CREATIVE RETREAT

I'm finally caught up after getting back from Creative Retreat so I can post a few pictures of some make'n takes and my swap card from the last RubberQueen meeting.  And yes, I have been busy on a new album for my newest great-granddaughter, Hazel Ann (pictures soon).  My grand-daughter asked if I would make her an album like I did last year for my great-grandson, so how could I saw "no"???  I had such a fun time at retreat, my laugh-lines on my face dug a deeper tunnel because I laughed so much with my friends and family.  I have attended all of Ronda Wade's retreats for the last 7-8 years (approx. 16) and she never ceases to amaze me with what she has in store for all of us (gift bags with SU product, pillow gifts, awesome make'n takes, creative classes, and always a surprise or two).  Today I am showing these cute note cards featuring Stampin' Up's! Sweet Dreams Washi Tape and Note Cards with Envelopes.  I wish my pictures captured how cute these are in person:

This was my swap card for the April RubberQueen meeting, featuring the Butterfly Basics Stamp Set, Typeset Designer Series Paper, and Burlap Ribbon.

Until next time,
Sandi

"Thanks be unto God for His gifts." --  2 Corinthians 9:15

SALE-A-BRATION WITH OCCASIONS STAMPIN' UP! STYLE

I had so much fun yesterday at my stamping event to showcase some of the new product in the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini and Sale-A-Bration Catalogs.  I love getting my friends together for a morning of stamping, catching up on the events in their life, and then all the ooh's and aah's over the new stamps and accessories.  We were all in total agreement that we loved and "wanted" everything in the catalogs -- best ever!!!  And for me, it was so difficult to narrow down my favorites to just 4 cards this month.  

Here is what I finally ended up with, but I'm serious when I say it was a really tough decision:

The #1 favorite this year for Sale-A-Bration is the gorgeous Lotus Blossom Stamp Set!  Here I have used the Strawberry Slush, Calypso Coral, Crisp Cantaloupe, Old Olive, and some sponging with Sahara Sand Ink Pads; Something Borrowed Designer Series Paper; Sahara Sand Lace Trim Ribbon; Lovely Lace Textured Embossing Folder; and Whisper White, Sahara Sand, and Strawberry Slush Card Stock.

My friends loved the Butterfly Basics Stamp Set, used here with Whisper White and Blackberry Bliss Card Stock; Blackberry Bliss and Mossy Meadow Ink Pads; water-colored with Blender Pen; and Blackberry Bliss Stitched Satin Ribbon.

Another personal favorite, the Moon Lake Stamp Set using Staz-On Jet Black Ink to stamp, then sponging with Pool Party Ink, and the Aqua Painters for water-coloring the water in Marina Mist Ink.  The image was colored with Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, and Wild Wasabi Markers; Whisper White, Early Espresso, Pool Party, and Marina Mist Card Stock;  Something Borrowed Designer Series Paper; Marina Mist Chevron Ribbon; and On Film Framelits.  I was inspired and CASEd the layout of Hélène den Breezen’s card when creating this design.

One of the most versatile sets in the Occasions Mini Catalog is the Sheltering Tree.  Here is a simple Winter birthday card, using the Stamping-Off  Technique.  I used Whisper White and Soft Sky Card Stock; Soft Suede Ink; the new Painted Blooms Cotton Twine; 2-Way Glue Pen; Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter and  Dimensionals.

Until next time,
Sandi

"With God all things are possible."  --  Mark 10:27