RUBBERQUEENS: LAST OF SHOEBOX SWAPS

Obviously I am running around like a chicken trying to get everything ready for Christmas, which includes a few more stamping projects that I can't show right now.  However, I still have a few more of the fabulous cards, designed by the awesome RubberQueens, that I can post for you today.  One more week and things will slow down and I can get back to some serious stamping projects that I have running around in my head (I so hope they don't bump into each other and scramble my thoughts).

So here are the last of cards we did at our swap (sorry I don't have the names of the ladies that designed these cards):

No, this is not one of the swaps!  My granddaughter came over the other day and made this shadowbox to give to her boyfriend for his Christmas gift.  Yes, he is an avid outdoorsman and they like to target practice together.  I think she did an awesome job for her first try at a shadowbox -- and the design was totally hers (right-click on the picture and select "Open in new window," to really see the details)!!

Thank you for stopping by my blog and I pray that you all have a very blessed Christmas and New Year!!

Until next time,
Sandi
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, 'God with us.'"  --  Matthew 1:23

MORE SHOEBOX SWAPS & CHRISTMAS MOUSE

Today I have my cute Christmas Mouse to share with you and a few more RubberQueen card designs from our shoebox swap.  I can't pick any favorites because, honestly, I love all of them!! 

My plans were to start Christmas shopping today, but as you can see I am doing something that I like to do much more than shopping!!!  Oh well, maybe the crowds will die down by next week.  I am seriously thinking about visiting my brother in Texas after Christmas to find some warmth (a mile from the warm Mexican border).  I totally can't handle the thought of going out in this cold weather.  Now to just persuade my husband to take a month off from work (2 months would be awesome!!).  If anybody has an idea on how I can do this, I would love to know the secret (don't bother suggesting the "S" word, I have used that one way too often). 

I only made 2 of these and the snow in both of them are a little different.  You can use whatever embossing powder you like to make these, but I went with this:  Heat & Stick and Dazzling Diamonds Embossing Powders; Silver Glass Stampin' Glitter; and the retired Stampin' Up Mica Flakes.  Mix them all together in a small container and dump on your card.  Use a brush to remove snow from your images and make your piles of snow.  Using tweezers, pick up your cardstock and heat on the back, using Stampin' Up Heat Tool, and making sure you don't move (that was the hard part for me).  After the embossing powder/heat & stick have melted, check to see if you need a few sprinkles of Heat & Stick to adhere all the Mica Flakes (I didn't do this, but I should have).

On this one I added a little bit of White Embossing Powder.  As you can see, I added too much at the top.  I wasn't going to show this picture, but wanted you to see what not to do (I did like it, however, in the bottom snow).  You can't see it in these pictures but the snow just sparkles in real life.  I also used Silver Embossing Powder on the top of the ornament.

This shoebox card design was done by Ronda Wade (that I altered a tiny bit).

I didn't get the name of who designed this card, but I love how she used a masculine stamp (Wetlands) to make a Valentine's design.

Another awesome design done by Joanne Jeter.  Perfect sentiment for the I Am Me Designer Series Paper.

Sorry, I didn't get the name of the person who designed this card, but loved all the small details added (notice the bottom-right corner half-square under the Summer Starfruit Card Stock to tie in the Night of Navy).

Okay, see if you can pick a favorite and let me know (along with suggestions on how to get to Texas).

Until next time,
Sandi

"Through love serve one another."  --  Galatians 5:13

SHOEBOX SWAP WITH RUBBERQUEENS

Wow, do I have a treat for you today!!  Ronda Wade, our leader of the RubberQueen's Stampin' Up Demonstrators, had a Christmas party for our December meeting.  We all had so much fun.  We each brought a dish to pass (enough food for an army!!) and a shoebox swap card.  Ronda had over $300 in new product from the 2014 Occasions Mini Catalog all wrapped in Christmas paper and under the tree.  I wasn't lucky enough to win one of the gifts, but my joy and happiness came from the beautiful swap card designs I got to make, looking at all the new product (can't tell you what it is, but you will love everything!!), and visiting with all the other RubberQueens.  I could have stayed until the wee hours to keep the party going; but alas, some of the ladies had long drives and the weather was not the best.

Here are a few of the cards I made that were designed by the awesome RubberQueens:

I loved the design of this card, which uses my favorite Modern Medley Designer Series Paper.

I have this stamp set (Summer Silhouettes), but have never used it -- shame on me, because I love it now and will be doing this card at one of upcoming classes.

This card was designed by Sandy Haynes.  I loved the background using the Stripes Embossing Folder on the Early Espresso Core'dinations Card Stock and lightly sanding with Stampin' Up's Sanding Block.  It is so beautiful in person.

This was my simple design featuring the Epic Day This and That Designer Washi Tape with the Blooming With Kindness Stamp Set.

Very cute card designed by Julie Casper, featuring the Cupcake Builder Punch and Labels Collection Framelits.

I hope you loved these cards as much as I did, they are all perfect WOW cards to CASE for your personal use or classes.

Until Next Time,
Sandi

"Giving thanks always for all things."  --  Ephesians 5:20

I'M BACK WITH MORE STAMPIN' UP FUN!!

Have you got your gift tags done yet for Christmas?  I love, love, love making gift tags!!  And Christmas tags are the best because Stampin' Up always designs the cutest stamps for tags -- the hard part is trying to make up my mind which stamps I want to use.  Actually, the tags I'm showing you today are 2 easy-peasy designs created for an event that I knew people where not really into stamping.  I kinda forced them, but then they just couldn't get over how easy it was, yet really cute for their packages.  I also have 5 tags I did at this month's RubberQueen meeting that Ronda Wade and Tamie Ackerson designed (now these are really cute!!!).

And finally, a tri-fold thank you pocket card I did today.  I haven't done a legal size card in ages, but another easy-peasy creation when you are mailing out revised Envelope Punch Board labels to your customers.  It was a perfect fit for what I wanted to send.  I am a little disappointed however because I wanted to do another new project today to post (something crazy and really different), but never got to it by the time I finished sending out thank-you and Project H.O.P.E. card's.  But I love doing that and life was good today!!!

So here they are:

My simple/no frills gift tags to use up all those designer paper scraps.  (I love the stamp on the right, wish I had it when my girls were small.)

RubberQueens' November monthly meeting make'n takes -- so cute!!

Some inking with the brayer, then a little sponging -- another fast card.  This layer was actually a reject because I smudged some ink on the sky that was on my pinky finger.  So that is why there are birds flying around (LOL).  Tri-fold card using 8 1/2" x 11" Soft Suede cardstock.

Inside of card showing pocket to hold revised measurement label for the Envelope Punch Board.  Great way to say thank-you to my awesome customers and get their revised label to them.

I am so excited because "tomorrow" is going to be "my" day to create something different!!  I hope it turns out decent so I can post it.

Until next time,

Sandi
"Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works."  --  Hebrews 10:14

GOING CRAZY!!

Yep, been heading down crazy street the last couple of weeks!!  I have been stamping like crazy -- but don't have "one" thing to show you.  And you ask, WHY?  Well, actually I have prepared about 300 cards and small projects for an upcoming craft event I am attending but they are mostly retired stamps and product.  I'm trying to downsize, so decided to pull out all my Christmas cards, swaps, and projects to finish them and hopefully sell some at an event I'm attending.  I couldn't believe how many card "kits" I had collected from different events/classes.  Fortunately, I have never given away any of my Christmas stamps, because I only buy what I love.  The problem was how long it took to find them -- hello!!!  I will never, ever again put a card in my cabinet unless it is totally finished.  And I haven't even started on my all-occasion cards! 

So today I am going to show you why I am going crazy.  I hate, hate, hate starting a new project without cleaning and putting away my tools, cardstock, stamps, etc.  I tried cleaning up after doing a few card kits, but learned very fast that it was taking way too long.  So after 13 days, this is what my craft room looks like (makes me gag!!):

This is the " halfway-clean" spot.

Overall view of messy, messy, crazy room!!

Had to move to larger work station for this job!!

Close-up of my temporary work station!!

Cutting, scoring, punch, and Big Shot space.

Christmas Cards boxed up to go!!

Desk on left is my "normal" work station.

Now you see why I am going CRAZY!!  Fortunately,tThis will all be cleaned up tonight so I can start tomorrow on my Everyday Occasions Card Kit for display at event -- Yippee!!

And of course I can't leave you without at least one current card from Creative Retreat class:

Such a cute card designed by Tamie Ackerson for one of the cards we had at the card class.

Until next time,
Sandi
"I will rescue you . . . and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm."  Exodus 6:6

Stampin' Up: Christmas Stamp-A-Stack Party

I have a love/hate relationship with this time of year!!  Yes, I love the holiday season but hate the weather and never-ending "to-do list."  A lot of you asked for directions for the card box (to hold 20 cards and envelopes) in my previous post.  I did finally get them written today, but do not know how to insert a PDF in this post.  So if you would like these directions, I would be happy to send them to you if you leave me your e-mail address and blog address in a comment below, I will get them out.

Today I want to show you the rest of the cards my stamping friends did for the Stamp-A-Stack party.

This card is a complete CASE of a card Tamie Ackerson created -- love it!!

This card was done using two different pieces of "Winter Frost Designer Series Paper" (couldn't make up my mind which I liked better -- see other design below).  Note the beautiful garland using Dazzling Diamonds!

Inside of the above card.

Done with the Pool Party design.  You can't tell by this picture, but the tree is stamped in Night of Navy Ink.

Until next time,
Sandi

"If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter."

--  1 Peter 4:16

CREATIVE RETREAT PROJECTS

Yes, I have been very busy and didn't get a chance to post until now -- so very sorry!!  Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I attended Ronda Wade's Creative Retreat.  She has had 2 of these events every year, for the last 8 years, and I have never missed one of them!!!  She and her assistant Tamie Ackerson spoil us rotten and we truly have a blast.  It will take me 3 posts to show you all the neat stuff we did and received, so watch for updates on my blog to see more of the fun.

Today I am showing some projects I took with me to finish or create; along with 3 of the make'n takes Ronda had for us (I didn't get to make one as I was probably busy with something else -- LOL). 

Right-click on the picture and select "open in new tab" to enlarge so you can see the detail.  These are card boxes, that will hold 20 cards and envelopes.  I'm having my Christmas Stamp-A-Stack class next Saturday and wanted to make boxes for my stamping friends to hold the cards they will be making. 

One of the make'n takes using the Winter Frost Specialty Designer Paper (everybody received a whole package of this in their goodie bag).

Another make'n take using Stampin' Up's Winter Frost Specialty Designer Paper.

Another make'n take project.  This is so beautiful in person.  It is a gift card holder using 2 Top Note dies (front and back) and there is a pocket on the inside made with the Winter Frost Specialty Designer Paper.  You can't tell but it is embossed with Silver Embossing Powder.

This gift bag uses all Stampin' Up retired product because I was experimenting making a sample gift bag.  I didn't like it so will be making a different one in the next couple of weeks for a craft show I am attending.

I have some really awesome projects lined up for my next post, but I hope some of these projects inspire you.

Until next time,
Sandi

"Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law."  -- Psalm 119:18

STAMPIN' UP PUNCH CARDS

What a day it has been!!  It has rained the entire day so it was perfect for stamping.  The only thing, I wasn't expecting to spend an entire half-day making one card!  Only for my family would I spend that much time on a card, and this one is special.  This Sunday is my great-grandson's first birthday so I wanted something very special (as special goes in my dictionary).  The theme of his birthday party is Dr. Seuss, so I decided to mimic the design on his birthday invitations.  WARNING:  This is not the type of card to CASE for a card class!  I did the best I could, but now that it is done I see some things that I would do differently next time.  Lesson learned:  Continue to buy Stampin' Up! stamp sets, as I still can't draw stick figures!!  However, I still get a smile on my face when I look at it so that is all that matters.  Here is Mr. Sam:

Product used (a couple of punches are retired):
Head:  Ornament Punch
Neck:  Modern Label Punch
Ears:  5 Petal Flower Punch
Hat:  Stocking Tag and Small Oval (for brim) Punches
Whiskers:  1 3/4" Circle (Punch twice) Punch
Eyebrows:  1/2" Circle (Punch twice)
White Stripes on Hat:  Cut freehand from Stocking Punched on Whisper White
Eyes & Nose:  Freehand
Bow:  Small Oval Punch
Cardstock and Marker Colors:  Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, & Daffodil Delight

And here is another punch card that will be done at my Christmas Stamp-A-Stack Class.  I thought this was so cute when I saw one done at our monthly RubberQueen's meeting.  Mine doesn't really look like that one, as I didn't have a picture of it when I made mine.  For the class, I punched everything ahead so all they have to do is assemble.

How do you like my socks (I even frayed them so they looked like they are rolled over).  Product:  Top Note Die cut in fourths; Gumball Green and Basic Black Ink; Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper; and Silver Glimmer, Real Red, Gumball Green, and Whisper White Cardstock; Christmas Messages & Fun With Christmas Stamp Sets; Small and Large Tag, Blossom, 1/2" Circle, 1" Circle, 3/4" Circle, and 1 1/4" Circle Punches; Gumball Green Ribbon; Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine' Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder; Glue Dots; and Dimensionals.

These cards are so "out of the box" for me, so let me know what you think.

Until next time,
Sandi
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."  --  Psalm 119:105

RUBBERQUEENS' MAKE'N TAKES

I attended the monthly RubberQueens' meeting last night, and as usual it was packed full of information and training from our leader Ronda Wade.  There are so many fantastic new product and sales going on right now that I almost need a binder book just to keep up with Stampin' Up's celebration of 25 years in business this month.  Make sure you check out my Stampin' Up Shopping site (button on top right column) so you can see all the promotions and sales.  Also, for the month of October, Stampin' Up is offering current product on sale every Tuesday, WaHoo!!  The products on sale until October 14th:


 

TO ORDER AND CHECK THEM OUT CLICK HERE.



I also want to share with you our make'n take projects from last night -- trust me these pictures do not depict how cute they are in person:

Very cute and different gift-card holder made with the Deco Labels Framelits Collection (fold your designer paper and run through the Big Shot so you don't cut the bottom fold).

Naughty and Nice gift card with matching envelope.  I used a dab of Stampin' Up's 2-Way Glue Pen on the point of the envelope flap and let it dry, this makes the glue temporary so you can open and reclose.

Christmas card with matching envelope using the Envelope Liner Framelit.  (Ronda's sample had the tails on the sides of bow, but I'm just not a fan of that placement so I cut one tail in half and a little cut on top so my tails are below the bow.)

If you like these make'n takes, you need to sign-up as a demonstrator before October 21st, while the price is only $26.95 (the purchase of one stamp set), so you can attend Ronda's meetings, receive discounts on Stampin' Up! products, and so much more.  Call me if you are interested. 

Until next time,
Sandi

"I will never leave you nor forsake you."  --  Hebrews 13:5


STAMPIN' UP CIRCLE & LABEL THINLITS' COLLECTIONS: HORIZONTAL CARDS

Another beautiful fall day here in Michigan!!  I actually spent a day outdoors this week cleaning out the pond shed and organizing it for the winter.  I hadn't been inside the shed since the last swimming party we had, so I was shocked to see how many swimming toys were left behind.  So now I have to go out and buy another huge plastic tote just for the child life jackets.  It also took a lot more time this year because I had to release the air out of probably 10 more inflatable toys.  Those go in a tote also because the country varmints seem to like plastic (plus it keeps dirt and cobwebs off the toys, which I can't stand to touch in the spring).  Bottom line, I have enough water toys for next year!!

So let's get on to what you came here for -- stamping projects!!  I wanted to create a few more cards using Stampin' Up's awesome Circle and Label Thinlits' Dies and try out a new horizontal cut I saw on Angie Leach's blog.  Here are two horizontal cards (both different sizes) that I came up with:

I thought I had all the Christmas stamps I needed for the year (and more), but one of my clients saw a swap card using this stamp set, and I decided I should get it because it would make a great birthday card stamp.  Supplies:  Wishing You Stamp Set; Season of Style Designer Series Paper Pack; Whisper White and Crumb Cake Card Stock; Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon; Label Thinlits Die; Rhinestone Basic Jewels; Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, and Crumb Cake Markers, and Dimensionals.

Here it is unfolded.  I used the Fun With Christmas Mistletoe Stamp on the label.  The Whisper White Card Stock cut size was 5 1/2" x 8 1/4".  When you run it through the Big Shot, you'll have the left side of the card stock under the Label Card Thinlit, and the right side of the card stock on top of the Thinlit (not being cut).

And of course I had to create a vintage card (it has been way too long).  I have had the Lovely Romance Stamp Set since June (on my first order from the new catalog), and I can't believe I had not inked it up before.  It really is a beautiful stamp set.  Supplies:  Label Card Thinlits Dies; Lovely Romance Stamp Set; Soho Subway Designer Series Paper; Island Indigo and Crumb Cake Card Stock (spritzed with Island Indigo and sponged with Garden Green and Summer Starfruit Ink); Tea Lace Paper Doily; Creped Filter Paper (spritzed with Stampin' Spritzer using Island Indigo and Summer Starfruit Ink Refills); Blossom Punch; Soft Suede Ink (sponged around Crumb Cake panel); Pearl Basic Jewels; and Antique Brads (center of flower).

Here is the card opened.  The stamped  medallion was heat embossed with Early Espresso Embossing Powder.  The pearls were colored with a yellow permanent marker.
How To Make A Horizontal Card—To create a card that fits in a Medium (standard A2-size) envelope, start with card stock that is 7" x 4-1/4".  When you run it through the Big Shot, you'll have the left side of the card stock under the Circle Card Thinlit, and the right side of the card stock on top of  the Thinlit (not being cut).

Let me know what you think of the horizontal style.

Until next time,
Sandi