APRIL RUBBERQUEEN MEETING

Ok, I confess, I should have posted these beautiful cards a little sooner being as our monthly RubberQueens' meeting is always the first Tuesday of the month.  But my whole theory on life is to never rush into anything.  Trust me, those who know me have seen this theory in action 24/7.  It's not that I'm slow (well, not "real slow" anyway), it's just that I have to think about everything before I jump in and do it, whether it is physical or mental.  Some may call this "procrastination" -- and 50% of the time it probably is just that.  But the other 50% of the time it is just plain ole' smelling the roses.  My baby sister always makes fun of me when I go bike riding because she pedals 10 times faster than I.  But, I have a Schwinn pedal bike (aka, no speeds) on purpose (my Pee Wee Herman bike with a basket on the handle of course), just so I can meander around and see everybody's yards and the scenery -- why hurry and rush when there is so much to see.  So that is my story, and I'm sticking to it.  Oops, I almost forgot that you came here to see some creativity -- so here are my cards all CASEd from Ronda Wade:

These first four cards all use the same product and are perfect for a class.  Product used:  Whisper White Card Stock; Gold Embossing Powder; Another Great Year Stamp Set; Gold Foil Sheets; Gold Baker's Twine; and Fancy Foil Gold Designer Vellum.

 

Yep, I didn't notice my Snail until I took this picture -- I will be doing this card over and using Glue Dots under the gold for sure!!!  This card also uses the new Gold Sequin Trim.

This was a make'n take card from Ronda's Creative Retreat -- so pretty IRL.

Another make'n take from Creative Retreat using the awesome Retro Fresh This and That Washi Tape!!

Until Next Time,
Sandi

"In his mind a man plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps."  --  Proverbs 16:9

STAMPIN' UP! SPIRAL FLOWERS ORIGINAL DIE MEETS VINTAGE

What a beautiful day in Michigan!!! Today I went to lunch to celebrate my youngest daughter's birthday with her daughters (my granddaughter's) and my great-grandson. So it was a 4-generation lunch, which doesn't happen too often because its very hard to get everybody together.  In honor of the day, I made a special birthday card for my daughter, which I just loved and had a hard time giving it away. My inspiration for the card came from an advertisement featuring a box made with high-end "expensive" product. Well, I couldn't resist making this card to show you how you can get the same design using Stampin' Up! product for a lot less cost (I love doing this when I see pictures using other brands!). So let me know what you think:

Hang on to your seats the product list is long:  Etcetera Designer Series Paper; Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, and Calypso Coral Card Stock;  Pool Party and Calypso Coral Core'dinations Card Stock; Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, and Soft Suede Ink Pads and some Markers in those colors; Gently Falling, Dictionary, and Papaya Collage Stamp Sets; Spiral Flower Original Die; Apothecary Accents Framelits; Scallop Tag Topper, Bitty Butterfly, Elegant Butterfly, 1/2" Circle Punches; Victoria Crochet Trim and Burlap Ribbons; Large Pearl; Sanding Block; Sponges; and Multipurpose Liquid Glue.

  

Because of the card depth, I needed a box to hold it instead of an envelope.  So this is what I came up with using the Envelope Punch Board; the same Etcetera Designer Series Paper; Pool Party Core'dinations  and Very Vanilla Cardstock;  Sanding Block; Label Love Stamp Set; Artisan Label Punch; and Deco Labels Framelits. 

 

I loved how it looked in real life when you opened the box and everything matched -- the biggest reason I love using Stampin' Up! products -- everything matches and we get new "In-Colors" every year as an add-on to the core Stampin' Up! colors.

 

Until next time,
Sandi
"My strength is made perfect in weakness."  --  2 Corinthians 12:9

CREATIVE ESCAPE RETREAT -- PART 2

One of my favorite things to do at Retreat is to take at least one of the add-on classes.  This time, and usually every time, I took the Scrapbooking Class.  Ronda Wade designed 6 beautiful pages for us to CASE.  The class included a package of the Watercolor Wonder Designer Series Paper; Springtime Hello Simply Created Garland Kit; Whisper White, Marina Mist, Summer Starfruit, Daffodil Delight, and Smoky Slate Cardstock; and Daffodil Delight Ribbon.  When I got home I added additional accessories and my pictures from Mother's Day 2005 (no, I haven't done my journaling yet).  Here are my finished pages: 

Right-Click on all the pictures and select "Open In New Tab" for better detail.

I loved how these turned out, how about you?  Tune in next time for more Retreat projects!!

Until Next Time,
Sandi

"I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness."

-- John 12:46

CREATIVE ESCAPE RETREAT -- PART 1

I've lost count of how many retreats I have attended, but it is somewhere in the neighborhood of 15.  Ronda Wade has this event twice a year and, to me, it is like going to a Stampin' Up! Convention, but more intimate because she only accepts about 60 attendees.  And we always, always have a blast -- I mean, REALLY, why wouldn't 59 women and 1 man not have fun (yes, the last 2-3 events we have had a male attendee!!).  Today I am going to focus on the gifts we received in our goodie bags, one of the projects we did for a make'n take, and a gift bag I made.  So let's get to it!!

First, I need to show you what I packed -- mind you, Ronda brings all the punches, inks, stamps, etc.; but I wanted to bring my own so I could have them at my table (and on the floor -- LOL).  The top half of my ink carousel is in the back seat along with other "stuff."

This was my thought when I looked at all I packed, "seriously."

Here are some of the product we received in our "Goodie Bag."  Don't you just love the Gumball Green bag we received!!

A close-up of our name tags for our table and the pillow gifts (love my new monogram stamp that says, "Stamped by Sandi").  The butterfly box had the new Wooden Elements Essentials in it and the cellophane bag from the Sale-A-Bration Twisty Treats Kit  has miniature wooden spools with Sweet Sorbet Baker's Twine wrapped around them.

This is one of Ronda's make'n takes I made.  It has been a long time since I have done a paper bag mini album, so I was thrilled this was one of the make'n takes.  Isn't this adorable (with matching envelope)!! 

This is the inside -- I plan on attaching another layer on the right for an extra picture.

And this is tucked in the paper bag so you can add a couple more pictures -- loved this project!!

 

I created this little bag for a thank-you gift to one of my customers.  The little clips at the top really don't belong there but I forgot to insert the card in the bag so I just clipped it on the bag.  The flower was made using the new Spiral Flower Originals Die.

I have lots more projects to show you in my next post, so make sure you come back to see them!!

Until next time,
Sandi

"The Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  --  Joshua 1:9