Barb's Craft Cave

January 2012

2012-01-02T13:23:00.003-07:00

Happy New Year!

Do you make "resolutions"?

I suppose I do... I call them GOALS.

Organization is a good one, along with a load of unfinished projects.

I accomplished more this past year than I thought I would. I did get treats done for teachers, kids classmates, sorority sisters, and co-workers. However, I do admit that I am lousey at getting the photos done. Add that goal to my list for the coming year.

I also intend to do a better job with the whole blogging thing here. I started this for a reason and hopefully accomplishing the rest of my new year goals will assist with getting this blog rejuvenated for the coming year.

Stamps: TAC (disc.)

Paper: The Paper Studio All Seasons Pack II, 4" coasters (from Stamp On This)

Calendar: Printed from Oz-some Stamps (Thanks, Heather!)

Cards are ready...

2011-11-10T12:05:00.003-07:00

Saturday is right around the corner and so is the annual Stamp-a-stack. The card baskets are ready! Which one will be your favorite for this year?

Looking forward to seeing you!

Edited to add: photo of all 10 cards for 2011

Annual Stamp-a-Stack

2011-10-31T17:41:00.003-06:00

It's that time of year again! Can you spot your favorites from years past? Can you spot the new cards?

The Christmas card Stamp-a-Stack will be Saturday, November 12 at 10:00 am. Join me to create 20 beautiful handmade cards for only $35.

Space is limited to 10 so please call and reserve a spot. Price includes lunch and envelopes. As always please bring your own adhesives (Recommended: GlueGlider Pro.) I hope you are all anxious to see this years spectacular creations! Remember everyone gets a "goodie" (which is my FAVORITE tool this year) and a prize!

Toilet Tube Mini Book

2011-10-19T21:47:00.004-06:00

Yes... you read that correctly. It IS a mini book made from toilet tubes. Awsome, huh?
What a great way to up-cycle and prepare some lovely and meaningful Christmas gifts or momentos. Or perhaps have it ready as a great gift for the Holidays... which are only 66 days away!

Here are some photos of what we will create in class. 3 Tubes with inserts perfect for more photos or journaling, binder rings, stamping, and embellishments all included!

So... join me in the cave on Saturday, October 29 at 10:00 am to create this little book for yourselves! (class fee only $7...remember to bring your own adhesive! or... use mine for $1 more) Don't forget to call me! Space in the cave is limited.

Also coming up... since we were speaking of the Holidays...
The annual Stamp-a-Stack will be on Saturday, November 12 at 10:00 am ($30 with your own adhesive...or $35 with mine )

Photo cube class (another great gift idea) on Thursday, November 17 at 7:00 pm ($7)

Calendar class on Monday, November 28 at 7:00 pm ($10)

Keep checking my blog (or get the e-mail updates) or friend me on Facebook to be notified of more classes.

Are you "Buyer AWARE" with Angel Policies?

2011-09-13T07:59:00.003-06:00

With the demise of The Angel Company, hereafter referred to as TAC, are most of you aware of other stamp companies "Angel Policies?" A former fellow angel posted a soapbox commentary on this subject today and I think now is as good a time as any to join her on that box.

There are 2 big reasons I signed with TAC and stayed with them from the beginning to the bitter end. 1) TAC was an Angel company meaning, as long as you created with hand stamped images, you were free to do as you wished with that creation. 2) The minimum sale requirements were reasonably attainable.

With their "angel policy" TAC created a stir in the industry, especially being a home demo company! At that time the other 2 big home demo companies that I knew about had high sales minimums, AND their stamps could only be used "for personal use." TAC changed that. Not completely, but it did prompt those other companies to modify their policies!

Be careful when you purchase stamps with the intent to create items which may later be sold or even donated. Are you aware of each and every "angel policy" of each and every company you have purchased from? Are you aware that some companies require a copyright stamp to be used on the back of creations you intend to sell or even donate to your local bazaar!?! Are you aware some companies DO NOT allow you to use their images in conjunction with any other company's images? Are you aware of image limitations? Are you also aware of copyright infringement laws and the stiff fines and penalties for getting caught?

So, you see where I am going with this, right? I really do not have the time or energy to keep up with "angel policies" that have specific requirements. This is something you also need to be aware of in the new digital design world out there also. Yes, they also have policies regarding their copyrights!

Which brings me to another point... Have you tried to locate the "angel policy" of stamp companies while on thier website? Some of them make it easy for you, right there at the top of the web page.... just click on "angel policy." Others you have to really search for... In fact, one big company out there had it under Legal (which, by the way, was in tiny print at the very bottom of their home page) then you needed to find Policies, then further still, Angel Policy. Usually an indication it's a convoluted policy if you really have to look for it.

In this "buyer beware" world we seem to live in, I hope this dissertation has made some of you a bit more "buyer AWARE." Personally, I do not purchase from companies if they are not "Angel companies" nor do I purchase from companies with long drawn out policies that generally require copyright stamps and the like. WAY too much to keep track of when you purchase from multiple companies and use those designs together in one creation. Can you imagine if I used 3 stamps of 3 different companies that all required a copyright stamp on the back of the creation? BLEH!

With many TAC Angels (former demonstrators) with the dilema of "what's next?"... this is definitely somthing to keep in mind.

Scripture sympathy...

2011-06-26T12:45:00.003-06:00

We all have need for sympathy cards every now and then. I try to make a few ahead so I have one when I need it. Here are some samples of the latest I've been able to get done.

They are all pretty similar... just changed up the background paper a bit and the scripture saying. Easy, but still created distinct cards!

The scripture sayings are from Our Daily Bread Designs. (Love their stuff!) And the Tree and leaves used in the background are TAC stamps.

Grad cards

2011-06-25T23:25:00.007-06:00

Here are a couple of the grad cards I did a while back.
I really like the JustRite stampers for this kind of thing. It really makes it personal!
This is just a very basic card sketch that is versatile and easy, but still creates effective and stunning cards. Love it!

Cause to Rejoice....

2011-06-25T22:30:00.006-06:00

...it's your birthday!

Do you think it's "manly" enough? I used this for my Father-in-law.

For this card I used the Heiroglyph Horses, Script background, and Amberly Grace paper & coordinating cardstock from TAC. I also used a retired set Bookoo Blessings for the saying on the outside and Just Because on the inside.

The pocket for the gift card is the library pocket die by Papertrey Ink.

It all came together well, don't you think?

A Grand Bouquet

2011-06-25T22:27:00.007-06:00

I haven't actually decided what I want to use this card for yet. So, the inside remains.... blank.

But looky how wonderful the colors blend in with the background paper!! Fortuitious circumstance for sure!

I have decided it's probably much easier to coordinate colors of paper and pens before coloring the image, but so far I've been pretty lucky to have it all work out anyway!

This is made with the discontinued stamp Grand Bouquet

Serenading the moon

2011-06-25T22:25:00.004-06:00

Yes... it's another discontinued stamp from TAC. But really... I loved the image then, and I still do...

So, why not use it? To me the artwork is very whimsical but not too cutesy.

I used the nestabilities for the main image, more Basic Grey paper from a 6x6 pad, and plain white cardstock with decorative edge punches.

Sending you sunshine

2011-06-25T22:22:00.003-06:00

This stamp is just like T-3330 Hello Day from TAC but was a limited edition in a smaller size a while back. Doesn't make it any less cute! It reminds me of little girls playing "dress up."

This was an image that I stamped a few off and then colored in. Thank goodness I have a bunch of the 6x6 Basic Grey paper pads and found this paper to coordinate!

Mini Envelope Album for the folks

2011-06-25T21:53:00.009-06:00

My In-laws recently came for a visit. Little did they know they would be roped into helping us get the tile backsplash done in our kitchen! So, I put together this little book as a Thank you for all their help. And... since they didn't get to see the completed project... yet.

This great idea came from my friend Julie. It was a project we did at one of her Stamping Get-Togethers a couple years ago. This uses one 6 x 9 manila envelope and one 4 1/2 x 6 invitation envelope. I used one of the TAC paper packs because it blended well with my photos and with the golden color of the manila envelope. Plus I had plenty of tags for journaling and tabs for the photo pulls. The ribbon on the left side is the binding that holds the envelopes together. It closes like a book and when put together has 2 pockets perfect for adding more pictures.

Inside I added several pictures of the progress we made in our recent kitchen upgrade.

As you can see in the binding, the ribbon is put through 2 holes in the envelopes to put this together.

Here the second photo shows how I added additional photos to the inside envelope on a piece of cardstock with a pull-out tab.

Then, as you turn the page (or the inner envelope) you have 2 more surfaces to scrap plus the pocket created by the manila envelope too!

Another piece of cardstock and a tab for a couple more photos and that makes it project complete!

Melody's Shower

2011-06-25T21:46:00.009-06:00

My sorority recently had a baby shower for one of our sisters. I had to do the invites, of course! I love doing that stuff... So here it is! I used some retired TAC stamps and a new die from Papertrey Ink. Love it! Makes those cute little windows oh-so-easy!

Here's the card we gave with the sorority gift featuring another retired TAC stamp and another Papertrey Ink die. Simple, but still elegant.

Lastly, the card I made to accompany my little gift. I totally stamp-lifted this idea from someone out there in internet land but I don't recall who it was (sorry!) but thank you for the inspiration!

Theo... in colors!

2011-06-21T14:27:00.004-06:00

If you know me, you know I have a fondness for cats. Yes, yes I do.

Theo the cat from TAC is quite a looker, isn't he?

And oh so fun to color! I haven't been brave enough to make him crazy colors yet, like blue or lavender, but I may give it a try on my next project.

Today he is normal cat color. But I did give the chair a splash of color.

Is it easier to color the image and then find paper to match or select the paper first? What are your thoughts on this creative process?

Here's an image of the completed card. Cute, huh? I love the Basic Grey 6x6 paper pads! Perfect for cardmakers!

That creative edge is a Papertrey Ink die cut. Love it!

And here's another take on the same theme!

Which one is YOUR favorite? What can I say, I like them both!

Here's hoping you are all having an EXCELLENT day!

Father's Day 2011

2011-06-21T13:04:00.005-06:00

Here are some cards I did for Father's Day this year.
I have to say, it feels good to be back in my craft room actually crafting again!
My health is doing much better and I anticipate begin able to do more and plan some classes for the fall.

This is done with a retired stamp from TAC and colored with copic markers. I am really loving those! The more I use them, the more I like them!

This card was for my father-in-law as he owns a similar vehicle.

Here's a card I did for my daddy! We treated him well for Father's Day. Brunch with all the fixin's and a prime rib roast dinner. (That put a smile on his face!) There's not too much you can get for a guy who already has everything, you know?

He seemed to like his card though! The ducks are another retired TAC stamp and again... colored with copic markers. The decorative paper is TAC on dark brown cardstock. The edges were done with the TAC edgers stamp in versamark and then covered with Pearl Ex (yeah, remember that stuff?) It gave the card just the right touch.

Finally, the card I created for my DH. This lovely scene was created from Stampscape stamps (tree, mountains, clouds with sun) and TAC (elk) but it all came together pretty well, if I do say so myself! I like how this one turned out!

Again, colored with the copic markers. LOVE them!

So... what do you think?

Hello Friend...

2011-06-17T20:49:00.004-06:00

Lately I've taken to trying to stamp off a bunch of images to color and then make the cards later. So far I have lots of images, and very few cards. Here's one I actually managed to complete!

It's an interesting challenge to match papers and cardstock to an image I've already colored. That's when the Basic Grey 6x6 pads are sure helpful. I've found some excellent matches. But I do wonder if maybe I'm not doing this backwards.

Here's the finished card. What do you think?

Where I've been... (mostly not crafting related)

2011-06-16T08:09:00.006-06:00

Although I did get treats done for Dom's school friends for Valentine's Day... I forgot to get the photos, so I couldn't post that. Sorry!
It seems since then I've been working on our kitchen mini re-do, or upgrade, if you will. And since I did get some photos of that, I'll share!
These are the before. See that strip of green behind the stove? Yes, my whole kitchen and great room were that color when we moved in. That was the first thing we changed.... the color. I like natural tones so the walls became Classic Taupe in the kitchen, and further into the great room we used the same above the chair rail, and Cliff Rock below.

The black countertops were not my choice either and eventually they just HAD to go! So, of course, we upgraded to granite. LOVE it! We were able to select our own slabs and lay out the pattern. We got the best features of the natural stone included in our counters. There's a beautiful rust, black, quartz vein that runs through the island. Totally AWESOME!!

And you all know, with nice granite counter tops, we had to go with a tile backsplash. We used the natural Cabo tiles and I do like the way it looks with our granite. This is also the crafty part of the post. Check out that lovely decor feature above the stove. Carl and I designed and created that ourselves! We used some leftover scraps from our countertops and used those as the mountains so it all ties together! We priced some designs similar to this one, and let me tell you, they were PRICEY! So, I'm glad that my DH could figure out how to do this ourselves for a fraction the cost of a specialty piece.

We have lots of natural lighting in our great room from both North and South windows, and I thought it was amazing how much the room brightened up with the paint. Well... I was mistaken. Once we got those black countertops out and the granite in... we now have a beautifully naturally lit great room. What a difference! It's like a complete transformation! And I LOVE it!

Christmas Treats!

2010-12-18T10:46:00.005-07:00

I've been busy working on treats for teachers and co-workers.
(Sorry about the photo here.... I was having camera issues.) I love these Aladdin mugs! They are so much fun to decorate and personalize! These went to Carl's co-horts at West Elk along with a few goodies packed in around those mugs. My only problem was I couldn't close the bags!

The mugs here went to most of my co-workers. The candy bar was a special gift to my Jewish co-worker.

Normally, I am NOT a big fan of Martha Stewart. However, she certainly knows how to employ an excellent creative staff. The treat bags she put out this year were actually very helpful to me in putting together these little goodies with a few decorating details of my own. Those darling silver bells had a very sweet tone and I got nine (yes, count them 9) all for a buck!

These cute little goodies were another great find and easy to decorate and of course, fill with yummy biscotti. (According to Mr. Jensen, I make the best biscotti, apparently, even better than what he could get in Italy.) Dominic took the pillow boxes for his classmates with a couple Kit-Kats tucked inside. That sums up my treat making extravaganza for Christmas 2010.
Enjoy your Holidays and I wish all of you all the best for 2011!

Theo... for Christmas!

2010-12-01T08:32:00.003-07:00

Any of you who are familiar with TAC's new Theo the cat stamps know they are not really Christmas stamps but that does not mean they can not be used for your Christmas cards!

For example, add a Santa Hat with a bit of fluff and bling (aka fun flock with glitter) and.... WhaCha!! Christmas card! Now, I am not the "Bah Humbug" type, but really, who could be after seeing this card! It just makes me laugh. My cat, Simba, was the inspiration for this particular card. He is little "Mr. Snarky" and has had to endure the Santa hat every season, especially with Megan around!

The inside of the card reads, " merry Christmas.... when do we open presents?" which is exactly what my snarkums would say, in cat language, of course.

Deets:

Stamps: T-3430 Just a Cat, TAC-2863 Merry Words, T-1253 Christmas Fun

CS: Kraft, Dk Brn, Bazzill Red, White

Color: Copics: R81, R29, YG11, E70, E74, YR23, YR21

Ink: Momemto Black Tuxedo, Pallette Burnt Umber

Other: Fun flock mixed with Glitter, Tacky glue pen, mounting foam, adhesive

December 2010

2010-12-01T00:01:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas!
I hope you all enjoy your holiday festivities!

DETAILS
Stamps: T-2708 For all Seasons T-1186 Tag Tidbits (The Angel Company)
Paper: Sam's Club double sided, red Bazzill
Supplies: 4" coaster & calendar from Stamp On This, SU tag punches, Ribbon from Wal-Mart, 1" BIA

WhaCha!! The NEW CRAFT Room! ...and a sneak

2010-11-15T16:16:00.005-07:00

TA DAH!!!

Here is the entrance to my new Craft Cave!!
When we moved in last April, this room sort of became a collection point while we unpacked kids rooms and decided what to do with 2 whole households worth of stuff. (No, I'm still not done unpacking, just in case you wondered.)

Over in that corner on the left I have a microwave and a coffee pot, of course. I will be getting a little fridge for the corner. Eventually
DH has offered to turn this corner into a butler pantry of sorts which will include a little sink. (Awesome!!! But I imagine that one is a few years away.)
Anyway, I still have my bookshelves, full of craft books and supplies. My DH put up some shelves for me for additional storage. Good thing too! I just never seem to have enough space to put stuff.

Here's a view of the rest of the room as you enter the cave! Don't you just LOVE those Ikea 9 drawer units! and Look!! Plenty of room for crafter's to join in the fun. I have two tables set up all the time, but still have room to add one more when needed.

Around the corner from those filing cabinet is the die-cutting area. How FABULOUS does that sound? A whole area just for die cutting??

Can you see Simba's ears poking out of the basket? That cat thought he would sit in some of the card baskets I have prepared for the Stamp-a-Stack this weekend. I had to compromise and give him his own temporary basket.

Those of you who attend will get to make the kitty Christmas card inspired by Simba.

My punches are built on the corner and wall around from the "die-cutting area". I've posted pics of this before, but still, doesn't it look SPECTACULAR?

Now, my little sewing table with the serger is a bit in the way, but, until Rachel graduates and moves out, it will have to stay there.
My sewing stuff and Nordic track that you could see in the first photo will be moving into Ra's room when she moves out. (Don't tell her, okay?)

Ahhhh! My desk! Everything right there and handy at my fingertips, or at least relatively close anyway. I have room for a buddy at my desk too! All the current TAC stamps are in the CD cases on the right side there.

Those shelve behind my desk have all the rest of my stamps. Yes, I do have too many! I guess that's what happens in 14 years of stamping.
They make nice display shelves too, and of course, MORE convenienty storage.

WAIT! What's this? Cards for the Stamp-a-Stack? Lookey!!! OOooooo!!!

Don't forget to call me!!

November 2010

2010-11-01T00:01:00.003-06:00

It's always time to be thankful, but isn't it nice we have an American Holiday to celebrate it?

DETAILS

Stamps: T-2708 For all Seasons, T-1186 Tag Tidbits (The Angel Company)

Paper: Sams's club double sided, orange, red, brown scraps of Bazzill

Supplies: 4" coaster & calendar from Stamp on This, 1" BIA

Happy Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T15:00:00.004-06:00

I'm still busy getting my craft room in order... but the good news is, I'm finally almost there!!

Haven't been doing much crafty stuff lately although I did manage to get treats for Dom's class and some teacher treats for the girl's done.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 20.

Yes, the annual Christmas Stamp-a-Stack and the official Grand Re-Opening of the Craft Cave!

More detail to follow.... or watch for your postcard.

October 2010

2010-10-01T00:01:00.001-06:00

Time to pick your pumpkin from the patch!

DETAILS

Stamps: T-2708 For all Seasons (The Angel Company)

Paper: Sams's club double sided, scraps of Bazzill green & orange

Supplies: Green Scrapper's floss, 4" coaster & calendar from Stamp On This, 1" BIA, EK Success scroll edge punch

September 2010

2010-09-01T00:01:00.002-06:00

The traditional "Back-to-School" month. Don't forget your apple for the teacher!

DETAILS:
Stamps: T-2708 For all Seasons (The Angel Company)
Paper: Sam's Club double sided, Bazzil
Supplies: 4" coaster & calendar from Stamp on This, Ribbon from Michaels, 1" BIA

August 2010

2010-08-01T00:01:00.002-06:00

August! Grab up the last few scraps of summer!

DETAILS:

Stamps: The Angel Company T-2708 For all Seasons

Paper: Sam's Club double sided, scraps of white, pink, and lime green

Supplies: 4" coaster & calendar from Stamp On This, BIA 1" rings

Boots...

2010-07-19T07:35:00.004-06:00

The favorite card at the sorority get-away was this...

Do you like the bandana fabric? I think it makes the whole card.

You can't really tell in the photo, but the boot on top is cut out and popped up with mounting foam.

Of course, you make make a variety of similar cards by changing the boots, the sayings, the cardstock or carstock treatment, adding knots to the fabric, all kinds of things...

what would you change?

Punch Storage in the New Cave

2010-07-18T18:32:00.002-06:00

I'm afraid I can't do pictures of the whole studio just yet. I'm still getting settled, picking up, organizing...
But, since I promised a photo or two of the new punch storage my DH made for me and that little corner of the room is pretty well done...

Believe it or not, we used grounding rods and eye screws. The wall is about 6 feet long and then it bends around the corner another 18" or so.

It's all very functional and sturdy. I only have one problem...

there's not a lot of room for growth!
'Course, after 14 or so years of stamping, I'm hoping I won't need too many more supplies. Is anyone else as much of a hoarder as I am?

July 2010

2010-07-15T16:18:00.002-06:00

Now that it's the middle of the month....

I thought maybe I should probably post the July calendar. DUH!

Geez! Summer is half over already and I hope you're all soaking up the rays and havin' some fun!

March 2010, April 2010, May 2010, June 2010

2010-06-29T09:40:00.005-06:00

Well, dang it! I could have at least sceduled posts for the calendars for the month in my moving absentia, huh?

Just a little update.... the new and improved Craft Cave is almost done! Gadzooks!! You know, I was beginning to think it might never happen. I'm hoping to post some pics by the weekend. I have to show off my fabulous punch bars! AWESOME!! And I do actually have a few new cards to post after my weekend away with the Sorority girls.

Well, here are the calendars... just to catch up.

Moving....

2010-03-10T11:40:00.002-07:00

The Craft Cave will be relocating at the end of the month. Not the internet location, but the physical location. Classes will resume when we are settled back in sometime in April so watch for class postings coming as soon as MAY!! I'm hoping to plan an All Occasion Stamp-a-Stack!!
Right now all the supplies are getting boxed up so... can't do much crafty stuff for a while!!

A day late...

2010-02-15T11:51:00.002-07:00

...for you to see all the goodies I made for Valentine's Day. The good news, however, is that they were done in time for all the festivities.

I do hope that all of you had a Valntine's Day with all the trimmings that you all so greatly deserve!

Normally I would have to say that I am NOT a fan of the clear acrylic stamps. I'm just a real rubber kind of gal. Having said that, I have to admit I am very impressed with the Papertrey Inks sets that I ordered specifically for Valentine's Day! I just could not resist the images! They are very well thought out and both the Tiny Treats Valentine's and the Simple Valentine sets work fabulously together.

Now, I am NOT on their design team and do not receive any $$ from them for my opinion. So, having said all that, I have to tell you I am impressed with Papertrey Ink. First, they released this set in December I believe. Plenty of time for me to plan for the next holiday. Also, when they released the images for this set, it came with a blog hop showing a bunch of fabulous ideas of how to use these sets. Then, when I decided I wanted these, and I had enough time to save and budget for these. (Let's face it, we are all having budget issues!)

I ordered them online about mid-January and they arrived in just a couple days!! AND when I opened the box I was very pleased with their packaging!! First of all, no nasty environmentally UNfriendly styrofoam peanuts!! BLEH!

Of course there was packaging paper, that I promptly added to the fire box. Here is the cool part though! Each set was in an adorable clear box, that can easily be repurposed later as a fabulous creation. (These boxes were nicely wrapped in tissue, btw.) Then included inside the box was a CD case to store the stamps, indexing sheets for the CD case, along with a label for the spine to make them easy to locate. The stamps were on some clear acetate, which can be reused in another project, of course. It also included an instruction sheet with care recommendations and tips for usings your stamps. Plus it also referenced their website where all the blog hop ideas can be found easily. Cool, huh?

And just look at how amazingly cute the images look! And they all have sayings that totally compliment the images. This set is perfect for the kiddo's valentines and I think I have been searching for a set just like this for 13 years!

These are the treats we sent to school with Megan and Dom for their classmates. I used the Shadowbox BigzXL plate from Sizzix to create the boxes. Cute, huh? And, as you can see the Tiny Treats Valentine set was PERFECT!!

So, there I was on Thursday night, realizing I didn't have anything special for the teachers. Instead of instant panic, I quickly went to Julie's Blog and quickly found the perfect idea! Gotta love Jewels! She always exemplifies SIMPLE, SMART, SOPHISTICATED!!! How easy to compliment this idea easily with the Papertrey Ink sets along with my JustRite What's Cookin' Borders & Centers. Love it!!

I know these adorable petal card treats have made the rounds, but you know, I've actually discovered that a great idea just never gets old. These were fantastically popular with my sorority sisters. Let's face it, we ALL love to get treats!!

Happy Heart Month!

2010-01-30T12:12:00.003-07:00

Here's the calendar for February!

Just so you all know...
I'm not sure how often I will be posting for a few months. I have a few things I'm working on in life in general... simplify and declutter... and also some major family stuff I'm hoping will be in the works very soon.
Now, about the stamping stuff. I'm still reevaluating and trying to make a decision about which direction it will all be going. I haven't been content for a while with the current direction, and my MOJO has suffereed tremedously because of my inner turmoil. I still plan on doing crafting classes, but may be heading in a more all encompassing direction with that rather than just stampin' & papercrafts. We'll, see...
'Nuff said there... for now!
For those of you interested in classes.... I'll let you know, if you let me know what kinds of classes you would like to see or what classes you want to continue!! Do you want more cards? More techniques? More mini-books? 4x6 scrapping? Specialty cards? What else would you like to do?
Thanks!!

P.S. I will also attempt to do better at giving you the info on the items I post. So....
Calendar page "deets":
Stamps: TAC: T-2708 For All Seasons
Calendar: Just Stamp It
Paper: Sam's Club special, basic black & white CS
Ink: Noir Palette
Coloring: Prismacolor & OPT, glitter pen
Other: 1" BIA rings

Simple & Easy gifts...

2010-01-12T08:06:00.003-07:00

...are not just for Christmas. But that does seem to be the time when we all post that kind of stuff.

Here are a couple of items that never seem to get old for quick cute gifts. Just change out the paper and stamps and.... presto, bango! Ready for a different Holiday or Special Occasion!

These are, I admit, the Christmas versions, so.... use your own creativity and see what YOU can come up with!!

Board book calendar

2010-01-05T08:08:00.002-07:00

Every year my hubby brings home a calendar from work. The problem is... it's just HUGE. Too big to hang on my cupboard doors. Before we needed this montrousity because he was doing crazy shift work. Now it's a much easier schedule too keep track of... 2 weeks days, 2 weeks swing. I don't need a gigantic calendar to tell me that.

So, I came up with a solution.

I used a board book and carefully cut it apart, two pages at a time, then glued the seam together to get one long piece.

I used the calendar download from Heather and printed it on portrait paper rather than landscape. Perfect size!

The blue background at the top is perfect for a 4x6 photo which can be changed out whenever.

January 2010

2010-01-02T16:52:00.003-07:00

Happy New Year!

Wishing all of you a properous, happy, and healthy new year to come.

This calendar uses the For All Seasons set in the TAC catalog. I'll post a page at the beginning of the month for the coming year.

Last minute Christmas Gifts...

2009-12-23T20:50:00.003-07:00

It just wasn't my idea...

but when a friend needs help, I'm always on board.

So, Candy brought me this project and wanted to make more for Christmas gifts.

We've been having SO much fun. My craft room is an absolute disaster!

Lookie!!!

Are these just COOLEST PICTURE FRAMES YOU'VE EVER SEEN????

Well, I like 'em anyway!! Perfect for a 4 x 6 photo right from the camera!

Sneak Peek #1

2009-11-08T22:55:00.003-07:00

Here are some peeks at a few of the cards we will make at the Stamp-a-Stack this weekend!!

I hope you are excited! It will be LOADS of FUN!!

Reservations are filling quickly! Call me now to reserve your spot!!

Thanks!

4th Annual Stamp-a-Stack Update

2009-11-03T13:16:00.006-07:00

Due to several requests, I have decided to continue with the Annual Christmas Stamp-a-Stack this year.

Saturday, November 14, 2009 11:00 till ??
Memorial Hall in Hotchkiss.

RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY NOVEMBER 10th!!!
This special event is limited to 20 people, so please, reserve your spot NOW!!
It is not an easy task to prepare supplies for this event especially since my help and time are limited at best anymore.

Make 20 Christmas/Holiday themed cards from 10 available designs for $25
(or free with a $50 purchase from TAC)
Snacks will be available, but if you would like to bring something to share, it would be appreciated!
Remember, everyone who attends will get a prize!

Watch the blog for "sneak peeks"

Witch Hat Candy Treat Tutorial

2009-10-04T15:55:00.008-06:00

Supplies:
cutter
large and small circle coluzzle & foam mat
coluzzle swivel knife
decorator bag
black & white cardstock
8" black 3/8" ribbon
stamps & acrylic mount
ink (Noir & Orangerie shown here)
1 3/4" circle punch
1 1/2" circle punch
Not shown:
scissors
adhesive
1/8" punch
mounting foam
candy
Jar or glass

Directions:
1. Cut decorator bag down to 6" from tip.

2. Cut 1/2" slits about a quarter inch apart across the bottom (or open end) of the decorator bag.

3. Cut 2 circles from the black cardstock. (Iused the large circle coluzzle, 4th from the center. This will give you circles about 4" in diameter.)

4. On one of the circles, center the small coluzzle and cut a smaller circle out of the center. (Once again I used the fourth from the center, approximately a 2 inch diameter.)

5. Apply adhesive to one side of this circle with the cut out.

6. Open the decorator bag and one small section at a time, pulling the bag into the center of the circle, adhere the bag to the hat brim. (Hopefully you can understand what I mean from the picture. I used a jar to sort of hold or balance the bag while I did this.)

After you have the bag attached to the adhesive, you will need to apply adhesive over the bag that is attached to the brim of the hat. (You can use the edge of the jar to help with this.)
Fill up the bag with candy! Be careful not to get your candy stuck to the adhesive on the brim of the hat. (It also helps if you overfill the bag just a bit as the candy tends to settle after you turn it over.)

7. Attach the other circle and seal.

8. Turn your hat right side up!

9. Stamp your decorative element!

I used T- 3009 Glitter Goblins.

I stamped the image twice.

I punched the center out with the 1 1/2" punch and then inked the edges with Orangerie.

and then punched the base of my element out with the 1 3/4" punch.

I punched a small 1/8" hole for the ribbon at the bottom of my image and added some mounting foam and the center piece attached here.

Run both ends of the ribbon through the hole...

loop over the hat, tighten your ribbon and tie a decortive knot.

oooo! Almost done!

To make the spider charm to put on the tip of your hat you will need:

clear "shrinky dink" plastic

Staz-On ink

stamps (TAC-2600 Trick or Treat "retired" set used here)

1/4" hole punch
1/16" hole punch

thread

heat gun

heating surface (Iused a tile)

bamboo skewer (to hold the plastic while it melts)

a wood block (to flatten your shrinky dink, if needed)

Directions:

Stamp the spider and the saying on the plastic. (I stamped the spider on one side and the saying on the other.)
Punch out your image (1 1/2" circle used here)

Punch a 1/4" hole in your charm BEFORE YOU MELT IT.

Use a skewer to hold your image while you heat it. Remember the plastic will shrivel up as you heat it.

Thread some string through the hole on your shrinky dink charm.

Punch a 1/16" hole in the top of the decorator bag you used to make the witch hat. Thread your charm on and tie a knot.

Now you're done!!

Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions!

DC fold out book

2009-09-29T08:39:00.008-06:00

Many, many moons ago.... (okay, it's only been three years) our family took a trip to Washington
D.C. And now, finally, after all my good intentions to get these done the fall we came home, I'm finally going to finish these fold-out memory books for the kids.
This is my big plan for Saturday which I will be spending at the Scrappy Moose Retreat in Delta. It's their 1st Anniversary and the grand opening of their scrapping retreat!
Okay, enough about me...

Here are the details of the project...which is the real reason you peruse this blog, isn't it?
I used three 10" chipboard squares and seven "coordinating" pieces of 12" decorative paper.

The chipboard was cut as follows:
One left intact, as the back and base of the book.
The center pieces are cut in half to two 5x10 rectangles.
The top, or front cover is cut into one 7x10 and one 3x10 piece.
I'd provide the dimensions of the paper, but honestly, I didn't really keep track, exactly... but, I'll do my best here...
A: 8x11 for the large half of the front cover
B: 6.875 x 9.875 and 2.875 x 9.875 to cover the inside flaps of the front cover pieces on both sides
C: 6x11 for one of the inside flaps and 4x10 for the other side of the front cover flap.
D: two pieces 4.875 x 9.875 to cover the inside flaps.
E: One piece 6 x 11 for the other inside flap & to cover the chipboard letters on the front cover.
F: 9.875 x9.875 to cover the inside of the back cover
G: 11" square for the back cover.

The large pieces were wrapped around the chipboard (miter your corners) and the smaller pieces adhered the the "inside."

Sorry if that's not too clear.
I used eyelets and twine to create the bindings and tags leftover from paper packs that seemed to coordinate with my paper colors for my journaling.
I'm hoping to get all four of these done this weekend.
Please leave me a comment (which I love to read) if you need clarification on any of the instructions.
Have a great day and I wish you better success with your good intentions than I seem to experiece with mine, at least, more often than I'd care to admit!

...Oh! For you interested parties, and because you asked for it...
I'll get the directions for the witch hat posted soon! .... Stay tuned!

Treats for your Tricksters, Goodies for your Goblins

2009-09-27T15:59:00.010-06:00

I spend a lot of time perusing the internet looking for fabulous ideas that I can use with stamps and supplies I already own. Especially now when more people are trying to save a buck rather than spend a buck. If you don't absolutely LOVE a stamp set, or can't justify it's usability, it's just not worth spending the money for it.

I just can't afford to always get the great new stuff. Maybe that is the reason why I don't get rid of my discontinued stamps. You know, the ones they don't carry in the catalog anymore? I know, as a demonstrator I'm supposed to push *NEW* stuff, but, that just doesn't always work with a particular project I'd like to create. So, I reach for my retired stamps frequently. Sometimes it takes the combination of new and used sets to get the final piece I really want. Most stamp sets just don't come with a great combination of images and sayings. (The big advantage with the creative cling backing on TAC's real rubber stamps is the minimal amount of storage space which enables me to be able to keep such a huge inventory of personal stamps!)

Monday night we will be making some treat ideas for our little goblins.

Hmmm..... but I found such great ideas, I had a difficult time deciding which ones to do....

Should we do something new?

Like this cute pumpkin basket? (I added the cute label on the handle ...with retired stamps.)

Or maybe this cute witch hat with a shrinky-dink spider charm? (a combination of current and retired stamps)

We could always stick with the tried and true favorites...

...a sour cream container (current stamp set)

...or maybe an M&M matchbook (current stamps)

...or a mini candy bar pull (current and retired)

...or a pixie stick pack (current and retired)

...or a candy corn envelope (new stamp, old EKSuccess punches)

We will be doing at least three of these on Monday, but which will they be?

See you at 7!

Back to School

2009-09-10T10:27:00.004-06:00

I love the smell of freshly sharpened pencils. It has always meant Autumn to me, and "back to school" time.

I like to send a small gift to the homeroom teachers the kids will be working with this year. Since those cute small backpacks have been making the rounds on the stamping blogs, I thought this would be a great idea. I put small "Teacher Survival Kits" inside each one. I used one of TAC's retired sets to create a school related background.

I'm back! with LOTS of news!!

2009-09-06T13:21:00.002-06:00

Yes, I've been a BAD blogger. But really, when people say, "Family First," do you think they mean it? Well, my life this summer has been all about putting family and family needs first. I did plan a few classes, which were very poorly attended ....or not attended at all. So, needless to say, I didn't really have much to post. Also, I started a new job in June too. Although it's supposed to be "part-time," at 30 hours a week and working till 6 p.m. it may as well be the full-time job it feels like! But, I must say, I really love my job, even if it has limited my time for my creative outlet.

So, the BIG news it that, after 13 years with TAC, I was actually asked to submit some samples for the stamp of the Month for September.

You can check out the ones TAC liked here.

And below are the samples they did not include on their website:

(The first two show outside and inside the card.....)

(So, sometimes, even when I use the preview tool, my pics and text come out kind of weird looking. Sorry about that!)

Here's the last bit of news.....CLASS INFO!!

Tech Tuesdays will continue the first Tuesday of the month. (I will just have to be better organized and of course, have better cooperation from my family.)

So, those dates are:

Oct. 6, November 3, and December 1 all at 7:00 p.m. Come & learn 2 techniques and make an instruction card for your book and a sample greeting card for only $5.

Monday, Sept. 28. Halloween Treats & goodies. 7:00 p.m. $10

Make 3 spooky treats for your special goblins!

Thursday, October 22. Matchbox Advent Calendar. $25

Most of you have seen the candy box.... this one is even bigger!!

Monday, November 30. Calendars. $20

Make 3 calendars, just in time for gift giving for the new year.

Monday, December 14. Frame it up $20

Just in time for those last minute gifts! A great way to display photos is always an aprreciated present!

All classes listed above are limited to 10 people. Reservation must be made at least 3 days prior to class.

Also, mark the date for the 4th Annual Christmas Stamp-a-Stack

Saturday, November 14 (time & location to be announced later)

Now, just keep in mind.... class dates may change due to school scheduling....

postcards are going out this week!

and one last photo.....

the reason I've been so busy this summer, and the big reason I went back to work...

Rebecca started at Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR this fall. Here she is on the beach.....

Just in time for DAD!

2009-06-17T14:57:00.002-06:00

Toilet tube mini book for Dad's Day!

Just a sample of the book we will be doing tonight at class in the cave. I will actually get this one complete before Father's Day!

Sorry for the lengthy delays in posting....

My oldest survived High School and has graduated, #2 is moving on to Middle School, #3 and #4 have maintained a healthy "status quo" and between all the stress of other life altering events we hoped for but then didn't happen it seems that life is getting back to it's normal run of chaos in the Limone household!

Now...

Here are some quick instructions for the mini book:

Keep in mind that the size of the tubes varies from brand to brand and even sometimes from roll to roll.
Supplies:
Empty toilet tubes
Sanding block
Big Shot
Decorative papers & CS
Embellishments
Adhesives
Directions:
1. Flatten the tubes and sand off the excess toilet paper if needed. (It may help to run the edges over the edge of a table or to run through a BigShot. You can also rubberband a bunch together and let them sit for a while.)
2. Most toilet tubes can be covered with a 6 x 6 piece of paper. You will want to have enough paper to overlap the roll and each edge by ½ inch for a finished edge.
3. Punch holes with a Crop-a-dile, drill press, or the Bind-it-all on one side of the tube. You can finish the raw edges of your punched holes with eyelets. (If you punch with the Bind-it-all I recommend securely adhering the paper to the tube along the edge you will be punching.) Use binder rings or binding wire to put your pages together.
4. Make tags to go inside your tubes! My measurements were 2 ⅜” x 3 ¾” but remember tube sizes vary so you will want to measure & adjust to your tubes if needed.
5. Decorate as desired!

6x6 papers

2009-03-11T12:34:00.002-06:00

Here is a shot of some simple cards I made using just one 6x6 piece of decorative paper cut into strips.

I'll be heading to Kansas next weekend and I'm hoping it will give my mojo the boost it needs. I admit I've been in a horrible funk that just doesn't seem to lift.

I would like to thank all of you who have visited my blog for all the great comments you leave. I appreciate it more than I can tell you!

MIA...

2009-02-22T12:37:00.006-07:00

So, first I had computer issues, for what seemed like "all time and eternity" then the camera goes MIA with all the photos I had ready to post.

My DH thought it would be a good idea, since MY camera is the oldest that he & Bubba get to use it as their "fishing" camera. Okay, no problem.... except I still use it for my stuff too!!

Needless to say, after weeks of complaining... and somewhat searching... the camera turned up, in DH's fishing vest.... imagine that!! Me thinks he has "permanently" confiscated the "no longer MY camera" to be THEIR "fishing" camera. Time to come up with a plan B, I suppose.

Anyway....

Here is a photo of some of the cards I created w a y back in January. We used Joseph's Dreamcoat Technique to create the colorful trees.

Upcoming classes:
Tech Tues. on March 3 at 7:00 and
Stamp Camp on Wed. March 11 at 7:00.

February class date changes!!!!

2009-01-30T23:58:00.003-07:00

I have some schedule conflicts coming up. Life does tend to get in the way sometimes, what can I say?

Tech Tuesday: Usually first Tuesday of the month will be moved to Thursday, February 5.

Stamp Camp: Usually second Wednesday of the month will be moved to Thursday, Feb. 12.

Thanks for understanding! See you there!

Stacked Boxes in a Box

2009-01-30T21:03:00.024-07:00

Hello my friends out in blogger-land! I know, you must think I fell off the planet by now. Sorry about the L O N G haitus... I do have several excuses....

There's been a lot going on in my personal life full of all the details I normally avoid here.

Our hard drive at home took a nose dive.

My mojo has been a no show for quite some time.

Anyway...to make it up to you I have a tutorial ready to go! I will be doing this as a class at the Scrappy Moose in Delta on Saturday.

Supplies:
12” cutter (not shown)
2 - 12” coordinating sheets of Designer Paper (DP)
1 – 12” sheet of coordinating cardstock
4 – 2¼” x 5” medium weight chipboard
1 – 1” x 5“ medium weight chipboard
Tim Holtz Screw Knob
Adhesives: Dot n’ Roller, Mounting Tape, Zip Dry glue, Ruler, Scissors, Pencil, Bone Folder, Spacer (created from 3 pieces of med. weight chipboard)

Directions:

Cut DP to required sizes.

A: Outside of box: cut selected DP to 6” x 12”
B: Inside of box & lid: From second piece of DP, cut a piece 4⅞ “ x 12” and then from the remainder, cut a 7¼” square.
(You can use the remainder of your DP for cardmaking, photo backgrounds or other crafting projects!)
Cut 12” cardstock into four 6” squares.

1. On the WRONG side of A, start with your 1” x 5” piece of chipboard and glue down to the left side of your paper with a ½” border on the left, top, and bottom. (I used ZipDry because it’s aggressive, will provide adequate coverage, won’t wrinkle, and dries quickly.)

2. Then put your spacer along the edge of your piece of chipboard and glue down a 2¼“ x 5”. Be careful and align the top and bottom with your first piece ½” from the top & bottom.

3. Repeat step 2 three more times. Your project will look like this:

4. Crease edges all the way around. (A Bone Folder is very helpful to get nice creases.)

5. Trim corners with a scissor. Be careful not to trim too closely to the chipboard!! Leave approximately ⅛” from corner of chipboard.)

6. Adhere the edges to the chipboard using the Dot n’ Roller.

7. Crease the ½” edge between the chipboard pieces and then carefully fold each section. Use your bone folder to crease the outside edges.

8. Lay the 4⅞” x 12” piece of DP (B) over your prepared piece and hold it down with a ⅛” border on the left, top, and bottom. Use your bone folder to create a crease between the pieces of chipboard all the way across. On the right side ⅛” from edge, mark your DP where you need to trim. (I cut approximately 1¼” off the end.) Optional: Ink the edges of this paper .

9. Glue down each section one at a time with ZipDry. (I used my bone folder to help smooth the paper and keep the creases in place while I glued.) This completes the box frame.

10. With your ruler and pencil, mark the center of the four 6” pieces of cardstock and the 7¼” square of DP instead of folding to find the center.

Create origami boxes from all the squares. (Box instructions here)

11. Apply mounting tape to one side of the four cardstock boxes. Adhere boxes to the inside of the box frame. The first box center side to side on the last 2¼” panel aligning the bottom along the edge of the inside DP (B). The second box center in the next panel 1¼” from the bottom.

The third box center in the next panel 2½” from the bottom. The

fourth box center in the panel and align the top edge of the box with the top edge of the inside DP (B).

12. Poke or punch a hole in the center of the DP origami box and screw in the knob.
Use your box to hold jewelry or give as a gift filled with candy!

Really? For me?

2008-11-19T10:21:00.003-07:00

Carol in Arizona nominated me for this Award. Isn't she a sweetie? And fantastically talented too! You just have to go and peruse her blog. I "case" her stuff all the time. I think she is the encouraging one, really. But then perhaps we all encourage eachother.

Now on to the business portion of this illustrious award.

The rules for the Encouraged Blogger Award are:

The winner may put the logo on their blog. (check.)
Put a link to the person who sent you the award. (check.)
Nominate 5 blogs. (check - See below.)
Put links to their blogs. (check - Just click on their name.)
Leave a message for your nominees. (check.)

There are blogs I frequent regularly just because these gals are so FABULOUS and creative and encouraging and inspirational and ...okay...you get the idea.

Julie
Heather
Laurie Unger
Lisa
Angela (oops! Carol nominated her too! I didn't catch that till I left my comment. See how encouraging she is!!)
Seleise (this is really my number five...again!)

Now, are you hoppin' on over to their blogs? You should be!!

'08 Peek #4

2008-11-18T09:34:00.004-07:00

Don't have any Christmas stamps? (Not that I would believe that of ANY of you!!) Well, try thinking out of the box and use something non-traditional.

We all have some regular everyday stamps. It's time to start multi purposing our supplies, especially in these days of recession where we all have to watch how we spend our crafting dollar.

This card uses the Welcome Home set. Not really a Christmas set, huh? Well, it's all in how you use it... decorate it... color it... embellish it!!

And now, for something different...

2008-11-17T09:59:00.009-07:00

Any Monty Python fans? ...nevermind.

Julie created a really cute Get Well goodie last year, and I thought it was brilliant. ('Course, most of her ideas ARE brilliant.) Now, usually you just can not improve any of Jewel's ideas and they are totally worthy of a "direct case". For this one, I just tweeked her idea a wee bit.

I saw a couple other little gems while blurfing and had a "lightbulb moment" thought of just putting all of it together...
So...I added a bit to the "Get Well Goodie" with the throat lozenges and Emergen-C (or Airborne comes in individual packets now too!) and put it all in a cup holder designed by Lauren that was originally made as a Hot Cocoa set. And, what would be cuter than some tissues in a holder that says "Bless You," of course! Thanks to Dani for sharing the template.

Note: I had to adjust both of these templates a titch to fit the tissue packs & cups I was using, so check your measurments.

DANG!!! Now you all know my BIG secret! I just combine or tweek other fabulous ideas into something almost original.
Really though, big KUDOS to Julie, Lauren and Dani for sharing all that they share on their blogs (and myriads of others, too!). I'm really thankful that I don't have to take the time to make a tutorial or figure out how to share a PDF file for a template. And I certainly wouldn't want to do such a thing and then and pretend it was MINE!! Why re-invent the wheel? I'm ecstatically happy to "give credit where credit is due" and these fabulous truly creative ladies definitely deserve the nod! (Okay, I'm now stepping off my little soap box on blogging manners.)

Say! You know, now that I think about it...wouldn't this be really cute for a Thanksgiving (or Christmas) Hostess Gift with a quart of Apple Cider (or wine) on one side and mulling spices on the other? Yummy!!

Or, you could just give the bottle with a "hang tag pouch" with the same spices.

See...that's just how my mind works...running from one idea to the next...

Or maybe....nevermind! You can figure it out, hey?

'08 Peek #3

2008-11-17T09:53:00.002-07:00

Really! It's tougher than it looks!
Heather originally created this card and I just had to share it.
Don't YOU wish we still could get this Merry Wishes paper? Yeah, me too!

'08 Peek #2

2008-11-13T11:49:00.006-07:00

Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus.....

Can you hear it?

Just remember.... you gotta believe if you want to receive!!

More to come in the next few days. I still have a couple spots open, but time is running out!

Christmas S-A-S '08 - Peek #1

2008-11-12T08:55:00.005-07:00

The invites have been sent and several have already reserved their spot for the Annual Christmas Stamp-A-Stack at my house on Nov. 22. (I still have a couple spots left, call me now to get on the list!)

Here is a sneak peek at one of the cards we will be creating!

I'm trying different angles for the "peek" photos that will be coming to you over the next several days. I didn't want to give too much away! This card uses Good Timber and Trendy Greetings. You'll find out how I flashed it up and gave it a "touch of frost." Well, if you haven't already figured it out!

Gift giving...

2008-11-06T11:18:00.004-07:00

This year I will be focusing on making as many gifts as possible with paper or at least "junked" up and looking fabulous with paper!
I used to be the "baker extraoridinaire" for Christmas time, but, this year it's looking very cost prohibitive. Have any of you checked the price of flour lately!?! WOWZA!!

Out here in the country, we still make ice cream and snow cones out of real snow. (Now for you city folks, crushed or shaved ice works well too.) So, I thought this would be a fun gift for the neighbor kids, that is of course, if mine don't find it first!

I found the bottles at Michaels in the cake decorating section and the recipe came from the internet. (Do a search on "snow cone syrup recipe") The box and bottle are decorated with Holly Flourishes, Mini-bet, and sayings built from the Just-Rite Stamper products.

A card and a treat!

2008-11-05T12:37:00.003-07:00

Are you wondering what to give to your office buddies this year? Of course, we can always do a card. But what if we add something else to it? I saw a card on a blog before Halloween featuring this particular layout with the hidden gum treat. (So if it's you let me know so I can add the link.) It was just too clever and cute not to duplicate!!

My rendition is made with ChaCha paper and cardstock and the Winter Tags set. Embellish with some black brads, ribbon and paper floss. The snowmen are colored with Prismacolor pencils to match with the ChaCha colors and Crystal Stickles have been dotted on the snowflakes and the snowbank, not that you can actually see that!

More Holiday items and cards will be posted soon. Sneak peaks of the Stamp-a-Stack cards will be posted too! I already have several reservations...call me to make yours now!

Making up...

2008-11-03T12:14:00.006-07:00

...for LOTS of lost time!

The computer is still pretty much "on-the-fritz" but I've found a way to work around my temporary computer handicap. YEA!

So, here is a pic of a little treat we made at October's Stamp Camp. These are mini pizza boxes stuffed with little goodies! The larger box was perfect for holding these cute little magnets made from mounting board. The Always Remember set was perfect for these! I also added a smaller pizza box for holding some 3x3 notes. We made both of these at the Mile Hi Angel Gathering a couple weeks ago.

Here are the treat box-in-a-bags I made for the kids at school. It was a good thing I had these made early because as usual, what tends to happen to me, I ran out of time! So, I didn't really get everything done how I would have liked, but a little bit is better than none.

Don't you think the Caramel Apple Kits would have looked CUTE with bat wings behind the circle "batty for you" saying. Julie had a great idea posted today for a quick way of accomplishing bat wings. I LOVED it! Wish she had posted it sooner! Well, maybe next year, right?

Classes will continue through the end of the year:

Tech Tuesday tomorrow night, Nov 4 will continue to go on as planned....remember to get out & vote before you come to class.

Oops!! Almost forgot to add: December 2 Tech Tues will have to be held on Wed. December 3rd due to a conflict I can not move!! Thanks!!

Stamp Camp on November 12.

Stamp-a-Stack on Saturday, November 22, 5:00. I already have several reserved spots, so if you have not called me yet, pick up the phone!!! Reminder postcards will be going out today and tomorrow!!

As always, remember to let me know you will be coming!!

Don't forget!! If you hostess a party before the end of the year, you will be eligible to attend the Hostess Appreciation Party in January to "stamp out the blues" & receive a coupon book good for the next catalog!! Also, for every $10 you purchased from the current catalog your name has been entered into the Fabulous grand prize to be awarded at the Stamp-a-Stack!

Okay, enough of stamping & business and on to the shameless parent plug:

Here is a photo of my oldest, the Flag Captain for the 2008 Paonia Eagle Marching season. (Isn't she cute?) I'm very proud to announce that the Paonia Eagle Flag-its received the Colorado State 1A division Outstanding Auxiliary Award. FINALLY!!!! Although we have had an absolutely totally AWESOME flag team for 4 years, it's nice to be recognized as THE BEST IN THE STATE. The show was "The Music of Michael Jackson" and the best was part was "Thriller" at the end. (Becca would probably have preferred I used the picture of her with the "death shroud" mask.) Yes, they did do the dance, along with the band at one point, and the crowd went wild! What a great way to end your High School marching career and final season! Go, Becca!!

Would you believe...

2008-10-21T10:14:00.003-06:00

that I'm really not dead....
or buried under piles of pretty paper...
Although I have been dealing with a creative and motivational block....
the real problem lately....for approximately the last 3 weeks...or more...
has been NO computer at home.

Yes, that's right, the computer crashed. With over 3000 pictures.
Now, that having been said...you really must commend me. Why? you may ask....

Hubby says to wife:
"Watch for anything weird on the computer. I think the video card may be going out. "
Wife says:
"Okay. Don't you think we need to get a flash drive or an external hard drive for the photos? You know...just in case it's not just the video card."
Hubby says:
"Probably..."

Dutiful wife purchases 8 GB flash drive specifially for photos.
Nicely asks hubby to copy all photo files.

Several weeks later..... after purchase of said needed video card...
Hubby says to wife:
"Hon, you won't be able to use the computer for a while..."
Wife:
"Oh, why?"
Hubby:
"It crashed. I can't retrieve anything yet."
Wife:
"Like what?"
Hubby:
".....ummmm.....well.... I think I lost all our photos."

Now at this point, I really could have said those 4 little words that wreak havoc, spread discontent, and cause numerous divorces....

"I told you so."

But, I refrained, through great effort, I assure you. So, I am happy to report, I am still married.
(Rest assured, the thought DID go through my head, it just didn't pass my lips!)

So, needless to say, once I have a computer again, I will start posting again.

Pretty paper...

2008-10-10T10:37:00.002-06:00

I am a sucker for pretty paper. I had to share this card because of the cardstock. I bought this at an office supply store in Price, UT and then, of course, hoarded it for years. It was just TOO pretty to use. (Trust me, the photo does not do it any justice.) I have not seen this paper anywhere since I bought it, which might be why it took me so long to use it.

The JOY stamp is a retired TAC stamped on red & embossed with gold. I used a black marker & colored in the Holy Family and used my glue pen and AIG silver to fill in the star.

My biggest problem was how to show off the paper. This card is still NOT one of my favorites, I admit. It's definitely a quick card...but just not really one I find attractive.

So, I'm looking for tips...tell me what you would do with paper like this? How would you feature it in a card or page to show it at it's best without covering it up too much? Any sketches that are your favorite for this sort of thing?

(I'm definitely looking for inspiration here... My "mojo" has been a NO SHOW for about 2 months and I need some rejuvination QUICK!!)

Joy

2008-10-03T10:22:00.003-06:00

Do you ever see a set pictured in a catalog and think to yourself, "Not much there. What would I ever do with that? Don't like it..."

Then, you see a sample of a project or two.... and suddenly the set makes your "gotta-have-it" list.

This was one of those sets for me.

This card is a case from another demonstrator (sorry I don't remeber who you are, but you posted on TAC Art Scans) Anyway, that's when I fell in love with this set. I simplified the sample as it was a card we did in the first Christmas Stamp-a-stack. Of course, this is another one of those discontinued sets. (But I'm only trying to give you some teasers to encourage you to come to THIS years Stamp-a-Stack.) The silver stickles around "JOY" don't show up very well in the photo, but take my word for it, they really make the card POP in person!

A very simple Christmas expression: JOY.

Where do you find your joy? How do you create joy for others? Is JOY the secret of keeping Christmas spirit alive?

....sorry....having one of my philosophical moments...I'm back now!

For all you locals in Delta County, CO...The Scrappy Moose is opening today!! HOORAY!!!! Go in and say "Hello" to Carol & crew and perhaps I'll even see you there!

Signs of the Season

2008-09-30T09:50:00.003-06:00

Sometimes the simple cards are the most elegant. These 2 cards are obviously the same card, I just changed up the stamps. Both sets were used in past Christmas Stamp-a-Stacks...and both sets are now retired. The Mini-Wreath set is still one of my favorites.

I really love the look of the embossed feature over the stamped image which worked very well on both of these!

I admit the photos are not the best and I know I need to increase my photographic abilities. (A light tent is on my Christmas wish list this year.)

I'm beginning to think a lot of ...

2008-09-29T11:18:00.002-06:00

...CHRISTMAS!
Yes, it's early yet...but still it will be here before you know it. And for a crafter, you need to have enough time to create your projects too!
The card with the tree line & holly was a card from last years annual Christmas Stamp-a-Stack.
Remember to save the date: Sat. Nov. 22 (this is the Saturday BEFORE Thanksgiving.
Regular classes for Technique Tuesday (7 pm first Tues of each month: Oct 7, Nov 4, and Dec 2) and Stamp Camps (7 pm 2nd Wed of each month: Oct 15, Nov 12, Dec 10) will continue as scheduled.

Close to my heart...

2008-09-24T08:43:00.003-06:00

No, not the stamp company. The subject of Alzheimer's. As most of you know, my mother battled Alzheimer's for several years before her death last April. Our family was truly blessed in the way in which we had to deal with this terrible disease. I know, it's difficult to imagine being blessed by such a catastophe. By blessed I mean that my mother never became violent, she never wandered, she just became very introverted. When the disease finally pushed her to the point of being bed-ridden, she died within the week. She was able to be at home during the duration of this horrific illness and my dad was able to be her primary caregiver.

Since my mom was diagnosed, almost everyone I have talked with since knows someone who is affected by this disease. It touches far too many lives.

Right now I know someone who is caring for her Mom with Alzheimer's. It is a never ending and often thankless task. It's difficult and heart wrenching. This card will be going to her.

I hope it reminds her, that God is always with her. She is fortunate enough, like me, to be living in the mountains where we see the hand of God every day.

The inspiration for this highly personal post is here: Cammie's Blog. Although she is giving away the most awesome blog candy I have ever seen, I was personally inspired by her commitment to DO something in the fight against Alzheimer's.

Plans...

2008-09-23T10:47:00.003-06:00

...hmmm...I think I will stop making plans. My plan for this past weekend was to spend Saturday in the cave. Well, amazingly enough, that just DIDN'T happen. Most of my day was eaten up by cleaning up the library. It just seems that stuff happens after I've "made my plan" and the rest of my household then takes over and my plan gets pushed so low on the list it may as well not even exist. Is this a MOM thing? or is it just a ME thing?

Okay...enough of my whining!

It't time I start planning and preparing for Christmas! ALREADY you say? Well, yes, considering what happens to my plans.... I'd better start now if I have any hope of getting anything accomplished!

For those of you who look forward to the Christmas Stamp-a-Stack every year, I thought I would show some of the cards we did last year...then I'll start on some sneak peaks for this year!

So, for those of you who like to mark you calendars.... Saturday, November 22.

A day for fishing...

2008-09-19T10:43:00.003-06:00

I like it when my DH goes fishing. Makes him happy...it also makes me happy 'cause then he's out of the house and I can play in my cave!

I've been FAR too busy lately running from one thing to another and haven't even visited the cave for some much needed work! I'm beginning to feel better but it seems that recovery has been a long and tiresome road. I also need to run to Denver this weekend, a quick trip to pay my respects to my uncle and to check on Pop.

I'm hoping to get something done today and tomorrow as this is the last card/project I have prepared to share. As you can see it's a quick & easy pretty breezy kind of card. I don't think you need much in way of explanation or instruction on this one.

Besides... you know it's time to start thinking Christmas and start prepping projects. (Trust me, it will be here before you know it!)

Scraps & tags...

2008-09-16T11:43:00.002-06:00

...so, I've discovered that putting together a quick card just takes some scraps & tags and just putting it all together. For example the card at the left. Quick, simple...nothing spectacular. I know the fly stamp in the background is a discontinued from the Northwoods collection. I think the boat is from Lazy Days?
Not sure if I like this one or not...but it'll do...

For my locals: Thanksgiving themed Stamp Camp Wed. Sept. 17 at 7:00. See you there!!

So maybe I've been golfing...

2008-09-12T10:59:00.003-06:00

....uh, no...wish I had been! I feel like this is the first day I've been vertical in a week!! I'm not usually one that gets sick & whines. Usually, I have to continue to "function" whether or not I'm ill. But then, there are times when it's just not possible. Last time I felt this bad I was still living in Utah, and that's been a while!

On a brighter note, perhaps being this ill this early in the season will help build my immunity & I'll be fine for the rest of the winter!! Anyway... enough of that stuff!

Here's a quick "manly" type card. What do you think? Seems like I specialize in the 10 minutes or less kind of card, huh? I'm still pursuing more manly cards. However, the holiday season will be in full swing shortly & right now I've got to get going on creating some Halloween treats for the kids.

Just a quick reminder for my regulars:

Stamp Camp moved to this coming Wednesday, Sept. 17. We'll be doing a Thanksgiving theme for the evening. Beginning in October we'll start on Christmas projects. Also, don't forget to mark your calendars and notify your friends for the 3rd Annual Stamp-a-Stack on November 22!!

Penelope...my new favorite!

2008-08-25T11:16:00.003-06:00

The new set of Penelope papers is my new favorite. (Trust me, the picture does NOT do it any kind of justice.) These papers are full of very rich jewel tones perfect for the fall and heading into Christmas too!

This is a quick (aren't all my cards?) 4x4 card just done to show off the paper. I added a tag from the paper collection and finished it off with an eyelet, ribbon and scrapper's floss. Very simple, but the paper makes it look nice.

Old Blue Truck

2008-08-21T10:43:00.003-06:00

...and yes, yet again, another discontinued stamp! I'm still running with my pursuit for making "male" cards!

I really like how this turned out! I probably should have used a marker to color the pine trees a dark green, but overall, it's a pleasing card. And an easy one to put together! How do you like the buckle? It inspired me to punch the holes for a decorative effect on the left edge.

We had a stamp camp last night...I'll get some photos taken and post some pics this week!

Next event won't be until Sept. 2 for Technique Tuesday.

Pink, pink....and more pink!

2008-08-18T08:18:00.003-06:00

Seems that I have been in "discontinued stamp" mode...well, that's the nice thing about having stamps! I can still use my discontinued stamps, you can't say that for stickers or rub-ons!

Anyway, here's a nice girly birthday card to give you a break from the manly cards I've been doing lately. You'd think I made this card for my everthing's-gotta-be-pink girl, Megan, but it was actually a card I make for Rachel last year.

Gotta love the stickles and the gel pens here. I think that's what makes the card! Very simple, very basic...but I think it still works!

Heather's Sketch 35

2008-08-13T09:52:00.004-06:00

Heather always puts up a sketch on Mondays, which I nearly always attempt to do, sometimes successfully. Since I've been in a manly card mode with Hemingway paper, I used what was sitting on my desk.

Here's another retired set, Lazy Days. (I would not have been the "good-wife-of-a-fisherman" if I didn't have this set in my collection.) Now, you would think making manly cards would be easy with the right sets of stamps. Maybe my brain just makes it more difficult? What can I say, amazingly enough, I just don't think like a guy but hopefully this will be a card a guy would like.

Here's the sketch and my card:

Still the one...

2008-08-12T10:47:00.005-06:00

Have you ever made a card and just LOVED it? This is still one of my favorites. Yes, I know the set is retired but just goes to show that just because a set is "retired" doesn't make it any less useful. In fact, this is still a fabulous set! (Don't you wish you got one before they were no longer available?)

That is the nice thing about having a stamp...it's usefullness and creative uses are endless. Okay, I admit, some may begin to look "dated" but then again some are timeless (like this one.)

This particular card was not one of my hubby's favorites. He thought the seagulls should have been with the lighthouse. (Shows what he knows, huh?) If you look closely, you can see the *ding* at the top of the lighthouse, which is why he got this card in the first place! Lucky guy!!

Thanks Jackie!

2008-08-11T10:45:00.004-06:00

Jackie was kind enough to share some fabulous double-sided pink & green cardstock and sheets of tags/etc. when we did a sorority card-making weekend. I did lots of cards that I didn't happen to snap photos of....I know, can you believe it?

Love the double sided cardstock! It's especially nice for puching holes in the front to see into the card itself like the saying here on this card. The squares are blitzed up with some Stickles. Cute & very easy!

I'm almost at 2500 hits on my blog! WOW! Then it will be time for some blog candy, huh?

...and more horses!

2008-08-08T11:27:00.004-06:00

In my attempt to use up my Hemingway scraps, and make some "manly" cards I've noticed a couple things. #1: I still have tags that need to be used up. (Hmm....I feel a meander mini book coming on!) and #2: I really don't like that starburst looking paper that comes in the Hemingway collection. I still have 2 full sheets of that paper amidst various other scraps that are now getting smaller and smaller. Come to think of it, I haven't seen many samples out "in-the-world-at-large" with that paper either... all the others in the collection, but not that one. Hmmm...

One note here, the hardware is comparable to the hardware featured in the TAC catalog, just not pewter colored. Well, when I ordered mine, it came it copper color and I never thought anything about it! So, since it goes so nicely with the Hemingway collection, it has given me an opportunity to use it!

My fav is the one below with the buckle and the dark green. What do you think?

One more quick note, or maybe two:

For the locals in the North Fork and Delta County area: Stamp Camp on Wednesday, Augut 13. Please let me know you'll be there. $15 for 4 fun projects!

And to the world at large out there! I'll be announcing some blog candy next week ...so stay tuned!!

Horses...maybe man cards?

2008-08-07T10:50:00.005-06:00

I suppose the locals all know I've started selling cards at the Kut& Klip in town.
I left a basket of cards before I left for Yellowstone and had to refill it when I got home!! That's good news! Well, all except for the "more masculine cards" request. Hmmm....that's always been a challenge of mine I suppose. I don't really have that many "male" kinds of stamps...

So, last night I sat down with my horses and Hemingway (the paper, not the author) and attemped to use up some scraps. I blame Carol Norby, she had some fabulous cards not too long ago on her blog. As you know, my philosophy is: if you can't come up with it on your own CASE someone else!! I worked these out in about in hour while waiting for the oldest to come home from her date.

Back on track...

2008-08-06T09:48:00.005-06:00

Isn't is funny how life happens while we are busy making plans? Don't know where that quote came from, but it seems to be so true with my life. Good thing I had planned a quasi-vacation for July!

We are back at it now that August has started and last night was our TAC-nique Tuesday class!

The first is an oldie but favorite. I just had to do something with chalk. It's Nancy's favorite coloring medium. So, the first technique was easy to pick....Chalked Embossing:

#1 is a sample I did a couple moons ago...or more! The second is the new version.

Okay, I know, I know!! It's the same card!!! My point is...you can use your design with different stamps and still have a lovely unique card. I actually like the tree better! I think it "pops" more on the black background.

Card Details--

Stamps: Love & Laughter (TAC)

Cardstock: Basic black & white

Inks: Noir Palette, Versamark

Other: White EP, Basic Brights Chalk Kit

The second technique I selected was NOT working well for me when I went to create samples. Grrrrrr!!! I HAD to come up with something, dang it! Luckily for me, I am an avid blurfer! (That's "blog surfer") and Jan Tink at Stamps, Paper, Scissors was my saving grace for the day!

She did an EXCELLENT tutorial on "Moonlighting" that I thought would be fun. So....not only did I do that technique....I also TOTALLY cased her card!!

#1 is Jan's version. (Yes, yes, I know it ROCKS!!) And then there's my feeble attempt:

What can you do when you don't have the same stamps but you want to recreate a card? Improvise, of course! Afterall, there are NO mistakes in stamping...only creative opportunities!! Not too bad, mine's a bit plain. Perhaps because the kids ate all my chocolate! (Christy noticed there were no M&M's & pretzels on the table.) Well, we won't be making that mistake again!! Time to find a new hiding place for the yummy stuff which is apparently absolutely essential in paper crafting.

Card Details--

Stamps: Happy Haunting, Running Stitches, Northwoods Stars - retired (all TAC)

Cardstock: White, Orange, black, purple, deorative paper -retired

Ink: Noir Palette, Burnt Umber Palette, French Lilac Palette, Galaxy Gold Brilliance

Coloring: Prismacolor Golden Yellow & OPT

Other: DewDrops, edge distresser, ribbon, green gel pen

No pic today....

2008-08-05T10:30:00.002-06:00

Oh my golly! I can hardly believe I haven't posted since July 25!! Good heavens! What the heck have I been doing? I'm finally coming out of "vacation recovery mode" and getting on with life. That's a good thing!
I have spent a weekend creating cards with sorority sisters, but of course, as luck would have it, the camera was at home. Aaarrgghhh! But I DO have photos & stuff to post, I just seem to conveniently find excuses not to have done it yet. PMS, hot weather, apathy... all leading to a general lack of motivation. Okay, so they are ALL lousey excuses, but right now, it's all I've got!

TAC-nique Tuesday will return tonight after a month hiatus. So, posting tomorrow...with photos...can be counted on!

Thanks for bearing with me!

A little quickie...Open House Make&Take

2008-07-25T08:45:00.003-06:00

Actually, no one got to enjoy this little card. The one person who did come to the Open House to get a catalog didn't have time to stay & craft a bit. Oh well!

This is just a very simple 4x4 card done with the new Linear Sentiments set from TAC. The ribbon was a Wally world discount deal. (You know how I love those!!) I also had one done up in Pink & Black, but I don't seem to have a photo of that one.

Sorry I haven't posted for a bit. I've been busy cuttin' rubba'!! I should have more next week.

Other news: One of my pals has decided to open a Scrap & Home decor store in Delta!!!

The Scrappy Moose will be opening on Main St. in early September!! YEA for everyone in Delta county! I'm sure the store will be great 'cause Carol is great and she has tons of great ideas!!

Flower Coaster

2008-07-16T09:26:00.004-06:00

A while back I showed some pics of some Hobby Lobby buys. I went on the hunt for the felt flip-flops Mischelle had turned into a mini scrapbook. I found those, and also some really cute pink flower coasters. They came in a pack of four, and so I sent a couple to my friend Julie, crafter extraordinaire, and challenged her, and myself, to see what we could do with these.

Now, obviously, they could be made into the front & back cover of a mini book, but, what else could we do? Well, great minds, or maybe just us eccentric paper-crafters, sort of think along the same lines..... You can see the FABULOUS little wall hangings Julie made with these here.

I thought it would make a cute frame for my own little flowers:

I used some paper from the Lilianna collection for the tags and also created a stand for the back. (Sorry forgot to get a pic of that. It's just a 3 x 8 strip, scored at 3, 3.5, 4, and 7, glued the 1" flap over & then the stand to the back of the coaster.)

How do you like that accent circle? That came from the packaging for that cute little green flower, a Target $1 spot special. Cool when you can use something like that, huh?

So, I ended up with a standing photo frame and Julie's was a wall-hanging.

But I still had another coaster left.....

so, I also created a little door hanger note holder for Rebecca:

There you have it! Pretty simple, huh?

Heather's Oz-some Sketch 32

2008-07-15T08:45:00.005-06:00

Have you ever visited Heather's site? (If you haven't, shame on you!! I refer to her a lot!!) Every Monday she puts a new sketch up and challenges us to create something with the sketch and post it. Well, I finally did a sketch of hers on the Monday she posted!!

Heather's sketch and my card:

I've been trying to use up some scraps of ChaCha paper. I've used most of the package and just have a few snip-its left in the package. So, you see I had to use the oval tag instead of a circle, and a piece of the color dye strip on the right edge since my decorative paper wasn't quite 5 1/2 inches. I suppose I could have trimmed the cardstock 1/4 inch, but I think it gives it an interesting look. Do you like the knotted ribbon? It's nice how those knots fit just perfectly, huh? Okay, the big secret is it's actually 2 pieces of ribbon. I tied a knot in each ribbon scrap and then adhered to the back of the tag before putting the tag on the card.

__________________________________________________________

Stamps: Ordinary Greetings, Salsa Flowers

Papers: ChaCha, ChaCha cardstock

Premio!!

2008-07-15T08:19:00.002-06:00

Check this out! I was nominated for this Brilliant Weblog award by Percy, Carol, and Diana! It's so nice to get validation, isn't it?

Have you ever noticed how people shy away from compliments? Strange, isn't it? Perhaps we need to encourage and compliment others more often so we all get used to accepting the compliments and good qualities about ourselves!!

Anyway, I'm supposed to play along with the rules of this award too:

1. The winner can put the logo/award on her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls you’ve nominated.
Now, I nominate: (This is tough, a lot of my favorites have been nominated already!)

Heather, Julie, Vicki, Sarah, Laurie, Joani, and Seleise

All of these ladies have FANTABULOUS blogs! Be sure to check out each and every one of them by clicking on their names!

Merci...

2008-07-10T14:05:00.001-06:00

... just another way to say "Thanks."

I hope you enjoyed all the catalog submissions.

Hope I see you at the Open House!!

Stamping of decorative paper

2008-07-09T14:11:00.000-06:00

Now I know you've all heard of that before...

For this card I tried stamping in all the little segments on the lower half of the card. Stamping without taking over the pattern of the paper. Can you see it? Perhaps I should have reinked my pad before stamping this. The Burnt Umber seems a bit light.

The ribbon is from the Mimi collection and the brown is a basic cardstock paired up with Pink 1 and Catelynne paper. It's a mix & match free-for-all!

Hello Friend...again

2008-07-08T13:53:00.001-06:00

More Tag Tidbits, more Genevieve paper, and of course, a sketch from the TAC catalog creation call. Have you found any of these cards in the new catalog yet?

Can you see how nice the papers in the collections blend together? And some of the tags are just too fun.

REMINDER: Open House this Saturday, July 12, from 2 - 6 in the cave!! Mark your calender and make plans to stop by & see me, check out the new catalog, make stuff with some *new* stamps!! Bring all your friends!!

Back from Yellowstone!!

2008-07-08T08:33:00.002-06:00

I'm back!! I hope you all enjoyed the catalog submissions while I was gone. Something actually DID get into the catalog. Check it out! My name is in the back of the catalog! FINALLY I can say I am a published stamper.
Thanks to all of you who have left such fabulous messages on the posts while I've been gone. I will respond to you all in a bit.
I will be very busy sorting & printing photos of our vacation. Carl & I did over 700 photos plus 6 hours of video and the kids....well they all have over 200 photos each also!
I'm hoping tomorrow I'll have something new to post....this afternoon I'll be cutting the new stuff that arrived in my absence!
OH! A HUGE thanks to Julie who met me in Yellowstone with a signed catalog just for me!!!
I'm not sure I would have survived vacation without it!!

Local Ladies: Don't forget!! Open house THIS Saturday, July 12, 2-6!!

Hello Friend!

2008-07-07T10:54:00.000-06:00

VERY minimal stamping here! Sometimes you just wanna show the pretty paper. I love the colors in the Genevieve collection and how well they compliment one another! And, of course, everything goes well with black.

The phrase is originally vertical. Now, you can either do selective inking or masking and stamp one word at a time, or maybe you are fortunate enough to have UNmounted stamps and can cut the words apart, line them up on your mount and stamp the perfect phrase just the way you want!

Circle Flourish

2008-07-06T10:40:00.000-06:00

This card is definitely not my usual style. I still have not decided if I even like it.

I was inspired by the sketch and by the Genevieve paper to make a card with a fussy cut and see what I could do with it and still follow the sketch. So, what do you think? Personally, I think it came out a bit "busy" looking... Maybe I needed to put a raspberry background behind the "For You" circle tag to make it "pop" a bit more.

Pieced Nativity

2008-07-04T11:33:00.000-06:00

Are you bored with this card sketch yet?

I flipped it & then turned it sideways here. So, do you get the concept of this card? 3 kings in the distance following the star to the manger. I know, how could you miss it.

Pretty simple card, eh? The gold embossing was supposed the help bring the eyes to the manger first, but I think the black stamped kings take the focal point. What do you think?

Amelia Joy

2008-07-03T11:26:00.000-06:00

I was going through my scraps of Amelia paper and this card just fell out of the package. I used one of the tags from the Amelia paper pack as the focal point. Gold embossing always dresses up a card and makes it more elegant, don't you think? The Whimsical greeting set give you all kinds of elegant option for Christmas cards. This would definitely fall into the 10-minutes-or-less category. Probably an important feature when you think about sending out Christmas cards if you have a long list of recipients....or....you could come to the 3rd Annual Christmas Stamp-a-Stack on Nov. 22nd! Mark your calendars, it will be here before you know it, I'm tellin' ya!

Cold Hands, Warm Heart

2008-07-02T11:15:00.000-06:00

Don't you love these little snowman squares from Winter Sparkles? They make me think of the saying, "Hear no evil, See no evil, Speak no evil." This would be the latter!

The snowman square was stamped repeatedly and then cut into layers so he looks more like he's leaning in a window. Okay...well the picture doesn't do it justice. You'll just have to trust me when I say it turned out very nice.

The Amelia paper has always made me think of traditional Christmas. For this card, I had a piece of 8x4 background paper that was used to make the 4x4 card and a small piece fromt the decorative striped paper. I think it adds to the piece.

TAC-nique Tuesday

2008-07-01T10:32:00.000-06:00

Since we are not doing it today... I thought I would post the techniques and cards we did a couple months ago when my camera was on the fritz.

For these cards we used the Flourish set, an obvious favorite of mine. 'Course you can't really tell from the photo, but we actually did a variety of similar techniques: Kissing, Kiss with a twist, and thumping. (You can click on the photo for a larger view and see if you can tell which technique was used on which card!) I really like the multi-color look this gives to bold stamps. Some of them almost looked tie-dyed!

Flourish Thanks

2008-06-30T11:01:00.000-06:00

And another sketch makes an appearance! What do you think of this one? It's interesting... My favorite pick from my catalog submissions is done with this sketch. No....it's not this one. But if you guess...it's worth a goodie at the open house!

I used the White cotton Staz-on on clear acetate here. I suppose I could have stamped directly on the cardstock, but I was trying to go for a different look. The flower is "fussy cut" from Genevieve paper.

What the heck is fussy cut? C'mon quilters, help me out here... Fussy cut is making a special cut to get a particular portion of your fabric for a quilt square...

Or in this case, a particular flower going a particular direction in a specific rectangle.

The tag is also from Genevieve and the cardstock base is Raspberry.

I really like the tag tidbits set! Very versatile little sayings that fit almost anywhere...like on this tag. Hmm...do you think maybe it was made for that?

Blowing in the Wind...

2008-06-29T10:52:00.000-06:00

...was one of my favorite songs as a kid. (Yes, I know I'm OLD, my husband won't let me forget it!)

This card makes me think of "blowing in the wind." That poor little mouse looks like he's hanging on for dear life! I tried to make it look somewhat like he was being tossed around with the leaves, but I don't think I accomplished that.

Sketch look familiar? Yep, same as yesterday! I scored a couple lines around the saying there also, don't know if you can see it too well in the photo. I like to striped paper from Sands of Time though, they do look somewhat like fall.

Open house is coming up really soon! Have your marked your calender? Have you told all your friends? There will be some new goodies in the prize basket....

Faux Suede & horses...

2008-06-28T10:47:00.000-06:00

...just seem to go together, don't they? Yes, here's another one!

This one also used paper from the Rustic Chic collection, but a different card sketch. Which one do you like better? I can't decide!

Happy Trails & Faux Suede

2008-06-27T09:00:00.000-06:00

Hey... this looks like yesterday's card. That's right, same sketch!

Yes, the faux suede technique has been around about as long as I've been stamping but I still like it! Especially with the Happy Trails set. I see horses and I can almost smell the leather. I really like doing the liquid applique on a dark cardstock though. It gives that ripped edge lots of appeal.

(Lately I've been thinking the yellow liquid applique would look interesting as a coloring element on a little chick. Hmmm.....)

Simple package

2008-06-26T08:46:00.000-06:00

Talk about simple, huh? You all know I like 10-minutes-or-less cards, right? This one is probably a minute or less!! Very simply stamped, smoosh on a dab of chalk, a dash of ribbon, a scrap or two, a rip, a bit of ink, and powza wowza - we're done!

Yes, this was a catalog submission. Probably TOO simple to have made the page though! If I wasn't trying to stick with the guidelines so much, I would have added a sentiment in the upper right corner.

Anchor my ship...or not!

2008-06-25T09:55:00.000-06:00

You know, this would actually make a good graduation card. The saying is definitely appropritae....well, maybe not graduation. It would make a good "send off" card to a kid leaving home for college though, huh?

Focus on the Nativity

2008-06-24T10:48:00.000-06:00

I wanted to focus on the Nativity scene here. Do you think the other elements add or detract? Perhaps I should have used bolder colors in the scene itself. I like this Snowman Nativity because it has a selection of stamps that tell the story, they can be used in combination to create more than just cards!

Mostly Amelia cardstock used here with just a scrap of Amelia paper as the circle outline.

Lifesaver Lighthouse

2008-06-23T09:40:00.000-06:00

I have to admit, this sketch was not one of my favorites when I first saw it...but I needed a challenge and I like the way this card turned out. Now, DH says I should have just used yellow as the light for the entire card, but I kind of like the blue. Afterall, doesn't light fade out to darkness eventually anyway?

The phrase, "you're a lifesaver" I was able to curve a bit on the block to get it to fit nicely around the circle. (Ah, yes! One of the great benefits to using UNmounted rubber stamps!)

I used a piece of leftover pop dots to go behind the lifesaver so I was able to cut out the center. (I always use up every piece of that foam! No need to pitch it just cause the dots are used!!) The paper floss may have been a bit too much...