I think I'm a little behind my goal of five layouts for the week, but I did manage to get another one finished today. I did the title page yesterday...which was only one page and not technically a layout...but I think it should count for something! I now have two layouts and a title page complete. I'm not doing too badly but it looks like I'll have to get crackin' the next few days if I'm going to get three more layouts done before Sunday. I guess that's only one layout a day...which doesn't sound totally impossible!

The pictures on these pages are from my family holding Nora after she was first born, along with a few from her first bath when she was 3 weeks old. I used some SU! designer paper down the sides of the pages and I'm not entirely sure which collection it's from. That's what I based the color scheme on. It was Regal Rose, Tempting Turqoise, Pretty In Pink, and Close to Cocoa. I did the title and the journaling with the Chocolate Chip SU! marker so that it would show up. I used Whimsical Alphabet and Paint Prints for the stamping.

Posted by Courtney at 6:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I intended to compose an eloquent posting to pass on the following information, but there's no long drawn out way to say this...I'm no longer a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. A few months before Nora was born preparing for workshops became more of a chore than the fun it used to be. I always said that when being a demo became more work than fun that would be the time to reevaluate whether I should continue being a demonstrator. Add that to the fact that I knew I'd be super busy once Nora arrived, and I came to the conclusion that this would be the point to discontinue my demonstratorship. I thoroughly enjoyed being a demo and may rejoin the Stampin' Up! demo family in the future, but for now I've had to put it to rest. As horrible as it sounds, I've only picked up a stamp once since before Thanksgiving...at that was at a workshop this past weekend.

In an effort to make some space for Nora's stuff I have listed 36 stamp sets on the Bay. Some are sets that were purchased mostly to demo with...a few sets are retired...many of them are close to other sets I already have. I'm including a link to the auction below if you are interested in purchasing them it will direct you to the listing.

EBAY STAMP SET LISTING LINK:
Ebay Listing

I will continue to stamp once Nora is on a better schedule and will be uploading samples as I do them...it may still be a little while...but I am definitely still a stamper...just a stamper on hiatus right now...

Posted by Courtney at 1:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I know it's been forever since I've uploaded new stuff. I've been busy spending my time being impatient about my upcoming ultrasound! Actually, we've been pretty busy since the start of the Stampin' Up! year in July and have only had time to prepare for parties! Also...one of us...me...signed us up for a 115 card demo swap...so that's kept us busy in our down time. I'm happy to report that the swap is done and scheduled to be mailed to the hostess on Monday. The following are samples from a workshop I did this weekend...along with the stamps, cardstock, and inks used.

Stamps: Whimsical Alphabet, A Greeting For All Reasons

Cardstock: Garden Green, Rose Red, Ballet Blue, Vanilla

Ink: Garden Green, Rose Red, Ballet Blue

Accessories: Chocolate Chip Grosgrain, Silver Brads

Stamps: Circus Train, Birthday Best

Cardstock: Always Artichoke, Bravo Burgundy, Vintage Violet, Confetti Natural

Ink: Black, White Craft Pad

Accessories: Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware

Stamps: Celebrate In Style

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Barely Banana, Bashful Blue, Whisper White

Ink: Black, Pretty in Pink

Accessories: 1.5" Punch, Stitched Bashful Blue Ribbon, Pink Brad (even though the scan makes it look not-pink)

Stamps: Riveting

Cardstock: Cranberry Crisp, Merigold, Certainly Celery, Whisper White

Ink: Cranberry Crisp, Summer Sun

Accessories: Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware, Hemp Twine, Paper Piercing Tools

Stamps: Time With You

Cardstock: Summer Sun, Green Galore, Real Red, Brilliant Blue, Vanilla

Ink: Black

Accessories: Brilliant Blue Button, Linen Thread

Stamps: All I Have Seen

Cardstock: Creamy Caramel, Elegant Eggplant, Really Rust, Mellow Moss, Whisper White

Ink: Versamark, Elegant Eggplant

Accessories: Elegant Eggplant Grosgrain, Staples, Silver Brad, Stampin' Pastels (chalks)

Posted by Courtney at 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

of a new Stampin' Up! catalog! Mom and I placed our first new catalog order on Saturday morning. Did we order one or two new things? Oh no. That's not the way we do it. We just had our own little $150 party...because we had to get a new hostess set...right?!? Well, that and we have a workshop on the 16th and want to be able to show off some new stuff. So, you're just dying to know what made the cut, aren't you? Here goes:

Time With You-This is Mom's number one, new favorite stamp set. I think it's because she can see herself as one of the ladies at the table, and my Aunt Carole as the other lady...just chitty chatting. I think the first thing she'll use it for is to make a card for Aunt Carole.

Happy Everything-We both liked this one and thought it looked pretty versatile.

Stinkin Cute-My fav fav favorite new set! I'm not exactly sure what all I'll use it for, but it's just too...well...stinking cute! The best stamp is the "Big Stinkin Deal" one...a little snarky, but I love it!

Word Search Background-Both of us liked this one. I think it's so cool that it has all of the different phrases hidden in the word search. I can see where it would be cute to use on children's cards and things.

Jumbo Wheel Spot On-This one just looked like it would be fun...and we haven't bought any new wheels in a while, so it made the cut.

Riveting (Hostess Set)-I like all of the new hostess sets, but I especially am liking this one because you can punch out the middle...so we had to buy the punches, too, of course!

The other things we bought were accessories, and a bottle of Stampin' Mist Refill. The accessories that made the cut are: the new colored brads in Soft Subtles, the new In Color line of cardstock, Fresh Favorites II buttons, the new patterned ribbon in Seaside, a new package of Designer Paper in Recollections, a Cool Caribbean ink pad, and a Cranberry Crisp ink pad.

Those are the things that made the cut for the first order...but truthfully, we're already plotting a second order that is to be put in after we get back from vacation. Ah, a stamper's buying habit is never done...

Posted by Courtney at 9:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Isn't it BEE-YOU-TEE-FUL?!?! My favorite perk of being a demonstrator comes at this time of year, when we anxiously await our previewing of the new catalog! Last night I checked my shipping status of the two boxes of catalogs I had on order (since May, might I add). Imagine my intense delight when I did indeed have a ship date...and a scheduled delivery date...of TODAY!

Posted by Courtney at 6:44 PM | Permalink

I have officially pre-ordered my 2006-2007 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog...two boxes of them to be exact! That's definitely one of the demonstrator perks...being able to order things early. I have also viewed a few of the new stamp sets and hostess sets...I know that this is so we'll be able to pre-order and have samples made up and stuff...but it seems like torture. It's like Stampin' Up! is telling us, "We know you're excited to see the new catalog, so we're going to let you order them a month in advance...oh yeah, and we'll show you seven or eight of the new sets...and that's all you get for another month." I'm sure with all of the craziness that the summer brings it'll fly by!

Speaking of summer...our pool is open...we swam yesterday...and I guess the chemicals must be right because neither one of us has a rash or anything! It's so fun and by far my favorite part of our house! Now we're in the market for a reel for the solar cover. I had no idea how heavy those damn things are...and how uneasy to fold up they are. I think the pool store people just love to see us coming...we're probably the most clueless pool owners they've ever met!

Posted by Courtney at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Ah, here we are...May 1st...the big day. Every May 1st Stampin' Up! announces the retirement list. Items on this list will no longer be available after June 30th. I, for one, am glad they do this...now I can be sure and order any sets that I just have to have. Without further delay, here's the list in .pdf form:

Click Here to get 'the list'!

Last year I only 'lost' six stamp sets. This year, however, I am losing 24 sets. As a demo I tend to only have 'demonstratable' sets...so once things retire I get rid of them...to make room for new stuff, of course! There are a few exceptions, Quirky Alphabet for example, that I keep even after they're retired. I have the retired shelf in my stamp room that contains all retired sets that I want to hang on to. Of the ones I'm losing this year, I think there was only one that I plan on keeping. The rest will be auctioned off at a hostess appreciation party...giving past hostesses the first chance at getting them at a discounted rate.

To all of this year's hostesses, you can expect to see the following sets in the auction part of the hostess appreciation party: Very Merry, Sweet Seasons, Stipple Celebrations, The Fine Print, Mini Messages, Quick & Cute, Good Times, Something to Celebrate, Sketch An Event, Framed Greetings, Perfect Party, Birthday Banter, I Like Your Style, Oh So Sweet, Paris in the Spring, Sweet of You, Crayon Kids, Perfect Petals, Stipple Rose, Smorgasborders, Bitty Blossoms, Soft Swirls, and Just Journaling I.

I am happy to report that none of my alphabet sets are on the retired list, although Tidy Alphabet was on my wish list. I think I still may get that one so I can have it for scrapbooking. I'm also considering Travel Time and Time for Fun to have for future scrapbooking pages, too. I keep telling myself that since they're getting rid of all these great sets the new catalog ought to be fantastic! I can't wait to see the new catty...only 61 more days to go! Heaven help my UPS guy if my catalog shipment is delayed an extra day like last year...I know it's not his fault, but I just don't think he understood the gravity of the situation!

Posted by Courtney at 2:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I went to a baby shower today for Larry's sister-in-law. She's having a girl...hopefully, because she got TONS of pink outfits! I made her a baby 6x6 scrapbook with one of the Stampin' Up! Simply Scrappin' Kits. It was the talk of the shower! Everyone wanted to see it. Now all she'll have to do is put in the pictures and she'll be all set. Following are a few of the pages...a brief description follows each:

This is the Mini Card I made for her. It's 2.75" square. All I did was use one of the left over hand stickers, stamp in the middle with a phrase from Tiny Talk, and add some pink gingham ribbon. It's tiny and cute!

I stamped on the cover of the book. It's a linen album...the stamps I used are the Giant 'B' Monogram and the Whimsical Alphabet. I stamped using Rose Red and Certainly Celery Craft Pads. When stamping on an album cover you need to use the Craft Ink...Classic Ink won't show up on the linen albums. It takes a few minutes to dry (I actually just left it over night). Then I added some celery grosgrain that is secured with Sticky Strip.

This is the inside front cover. I figured the best use of this space was to attach a clear envelope that she can use to put the hospital band and newspaper announcement...that kind of stuff. I just chopped off the top of the envie so it would fit, and added a 'Memories' tag with a sticker from the Scrappin' Kit.

I wanted to post this page because I really like how the Hodgepodge Hardware turned out. It took four hands (I had to enlist Larry's help to hold the ribbon ends), and a few pieces of Sticky Strip, but the results were too cool! I wish I could just buy a ton of these little 'S' clips...they're my favorite piece of Hodgepodge!

This is the left side of a 2-page layout...I used Whimsical Alphabet...I just love the title strips that come in the Scrappin' Kits! If you do a 6x6 book you actually get twice as many title strips!

This would be the right side of the layout. I had to use the Classical Alphabet for the 'and' symbol because I don't have that symbol in the Whimsical Alphabet...it comes with the Lower Case, and that's still on my wish list!

So there you have a few ideas for 6x6 layouts...and a simple, but cute, stamped cover! Now that I've gotten up the nerve to actually stamp on the album cover, I am totally lovin' it! I've done a few now, and I just think that stamping on the cover really makes each one look special. I urge you to try it...just be sure you use Craft Ink...and I'd recommend using a piece of scrap paper to practice your layout. After that, it's just stamp and go...of course it's one time placement, so I usually go with a 'non-perfect' type-of-thing...you know, I don't try stamping letters in a perfectly straight line or anything...do it messy on purpose and you'll be fine!

Posted by Courtney at 5:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

I have another exciting scoop for you, my faithful readers. Now I'm not going to draw it out and force you to read a whole paragraph before I give you the details...not at all like I did with the information about the new colors that are being added. I'll give it to you straight. You know those giant Monogram Alphabet letters that are in the Spring Mini Catalog? The ones that are very cool? Yeah, those ones. They'll be included in the 2006-2007 Idea Book and Catalog! Stampin' Up! has had such a good response to them, that they're going to carry them over into the new catalog (available July 1st)...and even better, they decided to tell us in advance! Keep in mind that now through April 30th they're included in the Bargain Background promotion (see www.stampinup.com for details). However, if you're looking to buy more than your pocketbook will allow you to buy at this time...it's great news that you'll be able to spread out your purchases over the course of the next catalog, too! Heck, why not go crazy and buy the whole alphabet?! Now I'm not saying that I'll be doing that...but I will probably be purchasing more in the future now that I know I don't have to rush to buy them all before the end of May. So there you have it folks, another scoop on the new catalog. It's only the 13th of April...we still have a whole 79 days (yes, I counted) until it's new catty time...and I already can't wait!

Posted by Courtney at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Have I got a SCOOP for you...from the 2006-2007 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog. About this time of year, SU! demos (and customers alike) start anxiously awaiting the retirement list...which is given out May 1st. Then shortly after that, we all begin pacing the floor (and the walls sometimes) waiting for the big brown truck to bring our new catalogs. I don't have any info on the retiring stamp sets, yet. But I do have some info about the new catalog. Okay, I've kept you waiting long enough...

The new catalog (available July 1st) will be offering...drumroll please...new colors! Now it's not gonna be like last time where color families are discombobulated, colors are added, colors are taken away, colors are reformulated. It's not like that this time...thankfully, because I just finally collected a good stock of papers and inks in the newly added (last year) colors. This year there will be six new colors that will be in addition to the ones we already have. The names are as follows: True Thyme, Marigold Morning, Cranberry Crisp, Vintage Violet, Buckaroo Blue, and Cool Carribean. Once again, these are additional and are not replacing any existing colors. So now we just all have to wait around for a few months until we can actually see the new colors. That, combined with the anticipation of the retiring sets and new incoming stamps and accessories is enough to drive a stamper crazy!

Posted by Courtney at 8:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Along with the argyle card that I posted yesterday, we are doing the following cards at a workshop this weekend. We're also doing the Monogram C card that I previously uploaded. (It's the first one pictured in this post.) Following each one is a brief description. We tried to go with a pretty springy theme without being overly Easter themed since it's kinda close to order stuff for Easter cards. Plus this is the first time we've got to use Looks Like Spring because we didn't preorder it and decided later that we wanted it! It's been heavily inked since then!

Ah, the ever popular, and very versatile, Loads of Love and Loads of Love Accessories! I also stuck in a few eggs (on the Barely Banana) from Tag Time because they match so well. My favorite part of this card is the ribbon that's attached with the little paperclip...it's a little different than a "normal" accessory...but paperclips and staples gotta be the cheapest embellishments ever! The colors used are: Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Barely Banana, and Whisper White. The truck and eggs are colored in with the Stampin' Up! colored pencils and blender pens.

This is another quick and simple card that allowed us to bust out and use that slit punch that we bought but haven't given much attention to. After seeing this one, I definitely think we'll be reaching for it more often! Stamps involved are: Looks Like Spring and Everyday Flexible Phrases. Colors used are: Mellow Moss, Elegant Eggplant, Rose Red, and Whisper White. Embellishments are: one clear button (attached with Crystal Effects) and a tiny swatch of Moss Gingham Ribbon. I particularly like the paper piercing...kinda forces the eye to scan the card.

This 6x6 will be a demo...our hostess has several grandbabies, so I'm thinking she'll be able to use it in one of her books of her grandchildren. I used another spring color theme for this one, including: Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Barely Banana, and Confetti White. If you have boy children (or grandchildren) and like this layout, simply change up the colors and use Bashful Blue instead of Pretty in Pink...you might change the flower stamp to something more boy-like, too! The stamps involved in this one are: Island Blossoms, It's a Date, Whimsical Alphabet Upper, and Everyday Flexible Phrases. The Flexible Phrases set is used to make the little polka dot lines. It's the points of ellipsis...just lined up really carefully.

Remember, if you like the layout of a card or scrapbook page, but the colors don't work for you...or maybe you don't have the stamp sets I used...you can easily substitute stuff you do have to create your own works of art!

Posted by Courtney at 8:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

I did some stamping on Wednesday for an upcoming party and came up with a pretty cool card. This is one that I am particularly proud of...one of the first in a while that I really wowed myself over. It uses the Print Pattern background stamp, which is one of the many stamps on sale during this month's Bargain Backgrounds promotion (view the promo at www.stampinup.com). The argyle effect is done by using the Print Pattern background stamp, and hand draw in the thin lines using a Stampin' Around marker and a ruler. Just draw the lines so that where they intersect is in between the diamonds.

Changing the colors to something from the Soft Subtles family would make it a very springy card, or try mixing up the stamp set and use something other than Smorgasborders to create a masculine card. Here's the one I came up with (using a color combo I was hesitant to use at first):

Stamps: Print Pattern and Smorgasborders

Inks: Night of Navy and Always Artichoke

Papers: Night of Navy, Always Artichoke, More Mustard, and Whisper White

Accessories: Wide Navy Organdy Ribbon, Pewter Hodgepodge, Dimensionals

I am liking the Hodgepodge on the Wide Organdy...this is the first time I tried it like this and plan to do it this way again. I attached the flower rectangle with Stampin' Dimensionals to give it a little 3D thing going on. If Print Pattern isn't on your wish list, you may want to make some room for it because it's quite a diverse stamp...from masculine themed cards and scrapbook pages to this cool argyle look...I'm sure yours will be well used like mine!

Posted by Courtney at 6:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

The following card samples are from a swap I hosted recently. The instructions were to create card samples using the new giant Monogram letters from the Spring Mini Catalog:

Designer: Courtney

Designer: Trisha Smith
I love the simplicity of this card! Quick and fabulous! I am also liking the turquoise and brown combo...never would have thought to put the two together.

Designer: Peggy Lucas
Totally diggin' the color combo! This is also another great example of how much several different stamp sets coordinate for a great look.

Designer: Teresa Shaw
I can't imagine how long it took to cut out the frog! Love it! Once again, perfect coordination among a few different stamp sets...the versatility that stamp sets offer is wonderful.

Designer: Consuelo Banks
I like the reverse monogram! It's like getting two stamps in one. The flower punch (along with the big flower being cut out) looks so cool when it's stacked to make one big flower like this...love love love it!

Designer: Jackie Victorson
The use of these two backgrounds (French Script & Floral) really makes this card look quite elegant. I also enjoy the color combo...the pinks and browns looks very nice.

Designer: Christine Lotz
What a cute kitty card! The eyelet is non-SU, but matches the Hodgepode Hardware so well that it really completes the look! The K also has Crystal Effects on it...really makes it shine in person!

Designer: Sarah Pendergrast
I can't begin to imagine the work that went into this sample! From the glitter, to the embossed polka dots, to the punched out flowers, to the dry embossed flower...fantastic all the way around!

Designer: Karen Foltz
I enjoy the use of the ribbons on this card, along with the Linen background, which is done with the Vanilla Craft Ink...so subtle but so perfect! The way the F is raised with pop dots really makes it pop at you!

Posted by Courtney at 10:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

In the big Idea Book & Catalog there are clear checkbook covers...and they are way cool! You can just stamp and/or decorate a piece of cardstock, slip it in the clear cover, and you have a fabulous (and personalized) checkbook cover! It makes me happy to pay bills because that means I get to look at my cool checkbook cover. *Please note that this is the point at which I am falling out of my chair laughing hysterically at the absurdity of being happy about paying bills*. Okay, so they don't make you deliriously happy about paying bills...but they are fun!

They're not all that expensive, and you actually get two in the package...perfect to make one for yourself and a friend! The other awesome thing about having a handmade checkbook cover is that when I get tired of the one I have, I simply stamp a new one, and I'm good to go! That's precisely what happened a few days ago...I got bored with the one I had had for the past six months, so I got to workin' on a new one. Here it is:

Even though there's no stamping involved, I think this turned out very cute and quite 'spring-like'. I used some leftover pieces parts from the Island Blossoms Simply Scrappin' Kit (Level One Hostess). Let me say, I love love love these scrappin' kits! I made a 25 page 6x6 book, several cards, and this checkbook cover with one kit...and I still have more stickers and a few 6x6 sheets of the designer printed paper. What a deal! The colors I used are: Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery, and Barely Banana. I used the Crafter's Tool Kit to do some paper piercing around the little squares, and a silver brad in the center of the big flower. There's also the direct to paper technique in celery around the edges. This went together really quick...and it makes me smile a little when I pull it out of my purse...but only for a second...until I realize that getting it out of my purse means I'm paying yet another bill...

Posted by Courtney at 3:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

We all love the look of stitching, right? But, how many of you actually take the time to thread a needle and stitch something on a stamping project? I can promise you that I will find a million other ways to embellish a card or scrapbook page before I'll bust out a needle and thread. I've also seen those handy paper stitchers...a friend of mine had one, but it just never worked quite right for her. Let's not even get started on the odds that I'd dig my sewing machine out of hibernation just to do a little stitching on a scrapbook page. The odds of that? Nil. A technique that can be your new best friend? Faux Stitching. I recently learned it and am lovin' it! Here are some step by step directions on how to fake your stitching:

The items you'll need are: the paper piercer, piercing template, and squishy (technical term, I know) mat from the Crafter's Tool Kit, and the white uni-ball Signo Gel Pen (page 223). The gel pen can be used for this technique along with being a great way to write on dark cardstock!

Line up the template and poke holes following the template. You can do a zig zag stitch or a straight stitch...a short stitch or a long stitch. Just poke the holes where you want it to look like it's the end of the stitch.

In the example I'm doing a zig zag stitch...this is what it looks like when all the holes are poked. I did every other hole in two neighboring lines on the template.

Now simply connect the dots with the white gel pen!

This is how it looks when all the stitches are drawn in. Sometimes it's necessary to go back and re-poke the holes if the gel pen has settled any ink in the holes. That will make it look all the more authentic because it looks like the stitching actually goes into the paper.

Here's the finished card! I used some leftover pieces parts from the Island Blossoms Simply Scrappin' Kit (Level One Hostess Freebie). The card base is Tempting Turquoise and is stamped with the speckle background from Itty Bitty Backgrounds in turquoise ink. The stitching is done on Certainly Celery. The flower is a self-adhesive sticker from the Scrappin' Kit. I put a silver brad in the middle to give it a little somethin' (another technical stamping term), and added some turquoise grosgrain on the side.

You'll want to be careful to allow the gel pen to dry completely...it only takes a few minutes. I do the stitching part, finish the card, and then go back and adhere everything. Smeared gel pen lines will not look like stitches, I promise!

Posted by Courtney at 6:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here you have the projects we did at a workshop this weekend. Following each one is a description which includes the products and colors that were used. To follow (later today in a separate post) will be detailed directions on the Faux Stitching technique that is mentioned on a few of the samples.

This project uses an empty mint tin that's covered in designer paper in the inside and stamped paper on the cover. I used Only Orange paper with Real Red (Direct to Paper technique), a strip of designer paper, and a Pink Passion stamped C from the Whimsical Alphabet. I also used a silver brad to add a little embellishment! The card was measured to fit directly inside the tin so it can be given as a gift...then the tin can be reused by the recipient. The card is done in Green Galore, Pink Passion, and Whisper White. The stamp set used is Festive Four. The basket and eggs are colored in with the Stampin' Around Markers. To accessorize the card I added Crystal Effects to the eggs and sprinkled some Microbeads on while it was wet. The stitching on the card is done using the Faux Stitching technique.

I love how this card turned out...it uses three different stamp sets, but in true Stampin' Up! style, they all coordinate perfectly! The stamps used are: Favorite Teddy Bear, Tag Time (egg at the bottom), and Loads of Love Accessories (the eggs in the wagon). Since buying the Favorite Teddy Bear set I have had so much fun finding things from different stamp sets to put in the little wagon! If you own this set I encourage you to experiment with your other stamps...who knows what you'll come up with? The colors involved are Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, and Whisper White. It also uses the Layer Ease to do the matting of the bear picture.

This one uses designer paper for the majority of the background...these packages of paper can go a long way if you're using them on cards! I used the stamp set Birthday Banter (which I only bought for the "floral moo moo"). The accessories involved on this one are silver brads and google eyes which were attached with Crystal Effects.

My mom did this card. I felt the need to clear that up right away because it uses Cameo Coral which is NOT my favorite Stampin' Up! color. Luckily having two of us means we can show off a variety of colors instead of always gravitating to one color combo (or avoiding a certain color combo...like coral and tan). She used the Seaside Sketches and Wonderful Words stamp sets. The colors are: Barely Banana, Cameo Coral, and Close to Cocoa. She used the heavy duty watercolor paper because when coloring in the sketch she used the Wonderful Watercolor Crayons and Aquapainter. This card also features the Faux Stitching technique.

This is a 6x6 scrapbook page we did as a demo...our hostess has a son named Carter (hence the tag). It uses So Saffron, Taken With Teal, and Certainly Celery...along with a piece of designer printed paper from the Level One hostess Simply Scrappin' Kit. I did direct to paper in the Taken with Teal around the edge of the page, and 'Carter' is stamped in Taken with Teal using the Classic Alphabet...it's then framed with a piece of pewter Hodgepodge Hardware. The giant C is one of the Spring Mini Catalog monogram stamps, and it's stamped in Certainly Celery on Certainly paper.

Posted by Courtney at 4:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I made this card for my mom's friend who was recently married. It uses the Stampin' Up! stamp sets Summer By The Sea and Wonderful Words. The colors involved are Night of Navy, Baroque Burgundy, and Whisper White. I stamped the images in black, and did all of the coloring with the Stampin' Pastels. The accessories I used were silver eyelets and silver cord. There's also a window sheet over top of the sunset image (it's hard to see in the scan), which makes it look really shiny and cool in person! The window sheet is attached with the eyelets. I also tore the bottom edge of the card...but only on the front...look closely...you'll see! This is a really simple card that, to me, looks so serene and beautiful. After all, what is more lovely (and stress-free) than enjoying some peaceful time on the beach watching the sunset, with the one we love?

Posted by Courtney at 6:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bubble Queen is my mom's favorite stamp set...so needless to say it gets a lot of use...we're talking stained wood blocks here. The following card is one she made to send to my aunt in San Francisco, whose favorite color is red...and even though the girl in the picture was meant to be her, I'm positive I've never seen my aunt wear blue eyeshadow. I suppose that was my mom's artistic license...you know, change the eyeshadow color to protect the innocent...or something like that!

The curve around the bottom of the card was achieved by tracing the curve on a dinner plate and then cutting along the pencil line. The card flips up to open (after the ribbon is untied), and I think this is a cool twist on the 'standard size fold down the middle' card we often end up using. It still fits in a regular envie, it's just that you cut the 8 1/2 x 11 paper on the 4 1/4 instead of the 5 1/2 like usual. The colors involved are: Sahara Sand (way to go Mom...I know this isn't your favorite color), Real Red, and Whisper White. The ribbon is Stampin' Up! red gingham. We own almost every gingham color...love that stuff! The other accessory that Mom used is a square Real Red button with some silver cord tied through the holes. Take a close look at the bubbles, too. She used Crystal Effects on the bubbles to give them a glossy/wet look...then dusted them with Dazzling Diamonds glitter. They're very shimmery in person! The colored in parts were done with an Aquapainter and the Watercolor Wonder Crayons.

Don't forget, even if you don't own this set you can use this design with a similar sized stamp that you do own! Perhaps you have Favorite Teddy Bear...you could stamp and color in the bear...use a different saying (Happy Birthday, maybe)...and you have a child's birthday card! Anytime I see a sample that I love, that uses a stamp set I don't have, I tend to try and find a stamp set that I do have that would work with the same layout or colors. Experiment with things that take you out of your comfort zone (especially color-wise if you find yourself constantly reaching for the same colors over and over)...you never know what fantastic creation you'll come up with!

Posted by Courtney at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Want a look at the projects we did at a workshop earlier today?? I knew you did! The demos were the 6x6 page, the smile card, and the topiary card. The other two were the make-n-takes along with a jelly bean bag topper. The jelly bean bag topper is in bright springy colors and uses the bunny from Tags & More. Following the photos are the recipes for the projects.

Artwork © 1990-2005 Stampin' Up!

Posted by Courtney at 9:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

One of the dangers I've run into since becoming a Stampin' Up! demo is that if I'm not careful, my "stamping time" turns into my "prepare for a party" time. Sometimes I'll end up spending all of my spare time doing things for parties (which I LOVE LOVE LOVE to do), and find I miss the excitement and fun of stamping...the excitement I felt which caused me to sign up as a demo. Don't get me wrong, I totally love being a demo...I've made some great friends and totally look forward to their upcoming parties so I can see how everyone is doing. It is nice to be able to work on my own scrapbooking and stuff...which can get pushed aside at times. That's one of the great things about being a demo, though! I set my own schedule and can take "time-off" as needed. Anyhow, I'm getting somewhere with this....

I placed an order yesterday for supplies for an upcoming scrapbooking class I'm having...and I was like a stamper in a stamp store! This is the first time in, I'd say, at least six months that I've ordered stuff for myself...just because I wanted it! The things that I've been ordering have been for workshops, my Christmas cards, etc. There are quite a few stamp items that I've had on my constantly growing wish list for a long time, and I just haven't had the chance to order them. Well I was feeling quite generous yesterday because I ordered more than I intended to, and I find that I'm feeling that excitement I used to feel as a customer. It's that I-can't-wait-for-UPS-to-arrive-because-I-ordered-fun-stuff-for-me excitement!

I just checked and the order is picking...woo hoo! The things in that box that are 'just because I want them':

Tag It personalized stamp (it says hand-stamped by Courtney)
Whimsical Alphabet Upper
Whimsical Alphabet Numbers
Celery Grosgrain Ribbon (I'm loving this color)
Bold Brights 12x12 (my stash is really low)
Paw Tracks Stampin' Around Wheel
Noteworthy (SAB freebie)
Giant Monogram 'C' from the upcoming Spring Mini Catalog
(available March 1st)

I'm anxiously awaiting the Big Brown Truck's delivery of my loot! Notice I said anxiously...not patiently...

Posted by Courtney at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Do you ever find yourself in a color rut? Do you have your "go to" color combinations? I'm sure we all do! To help with that you could consider purchasing the Stampin' Up! Color Wheel which offers tons of color combinations for all of the Stampin' Up! exclusive colors. Another thing that helps me when I find I'm constantly reaching for the Brocade Blue (one of my favorite colors) is to browse the catalog and find a card or scrapbook page that catches my eye. Then I can just look at the recipe in the back and I've got a new color combo to try. See, those catalogs really are a great value!

I have to tell you about my most recent "color combo I never would have thought to try if I hadn't seen it in the Stampin' Up! catalog". I was working with the Simply Scrappin' Kit "She's Too Cool" (more about how absolutely awesome these kits are is coming at a later date). The combo in that kit is: Elegant Eggplant, Certainly Celery, and Rose Red. I must say I've never even used Rose Red before. My mom and I were trying everything we could to even see what color it was because it didn't look familiar to either of us. I really wouldn't have thought to put those colors together and am glad I found that combo through that Scrappin' Kit because it looks very nice. It's an interesting girl's color combination that I urge you to try in your scrapping and card making alike!

Posted by Courtney at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and those of you that are still looking for that "cute little something", may have found it here! Following are step-by-step instructions for sour cream containers. They're named this because they resemble the sour cream containers you get at fast food restaurants (Wendy's for example). These are perfect for kids' Valentine treats...they can even help you make them! They also work nicely as little surprises for husbands, moms, sisters, co-workers. You'll find you can make a lot of these inexpensively and fast! This is also a fun project for other occasions, as well. The possibilities are endless...they make great party favors...weddings, baby showers, birthday, Halloween...just change up the stamps, ink, and paper colors and have fun!

The paper size for each of these is 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 (one quarter of an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper).

Stamp the image(s) on your paper.

For this project I used: Confetti White Paper, the Oh So Sweet stamp set, Chocolate Chip and Creamy Caramel inks, and Sticky Strip. You'll want to use Sticky Strip (or another comparable, extra sticky adhesive) because the ends have a tendency to come un-glued with regular glue. Here's another tip: If you use a Stampin' Around Wheel you can wheel the entire sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 paper and cut it apart...using a wheel on these makes them go extra fast!

Posted by Courtney at 4:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Like any stamper or scrapper I have lots of embellishments which of course includes ribbon. Trying to find the ideal way to store all this ribbon has created quite a problem. If any of you have found a nice and organized way to store your ribbon, I'd be forever in your debt if you shared it with me.

My first attempt to solve this problem is what I like to call "Ribbon Box Fiasco #1". It all started when I saw a really cool ribbon box that someone had conjured up. It was a plastic box (from WalMart, I believe) with a snap on lid. This person then drilled holes in the side of the box, which she then used to feed out the end of each spool of ribbon. It looked something like this:
So off I went to WalMart in search of my new ribbon box that was going to be so fabulous when it was finished. I had my uncle drill the holes in the side and I was good to go...or so I thought. The problem I had with this box was that the ends of my ribbon kept slipping inside the box. What's the dang point of having the holes if I had to keep pulling the lid off to retrieve the color I wanted? That became tiresome very quickly. My mom and I then set out in search of a new ribbon solution...

This past November we hit the jackpot at Bed, Bath, & Beyond....the "Even Worse Than Ribbon Box #1" jackpot that is. Our new and improved ribbon box was acutally supposed to be for Christmas ribbons and bows. It had a compartment on top (with a lid) that had a stick that you could feed the center of each spool through. It also had a snap-on bottom compartment that we thought we could use for twine and other non-spooled ribbon-like fibers. Sounds great, right? Wrong-O. One problem was that the Stampin' Up! grosgrain ribbon is kind of a big thing of ribbon...the cardboard that surrounds the spool was too big to allow the ribbon to turn and unwind. So we promptly grabbed the scissors and mangled the crap out of our pretty rounded cardboard ribbon spools. It was still not all that it cracked up to be, and as you can see from the following picture, we were no better off than we were before.

Cute, isn't it? A tangled up mess. Out of anger we tried to throw the dumb box away, but Grandma or Aunt Leslie saved it from the landfill...which is right where I was going to send it...after smashing the heck out of it, that is. I'm currently in search of a new (and hopefully last) ribbon box. Right now I'm using a plastic shoe box (WalMart, $.97) and am taping down the ends of each mutilated spool so as to aviod the nasty tangled up mess.

Posted by Courtney at 3:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Well, how do ya like it?! This is my new stamping and scrapping haven! When we bought our house a month ago this room was a toddler's room...it was full-on Pooh Bear...all the way to the fan blades. My mom and I painted it the lovely plummy roseish (yes I made that up) color that it is now. Then I totally copied the clothesline idea from another stamp room I saw. It's just a regular clothesline hung with eyelet hooks (I'll have to tell you the eyelet hook search turned fiasco at a later date). Then card samples are hung with clothespins. This is extra fun because when we get sick of looking at the same old same old border I can just switch in new card samples!

Corner #1 is obviously one corner of the room (clever, aren't I?!) with the clothesline. The view by the door shows off our lovely new dry-erase/thumbtack board so we can keep track of all the stuff we have going on. It's a 10x12 room with a mirrored closet so it's not the easiest thing to photograph. Plus the closet is all messy! The end of the room that's opposite the clothesline features a unit with five shelves of stamps and the closet has another cabinet with all of the necessary accessories. Oh yeah, and on the table (just in the corner of the Corner #1 picture) is our brand new Stampin' Up! Ink Caddy! It's so awesome to have all of our ink pads at our fingertips! No more digging through plastic shoeboxes looking for that one pad you can't find!

Also, check out the very cool flower arrangement in the corner. We got the vase as a wedding gift and I didn't want to put fresh flowers in it because they die so quickly. The best $38 I ever spent was taking that vase to a florist in town and telling them "I don't have a clue about flower arrangements, can you just do whatever it is that you flower people do?" Okay maybe I didn't say it exactly like that, but it did turn out beautiful none-the-less. It's been over a year and one move and it still looks brand new.

It's so nice to have a completely separate area that's totally devoted to stamping! Now my mom and I can stamp without having to disrupt the entire household by using the kitchen table! Plus we can just close the door if we get too involved in stamping and don't have time to clean up. Now I must tell you that this rarely ,if ever, happens...it's usually completely sparkling clean...ha! Those of you with your own stamping or scraping area know that that’s a complete LIE! The best part of having my own stamping room is that it can be as unorganized as I want it to be and it doesn’t matter because it’s my room and I can just close the door!

I highly encourage all of you to lobby for your own stamping and/or scrapping haven if you don’t already have one! After all, it is your right as a stamper to have an area that is totally yours, totally disorganized, and totally inspiring to you as you work!

Posted by Courtney at 8:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

The much anticipated Sell-A-Brations promotion is here! It actually started yesterday, but I felt the need to post that brown sugar chicken recipe first. (If you're completely confused by that sentence, make sure you read the post that follows this one...)

I am patiently awaiting the delivery of my 2 pre-ordered sets. When I say patiently I mean stalking the UPS website to see if they have an expected delivery date yet...which, by-the-way, they don't. I'm working on some samples (in my head since I don't have the sets yet) and will be sure to post them as soon as I get them together.

You can officially see the Sell-A-Brations freebies at www.stampinup.com. Just click "view the online catalog" and then choose the SAB mini. If you haven't used the online catalog feature yet, I urge you to check it out. It's kinda neat how it flips the pages and stuff! You can zoom and all kinds of other stuff, too!

Anyhow, back to that UPS website to scope out my order status....

Posted by Courtney at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here's a funny little thing I picked up somewhere along the way...I can't remember exactly where...

Stamper's and Scrapbooker's Rights

A Scrapbooker is entrusted with documenting and safely preserving family
photos in an album to be treasured by future generations. A Stamper is entrusted with creating works of art to be shared and enjoyed. Creating a scrapbook or stamping a project is an honorable and important task. As a Scrapbooker and/or stamper, you are entitled (but not limited) to the following rights:

You have the right to create your own legacy, one page or card at a time.

Feel free to print a copy and keep it in or around your stamping or scrapping area so members of your family can quickly be directed to whichever "right" as a stamper and/or scrapper you'd like them to take note of. This works especially well for people who may think you're taking too long on a card or layout...simply direct them to your right to take as long as you please...

Posted by Courtney at 3:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In the Stampin' Up! Winter Mini Catalog there are cute little 3x3 pre-cut and pre-scored cards for sale. They come 40 in a package and include the envelopes...so they're not a bad deal at $9.95! The color choices are Real Red, Pretty in Pink, and Whisper White, and the envelopes are Whisper White. I encourage you all to check them out! This may be an especially good route for those of you with children in school. Having the cardstock pre-cut and folded takes out tons of prep time! Following are a few samples (with the recipes below) that I worked up yesterday. One whole day off makes for lots of stamping time!

Artwork © 1990-2005 Stampin' Up!

A: Olive You Stamp Set...Real Red, Pretty in Pink, & Whisper White Cardstock...Pretty in Pink Ink...Pink Gingham Ribbon...Small Corner Rounder

B: Smorgasborders Stamp Set...Pretty in Pink, Mellow Moss, & Confetti White Cardstock...Pretty in Pink & Mellow Moss Ink...Moss Gingham Ribbon

C: Olive You Stamp Set...Pretty in Pink, Mellow Moss, & Confetti Tan Cardstock...Pretty in Pink & Black Ink...Moss Gingham Ribbon & Real Red Button

D: Loads of Love Stamp Set...Real Red, Pretty in Pink, & Whisper White Cardstock...Black Ink...Stampin' Write Markers

E: Tag Time Stamp Set...Real Red & Basic Black Cardstock...Gold Cord

F: Stipple Celebrations & Everyday Flexible Phrases Stamp Sets...Real Red & Pretty in Pink Ink...Silver Cord

Posted by Courtney at 6:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Stampin' Up! has told its demonstrators some fabulous news! And of course, I'm sharing it with you here. Originally Stampin' Up! began offering hostess exclusive stamp sets. They were earned by hostesses for reaching different sales goals for their workshop. Those of you who have been a hostess before know all about the "hostess only sets" you earned for free, right? Well those of you who have been a hostess before also know that some of those "hostess only sets" ended up in the next year's Idea Book & Catalog, right? Granted you had a year to earn them for free, but it kinda takes the point out of "limited edition" and "hostess only", doesn't it? That shall happen no more! Stampin' Up! has announced that they are changing their policy on limited edition stamp sets! From now on hostess sets will not be carried over into the next catalog. Furthermore, very few mini catalog sets will be carried over into the next catalog. And, (I'm not done yet) this will include Sell-A-Brations sets. Once they're gone, they're gone. You'll have the chance to earn hostess sets for free for one year, after that, you won't see them again. Same goes for SAB sets...you'll have the opportunity to earn them for free during the promotion period only.

I have to say that I think this is wonderfully fantastic! Not only does this make those free hostess sets more valuable to Stampin' Up! hostesses, it also opens the door for lots of new and exciting stamp sets each catalog year! Less carryover means more new stuff! So if there are any hostess stamp sets that you've had your eye on, you have until June 30th to earn them! Also keep in mind that there will be very few, if any, mini catalog sets carried over to the new catalog....want that one perfect set but can't bring yourself to get it, hoping you'll get it in the new catalog, ain't gonna happen anymore! You have to get it while you can!

Posted by Courtney at 7:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

What do these crazy acronyms mean? Sell-A-Brations (SAB) is officially on the way (OTW), of course! SAB is the time of year when Stampin' Up! gives stamp sets away...how fantastic is that!? With every $50 order in January & February you can choose a FREE stamp set. Hostesses can also qualify for a free SAB set with a $350 workshop total. I've previewed the six SAB stamp sets for 2006, and I promise you will not be disappointed!

Posted by Courtney at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Are you looking for a quick and cute gift idea? Snowman Soup is the perfect choice for this time of year!

It's a great gift for teachers, co-workers, grandparents, and everyone else on your list. The best part is that it's so simple you can easily make a bunch of these all at once.

You'll Need:
1 snowman mug
1 packet hot chocolate mix
1 candy cane
2 Hershey's Kisses
Several mini marshmallows
1 mini zip top bag
Snowman Soup Poem

Directions:

Stamp and decorate a topper for your zip top bag (which will hold the marshmallows).

Print the Snowman Soup poem (I print 8 on a page & center them in each column). Stamp snowflakes over the words, and make it into a tag.

Snowman Soup Poem:

Was told you’ve been real good this year.
Always glad to hear it!
With freezing weather drawing near,
You’ll need to warm the spirit.
So here’s a little snowman soup
Complete with stirring stick.
Add hot water, sip it slow,
It’s sure to do the trick!

Here's the finished product! Simply wrap your mug in cellophane. I used snowflake cellophane from the Dollar Tree. Tie it closed with the tag with the snowman soup poem on it, and you're all set! This project is quick, inexpensive, and easy to mass produce.

Images copyright 2005 Stampin' Up!

Posted by Courtney at 8:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)