CARDS, CARDS, CARDS

Do you ever wonder (especially if you are a demonstrator) what to do with all those cards you have accumulated (from swaps, card class samples, presentations, etc.)?  Of course we all send out tons of cards through the year for special occasions, etc.; but, I still have tons left over.  I've been saying for years that I should sell some, but I just don't do it.  I always think it is not worth the work involved, nobody will buy, I don't feel it's right, and the list goes on and on.  So a couple of days ago I came up with this brainstorm of an idea when I was working on my heritage album.

Everybody knows that the most important thing we can give to our children is love.  (No, that wasn't part of my brainstorm.)  Besides monetary things like food and housing, second on my list would be teaching them about how to live and providing them with memories.  These two things include many things you do on a daily basis.  But why not include our knowledge and memories with something we love to do:  STAMPING!!  So here is what I am going to do for at least the rest of the year -- not only for my family but my friends.

I will be sending out "Remember When" cards on no specific date or time -- just at least once a month to many people.  My "Remember When" cards will include a printed note telling them about a memory we shared or one that I or my ancestors had when growing up.  In my first card to that person, I will tell them that they will be getting these cards throughout the year, and that I hope they will create a scrapbook using their cards and "Remember When" stories on their album pages.  If I have a picture, I will include that with the card.  How awesome that would be to create a heritage album based on actual stories from the past.  This will be especially important for my children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews because they are always asking me questions about their family heritage, or what it was like when I grew up (I know, that is not the "norm" for kids, but I guess my personality has rubbed off on them more than I thought).  Actually, my mother passed it on to me and my siblings so they would love to do this too.  It also helps because most of my family has scrapbook albums.  I would love to get a handmade card in the mail with a "Remember When" story -- wouldn't you????  I will keep you posted on how this works out, but wanted to share my idea to all those that love to pass on memories.  After all, memories teach us so much about life and values on how to live, plus they can pass them on to their family.

Okay, this is about the most serious post that you will ever read of mine again so don't start thinking it will continue.  What will continue is pictures of my projects.  So with that in mind, here are some pictures of my thank you gifts this month for my customers.  These were so fun and fast to make.  I got the pattern measurements from Holly Krautkremer if you would like to check it out.


I used the Two Tags Bigz and Fun Flowers Bigz L Dies for the boxes, that were embossed with the Elegant Bouquet Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.



The gift tags for inside the box were made with the same Big Shot Dies.



And you thought I was going to posts lots of cards, didn't you!!!  Sorry about that, but I will next time.

Until then,
Sandi

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. . . ." -- Ecclesiastes 3:11
"Every day is a gift, Lord, each moment a treasure, give us eyes to see beauty, hearts to hug pleasure." -- Fred Bauer

FATHER'S DAY AND MORE

Okay, I know you are all wondering what is more important in my life than updating my blog?  I hate to let you down, but there really has been a lot going on that was more important.  This is always the busiest time of the year for me with birthdays, dinners, and cleaning inside and out.  And before you ask; yes, stamping is more fun than all of those things but a girl has to get the "obligatory" jobs done so she can make others happy.  For those of you with husbands, you know how important it is to keep them happy so they don't feel neglected when you stamp every day in your life (sometimes for me it is the whole day long!!).  So there is a method to my madness, as I think anybody who does those mundane/obligatory jobs has to have a very big reason!

Trust me, I have been stamping a lot this last week but couldn't quite fit in the time to update my blog.  I'm going to get back on schedule by posting at least twice a week.  If I start to fall off, please leave me a comment and tell me to "make time."

Today I am going to post the last two cards from my stamping event last month.  I made both of these cards at Ronda Wade's last Baggie Book event featuring product from the Summer Mini Catalog.  I loved them so much that I added them to my card event.  Everybody totally loved them, especially the bleaching technique used on the "Sail Away" card.  The first card below is my swap card from last night's RubberQueen meeting.  I can't wait to show you Ronda's make'n take cards we made at the meeting -- but you are going to have to wait because we used all new product featured in the "2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog."  I don't like showing product before it is released because it takes away the joy and surprise (plus, I feel like it is old before it even comes out).  So make sure you stop back, as I have some really good posts coming up.


Watercolor Crayons swap card product used:  Happiness Shared Stamp Set; Wild Wasabi, Melon Mambo, Pretty In Pink, Garden Green, and Watercolor Cardstock; Watercolor Wonder Crayons (cardstock colors and Rose Red, Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Basic Gray, Crumb Cake, and River Rock); Pearls; and Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch.

 

Father's Day Card products used:  The Open Sea and Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Sets; Not Quite Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake Card Stock and Classic Inks; Very Vanilla Card Stock; Baker's Twine, Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder; and Sponge.



Sail Away Birthday Card products used:  Sail Away, Sanded, and Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Sets; Basic Black and Marina Mist Card Stock; Whisper White Craft and Versamark Ink; Black Embossing Powder; Neutrals Brads; Hemp Twine; Distressing Essentials Kit (Precision File).

Well I guess it is time for me to get some "wifely" duties done, as I am expecting company and probably should at least get dressed now that it is after 1 p.m. and I am still in my PJs (aaah, I live such a hard life).

Until next time (when I hope to have a very interesting post for you).
Sandi

"He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge. . . ." -- Isaiah 33:6

"When we are puzzled Lord, and wonder why, assure us we'll know in the sweet by and by." -- Fred Bauer

ICE CREAM PARLOR 6" X 6" ALBUM

Happy Sunday Everybody!
Gosh, where did the month of May go?  It certainly didn't pass by fast because of me working outside.  I even had to pull some weeds a couple of days ago in the rain because I couldn't stand them any longer.  The sun is really trying hard to pop out today, so we do have something in Michigan to be happy about -- no rain, and "some" sunshine.  However, I do have to admit that while typing this post, I am looking out the window into my back yard/woods and don't think I have ever seen the trees, grass, and foliage look so full and awesome with the different shades of green.  I did finally turn the pond well pump on yesterday to start filling it up (usually it is full before Memorial Day weekend).  With all the rain this season however, the water level did go up about 3-4 feet so it saved on running the pump (aka:  running up the electric bill).  Yep, I am so ready to spend time outdoors in the sun!!!

As all of you know, this is National Scrapbooking Month (at least for 2 more days anyway).  And yes, I did do some scrapbooking but not with current Stampin' Up product.  Well, actually it was current when I started -- during the yearly Stampin' Up Sale-A-Bration Event.  So I thought I better post some scrapbooking before the month is over (yep, yep -- better late than never, that would be me).  I CASEd this entire album (20 pages) from Ronda Wade's March Retreat (album class).  I'm not sure if Ronda or Melissa Roberts did the design, but know for sure they both worked on it.  I did change quite a few pages, so it is a little different.  Either way, all kudos go to Ronda and Melissa.  I hope you like it, and remember these layouts will look awesome with any of the Stampin' Up Designer Series Paper. 


Sorry about the glare in all these pictures, but I was in a hurry to get this in the mail the day I took them so they are still in their page protectors.  Remember that you can click on any of these pictures to enlarge to get a better view of the accessories.

 

I used the Ice Cream Parlor Designer Series Paper & Quick Accents and Ribbon & Button Pack on all the pages (free Sale-A-Bration product).

 



I had a really hard time not keeping this album for myself, but I will make a 12" x 12" album for myself using the same layouts.

I love going to Ronda and Melissa's Scrapbooking Retreats for many reasons, and taking their classes are always a highlight of the event.  The next one is scheduled for October, so if you are in the East Lansing, Michigan area make sure you sign up -- you won't be disappointed!!

Until next time,
Sandi
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the Earth." -- Colossians 3:2
"Father, thanks for showing me that letting go of old things can bring new rewards." -- Libbie Adams

LOVELY LETTERS GIFT BOX WITH CARDS

Happy Monday!!

Is it too late to post my Mother's Day gifts???  Probably so, but the good news is you can use this gift for any time of the year -- just change the Designer Series Paper.  Yes, my DSP was current when I made these -- just forgot to post.  This idea was totally CASEd from Ronda Wade and I fell in love with it immediately and had to share.  My customers also got to make the DVD gift box this weekend at my card event, as my gift to them for being such loyal customers.  They ended up loving my cards so much they wanted to pay more for their regular class so they could make them also.  So they ended up with their regular 8 cards, plus the gift box and four monogrammed cards and envelopes to store inside.

We had one of the best classes ever (for me anyway, and I think them also).  It was such a beautiful day outside that we sat out on my patio and chatted for a half-hour before I said they needed to get started.  The rest of the morning continued on the same vein:  lots of laughter, sharing secrets, and learning new stamping techniques (I even learned a couple of new things).  So I guess you want to see something, but you will have to wait until my next post to see their cards.  I wanted to just showcase the gift box and cards today.  I couldn't make up my mind what picture to show, so you are going to get a bunch.  Thank you Ronda for such an awesome idea!!


Product Used:  Clear-Mount Stamp Cases; Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper (Occasions Mini - Discontinued); Rose Red 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon; Lovely Letters Alphabet, Four Frames; and Share What You Do (Limited Edition 2010 Stampin' Up Convention Theme Stamp) Stamp Sets; Trinket Keys; Night of Navy Card Stock; and Scalloped Circles #2 Bigz Big Shot Die.

 

Close-up of one of the gift card boxes.



Another close up -- different color designer series paper and stamp.



Monogrammed cards inside of gift box (4 cards and 4 envelopes)

I made 5 of these for Mother's Day gifts in honor of my mother who passed away over 5 years ago.  I give them away as gifts because I know my mother would have truly, truly loved to have gotten one of these from me as she loved to send cards with notes.  It makes me happy just writing this because I know she is right here with me shaking her head "yes." 

Until next time,
Sandi
"When we love each other God lives in us and his love within us grows ever stronger." -- 1 John 4:12
"Lord help me to accept that my ways may not be others' ways." -- Patricia Lorenz

GRADUATION & BIRTHDAY

Wow, I just looked at the clock and can't believe my morning is just about over and I still have about 12 hours of work yet to do!  So what in the heck am I doing updating my blog?  I guess just because it has been a week and I didn't want you to forget me.  Oh yes, I have been working up a storm for a month now but just haven't had time to post.  Some of my projects are now discontinued (or in dormant stage I hope), but I will be showing these to you hopefully before the month is over.

Today I am showing two birthday and graduation cards.  Both of the designs are the same but switched up the colors and/or layout.  I could make another contest out of this to see if somebody can guess all the slight differences between the two cards.  They used to do that in the People Magazine all the time, and they still might but I haven't read one in a couple of years.  I always loved playing it, as I do any game.  Anyway, I have to get back to work so here are my cards:

Birthday Card for my grandson featuring:  The Open Sea and Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Sets; Nautical Expedition Designer Series Paper; and Distressing Tool Kit.



Slightly different version using some different accessories.



Graduation Card featuring: Word Play, Go Graduate (discontinued), and Something To Celebrate (Occasions Mini) Stamp Sets; Owl Punch; and Tasteful Trim Big Shot Bigz XL Die.

 

Same card, just a few differences.

So there you have it for today.  I have classes all weekend, but hope to update again by Monday -- or maybe sooner if I have extra time (that "CAN" happen you know).
Until next time,
Sandi
"Your word, O Lord, is eternal.  . . .  Your faithfulness continues through all generations. . . . -- Psalm 119:89-90

FABULOUS FLORETS AGAIN!!

Yes, Fabulous Florets is my new "in" stamp set for this month.  I can't help it.  I love Stampin' Ups' stamp sets because you get so much all in one package.  This one in particular has two types of stamps in one set:  bold and outline.  Plus you get a sentiment.  I could go on and on about how fabulous the quality, style, and designs are, but most of you that visit my blog already know there is not another brand out there that even comes close to giving you all this, plus keeping the prices below what you pay anywhere else.  I love "win-win" situations!!!

Today I'm going to show you what it is like in my world when I try to come up with a card design -- please don't laugh!  I hate even confessing to how long it takes me after watching my fellow RubberQueens stamp a card in 5 minutes and it's ready to slip in the mail.  The only time I am able to do this is when I am watercoloring with my crayons or doing a vintage card.  However, there just might be a couple of you out there hiding in the closet like me, and I want you to know there is someone else who has a difficult time coming up with a design.  My challenge to you is to come out of the closet and post pictures of your "out-takes."  Yesterday, I sat down and tried making my "out-takes" into some sort of a card.  So here goes:


This is the actual design I ended up swapping at the RubberQueen meeting.  I first did the embossed resist technique using our new Wild Wasabi and Tangerine Tango Embossing Powders, then brayed with Marina Mist Classic Ink.  I then dry embossed using the new Flower Garden Textured Impressions Embossing Folder and then sanded the embossed image using SU's Sanding Block to bring out the Whisper White Card Stock used for this layer.



I fixed this "throw-away" this morning by adding some of the new Beyond the Garden Designer Series Paper to cover up my boo-boo on bottom.  I also added the sentiment from the Cute by the Inch Hostess Level I Stamp Set,  and used some Pacific Point Classic Ink on the background.  This ended up being my favorite card (wish I would have thought of doing this for the swap!).

 

I believe this was my 2nd try at trying to figure out what I was going to do for my swap -- didn't like!

 

This was my 1st try -- YIKES!!!  Yep, that is a lot of Tempting Turquoise and Daffodil Delight Classic Ink going on there!!!



This was my 4th try -- which is very similar to final.  I decided I didn't want the sentiment on the card and switched out the Tempting Turquoise for the Marina Mist Classic Ink.



And I can't leave you without showing you this darling treat box/purse Ronda Wade demonstrated at her meeting.  Sorry, Ronda, for cutting off your head; but you would not let me take another picture.  At least I got your beautiful smile!!

So that's it for today.  Enjoy our beautiful weather and have a great weekend!

Until next time,
Sandi
"There is no feat in love, but perfect love casteth out fear. . . ." -- I John 4:18
"Jesus, when I'm afraid, help me submit my fears to Your love." -- Julia Attaway

FLOWER FEST WITH MESSAGES FOR MOM

Happy Friday Everybody!!

Two days of sun!!  I can hardly stand it.  The trees have tiny leaves on them, my flowers are up high, and there are dandelions in the yard!!! I have had lots of different things going on since my last post.  I had so much fun making cards at Ronda Wade's Summer Mini PJ Event.  And no, it ended up I couldn't wear my pajamas because I had to stop at the store on the way there.  I was a half-hour late, making poor Ronda worry sick as I am always the first one to arrive (I thought it started at 6:30, but it was 6 p.m.).  So she helped me catch up.  We made baggie books again, featuring 4 new stamps and product from the Stampin' Up Summer Mini Catalog.  We ended up with 20 beautiful cards that I will be CASEing many times over for sure.  Then to top my night off, I got lost twice on the way home (mind you, I only had about 10 miles to drive at the max).  It wasn't so bad because I expected it would happen when I saw I couldn't go back the same way, as the road was closed.  I have taken different routes many times, but for some reason it felt and looked entirely different at 10:30 p.m. (in pitch black darkness).  So I just kept driving around in circles until I found my way.  I never get upset or freaked out when I get lost because it happens all the time and I have a compass in my SUV (didn't take my GPS of course). 

Today I want to show you my Mother's Day card I made yesterday using the new Flower Fest Stamp Set in the Summer Mini.  My mom passed away 5 years ago, but I honor her by making cards for my daughter's instead as they are mother's and need kudos also.  I didn't think I would like this stamp set as it is so different from what I typically buy.  However, I can't resist stamp images that you can use with our punches.  I ended up loving the card, what do you think:


Product Used:  Flower Fest and Messages for Mom Stamp Sets; Daffodil Delight, Early Expresso, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, and Shimmer White Card Stock; Bold Brights Brads (Daffodil Delight); Basic Pearl; Tangerine Tango, Melon Mambo, and Wild Wasabi Embossing Powders; BIGZ L Petal Cone Big Shot Die; and various punches.

 I've been doing a lot of stamping the last couple of weeks, but mostly trying to catch up on my stacks and stacks of  discontinued half-started projects.  I have so many card designs cut and packaged left over from the last 3-4 years (yes, I can't believe it either).  So my goal this Summer is to get all these cards completed.  I did about 40 so far (just a drop in the bucket).  These cards were "fix-up" cards and/or precut cards that needed to be assembled featuring the discontinued Watercolor Trio Stamp Set (which I so wish would have been carried over to the new catalog), discontinued Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper, and some current product.   Even if you do not own this discontinued product, I wanted to post pictures because I loved the designs and knew it would be easy to substitute with any stamp set you might have on hand.

I hope all of you have a beautiful Mother's Day, even if you are not a mother, I'm sure you have served as a fill-in mother (which is even better yet).  Personally I think everyday should be Mother's Day, but then it probably wouldn't be as special if we celebrated every day.  Thanks for stopping by.

Until next time,
Sandi
"As a mother comforts her child, so shall I you. . . ." -- Isaiah 66:13