Austin Adventures

Friday's sketch came in handy at my crop yesterday. I made it into a double page spread using 6 photos from 2003. I wish I had done a better job writing the title, but it's done and I'm ready to move on and tackle some more old pictures!!!

This is the page that follows the sketch. I used a background stamp to kiss the solid images from the Pardise stamp set. This gave them the same texture as the leaves stamped right on the page. I think my photo is a little too bright. The paper on the sides has a stripped pattern and the leaves are all different shades of green.

The title page is just a standard linear design that works well anytime you have three photos cropped to 4x4!

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Paradise
INK - Green Galore, Certainly Celery, Garden Green
PAPER - Certainly Celery Textured Card Stock, Whisper White Card Stock, Just Delightful Simply Scrappin Kit (Striped Card Stock)
OTHER - Rose Red Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Rose Red Marker

 

The Paper Lantern Technique

I've been playing around with the paper lantern technique. It's so easy and I love cards with texture!
You can stamp any repeated image, like I did with this flower in Melon Mambo and then pass the card stock through a crimper. After that gently pat the whole thing with a black ink pad, or drag the ink pad to get more dramatic stripes. I actually did both! lol

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Love You Much, Vintage Vogue*
INK - Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Basic Black
PAPER - Melon Mambo, Old Olive, So Saffron, Whisper White
OTHER - Yellow Polka Dot Ribbon, Scallop Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Paper Crimper, Scallop Trim Corner Punch*
*NEW inside the Occasions Mini Catalog

 

Here also is a super simple 6x6 scrapbook page. This Designer Series Paper is so yummy! I haven't found the perfect picture for it yet, but I will! :)

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS -  Razzle Dazzle (It's Good To Dream)
INK - Whisper White, Brocade Blue
PAPER - Brocade Blue, Razzelberry Lemonade DSP, Regal Rose
OTHER - 1/4" Blue Grosgrain Ribbon

More to the Story

When you purchase the cute I {Heart} Hearts stamp set (pictured below) Stampin' Up! will donate $2 to the American Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund. The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

Product Name	Item #	Price
I {Heart} Hearts – clear-mount  (block D recommended)	118571	$18.95
I {Heart} Hearts – wood-mount	117010	$26.95

I'm glad I didn't get this set yet!! I'll be placing an order for my club next Friday and guess what I'm going to buy!?

*You can click on the flyer to enlarge it*

Hurricane Relief

I am really touched by the generousity of the people who have dropped everything to help the people in Haiti. Unfortunately I'm not in a position to go and offer my support in person, but I hope to make a nice contribution with your help.
For every Stampin' Up! order I receive through January 31, 2010, I plan to donate 100% of my commission to the Red Cross disaster relief.  All orders will qualify...you can use my website, call me, email me, or attend a workshop this month and place an order, you will be making a difference!
I'll post a follow up in February and let you know how much we raised. Thanks in advance for your help!!!

It's CLEARLY Possible

Hopefully you have a copy of the new Occaisions Mini by now! If not, you can download a .pdf version here on my blog. Just click on the image in the sidebar! You also won't want to miss the S-A-B mini. For every $50 you spend until March 31st you can choose something free, see the catalog for the full details!

I'm posting today because I want to introduce you to the wonderful world of Clear Mount Stamps. Many "stamp enthusiasts" have unmounted their stamp sets from wood blocks so they can be used with clings and acrylic blocks. This is certainly a space saver when it comes to storage, but another REAL advantage is simply the ability to see through the block. This helps you place what you're stamping in pretty much just the right spot!

"Starting with stamps in the 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog and the 2010 Sale-A-Bration Brochure, Stampin' Up! now offers our exclusive stamp art in both traditional wood-mount, and the new clear-mount option. Our new clear-mount rubber stamps are the result of extensive research with the intent to maintain the very best image quality in the stamping industry, while at the same time offering the ease-of-use and storability inherent in repositionable clear-mount rubber stamps."

Clear-Mount Rubber Stamp Features

• Nine different sizes of clear blocks available individually or as a discounted bundle.
• Blocks have ergonomic grooves on all four sides for easy grip and traditional wood-mount feel.
• Stamps and blocks are durable and easy to clean with your Stampin' Scrub and Stampin' Mist.
• Optional image labels on stamp backs let you decide if you want to see the image through the block or not.
• Tight die-cutting for easy image positioning.
• Large clear blocks can be used to create collages or spell words with alphabet sets.
• Stamps store easily in standard, DVD-type cases with artwork on front and spine, making organization easy. 

I'll be uploading a little beauty created with my first set of "unmounted" SU! stamps...stay tuned!

Also starting with the new 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog and continuing with all new punch designs going forward, Stampin' Up! has adopted a new body style for our punches! I am really excited about this one, this is going to make traveling to a crop so much easier!!! lol

A few features of the new punch style:

• Low-profile, rectangular punch body allows for easier stacking and storing
• Punches lock shut for easier storage and transport
• Dual labels on top and end allow for easy identification and selection when stored
• Available in three sizes: small, medium, and extra-large
• New punches allow for larger punched images and more intricate designs while providing greater ease of use.
• Extra -large punch images also allow for two-step designs like the Two-Step Bird punch in the Occasions Mini Catalog
• Corner punches allow you to punch a corner design along the inside edges of a page, not just corners
• larger, whole-hand handle design provides better leverage for easier use

Are you excited?  I am!!!

One for the Money

This is a fun way to give someone a "non present." I really like how simple this gift card holder is to make and you could easily adapt it for birthdays and other occasions as well.

Start out with a piece of card stock that measures 4-1/2 x 7" and score it twice to create the pocket and the cover. The fold lines should be at 2-1/2 at one end, then 1-1/2 at the other. Use a bone folder to get a nice crease and secure the pocket with Sticky Strip to make sure it can handle the stress of a gift card.

I secured a ribbon on the back to tie it shut and decorated the flaps with patterned paper. The front also features the ornament stamp from Delightful Decorations. It has a coordinating punch too...so easy!

Happy Hanukkah, and Merry Christmas! I hope you all enjoy being with your families and have a WONDERFUL holiday season!!!

Glitter and Shine, you are MINE

These are fun...take some clear glass ornaments and transform them into sparkly little beauties. Just put 20 or more drops of any ink color you wish inside the ornament and turn it over to let it coat the inside and drip any excess out. Then add a teaspoon or so of Dazzling Diamonds to bring out the BLING! Just make sure you shake the glitter inside to prevent clumping. You can also take this idea up a notch and add rub ons or Decor Elements on the outside on the ornament. I tried several colors and LOVE them all!


102023 Dazzling Diamonds $4.50 

Back into Groove

I developed these pictures last week and put them to good use with my newest sketch, yay me! To see more pages done with this sketch and/or to use it and share, look at THIS. Actually I think this was another form of procrastination, but it was nice to take my time with a page and I'm pretty stisfied with the outcome. One page down...4 million 200 seventy-seven to go! hahaha

Journaling says:
September 2009
Natalie cried after her right ear was pierced.
...but she left the store smiling!

Stampin' Supplies:

Stamps: Cheep Talk, Jumble Alphabet

Paper: Windsor Knot DSP, Pink Flamingo DSP, Orchid Opulence, Pacific Point

Ink: Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: White gen pen, Sizzix BIGZ Flower Dasies #2, Scalloped Border Punch, Perforating Tool, Corduroy Buttons, 1/16" hole Punch, Corner Rounder, white acrylic paint

Techniques: machine stitching

Making Holiday Plans

The holiday season can be overwhelming, and without my multitude of lists I would be LOST! Every year I tote around my shopping list, a list of who to send cards to, and a list of those who shall receive chocolaty goodness from my kitchen! I also tend to keep my Christmas stamps and any receipts with my lists. This helps me stay on top of things...or so I delude myself to believe! lol

Originally I carried an envelope around with all my lists and such, but since that's not very crafty I made myself a little "pocket folio" one year that's held up pretty well. It was super simple, made from an 8-1/2x11" sheet of cardstock decorated with pretty papers, and it has been well loved!

This year I've decided to make a new one. I saw a version done with a standard manila file folder sometime in December last year, so I knew that's what I'd be doing in 2009.The photo above is the front when it's all tied closed. Below is how it looks when it's opened up.
The design is really simple and easy to duplicate. Mine is a letter sized manila folder with a center tab. I opened it up, scored and folded the bottom up 4". Then scored each side at 4-1/4" to create the additional panels with pockets. I decorated most of it with Designer Series Paper sandwiching in some ribbon so the whole thing can be tied shut. Of course I've also included some fun stamped images! For more details on the colors and products used to make this organizer, visit my website.

My First MDS Project

I've been dabbling with digi scrapping for almost two years now and even though I still have a deep love for true paper crafting, I just HAD to get myself a copy of My Digital Studio, from Stampin' Up! As a demonstrator I went through a certification process so I could learn about it and have the knowledge to help others. It's so easy to use; I can see myself doing many projects with it. Some all digital and a few hybrid things.
As part of my certification I had to create something using the software, so I decided to make a 2010 calendar. It's not only practical, but it came together quickly. The elements available are so easy to drop in and there are even templates you can use to help you with your layout. Here's a screen shot:


It's the lead in page for the month of June. The pictures folder is on the left side and I just dropped my photo in, selected some "stamped" images, and added a ribbon. The small preview images along the bottom are all the pages of the calendar, and you can simply click on any of them if you need to make an edit. This image below is the calendar page itself that coordinates with the one above.


There are designer papers to use as well and I incorporated them into several of my other pages, but I didn't want every page to be "the same." I'm super excited to get it. The printing/shipping service is really fast. I uploaded it for printing on Saturday evening and it'll be here tomorrow. I can't wait to hang it in my kitchen!

Want to know more about My Digital Studio? Watch the video on my website! There are also two great promos this month that include My Digital Studio:

• Get 50% off My Digital Studio when you host a workshop totaling $400 or more
• Spend $50 on anything in the Gift Giving Guide and receive a free Decor Element ($16.95 value)
  

Let It Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow...

This weekend I'm hosting a Stamp-a-Stack!

Miss Procrastinator Extraordinaire That I am, the cards were just barely completed yesterday and photographed! *whew* We'll be doing the cards in multiples which is why I call it a stamp-a-stack. There are three designs and everyone makes 4 of each...leaving with a dozen cards ready to go postal!

This first one uses the chalking technique. The trees were stamped in Craft White and then using daubers I added the different colored chalks.


This one is the "bling" card! lol How can you stamp those gorgeous snowflakes and not think about Dazling Diamonds!? You should see it sparkle in person, it's wonderful!


The last card might be my favorite. The bottom section isn't stamped, it's patterned paper with flocking...so neat, I had to use it on a card!!! It's very simple, and I'm in LOVE with this Designer Series Paper!

Contact me to RSVP:

Sunday October 18, 2009
2:00 PM
Frisco, TX
(214) 354-7685

Cool Crisp October

It's here alright...just wish it would stop raining! Uggg I have a few fun Halloweenish things to share.
I could have posted this one last month, but I didn't want it to be lonely! It needed friends, yeah that's it!
I did this little candle for Stamper's Club last month and tonight we'll be making 2 other super cute things that I'm sharing with you now.

Stampin' Supplies:
INK - Black Craft
STAMPS - From the Crypt
PAPER - Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant
OTHER - Black Gingham and 1/4" Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Cord, 1" Circle Punch, Curly Label Punch


I originally saw these spiders on a crafting website...or two...and multiple blogs..I think everyone did them last year, except ME! lol
I made one as an example for Stamper's Club tonight. Sydney loved it and she made the one and then added a little pink bow she made all by herself! I also promised the girls they'll get to make up a bunch too. 19 for Sydney's class, another 23 for Natalie. That'll work, they actually come together so quick once you punch all the pieces! They'll be fun to give to their friends at school!

Stampin' Supplies:
INK - White Gel Pen
PAPER - Basic Black, Orchid Opulence, Whisper White
OTHER - Scallop Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 1/4" Circle Punch, Photo Corners Punch


This last item is a Halloween treat bag. I did the cracked glass technique over the center image. Love doing that technique. You basically coat the entire surface with VersaMark and then clear embossing powder. A minimum of 3 coats, I did 4. Pop it in the freezer a few minutes, then CRACK!
This bag is perfect to "boo" a neighbor with! You can easily fit a few treats inside and for fun add a note and a ghost picture for them to hang on the door. Never been "booed" before? I put directions below...

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Twick or Tweet
INK - VersaMark, StazOn, Close To Cocoa and Creamy Caramel Marker
PAPER - Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White
OTHER - Fancy Favor Bigz Die, Clear Embossing Powder


How to "boo" your neighbors:
Some people refer to it as "Haunting" but it's just a fun surprise gift that is left on someone's door without them knowing who left it! Print out the poem below or make up your own, gather a few treats, and make a little sign that simply says "BOO" on it, or a cute little ghost picture with "BOO." Then put them all in a little treat bag or basket and leave them on someone's porch - don't get caught!

Here's one version of the poem that comes with a "printable:"

<<BOO!>>

Keep an eye on nearby front doors to see how far and fast it spreads by Halloween.
,
Sally

Ho Ho Ho

I did another Christmas card and am in the designing phases for several more to come...workshop on the 18th!!! Click HERE for more info! :) This one is for my Friday night Stampers Club and was inspired by a card from my downline Laura. It's so simple and stunning at the same time. I just had to share it!!! I adore this reindeer stamp and it looks AWESOME gold embossed. Running paper through my Big Shot in the Impressions Folder was AMAZING, can you really tell how deeply embossed the flowers are?


Stampin' Supplies:
INK - VersaMark, Real Red (envelope)
STAMPS - Dasher, Best Yet (envelope)
PAPER - Whisper White, Real Red
OTHER - Sizzix Petals-a-plenty embossing folder, Gold EP, 5/8" Real Red grosgrain ribbon

Visit my website for prices and how to order:
sally.stampinup.net

AND one more thing...
The DEAL of the week is back!

...and September has left the building

September is one of the busiest months we have around here. Around the first the kids were still getting acclimated to school life (as was I), we had to run out and get additional school supplies based on the teachers needs for certain classes...middle school is still somewhat of an anomaly. Anyhow we get that under our belts and it's party planning central!!!

Two of our three girls were born in September and one of them shares her b-day with my husband. There is also a niece and one of my three brother-in-laws named David (yes I have 3 BIL's named David)! lol In addition to our girls having parties there was a "Roe family" celebration, and I also have couple of dear friends that invited us out to celebrate them as well! September is exhausting!!! I always try to photograph the cards that I make, but I was lucky to make cards this month let alone capture everything that crossed my craft table.
My 5 year-old's party invite was made with the fun stamp set called Pony Party. Sadly I gave them all away thinking I would whip up one more "perfect" one to post here and save for the scrapbook...it hasn't happened yet! BUT I did make a cute card for her that coordinates...too bad I didn't use my Stamp-a-Ma-jig to get the party hat centered just right, but it is a pretty pony nonetheless!

STAMPIN' SUPPLIES
PAPER: Taken with Teal, Pink Passion, Summer Sun, Whisper White
INK: Encore Gold, Black StazOn, Bermuda Bay, Pixie Pink
STAMPS: Friends Rock, Medallion, Pony Party
OTHER: Aqua Painter

My daughter Sydney's party invite was inspired by my need to use up some things that I can no longer order or demonstrate with. I had this cute paper lying around that I knew I could work around and I came up with this sparkly creation that was easy to duplicate. Sadly I never followed though and gave her a card with her gift, but in my own defense I did endure a sleepover with EIGHT eight year-old girls which included a mini pedicure for each of them...good thing I had my 12 year old assistant! :) Sorry about the crooked photo....I'm a mess!

STAMPIN' SUPPLIES
PAPER: Misc patterned paper, Pink Pirouette, Apricot Appeal, Pink Passion
INK: Lavender Lace
STAMPS: Seriously Sassy
OTHER: Scallop Edge Punch, Crystal Effects and glitter (I mixed them on a paper plate and painted it on with a paint brush)

The card I made for my husband was fun to do. I love to distress things, and I really went to town edging this paper! I also busted out with my paper crimper, I should use it more often!


STAMPIN' SUPPLIES
PAPER: Tempting Turquoise, Pacific Point, Chocolate Chip, Autumn Meadows DSP
INK: Chocolate Chip
OTHER: Distress Tool, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Hemp Twine, Paper Crimper