TRY STAMPIN' ON TUESDAY -- WEEK #2

Welcome back for Week #2 of the "Try Stampin' On Tuesday" challenges.  We had some awesome cards submitted last week for Challenge #1 and hope you will join us this week.  Check out CherylAnn's blog here (or click on the button in my right margin) to see the other projects from the design group and to enter your project for a chance to win.

The sketch challenge this week is (click on the pictures to enlarge):


Week #2 Sketch Challenge

I used the sketch challenge to create my grand-daughter's birthday card (she just turned 16, but loves vintage).  Product Used:  "Easter Blossom," "Baby Blossoms," and "Elements of Style" stamp sets; "Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper and Fabric"; "Scallop Circle and 31/2" Circle Big Shot Dies"; "Scallop Trim Border Punch"; "Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder"; "Frost White Shimmer Paint"; and "Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, and Very Vanilla Card Stock."



Inside of the card.

I never realized until I was doing this post that I used the same designer paper and embossing folder as I did for last week's challenge.  Do you think maybe that's because I love both!!  Yes, but honestly, I did not even realize I was using the same product.  My grand-daughter, Holly, loved it.  She is an "old soul" and has been her entire 16 years.  She loves, loves to come over and look at my ancestor's pictures, books, and everything I have (which is lots) from my ancestors.  Every once in a while, I will give her something that means a lot to me and it just melts my heart because she gets all teary and sentimental with happiness.  Sunday when we took her out for her birthday dinner, all her jewelry was family vintage, and she also asked me to make her and her friends more vintage fabric flower hair clips (they all want one now because she has started a trend at school).  Here is a picture of her:


She thinks she studies better with her fake glasses on!

I have been so very blessed to have such kind and caring children and grandchildren.  They may not live their everyday life the way I would, but they have to find their own paths.  All I can do is be there, show by example, and pray.  So far, all my prayers have been heard, but not necessarily answered in the way or time I would have thought they should.  God does work in mysterious ways!

Thank you so much for stopping by, please take a minute to leave a comment.  I love hearing from all of you.

Sandi
"But the plan of the Lord stands forever, the design of his heart, through all generations."  -- Psalm 33:11

BUILD A BLOSSOM INSPIRATION #3

Hello Everybody!

Boy did I ever get Spring fever today!!  I mean, can you believe that sunshine and clear sky all day long.  And here I was stuck in the house all day cleaning!!  Well somebody has to do it.  I don't have a Tamie, and my husband doesn't do laundry (thank goodness!) or cook dinner (another thank goodness), so that leaves only one person in the house that has "hands."  I haven't yet taught my ex-boys how to clean yet, all they do is drag their toys around the house all day and eat my shoes!  Notice I said "ex-boys."  I guess you would call them "its" now -- they both had major surgury 2 weeks ago next Monday so they are "its" now.  I've already noticed that their voices have changed, but that is about it (well, there is that "other thing" that is not there any longer, or is that "things" -- I really don't know???).  I feel sorry for them because it wasn't like we asked them their opinion, and it just doesn't seem natural not to have the ability to have fun any longer.  I guess maybe that is why they at up another pair of my shoes this week -- payback???

Okay, I just looked at the clock and Bones is going to be on in a few minutes so I am going to make this short and just show you the last of my cards from Ronda's event featuring product from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  And here they are:


Yes, it has been a couple of years since I used my "Kindness" Jumbo Wheel and the matching "Simply Said" stamp set.  Isn't it gorgeous with the "Build A Blossom" stamp set and coordinating "Blossom Petals Punch."  I used the "Scallop Trim Corner Punch" for the trim. 

 

Very simple card using one of the petals from the "Build A Blossom" stamp set and the punch for the candle flame and "Presto Patterns Specialty Designer Series Paper" for the candle.



Everybody loved my little fishies made with two of the stamps from "Build A Blossom" stamp set.  I got the idea for doing the fishes from Jackie Topia, but added shimmer paint to mine directly to the stamp after inking.  I can't believe it turned out of my very first try.

  

And here is my last one, using the stamp set and "Fun Flowers bigz L Die" for my flower and "Priceless" stamp set.

Okay, I have to run so I can make my salad and get settled in for "Bones."  Looking forward to my scrapbooking night tomorrow, it has been a long time.

Until next time,
Sandi
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." -- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

TRY STAMPIN' ON TUESDAY

Good Morning America (been a long time since I have been able to say that!!)

Guess what?  I have been asked to serve on the "Try Stampin' On Tuesday" Design Team (click here for website)!!  I am very excited and feel very honored to be asked.  The team coordinator is CherylAnn Robinson, a fellow Stampin' Up Demonstrator.  The other two Stampin' Up Demonstrators and design team members are Kristen Conant (Rubber Hugs by Kristen) and Tracey Old (A Stampers Touch).  Please check out their fabulous blogs, I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Our sketch challenge for this week (using a Valentine theme):
 

Here is the sketch!!



And here is what I came up with using the above sketch.

I had no intention of putting the card in a frame when I started, but because of all the vintage going on, I decided to put it in this frame that is over 100 years old. (There is a story that goes with this as to how I happen to have this frame, but cannot share with you on my blog, nor do I want anybody else to share it with you -- meaning you, Kathleen, or all of goodies on my list for you will be removed.)  When I get tired of it in the frame, I can take it out and send it on as a card.  I used two different techniques in this card:  Iris Folding and Cracked Glass and here are the supplies I used:

• Stamps:  "Grateful Greetings"
• Card Stock:  Always Artichoke, Pear Pizzazz, Rose Red, and Very Vanilla
• Ink:  Rose Red, Crumb Cake, and VersaMark
• Accessories:  "Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper," "Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder," "Frost White Shimmer Paint," "Victoria 5/8" Crochet Trim," "Rose Red Ink Refill," "Heart-to-Heart Extra-Large Punch," "Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware," "Antique Brads," "Vanilla Rosettes," "Rose Red Marker," and "Glassy Glaze Enamel." 

I hope you liked my design for the challenge.  For a chance to win a prize make sure you join in on the fun challenges each week (they begin each Tuesday and run for the week --check out CherylAnn's blog for more information).  Make sure you stop by the other Design Team's blogs and then create your card to submit!!  Can't wait to see what everybody comes up with.

Sandi
"Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days." -- Psalm 90:14

BUILD A BLOSSOM INSPIRATION #2

Wow, the sun is shining today!!  Do you think maybe it is a sign that we will go for a whole day without snow?  Wouldn't that be lovely.  I have to get busy today and do some "organizational" work in my studio, so I decided to procrastinate (as usual) by updating my blog.  I only had about 2 hours sleep last night (that always happens to me when I don't get a nap during the day), so I have to keep moving to stay awake.  Right this moment the only thing that is keeping me awake, as I usually fall asleep when I am on the computer, is the fact that my feet are freezing.  I don't think I have been warm for at least 6 weeks.  So very unlike me.

Okay, I hear you, so I'm going to get right down to business.  Here are some more pictures of my projects I created for Ronda Wade's SAB and Occasions Mini Event last Saturday (remember you can click on the pictures to enlarge for a better view):

I have had this wood frame for quite a while to make a clock, so what better time then to showcase the gorgeous Stampin' Up "Build A Blossom" and "Sense of Time" stamp sets.  Along with the stamp set I used the new "Blossom Petals Extra Large Punch;" "Botanical Gazette" and "Love Letters" Designer Series Papers; "Victoria 5/8" Crochet Trim" ribbon; and a "Trinket Key."

 

Very fast and simple card featuring besides the stamp set and punch, the new "Vintage Flower" as an adornment.



Punched the stamped flowers and applied them to Stampin' Ups "White Vellum" card stock that was embossed with the "Vintage Wallpaper" textured impressions embossing folder.



I used the faux silk technique on this card (featured in January's "Stampin' Success" magazine available to demonstrators only).

I hope you enjoyed my projects as much as I did creating them.  I still have lots more to show you, so stop back again.  I also want to add a big thank you to all those that stopped by earlier this week and then took the time to leave me such encouraging comments.  It really means a lot to me.

Sandi
"Cast your burden on the Lord, and he shall sustain you." -- Psalm 55:22

BUILD A BLOSSOM INSPIRATION

Happy Sunday!!

I am so excited today because I can finally show you some of my projects I did for Ronda Wade's Sale-A-Bration and Occasions Mini Event. If you are one of Ronda's RubberQueens than you already know how awesome these events are and why they are so popular. Yesterday was no exception, as a matter of fact (and I know I always say this), it was absolutely OVER-THE-TOP!! Ronda's make'n takes were absolutely fabulous, the inspiration stations were all WOWs (so much talent, my jaw was dropping), we had one of the best lunches (all homemade, and sooooo good), great prizes, and Ronda presented how to conduct a workshop with all of her tips (priceless). I am still flying high today from everything I learned and saw yesterday.

My assignment was to do an inspiration table using the "Build A Blossom," stamp set and "Blossoms Petal Punch" from the new "Occasions Mini" catalog. And of course, I just had to throw in the brand new "Fun Blowers Bigz-L" Big Shot Die (I mean, come on, you really can't have the stamp set and punch without the coordinating Big Shot Die now can you). I hope you like some of my projects, but I have to admit my style is the kind of style that you either like (hopefully a lot) or you "would never dream of doing" style. But that is okay, because that is what I love about crafting -- so many different styles and techniques that there is something for everyone. The inspiration tables yesterday were a perfect example of this, as I would have never thought to buy some of those products (as I couldn't see me using them), until I saw what beautiful creations the other ladies prepared (cha-ching!!). I will be showing you these in the next couple of weeks, so be prepared -- these ladies are so talented!!

For Christmas my BFF, in Arizona, gave me these metal Victorian feet for a cabinet and challenged me to make one. Well, I can never resist a challenge, so for one of my event projects, I did a little vintage Victorian cabinet, and here it is:


My cabinet is made out of an old wooden orange crate that has been sitting around for years.  My husband added a shelf for me and painted with some left-over paint we had -- so far so good -- no cost!!  I decided to use up some of my Stampin' Up "Definitely Decorative Decor Elements" vinyl sheets (Night of Navy and Old Olive) to cut out my flowers and swirls using the new "Fun Flowers Bigz-L" and "Decorative Accents #2" Big Shot dies, and stamped with the "Build A Blossom" stamp set before applying to the cabinet.  I lined the walls and shelves with the beautiful new "Springtime Vintage" Designer Series Paper and trimmed with "Night of Navy" cardstock.  I also "aged" the whole cabinet using the Navy stain from the "Distressing Essentials" kit.

Close-up of the left side of the cabinet.

Close-up of right side using the new "Springtime Vintage Big Designer Buttons."  (Yes, that is the beautiful new "Rose Red 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon" on the crochet miniature hat.)

Close-up of the drawers (yes they open and have little treasures in them!).  I used the "Matchbox Bigz XL Big Shot Die" and the "Antique Brads."

My buttons jar using the new "Fun Flowers" die for back layer and stamp and punch for the other petals.

This card was a direct CASE from the front of the Occasions Mini, using the "Build a Blossom" stamp set.

I used the new "Fun Flowers Bigz-L Big Shot Die" to cut my flower petals out of coffee filters (yes, coffee filters).  I then used the re-inker technique to drop 2 different shades of reinker directly on the flower petals with the Aqua Painter and misted with water before scrunching all the petals, layer, and add brad to center to hold together.  I really liked this card a lot because I made a miniature card to sit on the table with my sentiment -- isn't that just the cutest!!



One of the four gift note cards (3" x 3") using the stamp set and punch -- very quick and fast.

And there you have it for today -- but I have tons more to show you!!  Please leave me a comment to let me know what you think of my projects (the good, bad, and ugly -- I just like hearing from those that stop by).
 
Sandi
I want to share with you a quote from Michelle Zindorf's blog update today that I really liked (author unknown):

The tears happen:

Endure, grieve, and move on.

The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves.

LIVE while you are alive.

CARD CLASS

Yes, it has been another week since I last posted.  I don't know how my friends manage to post just about every day (and one in particular that posts EVERY day).  First of all, I don't stamp every day, with the exception of the last couple of weeks prepping for a RubberQueen event, but I can't share those right now.  I am in my studio every single day but not always stamping, a girl has to get organized in between stamping, which is usually a monthly thing for me.  But then, I love to organize.  I always find product that I haven't used, find missing tools (like my ruler again!!), and/or see some beautiful swap cards that I decide to use for a class.  That is what I did for all of my cards at this month's card class.  Every single one of my cards were CASEd (copied and shared everywhere) to some degree.  Bottom line, they were all beautiful, and I appreciate and thank all of the ladies who created the original cards.  I'm sure some of their cards were also CASEd from someone else, but that is just another reason I love Stampin' Up and stampers in general.  We all love to have our cards/projects CASEd. 

So let's get on with sharing:


This is a total CASE of a card we did at a shoebox swap (except a different sentiment).  Tamie Ackerson created this beautiful card (thank you for letting me know Lynn!!).  It was so easy to make (notice the new "Framed Tulip Textured Impressions Embossing Folder," from the Occasions Mini Catalog.



This design was CASEd from a beautiful thank you card I received from Andrea Walford.  All I had to do was update it with current Stampin' Up products.  Product used from the new Occasions Mini Catalog:  the "Build a Blossom Stamp Set" and "Blossoms Petal Punch" for the leaves and "Fun Flowers Bigz L Die" for the large flower.

 

This card is CASEd from one of our make'n takes we did at a RubberQueen meeting (Ronda Wade's) quite a long time ago, but my clients had wanted to make it so I just updated the cardstock and designer paper colors.

 

And for the life of me, I cannot remember/find who I CASEd this card from.  I am going to say I received it from a card swap.  So if this is your card, please let me know so I can give you credit.  The only thing I changed (as it was so gorgeous) was the sentiment.

Okay, it is way past my nap time (which I have not had many of in the last month) so I am out of here.  Have a wonderful week and see you soon.

Sandi
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." -- Matthew 7:7

BABY BLOSSOMS & STYLISH BLOGGER AWARD


Yesterday I had an awesome surprise in my e-mail.  I received my VERY FIRST AWARD presented to me by the talented Regina Andari. To accept this award, I have to tell you eight things about myself that you might not know, and then I get to present (pay it forward) the award to eight other blogs that I enjoy. First, I will tell you a few things about myself:

1. In February, I will have been an independent Stampin' Up Demonstrator for 6 years.
2. I never had a stamp in my hand until the night I signed up as a demonstrator.  (They call that "love on first sight.)
3. I started working when I was 13, cleaning houses; as my mom was a single, divorced mom with 8 children she raised on her own.  In those days, if you wanted "extras" (more than food on the table and a roof on your head) you had to WORK for it.
4. Everybody thinks I dye my hair -- I don't!!
5. My grandmother was a Native American Indian, making it almost impossible for me to trace her ancestors!
6. People don't believe this, but I am a very shy person (e.g. when I got married I didn't ask for any time off work because I was too embarrassed to ask).  Being a demonstrator has helped getting over this issue, as most of my sidelines will tell you (especially when you have a leader who pushes you to give presentations).
7. I started working for the State of Michigan, Department of Civil Service, when I was 18 years old, taking fingerprints of every new hire to the state and checking their police records.  (There are lots of stories I could tell you about this!!)
8. And finally the most important thing, if you are still reading this long post; I have truly been blessed with awesome people in my life.  No matter if it has been in my professional or personal life, all of my friends are truly intelligent, willing to share their knowledge with me, very patient with me, are filled with charity for others, and last (but not least) accept me just the way I am. 

And now . . . to "pay it forward" and present this award to eight other bloggers.  This was really hard for me because I visit a lot of awesome blogs.  So to narrow it down, I decided to pick those people who have been most instrumental in teaching me and sharing what they love, along with being consistent in updating their blogs (unlike me).  So I apologize right now if you are not on the list, because I was only allowed to post eight.  I choose:  

The Queen of the RubberQueens, Ronda Wade.
Ronda's Partner in Crime, Tamie Ackerson.
My Partner in Crime, Lynn Schulz.
Leader of the Pack, Janet Wakeland.
Fabulous Artwork, Ann Fitton.
Lots of Tips and beautiful work, Sage Kimble.
Awesome vintage and more, Carole'Ann Sluchinski.
Always gets my "mojo" going, CherylAnn Robinson.

Take a few minutes and visit their blogs (if you don't already) and leave a comment.  I promise you will not be disappointed!!

Now, because you have lasted this long reading all of this (and hopefully visited and left comments on the above), I whipped up a card real quick to show you one of the new stamp sets from the Occasions Mini Catalog just released. 

Not one of my best cards, but I had fun playing with the new "Baby Blossoms" stamp set.  I promise I will do more with this set, as I can see it is going to be a fun one to play with.

I also completed 10 new cards this last week, but I can't show you because they are for my presentation the end of the month (that's why I haven't posted in over a week).  I will be doing a couple of 3-D items also that I hope turn out.  So stay tuned as they are totally awesome!!

Sandi

"Contentment is realizing that God has already given me everything I need."  -- Our Daily Bread