FOREVER LOVELY

Hello stamping friends!!  By now you all have the new Occasions Mini Catalog and probably flipped through it a dozen times.  I am in love with the whole catalog!!  But I have to tell you that my two favorite products are the Forever Lovely Bundle (p. 5) and the All My Love Designer Paper.  Actually I love the entire All My Love Suite (including the Meant to Be Bundle).  They go perfect together.  Below I used both of these bundles and accessories to create this lovely home décor, framed shadow box.  This would make a lovely gift for that special person in your life; especially for Mother's Day, a daughter, friend, or that wall in your spare bedroom to show your guests they are special to you.  I hope you like it as much as I do.

Until next time,
Sandi

"Blessed be God who refused me not my prayer and His kindness."  --- Psalm 66:20

FALL IS HERE AND CHRISTMAS COMING!!

Hello my stamping friends!!  It has been a long time since I last posted, but life has just gotten in the way it seems.  However, it doesn't mean that I haven't been stamping -- since my last post I have stamped probably a hundred cards and stamping projects.  It seems like after I get done stamping, I never have time to post and share.  Please accept my apologies, and I will try to post more often even with the holidays approaching us.  I have a few cards to share today that I worked on this month.  Let me know what you think:

Watercolor using the "Peaceful Place Stamp Set"; colored with SU Watercolor Pencils, misted with Frosted White Shimmer Paint; Cajun Craze, Old Olive, and Very Vanilla Cardstock; and Decorative Ribbon & Triple Banner Punches. 

Used the "Beautiful Blizzard Stamp Set and Blizzard Thinlits Die"; Soft Sea Foam Cardstock and Ink; and Whisper White and Silver Cardstock/Paper.

I CASEd this card (changing the background) from a swap card I received -- I thought it was just the cutest card!!  I used the "Playful Backgrounds Stamp Set"; Thick Whisper White and Basic Black Cardstock; Large Letters Framelits; and Cat Punch.

 

I used the "Beautiful Baubles Stamp Set and Detailed Baubles Thinlits Dies"; Real Red and Whisper White Cardstock, Under the Mistletoe Designer Series Paper, and Silver Foil Paper; and 1/8th" Sheer Whisper White Ribbon.

Until next time,
Sandi

"I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners"  -- Luke 5:32

PETAL PASSION AND MORE!!

Hello Stampin' Friends!!

I have a lot of pictures to show you today of what I have been up to this month.  With the graduation for my granddaughter from collage, birthday celebrations, and Mother's Day; it has been a very busy month for creating.  Remember, you only have a week left to order Stampin' Up! product that will be gone forever (some even on sale).

I so loved using the new Stampin' Blends to color the soon discontinued Petal Passion Designer Series Paper.  I only had a small piece of this particular design left and it was perfect for creating Mother's Day cards for my daughters'.

Same card, just another piece of the designer paper -- I loved doing these.

I loved how the Painted With Love Specialty Designer Pager added "style" to the You've Got Style Stamp Set.  This is another tri-fold card I made for my sister's birthday this month. 

This is the second fold of the birthday card.

This is the back fold of the birthday card.

I had to make a quick graduation card for my granddaughter, who love vintage/shabby chic.  So of course I pulled out my Paper Pumpkin Kit from last month to make the perfect card for her.  This is the envelope.

This is the matching notecard I made for the inside of the envelope -- perfect to hold her gift money.

Until next time when I feature all new product,

Sandi

"Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.  I did not come to call the righteous but the sinners."

USING STAMPIN' UP'S! BEAUTIFUL DESIGNER PAPER

Okay my stamping friends, it's that time of year when the new 2018-2019 SU Big Catalog will be out with totally new designer paper, which I can guarantee you are going to love.  If you are like me, I still have lots of designer paper left over from this year (and, yes, some I want to save for my scrapbooking).  I have some beautiful samples to really make some WOW projects/cards using your designer paper.  I have 2 tri-fold card samples (Ronda Wade provided the instructions) and another project I made by updating my older Mini Buckle Purse previously deigned in 2006 that holds up to 8 notecards (3" x 3") and envelopes.  I hope you like them as much as I did making them (so easy and fun)!!

Actually, I had a hard time using this beautiful Share What You Love Specialty Designer Paper because it is so beautiful and is brand new from the Share What You Love promotion going on for customers until the end of May -- but coming in the new catalog.  I call this a Mini Buckle Purse to hold 8 notecards and envelopes -- it is so beautiful in person.  I used the new Share What You Love Stamp Set on all of it, except the "Happy Birthday" sentiment that comes from the Happy Birthday Gorgeous Stamp Set being carried over to the new catalog. 

I had so much fun creating this Tri-Fold card, using the retiring Painted With Love Specialty Designer Series Paper, the You've Got Style Stamp Set (carrying over to the new catalog), and Blender Pens.

Here are pictures of the matching envelope, the first fold on the front of the card, the second fold in the center, and the back fold.  This card was made in less than 5 minutes and 5 more minutes coloring the front.

Here is another sample of a Tri-Fold Card using the new Share What You Love Stamp Set and the retiring Sweet Soiree Specialty Designer Series Paper.

Here is what the inside folds look like.

Now take out your designer paper and show it off in your cards and projects -- there will be newer and better product next year to play with!!

Until next time,
Sandi

"Withhold not, O Lord, your compassion from me; may your kindness and your truth ever preserve me."  -- Psalm 40-12

POCKETFUL OF SUNSHINE

Hello stamping friends!!

Just a reminder that it is time to get those "must have" Stampin' Up! products that will be discontinued on May 31, before they are all gone.  Click here to start shopping now for the products that will be gone forever.  

I have so many favorites, but I wanted to show you a couple of cards I made this last week using product that will be discontinued.  

I love this set, using the Birthday Delivery Stamp Set, the matching Birthday Friends Framelits, and Birthday Memories Designer Series Paper.  I purchased the entire suite for my kid's and grandchildren's scrapbooking albums -- plus it makes such cute cards!!  A must-have purchase before it retires!!

I made this card for my daughters' birthdays, using the Pocketful of Sunshine Stamp Set, coordinating Pocket Framelit Dies, and the Petal Garden and Tuti-Frutti Designer Series Paper Packs.  The Pocketful of Sunshine Stamp Set and coordinating Framelit Dies will not be retiring, but will no longer be sold as a "bundle," with a 10% discount (you will pay full price for both).  The sentiment is from the "Happy Birthday Gorgeous Stamp Set" and carried over to the new catalog.  (The buttons are retired SU product colored with the new Light Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Blends to match the Sweet Sugerplum Cardstock retiring.)

Close-up of the tiny envelope I made to fit the pocket, using the Petal Garden Designer Series Paper Stack (retiring).

Close-up of the back of the envelope and gift money wrapped in belly band.

Inside of the card (had to cover up my hand-written note), using the retiring Great Big Greetings Stamp Set and flower from the Happy Birthday Gorgeous Stamp Set.

Don't wait to purchase product on the retired list -- once it is sold out, it is gone!!!

Until next time,

Sandi

"When the just cry out, the Lord hears them, and from all their distress He rescues them."

-- Psalm 34:18

HAPPY EASTER MEETS BRUSHO CRYSTAL COLOR

Happy Easter my stamping friends!!!  Yes it has been a while since I have posted, but I'm still stamping and creating.  Today I wanted to show you a few cards I created using the awesome Brusho Crystal Color and the new Hold on to Hope and You're Inspiring stamp sets.  I so love the Brusho because you never know what you are going to get when designing your card.  I did 20 First Communion cards using the Brusho for my background, and they all turned out a little different (depending on where I sprinkled it or how much I sprinkled).  I hope you enjoy these as much as I did making them.

Along with the Brusho Crystal Color for the background, I used the new Waterfront Stamp Set (embossed with Black Embossing Powder) for this card.

This was my Easter card to my Pastor, using the new Hold on to Hope Stamp Set, Matching Framelits, and Gold Embossing Powder.

Easter card for elderly members at my church using Stampin' Up!'s Note Cards & Envelopes, the new You're Inspiring Stamp Set, and the Bow Builder Punch for the sentiment.  (Inside sentiment is from the Hold on to Hope Stamp Set.) 

First Communion card using the Brusho Crystal Color for the background, Hold on to Hope Stamp Set and matching Framelits, and Gold Embossing Powder.

Until next time,

Sandi

"The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone."  Psalm 118:22

IT'S TIME FOR SALE-A-BRATION 2018!!

I don't know about you, but I get so excited every year at this time because it is Sale-A-Bration (SAB) time until the end of March!!  That means free stuff for everyone who orders at least $50 from Stampin' Up!!  Yep, for every $50 you order you get to pick from the new Sale-A-Bration Mini Catalog one item (e.g., order $100 and get 2 free products, $150 you get 3, and on and on!!!).  Besides ordering from the annual big Catalog, don't forget to check out the new Occasions Mini Catalog that launched today -- it's gorgeous!! 

This would be a great time to buy the new Stampin' Blends -- you will totally love them for coloring.  Buy all 27 of the Stampin' Blend colors for $121.00 (Item #147475), the coordinating "Color Me Happy Project Kit," for $25, (#144609); and a Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad, for $6 (#132708) and you will earn/pick 3 SAB products and $15 in free product rewards.  Below I have a couple of samples using the new SAB free "Heartfelt Blooms Stamp Set," using a new patent pending "Distinktive" surface that you will love.

The new SAB Heartfelt Blooms Stamp Set, using the cling wrap technique.

The new SAB Heartfelt Blooms Stamp Set, using the Stampin' Blends to color.

A swap card I made using the "Heartland" Stamp Set and SU's markers to color -- I love my markers also, but this card would have been awesome if I would have used my new Stampin' Blends.

Until next time,
Sandi
 "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." -- John 3:17

FLORAL STATEMENTS AND DECORATIVE MASKS

Hello my stamping friends!!

I just wanted to pop in real quick to show you a couple of new cards.  We are having such beautiful Fall days here in Michigan it is hard to stay in the house creating (even though I love to stamp!!).  So I did a couple of quick watercolor cards yesterday using the same stamp set, but different colors (I loved it so much).  I also have a card using a different technique with the new Decorative Masks.

I just love the Floral Statements Stamp Set.  I ended up making two of the same cards, just using different colors.  I watercolored  these with our ink from the Stamp Pads -- very easy and quick cards, but a real WOW!!

Watercolored with the Blushing Bride and Old Olive Stamp Pads.

 

Another new product I am in love with (because I love to create backgrounds) is the awesome new Decorative Masks.  You get 4 different decorative masks in the package, for only $6.00!!  Typically most people use these with the new Embossing Paste, but I wanted to try applying just ink with a sponge to create this beautiful background.  I love the look.  Also used on this card:  Just Add Text Stamp Set, the new Leaf Punch, Fresh Fig Ribbon and Cardstock, Lemon Twist Ink and Cardstock, and a half doily sponged lightly with Fresh Fig Ink. 

Until next time,
Sandi

"Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths." -- Psalms 25:4

THINKING OF CHRISTMAS 2018

It's that time of year when I start thinking of getting ready for Christmas -- my favorite holiday of the year!!  A couple of weeks ago I started using some of the new stamp sets and product from the 2017 Holiday Catalog (another awesome catalog full of product I just have to have!).  Here are a few of the cards I came up with so far:

This card uses the new Carols of Christmas Bundle (stamp set and Thinlits Dies).  A very quick and easy card, but beautiful in person.



This is my version of an old-fashioned snow globe.  I got this idea from Pinterest and just changed it up a bit.  It uses the new Night in Bethlehem Bundle (stamp set and Edgelits Dies).  The base of the snow globe uses the new Everyday Label Punch on a piece of the new Champagne Foil Sheets (after punching, just cut it in half).  I also used the foil sheet to cut the Edgelits Die for the town.

Another quick and easy card using the new Everyday Label Punch and the Lots of Labels Framelits layered behind the punched sentiment.  I love the new Christmas Around the World Designer Series Paper and new Real Red 1/8" Solid Ribbon goes perfect with this paper.  And an old favorite from last year, the Sweater Embossing Folder to make this card look all warm and fuzzy!

And for all of you who like to send a picture card, this card will really bring it up a notch!!  Again I used the new Carols of Christmas Bundle (stamp set and Thinlits Dies).  Simply use the Thinlits Dies to cut the vellum frame to layer on your picture and stamp the sentiment -- how easy is that!!  You only apply glue dots to the top of the vellum so it can be lifted from the bottom to view the photo.  This makes a "really personal card" that you can write a nice note inside for the family that is receiving your treasured memories.  Something about getting a handwritten note versus a printed picture postcard really warms my heart.

Until next time,
Sandi

"Every good and perfect gift is from above." -- James 1:17

SUMMERTIME POCKETFUL OF SUNSHINE

Yep, this last week was a scorcher and the humidity was unbearable -- and I definitely needed my sunglasses!!!  Last week I had my family camping reunion and I am so happy that I decided not to put my tent up and instead sleep in my daughter's camper with the air conditioning.  Even though I spent my days outdoors and cooled off by swimming, it was awesome spending my nights in it with cool air (yes, I'm not a true "camper").  So now I am back in the comfort of my home with indoor plumbing and cool air and trying to catch up on some stamping.  Here are a few things I did this week:

This is my swap card for the July RubberQueen meeting using the new Pocketful of Sunshine Stamp Set and Pocket Framelits.

Had to make a baby card for a friend of mine and used the awesome Baby Bear Stamp Set and the new Decorative Ribbon Border Punch (the sentiment is retired SU).

The next four cards were Ronda Wade's make'n takes that I altered by using different retired sentiment stamps - I always seem to run out of these cards.  All of the 4 cards feature the new flowers and leaves from the Soft Saying Card Kit to show the versatility of the stamp set that comes with the card kit.  I love this kit because it comes with everything you need to make 20 cards and still use the stamp set to create many more cards (as you can see with these samples).

The sentiment on this card is from the Soft Sayings Card Kit.

Until next time,
Sandi

"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation." -- Philippians 4:12

MORE SCRAPBOOKING!!

Since I last posted I received my huge order of new Stampin' Up product.  I'm in love with everything!!  I have so many new stamp sets, punches, and Framelits/Thinlits -- I don't know what to start with first!!  I finished my baby album for my niece and love how it turned out.  I especially love my last page using the new Stampin' Up Birthday Memories Suite.  Oh my gosh, the Designer Series Paper (12" x 12") is to die for.  The colors just pop off the paper, the matching Birthday Friends Framelits can be used to cut out the designs in the Designer Paper or cut the Birthday Delivery Stamp Set images -- love this bundle (save 10% when you buy the bundle vs. buying the items separately).  Check out the first photo below for a sample.  The other album pages use some current and discontinued Stampin' Up! product (some of the stamps go back a few years -- see if you can find them in the photos below).  I like to show album pages here on my blog because a lot of you (if you are like me) are always looking for page layouts.  You can switch out the paper and stamps with current product.  Leave me a comment if you would like to see more album pages because I will be doing a lot of scrapbooking this summer to try and catch up.

Product from the Birthday Delivery Bundle (Designer Paper, Stamp Set, and Framelits).

Number of Years Stamp Set and Framelits

Baby Bear Stamp Set and Sunshine Wishes Thinlits.

Oldie, but goodie!!

Until next time,

Sandi

"God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"  --  Hebrews 13:5

SNEAK PEEK AND MORE

I can't wait for tomorrow when we can start placing orders from the new 2017-2018 Stampin' Up! Catalog.  Of course I have a list a mile long, as I'm sure you do also.  Half of the fun is looking at all the new samples (which I have spent hours doing and will be doing over and over again).  Today I will show you a sample of the new Daisy Delight Stamp Set.  You can purchase the stamp set and the matching punch in a bundle (I love bundles to save money).  You will love this bundle also, as it is "user-friendly" and cute, cute!!  Also, I have a sample of the High Tide Stamp Set, carried over from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  I jumped for joy when I found out it was being carried over -- perfect set for male cards -- if you don't have it already, you absolutely need to get this set.  And finally, I wanted to show you some page layouts from an album I am doing for my great-nephew's first year.  Most of the product I use for my albums is discontinued, but hopefully you can use the layout and substitute with product you have on hand. 

High Tide Stamp Set

Daisy Delight Bundle

Foxy Friends Stamp Set and Punch

Labels Collection Framelits

Until next time,
Sandi

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others."  -- 1 Peter 4:10