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."

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

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

FUN AT CREATIVE RETREAT!!

Last weekend I attended one of my favorite 3-day events:  Creative Retreat!!  Ronda Wade puts this event on 4 times a year now -- because so many want to attend.  Everybody brings the craft(s) they like to create (we have quilters, card and 3-D enthusiasts, scrapbooking, and so much more).  Some just come to see old friends and do Ronda's classes.  I usually take my scrapbooking materials because this is what I love to do the most.  However, I had tons of card kits that I needed to catch up on, so I worked on them and visited with many friends I haven't seen in a long time.  Here are pictures of a couple of cards I did and one of the many, many pillow gifts we receive from Ronda: 

I love this card -- it is so pretty in real life.  It is called a "Fan Fold" and you use your scoring tool on the Stampin' Trimmer or your Simply Scored Scoring Tool to create the "fan" affect.  In this one I used the gorgeous Pop of Pink Specialty Designer Series Paper. 

Here is another "Fan Fold" using the Presents & Pinecones Designer Series Paper.

I loved this card also.  Ronda Wade created the design as part of a kit I received from her Create for Christ one-day retreat.

One of our pillow gifts sitting at our work stations when we got up Saturday.  I loved this and plan on making more.   The treat box is made using the Envelope Punch Board.

Until next time,

Sandi

 

"It's good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace."  --  Hebrews 13:9

OCTOBER RUBBERQUEEN MEETING

We had another awesome RubberQueen meeting this month at Ronda Wade's new storefront studio.  (I really need to remember to take some pictures next month so you can see how beautifully she has decorated her studio.)  Today I'm sharing with you my swap card and Tamie Ackerson's cards she made for her technique presentation.  Tamie demonstrated the "oldie-but-goodie" Dryer Sheet Technique.  I only wish my camera would have accurately depicted all the dazzling diamond beauty in her cards -- they truly shimmered in real life. 

My very favorite stamp set in the Holiday Mini:  Father Time!

Supplies:  Father Time Stamp Set; Real Red, Crumb Cake, and Vanilla Card Stock; This Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper; Real Red, Garden Green, Crumb Cake, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black Archival, and Versa Mark Stamp Pads, Copper Embossing Powder; Candy Cane Baker's Twine; Layering Ovals Framlits Dies; Sponges; Aqua Pen; Heat Gun; and Big Shot.

Tamie Ackerson's Dryer Sheet Technique (also for the next 3 cards).

Until next time,
Sandi

"I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears." -- Psalm34:4

2016-2017 CATALOG IS HERE!!

Yippee!  The new 2016-17 Stampin' Up Catalog has arrived.  And I haven't verified this for myself, but the word is that EVERY new stamp set with images has a matching Framelit or punch to cut out the image.  Don't you just love it -- so many more options now to create that perfect card without hand-cutting.  If you don't have a catalog and are one of my customers who purchased from me last year, contact me to get a free catalog.  Or put in a $50 order and I will get you one for free!!  Here are a few of the projects I have done this month:



This was my swap card for our June RubberQueen meeting using the new "Painter's Palette" stamp set (with a bit of Origami curtains, which are hard to see in this picture). 

This is one of the cards I made for my Craft Day event on Friday, using the new "Foxy Friends Stamp Set" with matching punch (I can't wait to show you more samples using this great bundle).  I also used the new "Thoughtful Banners Stamp Set" with matching punch (another bundle) for the sentiment.  And of course the backgrounds use the "Woodland" and "Brick Wall" Embossing Folders.  I plan on giving this to my husband for Father's Day.

This is one of our make'n takes from the June RubberQueen meeting using the new Hostess Stamp Set "Love You Lots."

And finally, I have to show you a gift I made for my granddaughter.  I got her a new Bible for her birthday and wanted to make it special so I made a book cover for it, to keep it nice through the years.  I have to admit:  I DO NOT SEW, DID NOT HAVE A PATTERN FOR THIS, and DON'T KNOW HOW TO MEASURE (as you can tell).  However, God was looking down on me and saw my struggle -- I managed to get it all done with only one small mistake.  I somehow lost the elastic loop for the button -- so I had to open a couple of small spots and put a new one on.  (All the while, God was saying over and over, "Have patience child.")  She loved it, and I was thrilled!!  P.S. That is Stampin' Up ribbon used for the bookmarks.

Until next time,
Sandi

"Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, 'Courage, daughter!  Your faith has saved you!'" --  Matthew 9:22

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME!!

Well you know it has been a long time since you have posted on your blog when it pops up with a message to "sign in."  A lot has happened since I last posted -- mainly, I have a brand new computer (thanks to my old PC dying), new software (yah, that big "Windows 10" monster!!).  Some changes I truly like, and a few things I'm sad to say I lost.  So for the last couple of months, I have been recovering old data, trying to learn how to use this PC (what a trip!!), and learn how to use all new, updated software.  Plus, I trying to deal with that "cloud" up there that's raining on my sunshine (yah, I got a "notebook" from my husband to add to my problems).  All in all, I love all my new "stuff" but having a hard time dealing with the fact I can't use all the upgraded features yet (patience, patience my child!!).

Good news -- we have a new Stampin' Up Catalog coming out next week!!  I have mine, and my wish list has many pages!!!  I can't wait for you to see all the new product!!  Don't forget you only have until May 31st to purchase product on the retired list.  Here are a few things I've done since I last posted:

Once a month I have a Crafty Saturday with my granddaughter and daughter.  I design page layouts for them to re-create using my design as a starting point to create their own pages incorporating their personal styles.

Another Crafty Saturday layout.

Get this bundle (A Nice Cuppa Stamp Set and Cups & Kettle Framelits Dies #141074) before it is gone forever.  See page 34-35, in the Occasions Mini Catalog for details and ideas.

Inside of the card.

Until next time,
Sandi

"In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:6)

MARCH RUBBERQUEEN MEETING

I saw my first robin today!!  With that and all the noise made by the geese coming back, I think we can start thinking Spring is almost here!!  Today I'm sharing the projects we made at our March RubberQueen meeting, my swap card, and a look at an old stamp that is one of my favorites (yes, I'm just like you -- I have my favorites that I will keep forever!!).  The projects from the meeting showcase the awesome Party Pants Stamp Set you can get free for only 2 more weeks during Stampin' Up's! Sale-A-Bration!!  I love it, it is so cute.  Just purchase $50 of product (or a 3-month subscription to My Paper Pumpkin) to get this set or any of the other free product.  If you get this set, I would suggest buying the new Balloon Bouquet Punch in the Occasions Mini, a couple packages of cardstock, some glitter paper, and diamonds (of course).  Just remember, for "every" $50 you spend, you qualify for a free Sale-A-Bration product -- time is running out on this once-a-year promotion!!

A cute little box you can put a gift in or note cards you have designed for that special person!

Love this sentiment -- this is a stamp set I will forever keep!!

Darling design to hold a gift card!! 

Just in time for graduations -- I told you this stamp set was awesome (and you have only seen a few of the stamps!!).

This was my swap card using the new Timeless Textures Stamp Set, Expressions Natural Elements (frosted with the new Wink of Stella Gold Glitter Brush), and the new It's My Party Designer Washi Tape.



I love to take out my favorite old Stampin' Up! product once a month and revisit the joy I felt creating with it when it was new.  I purchased this "Summer by the Sea" stamp set over 10 years ago and the antique brass embellishments almost that long ago!! 

Until next time,
Sandi

"For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."  --  Mark 10:45

PAPER PUMPKIN ALTERNATIVE IDEA

Good morning stampers!  Today I am sharing an alternative idea for using the My Paper Pumpkin kit from December 2015 (yes, I was a little busy in December so it didn't get done until now).  What is My Paper Pumpkin?  Simply said, it is a craft kit you get delivered to your house every month with everything you need included in the box, except your adhesive, to create beautiful projects.  The first month you even get an acrylic block to use with the photopolymer stamp set included in each kit.  For example, this kit (which was a 1-year calendar stand) included 12 stamps, an Ink Spot, 12 printed background papers (all the paper and cardstock is heavy weight), one sheet with over 25 die-cut flowers, 1 sheet of gold foil banners, 1 sheet of white banners, 12 calendars on heavy weight cardstock, 4 yards of gold and white twine, 4 yards of metallic gold thread, 75 adhesive dots, 75 Dimensionals, and 1 metal stand to hold the calendar!!!  Can you believe all of that in one box, for less than $20 -- the stamps alone are worth half of this, and you can use them over and over again!!  I decided not to make the calendar because I already had tons of them and really needed cards for my card ministry.  Yes, the majority of the kits are for cards but you will get some 3-D projects -- and ALL OF THEM ARE ADORABLE!!  If you are interested in getting a box full of fun each month, Stampin' Up! is having a sale until the end of March if you sign up for a 3-month subscription -- plus, you can pick out a free Sale-A-Bration product!!  A win-win situation!  Here is my alternative idea for the calendar:

If you are like me, there are certain stamps that you will always keep because they are timeless.  I made this watercolored bookmark using retired Stampin' Up! stamp sets on both the front and back, with watercolor paper and new Blackberry Bliss Ribbon (it was a special request from my daughter).  I love to stamp with new and old Stampin' Up! product, which never grows old for me!!

This is the back.  I laminated the entire bookmark so it wouldn't curl. 

Until next time,
Sandi

". . . Your Father knows what you need before you ask him."  --  Matthew 6:8

FEBRUARY RUBBERQUEEN MEETING

Hello stamping friends!

Sorry for the long break in posting, but it has been another busy month (does it ever stop?).  This week was our monthly RubberQueen meeting and, as usual our leader, Ronda Wade, had some amazing presentations and make'n takes.  If you don't know already, this is the time of year Stampin' Up! gives away amazing stamps and other product -- yes, FREE PRODUCT!!!  To see the fabulous Sale-A-Bration free product and all the new product in the Occasions Mini, check it out here.  There's not much time left and you don't want to miss out on this once-a-year offer.

Below is my swap card for the meeting, using the new Picture Perfect Stamp Set, from the Occasions Mini.  The gift cards and box to hold them were our make'n takes made with the free Sale-A-Bration Perfect Pairings Stamp Set and new Timeless Textures Stamp Set.

I love this stamp set and always wanted a Hummingbird in my bird collection.

Look at all the different designs using one FREE stamp set and the new Timeless Textures for all the cards

Until next time,
Sandi

"In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." -- Proverbs 3:6