Reminder -- Last Chance Designer Paper Sale and Occasions Mini Catalog Order

Just a quick reminder that tomorrow is the last day to order from the Occasions Mini catalog so don't miss out on your favorite items.

Tomorrow is also the last day to take advantage of the Buy 3 Get 1 Free Designer Series Paper so now is the perfect time to stock up for all your crafting needs.

You can place your order online, just click the link to the right.

The Open Sea - Sketch Challenge

What a crazy week!  What started out as a nice relaxing family vacation at the beach ended up with an earthquake, evacuation of our beach home, and hunkering down for a hurrican at home.  Through it all we managed to have some fun and stay safe which was the most important thing.  Given the events of the week when I saw this weeks Stamping 411 challenge I immediately knew I needed to use The Open Sea stamp set.  Not only will we be saying goodbye to this stamp set this week but it just seemed perfect for all that's been going on.

The card is pretty simple so I'm just going to list the items used:
  - The Open Sea Stamp Set
  - 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch
  - Nautical Expedition DSP
  - Brads
  - Petal Cone Die and Big Shot
  - Paper:  Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Not Quite Navy
  - Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Not Quite Navy, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso

Now check out the original sketch design.  This card turned out exactly as I pictured and I'm going to miss this stamp set, it was one of my favorites for the Occasions Mini Catalog. 

Well, it's back to work and the real work for us...looking forward to the Labor Day holiday next weekend!

Have a great week!

Diana

Occasions Alphabet - Sketch Challenge

Good morning!  What a beautiful day, we're currently vacationing in the OBX this week so I thought I would start by sharing the view I have as I type this post:

Absolutely awesome!

Anyway, before we left I was able to make my card for this weeks Stamping 411 challenge but didn't have time to post. 

I drew the color combination for this card from the Timeless Portrait DSP (love it!).  The colors are Cherry Cobbler, Island Indigo, Crumb Cake, and Very Vanilla.  I sponged the edge of the cardbase and the DSP with Cherry Cobbler ink to add some depth.  The ribbon is Island Indigo ruffled ribbon (fabulous) and I actually made a huge bow for behind the greeting.  The greeting is from the Occasions Alphabet stamp set and was colored with Stampin' Write markers and then punched out with the Modern Label Punch.  I cut a mat out with the Punch Windows Die and the Big Shot.  The final step was attaching the greeting with dimensionals, due to the height of the ribbon I had to use a total of 8 dimensionals (4 on each end) to build up the layers and WOW does it stand out.

Now check out the sketch layout, love how simple this is and is perfect for several different options.  I hope enjoy.

I thought I would end with a picture of the kids swimming last night, which they loved.

Have a great week!

Diana

Sketch Challenge - Sunny Fun

 Good evening.  I love weekends where we get to hang out with family and friends and this weekend was one of those times and with the humidity taking a break it was actually enjoyable to spend time outside.  Since the days are quickly ticking away to the end of summer I thought the Sunny Fun stamp set would be perfect to capture the summer times for this weeks Stamping 411 challenge. 

The cardbase is Pool Party (love that name) with  a piece of Daffodil Delight cardstock on top that I ran through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder.  The two strips of designer paper are from the Domestic Goddess DSP set which goes perfect with the Pool Party and Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon (you have see this ribbon in person).    

The main image is stamped with the Sunny Fun set in Basic Black and then punched out with the 1 3/4" Circle Punch.  I colored in the kids with a blender pen and Stampin' Write markers, and sponged the sky with Pool Party and Baja Breeze ink.  The circle is matted on a 2 3/8" scallop circle punched out of Calyspo Coral, and white dots were added to each of the scallops with a White Gel pen.    The final touch was stamping the greeting and then punching out with the modern label punch (half was tucked under the circle) and a rhinstone was added to add a little sparkle.

This card is so cute and summery.

Hope you enjoy and have a great week!

Diana

August Stamp-a-Stack

Good morning! 

What a beautiful morning, I love that we're getting a break from the heat and humidity.  Just wanted to share some of the projects for this Sunday's Stamp-a-Stack.  These are so great, and you're going to love them (check out that snow cone!) 

There is one additional card that will be exclusive for those who attend so make sure you don't miss out.  There's still time to RSVP so let me know if you want to attend!

Happy Stamping,

Diana

Amazing Promotion for the Month of August

Stampin' Up! just announced a promotion as hot as the weather outside!! During the month of August when you purchase three packages of SU exclusive Designer Series Paper you get an additional package for FREE (a $10.95 value)! This is a great time to stock up on all the brand new Designer Series Paper in the new Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog or the Summer Mini (note: the specialty designer paper is not included in this promotion, sorry).

Contact me to place your order to go to my On-Line Store HERE and order immediately.

Sketch Challenge - Baby Shower Greetings

 Good evening!  Wow it's been awhile since I've posted as I've been trying to get back into the swing of things after convention.  We've been on the run since we got back and this weekend was actually first time I got down into the studio since before convention, boy did I miss it.  When I saw this weeks Stamping 411 challenge sketch I knew it would be perfect for a baby shower I went to earlier this afternoon.

This card uses the Baby Bundle stamp set which I love because of all the little pieces that are included.  For the background I ran a piece of Whisper White cardstock through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka dots embossing folder before matting it on Chocolate chip cardstock and the Pink Piroutte cardbase.  For the main stamped image I stamped the greeting with Chocolate chip ink and then colored the hearts in with Stampin' Write markers.  I tied Certainly Celery 3/8" Taffeta ribbon around the cardstock before matting on Rose Red card stock and used the Scallop Trim border and corner punches on the mat. 

For the accents I stamped and cut out several of little pieces and cut and colored them.  3 smaller pieces were glued to the bottom right corner.  I punched holes in the 3 larger cutout pieces and used White Baker's Twine to tie them around the ribbon.  The final touch are 3 silver brads in the top right corner.

This card turned out exactly like I pictured, love it!  I love when I get to give a card I make to someone in person so I can see there reaction, it's too fun.

Hope you have a great week and happy stamping,

Diana

Heading Home

What an amazing week! I have had so much fun and can’t wait to share all I’ve learned. Today we’re heading home, which is so nice. Today I wanted to share the scrapbook page I created (with the assistance of Michelle, thanks lady!!) for a swap I was in. I decided to make a birthday layout which would be friendly for either boys, girls, kids, or adults.

I have to tell you we crammed a lot of items into this page but they all ready work well together. It also uses a lot of products from the new catalog, including: Petite Pendant Build a Punch and Bring on the Cake DSP, as well as baker’s twine, red glitter paper, Early Espresso 1/8” Taffeta Ribbon, Silver brads, Simple Birthday Decorative Strip die, as well as well as 5 different punches. Here’s close up pictures of both the cupcakes and pendants.

I have to say I love how this turned out, even if it did take a lot of time to complete. I can’t wait to just add pictures and have my layout already done.

Have a great day!

Diana

Christmas and Bookmarks, oh my!

What a fabulous Friday. Last night I took a +Fun class (Every Last Detail) where we made a beautiful tray using all sorts of great embellishments. This morning I have my make-and-take session and I can’t wait use the new stamps sets we got in our convention bag. Then we have our closing general session, which is not to be missed.

I have two more projects to share with you today. The first is a Christmas card that uses the Heard from the Heart stamp set and the Northern Frost Decorative Strip die. This was actually a pretty simple card (thanks Michelle for your help on this one). We cut out lots of snowflakes and randomly glued them on a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock. Then we ran it through the Big shot with the Petals-a-plenty embossing folder so the snowflakes were embedded in the image. Once again we only embossed about 2/3 of the sheet and left the part with the greeting flat. Then we attached an additional snowflake to the card and added a Basic Rhinestone brad so that snowflake stood out. A nice and simple card but elegant looking and easy to reproduce in mass.

The second item is a book mark with the Fun Flowers Die. I got this idea from Connie Babbert and you have to check her creation out HERE! I just chose different colors of cardstock and ran it through the Big shot to cut out all the flower layers. Then I sprayed them with water and squished them up so they were wrinkled before sponging the edges with ink using a sponge dauber. Once the layers dried I stacked them how I wanted them and punched a hole through all the layers with a paper piercer before using a Brights Flower brad to attached all the layers together. The final step was to add a piece of Basic Black ribbon to the back.

This is such a fun project, we made it in last months Big Shot class and it was a hit.

We’ve had a great week but are definitely looking forward to heading home tomorrow, I think Chris and Mocha will be glad when we get back.

Have a great day!

Diana

Convention is Awesome!

Happy Friday!

We are having such a great time this week and can’t believe how fast the time has flown. I wanted to drop and show 2 quick cards I made for swaps this week.

The first is a Christmas card that uses the Greeting Card Kids and Bells and Boughs stamp set. I embossed the front of the card (Cherry Cobbler) with the Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder and then took my Chocolate Chip marker to highlight the centers of each of the flowers so they can look like Poinsettias. The main image was stamped with Black Staz-on ink and then colored in with a Blender pen and classic ink pads. I punched the image out with the 2 ½” circle punch and then matted on a piece of Baja Breeze cardstock cut out with the Scallop Circle #2 Die. I did run the scallop circle through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder. I did add a bow with the Chocolate Chip Polka Dot Scallop Ribbon to the front.

Now this is a fun fold card in that it is a try pod, check it from the side. The inside has a piece of Whisper White cardstock that is stamped in Old Olive with the Bells and Boughs stamp set. Then the greeting is stamped in Chocolate Chip and punched out with the Decorative Label punch. Lots of sponging around the layers and the cards all set.
So pretty, this little girl is so sweet!

The second card uses the Word Play stamp set. This is a fun swap in that everyone participating is using the same stamp set to provide lots of great ideas! I used the globe image from The Open Sea Stamp set and stamped it off before stamping on Whisper White cardstock so it’s very subtle. Then I stamped the greeting in Not Quite Navy. I stamped the same image on a scrap of paper with Cherry Cobbler ink and then punched out the little globe with the ½” circle punch before attaching it with a dimensional for it pops. I also used the Nautical Expedition DSP and the Cherry Cobbler Baker’s twine for a more manly touch. Last but not least I used the paper piecer to punch dots in two of the corners of the card base.

This is very similar to the father’s day card I made for Chris this year but I thought it was too cute not to share.
I’m having so much fun this week, I can’t seem to stop smiling and hope you are having a great week as well.

Take care!

Diana

A Cupcake to Share

What a fun day yesterday, Stampin’ Up really knows how to throw a party! Today is our first general session and first sets of classes so I can’t wait. I’ve also met some wonderful people which is so fun!

Today’s card I have to share with you today is a cute card using the Create a Cupcake stamp set and Build a Cupcake punch. These are so fun and allow you to make lots of cupcakes quickly. This card also uses the new Cheerful Treat DSP and Lucky Limeaid (one of this years new In Colors). This green is so fun and goes perfectly with the Concord Crush Poly Satin Ribbon. The final touch was to add Red glitter cherries to the cupcakes. I used the same punch with the Red Glitter paper.

Enjoy!

Diana

Let the Festivities Begin

Today convention activities begin, including check-in, Momento Mall (who wouldn’t love shopping for Stampin’ Up exclusive items!) and the welcome party. We’re also going to head out to the home office for a tour of the offices and distribution center (Aidan and mom are going to come also).

Today I'm sharing a card a created with the Day of Gratitude stamp set. The card is pretty straight forward and uses the lattice embossing folder that only embosses part way down the cardstock. The colors are Sahara Sand, Cajun Craze, and Chocolate Chip. The ribbon is one of the new polka dot scallop ribbon that I turned over so the solid side is showing.

So did you check out that button??? It’s actually a faux button that I made my layering cardstock and punching center holes before covering with Crystal Effects (definitely need to let the buttons dry overnight to make sure it’s set. The final touch was tie some twine in the button.
This was so fun and I love how this card turned out, perfect for the fall.


Have a great day!

Diana

We've Arrived

After arriving in SLC and getting all checked into the hotel we’ve decided to go to the Lagoon amusement and waterpark and tour the Sweet Candy Company factory (yum, salt water taffy).

Today I’m sharing two additional swaps. The first is a card using the new Delicate Doilles stamp set and Thank you Kindly. This new stamp set coordinates perfectly with the new Flirtatious DSP (you have to check this out, it includes 2 sheets of laser cut doilies). I also used the new Lace Ribbon border punch (love it) and one of our new in colors, Wisteria Wonder.

The second item is a little shopping bag made with the Bitty Box & Envelope Bigz XL die. This is so easy to make, just run a half sheet of cardstock (in this case either Pacific Point or Tangerine Tango) through the Big Shot and cut off a couple of tabs. The DSP is Beyond the Garden and then I wrapped a piece of ribbon (for these samples I used Whisper White 3/8” Taffeta and Daffodil Delight ¼” Grosgrain ribbon. The handles are made with the White bakers twine. Inside I included tissue paper and a Ghirardelli chocolate.

Isn’t this cute? The idea for this project was from Connie Babbert and you can check out her project HERE.

Enjoy!
Diana

Let the Adventure begin...

I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it (yes, I am channeling the Pointer Sisters)! Aidan and I got up very early this morning and left for the airport for our trip to Salt Lake City. As you read this we should be boarding our plane. We’re going out ahead of my annual Stampin’ Up convention and my mom is coming to meet us in SLC and Aidan and Gramma are going to explore the city while I’m at convention (it’s great how many great family oriented things there are to do in the city (and most within a couple of miles of the hotel).

Like last year I’m going to be sharing each day this week some of the swaps that I am taking to share. Today’s share is my card I created for a kid’s card swap. This means that everyone in the swap is creating a card geared for kids (who great is that!). I made a baseball themed birthday card using the Home Run and It’s Your Birthday Stamp sets. This card has lots of texture with the Lattice embossing on the background, popped up baseball that was cut out with circle punches as well as the greeting.  Here's a close-up of the baseball.

This card is so fun and I can’t wait to see what everyone else creates since I seem to be making kids cards regularly.

Enjoy and stay tuned for tomorrow…

Diana

July Stamp-a-Stack

Good morning!

It's been awhile since my last post, I've been frantically getting everything great to leave for Stampin' Up convention (we leave on Monday and I can't wait).  Let me just tell you the amount of paper that has been flying in studio is mindblowing, I definately have to do some cleaning before we leave.  I'll be posted pictures of all the swaps I made from convention each day next week so make sure to check back soon.  Anyway, I wanted to drop a quick note to show you the projects we'll be making at this months Stamp-a-stack, which is this Sunday.  We'll be using tons of items from the summer mini and new catalog, you're sure to love it.

Aren't these awesome!  We're going to be traveling on Saturday so please let me know TODAY if you'll be coming so everything is prepared.

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Diana

Sketch Challenge - Strength & Hope

Good evening!  Tonight I want to share with you the card I made for this weeks Stamping 411 sketch challenge.   I decided to use the Strength & Hope stamp set and make a one color card, in this case Blushing Bride.  To help make the card have dimension every piece of paper on this card is sponged with Blushing Bride Ink.  I also used the In Color DSP Level One Hostess item (this paper is only available through Thursday).  The panel on the right side is the word stamp set stamped repeatedly down the paper.  The ribbon is Whisper White organza ribbon.

I stamped the "H" and hope and punched it out with the 1 3/8" circle punch and then matted it with a scallop circle punch.  This card looks so pretty in person, very soothing.

The best thing about this stamp set (other than how pretty the images are) is that Stampin' Up is donating $2 from the sale of each stamp set through August 31 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, what a great way to give to a fabulous cause.  Make sure to pick up your set!

Have a great week!

Diana

A Father's Day Card - Just in the Nick of Time!

Happy Monday!


We had a great weekend this weekend with friends. We hosted our annual neighborhood BBQ this Saturday and had a blast with our friends and neighbors which was a great way to kickoff summer (complete with a fire and smores in the evening!) The only downside to this full day is that I was a little behind in making Chris’ card for father’s day so I had to whip one up Sunday morning. Robin Merriman had made a great card last week that I really liked so I decided to CASE it, check Robin’s card out HERE.

This card highlights the Word Play and The Open Sea stamp set. I stamped the globe with Basic Grey ink that was stamped off for a lighter image. Then I stamped the words from Word Play with Not Quite Navy ink directly on top of the globe. I used Cherry Cobbler ink to stamp the words a on a scrap piece of paper so I could punch out the little globe with the ¾” circle punch which was then popped up with a dimensional. This piece was matted with a piece of Not Quite Navy cardstock. Next I matted a piece of Nautical Expedition DSP on Not Quite Navy (this corner piece was perfect with the palm trees. I wrapped a piece of Whisper White/Cherry Cobbler Baker’s Twine around the DSP and then tied a bow.

The final touch was to stamp a father’s day greeting from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set in Cherry Cobbler, punched it out with the Modern Label Punch, and sponged the edges with Not Quite Navy ink before attaching it with dimensionals.
The card turned out great and Chris loved it, even if the ink was barely dry when I gave it to him!  Hope you all had a special father's day with your loved one's as well.

Heartfelt Thanks - Sketch Challenge

Good morning!  Today I wanted to share with you a quick and easy card I made for this weeks Stamping 411 challenge.  For this weeks card I wanted to showcase several items that are retiring, including the Hodgepodge Happiness stamp set, Greenhouse Gala DSP, Early Espresso 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Designer Label Punch, and Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware. 

I used Early Espresso and Marinia Mist stampin' write markers to color directly on the rubber before stamping on Whisper White Cardstock which was then punched out iwth the Designer Label Punch.  After matting the DSP to the Early Espresso Cardstock and then the Marina Mist card base I ruffled the Early Espresso 5/8" Grosgrain ribbon (used Sticky Strip, and Snail) I attached the greeting to the card with the designer label piece and brads from the Styled Silver Hodgepodge hardware it (these are such fun metal pieces and I rarely use them). 

I love how this turned out, full of texture and dimension.  Don't forget you only have until the end of the month get these retiring items before they are gone forever.

Happy stamping!

Diana

June Stamp-a-Stack

Good morning! 

Just wanted to drop in to show this months Stamp-a-stack projects.  This month we're focusing on sets that are retired (time to use them one more time before they're gone) and the summer mini catalog, there's lots of different styles, perfect for any occasion.  Also, I have a special offer on the retired sets for those who attend upcoming events, you won't want to miss this!

Class is this Sunday and there's still time RSVP, just let me know!

Have a great day and happy stamping!

Diana

Sketch Challenge: Land of the Free

What a fantabulous weekend!  We had a great time this weekend with family activities and just spending time together, love it!  I did take time to create a card for this weeks Stamping 411 challenge and knew exactly what I wanted to do once I saw the sketch design.  I started with the Land of the Free single stamp (love how it has the song lyrics to make the stripes on the flag) and inked it with Real Red and Night of Navy classic markers.

For the back ground I cut various size stars with the Star punch (can't believe that one's retiring) and the Big Shot star die) in Whisper White and attached them to the Night of Navy cardstock before running them through the Big Shot with the Lattice Textured Embossing Folder so the stars became embedded into the design of the paper.  For the strip a used a piece of Real Red DSP from the Brights paper stack and layered it with a piece of Whisper White cardstock that was punched along one edge with the scallop border punch. 

 The final touch was to make a bow with Whisper White 3/8" taffeta ribbon and a star brad (the brad is retired but I thought it was perfect for this card).  Now check out the sketch we had to work with.

This card is fabuous!  I love how clean and bright it is. 

Just a reminder, there is still time to RSVP for this month's stamp-a-stack class which will be next sunday, the 12th at 2:00 PM, just email to let me know.

Hope you have  a great week and happy stamping!

Diana