August Workshop

Its been such a hot summer its kind of hard to get excited about the holidays yet.  But then my Stampin' Up holiday catalog arrived and I'm ready to rock.  Filled with all kinds of coordinated products makes it easy and fun to create cards, gifts, scrapbook pages and so much more.  Yup, I'm excited about the coming holiday months.  So let the fun begin!


We started off our August workshop with a cute scary kitty card.  The colors and designs of the Howlstooth & Scaringbone Designer Series Paper will remind you of a witch's wardrobe, but versatile for other projects.

Stamp set:  Frightening Feline, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Halloween Frights (retired)
Paper:  Howlstooth & Scaringbone DSP, Basic Black, Tangerine Tango, Very Vanilla Card Stock
Ink:  Versamark
Tools:  3 1/2" Circle Original Die, 3" Circle Die, Big Shot, Heat Tool, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch
Embellishments:  Tangerine Tango Embossing Powder, 1/2" Striped Satin Ribbon, Designer Ribbon Slides

And of course what would Halloween be without some kind of a cool trick or treat project.  I cased this handsome fellow from Stampin' Up rep Angie Kennedy Juda at angie@mychicnscratch.com.  She has a wonderful blog and many great ideas.

Wouldn't you love this Frankenstein Box filled with your favorite Halloween goodies?  Yummy!

Paper:  Lucky Limeade, Basic Black, Whisper White Card Stock
Ink:  Black Marker
Tools:  1" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Simply Scored, Circle Hand Held Punch
Embellishments:  Sticky Strip, 20 gauge wire, pliers


Our next card features the "Scentsational Season" stamp set and the Holiday Collection Framelits Dies.  The die is designed to frame around the stamped images from the stamp set, so you can see where to cut the images.

Stamp set:  Scentsational Season, More Merry Messages
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla Card Stock, Festival of Prints DSP
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler and Chocolate Chip
Tools:  Festive Paper-Piercing Mate, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Framelits Label Collection, Framelits Holiday Collection
Embellishments:  Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine, Neutrals Designer Buttons

Our final card features our newest no mess "toast to champagne" glitter paper.  The tree has been stamped with Versa Mark and then embossed with Iridescent Ice.

Stamp set:  Evergreen
Paper:  Riding Hood Red, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla Card Stock, Champagne Glimmer Paper
Ink:  Riding Hood Red, Early Espresso, Versa Mark
Tools:  Big Shot, 1 1/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die, Apothecary Accents Framelits Die, Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder
Embellishments:  Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder

Sue Bartels was our hostess serving a scrumptious light dinner.  I surprised her with a fall wreathe as her hostess gift.  The wreathe was made from the Wonderfall stamp set and Autumn Accents Bigz Die.  Sue can hang the wreath on the wall or use it as a center piece.  Unfortunately I failed to take a picture to share with you.

Thanks for stopping by,

Susie


 

Happy Birthday Haley and Jayden

This weekend our grandchildren, Haley and Jayden will be visiting.  We'll be celebrating Haley's 9th birthday and Jayden's 6th.    It was so easy to make their birthday cards this year.  Haley loves boots so the new Bootiful Occasions stamp set was perfect for her card.

Stamp set:  Bootiful Occasions
Paper:  Floral District DSP, Melon Mambo, Tangerine Tango, Perfect Plum and Whisper White Card Stock
Ink:  Melon Mambo
Misc:  Brights Designer Buttons, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, Scallop Edge Border Punch, White Bakers Twine, Chevron Embossing Folder

Jayden loves trucks, diggers and playing in the dirt so what could be better then the stamp set I Dig You!

 

Stamp set:  I Dig You

Paper:  Old Olive, Marina Mist, Whisper White Card Stock, DSP

Ink:  Cajun Craze and Marina Mist

Misc:  Word Window Punch, 3" Circle Bigz Die, Chevron Embossing Folder

I better hurry and wrap their presents!

 

July Workshop

Its been a hot, hotter, hottest summer so far, but that didn't stop us from stampin' up a storm at our July workshop.  Beth Griffith was our hostess serving up some delicious BBQ, summer salad and yummy in my tummy Texas sheet cake.

My son, Jason, and his wife Hasha are visiting from Texas.  Hasha loves stamping and was more then glad to help out.  In fact, Hasha made this beautiful hostess gift!!

Here's what she used to make this awesome canvas wall hanging.

Paper:  Floral District DSP, Baja Breeze, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade, Rich Razzleberry, Rose Red, Tangerine Tango, Island Indigo and Whisper White

Ink:  Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories:  Big Shot, Fun Flower Bigz L Die, Fancy Fan Folder, Blossom Petals Builder Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, 1 3/4" circle punch, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Brights Designer Buttons, Basic Pearls, Whisper White Bakers Twine, Summer Smooches Brads, Crystal Effects,  Hot glue gun and a couple of days.

Thank you Hasha for making this amazing hostess gift!! Everyone loved it!

Our first card featured the Serene Silhouettes stamp set and can be used for so many different occasions.  I love all the warm cozy colors.

Stamp sets:  Serene Silhouettes, Itty Bitty Banners, Papillon Potpourri
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Summer Starfruit, Cajun Craze, Pool Party, Soft Suede, Comfort Cafe DSP
Ink:  Soft Suede, Pool Party
Accessories:  Sponge Dauber, Butterfly Punch, Chevron Embossing Folder, Delicate Designs Embossing Folder, Natural Designer Buttons, very vanilla envelopes, linen thread, sponge dauber

Our second card also used the Comfort Cafe DSP.  Its kind of growing on me! 

The new stamp set Blooming with Kindness is very versatile.  You can choose from five different greetings.

Stamp sets:  Blooming with Kindness, Papillon Potpouri
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit, Comfort Cafe DSP
Ink:  Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit, Soft Suede
Accessories:  Buttery Fly Punch, Edgelits Finishing Touches, Midnight Muse Satin Stitched Ribbon, Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons, White Bakers Twine, very vanilla envelopes

Our final card was made with my all-time favorite background stamp, Pleasant Poppies.  When I see red and orange poppies in my mom's garden it reminds me of my childhood, and I want to run through the rows in her garden.  OK, maybe I can't run any more.  But poppies just make me SMILE!

Stamp sets:  Pleasant Poppies, Sweet Essentials
Paper:  Whisper White, Early Espresso, Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip
Ink:  Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip
Accessories:  Brads, Dimensionals, stamping sponges

Thanks for stopping by,

Susie

Celebrating America

Wayne and I joined together to celebrate America with my star spangled card and his beautiful handcrafted patriotic pen.

The Wall Street II Pen is smooth, sleek and stylish with its chrome and satin finish.  It fits comfortably in your hand and would make a great gift for anyone.  The box elder and maple blank is dyed brilliant red and blue and then precision laser-cut.  Wayne carefully added all 50 stars and each stripe to the blank and then carefully turns on his mini lathe, sands and applies finish.

My card was much easier to make.

Paper:  Real Red, Night of Navy, Whisper White, Big Top Birthday DSP (retired)
Ink:  Real Red
Accessories:  Big Shot, Stars #2 Die (retired)

Thanks for stopping by.  God Bless America!

Wayne and Susie Smith

If you would like more information about Wayne's handcrafted pens, email him at logcabin.pensmith@facebook.com  

Welcome Beckett Ryan Smith

 

Earlier this month The Smith Family gathered to welcome our youngest grandson, Beckett Ryan Smith, to the Christian Community.  From left to right are Godparents, Jason and Hasha, Beckett's parents, Lisa and Ryan, and Deacon Ron Lesjak.

Beckett was born on February 13.  He is a happy, healthy little boy who very seldom cries and likes to sleep through the night.  Two year old Macie Jane can't wait until her brother is old enough to play with her.

    

Wayne and I are truly blessed to have four beautiful grandchildren.

Susie

June Workshop

When it came time to decide what new stamp sets and goodies to show at our June Workshop, I felt like a kid in a candy shop!  So many yummy new goodies in our new catalog, where to begin?  The first stamp set I chose reminded me of my daughter-in-law, Lisa, and her groovy rain boots.  When I saw the stamp set Bootiful Occasions I couldn't believe my eyes, there were her boots.  She'll just love this birthday card!

Stamp Set:  Bootiful Occasions
Paper:  Floral District Designer Series Paper, Melon Mambo, Tangerine Tango, Perfect Plum and Whisper White Card Stock
Ink:  Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad, Melon Mambo and Tangerine Tango Markers
Misc:  Brights Designer Buttons, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Scallop Edge Border Punch, White Bakers Twine, Chevron Embossing Folder

The stamps in the new Betsy's Blossoms stamp set are crisp, clean and perfect for bright colors.

It was easy to get your creative juices flowing with all the goodies featured on this card.  It definitely got a big thumbs up!

Stamp Set:  Betsy's Blossoms and Itty Bitty Banners
Paper:  Whisper White
Ink:  Midnight Muse, Primrose Petals, Lucky Limeade, Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pads
Big Shot:  Fancy Fan Embossing Folder, Framelits Apothecary Accents, Framelits Bitty Banner
Misc:  2 1/2" Round Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

With Father's Day right around the corner, I wanted to find a project for our special guys.  My husband does all the grilling at our house, so when I saw Holly Krautkremer's "Now You're Cookin' Spice Box," I knew I found the right project.  I made a few changes, and as the stamp set had retired I downloaded it to My Digital Studio.  It was easy to assemble and there is plenty of room for your favorite grilling spices.  I even added a gift card.

Stamp Set:  Now You're Cookin' Stamp Set (retired) available from My Digital Studio
Paper:  Crumb Cake and Poppy Parade Card Stock, Domestic Goddess Designer Series Paper (retired)
Ink:  Poppy Parade Classic Ink Pad (retired)
Misc:  Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

You can see this project and more of Holly's designs at http://rubberredneck.typepad.com

A big thank you to our June hostess, Sandy Wellumson, who provided us with a very delicious dinner.

Thanks for stopping by.

Susie

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my wonderful husband.  Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.  Leading our family with compassion, strength, wisdom and love.  Our life together just gets better and better.

Stamp set:  Pier Happiness from Raisin Boat
Paper:  Whisper White, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Basic Black
Ink:  Basic Black, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue

Thanks for stopping by.

Susie

All Occasion Cards

It never fails, I need a card at the last minute and my mind goes blank.  I can't even get my creative juices flowing.  My palms are sweaty and I know the mail will be picked up soon.  What should I do?  No way, I'm not going to buy a card!!!!!

Dah, I finally smartened up and made some all occasion cards to keep on hand.  Here's one of my favorites.

Could this be any easier and what a great way to use up leftover designer paper.

Stamp set:  Eastern Blooms (I know it's retired but I love this one.)
Paper:  Whisper White, Sweet Shop DSP, Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade
Ink:  Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade
Misc:  1/2" Pool Party Seam Binding Ribbon, Postage Stamp Punch, Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder

Happy Memorial Day

Some times we forget what Memorial Day is all about.  It's not the beginning of summer, a cook out or a long weekend to shop and plant flowers.  Please remember all those brave men and women who serve and protect our country as they bravely watch over us.  Thank them and their families for their sacrifice. 

My husband is a Vietnam veteran.  It was a very different time back then, and people felt very different about that war. They didn't treat our service men and women with the respect and gratitude they deserved.  But today we are so thankful this nation supports and celebrates our service men and women!!

Let the generations to follow not forget that for every moment of peace, liberty and greatness our country enjoys, we have a veteran who has worn a uniform to thank.  God Bless America!      

Want to Cheer Someone Up?

How about sending them a pop up card?

I saw this card several weeks ago and just had to case it.  It was easy and fun to make, and when folded fits in Stampin' Up's medium envelope.  Notice the color of the flower?  That two-tone image is the rock and roll stamping technique.  All you need to do is ink the stamp in lighter ink.  Next ink the edges of the same stamp with a darker color by rolling the stamp on it's edge.  Now stamp the image on card stock.  Pretty cool, maybe we'll just have to make this pop up card at our next workshop.
  
Stamp Set:  Mixed Bunch, Friendly Phrases
Paper:  Tangerine Tango, Whisper White
Ink:  Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black
Misc:  Blossom punch, Daffodil Delight 1/2" seam binding ribbon , sticky strip, Simply Scored Scoring Tool

May Workshop

We had a great group at the May workshop hosted by Sandy Renner.  Besides a delicious dinner, she surprised me with a decorated wall clock.  Thanks Sandy, how did you know I needed a clock in my craft room.

Here's my hostess gift for Sandy.  I've never made a memory book before, but using Stampin' Up's  punches, dies, card stock and beautiful designer series paper made it easy.  I can't wait to see how she fills up the pages!  And best of all, some of the gals want a class to make their own!

After a sneak peek at the new 2012-2014 colors, we started our projects.

The first card was very simple but elegant.  It combined neutral colors with Mocha Morning Specialty Designer Series Paper.  This paper is retiring by the end of this month or once the supply runs out. 

Stamp set:  Field Flowers
Paper:  Mocha Morning Specialty DSP, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso
Ink:  Early Espresso
Misc:  Extra Large Oval Punch, Antique Brads, Mat Pack, Paper Piercer,
Stamp-a-ma-jig

Our second card featured the Textured Impressions Designer Frame.  What a great way to further highlight the greeting on this card.  This folder can be used on card stock or designer series paper.

Stamp set:  Creative Elements, Sincere Salutations (retiring 5/31/12)
Paper:  Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso
Ink:  Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler
Misc:  Textured Impressions Designer Frame, Extra Large Oval Punch, Basic Pearls, Cherry Cobbler 1/2" seam binding ribbon

Our final project was this box using designer paper, the Simply Scored Scoring Tool and Simply Scored Diagonal Plate.

This box is easy to assemble and holds 10 to 12 greeting cards and envelopes.  I used the Fun Flower Die to make this cute flower and now I'm ready to give a special gift to a friend for any occasion.  Contact me at sjsmith20@frontier.com if you would like the directions.

Thanks for stopping by.

Susie

Happy Mother's Day

Nothing compares with being a mother . . . who else can be bugged, tugged, hugged and loved all at the same time!

I spent a few days with my mom taking her shopping, visiting and out to eat at one of her favorite restaurants, yup you guessed it Culvers!  She just loves cheeseburgers with everything on it, fries and a cup of coffee.  I tried to talk her into a yummy Turtle Sundae but she was too full!  She loves to hear what fish Wayne has caught or new woodworking project he's made, how my boys and their families are, and she likes to look at any greeting cards or paper projects I've made.

Here's my mom's Mother's Day card:

 
Of course she loved it and put it on display in the living room.  Wow, right past posting on the refrigerator, that's even better than when I was a little girl!!

Stamp set:  Field Flowers
Paper:  Whisper White and Pink Pirouette
Ink:  Soft Suede, Old Olive
Cool tools:  Labels Collection Framelits, Flower Garden Embossing Folder, Basic Pearls


 

We made this card at our March workshop.  All I had to do was add a Happy Mother's Day greeting and I had two beautiful Mother's Day cards ready for my beautiful daughter-in-laws.

Stamp set:  Simply Soft Hostess set, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper:  Whisper White, Sweet Shop DSP, Lucky Limeade
Ink:  Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade
Cool tools:  Labels Collection Framelits, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Oval Dies, Basic Pearls, 5/8" Organza ribbon

I hope you had a wonderful day with your mom.  Thanks for stopping by,

Susie



   



 

Friendship Swap

Last Saturday was the Friendship Swap hosted by Melissa Varga.  About 21 gals from all over Wisconsin gathered to make and swap greeting cards.  Other categories you could participate in were 6 x 6 recipe cards, anything but a card, beautifully decorated  notebooks and a lottery item.  Wow, we sure have some very talented ladies.  I had trouble deciding on which one to vote for in each category!!!  All kinds of prizes were awarded, a delicious lunch was served which included "yummy in my tummy" cheesecake, and there were bowls of candy located on all the tables.

Lady Di, Beth Griffith, Sandy Renner, Sue Bartels and Dana Diorio, all from our Monday night stamping group, attended the swap.  Their cards and other projects were outstanding.  We all left with new cards, new ideas and new friends.

Here's the card I made for the swap.  No, I didn't vote for my own card!
  

But who doesn't love an Owl!!!!

Thanks for stopping by,

Susie 

April Workshop

When I select a card or project for a workshop, I pick out a new stamp set and add all the goodies I think my customers will like.  But what I really need to remember, is to listen to what my customers want.  At last month's workshop Sue Bartels brought in cards for "Show and Tell."  Her card featured our latest Framelit Labels Collection die and the stamp set, Apothecary Art.  We've used both of these and love them, but she stepped it up and made simple changes to make her card even more interesting and creative.  She made a Gate Fold card - it was unique, simple and everyone loved it!

I get it, something different from our standard top or side fold card.  All you need for a Gate Fold Card is one piece of card stock with two scored lines.  

The base card is 4 1/4" x 11" and is scored at 2 3/4" and 8 1/4".  Add Designer Series Paper (DSP) to each panel.  Then layer dies inside each other to cut a frame that will outline the Apothecary Art stamped image.  Attach the frame on the left panel as shown below, and the stamped image on the right panel.  Not only do you have a beautiful card, but we stepped it up and made it unique!  
 

 

Check this card out!!!  Its called the Flip Flop Framelit.  You use the same Framelits Label Die and Apothecary Art stamp set, but the card stock base measures 4 1/4" x 7 1/2" and is scored at 2 3/4" and 3 3/4" to makes a "Z fold."  Use the Framelit Label Die to cut the opening so the stamped image flips to reveal your message on the back.  Pretty cool!!  Thanks Sue for demonstrating this card, making up all the packets and helping out.  I know everyone loved the card!

 

Our final card is the Double Pocket Card.  You'll need the Simply Scored scoring tool and the Simply Scored Diagonal Plate, 8 1/2" x 11" double sided DSP, matching card stock and the Eyelet border punch.

Score the DSP on the side you want to face on the front of the card.  Score at 4 1/4" at the top (short side) of the paper, turn and then score at 5 1/2" on the long side.  Next insert the Simply Scored Diagonal Plate into the Simply Scored scoring tool.  Turn the DSP back to the top and score diagonally at 4 1/2" in the upper right corner, then turn and score again at 4 1/2" in the upper right corner.  Now fold at all scored lines using your bone folder.  I used the Two Tags die to make tags for the pocket on the front and inside the card.  Have fun decorating.

What a fun night.  Nancy Sorenson was our Hostess and she served a delicious dinner and yummy in my tummy dessert.   I made her a wreath for a hostess gift but forgot to take a picture - dah.

If you have any questions, give me a call or send an e-mail.  

Thanks for stopping by,

Susie

 

More Bang for Your Buck!

We've all had to tighten our belts over the past few years and find ways to work smarter.  When you look for a stamp set that gets excellent stamping mileage, the Mixed Bunch stamp set definitely fills the bill.

You can choose from three different flower stamps and three different flower centers.  You can even make your own designer paper using the round flower centers as in the above black and white card.  Stampin' Dimensionals pop up my punched flower for a quick and easy 3-D effect.  "Thoughts of You," from Loving Thoughts stamp set, multi-tasks for get well, sympathy, thinking of you and more.  I love the font and versatility of the stamp set.  Check out all the sentiments from this set on page 15 of the Occasions Mini Catalog.  I think you'll get "More Bang for Your Buck."

March Madness

There was no craziness or insanity at our March workshop.  We all enjoyed our scrumptious dinner provided by our hostess, Barb Cook.  Lots of goodies were brought in for Show and Tell, and Sue Bartels gave us a great demo and tips on the new Edgelits Dies.  Her sample cards were beautiful!  Thanks Sue, we'll definitely be making one of them at the April workshop.

Here are the cards and project we made:

These flowers are from the Bordering on Romance stamp set, which also coordinates with the Adorning Accents Edgelits and Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  The Attic Boutique Designer Series Paper reminds you of a fun day exploring quaint boutiques.  The greeting is from Petite Pairs and adding some pearls and butterflies completes the card.

What's not to love about the Sweet Shop Designer Series Paper?  It coordinates with all five 2011-2013 In Colors and two sheets have embossed designs to make this paper extra special.  You'll only be able to buy this paper through April 30, 2012 so check it out on page 33 of your Occasions mini catalog.  The flowers are from the Simply Soft Hostess Stamp Set on page 12 of the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.  You can earn this stamp set by hosting a workshop. 

And finally with Easter right around the corner . . . .

 
Our punches and Big Shot dies make beautiful cards, memorable scrapbooking pages and fun, fun, papercrafts!  This little bunny sure was a hit.  It was so simple to make using the Bigz Die Scallop Square for the box, the Blossom Petals Builder Punch for the ears, the Framelits Hearts Die for the head, and a variety of circle punches for the eyes, checks and nose.  Now all you need is some candy.

Thanks for stopping by,

Susie

   

Happy Birthday Mom

I know my mom will love this birthday card because of all the pretty flowers.  After a long winter and recovering from a broken hip, she's anxious to get outside and start working in her garden and back on her John Deere riding mower. 

 

The flowers from the Bordering on Romance stamp set combined with the wistful patterns from Twitterpated Designer Series Paper, will remind her of so many happy days in her garden of life.  Love you Mom!

Thanks for stopping by.

Susie

February Workshop

A little snow didn't get in the way of our February 13th workshop.  And even though it was chilly outside Linda Mohn's delicious soup and all the trimmings warmed us up.  Thanks Linda for hosting our February workshop.  I hope you enjoy the Sweet Shop Designer Series Paper (DSP) and Valentine wreath.

This cute wreath was made with my Big Shot and the #2 Scallop Circle die.  After cutting about 250 red felt scallop circles and folding them twice, they were pinned to a heart-shaped Styrofoam wreath.  It sure was a hit!!

Now let's take a look at our projects.

I love this card using the Sweet Shop DSP and the new Sweet Cake stamp set from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  This set comes with four images - the main cupcake image and three greetings.  The small embossed heart is a new embosslit for the Big Shot called Fashionable Hearts.  It cuts and embosses five sizes of hearts.  Finally we added Dazzling Details to the frosting, cherry and heart to give the card that WOW look.

Our second card featured the Everyday Enchantment DSP from the Sale-A-Bration catalog, and the new Mixed Bunch stamp set and Blossom punch from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  The paper coordinated beautifully with Poppy Parade, Calypso Coral and Lucky Limeade.  The birthday greeting came from the Petite Pairs stamp set in the 2011-2012 catalog.  What an easy card to make - cut the paper, stamp the flowers and greeting and punch them out!

The Sweet Shop Gift Box was our final project.  This cute box holds  3" x 3" gift cards, envelopes and some candy.  It also features the Sweet Shop DSP and Sweet Cake stamp set.  A window sheet was cut and scored to fit around the box.  Wouldn't this make a great gift for a teacher, hostess, thank you or get well gift?

If you have any questions about any of these projects or would like a catalog, contact me at sjsmith20@frontier.com.

Thanks for stopping by.

Susie

Fishes, Wishes & Kisses

I think my favorite little valentines will just love these little fishes.  I can't wait to get my share of hugs and kisses.  All you need to make this card is the Ornament Punch to make the fish, the Elegant Lines Embossing Folder for the sea, designer paper, red hearts and stir it up with love.  Happy Valentine's Day.

Tea for Two

The new stamp set Tea Shoppe sure brings back memories of tea parties when I was a little girl.  But my favorite memories of all are those we're making now -- having tea parties with our grandchildren.  (Would you believe I still have my tea cup set.)  Whether you drink coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, I think anyone would love to receive this card because it was made "Just for You."

This stamp set is available on page 19 of the Occasions Mini Catalog.  If you'd like a catalog or wish to place an order contact me at sjsmith20@frontier.com, or call me at 608-339-4164.

Stamp set:  Tea Shoppe; Card Stock: Whisper White, Concord Crush, In Color Pattern Stack; Ink: Concord Crush; Big Shot: Elegant Bouquet folder, 3" circle die, scallop circles #2; Punch: 1" punch, word window; Misc: crocheted flowers, Basic & Large Pearls

Fun, Friends, Rewards, Have it all!

Its that time of the year.  Yup, Sale-A-Bration (SAB) begins January 24 and runs through March 31, 2012.  I couldn't resist giving you a sneak peak of some of the free products you could receive if you host a workshop, or choose one for every $50 you spend (not including tax & shipping) during Sale-A-Bration.

Here's a cute Valentine card featuring SAB designer series paper, ribbon and brad pack.

There are other SAB products you can choose from like stamp sets, designer buttons and many more.  Contact me if you'd like to receive a Sale-A-Bration catalog or have any questions.

Stamp set:  P.S. I Love You, Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, SAB Everyday Enchantment DSP, Ink: Calypso Coral, Punches:  Eyelet border & Small Heart, Big Shot:  Framelits Hearts Collections, Adorning Accents Embossing Folders, Perfect Polka Dot Folder, and SAB Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack.

Thanks for stopping,

Susie

Do You Have a Sweet Tooth?

I sure do, and when I saw the Sweet Shop Product Suite my diet went out the window!!!  My mouth was watering while I made this card.

The Sweet Shop Specialty Designer Series Paper (DSP) coordinates with all five 2011-2013 In Colors.  Two sheets even have embossed designs to make this paper extra special.  The Sweet Cake stamp set looks so tasty and adding the fun hearts tops it off.  Those hearts were made from the new Fashionable Hearts Embosslits Die.

Thanks for stopping by.  I think I need an ice cream break.

Susie

To My BLT (Big Loving Teddy Bear)

OK, now I have your attention!!  It's so much fun creating cards with all our new products in the Occasions Mini Catalog.

This card was so easy to make.  First I embossed the Heart Adorning Accents folder on the Whisper White card stock.  It's one of a set of three folders that will add extra dimension to your card.  The stamp is from the Take It to Heart stamp set.  It was perfectly cut using the Hearts Collection Die and popped up on a larger heart also cut from the same die.  The intricate Large Paper Doily makes for a delicate background.  The finishing touch comes from the P.S. I Love You stamp set.  Can you think of someone you could give this card to?  I know I can, cause we're still two kids crazy in love.          

Occasions Mini Catalog Has Arrived

Wow, I can't believe how long its been since I posted on my blog.  Well I'm back in the saddle and you'll be seeing more cards and paper projects in the future!  So let's get started!!

The new Occasion Mini Catalog is filled with lots of fun new products perfect for this time of year.  They're designed to help us celebrate Valentine's Day (falling in love) weddings, Easter or St. Patrick's Day, or for all year long.  Stampin' Up introducted Framelits, Large Sizzlits and Edgelits in this mini.  Check out the ones we used at our January 9th workshop.

This card was actually used for my husband's birthday.

We used the Take It to Heart stamp set and water color crayons and blender pens to color it.  The sentiment is from P.S. I Love You.  The base of the card is very vanilla, layered with soft suede and embossed with the Elegant Lines folder.  The heart was cut with the new Hearts Collection Framelits Die.  This set contains six dies in a sturdy envelope for easy storage.

Our next card came from the Apothecary Art stamp set.

This elegant birthday card was created using the intricate Paper Doily Die and paper from the Attic Boutique DSP.  The stamp was cut with the Labels Collection Framelits Die and a second larger label added to further accent the stamped image.  To give it depth, this layer was embossed with the Perfect Polka Dot Textured Impressions folder.  I used the 3/8" Baja Breeze pleated satin ribbon and two pearls to finish it off.  Did you notice the base of the card (Pool Party card stock) was embossed with Elegant Bouquet?

Our final project just had to be something connected with chocolate and Valentine's Day.

These cute mini candy bar holders can be made for any special occasion or holiday.  The candy holder on the left is made by using the Scallop Circle Bigz Die.  Just fold the sides in and the bottom up and attach with a brad. You can fit two mini candy bars in this holder and decorate with ribbon or even add a tag.  The candy bar holder on the right holds one mini candy bar.  If you'd like the directions to make it, just send a request to sjsmith20@frontier.com.

We had a great time and would love to have you join us.  Thanks for stopping by!

Susie