A Passion for Stamps

What we stamped at January Jamboree!

I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the new products in the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Catalog and the Sale-A-Bration brochure, don't you?

The Last weekend of January I held my first annual January Jamboree class....didn't come? Here's what we made:

  ...a Love You card, sympathy card, Friend Mini Milk Carton

and a Birthday all-in-one treat box!

I created this floral sympathy card using the Faux Silk Technique(the bumpy white textured cardstock) -one of my favorite techniques:

Notice the new Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402)? This is one of the FREE products you can get right now during our Sale-A-Bration event with an order of at least $50! There is also a matching corner punch too! (available for purchase in Occasion Mini Catalog) Don't you just love the silk ribbons? and now they come in different colors!

Here is the same card showing the scallop punch used on the top and on the side. Which do you prefer?

This card also utilized the Big Shot die cut machine, and Polka Dot background (hard to see), the new Extra Large Fancy Flower punch, Sending Love Specialty Designer Series Papers! Isn't this so bright and cheerful? I could have used hearts, but just had to try the new floral punch!

 

The new Mini Milk Carton Die used with the Big Shot Machine is SO adorable! Here it is featured with the NEW Vintage Vogue stamp set, Sending Love Specialty DS papers and a rhinestone brad and grosgrain ribbon to finish it off! So many great NEW products!

The last project was this pretty Birthday box showing both sides of the designer papers, and using different bow designs and button colors. Can't really tell from the photo, but the Specialty paper is glittered! Oh, so chic!

 

Here the box is opened-the lid is attached-VERY cool! Fill it with Hersey's kisses or whatever you like, and it's the perfect gift for a Birthday--or Valentine's Day!

So--don't you wish you came to January Jamboree?

I'd love to hear what you think of these projects...and all the wonderful new products Stampin' Up! came out with!

Be sure to check out my future classes and events on the Calendar to the right....

or, visit my website to view events and to shop for any of these products 24-7!

Come back and see me tomorrow,

Merci (thank you) Card-Using Retired Accessories & Stamps

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008
(click on image for larger view)

Now that the RETIRED ACCESSORIES LIST is out and is being updated daily on this site HERE, many products are going fast....if you want some of the products on the list, you really have to work fast because items are being depleted every day. I used almost all retiring products to make yet ANOTHER THANK YOU CARD including the Carte Postale stamp set, Le Jardin Designer Series (double-sided) paper, Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware, and of course the In Color River Rock cardstock and coordinating ink pad. Unfortunately, the hardware I used for the embellishments is already sold out (all colors)! There are still lots of accessories left (some at 25% off)  so if you haven't checked out the list yet, click on the links here (or on the left sidebar for Retired Stamps list) and contact me asap so I can *place your order!

The only products NOT retiring in this card are the Simon Lower Letters Chipboard and the Taffeta Ribbon! First, I cut a piece of Le Jardin paper, and attached it to the left side of the card with SNAIL Adhesive. Next, I stamped the decorative motif design from Carte Postale stamp set (LOVE this set and will really miss demonstrating with it!) with River Rock ink on RR paper (tapped off ink on scrap paper to get lighter stamped images).

Next, I traced the letter (face down) onto a different Le Jardin paper, cut it out and  attached it to the letter with a Stampin' Up! Anywhere Glue Stick (GREAT product!) and used the Sanding Block to smooth out the edges and get rid of any excess paper on the letter. I Tied the ribbon on the left and attached a brad from the hardware kit in the center. I adhered the elegant hardware pieces to the bottom of the letter with SNAIL, then attached the letter to the card.

Did you know you can stamp on the Taffeta Ribbon? It's easy with StazOn ink-didn't smear, dried quickly and is permanent! Just don't load up the stamp with too much ink or it will smear and look bold-instead of crisp. I measured where I wanted the two connector pieces and made a dot for both with a pencil on the cardstock. Then I attached one of the hardware connectors with the brad, looped the ribbon thru it and adjusted it so the Merci saying would be centered-used SNAIL to attach the ends of the ribbon underneath, then attached my second connector.

This is an elegant card, in every way! I am so glad the Simon Lower letters are not discontinuing! But I will really miss Le Jardin papers and Carte Postale!

Don't forget about Stampin' Up!'s current Discounted Retiring Accessories Promotion   where you will find  products that are 25% off! This is a great deal....while supplies last!

If you still haven't placed your order for retired stamps and/or accessories, time is running out....take a look at the list today...and check the ONLINE CATALOG for those products you can't live without, before they are gone!


*orders can only be taken for US and it's territories
Links are Highlighted

Thanks for visiting!

Get Stampin' Up!'s HODGEPODGE HARDWARE at 25% off! IN Color products are fading fast....

All HODGEPODGE HARDWARE IS SOLD OUT as of July 24!

Just a reminder that there is special discount on Stampin' Up!'s Hodgepodge Hardware right now!  These accessories WILL BE DISCONTINUED, but you can currently purchase them at 25% off until August 10, or WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! Here are the details once again:

Promotion Details:

The following Hodgepodge Hardware finishes are being offered at a special 25 percent discount:

Item #	Page #	Item Description	Regular Price	Limited Time 25% off Discount
105532	188	Aged Copper Hodgepodge Hardware	$27.95	$20.96
105531	188	Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware	$27.95	$20.96
105515	188	Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware	$27.95	$20.96

Both of the following card samples are embellished with ribbon and hardware....it only takes 1 or 2 accessories to really make a card complete!

remember to EMBRACE LIFE-or send a Thank You card!...

I am so glad that the stamp set EMBRACE LIFE is not retiring because I really love this set! Here is a card I made with the soft, mellow River Rock IN Color cardstock and MATCHING double-stitched ribbon (which are retiring August 10, 2008):

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

Here is basically the same card, with a few changes, for a bolder, brighter affect:

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

I love the contrast of the bright cheerful Green Galore cardstock against the black and white!  I colored the leaves using the AquaPainter and ink refills! I made the design you see on the left side of this card with one of the borders from the All Scallops stamp set (page 111 Spring-Summer Collection), and used it to enhance the inside of the card as well as pictured below:

Which card/colors do you prefer?

Here are the products I used to make these cards:

Stamps: Embrace Life, Holiday Blitz (thank you), All Scallops
Ink: Basic Black, River Rock, Green Galore
Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White,River Rock, Green Galore
Accessories: Black Grosgrain ribbon, IN Color River Rock Double-stitched ribbon, Hodgepodge Hardware, (the diamond-shape is retired), 1/16" Circle Punch, SNAIL adhesive

THE IN Colors for 2007-2008 WILL ALSO BE DISCONTINUED and supplies for two of the six colors of ribbons are already exhausted-Blue Bayou and Purely Pomegranate DOUBLE-STITCHED RIBBONS are no longer available!  And the Retired Accessories List  doesn't even come out until Monday July 21!

BE SURE to come back on Monday July 21 to see the Stampin' Up!  Retired Accessories List which I will post right here!  As a demonstrator for over 12 years, I have this advice to offer: do not procrastinate-these products will be going like hot cakes as soon as this list is released! These are products that will never be offered again!
 

You can view all  Stampin' Up! stamps and products right now, even if you don't have a hard copy of the catalog on hand-check out the USA ONLINE CATALOG!

If you would like to purchase any of the products used in these samples, take advantage of the Hodgepodge Hardware 25%  Discount, get the IN color products or any other stamps that will be retiring, check out the Online catalog, make out your WISH LIST, and e-mail me!

I'm looking forward to hearing from you! Remember to tell me which card you prefer!

Surfing anyone? Tearing cardstock-freehand or need help?

WOW -two posts in one day! I'm playing 'catch up' after the long holiday weekend!

There are many perks to being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator: discounted purchases, free products and stamps, the Stampin' Up! demonstrator website....including the Stamper's Showcase Gallery-a source of thousands of ideas contributed by Stampin' Up! employees and demonstrators, of stamped cards, boxes, pouches, scrapbook pages, templates, techniques and so on and so on !

I got the idea for my surfer card from Gigi Isaac...a demonstrator who made this card which was showcased in the Gallery:

Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

"Cool" idea-isn't it? (don't you just wish you were there right now?!!!) This card uses Wild About You, It's Your Birthday and Itty Bitty Background. For some reason, cute as it is, I never got the Wild About You stamp set, so I went looking thru my stamps for another animal and decided I love the whole penguin idea for this card  (the bird being from up North vacationing at a wonderful sunny beach resort...)  so I did a C.A.S.E. (copy and share everything) and just expanded on it. Here is the card I made spinning off from  Gigi's:

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

Fun-isn't it? One of the things I found intriguing as a child when we went to the Jersey Shore was the way those banner planes flew over the water at the ocean's edge, capturing the attention of thousands of folks on the beach and in the water, advertising the Coppertone Baby, local seafaring restaurants etc. So, I searched and finally found the right penguin for me-would you believe, in a Christmas set--of all places, called Punch Pals! I especially liked the scarf as an added touch for my polar based friend...

I used the Floral background stamp and large Oval Punch to make the tropical surf board.

The banner is White cardstock cut freehand and stamped...then attached to plane (from retired Fun Frame Borders set) with "white gel pen" strings...

The clouds are also sponged with White Craft ink. The water is cardstock TORN freehand, into pieces, then the torn edges are sponged with White Craft ink. If you are one of those stampers who just can't bring yourself to  tear the paper freehand (to reveal the layered edges) you will be thrilled to learn that believe it or not, Stampin' Up! even has a product called "The Tearing Edge" (page 184 of catalog) which has two different cutting blade edges that will create perfect torn edges every time! To use it, lay the Tearing Edge on card stock, paper or vellum and holding it tightly, slowly tear the paper with your other hand-pulling towards you. If you want a straight torn edge, use Stampin' Up!'s Grid Paper!  Here is what The Tearing Edge tool looks like:

(click on image  to enlarge)

Tearing cardstock is really a fun way to add interest to a card...and your cardstock goes a long way because you can get many tears from a sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 and even more from 12x12 if you have alot of cards to reproduce!

Here are the Supplies used to make my Surfin' Penguin Card:

STAMPS: Punch Pals, Stem Sayings, Fresh Cuts (new set upcoming in 2008Fall-Winter catalog), Fun Frame Borders (retired), Floral (background stamp)

INK: Craft White, Basic Black

CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Taken w/Teal, Not Quite Navy, Tempting Turquoise, Going Gray (retired)

ACCESSORIES: Large Oval Punch, Stampin' Write Markers, Stamping Sponge, Dimensionals, Signo Gel Pen

You can place an order with me from the Stampin' Up! catalog  ANYTIME-just click on the catalog on the left sidebar, to view the catalog. Jot down what you need, and email me to place your order!

And if by chance, you are also curious and want to to learn more about becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, please visit my website where you can view 3 FIRST IMPRESSIONS VIDEOS for more information or email me . You can even sign up ONLINE from my website should you decide to join my S.O.S. Team of demonstrators (S.aving O.verwhelmed S.tampers). I'd love to talk with you about it!


Happy Stampin'!

HOW TO TIE BOWS & KNOTS for cards, projects and paper crafts

I'm so thrilled with the comments my blog candy is receiving! I especially appreciate hearing what you would like added to this blog so it can be a place you want to return to again and again, and refer your stamping/scrapbooking friends to visit! Your feedback is invaluable to me.I am going to respond to one request I received from Fiona Whitehead, who left me this comment: "I'd love to see some features with ribbons on them - they seem to be a bit of bane of my life tying them correctly..."

Fiona, I just sent my Stampin' Up! customers a newsletter this month with a segment on Bow & Knot Tying! Since you have specifically asked about this very subject, I am happy to pass along the same information here-I'm sure there are others who have been challenged by tying bows as you have. Enjoy-and keep the comments coming...

Debbie's TIP of the Month: Bow & Knot tying!

Are YOU bow or knot-tying challenged? Well, I have a solution for you! When you come to my Stamp Studio again, you will notice this addition to my bulletin board-a poster I created showing various bows & knot tying samples. Stampin' Up! shared some of these in our latest Stampin' Success magazine-a monthly publication Stampin' Up! provides for its Stampin Up! demonstrators! I was so thrilled to see this information-and can't wait to share it with you, because over the past 12 years I've been a demonstrator, bow tying is probably the one thing that many people find frustrating! Many of my customers over the years have asked me to help tie those bows at Card Camps and workshops you've attended! I hope that these tips will be helpful to you! (click on poster to see it larger)

(click on Bow Titles to see an example-ARTWORK copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2008)

CLASSIC KNOT
Want to tie the perfect knot? Ask any boy scout to teach you how to
tie a square knot, and you've got it!

1 Start with your ribbon around your card or project with ends
pointing away from you.
2 Cross left end over right end, wrap around, and pull through. Make
sure to pull gently to avoid twisting or wrinkling your ribbon.
3 Place your finger in the middle to hold ribbon tight. Cross right
end over left end, wrap around, and pull through. Pull knot gently,untwisting and arranging ribbon as needed.
4 Trim ends.
Tip: Wrap your ribbon around an object to tie your knot. Then just
slide it off the object and you've got a loop to work with.

CLASSIC BOW (alone)
If you simply want a bow without tying it around anything, the
concept is rather simple.
1 Fold the ribbon back and forth to form two loops (or bunny ears).
2 Tie the two bunny ears together, left over right.
3 Pull gently, and trim ends as desired.

This classic bow is an easy way to add an accent to your project
without wrapping the ribbon around an element of your project.
Tie this classic bow, and adhere it to your project with Glue Dots.

To make a Classic Bow (around a card or object):
1 Start with your ribbon around the card or object. Cross left end
over right end, wrap around, and pull through.
2 Make a loop with the ribbon that is now on the right side. Bring
left end toward you and around the loop.
3 Push left end through hole forming a second loop.
4 Pull loops gently.

Once you've got the classics down, you'll want to add some diversity to your projects by trying these variations. And honestly, you might find these variations easier than the classics. Experiment a bit and see what you discover!

TIERED BOW
1 Choose two or three widths and types of ribbon. We've used
Chocolate Chip wide grosgrain ribbon and the wide Chocolate Chip
satin ribbon from Theater Ribbon Originals®.
2 Cut the widest ribbon the longest (Theater Ribbon Originals) and
the narrowest ribbon the shortest (Chocolate Chip grosgrain).
If you're using a third width of ribbon, cut it to a length in between
the others.
3 Trim ends as desired.
4 Layer the ribbon with the longest and widest ribbon on the bottom
and the shortest and narrowest on top. Tie the stacked ribbons in
the center with another piece of ribbon.
5 Trim and conceal the ribbon tails or use them to secure the bow to
the card or package.

TAILORED BOW
1 Cut a piece of ribbon or paper twice the desired length of the
finished bow. We used Old Olive Prints Designer Series paper.
2 Form into a loop and secure ends together. Flatten the loop and
secure in the center.
3 Wrap another piece of ribbon around the center, and adhere the
ends to the back of the finished bow.

With a little practice, you can master a variety of knots and bows, adding beauty and diversity to your projects. Have fun with it! Feel free to share this blog with your friends!

Scallop Edged Dahlia Flower

I didn't have enough time to go into detail about the flower I posted with the Free Shipping Special on Friday, but I have a few minutes now, before I have to start preparations for our barbecue picnic today.. we had a slight change in plans-originally our picnic was planned for tomorrow on Memorial Day, but my mom who is 84 requested that we have it today. She is 50 minutes away and would rather not travel home later on Memorial Day when the roads are more crowded. What a gorgeous day it looks like it will be-such a blue sky, a calm breeze and temps are expected to be in the 70's!

By now you've probably surmised that I am totally infatuated with the Dahlia Fold Flower...I think it's so pretty and it's impressive to others who think it's got to be very difficult to make-but it isn't! Just a bit time-consuming if you decide to make 10 or more at the same time, like I did!

I had wanted to make this flower using the scallop punch but kept forgetting to-and ended up making it quite by accident. Instead of grabbing my 1 3/8" circle punch to make the 8 circles for the Dahlia Fold Flower, I absentmindedly picked up my scallop punch! I didn't realize it until after I punched out 8 circles when I started to fold the first one...then it dawned on me that I've seen the flowers made from the scallop punch and they are beautiful! So I was glad I picked up the scallop punch instead!  I wondered how the flower would look if it had a patriotic theme so I went to my Stampin' U! Designer Series papers and selected the polka dots and striped pattern in Rose Red and Brilliant Blue! I think the two patterns in two alternating colors look pretty dramatic together. What do you think?

It was a bit challenging to fold because the scallops don't match up evenly, but I eventually figured it out and they look ok when all the circles are together. I would have liked the edges to come together more closely when I assembled the flower, but I used SNAIL to adhere the pieces and couldn't take it apart and try again. ( I forgot to use my Dotto which is more forgiving than the SNAIL if you have to move things around!)

I love the look of the Pretties Kit flowers as an embellishment for the the center of the Dahlia Flower. I  squeezed a few drops of Rose Red ink refill in the center of a medium sized floral, then used the Aqua Painter to pull the color out to the tips of each petal. After this dried, I inserted the larger Rhinestone Brad in the center, then attached it to a bigger white flower for contrast. I poked a hole in the center of the Dahlia Flower with the paper piercer from the Crafter's Tool Kit and attached the embellishment.

So here is the flower again-now what shall I do with it?

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

Well, I do need a thank you card for my daughter's Confirmation Class leader for all her hard work this year with the Confirmands...Confirmation is next Sunday and I guess it comes as no surprise that I offered to make the card. This will make a lovely card for Diana!

I decided to use the same Rose Red polka Dot patterned paper as a background and cut it to 4" x 5 1/4". I'll be attaching this to a folded white card that will be 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"  (but am not attaching it to the main cardstock just yet); I cut the paper to 4" x 5 1/4". To add a contract to the Dahlia Flower and make it really stand out, I used the Coluzzle to make a circle with Whisper White cardstock, then layered the Dahlia Flower on that, and then again onto the polka dot background. I used the large Oval Punch and centered this under the Dahlia Flower. Then I attached this to the white folded cardstock.

I chose a simple "thank you" from believe it or not, the All Holidays stamp set! It's nice for this card because it fits perfectly on white cardstock punched with the small Oval Punch! I then used the large Oval Punch with brilliant blue cardstock to layer the saying onto, then attached this slightly to the right over the white oval punched area of the polka dot paper. This sets the saying off and really makes it stand out!  This is what the final card looks like:

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

I hope Diana likes it! I will use the polka dot paper to line the envelope as I have in other posts...

I really need to start getting the food ready for the party...thanks for looking! Have a great day!

Passionstamper

Patriotic Father's Day Card with Chipboard!

Why not honor dad with a patriotic card this Father's Day?

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, a day of reflection, a day to lift up our thankful hearts to all the brave men and women who have served our country so valiantly. Its a day to honor the service and sacrifice of all those who have fought to preserve the freedoms we now enjoy as citizens of America! We all know somone or have a loved one who has served in the Armed Forces, many who gave their lives for this great country: grandfathers, fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors, co-workers and acquaintances have served in the Armed Forces and deserve our respect and honor. Many have relatives currently serving here and abroad who are not able to be here to share in this weekend of remembrance, and they sacrifice and do their part to protect us all and to continue the legacy of our forefathers-to help keep this the land of the brave and the free...My husband, and dad served in the Army, my brother served in the Navy. My grandparents fought for this country.. as many of yours did as well.

Take time to remember our veterans and all those who currently serve in our armed forces this weekend. To read some wonderful tributes that you can share with your children and extended families this holiday weekend-click HERE.

Here is the patriotic Father's Day card I made for my dad featuring On Board with Chipboard-this month's Stampin' Up! special!:

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

SUPPLIES:

Stamps: Dad's Day (page 112 of 2008 Spring-Summer Collection)
Ink: Craft White, Rose Red
Paper: Rose Red & Brilliant Blue Designer Series papers, Brilliant Blue Cardstock, Whisper White
Accessories: Iridescent Ice EP, Heat Tool, Fire Circle Red Rhinestone brad, Crop-o-dile, Anywhere Glue Stick, Designer Label Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Dimensionals, Crystal Effects, Rose Red ink refill, paintbrush (non-SU), Silver Hodgepodge Star, On Board Chipboard Accents, SU Envelope

I made an insert for the envelope with Designer papers to match the card.  It's different from any other card I've made for my dad...let me know what you think!  I love using the chipboard...and what a great deal Stampin' Up!'s has right now-chipboard at 25% off with a $35 order!  Time is running out for this special, so be sure to order your chipboard today! (and get FREE SHIPPING if you order from this demonstrator, Debbie Van Gieson-by 11:00 p.m. Monday May 26, 2008!)

Have a great stampin' day!

Passionstamper

SCALLOP PUNCH POSY EMBELLISHMENT!

Do you enjoy making embellishments as much as I do?

I love learning how to make new embellishments that can be added to scrapbook pages, cards, and 3-d items...on this year's SU cruise, Pam Morgan of Stampin' Up! demonstrated a pretty flower embellishment that I used on the card below:

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

I learned about this from  Catherine Harwood, a demonstrator who featured the embellishment with a May Day Basket she made. I decided to give it a try and just LOVE it! This technique is so easy-you won't believe it! Yet the result looks like it was complicated to make, doesn't it?

This was my swap card for my downline meeting in April. I used the following Stampin' Up! products to make the card:

Stamps: Stem Sayings, Circle of Friendship, Polka Dots
Ink: Versamark, Garden Green, Rose Red
Cardstock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Celery, Rose Red & Flowers for You designer paper
Accessories: Scallop Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Crafter's Tool Kit, Pretties Kit, Mini Glue Dots, Brad, White Tafetta Ribbon, SNAIL, White EP, Heat Tool, 1" & 1/2" punches, Flower Fusion

Did you notice I used Circle of Friendship again? I just realized that I use it quite a bit so it must have become a favorite sayings set of mine!

I used one of the green flowers in Flower Fusion, and just cut some of the flower petals, to make the leaves. I stamped the curvy saying onto cardstock, then trimmed it to look like the stem. The background is made with the Polka Dots set and embossed (love that look!).

Now to make the flower:

1. Using the scallop punch, punch 3 scallops from the Flowers for You Designer Series paper (I have also used this paper alot in projects lately!) and one punch from white cardstock.  I will really miss this designer paper if it retires from the Spring/Summer catalog (but I know there will a replacement I'll probably fall in love with too)
2. Each scallop will be cut differently, as instructed below:
   • Cut a slit between two petals of one scallop just to the center. This will become the bottom petal.
   • Cut out one section (or petal) of another scallop (like a pie or triangle shape) only to the center. This will become the middle petal.
   • For the last scallop, cut out three petals (or pie shapes), This will be the top petal.
3. The white scallop does not get cut-as the flower "sits" on this piece on the card.
4. Fold up each scallop so the two sections next to the cuts overlap-you can use SNAIL, mini glue dots or Tombow adhesive to assemble each piece.
5. Next, Catherine thought of a clever way to attach whatever you decide to use in the center. For my card, I used the Tafetta ribbon, and a flower and 1/2 pearl for the center. The "trick" is to use a brad and paper piercer from the Crafters Tool Kit. Here is how Catherine explains it: "First, slightly flatten the bottom center of each petal -- just put your thumb or finger inside the pointed part of the assembled scallop "petal" and push down a little to flatten. Use paper piercer from Crafter’s Tool Kit to pierce a hole in center of each layer. Push a small brad through the center of a 4” piece of Taffeta Ribbon -- THEN --thread the brad legs below the untied ribbon through the petals, starting with top one, then center one, then bottom one. Spread the brad legs to secure the flower and shape as desired." Isn't that clever? Love it, Catherine! I topped mine with the 1/2 pearl and a mini glue dot!

I attached my flower to the white scallop at the top of the stem and voila! There you have it! Thanks Catherine, for the inspiration and sharing the steps to this adorable embellishment that Pam created!

So-what do you think?  I will be teaching this as part of a class in June, so if you are in Northwest NJ, you just may want to sign up to learn this and many other exciting techniques! I'll be updating my class schedule soon, so check back again!

Mother's Day Card-Dahlia Fold!

I really love the Dahlia Fold so much that I decided to make my mother's day card for my mom using this flower...I have leftover Petal and Paisley Designer Series Paper and wanted to do something with it. (This paper is now retired from Stampin' Up!'s line).

I made a square card that would fit into a 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" envelope. When opened, the card looks like a book, with 3 eyelets holding it together. I forgot to take a photo of this...and the card is off in the mail to my mom...sorry! I'll describe what I did-hopefully this makes sense! Basically I cut a piece of Whisper White and Soft Sky Cardstocks (the back side of the card is made with Soft Sky) 5 7/8" x 5 3/8", and scored at 1/2" from the longer side of both pieces. This makes two little flaps that go on the inside of the card. The eyelets on the inside flaps hold the card together.

Here is a photo of the card and matching envelope:

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

and one of just the card:

 Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

This paper is double sided, so I created a matching envelope using the pink floral design you see here on the card. I think it gives a card such a polished look and makes it more elegant to line the inside of the envelope with these papers! Here is the envelope:

I lined the inside of the card with this pink floral paper too, and stamped the saying from Morning Soft which says:

'It is not how much you do, but how much love you put into the doing that matters.'

-Mother Teresa

I know my mom will appreciate this card-and she won't believe I made that flower myself! I posted this once before, but in case you missed it, I did another post about the Dahlia fold and also provide a website with great photo instructions of how to do the Dahlia fold. Here is the post with that information:

http://www.debbiestamps.com/passion_for_stamps/2008/03/dahlia-fold-get.html

These are the supplies I used to make the card:

Stamps: All Holidays (page 146), Morning Soft (page 99) for inside saying

Ink: Blue Bayou IN color (page163)

Paper: Petals & Paisley D.S. Paper (retired), Whisper White, Blue Bayou, Sky Blue (IN color)

Accessories: Large Aqua Rhinestone Brad (Ice circle), Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Corner Rounder, Bone folder, Pretty in Pink eyelets (3) on inside, slot punch

I'd love to hear what you think about this Dahlia Fold and what you've made with it...please leave me a comment with a link to your creations! I may pick YOUR creation and feature it on my blog! Come back soon and I'll have my Father's Day card up...

If you are a mom, I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day with your families!

Passionstamper

CHIPBOARD-and Tart & Tangy set!

I'm experimenting with Stampin' Up!'s chipboard and found that when you pop out the round discs from Stampin' Up's! On Board Accents, the 'negative' that's leftover makes a terrific shadow box effect when layered on to a card! I tend to hoard things, so I just couldn't throw this away! These are the chipboard pieces I'm referring to:

From these chipboard negatives, I made these cards:

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

I demonstrated this card and it was a hit as one of the two Make & Take projects we made at my April demonstrator team meeting! (I had trouble deciding whether I wanted lemons, oranges or limes so I made two cards!)

To make this card you will need the following Stampin' Up! supplies:

SUPPLIES

STAMPS: Tart & Tangy, Pretty Petals, Circle of Friendship

INK: Summer Sun, Only Orange, Green Galore, Groovy Guava IN color, White CRAFT ink, Basic Black

Paper: Basic Black, Groovy Guava IN color, Summer Sun, Whisper White

Other: On Board Accents Chipboard, Stampin' Write Markers: Real Red, Cocoa, Hunter Green & Glorious Green (for apple), Garden Green (for cherries); Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, Wasabi & Groovy Guava Double Stitced Ribbons, 1/2",  1",  & 1 1/2" Circle Punches; Sanding Block

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CARD

1. After punching out the circles (save for another project), I sanded off the nubs with the sanding block around outside of chipboard and inside each circle.

2. There are so many ways to color and decorate chipboard it's hard to make a decision which to use. For this technique, I finally decided to color the chipboard with white Craft ink. I placed the chipboard down on scrap paper, then turned the pad over and applied the ink to the chipboard repeatedly until it was colored evenly with white ink. It takes a long time for the Craft ink to dry but if you get impatient, you can speed the process up a bit by using your heat tool to dry the ink!

3. Next, I inked up a lovely floral background stamp called Pretty Petals, with the Groovy Guava Classic ink pad. These background stamps are large, so it's easier to lay your stamp down rubber side up, and press your cardstock or in this case chipboard face down on top of the stamp. Place a piece of scrap paper on top, then rub with your palms to get a good design transfer to the chipboard.  The effect is very soft using this color....

4. Cut a piece of white cardstock about the size of the chipboard (or slightly smaller). Lay the chipboard over the paper then with a pencil, lightly mark the inside of each of the circles with four small lines-so you know the placement of where your stamped image will go.

5. You will use all the stamps in the Tart & Tangy set except the strawberry. Stamp the slice in orange, green or lemon-stamp 2 or 3. I used Stampin' Write markers to color the apple and cherry directly on the stamp. Stamp the images inside the penciled circles you made earlier, then erase the guidelines.

6. Attach the chipboard to the stamped images with SNAIL, then layer onto black cardstock cut slightly larger than chipboard. Attach this to bottom of Groovy Guava card front. Stamp saying of your choice from the Circle of Friendship stamp set, with black ink onto white cardstock., and punch out with 1" circle punch. Stamp saying again onto Groovy Guava cardstock then punch out with 1/2" circle punch. Layer this onto larger circle with dimensionals. Punch out a circle from Summer Sun cardstock with 1 14" circle punch.  Layer saying on top then attach to center of chipboard with adhesive.

7. Cut Wasabi DS ribbon to 4 1/2", attach to top of card then trim. Tie bow from Groovy Guava DS ribbon and attach to center of wasabi ribbon with mini glue dot.

It's hard to see the dimension from the photo, but the finished card does have a "shadow box" event. There is no waste of this product when you use the leftover (negative) pieces in other stamping or scrapbooking projects!  This whole card can be added to a scrapbook page for added dimension! Have fun! I'd love to see your creations using the leftover chipboard pieces...and as always, I'm interested in your comments too! If you are interested in any of the products used to make this card, please email me !

Thanks for looking,

passionstamper

SYMPATHY card....

LINK UP (CLICK ON HIGHLIGHTED WORDS TO VIEW IMAGES OR LINKS IN POSTS) and click on photos to enlarge.

I know I haven't posted in over a week...I had no choice but to take time-out to work on tax preparation!

I decided to make a different sympathy card for a swap I had joined, than the one I had originally posted about (a smaller version of the recent inspirational card I made using the Light Unto My Path stamp set).

Sympathy cards are the one type of card that is best to have on-hand, so when you need one, you don't have to worry about being creative on short notice....creativity doesn't come easy at such times, for me, so I decided I need to spend some time making more of them.

I wanted to keep the stamping simple, and I just got a new Stampin' Up! set called BEST KIND OF FRIEND. This 7 piece stamp set is just adorable! I used the larger grouping of flowers to make this sympathy card:

                                                   

The color of this photo isn't coming up quite accurate-it's more teal than blue, but if you are familiar with Stampin' Up!'s IN COLORS Soft Sky and Blue Bayou, you will know the difference.

This card is not difficult to make, but it if you have to make a bunch at one time, it rates as moderate on the time scale. (the bow-making can slow you down if this is something you  struggle with).

I chose the striped Soft Sky Designer Series Paper and the Blue Bayou Double-stitched Ribbon complements the striped pattern nicely.

First I used a bit of SNAIL adhesive to attach
a straight piece of ribbon vertically along the left side of the D.S. paper. I cut it longer than the paper and wrapped the ends behind the paper. Then I made a bow with another piece of ribbon and attached this to the center of the ribbon with a mini glue dot.

Next, I used the Crop-o-Dile to attach the white eyelets. This tool makes eyelet setting a breeze to do, plus it's QUIET! The Crop-o-Dile also works great on ribbon, as well as paper!

The reason I attached the ribbon first, was to have a better idea of the placement of the stamped flowers and image. I stamped the flowers once, then stamped again BEFORE re-inking to give the impression of more depth. Since this is basically a monochromatic card
(variations of one color for entire card), I used Blue Bayou ink and paper, and Soft Sky papers, which coordinate. The saying stands out more when stamped with black ink. Part of the saying is stamped on the front of the card, the rest of the saying is stamped on the inside! This is one way of using a saying stamp in a different way if you don't have an appropriate saying such as "With Sympathy".

The words come from a 4-line stamp in the God's Blessing set. I used the "omitting technique". To do this technique, select the words you want from a larger saying. Color only these words with the brush tip of a black Stampin' Write marker held sideways. Stamp. Using the Stampin' Mist cleaner & Stampin' Scrub pad, thoroughly clean the ink from the stamp, then color the next set of words with the marker. If you get interrupted during this process, you don't have to color words all over again-simply breathe on the stamp to moisten the ink, then you'll be able to get a nice inked image. For a full strength inked image, you will have to repeat the coloring process each time you want to stamp the image.

Here are the Stampin' Up! supplies I used to make this card:

Stamps: Best Kind of Friend, God's Blessings

Cardstock: Soft Sky and Blue Bayou IN COLORS, Soft Sky D.S. paper

Ink Pads: Blue Bayou

Accessories: Crop-O-Dile, White Eyelets, Blue Bayou Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker, Mini Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive

HOST A WORKSHOP-UNTIL April 30, earn an EXTRA $25 in product!
If you have never stamped before and would like to learn more about it, consider hosting a workshop-where you will earn hostess benefits which include free stamps and products and hostess-only sets, while I teach you and your friends the decorative art of rubber stamping! It's a fun night for you and your friends! To learn more about being a hostess, visit my Stampin' Up! website.
 

To learn various stamping techniques, I sometimes host Technique Classes at my in-home stamp studio in Sussex County, NJ. To learn more about classes and events I offer, sign-up and join my mailing list (see link on upper left sidebar under my photo), or visit my calendar on my Stampin' Up! website.

To view the products used in this card, check out the on-line Stampin' Up! Spring-Summer Collection 2008 or the Occasions Mini Collection catalogs.

Baroq Motifs and our 34th Anniversary...

Today, April 7th is our 34th wedding anniversary! I created this card months ago, with this anniversary in mind...I love the Baroq Motifs stamp set and will really miss Soft Sky and Blue Bayou IN COLORS used in this card, after the Spring/Summer 2008 Collection ends.

My husband Tom, loves to eat out, and being part Irish, he has been anxious to try the new restaurant that opened right down the street recently, called The Irish Cottage, in Franklin NJ so I thought we just might end up at this place to celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary (Wow! seeing it in writing really makes it come to life-can't believe it has been that long already!)

We don't go out to eat often...so before I tell you about what we did tonight, I have a funny story this reminds me of. Maybe about a month ago, my daughter (15), husband and I decided on a nice Sunday afternoon we wanted to go out to dinner. Our son was "on duty" as he is a volunteer for the local Hardyston Township EMS Squad, so he was not included in the "vote". We were trying to decide where we wanted to go, and my daughter and I were naming places like Red Lobster, Outback, Applebee's etc. and my husband wanted to go to the newest restaurant that recently opened in Franklin, since he hasn't been there yet...The Irish Cottage.  However, that was "old hat" to us-we had already been there several times...so to settle the dispute, I suggested we put all the names in a basket and Tom could pick one-we all agreed we would go with the restaurant chosen.

My daughter (15) started writing the names of restaurants mentioned on pieces of paper...Applebee's, Red Lobster, Outback, then kept going...Outback, Outback, Outback and looking at me for approval, she started crumbling up anything but Outback! Normally, I would have said oh no-that's not fair...but I got in the spirit of my daughter's harmless joke and gave in. Sometimes, families just gotta have fun... my husband usually picks the restaurant (and he always expects us to agree with him) so my daughter thought of this fun idea to get him back!  We let him "pick" the restaurant and bet you can't guess what he picked? OUTBACK...what a surprise! ha ha!  I agreed not to say anything until AFTER we ate, so after our meal, my daughter innocently said to her father-"so Dad, did you enjoy your meal?" To which he responded "yes, it was very good". Then she looked at me for that "is it ok to tell him now, Mom?" signal, and I nodded yes, with a smile.

Well-I wish I had my camera so I could have taken a picture of the look on my husband's face when my daughter told him how he had been "swindled"! Thank goodness he has a good sense of humor- he just laughed and shook his head while saying "I can't believe it-outwitted by the women!"

Ok...on to the card- (sorry for the poor picture quality-had to increase the color so it would show up better) You really can't see the glitter, which is what makes this card so pretty:

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Baroque Motifs, Hugs and Wishes
Cardstock: Whisper White, IN Colors: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou
Ink: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Versamark
Accessories: ice Circle Brad, 1/8" Circle Punch, Lt Blue Narrow Organdy Ribbon, Dimensionals, Two-Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Crafters Tool Kit, Heat & Stick Powder, Heat Gun, Iridescent Ice EP, 1/4" Circle Punch, Mini glue dots

My husband came home with flowers today and a "hand bought" card which was really lovely (after 18 years of getting hand-stamped cards from me, I still can't get him to make his own!) He announced "We are were going out for dinner!" WOOHOO! I've been cooped up for days, working on dull income tax preparation...so this was MUSIC to my ears!

He said we were going to "The Irish Cottage" down the street... :)
and I didn't dare dispute this choice... :)

So off we went...and we had a lovely meal and a great time. Wouldn't you know, that we met a family we knew...seated at the table next to us-and after they left, our waitress came over and said that nice couple had bought us drinks in honor of our anniversary! by buying us drinks! THANK YOU Jimmy & Laurie...

But the surprises didn't end there...upon arriving home, we caught  our daughter Kelley in the kitchen lighting candles on our "surprise" Anniversary Cake she had made AND DECORATED while we were out! What a sweet kid...we are so proud of her! She is an artist, and it has overflowed into cake decorating-it's not the best picture, but you can still see the fine details of the intricate flowers she made:




















and here is the artist:not smiling-ok..we did come home earlier than she expected us and she wasn't quite ready:

And here we are-her proud, but tired parents:

DEFINITELY NOT the best pictures of any of us...but it's late and everyone needs to get some sleep!  All in all it was a really nice evening...

CHOCOLATE DIPPED STRAWBERRIES-ON A CARD?

One thing I love about getting together with stamping friends, is we always share our thoughts and ideas...and sometimes someone comes up with a great spin-off of an idea already expressed! This is what happened when I attended myStampin' Up!  upline Tina's meeting in March.

We agreed ahead of time on a theme for a "swap". The March swap theme was anything from the Occasions Mini Collection..so I selected the Tart and Tangy set! I decided to use Crystal Effects over the strawberry, and this is the card I came up with:












It's hard to tell from this photo that I brushed Crystal Effects over the strawberry...but, nevertheless, Kathryn Roberts, one of my stamping friends said it would be cool to make it chocolate-dipped! Well, we got excited at that and then I added,-or white chocolate!  She liked that idea, too!  I couldn't wait to get home and try it!

I had some technical difficulties with my card getting "stuck" in my camera...so  until I  solved that problem, I couldn't post this idea here...

But-I ended up trying both techniques! I have to say I love them both! Here, is a photo of the same card I originally made, but this time I made Milk-Chocolate Dipped strawberries:



How did I do this? It's really quite simple; I mixed several drops of Stampin' Up's Crystal Effects with one drop of Chocolate Chip Ink Refill...then painted it onto the bottom of the stamped strawberry!  Then let it dry...and voila! Cool, isn't it?

Well, after mastering this, I had to try the White-chocolate dipped Strawberries...so here is what this technique looks like:

So-what do you think?

I LOVE it! It's so much fun to play around with products and make such simple little changes, but get a totally new look!

This was done again, by mixing Crystal Effects, White Craft Ink refill, and just a touch of Creamy Caramel ink refill. I simply painted it on  the bottom of the strawberry, over the Crystal Effects, after it dried.

So- there you have it-3 different looks, from one card idea! What do you think? Do you like these ideas? Please let me know by taking a moment to make a comment...

To receive more specific information about products used to make these cards, plus more stamping tips and ideas like this each month, consider subscribing to my Newsletter, via RSS feed each day or sign up to receive updates in your inbox via Feedblitz, if you prefer. (see sidebar for these options)

I'd LOVE to see your creations using this idea! Please leave me your comments or e-mail me  them to me-or if you post them to your site, I'd love to see them! Please track-back to this site if you post your creations using this idea!

A Light Unto My Path Inspirational Card

Here is the second card that our Lenten Prayer Groups sent out. This one went to a close friend of mine in Vernon, NJ who has been dealing with complications for several months, from medications she takes for Rheumatoid Arthritis. She hasn't been able to come to church or sing in the choir since November, so we wanted her to know we are thinking of her. I'm not sure who the recipient was from the other prayer group...

I LOVE anything Nautical and beachy or tropical-so much so, that it's also the theme I chose for my Stampin' Up! group of demonstrators in my downline called the S.O.S. Team (S.aving O.verwhelmed S.tampers). 

To me, the lighthouse is a symbol of watchfulness, protectiveness, looking after, a guiding light...a reminder that I am here, to my stamping friends, when they need me, so I use symbols like this with my team. I wanted the recipient of this card to feel that he/she is being watched over and looked after by God, and remembered by those of us who are thinking of him/her during this time of affliction-whenever he/she looks at the card.

ABOUT THE CARD...
The set I used is new to the Stampin' Up! Spring/Summer 2008 Collection and is called
A Light Unto My Path.

There are only 2 stamps in the set: a lighthouse, and a sentiment which reads "Thy WORD is a LAMP unto my FEET, and a LIGHT unto my PATH. -NB. I embossed this saying.

I also used the "Thinking of You" saying from the set Sincere Salutations and stamped it in Blue Bayou for this card, but this card can easily be converted into many other themes: birthday, Sympathy, etc.

Unfortunately, I am in need of a sympathy card right now so I will be using this card again for that purpose. I also have a Sympathy Swap I've signed up for and this card will be perfect! I will scale it down in size for the swap, to a 5 1/2 x 4 1/4, so I will have to change it a bit, but this card works as either a masculine or feminine card.

I really like the new Afternoon Tea Designer Series Papers which is available in our new Occasions Mini Collection 2008... have you seen all the cool STAMPS, PAPERS, and ACCESSORIES in this mini catalog yet? Check it out, because this mini catalog is only good thru May 2008! To order from our main catalog or the mini catalog, please e-mail me. 

created by Debbie Van Gieson

SUPPLIES:

Stamps: A Light Unto My Path, Sincere Salutations
Cardstock: Blue Bayou, Whisper White, Afternoon Tea Designer Series Paper, Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi, Kraft
Ink: Blue Bayou, Chocolate Chip CRAFT, Basic Brown
Accessories: Sponge, Aged Copper Hodgepodge Hardware, Choc. Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Vintage Brads, Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, 1/16" Circle Punch, Clear EP, Heat Tool

I want to do more with this set...after my taxes are done, I'll be able to "play" with this set and do some more stamping and creating again! I have another card to share that I made for a swap this month for two meetings-one I attended at my upline's, and our own team meeting. I'll be back soon with that one-you will love it! Here's a hint: it has to do with strawberries.....yum! Can you guess which set I will be using?

Passionstamper

Have you tried the DAHLIA FOLD yet?

Are you wondering where I have been? I got caught up in various things and some personal matters which I needed to devote some time to-it's hard to believe I didn't post to my blog in two &  a half months! I've actually missed it...I'm going to make an effort to get back to it regularly once again, as I do enjoy it and it keeps me regularly stamping and scrapbooking, as well!

I joined a Lenten Prayer group at my church and as part of our program, we needed to send a Thank You card and a Get Well card to people from our congregation who are in need. We had two Lenten prayer groups that met at different times. Since I am a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and make cards for a living, it seemed very appropriate that I would offer to make these cards, rather than the groups purchasing them...so I offered to make the cards for both groups.

I chose to use a full sheet of cardstock, scored and folded in half for each card, so there would be plenty of room for everyone's signatures and comments on the inside.

This card went to someone in our church who just had surgery. Here is the Get Well Card I made along with a matching envelope:

 This first card uses an origami fold that has become my favorite-the Dahlia Fold! I found a site with great photo directions HERE to make the fold. I decided to use Stampin' Up!'s two-sided designer series paper for a lovely contrast and chose Flowers for You D.S. paper. To make the Dahlia  design, you basically need 8 punched circles for each flower so I used Stampin' Up!'s 1 3/8" Circle Punch. Depending on which side you use, you can get two different looks with these papers. I chose to have my center flower be mainly the floral design, and the middle section is more solid.I found that if I attached all the small flower pieces to one punched circle, it was easier to make my flower and keep it from shifting as I assembled it.The section that lays against the background is floral as well, so I needed a contrasting color to layer the flower onto. I used the polka dot paper from Lovely Lilac Prints  Designer Series Paper, then attached the White Taffeta Ribbon, made a bow and layered it all onto Whisper White cardstock. Both pieces were corner rounded.

The center of the flower is made with those VERY COOL new Build-A-Brad kits from Stampin' Up! These are so easy and fun to use! Basically, you punch out a circle (use the 1/2" circle punch) stamp an image and color-then use a mini glue dot to attach to brad base. Next you pop off the "bubble" from the sheet and attach on top of your stamped image-then press. Voila! Instant center brad for your Dahlia flower!

I used one of the Boho Background stamps for the background image on Certainly Celery cardstock.

The saying is from Elegant Inspirations and is stamped with Eggplant Ink on white cardstock. I then stamped the Boho background on top in celery ink. I layered the saying onto eggplant cardstock with Dimensionals to give it a slightly elevated appearance, then layered this onto Lavendar Lace cardstock.

Inside, I stamped the little flower I used in the center of the brad, randomly after tapping off once, all over with eggplant ink. The inside saying "If Wishes could make you well...you'd be better already" (from Curvy Verses) is stamped with eggplant ink on Whisper White cardstock.

I love the end result-this card will put a smile on someone's face who is sick..each and every time! It's colorful, cheerful and I love the 3-D look of that Dahlia flower!!! It sure would perk up my day....but this could easily make a great Birthday, Thinking of You, Friendship, Congrats etc. card as well! Simply change the Bible verse and the inside greeting to suit your need...

Here is another project I recently made for a WOW swap when I attended my upline's Winter Event in northern NJ. This is a Pocket Card, great for adding many little items! Under the ribbon tucked underneath the Dahlia flower, is a hidden post-it note pad in pink! I added a Hershey's Mint Milk Chocolate Stick and this fashionable feather-topped pencil in the pouch...and voila! A cute project, also made with the same Flowers For You Designer Series papers! (just LOVE these....)

Here is a close-up of the finished flower...

So-what do you think of this fold-isn't it awesome? Please leave me your comments...Give the Dahlia fold a try and see if you don't get addicted to this lovely Origami fold! I'd love to see your creations, so please link me to them!

If you would like more information or to purchase any of the  supplies used in these projects, please email me!

I will be back later with the second card I made for the Lenten Prayer groups-a Thinking of You card with a nautical touch....so come back again soon!

Debbie a/k/a passionstamper

Embrace Life!

I think my favorite new set from Stampin' Up!'s new Spring-Summer Collection is Embrace Life!  This simple but elegant five stamp set has so much potential! I'm just in love with it! I also have a passion for the new Designer Series Paper that coordinates with it called Ginger Blossom.

I think my favorite coloring medium is watercoloring with the Watercolor Wonder Crayons and the Aqua Painter from Stampin' Up! Have you ever tried this? AWESOME combination for quick and easy watercoloring that turns ANYONE into an artist!

The Aqua Painter has a well in it that unscrews enabling it to be filled with H2O. The tips resemble a paint brush-when you squeeze the pen, the water moistens the brush tip-then you simply paint your image! I really like SU!'s watercolor paper because it has a nice texture to it and is thicker than cardstock so it doesn't buckle with moisture. If you want an image to be lighter, squeeze more water into the tip. If you want a darker area with more color, use less water. The best part is clean-up or switching to another color-just swoosh the tip on scrap paper until it runs clear, then it's ready for another cool color!

Another product that I really enjoy for an elegant look to a card is the Pretties Kit. The half pearls are great for instantly attaching to anything-with mini glue dots! Of course a little glitter is always very feminine and adds just a touch of sparkle to this card...and who was the recipient of this lovely creation? My mom! I needed a card for my mom's 84th birthday and this is what I came up with:

The photo makes the Ginger  Blossoms paper look pink, but it's actually more peachy (like the flower). I used the gel pen to slightly emphasize the flowers in the background. This truly is my NEW most favorite stamp set...so don't be surprised if you see alot of cards created with it from me in the future!

I'll post my cards when I get a few more made (which may be tomorrow). With the Nor'easter expected tonight, tomorrow will most likely be a day off and schools will be closed, but I love to stamp on "snow days"! I may even have a "snowstorm special", so come back and visit soon! PLease let me know what you think of this card! Dont' be shy...(I'm beginning to wonder what does a stamper have to do to get a few comments posted on a blog??????)

Here is the recipe for this card:

Stamps: Embrace Life

Cardstock: Whisper White, River Rock, Watercolor Paper

Ink: Stazon Black, River Rock

Accessories: Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon, Pretties Kit, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, 2-Way Glue Pen, Mini Glue Dots, Aqua Painter, WaterColor Wonder Crayons, White Signo Gel Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

Enjoy this sunny Sunday (the calm before the storm!),

Debbie

Time Well Spent

Stamps: Time Well Spent , Baroque Motifs

Cardstock: Basic Black, Pretty in Pink
Glossy White, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Groovy Guava, Pretty in Pink, Apricot Appeal

Accessories: 2-Way Glue, SNAIL, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Mini Glue Dots, Paper Snips, Aqua Painter



This pretty spring-like card was a swap I made for our demonstrator group in November, using TIME WELL SPENT, a new set from the Spring-Summer 2008 Collection. Shelli Gardner, Cofounder & CEO of Stampin' Up!, generously gave this third level Hostess Set to every active demonstrator at the end of October! This is one of the reasons why I love Stampin' Up!-Shelli runs this company with her heart as well as her head!

She really lives the Stampin' Up! Statement of the Heart which is:

To love what we do

and share what we love,

as we help others enjoy creativity

and worthwhile accomplishments...

in this we make a difference!

The TIME WELL SPENT Hostess Set can be earned when you host a party of $500 or more! You'll love the experience of hosting a Stampin' Up! workshop-gather your friends and family together for a wonderful fun evening of quality time and creativity! You get them there, then I delight you with creative inspirations as I demonstrate some of Stampin' Up!'s quality stamping and scrapbooking products! I'll also have a project that you and your friends can make and take home! You'll be able to try for yourself, some of these products before you spend a dime!

Stampin' Up! HOSTESSES get a FREE copy of our lovely new Spring-Summer 2008 Collection, as well as earning FREE hostess sets such as this one showcased here:

Time Well Spent

...and time well spent is what it is! You will also get money to spend in the catalog on sets or accessories that cost you nothing! (no half-price hostess gifts with this company!) This 3rd level hostess set (there are three levels of sets you can earn based on party sales) can be earned with only $500 in party sales (which can easily be obtained when you have ten or more interested guests). 

January hostesses will  also enjoy these special incentives:

from Stampin' Up!:  With only $350 in party sales, January hostesses will be able to select anything from the Spring-Summer Preview 2008 brochure-absolutely FREE! To read more about this promotion click HERE.

from ME:

Romantic VALENTINE BASKET CONTEST!

How would you like to win a basket of romantic goodies to share with your honey or other "special someone" this Valentine's Day? Treat yourself...you deserve it!

I am holding my FIRST EVER Valentine's  Hostess Contest from January 12 thru February 12!  All you have to do to be eligible for the drawing is to host a Stampin' Up! party of at least $350 during this time period on one of the available dates I've listed below! And January is a great month to host a party of $350 because Stampin' Up! will also give you a FREE stamp set of your choice from the Spring-Summer 2008 Preview Brochure-offered ONLY to January hostesses! Still not convinced about hosting a party? Read on....


So, what's in the basket?

• a bottle of wine and 2 glasses! (sorry, not the ones in the photo)
• a Gift Card for the Movies!
• a Gift Certificate for Dinner at a local Hardyston restaurant in beautiful Sussex County NJ!
• Yummy chocolate!
• Romantic candles!

Approximate value: $100

Interested now? There's more....

To make it FUN and EXCITING plus profitable for YOU as a hostess, here are some ways ways you can get MORE TICKETS to increase your chances of winning the basket:

1 ticket for calling or emailing me to select your party date at least 1 week in advance (see choices below)
1 ticket for holding the booking on the chosen date
1 ticket for each $100.00 in sales at your party including outside orders!
(minimum  of $350 in sales is required to be in the drawing)
5 more tickets for a $500.00 party or 10 tickets for $1000.00 party
5 tickets for each party booked from your party for Feb & March (during Sale-A-Bration!)
5 tickets for 8 adults in attendance

and of course, you also get a FREE copy of the brand new Spring-Summer 2008 Collection catalog in your hostess packet!

Short on time?I will help you contact your friends by phone or even send out your invitations if you provide the guest list and the stamps, so.... you CAN do this!

Did I mention that you can also host your party at my Stamp Studio in Hardyston NJ? (see, you don't even have to worry about cleaning your house!) 

So..what other reason could possibly prevent you from hosting a workshop during this promotion?

When was the last time you got an offer THIS GOOD to host a Stampin' Up! party? Come on....

• you KNOW you will get the new & inspiring Spring-Summer 2008 Collection-FREE!
• you KNOW you and your friends will have FUN!
• you KNOW you and your friends will learn awesome and COOL new stuff!
• you KNOW I'll have goodies for YOU!
• you KNOW you and your friends will get to make and take home a lovely  project!
• You KNOW you will also earn Stampin' Up! freebies!
• You KNOW you will have an excellent chance to win this romantic Valentine Basket of Goodies....WOOHOO! All you have to do is...

Check your calendar for these dates I have available, then give me a call or e-mail to select the date that's perfect for you  and your friends:

Thursday January 17
Thursday January 24
Friday Janaury 25
Tuesday January 29
Friday February 1
Wednesday February 6
Friday February 8
Saturday February 2
Monday February 11

Dates will be given to those in the order they are selected-First Response, First Choice!  So call your friends and check your calendar-then give me a call....but hurry! There are only 9 dates available, so the first 9 lucky people to respond will likely be in the running to win this incredible  Valentine Basket!

Will one of them be you?

and if this isn't enough, an ongoing Incentive I offer to all hostesses, as your Stampin' Up! demonstrator, is any set in the entire catalog is HALF-OFF when you host a $500 party with me!

Phew! Now is that exciting? I wish I could be a hostess and get all this!!!! If you have any questions about any of these incentives, e-mail me!

 ______________________________________ 
Here are a few of the swap cards made by some S.O.S. Team demos using this set:


by Terie B.

Stamps: Time Well Spent

Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Pink Passion

Inks: Pink Passion

Accessories: Black Grosgrain, Aqua Painter

by Beth R.

Stamp Sets: Time Well Spent

Cardstock: Barely Banana, Almost Amethyst

Ink Pads: lavendar Lace

Accessories: Stampin' Write Markers: Gable Green, Bashful Blue, Pretty in Pink, Pixie Pink, Lavendar Lace, Apricot Appeal; Corner Rounder Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

By Jo-Anne W.

Stamp Sets: Time Well Spent

Cardstock: Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip, Confetti Cream

Inks: Certainly Celery, Perfect Plum,

Accessories: Aqua Painter, Ice Circle Rhinestone

By Debra S.

Stamp Sets: Time Well Spent, Sincere Salutation

Cardstock: Regal Rose, Bashful Blue, Whisper White

Inks: Classic Basic Black & Almost Amethyst; Regal

Rose, Bashful Blue & Almost Amethyst Markers

Accessories: Stampin' Dimensionals, Ribbon Originals: Fairy Tale

Thanksgiving Card & Hostess Gift?

I wanted to do some things with turkeys for Thanksgiving...for the Mistletoe Craft Show I did last Saturday. You know, something cute that folks can give to their hostess who is serving up a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner next week, so first I made a turkey card! I think Pick a Petal is such a wonderful and versatile set-and this card is the perfect example!

Tom Turkey's feathers are made from the petals-turned around the opposite way you would make a flower...imagination that! I think it's cool when you can do that with a stamp...use it in a different way than what it was intended for!  I used the Kissing Technique to make the feather designs, punched the turkey's head with a 1" Circle Punch (sponged the edges with More Mustard Classic ink pad and cut the bottom freehand from a  scrap of Kraft cardstock (not too shabby...hey?)  The eyes are drawn on (or you could use the 1/8" Circle Punch), and the nose was made from a triangle cardstock scrap and reshaped.  Caramel Gingham ribbon is tied around his neck before attaching with Stampin' Dimensionals over the feathers.

I created the background using Kraft Cardstock and Creamy Caramel ink with the Flannel Plaid Stamp (the background stamps by Stampin' Up! are terrific!) They are actually bigger than a standard 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" card so you don't have to ink the stamp twice and try to match it up...just one time gets the job done! I really like the Flannel Plaid stamp-you'll see me using it again for holiday cards-nothing like plaid for a real holiday look...

The Corners were done with a new punch from Stampin' Up! called Photo Corners Punch. It's really cool because it punches two different size corners so you can layer them on top of one another, as I did on this card...the Happy Thanksgiving greeting stamp is from the Holidays & Wishes stamp set-a simple little 6-piece stamp set with three holiday stamps and three wishes.

I really like the look of this card-it's very......country-ish, don't you think? Living here in North Jersey in "God's Country" (yeah, that's how the folks here in Sussex County refer to it here in our neck of the woods)  you come to appreciate that special "country" look...after all, they even filmed a movie at the Homestead Restaurant a few miles away and Tom Selleck played the star role!!!! (and to think-I missed it! I didn't get to see him!) They used an old horse-drawn carriage and the spot made a perfect western set...

...but before I go off on that subject, let's get back to turkey talk! Speaking of turkeys, and  living in the country, it seemed real appropriate to come up with a genuine Turkey Poop gag gift (you know, there are all those "poop" themes stampers love to make like...snowman poop, and reindeer poop, and it goes on and on (NO, I'm really NOT making this up!).  Well anyway, I came up with my own little fellow atop this cello bag of candy corn and his sad poem, and here he is:

You wouldn't believe how POPULAR this stamped gift was! I came home with only a few...and I made alot of these little critters!

This little guy is made COMPLETELY with punches....I just love punch art (can you tell???). I used the large Oval Punch, the 1/14" and 1 3/8" punches, and various Earth Element colored cardstock attached some googly eyes with glue dots..and can you guess what I used to create his webbed feet? If you go to the Online Stampin' Up! Catalog, you'll find the answer in the section with all the punches! You'll be amazed at yet another product that is so versatile, you can make turkey feet from it!  Stampin' Up! also carries these small flat cello bags that are PERFECT for so many cute little gifts...and of course to finish it off, I used our wonderful new Crop-O-Dile to punch a hole thru all the layers to insert the red grosgrain ribbon. (All  products are Stampin' Up!)

I hope you dazzle everyone with your turkey creations this Thanksgiving holiday...I think I'm getting a little "punchy" myself and in looking at the clock, I can see why! I can't believe it's 2:00 a.m. (EST)!!!! (I could swear it was just 10:00 when I started stamping and blogging! Time really flies when I'm stamping but it's AMAZING how fast it also goes when I'm BLOGGIN' about STAMPIN'!  Time for this country stampin' bumpkin to hit the hay!

CARTE POSTALE & FRENCH FLAIR doing double duty!

It has been a few days since I posted here-because I've been busy...after being a lurker for years, I just uploaded my first cards to the SCS Gallery and created my own Gallery...not being familiar with how to do this, I ended up with the same card in my Member Gallery twice! Then I discovered info in the Forum that says to only upload to the main Gallery, and copies will automatically be sent to the Member Gallery! Oh well, I guess I'm "Like No Utter"...check out My SCS gallery and you'll find out what I'm referring to...

I recently participated in two Winter Mini Catalog Swaps and quite by accident, discovered how to make two sets of swaps simultaneously if you are using the tearing technique! I tore the cardstock on the vertical diagonal for my first card and didn't want to waste the other piece, so I created a similar card IN REVERSE using the other torn piece-ending up with a Valentine and a Birthday card! The same products are used in both cards with the exception of a saying set-I used All Year Cheer III for the Valentine card and Elegant Greetings for the Birthday card...so now I have 2 cards for 2 friends-for two separate occasions!

All images Copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2007

Here is how to make both cards:

SUPPLIES:

Stamp Sets:Carte Postale, French Flair & saying (as stated above)

Cardstock: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose

Ink Pads: Rose Red, Versamark

Accessories: Silver Brad, Silver Cord, Light Pink EP, Heat Tool, Stamping Sponge, Large Oval Punch, 1 1/16" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Square Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals

INSTRUCTIONS:

First I stamped the French Flair background with Versamark ink on the Rose Red and embossed with Pink EP. I then tore that on the diagonal, sponged the edges and attached to the Regal Rose foldover cardstock. I stamped the main cardstock with the floral stamp, then embossed the birthday/valentine saying.

Next, I stamped the square design with Regal ink on Rose cardstock and used square punch. Do the same with the circle design but EMBOSS with lt pink ep. Use the 1/16" punch in the center and insert the brad. Punch the top of the square punch out and insert the silver cord BEFORE attaching the circle to the square with dimensionals.

I made the B-day card first, so I punched straight up from the bottom corner for my oval opening and the used the punched out oval on the Valentine card. On the birthday card,the cord is wrapped around the rose cardstock and adhered to the back, then I made tied a separate piece around it for the bow, before attaching to the main card, and stamping the Mon Amie saying.

For the Valentine card, I stamped Mon Amie on the oval cardstock, then made a hole using the 1/16" punch before pulling the cord thru and attaching. The oval is raised and attached with Dimensionals.

It sounds much more complicated than it is! This is a terrific way to use those extra torn pieces of cardstock and saves you time if you create both cards at the same time! Happy Stampin'!

Birthday Card

It's hard to believe that our youngest just turned 14! Seems just yesterday I was holding her in the hospital after she was born...

Being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, of course I made her card! It's so cold here in north Jersey I decided to stamp something springlike to remind me that warmer days are not too far ahead! Here it is:

  I love to use Unfrogettable and Looks Like Spring sets together..I used the Cutter Kit to distress the edges of Celery cardstock. After cutting out the flower, I rubbed the edges across the Versamark Pad, dipped into Heat and Stick powder (which becomes a wet glue when heated), heat with the Heat Tool, then dipped the edges into Dazzling Diamonds Glitter-once more with the heat tool to set the glitter, then stamped the HB in center and attached a Clear Button in the center with Crystal Effects. The flower is attached to the card with a Dimensional (a sticky two-sided foam dot) to raise it and give it depth.

The colored cardstock pieces under the trio flowers was done with the Paper Piecing Punch.

It's hard to tell in the photo (click on the picture to view larger) but the Hoppy Birthday was actually scored with two mountain folds and one valley fold to give the faux effect of being popped open when the frog leaps up. The bow is actually a cheater's bow with the ends tucked back in. Crystal effects was applied to the frog's eyes and centers of the flowers. It was a fun card to make and of course it was a hit with our daughter Kelley!

Bunches of Punches!

I'm having a class next week called Bunches of Punches-this is one of the ATC's I did for a swap..I'll post the 28 other ATC samples in the Photo Album when I receive it back. Meanwhile, can you name and guess how many punches I used to make this? Respond by posting a comment...

I really like the cardstock color combinations of Bashful Blue, Tempting Turquoise and Cool Caribbean...

A very dear friend of mine who LOVES turquoise, has has been going thru a  tough time for quite awhile and of late has some serious medical issues and hard decisions to make. I wanted to cheer her up, and remind her that God is in control-and everything will be ok if she remembers her faith so I used this ATC as a base and made it into a card. (That's what's so great about ATC's-you can build them into cards or put them into scrapbook pages later!). Here is how the card turned out...

I thought the French Flair background stamp from the Winter Mini Catalog and Organdy Ribbon would add elegance to the otherwise whimsical ATC and switched to the Small Oval Punch for the saying and changed from Bold Brights Brads instead of silver. A simple adaptation converted this cutesy ATC into a lovely card!

Inside I used a saying from Elegant Inspirations which says: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" Romans 12:12.

My friend LOVED it! More importantly, it lifted her spirits and she said she will refer to it over and over again whenever she feels the stress taking over...that's just what I wanted to hear!

IN REMEMBRANCE

Well, it happened...and I wasn't prepared.  I needed two sympathy cards earlier this week, at the same time and had NONE in my reserve box.  What sometimes happens when I'm under pressure, is I do my absolutely best work...other times, such as this, I went totally blank and no inspiration came. So I obtained inspiration from Emily Giovanni and was able to tweak hers a bit and came up with this...thank you Emily, for being there with inspiration when I didn't have any to fall back on..

 

I made this sympathy card for our goddaughter Elizabeth, who is grieving the loss of her very good friend and  UCON college roomate-Carlee Wines, who was struck by a hit-and-run driver last weekend while walking home with some friends to her dorm on campus...she was rushed to a hospital in Hartford, CT with both arms and legs broken, and no brain activity. Many prayers were prayed on her behalf, but to the shock of many, she just did not make it-she didn't have a chance...so this one is for Beth, and Carlee's mom and family-in memory of a beautiful 18-year girl who was struck down when she had her whole life ahead of her. This tragedy is one that has touched many people and one that will not be forgotten...

I also made the same card but changed the hardware so it would be appropriate for a masculine card-which went to a good friend who lost his father, who made the decision not to go on dialysis...

We stamp because we love it-and not every card we make is for a happy occasion...but we stamp regardless of the situation-to send loving and sincere thoughts to the recipient. We want them to know we care...from the heart. So I chose the stamp set "heartfelt".

Here are the details of the card:

Stamp sets: Heartfelt, Paisley, Brighter Tomorrow

Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Bravo Burgundy, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Sahara Sand, Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke, Classic Basic Black

Accessories: Hodgepodge Hardware, Narrow Organdy Ribbon, Dimensionals, Stamping Sponge, SNAIL adhesive

I stamped the Paisley background stamp onto Sahara Sand cardstock with its matching ink pad. Sponged the edges of the white cardstock after stamping the flowers, using the Sand Ink pad and stamping sponge to soften the white cardstock. A basic card with an elegant look.

NEW PHOTO ALBUMS ADDED!

I finally had a chance to update my photo albums with new card samples! Check out Winter MIni and Hostess Set albums.... I've been playing alot with Stampin' Up!'s designer papers...here is another card I made for a Hostess Set swap with my SOS Team demos using a Level 3 Hostess set, Basket Full of Fun:

Stamps: Basket Full of Fun, Wonderful Words

Cardstock: In Color-Buckaroo Blue, Barely Banana, Watercolor Paper, Sarah Designer Paper

Ink Pads: Basic Brown, Buckaroo Blue

Accessories: 1/16" Circle Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Corner Rounder Punch; Snail Adhesive, Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware, Green Gingham Ribbon, Cream Grosgrain Ribbon, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Aqua Painter, Sticky Strip

I used the Large Corner Rounder to create the Scallped edge on the right-how fun! The "pocket" was created simply by running only 1/2 width of the Stricky Strip down one side of the cardstock, cutting off the other half and using it on the other piece of cardstock. I also applied it to the bottom-voila! A pocket! I watercolored the basket and flowers using one of my favorite watercoloring techniques-the Aqua Painter and Watercolor Wonder Crayons! These are truly wonderful to color with...Both background papers are Sarah Designer paper.

The tag is stamped with a saying from the stamp set-just attach the hardware, some Gingham ribbon in a slip knot, and it's done.

Check out other Hostess set samples made by some of our demonstrator team in the photo album! All stamps and supplies Copyright SU 1988-2007

DOUBLE THE PLEASURE-DOUBLE THE FUN!

I created a post the updates about Stampin' Up!'s NEWS along with a card the other day, but unknowingly deleted it!!! I couldn't re-do it that day, so here is a short quick version of the exciting upcoming changes:

1. SU! will be coming out with TWO main catalogs a year, starting in July 2007! This means MORE stamps AND accessories, MORE often and DIFFERENT HOSTESS SETS every six months! The JULY 2007 catalog will be called Fall/Winter 2007 Collection and the JANUARY 2008 catalog will be called Spring/Summer 2008 Collection...
2. Mini Catalogs will be reduced from four to two a year: Holiday 2007 Mini Collection and Occasions 2008 Mini Collection!
3. There will be TWO retiring lists offered each year!
4. Although the Spring catalog will NOT have Fall/Winter sets in it, you will still be able to view them online and order them. IN Colors will remain the same in both catalogs, and will change annually.
5. There will also be a Collections Preview Catalog showing what will be coming out in the new catalog!
6. You'll enjoy twice the inspiration eac year, as EACH catalog will feature all-new samples, and hundreds more samples will at your fingertips!
7. Sell-A-Bration will NOT be held in January-February 2008...but don't worry! The same promotion will be held, but at different times each year!

I'm excited to offer fresh new stamps and accessories every six months now!

If you haven't held a workshop yet in January, or attended one of my Sell-A-Bration Card Camps, Mystery Hostess Workshop (coming up this weekend) what are you waiting for? You can also host an ONLINE CATALOG PARTY with only $150 in purchases so tell your friends to check them out, choose a FREE Sell-A-Bration set with each $50 order, and earn yourself an extra FREE set when you collect $300 in orders...it couldn't be easier! To find out more contact me-I'll take care of the rest! I can only take USA orders...Canadians must go thru a Canandian demonstrator. Learn more by checking out the HOSTESS PROGRAM on my website.

Here's a cute card I made with VERY PUNNY, just one of the five Sell-A-Bration sets you can earn for FREE (or a Simply Scrappin' kit!):

                                                    

Stamps: Very Punny (SAB), Brushstroke Alphabet

Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Loves Me Designer Papers

Ink: Classic Basic Black

Other: Black Gingham Ribbon, Stampin' Write Markers, On Board Accents, Stamping Sponge, Mini Glue Dots

I love this Designer Paper! On Board Accent is the circle ("like no utter" cow is stamped on it). The bow is simple to do-simply apply strip of ribbon to background. Then tie a separate bow and attach to ribbon with mini glue dot!

All products highlighted are from Stampin' Up! (click for specifics on products!) Created by Debbie Van Gieson

Images

I'M AN AUNT AGAIN!

My brother Raymond and his wife Ann (pictured here) just had their first child (a girl) in October, and the baptism was this past Saturday. My family and I drove in to NYC in rain, but the weather cleared beautifully by the time we arrived at my brother's condo. It turned into a beautiful, warm day-in the upper 60's!!!! These temps are unheard of in the northeast for early January! Patricia Ann is a beautiful baby....and she was so good-even at the restaurant!

Here she is..There are more photos taken at at St. Monica's Church and Quatorze Restaurant...in the Photo Gallery to the right.

                               

Welcome Patricia Ann!

I stamped matching images on the card and the wrapping paper for the gift. Here is the card I made using Buggies & Booties stamp set and Flannel Plaid background stamp:

                              

                          I used the Word Window Punch and Amazing to Zany for the words, which are attached to the main card with gold cord.  The baby carriage is watercolored with Watercolor Wonder Crayons and Aqua Painter on Watercolor paper. The sentiment is continued inside the card. I used black StazOn ink so I could watercolor without the ink smudging. (All products Stampin' Up!) I stamped the gift wrap randomly with images from the Buggies & Booties set and colored them in. The result is nostalgic... Very simple and quick to do. 

I plan to put together a scrapbook for Raymond and Ann using the photos I took. I'll post it when I finish it. Maybe this will inspire me to get going on the scrapbooks for my own children!  I really want to get a scrapbook done for my son Mike, by June as a surprise for his high school graduation. I'll post that as well when it is completed.                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Stampin' Up!'s annual Sellabration begins TOMORROW-on the first day of 2007! To learn more about what Sellabration is...click here. Basically, you can select one of (5) limited-time only new stamp sets or one new Simply Scrappin' Kit for FREE with every $50 purchase from any current catalog! You can also receive these sets if you HOST A WORKSHOP too! Visit my Stampin' Up! website to learn more about all the hostess benefits you can receive...

Don't have a Sellabration catalog? To view it online, just click here. If you would like to receive mini catalogs from me every quarter, you can sign up for this and also receive my free newsletter, with the link to the left.

The Sellabration (SAB) sets are really great this year (not that they weren't other years...they just get better and better!) I couldn't wait to get the sets! I needed to come up with a card for a swap I was doing with my S.O.S.(Saving Overwhelmed Stampers) Team of demonstrators and was playing around with the Very Punny set and the adorable new Loves Me Designer Papers in the SAB catalog... and came up with this cutsie card!

I used Brushstroke Alphabet for the U and R. The main cow was stamped onto background paper, colored and attached to a round On Board chipboard accent. I laid this over a row of black Gingham ribbon then attached a gingham ribbon. The trio cows were stamped onto Whisper White cardstock and colored with Markers, then layered onto the background strip and voila! A simple and easy card!

Check out some of the other cards from the SOS Team swap in the photos to the right...they are all terrific!

I will be hosting a Sellabration Card Camp in January using all the Sellabration stamp sets-to learn more about the camp, view my Events Schedule link!

I'm also hosting my third Annual Winter Card & Gift Camp coming up in early January and a 12 x 12 Year In a Day Scrap Camp later in the month-you can learn more about these events by  checking out my Stampin' Up! Events Calendar...

Well, it's hard to believe it is New Year's Eve...and another new year will soon be here! I want to wish you a safe and enjoyable evening and much health and joy in the year ahead! Talk to you again in 2007!

I

Merry Christmas to all!

I finally got my Christmas cards out...2 days before Christmas! I didn't make as many as I usually do...kept it to just family and close friends. It has been quite a busy hectic season so I'm glad this rush is over. It's time to take a long hard look at this past year's accomplishments, shortfalls and plan some changes for the new year. I'm planning a big scrapbook class for January during Stampin' Up!'s Sellabration time (January-February) but I'll post that later. Here is my 2006 Christmas card-

May you be blessed, whatever your beliefs, whatever holiday you celebrate! Enjoy the rest of the holiday season and be joyful, safe and stay healthy in 2007!

Debbie