pretty in pink and Certainly Celery Markers

* Rose Red, Certainly Celery and whisper White Card Stock

* Pink Satin ribbon, linen thread,

* Vanilla Smooch Spritz

* Tag corner Punch

Happy Father's Day!

I know I know, Father's Day is like, a month away. I'm so happy to be ahead of the game here. It's a rare feeling!

This is 1 of 3 projects I am doing with my stap club this month. Normally, we only do 2 projects but I really wanted to show as many of the new Summer Mini products as I possibly could because I know next month I'll be busy saying goodbye to retiring stamps. (I'm on pins and needles to find out what they might be and I promise to post the list as soon as I get it on June 1st. Ah!!! Sooo stressful!!!)

Manly cards are really tricky for me because I can't seem to make flowers, pinks or pastels look very masculine. Darn it. The rules I've learned are:

1) Use bright bold colors. (Browns and blues are never bad)
2) Geometric shapes. (Either in stamps, card design or papers)
3) Metal embellishments. (Because men like metal stuff)

I won't get into a discussion here about why men are so insecure that we have to make special cards just for them while women on the other hand, would be thrilled to get any type of card regarless of color or design...or presence of metal embellishments. Oh wait, did I just say that? Oopsy.

Can you spot the product I used on this card that came from the Summer Mini? Anyone? Anyone?

The square lattice impressions folder. I really like it! It has taken a while to get used to because its very different from the polka dot (also used on this card) which is the only other one I have but I can tell you one thing for sure, I'll probably buy every single imprssions folder that SU makes because they add so much to a card and are pretty inexpensive. Woot!

You may notice here that I stamped the words "To My" on a peice of patterned paper. It turns out you can stamp on anything you like. Not just plain colored card stock. Isn't that great news? I'm propbably the only one who didn't know that already, but still. It was fun.

I also made a quick 2,5,7,10 box with the same sort of idea but I didn't like it as well as the card. I thought I'd post it anyway.

I used:

* Wonderful Fvorites stamp set

* Chocolate Chip ink

* Old Olive, Not Qhite Navy, Kraft and Whisper white card stock

* Old Olive d.s.p.

*Scallop Square punch, 11/4" circle punch, Crop-o-dile

* Square lattice  and Polka dot impressions folders

* Jumbo eyelets and Chocolate Chip 5/8" grosgrain ribbon

Baby Katelynn!!!

Congrats to Hope and Family! Baby Kattelynn is absolutely beautiful!
I have loved this stamp set for the last few years but it's a lot easier to make baby boy cards than baby girl. It has a sail boat, moon, stars, even some little ducks, but once you bust out the yellow for the ducks its hard to go pink, and so I end up using this little elephant when ever I make a baby girl item. Does anyone know what elephants have to do with babies? I need to buy a super girly baby set as soon as the new catalog comes out. Mmmmm.

Either way, I love making baby cards and I really am a sucker for pink and brown and scallops and ribbon so of course, this is what I came up with! Yay for babies!!!
I just got the scallop square die for my Big Shot and it is sooo fun! I just put a folded over peice of card stock through and used it for may card base. It still fits in a regular envelope but its sooo much cuter now!

I also just got the word window punch and I think its a really nice touch to have it show the greeting on the inside. That way, the inside of my card isn't totally bare. Plus, I always love a sneak peek!

I used:

* Nursery Necessities and Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp sets

* Chocolate Chip and Pretty in Pink ink

* Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink and Whisper White card stock

* Scallop Circle and Word Window punches

*Scallop Square die

* Chocolate Chip 5/8" grosgrain ribbon and a pretty in pink brad

Weddding Day!!!

Congrats to Jillaye and Kenny!

We spent the weekend attending wedding festivities with family and friends and it was wonderful!
Of course, I made a card for them and it turned out very quick and simple. I LURVE the Bridesmaid Paper!

I used:

*Whimsicle Words stamp set (retired)

*Basic Black ink

*Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Certainly Celery Card Stock

*Bridesmaid Designer Paper

*Basic Black Satin Ribbon

*Little Leaves Sizzlit and Lots of Tags Sizzlits

* Wide Oval Punch

Happy Mother's Day!!!

I like Mother's Day.
Not because I'm a mother but because its a day to celebrate my wonderful Mother. And today as a bonus, I get to actually spend Mother's Day with her and that hasn't happened for years and years. She's awesome. She's amazing. She's beautiful. And after all this time of being my mother, she STILL thinks I'm perfect!
I Love You Mom!

I used:

* Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set (and the greeting from a different, retired set)

*Black StayzOn ink and Real Red Re inker

*Real Red, Old Olive, Kraft and Whisper White card stock

* Aqua Painter, Top Note Bigz Die, Slot Punch, Square Lattice Impressions Folder, 

* Old Olive Satin Ribbon, Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon

Teacher Appreciation Day

I have a whole bunch of really quick posts to do over the next few days. I hope you enjoy!

Today's card is for Teacher Appreciation Day. My son is in Kindergarten so of course, he loves bugs and he felt strongly that his teacher also loves bugs. Who know, I mean, Kindergarted Teachers are pretty special! The other really great thing about this card is....it only took 5 minutes to throw together!

I used:

*Bugs and Wishes stamp set

*Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive Ink

*Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue and Whisper White Card stock

That's It!!!

New Colors, New Products and Specials!

Summer Mini is here!

May is finally here which means a new Summer Mini Catalog!!! Yay!! As always, its full of some super duper cute stuff which I'll be featuring as much of as possible.

Click here to watch a fun YouTube video that describes some of the new stuff!

Color Renovation!

Stampin' Up! has announced a color renovation! I know that for most of us, change can be difficult at first and yes, you may panic a little at some of the colors that will be leaving us (sigh) BUT I think the changes are going to be SOOOO great! I LOVE the new color collections and I LOVE that they are so concise. Love Love LOVE!!!

To see the 4 new fantastic color collections, check this out!

To see the great colors that will be retiring, check this out! (And put them on your list to buy before they sail away forever. Anyone else going to stock up on Close to Cocoa?)




May is National Scrapbooking Month and you can earn FREE BRADS!!!

Promotion Dates: May 1-31, 2010

Click here to see the flyer OR scroll down for the details

We're offering a special promotion for the month of May: purchase a qualifying scrapbooking stamp set or the My Digital Studio software and receive a FREE package of Designer brads--choose from four designs!
Qualifying products and Designer brads are listed below:
Stamp sets:
Extreme Elements     $26.95  pg. 81

Framed with Love     $27.95 pg. 119

Certified     $27.95 pg. 128

Circle Circus     $28.95 pg. 129

Elements of Style     Wood Mount $27.95  Clear mount $19.95 Summer Mini pg. 12

Mementos     Wood Mount $27.95 Clear Mount $19.95 Summer Mini pg. 13
Rough Type     Wood Mount $26.95 Clear Mount $18.95 Summer Mini pg. 14

Sentimental Journey     Wood Mount $23.95 Clear Mount$17.95 Summer Mini pg. 22

First Day     Wood Mount $23.95 Clear Mount $17.95 Summer Mini pg. 25

My Digital Studio software     $79.95 Summer Mini Pg. 32



Designer brads (FREE!!!)
Flower Designer brads $5.95 pg. 179 FREE

Filigree Designer brads $5.95 pg. pg. 179 FREE

Circle Designer brads $5.95 pg. 179 FREE

Star Designer brads $5.95 pg. 179 FREE


Thanks all!

Hope you're as excited as I am about all the new stuff!

Xoxoxo